2010 Year in Review

Well, with 2010 winding down, I think it's time for another "Year in Review" post!  I'll try to keep it short and sweet, but who knows...it could get very drawn out!

~~January 2010~~
○ January happily brought on the third trimester of my pregnancy with Julia!  We had our first baby shower later in the month and got clothes galore, an abundance of blankets and bath stuff, and many other small items.  Michael also had his diaper party, and we received tons of disposable diapers!  Which...by the way...are still being used!  We purchased our travel system, and mom and I snagged an AWESOME deal on a gorgeous bassinet that will be used again too.
○ We also found out that Michael's brother was engaged to a wonderful woman in January.  They planned the wedding for July 2010.
○ Hospital tours commenced.

~~February 2010~~
○ CLOTH diapers were ordered, since this was in fact what we wanted to use.  Save some money...save the planet!  =)
○ I called it this month that Julia wasn't going to wait until her due date to be born...hehehe.
○ I turned 29 years old!  Nothing major, right?  Just one year closer to 30.  We went out to dinner with my girlfriend and her hubby to celebrate since her birthday is 2 days before mine.  Good times!

~~March 2010~~
○ March brought on big changes in our house.  We rearranged the living room, got rid of some furniture, and made room for baby stuff (like the pack n play).

○ We enjoyed some Olympic actions...Men's Hockey anyone?  =)
○ Little miss Julia made her appearance!!!  3 weeks and one day early...she was considered a preemie by one day, and had to undergo some tests in the hospital nursery before we could take her home.
○ We had our "adventures in jaundice" this month too...along with me realizing that motherhood...changes everything!

~~April 2010~~
○ We had Julia's first professional pictures taken in April...when she was only one month old.  The photographer did a good job, but Miss J wasn't having it!
○ I witnessed the first gummy grin...it was beautiful!
○ "Mommy" had some eye opening experiences...

~~May 2010~~
○ I celebrated my first Mother's Day this May...it was wonderful!
○ Michael and I celebrated our one year wedding anniversary.
○ I started back at work.

~~June 2010~~
○ I introduced "Time Warp Tuesday" here on my blog.  It didn't really last that long, but I gave it a shot!
○ Julia started day care, while I was work...It wasn't easy.
○ We encountered our first ear infection for little miss.

~~July 2010~~
○ Michael's brother got married!  Yay!
○ Julia developed a dental cyst due to her first tooth trying to poke through.
○ I rediscovered my confidence...

~~August 2010~~
○ Julia tried oatmeal for the first time instead of rice.
○ Michael got a full time permanent job, allowing us to decide when I would be able to stay home with the wee one.

~~September 2010~~
○ Julia turned 6 months old!  Happy Half Birthday baby girl!
○ I started my "new job".
○ Some family issues arose...things were taken in a completely wrong way, and it's still being sorted out.
○ I shared some advice...

~~October 2010~~
○ I completed and mailed a scarf I made for a swap on my Crocheting Mama's board.  I liked it!
○ Adjustments into parenting continued...things kind of started getting easier.
○ I had my first trial of a baby with a fever unexpectedly this month...thanks to yet another ear infection.
○ Our first Halloween as a family!  Julia was a lady bug.  =)

~~November 2010~~
○ We shared the news with our parents and siblings that baby #2 is on its way, estimated to arrive in July 2011!
○ We ventured to my grandparents house for Thanksgiving, and announced to my family that we are expecting our second little bundle.
○ Our first Thanksgiving as a family!
○ We got a big girl car seat for little Miss.  No more infant seat!

~~December 2010~~
○ Julia got to see her first snow fall!  She loved it!
○ Our first Christmas as a family!  Well, actually...4 of them!  One at Michael's cousin's house, one with his parents, one with my mom, and one with just us!  It was fun, and we're still enjoying our new toys...
○ I made a decision to possibly pursue an age old dream of freelance writing or editing.  We'll see...
○ My sister decided to be a surrogate for Michael's brother and his wife...what an incredible gift!  Their baby (or babies) will arrive some time in 2011!

I hope you enjoyed your 2010.  Whether it was difficult, easy, love filled or heartbreaking...

Here's to a blessed 2011!

God bless...

Age Old Dreams...

I have always been told that I'm a good writer.  I know it may not come across here much, but it's always something that has come easily to me.  In school, my teachers always enjoyed my stories, and I was constantly getting good grades on my writing assignments.  When I got into college - for the two semesters that I was there - I got praises constantly again.  A few papers even received an "A+".

