Our Happy Married Life...

7 months!

2012-02-12T09:01:00.008-06:00

Dear Olivia,

You were seven months old on 2/11!! You are getting way too big and I'm starting to really get sad about it. I want you to be my little baby girl forever. I told you this morning that we need to freeze time so we can enjoy you at this age forever and ever! Why? Because you are the MOST fun right now!! I love this age more than I ever thought. Great Uncle Tom promised me we'd love 7 months and man was he right!
You are so aware of your surroundings. You especially know when your mama is in the room. It melts my heart and is frustrating all at the same time. You don't seem to get too upset unless you are tired and you fuss until I come back in the room. I love to cuddle and love on you and I would if I could every single minute of the day but I can't. And let's be honest, you are a mover and a shaker now and you really are starting to push away when we hold you. You aren't crawling or scooting but you like to act like a big girl when we hold you and sort of push off of us. Where you think you are going, I have no idea. It's as if you are asking to be put down or that you don't want us to hold you. It's starting this early?
Eat: You eat solids in the morning and evening and have breast milk 4-5 times a day about 6 ounces each time. I never thought I'd still be nursing you at 7 months but I'm glad it's still working out well. I know you'd take formula just fine if we had to go down that road but you haven't had any formula since you were a month or so old. Your favorite solids are sweet potatoes, bananas, apples and squash. You are still not a fan of peas and green beans at all. I've tried a couple times and you put on the biggest drama show. You tuck your chin down and raise your brow and give me a look as if to say "if you expect to see my mouth you better put that green stuff away". I have to admit it is pretty funny but you need some green veggies in your diet! I even tried to disguise the green veggies with a little yo baby yogurt (another favorite of yours!)
Play: You continue to love your jumperoo probably more than you should. You have the best time in it and it's hard to take you out but I know your time is better spent on the floor playing with your toys getting sturdier with sitting up, rolling around etc. You love anything that you are not supposed to have. For example, the remote, our cell phones, anything in your reach that is not designed for babies...you love it! When we put you on the counter in your bumbo while making dinner you stretch to the max trying to reach the cooking utensils or food I'm making. I brought you to work and set you on my desk and you were able to reach the piles of client folders that I was sure were out of your reach. You are a VERY determined baby. Watch out world!
Sleep: You are doing well in the sleep department. In talking with other mom's with babies your age we are sooo lucky. You've always been a good sleeper save for a couple hiccups. You still go to bed between 7 and 8 and wake between 7 and 8. Lately you've woke briefly for your pacifier in the middle of the night but as soon as we pop it back in you are back to bed immediately. You have gotten really good with putting the pacifier in yourself if it's within reach but I don't think you can see it at night. We watch you do it at nap time and it's the cutest thing ever. You also throw pacifiers out of your crib or drop them behind your crib when you are supposed to be sleeping. I get it, sometimes you just need to play a little before snoozing. Speaking of naps, you take a nap about every 2 to 2.5 hours after waking. We try and stretch it out as long as possible but when you are tired, you just want to sleep. We lay you down and walk away and you go right to sleep within a few minutes. No fussing, no crying. It's great. You are so easy. Thank you.
I never realized how easy of a baby you are because you are my first and I have nothing to compare you to. We went on a play date last friday and you had so much fun. There were 3 baby girls around your age and 2 older girls. 5 little girls all in one place. We sat you all together for a picture and you immediately grabbed one of the baby's ear and yanked her down. And you kept doing it. Oh my sweet girl, we need to teach you to be a little less aggressive. haha!

You have 2 teeth on the bottom. They basically came through at the same time but it didn't seem to disrupt things too much.

Diaper: size 3

Clothes: 6-12 or 9 months

I'm not sure what you weigh but you are getting so heavy! I'm guessing around 19lbs.

Every single day I thank God that I am your mommy. You are the biggest blessing in my life!

Love,

Mommy

Baby kisses

2012-02-07T09:09:00.004-06:00

I think it's safe to say Miss Olivia has warmed up to her Grandpa Wagner finally. He was in town last night for business and made a pit stop to see us and take us out to a FABULOUS dinner. (oh my gosh it was so good)

Olivia greeted him right away with the biggest kisses. After all, she did send him a Valentine card saying "love and sloppy kisses" and that's exactly what he got!

