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!

I give up...

I'm not going into detail about why.  It's in God's hands.  He is in control, not me.  I'm giving up, and giving my wishes to Him.  If it's meant to be, He will make it happen.

Time Warp Tuesday to come...

Time Warp Tuesday!

Well, here we are again.  Another week gone, and the year is almost half over!  Holy moly...

What's my mood today you ask?  Well...I don't even know at this point.  Up until about an hour ago, I would have said "shattered"..."crushed" even...really upset.  Now?  I have no idea.  And I don't think I'll know for a little while.

Anyways...on to the Time Warp!

TWT Entry #4:
I took this picture at the 2005 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.  I <3 this car...It's a Ford Shelby Cobra GR1 concept car...hand polished...HAND POLISHED aluminum body...with a V-10...auuughghhhghhgggg (think Homer Simpson...)  I think they said there was something like 7,000 man hours put into that body.  *drool*

You can find more information on it here.

Lilies...

As promised, a photo of my lilies!

It's time for some changes and some clean up...

To all of the bloggers that I currently follow - Please don't be offended if I no longer follow you, I will have you bookmarked on my computer.  I'm finding myself sifting through the 20 something blogs I have listed right now looking for specific ones.  It's all a selfish act to make my life a little easier...which right now, I really need.  I'm also going to be playing around with the new 'Design' feature that blogger has.  I need a new background...I don't know when these changes will take place, but it will be soon.  I've actually resorted to bringing my laptop to work with me again.  It's a bit of a distraction some days, but I must say...I have more control over my music on this thing than I do with Pandora.  =)

Now, to my usual posting.

Last night was interesting to say the least.  I got to the day care to pick up Julia (still despise the fact that I have to take her there, but at least I like the place), and she had just - JUST - gone down for a nap 20 minutes before.  I thought to myself, "Great.  This will make for an interesting night..."  I got her loaded into her car seat and she was wide awake, which meant I had to try to get her to go to sleep after the 20 minute car ride home.  Yippee.  I got home, changed her diaper, wrapped her up and laid her down.  She fell asleep for a short time, but 5 minutes later, she was crying.  Went upstairs, shushed her, calmed her down, eyes fell closed, went back downstairs.  5 minutes later, she was crying.  This went on a couple more times and finally I said 'screw it' and got her up.  She did end up taking a nap before bed...at 7 pm.  For 25 minutes in my arms, and (you guessed it) 5 minutes in the crib.  The rest of the night was just as fun!!!  Michael spent a lot of time outside, while I stayed inside dealing with a crabby, over-tired baby, washing bottles, washing Julia's new cloth diapers (can't WAIT to start using them!!!), and trying to figure out when I'm going to take a shower!  Anyways.  She FINALLY went to bed...at 9:45.  Normally she goes down some time between 8 and 9:00.  Not today!  Nope.  She had other plans.  Julia finally fell asleep at 10, and that's when I had my chance to shower.  I must add here that I hate, hate HATE showering at night...but that's the only time I can unless I get up at 5 am...  Yes, last night was one of those frustrating nights.  They don't happen often, but they are so annoying when they do!  LOL  I can't believe that her first birthday is only 8 months away!!!  The next few months are going to be so much fun, and they're going to go so fast!!!  I'm just disappointed that I'm going to miss so much of it because she's in day care all day.  *sigh*

On a side note...my lilies are blooming like crazy!!!  I'll post a picture soon...I hope...

Time Warp Tuesday! (and an update...)

Whew...where did the last week go, seriously?  I can't keep up!!!  Before I post TWT #3, I want to do a much needed update.

Last Sunday, Julia was super congested, and kept us up half the night practically gagging on whatever drainage was going on in her little sinus cavities.  She had also started coughing and sneezing a bit so I called the doctor.  They didn't even hesitate setting up an appointment for her when I ran down her list of "symptoms".  I left work a little early and had her checked out.  Get this...she was "perfectly healthy".  No fever, no cold, nothing.  I was instructed to get her outside (for the humidity), and to set up a humidifier/vaporizer in her room to help break up whatever was in her sinuses.  No biggie.  I got home late that afternoon, and around dinner she felt kind of warm so I took her temperature.  101.6 (+1)!!!  Crap.  Well, the doc said she was ok, but I can't take her to day care for 24 hours following a fever.  I gave her some Tylenol to break the fever and called my sis to watch her on Tuesday.

We kept an eye on her that night, and throughout the day Tuesday.  I wound up taking her back in on Wednesday because she spiked a fever again.  Turns out...she had an ear infection!  In both ears!!!  Poor baby...but apparently, it happens all the time so my first time mom freak out was a little overboard!  LOL  She is doing much better now that she's on antibiotics.  Our little girl is growing fast though!  She's up to 10lbs 11oz!  I can't believe she'll be 4 months old in just 2 short weeks...  *sigh*

Now for Time Warp Tuesday!

TWT Entry #3:
This picture was taken in Chicago on St. Patrick's Day in 2007.  Wow...what a fun weekend THAT was!!!  I would love to do it all again, except I would change one thing...I would have my hubby and my daughter to spend it with!  =)

Time Warp Tuesday!

Wow!  I can't believe it's already been a week since the last Time Warp Tuesday!...where is time going???

Anyways...

TWT Entry #2:
Deleted...maybe I'll replace it eventually.

3 Months down, a lifetime to go...

Yesterday, little miss Julia turned 3 months old! =)  I can't wait to see what the rest of our life with this little girl brings. She is such a joy...even when she wakes up 3 times a night to eat and refuses to go back to sleep one of those times, or is screaming because she needs something.

Happy 3 Months Julia!

She's been in day care since Monday, and it has NOT been easy on me.  My brother-in-law watched her the first 6 days I was back at work, and that wasn't so bad.  I got text updates whenever I wanted, and even got pictures and videos sent to me sometimes.  It was nice!

When I dropped her off on Monday, she was sleepy and a little hungry so she was whining a little.  I didn't want to leave her.  I wanted to take care of my baby girl, but I had to go to work.  I made it most of the day without crying.  Only got choked up a couple of times, and didn't actually cry until I was in my car on the way to pick her up to take her home.  She did pretty good on Monday though, and greeted me with a big smile when I got there...that almost made it worth it.

Yesterday was a lot easier.  She was still very sleepy, and had just eaten about an hour and a half before I got there, so I swaddled her and put her down in her crib.  I felt a lot better about the day yesterday...until I got there to pick her up.  I saw that she had only eaten 3.5 oz the whole day.  I knew that meant it would be a long night for us.  She wanted to eat 3 times in a 3 hour period, and I felt like I had nothing for her...I felt terrible.

This morning sucked dropping her off.  Maybe because she only got 3 1/2 flipping oz of breast milk yesterday and was up 3 times last night, maybe because I didn't get to bed until almost 10:30...and got up 3 times last night. Maybe because she was tired, hungry, and crying when I dropped her off and I couldn't do a damn thing about it because I had to be here, at work, and not with her where I should be...I've already cried once today...we'll see how the rest of the day goes...I need to get cracking.

Time Warp Tuesday!

I've decided to start a new "tradition" so-to-speak with my blog.  We'll see how well I'm able to keep up with it!  From now on, I'm going to start Time Warp Tuesday!

TWT Entry #1:
The weekend I met Michael's parents...about 3 years ago.