There have been times that I've considered being a freelance writer.  But I've never known where to start.  I love to write...well...I think I do better with editing, but writing has always been a passion of mine.  Maybe one of these days I will begin pursuing this dream, and who knows...maybe it will become something more for me...

God bless...

Where has this year gone???

Really???  Where has this year gone?  I look back to the beginning of the year, and I swear it feels like it's only been a few months...but...it's already December 29th!!!  Hopefully I will have a new update soon.  I just need to sit down and come up with something good.  Only 2 months until Julia's first birthday!!!

Oh, and here are a couple of pics to "tide you over".

Julia, Christmas eve at mom's house

And meet The Tot...AKA Baby B #2!!

God bless!

Merry Christmas!!!

Just a quick note to say Merry Christmas to all of my loyal blog readers, and those that may just pop in...

From our growing family...of FOUR!

2...more...days!

2 more days until we find out how much little Miss J has grown!  I hope she's finally above the 25th percentile...

It snowed again last night!  I will consider this one our official first snow.  We got about an inch total, it stuck around all day, and is still here!  It's so pretty.  When I got Julia up this morning, I brought her downstairs, and told her I had something to show her.  I unfastened the back curtain, and pulled it open.  She LOVED the snow!!!  This was her "second" look...

Her first reaction was the best, but I didn't get that one on camera.  As soon as I opened the curtain, she had the wide-eyed, eyebrows raised, mouth open look on her face.  It was so. stinking. cute!!!

Anyways...she has her 9 month well visit on Wednesday.  Thankfully she doesn't get any shots at this one!  Yay!

God Bless.

What if...

Have you ever stopped to think about the "what ifs"?  What if you had made different decisions in your life?  What if you did/did not have God to look to?  What if you knew of certain outcomes, but made the same choice anyways?  What if you never lost a loved one before it was "your time" to go?

What if...

I am grateful for all of the choices, hardships, struggles, and blessings that I have had in my life.  If it wasn't for my past, I wouldn't be the person that I am today.  What have you dealt with that you wouldn't trade for anything?  Simple, or hard...leave it anonymously if you don't want people to know who you are.  I won't judge you, and I hope others wouldn't as well.

God Bless...

First Snow!!!

Today we had our first snow fall of the "season"!  It was so pretty...I miss the white stuff!!!  There wasn't really much of it, but it was so pretty falling.  I took Julia to the back door to watch it, and she was totally mesmerized!  It was really cute...  =)

I scheduled her 9 month well visit appointment today too...  *sigh*  Our little girl is growing up so fast...

That is all.

God bless!

14 weeks and counting...

Until our "baby girl" turns ONE!!!  Where has the time gone???  I can't believe she'll be 9 months old already next week.  I guess it's time to start planning her party!  I have no idea where to start though.  No thoughts on a theme, decorations...nothing.  I know she'll never remember it, and I know it won't turn into what I really want it to, but I like to think that I can throw one of those really cute first birthday parties...

Anyways.  I just ordered a new "big girl" car seat for her, and a playpen to put around the Christmas tree so that she doesn't get into it when she shouldn't.  I couldn't believe the seat actually fit in my car.  It's nearly twice the size of her infant seat (it's a convertible so it faces rear and front), but it fits better than her infant seat...which...mind you...she still hasn't outgrown but it's getting close! 

Halloween this year was lots of fun!  Julia was a little lady bug, and daddy took her out trick or treating while I hung out at the house and handed out candy.  I was ok with it because it was COLD!!!  Plus, I got to see all the other cuties that were out and about!  She (well, daddy) did pretty good for her first year.  She had one of those plastic pumpkins and it was almost half full!!!  Apparently, a few people said to my hubby "I know you're not trick or treating for her, so you can take your pick".  That would have been funny to see! Hehe

Thanksgiving was lots of fun too.  We saw a lot of my family on Thanksgiving day, then on Friday, while Michael was working, I started putting up the Christmas tree and a few decorations!  Unfortunately, the tree sat with just lights on it until yesterday...  We went to visit with his family on Saturday, and celebrated his niece's (niece-in-law) 16th birthday.  It was lots of fun.  Julia didn't sleep well...AGAIN...while we were there, so that made for a very crabby mommy on Sunday.  I stayed at the house and slept while they all went to church.  =(

Oh yeah...another thing since my last update.  I had to go see an orthopaedic surgeon for a consultation on my wrist.  See, I got tendinitis when I was cheering in high school.  It kind of disappeared for a bit, and reared it's ugly head once I was picking up Julia on a regular basis.  I now have this super high fashioned wrist brace (high amount of sarcasm there...) that I'm supposed to wear every day.  It's not too bad, just hard to get used to...