If you are lucky enough to hold her she will grab your face like you see above. 2 hands and all and lean in for the biggest kisses. Your face may or may not have scratch marks on it by the time she's done with you but it's so worth it. I get kisses like this 100 times a day and I can't get enough.

Onward and upward with her "i don't want anyone to hold me campaign".

Life is good.

6 month photos

2012-01-26T09:09:00.007-06:00

We had O's 6 month photos taken a couple weeks ago. We used the same gal that did her newborn photos and of course, she did a great job! Here are a few of my favorites:

She'll probably kill me for this one when she's older but who doesn't love a cute baby butt?

Poor thing was so done by this point but I love it! :)

This is her signature smile-open mouth cheesy grin

See what I mean? Open mouth...

Hooray!

2012-01-24T13:25:00.003-06:00

Our sweet sleeper is back in action. Aren't you all excited? I realize I am probably losing readers by talking about boring topics like O's sleep schedule but it really excites me to get a full night sleep. It was a long 20 days of off and on bad nights of sleep. I think it was one thing and then the next that was causing her to wake up. I think she was going through a growth spurt which caused her to wake up and want to feed, then we were trying the whole no swaddle thing and it took her awhile to catch on but boy did she catch on. She gets a huge atta girl from me!

I had a couple emails/comments about the no swaddle transition so I thought I would just address it here in hopes of helping others who need it. As I've stated it was a process but just know the end is in sight. Take baby steps. One arm out, then two arms out, maybe loosen the swaddle. O can now take naps without the swaddle at all. And I'm sure she can sleep all night without it too but we haven't done that yet. (she sleeps with the swaddle under her arm pits-both arms out)I like the swaddle as an extra layer to keep her warm. She has a sleep sack but it's still really big on her so for now we are using the swaddle as more or less a sleep sack.

I do have to admit that sleeping on her belly has been the biggest help in the no swaddle transition. I never thought I would sway from the "back is best" campaign but Olivia LOVES to sleep on her belly. She rolls to her belly regardless if we lay her on her back. For me, it was more stressful to let her put herself on her belly because she would get her arm caught or face plant more than if we just laid her on her belly with her head positioned to the side. She hardly moves from that same spot all night. If we lay her on her back, she rolls around, flips over and interrupts her sleep like crazy. So belly it is and she's sleeping so soundly. I'm sure our Dr. wouldn't tell us to put her on her belly but if she's going to put herself there then what can we do about it? I'm certainly not going to go in there all night to put her back on her back.

As for the issue of the babes getting cold when you take one arm out...Yes, I did find O's arms to be cold but for us I was able to move the cool mist humidifier in her room and that has helped. Previously, it was sort of close to her bed and I have a feeling it was blowing cold air too much in her direction. Possibly reposition the fan/humidifier? Also, once we are headed to bed, I open her door in her room so there is more movement of air. This seems to help b/c the cool mist humidifier can make it a little cooler in there. But remember, babies room temps need to be around 69-71 ish degrees to reduce SIDS risk. We keep our house at 69 and close the vents upstairs so we don't over heat her room.

In food related news, she's loving her solids. Her favorites are banana, avocado, sweet potato, and she's had the organic yo baby banana yogurt. She does NOT like green beans or peas. I don't blame her on the peas as I've never liked peas either. I'm going to keep introducing them but based on the reaction so far she hates them. She's so dramatic about it too. She nearly gagged last night and Paul and I had to laugh. Really, it's not worth gagging over! I've read that it takes about 15-20 tries before a baby knows if they really like or dislike a new food. I find that interesting because it certainly doesn't take me 15-20 tries to know if I don't like something. One try and I can give you a yes or no.

We looked at 3 houses last night and LOVE one of them. 2 issues...the taxes are OC! and my commute would be longer. The house? Gorgeous! We'll see...