Well, that's all I've got right now!

Until next time...

God bless.

Coming soon...

A new post...I promise!!!

What a weekend...

So, shortly before my previous post, I realized my little girl was getting sick.  She hadn't napped more than 45 minutes at a time all day, and in turn was over-tired and whiny all day.  She looked terrible once 5:00-ish rolled around.  Red eyes, stuffy runny nose (runny enough to rival a 6 year old boy!), breathing through her mouth, tears *every* time she cried...I felt so bad for her!  I had no idea what to do.  The whole day was spent playing with her trying to keep her happy.  The moment mommy or daddy walked away or set her down, she would start crying again.  At one point, she started to feel noticeably warm to me.  I took her upstairs and took her temperature.  It was about 100.1 under the arm, so you have to add a degree.  Granted, it's a VERY low grade fever, but it's enough to make her miserable!  I went ahead and gave her some Tylenol, since it really came out of nowhere, and I wanted to be pro-active (so not my style to give medicine when not 100% necessary...).  I then stripped her down to just her diaper and headed back downstairs.  Then, Michael and I decided to let her sleep if she fell asleep...well...she slept alright!  On me!  =)  Snuggle time!  Anyways...after about an hour and a half, her temp had only gone down to 99.6.  I waited another half hour and gave her a dose of Motrin to see if that would help.  I later realized that I had only given her half a dose.  Well, another 2 hours later, I gave her another dose of Tylenol - it was about 9 pm at that point.  Her temp went back up after that dose to 100.6.  I alternated Motrin and Tylenol the rest of the night with her "double dose" at 1 am.  Half of the night was spent trying to calm her, relax her, soothe her...so she could get to sleep.  I even tried sleeping on the floor in the nursery with her...which wasn't going to happen.  That's another story in itself.  At one point, I just brought her into our bedroom so that *I* could get some sleep!  She snoozed for about 3 hours...the longest stretch of the night.  I don't know why the thought didn't cross my mind to give her Orajel...after all, I figured she was just teething...so I felt bad when Michael suggested it.  I didn't give her anymore Tylenol or Motrin after 5 am because I wanted to see what her temp would do.

In the morning, when she woke at 7, her forehead actually felt cold to the touch so I wrapped her up in one of her fleece blankets, and snuggled her for a bit.  She slept some more laying on my chest.  I kept an eye on her temp for the rest of the day, and it pretty much stayed in the low 99* range.  It got up to 99.8 at one point but that was the highest it reached.  She actually did pretty good all day.  Napped relatively well, seemed MUCH happier than Saturday, but once the evening hit...it was all over again!  She went down relatively easily, but woke up just after Michael and I decided to sit down to watch a movie...and was up until about 9:30 I think.  *sigh*

I took her to the pediatrician today and discovered that she has a minor ear infection...again.  She hasn't had one in a few months...more meds...yay.  But hey...hopefully I'll have my smiley happy little girl back soon!

Anyways...that was my weekend.  How was yours?

God bless.

Life Changes

So as you know, I became a mom a little more than 7 months ago.  Before my daughter was born, life was carefree.  My husband and I could pack up and leave at any given time in a matter of about 30 minutes, and with a single duffel bag between the two of us for the weekend.  We could go out dancing whenever we felt...go to the bar...go see a movie...go our "separate ways" for a night...do whatever.  Boy, has that changed!

Each time we spend a weekend away from home (mostly at the in-laws), it's an entire production.  It starts 3 days before with me making a list of things that we need for Julia - cloth diapers, wet bag, wipes, burp rags, onesies, clothes, pajamas, toys, teddy bear, blankie, pacifiers, lovey, socks...etc.  Usually the day before we leave, I start packing her bag.  Anything and everything I can possibly pack gets packed.  The little things (ditty bag with thermometer, meds, diaper cream, etc.) wait until we leave.  Then, they day we leave, my hubby and I pack our stuff.  It's crazy that we can still get everything he and I need into a single duffel bag, and she gets a whole suitcase!  Sometimes we just take the big suitcase and pack everything together...well, that and the big diaper bag...and my pump...but who's keeping track?

If we want to go out for a bit?  Find a sitter, thaw some milk, make one bottle, take a couple more, burp rags, diapers, wipes, clothes, jammies, etc.  Again...a production.  Usually just the big diaper bag, sometimes more, sometimes less depending on how long we'll be gone.

It's a total pain in the butt...but you know what?

This....