Friday Tidbits

2012-01-20T13:07:00.002-06:00

I'm not sure what's going on with the princess of the house but whatever it is, I hope our normal lives resume soon. I've said it before and hopefully I will be able to say it again...she has always been a good sleeper at night. New Years Eve wake up at 11:50 was our "welcome to 2012, your baby will no longer sleep at night". Awesome.

In positive news, we are almost de swaddled in this house. She's adapted to one arm out and was doing well with that for a few days. Yesterday I decided what the heck and laid her down for a nap with 2 arms out. Last night we put her down with both arms out as well. After her nonsense of being awake from 11-12:30, she slept all night with both arms out! We couldn't be happier and hopefully when I do sleep at night I will sleep a little sounder rather than checking the monitor 100 times to make sure she wasn't face planted.

I'm currently watching O on the video monitor while she should be sleeping!!! play "go fish" with her pacifier. She's on her belly (oh did I mention she's rolling like crazy front to back, back to front) throwing her paci and then somewhat scooting to retrieve it then throws it again etc. If that isn't the definition of insanity...but she seems to be enjoying herself. If she's not going to nap then she might as well find something to entertain her because she's staying put. Mamma needs a break right now!

It's snowing like crazy here at the moment. We are supposed to get 6-10 inches today. Paul just got home from the gym and said the roads are terrible. Guess I won't be going to the gym like I had hoped. Or maybe I will.

We are still house hunting. We found a few more that we like and have scheduled a tour. The entire house hunting/buying process completely overwhelms me but it has to be done at some point. We will know when the time is right.

I've started brainstorming Olivia's 1st birthday party. I've spent a little more time on Pinterest and that will certainly help with my ideas.

After the whole Johnson and Johnson issue with baby products shortly after Olivia was born, I've decided to not only revamp the products we were using on her but our products as well. I changed over to California Baby and Burts Bees (although no more BB b/c it gives her a rash) products for her lotion/shampoo/bubble bath. I changed from Huggies wipes to Seventh Generation wipes from Whole Foods. She gets only breast milk or organic oatmeal or homemade baby food made by all organic fruits and veggies. I have changed my shampoo/conditioner/lotion/shower gel/hairspray to all natural products. All of which I got at Whole foods. I'm still trying them out but so far so good. We also changed our hand soap to J.R. Watkins and I LOVE it! While we may never be a completely chemical free/organic household we are doing what we can to get better. Every little bit helps. It truly does make me wonder how much less our world would deal with cancer, illness, infertility etc if we all used more natural products from the start. I hear some people say "oh we grew up using Johnsons and Johnsons and we are fine" but I ask "are we really?" :)

Happy Friday! We may go play in the snow.

Solids

2012-01-17T18:48:00.005-06:00

We officially started Olivia on solids last week after her 6 month doctor appointment. We gave her rice cereal at about 4.5 months old a couple of times but decided to wait a little longer. On new year's day (just shy of 6 months) we gave her sweet potatoes and avocado but a few days later she got a rash so we stopped. I was so excited to get her started after making so many baby foods on New Years Eve night.

After her rash went away and we knew it was not food related we reintroduced solids and haven't looked back. (her rash was caused by her baby lotion but that is another post) She was never a big fan of rice cereal. So we started her with oatmeal for a few days. Now we are on to avocado for a few days then sweet potatoes. She is LOVING her food and is so funny to watch.

She makes a noise in between bites that is clearly a "hurry up and give me more" impatient whine. She shakes her legs and thrusts her hips as best as one can do in a high chair. Her signature shaking legs and thrusting hips move is done anytime she is excited about it. It's hysterical!
She does really well and keeps most of it in her mouth which is easy clean up. Girlfriend doesn't leave much left in the bowl-she even wanted the bowl to lick. She got 2 ounces of avocado and could have easily eaten more.
She was full of dirty looks while eating her dinner but don't be fooled, she loved every minute of it. She's not a big fan of the camera or in this case my phone which was taking the pictures.

Mmmmm Mommy feed me more!