...makes it all worth it.  It might take 4 times longer to do things, and I might have to work my life around breastfeeding my baby and/or pumping...but I wouldn't trade it for the world.  I am so incredibly blessed to have been chosen to care for this tiny life...and I'm loving every minute of it.

Life changes...and I'm ok with that.

God bless!

Motivation...

...is severely lacking as of late.  My goal today?  To stay off this silly computer long enough to get the house cleaned up, and start crocheting a hat I promised a lady I would make for her!  The only other thing that might help me accomplish these tasks?  If Little Miss decides to take longer than 30-45 minute naps.  =/

Last night was rough.  She went to bed at about 6:45 last night, after having been awake for nearly 3 hours.  She then woke up at 8, 11, 1:45, and 4:30.  I think it's either a growth spurt or teething...or both...but man I miss those 4-6 hour stretches of sleep!!!  LOL

Anywho...here is a project that I completed yesterday for a swap that I signed up for...

 

And now, I'm being paged!  =)

God Bless!

"Marine Stuns Crowd at Tea Party"

Sorry it's a little wide...it's the smallest code I could get!

Tips and advice from a First Time Mom

Ok...I thought I had a pretty good handle on the whole baby thing.  Having done a LOT of baby sitting for kids of all ages. Let me tell you something...I knew, well, nothing!  More so the postpartum things...but still!

**NONE OF THIS POST IS INTENDED TO BE TAKEN IN PLACE OF MEDICAL ADVICE, OR BE 'SET IN STONE'.  THIS IS SIMPLY MY TAKE ON THINGS THAT HAPPEN BASED ON MY DELIVERY AND MY BABY.  ALL WOMEN AND ALL BABIES ARE DIFFERENT.  IF YOU ARE WORRIED BECAUSE OF SOMETHING YOUR BABY IS DOING, CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR.**

I'll start with the items that everyone pretty much knows...

1) Babies eat...all the time!  Especially when they're brand new.  Julia nursed every 2 hours for pretty much the first 6 weeks.  She was teeny when she was born, so they wanted to make sure she gained the appropriate amount of weight...which she did.
2) Babies poop...a LOT!  Every time they eat, they poop!  Well, not all babies do.  Some babies can go a few days without a poopy diaper.  Count on 12+ diapers per day when your baby is born...for at least the first few weeks.  Do the math...12 diapers a day X 7 days in a week = 84 diapers in a week.  Multiplied by 4.5 weeks in a month = 378 diapers a month...consider cloth diapers!!!  They have come SO FAR from back in the day...
3) Babies sleep...a LOT!  At first, a baby will probably only be awake long enough to eat, and maybe a diaper change.  As they get older, they will stay awake much longer!  Julia is up to 2-3 hours at a time being awake.
4) Babies cry...for everything.  Crying is their only means of communication at first.  So if your newborn is crying (probably up to about 2 1/2-3 months), it's for a reason.  Whether it be for a diaper change, needing to eat, being tired, wanting to be held, wanting to be left alone, being uncomfortable...many, many things!
5) Sleep when the baby sleeps.  You hear it all the time, but it is so true!!!  Maybe not every single time the baby sleeps, but in those early weeks, try to grab as many naps as you can when your little bundle is sleeping.  Housework can wait.

Now, on to the things that many ladies won't realize...we'll start with the new mom-to-be.
1) You will still look pregnant for a bit after you have your baby.
2) Your feet will more than likely be swollen for a few days.
3) You will be super tired for a while.  If someone offers to help you...TAKE IT.  And SLEEP when that person is assisting you.
4) You more than likely won't get a shower every single day at first.  Deal with it.  Sleep is more important...
5) You will SHED more than you ever have in your entire life!!!  Probably for the first 3 months or so postpartum.
6) Your boobs will HURT.  If you're not planning on breastfeeding, this may be 10 fold for you.
7) Your nips will HURT.  If you're going to be breastfeeding, you may end up with cracked, bleeding nipples.  It's not pretty, but stick it out!  It DOES get easier, and is so worth it!
8) Your boobs will leak...get some breast pads!!!
9) Your hips will still hurt also.  All that stuff moved out of the way to let that baby out, it's gotta go back!
10) You will be emotional.  You will cry at the drop of a dime, and you may get angry very easily.  However...if the emotions you are feeling are extreme, or disturbing to you...Please contact your doctor.  Post Partum Depression (PPD) is a serious issue, and your doctor can help you.
11) If you have a vaginal delivery, you will be sore for a while!  If you tear...you will be sore a LOT longer!
12) You will still have contractions for a while after the baby is born.

Ok, and the general advice I would like to give:
1) If you're planning on breastfeeding, invest in a GOOD pump before your baby comes.  Don't wait until the day after your baby comes home, when your boobs feel like they're going to explode like I did, and get stuck with buying the "cheapy" pump that will be "ok".  Trust me.  I wound up buying two pumps, because the "ok" pump just wasn't "ok".
2) Buy some breast pads.  Whether you're going to breastfeed or not...get them.
3) Put your makeup on in the morning even if you don't get a shower.  It will help you feel human when you're beyond exhausted.
4) Buy some BIG pads...like the overnight kind.  You WILL bleed for at least a week, but as long as 6 weeks +.
5) Get some Tucks (or witch hazel pads)...trust me...you're not going to want to wipe.
6) Take everything...EVERYTHING they have for you to use at the hospital.  Your bathroom items, diapers, wipes, etc.  Take them.  If you don't, they pitch them.
7) Don't pack your hospital bag with enough for a week long vacation.  Take a couple changes of clothes for you and your partner, your partners bathing suit (if you want to try a water birth, or if you want a shower while you're in labor), some snacks (something sour to wet your mouth while in labor), some music, your camera, chap stick, and maybe some books, magazines, or crafts to pass the time.  You don't need all the stuff they say you need.
8) Seriously consider cloth diapers.  They are a HUGE cost savings.  You add one to 3 loads of laundry per week, but it really isn't that bad.  Keep some disposables on hand just in case, but if you go the disposable route, you could spend upwards of $7,000 or more by the time the baby is potty trained.  I've spent about $600 on my cloth diaper "stash"...and they'll fit Julia until she's potty trained.  Plus, you can use them for consecutive babies!  More savings!
9) If you're going to breastfeed, please don't give up! It's so worth it, and it does get easier!  If your baby doesn't latch at first, keep trying.  A friend of mine finally got her little man to latch after...what...3 months I believe!  Amazing!
10) Don't be afraid to ask for help, or ask questions!  Whether your mom, a recent new mom, or someone that hasn't had a baby in years.  We've all been there, and we can all give you advice!
11) Take lots of pictures...you don't want these precious times to slip away...



I'll add more as I come up with them, but I am about to take a nap myself!

God bless!

My opinion...

Don't take your family for granted...you don't know how long you will have them.
God Bless,

My new job

Well, I started a new job on Monday.  See, what my former boss didn't know, is that I was leaving that company to work for JLB Inc.  I liked my desk job!  I really enjoyed what I did.  But, my heart wasn't there.  It was with another employer.  Every day that I drove to that job, and dropped my little girl off at day care, I ached to see her develop, change, advance...  I was able to give up the cushy desk job that paid me well - given the fact that I only had 2 semesters of college under my belt - offered benefits, sick time and vacation pay.  I left that position to take on a job with JLB Inc.  My new job is 24 hours a day, 7 days a week with no pay, no sick time, no vacation time...but has HUGE benefits.  I get to see my daughter grow up!  I can take naps and snuggle breaks with her whenever I want.  I can work on random crafty projects whenever I want.  I can straighten up the house, go shopping at the drop of a dime...well, if the new boss is ok with it.  It's only been a week, and I'm loving it so far.  I can deal with not having a pay check...

Meet my new boss...

Miss JLB.  She's also modeling the beret I made for her...  =)



God Bless!

Happy Half Birthday!

Just a quick update...Lil Miss J turned 6 months old today!  She had her 6 month appointment also, and is weighing in at 14 lbs 6 oz now!  They measured her at 24 1/4", but I'm POSITIVE she's longer than that...oh well...she'll have a big jump at her next appointment.  =)

Aaaannnnddd....a couple photos...enjoy!

God Bless!

Plans

I think any mom knows that your plans can (and WILL) change in a heartbeat when a baby is involved.  We can try and try to keep to our plans, but chances are...it's not going to happen exactly the way we would like.  I'm not saying this is necessarily a bad thing, but it can be rather annoying sometimes.  =)  Mostly when the wee one decides that filling their pants - 5 seconds after a clean diaper is put on, and 5 seconds before it's time to run out the door - is entertaining!  Julia does this on a semi regular basis...I actually find it pretty funny myself because she will just look at me and grin after she does it.