6 months

2012-01-13T17:59:00.008-06:00

Dearest Olivia,

Here we are again. I'm not even going to say it. You know what mamma is thinking by now. This past month has by far been your biggest growth month with your height, weight, and personality. You, of course, amaze us every single day with your eager to "learn" and your curiosity.

You developed stranger anxiety this month. Just as the baby center email stated. You were right on track with that one baby girl. You don't want to go to anyone you do know know which sadly meant you did not let your family hold you at Christmas. Thankfully you go to your nanny Mary just fine and of course you love your mommy and daddy. You even showed your true colors at the doctor earlier this week when he picked you up. It took a couple seconds but you weren't shy about letting him know you did not want him to hold you. He even commented that you know what you want. Yes, dearest daughter, you certainly know what you want. :)
Aside from your 6 month growth spurt, you continue to be a great sleeper. We usually lay you down between 7 and 8 and you wake between 7 and 8 the next morning. Occasionally, you wake around 5 or 6 and just want your paci to sleep a little longer. We are stretching your naps to 2 hours after you wake instead of 1.5 hours. Some days you will even go 2.5-3 hours. Hopefully soon you'll transition more into just taking a morning and afternoon nap but only when you are ready.
Your all time favorite thing to do is jump jump jump in your jumperoo! You go absolutely nuts in that thing and we dye laughing at you!! Your sophie giraffe is probably your favorite toy that you can hold. You got a lot of new toys for Christmas and you also love your play and learn kitchen, interactive puppy, and your baby cell phone. Your tickle me elmo gets the biggest blank stares from you which is so funny. You like it but sometimes you aren't too sure of it. I think you love the bright red color but when Elmo starts shaking like crazy you get a little scared.
You still are breast fed about every 3 hours. We just started introducing solids which you are doing so well with. We just finished our few days of rice cereal and moved on to oatmeal today. You LOVE oatmeal!! It's so fun to watch you make funny faces when we introduce something new to you.
Clothes: mostly 9 months--some 6 months still fit

Diaper: size 3

Height: 27.5 inches 95th %

Weight: 17 lbs 13 oz 90th %

Head: 90th %

Happy 6 months baby girl. Mommy needs to start planning your first birthday. Gasp! We love you more than you can ever imagine.

Love,

Mommy

cliche

2012-01-12T13:06:00.003-06:00

I know it's so cliche to tell people that tomorrow is a new day or everything happens for a reason or what a difference a day makes but it's so true! In our most recent situation it is amazing what a difference a day makes.

Yesterday I could barely keep my eyes open at work. I felt guilt ridden and wanted to be home holding my baby girl all day hugging her and loving on her whispering sweet nothings in her ear. Promising her we'd never have another night like we did the night before.

Today we are all well rested and happy. Olivia slept last night for 13 uninterrupted hours. She was swaddled. In her happy content place. Her daddy and I plan to continue to swaddle her regardless of what the medical professionals tell us. You all are right. They don't know her like we do.

Thank you ALL for your kind words in comments, email, gchat...whatever it was. Thank you.

Swaddle Hell

2012-01-11T12:47:00.002-06:00

Hi friends! Today I'm supposed to be here talking about our sweet good sleeping 6 month old baby girl and showing you cute pictures of her in her 6 month onesie. Today I'm supposed to be writing a beautiful letter to Olivia and gushing over the past month and all the wonderful events that took place. Today I did not take any pictures for said email. Today I don't have enough energy to muster up the words for that.

Today I am tired.

I am defeated.

We are in swaddle hell.

Our sweet great sleeper is NOT HAVING IT with the idea of sleeping with no swaddle. It's not as easy as the doctor said yesterday. "just do it" he said. "just go cold turkey" "she will fuss for a bit but she'll get over it quickly"

Clearly he does not know our sweet stubborn child. (not sure where she gets her stubbornness)

You see, we let her "cry it out" for FOUR HOURS last night. It ripped my heart from the inside out. We turned up the humidifier in our room for extra noise. We closed her door and our bedroom door. We drowned out the noise but the noise was still in my head. And in my heart. Our baby girl was screaming her lungs out begging for her swaddle to sleep. And for 4 hours we stood our ground.