Once I'm home with her all the time, I've got big plans!!!  We'll see how well it all goes though.  I have one crochet project in the works (yes...the blanket that I started for her when I was pregnant...it's almost done), four more that I really want to get going on - but I'm making myself wait until the blanket is done, a latch hook that I just started, a blog to maintain - hello...um Timewarp Tuesday's are kind of unintentionally on hiatus, a garden to tend in preparation for next year, lilies to move out from the house a bit so they don't lean so much, a house to clean, puzzles to work, oh yeah...and a baby to take care of!  LOL

I'm so excited, it's hard to keep it under wraps while I'm at work so that people don't get it twisted into a lack of focus on my part.  Next...Friday...is my L.A.S.T. day.  It's still hard to believe for me...it's a dream come true...I'm hoping (well, I'm fairly certain) that I might finally feel like there is enough time in the day.  I often wonder how so many moms can work full time and not feel bad at the end of the day.  I know that staying home isn't an option for a lot of people - and who knows, maybe I'll be working somewhere again before I really want to - but it's a risk I'm willing to take for the better of our family.  Yes, it's going to be pretty tight for a while until we get a budget really nailed down...but we're ready.  If it wasn't for cloth diapering (the cost savings is INCREDIBLE), and breastfeeding (thanks be to God that I'm able to nurse my baby)...I wouldn't be able to do this.  =)

And now, a couple of photos for your enjoyment  =) 

This was taken on 8/21...it's been a big hit already!

And this one was taken 8/27...

God Bless!

So close I can taste it...

I have seven work days between now and next Friday. Seven work days until I am finally with my daughter!!!

Today I thought to myself "I feel like I will be meeting her all over again. Like I have to LEARN her again. I feel so disconnected right now, and I can't wait to get that back.

For now...sleep.

Good night blog world...

God bless.

Well, here it is...

So, my last post consisted of... "OMG...OMG...OMG..." and the promise of an update a few days later.  Well...here's that update!!!

Michael has been working as a carpenter since he graduated high school.  Along with that position came the instability and possibility of being laid off at any given time, for any amount of time.  When we found out I was pregnant with our little girl, we both knew that I would be staying home with her.  Or at least that's what we both wanted.  With him being in such an unstable position, that couldn't happen.  He had an interview a couple of weeks ago with a new employer.  It would be a permanent full time job.  After the initial interview, they set up a "try it out" kind of thing.  That went really well, and before we knew it...they were offering him the job!!!  Friday night, we went out to dinner to celebrate his new job, and we decided on a date.  September 10, 2010.

..........That's...the day...that...

 .....................................I...

........................................Will become...

...............................................................A...

Stay at home mom!!!

I am ECSTATIC!!!  I can't WAIT!!!  I get to be home with my baby!!!

At the same time...I'm scared...nervous...anxious...happy.  I don't think it has entirely hit me yet.  I've turned in my notice at work, the email has gone out notifying the entire company of my resignation (which I was privy to).  That got me choked up a bit...after all, I've been with this company for 6 years...but I don't think it's really going to hit me until I walk out on my last day, and don't have to get out of bed the next week!!!

**sigh**

I'm so happy...  =)

God bless!!!

Just Breathe...

OMG...OMG...OMG...

I will update in a few days...but OMG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

God bless!!!

Strange feeling...

I had this really weird feeling hit me today.  Sitting at work, and all I could think about was being with my baby.  Maybe because we had a harder-than-normal morning...maybe because I miss her so much all the time...maybe because I can't stand the fact that someone else is getting nearly all of her awake time...all of her smiles...all of her cuteness...I was on the verge of trying to take a half day just so I could spend some time with her.  Well...that didn't happen (obviously...it's 1:20, and I'm taking my lunch break as I type this).  Then, I get a phone call from day care.  Nothing is wrong, they just don't have record of my tuition payment this week!  UGH...but, I have a receipt number!  =)

Anyways...on to the harder-than-normal morning.  Julia has been sleeping pretty well the last couple of nights (knock on wood...).  Tuesday night, she went to bed at 7:30, slept until 11 or so when she woke up to eat, and then didn't wake up again until 5 am.  5...solid...hours...of GLORIOUS sleep!!!  Last night, was almost the same.  She went to bed between 7:30 and 8, woke at 11:30 and 4.  So not SO much sleep, but still quite a bit!  Ok...so this morning, I'm getting ready for work, and I'm waiting for her to wake up.  I've come to the conclusion that she needs to start cereal a little more than she has been.  Following my maternal instincts on that one.  So I go upstairs only 15 minutes before I normally wake her up. She's SOUND asleep.  I mean...rubbing the belly, tickling the feet, playing with her hands, talking to her...none of it was working.  SOUND asleep.  Finally, after she stretched a few good times (full body, arched back, knees up, arms by her head ADORABLE stretches), I just picked her up and took her down stairs.  She was not happy about it for the first 20 minutes or so.  I got her cereal ready - decided to try oatmeal instead of rice this time - and she finished waking up.  First bite of oatmeal, and I got the "What the HECK are you giving me?!?!?!" look, and pushed almost all of it out of her mouth. She didn't like it one bit, but I kept trying.  We managed 2 or 3 itty bitty bites, and that was it.  I decided to try the rice since she likes the rice.  Yeah, that wasn't happening either.  She started trying to climb out of the bouncy seat, and if she was in her Bumbo, she was staring at her feet...not exactly easy to feed a baby that's looking down.  She fought me so hard...and I gave up.  Dumped another bowl of cereal down the drain, and daddy got her dressed while *I* finished getting ready for work.