And at 2:36 am this mama gave in.

She won. The swaddle was put back on and she fell asleep in 2 seconds.

Her mommy and daddy slept finally and the house was quiet.

But today my heart hurts. I feel like a terrible mom for letting her cry that long. I feel like a defeated parent for not being able to fix it last night. For giving in.

So today we'll postpone the 6 month celebrations on the blog.

Because tomorrow is another day.

(disclaimer for the judgies: we let her cry in 40 minute intervals for the full 4 hours. she was fed, clean diaper etc. She was not suffering just upset b/c she wanted her swaddle. In those 4 hours she was nursed twice and fell asleep fast but once laid down she erupted again. So while it sounds harsh we let her go 4 hrs she wasn't left to suffer. I know some people are strongly against the cry it out so please no comments on that subject. If you don't have anything healthy to add, please don't. Thanks.)

My feet hurt!

2012-01-09T12:51:00.002-06:00

Hi all! It's been crazy in the L house the last week or so. Olivia decided to bless us with waking up at 11:50 on New Years Eve and that set the tone for our new year. The tone? No sleep! We thought she was just being a party girl since it was New Years Eve and all. Ha!

We are hoping it's just her 6 month growth spurt and this fades as fast as her 1.5 week long 3 month growth spurt did. She has been such a great sleeper since she was born aside from these 2 hiccups.

Friday I was at the doctor with her for a rash on her belly. I called the nurse and she asked that I immediately bring her in. The doctor wasn't really sure what the rash was-thinks maybe a virus-so we thought maybe the rash was/is keeping her up? Doubt it. She doesn't seem phased by it during the day.

Last night was the best night sleep we've had in over a week and I was only up once with her. I had to nurse her so I was up for a bit but she went right back to sleep so that was what I call improvement at least. This time last week we were doing the every 1/2 hour ever hour nonsense in the middle of the night and we may or may not have nearly lost our minds in frustration in the wee hours of the night.

Tomorrow we go in for her 6 month shots/checkup. We need to talk to the doctor about a few things. The rash is still there, the swaddle still is an issue, she's not sleeping etc. I'll just blame the no sleep on her little brain working overtime lately trying to process her new surroundings. She's soooooo aware of things lately and I'm sure she's waking up at night because of it.

Any baby loving swaddle moms out there that can help with the whole getting rid of swaddle process? We've tried it before and we've clearly lost that battle. Sleep has always prevailed. I told Paul we should have taken the swaddle away during this no sleep battle but the doctor said "one thing at a time".

Also, on a completely unrelated note... I finally bit the bullet on these shoes that I've been eyeing forever. I read reviews about them being uncomfortable but I wanted to see for myself. After all, no two feet are the same. I'm sad to report, they are SO uncomfortable! For the ridiculous price tag they should be comfortable. Because Nordstrom has the best return policy, I'm sure they'll work with me on a different pair of shoes. Bummer!

Christmas 2011!

2012-01-02T09:45:00.016-06:00

I'm back...I've enjoyed the holidays with the family and am ready for all that 2012 has in store for us. 2011 was a fabulous year with the birth of our baby girl being the highlight, of course!

Below are some pictures of our Christmas weekend with my family. We had a great time and it was so much fun celebrating Olivia's first Christmas. She was definitely spoiled with some wonderful gifts! Christmas Eve morning we were with my step dad and brother and sister.

Aunt Mallory and Olivia playing with her new learning kitchen from Grandpa Chuck

Grandpa and Olivia at the K of C's with all the family. She did NOT want anyone but mommy or daddy holding her the entire weekend. It was exhausting!
The beautiful tree! You think there's enough presents under there?

Family picture after Christmas Eve mass

Olivia and Carter in their Christmas pj's (Olivia was so intrigued by him)

Daddy reading Olivia 'Twas the night before Christmas' before bed

babies are in bed and it's time for a Christmas Eve toast! Dom Perignon anyone?