So, here I sit...only 15 minutes left on my lunch, and all I want is to hold my daughter.  Unfortunately, I have to wait another 4 hours.  =(

On a happier note - Michael's "working interview" went great!!!  3 days of great!  Here's hoping they offer him a job!!!  Keep us in your prayers...

God bless!

Full time maybe???

So, Michael had an interview this past Monday.  It went well, and the guy wants him to come in a couple of times this week to "try" the work that he would be doing.  They'll be seeing how well he works with the other employees, and what kind of worker he is.  If all goes well, this would be a permanent job!  No more fear of being laid off...wahoo!!!

Anyhoo...I'm spending the next couple of days with two of the cutest girls I know!  My niece, and my daughter!

God Bless!

Time Warp Tuesday!

Ok, ok...so I've missed a couple of TWT entries...sorry!  Time is slim lately, and I'm finally figuring out how to make the most of what little minuscule amount of time I have during the day...only took nearly 5 months!!!

Today's TWT entry doesn't go back too far, but I thought it deserved to be revisited... =)

TWT Entry #7:
This was taken at the hospital the day after our baby girl was born!  Don't mind the lack of make-up and hair "style"  LOL

*sigh* she was so teeny...

God Bless!

This is new...

I was walking around earlier today, and I realized something.  I am doing things that I've never done before.  when I was little, I was the shy one.  We moved around so much that I only let myself get attached to a few people.  I was quiet, reserved, walked with my 'head down' along the "lonely" road, really.  I was very introverted, didn't really smile a lot, and actually was diagnosed as "depressed" when I was with one of my exes about 8 years ago.  So many people are completely shocked when I tell them I was a cheerleader for 3 years in high school.  I still miss cheering...it was FUN!!!  Today, however...I realized that I'm walking a little taller...I'm walking with my head up, confident, and with a smile on my face!  This...is new to me...and I really like it...  =)

Quick Update...

Ok, first off, let me apologize to anyone that regularly follows me (or anyone that cares...).  I've been away for a bit and I'm sorry!  Life can be crazy with a baby!!!

Last weekend, my hubby and I were in a wedding so we had to figure out details for little miss J.  Everything worked out, and Julia got to spend the day (and night!) with her nannie (my mom)!  Both thoroughly enjoyed the time they had together, and it was nice for me and her daddy not having to worry about who was taking care of our little snuggle bug!

Right around the time of my last post, Julia had come down with an ear infection in both ears.  We got her on some anti-biotics, and it cleared up quickly.  Now, she has another minor ear infection (thank you day care...) which is caused by drainage from her nose, and it's causing her to cough too.  Ugh...  Of course, I was the all too paranoid first time mom thinking 'what if she's coming down with pertussis?'  Well, obviously she's not (thank the Lord!).  She's up to 13lbs 5oz as of her appointment this morning!  Growing like crazy...  =)

Now...there is one little tooth that is trying to poke it's way through her little lower gums, and I can't wait to see what she looks like with a little chomper!  I can wait to feel said little chomper though....LOL.  Day care actually called me the other day because the lump on her gums was relatively large and somewhat resembled a blood blister.  Well, I called the pediatrician and they said that it's most likely a dental cyst, and it's VERY common, so good news there!

As for me and Michael...I'm back to work full time going on the end of my second full month, and all I can think of is being at home with my little girl.  Michael is laid off again, but has an interview on Monday...pray for us please that he gets the job!!!  Thanks!

Now, a few more photos for your enjoyment...

That hand must taste good...

Enjoying Mr. Quackers...

 

Miss blue eyes...

 God Bless!

Baptized in Christ...

Sunday, July 11, we had our baby girl baptized.  It was something I had been looking forward to for quite a while.  I anxiously awaited the day that we would be seeing that water pour over her head "In the name of The Father, The Son, and of The Holy Spirit".  I had this mental image of how the day would 'go down'.  We would head to church for the 12:15 mass, and possibly deal with a crabby baby (due to it being nap time), but then she would fall asleep, and sleep through the baptism which started at 1:30.  Well...that's NOT how it went!!!  LOL

We went to the 12:15 mass as originally planned.  Julia fought sleep for the first 30 minutes of mass (mass is approximately one hour), but then finally fell asleep about 5 minutes before Communion.  She slept for the last little bit of mass, and until we got into the social hall to change her diaper and clothes.  We got her in her pretty little white gown and headed back into church.  This is where it gets good...

There were two babies being baptized that day, and we all headed out to the narthes with the Deacon to answer the first few questions that are asked of the parents and godparents.  Almost every time the Deacon started talking, Julia would start talking with him.  She cooed and gurgled like crazy.  It was so funny!  The "talking" on Julia's part continued throughout the ceremony.  Occasionally it elevated into screaming and crying (she was, after all, very tired AND getting hungry). 

When it was our turn to head to the front to have her baptized, she had calmed down just enough to be tolerable. They anointed her with the oil, which she didn't mind much at all, but when it came to the water...oh, she wanted nothing to do with it! That's when the wheels officially came off. She started screaming...screaming! I finally got her calmed back down when it was the other baby's turn. She was ok for the rest of the baptism, but was more than ready to eat (understandably) before we actually left the church.

We headed back to the house afterwards for a little picnic with the family. All in all, it was a good day! And Julia smelled GREAT for DAYS!!! I love the smell of chrism oil. =)

Time Warp Tuesday!

TWT Entry #6:
In honor of having had our cutie patootie baptized on Sunday, here is a picture of when I was fully received (full immersion baptism!) into the Catholic Church back in 2008!  The gentleman in the picture drew my name to pray over prior to the Easter Vigil, and he is the one that actually performed Julia's baptism.  I will be posting that story hopefully soon (and it's a rather entertaining one at first), so watch for that...

Enjoy!

Prayer requests, and a Baby J update!

There are a few people very close to me that are going through some trying times.  I ask that anyone coming across my blog keep them in your thoughts and prayers.  (RL, MO, PR, JM, DL, JK)

Little Miss Julia had her 4 month well check yesterday. I can't believe it's already been 4 months. Seems like only yesterday that we brought her home, and I was able to be with her every day...I miss those days... =(

Anyways! On to the update.  When we got back into the room, we started the usual routine of stripping her down so she could be weighed.  Now...Michael and I have looked at her numerous times over the last few weeks baffled at how big she's gotten!  I realize that babies grow, but seriously.  I looked at her one day and thought "your head used to be smaller than my hand!!!"  I placed her on the scale, and the nurse worked out the conversion.  (They weigh babies in kg I think)  She said "12 pounds 2 ounces!"  WOW!!!  This little chunky monkey has gained 7lbs since she was born...that's another whole baby!  I then laid her on the table so the nurse could mark above her head and at her heel for the length measurement - 23 3/4".  A whole 2 1/2" longer than at her 2 month well check!  All from mommy too!  I'm so proud  =)  She is finally making her way up the charts for length and weight - from barely 10th percentile 2 months ago, to 25th percentile this month - and her head is still ahead of the curve at 75th percentile.  The hubby and I are definitely getting some pretty toned arms thanks to our little 12 pounder.  Her ears are back to normal (from an ear infection in both ears a few weeks back), heart, lungs, eyes, etc all check out fine!

Here are a couple of pictures for your enjoyment:

The first one is Julia at 4 days old, and the last 2 were taken July 5th.  Sorry the last one is blurry...she's a little wiggle worm!!!

Time Warp Tuesday!

Well, at the suggestion of a very good friend of mine (love you, girl!), today's TWT entry will flash back to October 2007 when my mom and I went to Ireland.  It was a GREAT trip...I can't wait to go back...

TWT Entry #5:
Mom and I took a walking tour of Kinsale.  It was quite possibly one of the neatest little towns - and by far the most colorful - I have ever seen.  Every year they have a contest between themselves and surrounding towns to see who is the "cleanest".  For this contest, nearly EVERY building gets repainted!  There's one paint store in Kinsale, and man...that lady must make a killing when this contest comes around!  This is a picture of a two lane road...yes...TWO LANE ROAD called Chariman's Lane.  There was a young lady in a "Learners" vehicle (you can tell by the capital "L" sticker in the windshield and rear window) that came around the corner to head down this hill.  She was grinning from ear to ear!  It was funny!