Olivia opening her first "little blue box" from mommy and daddy-we got her a silver baby spoon

"come here Carter, I'd like to steal your paci"

Olivia got her first coach purse from Great Aunt Mary

Grandma and Grandpa Wagner sneaking in a hold before she starts crying for mommy

Olivia sitting up playing with all her new toys!

Happy new year!

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-23T08:27:00.003-06:00

The presents are all bought and wrapped, the food is made, and our bags are packed. We are leaving in a few hours for my hometown and taking everything but the kitchen sink with us. Good gracious there is soooo much to take when traveling with a baby. Thankfully the drive is only 3 hours and even more thanks to Paul's supervisor who gave him an early Christmas present and gave him today off so he can join me in Danville today!

It doesn't matter what anyone got me for Christmas this year (no offense) I've got everything I have ever wanted right here. My precious baby girl who is celebrating her first Christmas. What else could I possibly want? My heart is so full I could cry.

And because I was too lazy to upload our actual Christmas card...Here is the picture we ended up using. Cell phone quality but when you are taking a picture of this sweet face it doesn't matter if it is a Polaroid.
Merry Christmas or whatever it is you celebrate from our hearts to yours!

Christmas Traditions

2011-12-15T12:53:00.003-06:00

Oh What Fun It Is To...Make Memories!!!!

Today I'm linking up with the hilarious and ever so fun to read AP with I love you more than carrots blog to talk about family Christmas traditions and memories.

Since our little family has grown this year from A+P to A+P+O I am excited to celebrate this Christmas with our sweetie. Even though she's 5 months old and doesn't have a clue what Christmas is about (and sadly probably won't next year either) I want to start traditions in our family.

One thing about a kid when growing up is we ALWAYS woke up Christmas morning in our own beds. This is absolutely a tradition we will start-most likely after this year. (family, you've been warned) :P I'm with everyone else that agrees that people travel to the kids at the holidays.

Here's a look in to what our Christmas Eve and Christmas Day looks like when we are with my family:

Christmas Eve is actually busier than Christmas day. This year we will spend Christmas Eve morning with my step father having breakfast at his house and opening gifts with my siblings. Around lunch time we'll meet my entire dad's side of the family at the K of C's in town and have lunch, see other families from church, partake in the pull tab games with booze giveaways, drink beverages designed for those over 21 years old, go back to Dad's change in to proper church attire and head to mass. The times of Christmas Eve mass have changed throughout the years. We used to go to midnight mass but the past few years we've gone earlier. We've also been known to drink a little too much and sing too loud or recite the 'our father' a little too loud at church. Don't judge. :) We usually have appetizers and cocktails and open gifts Christmas Eve night. But we've also been known to eat filet mignon and cocktail shrimp so who knows.

One thing is for sure on Christmas Eve--we eat too much, drink too much, and always go to church and open gifts. The rest is subject to a little change depending on the year. With 2 little ones (Olivia and her cousin Carter) we'll likely go to earlier church so the babies can be put to bed. Since I was pregnant last year at Christmas and the lovely morning sickness was in full swing I'm looking forward to a cocktail or two or three this year.

Christmas day we open more gifts in the morning (this is when Paul and I open gifts from each other) have breakfast and sit around in our pj's and drink coffee. My dad's sister (Hi Aunt Mary) always hosts Christmas day with my dad's large AND LOUD AND FUN family. Everyone brings a dish and a cooler filled with booze and we sit around and eat drink and be merry. A fun thing we added a couple of years ago was to bring a gift anyone can enjoy and we do a grab bag gift exchange-the kind where you can steal the other persons gift. There may or may not be screaming and hollering going on for about an hour while this takes place because gosh darn it who stole the Crown Royal from my husband? We have so much fun with this!

I look forward to making our own family traditions with Paul and our child(ren) in the future but this year we'll stick with what we know and love.

Now I just need to figure out what to buy a 5 month old for Christmas. Any ideas?

5 months!

2011-12-11T21:05:00.007-06:00

Dear Olivia,

How are we already here again? I just wrote your 4 month letter (last month) but seems like yesterday. You have quite the personality and it has REALLY shown through this month. You are so sweet and observant most times but when you are mad, girlfriend, you are MAD! Things that really make you mad are when we lay you on your changing pad to put your swaddle on for naps or bed time. You erupt into yells and cries like no other. You hate having it put on but you will NOT sleep without it. Once we give you the paci you are fine. Another thing that makes you mad is when I sit down to feed you and have you laying on the boppy in my lap. You get so impatient and start fussing. Sometimes it makes our first few seconds of nursing difficult because you are so worked up. I don't know where you get your temper! :)
Things that really make you happy and content are your rainforest jumperoo, your play mat, watching Chloe, being put in the car seat to go anywhere, the car, music and being sang to are a few that come to mind. You love to have your belly and chubby thighs tickled. You have quite possibly the cutest sounding laugh I've ever heard.
You are officially sleeping in your bed for naps and bed time. Hooray! Mamma is so proud of you. We've been on what I like to call "Operation Olivia" around here for awhile. First we transitioned you from the swing to your crib for naps, then from the rock and play sleeper to the crib for bed time and right now we are working on taking away the swaddle. You want no part of that! I bought you a sleep sack and you wore it for a couple days for naps and decided you didn't like it because your arms are free. I don't know what we are going to do with you! I told your Dad it's not like you are going to go off to college in your swaddle but for peace of mind we need to get you out of it. You still aren't rolling over (you did twice on 11/16 but not since then) but you will start very soon and swaddling and rolling don't mix well.
We have started you on rice cereal as of a couple days ago. You seem to really like it and you take the spoon so well. Mommy has decided to make all your baby food when you start eating fruits and veggies next month.
You went to see Santa Claus for the first time last week with Mommy and Daddy. You were so curious about him and pulled at his white beard. You were SO cute sitting on his lap and kept tilting your head up to him. You weren't too sure what to think but you never cried. I love your look of wonder on your face when you aren't sure about something. I think you'll be a cautious, thinker of a child.
You are looking more and more like Mommy every day. I look in to your eyes and wonder what your future holds. It's so neat to see a part of myself looking back at me every time I look at you. And you know what else baby girl? You look a lot like your Uncle Adam when you smile so big with those beautiful eyes of yours. Mommy has a few pictures of you smiling so big and I can't help but see your uncle in you. God truly works in wonderful ways.
Eat: still nursing every 3ish hours. Rice cereal in the evening.

Play: as mentioned before your jumperoo is your all time favorite thing right now.

Sleep: still a GREAT sleeper! You are still napping every 90 minutes and the naps vary in time every single day. However, you usually take at least one really good nap per day which can last 3 hours. Other naps last anywhere from 40 minutes to 1.5 hours. In the last couple of weeks you've been staying up later. More so when your last nap of the day goes in to the early evening. But you no longer beg to be put down at 6:30 or 7 if you've napped well. I would say on average your are going to bed closer to 8 now and waking up around 7 am.

Clothes: some 3 month (very few) and mostly 6 month. the other day I put a 6-12 month baby gap outfit on you and it fit! It took forever for you to fit in your 6 month carters sleeper and now I think you'll be out of them in no time. You are getting sooo long!

Diapers: size 2

Happy 5 months baby girl. Your mommy and daddy love you so much and we can't wait to celebrate your first Christmas in a couple of weeks.

Love,
Mommy

Christmas Picture Outtakes

2011-12-04T08:35:00.011-06:00

I tried dressing Olivia up the other night to possibly get a cute picture for our Christmas card. An hour and a half later, I threw in the towel and said forget it! She wanted nothing to do with me taking her picture. See for yourself.

(narrated by the little princess)

I've only got 3 strands of long hair on my head and she uses this bow?

How's this view sukkkkkkaaaaa?

Not gonna do it, not gonna open my eyes!

Mmmm this dress tastes good. Are we done yet? You said to open my eyes. Good nuff?

But mom, I want to suck on my toes. I don't care about your Christmas card. Now please excuse me while I work on a poop.

Ugh, now you put this hood on me and expect me to look at you?

How's my side profile? Is there anything we can do about my double chin?

Ya, Ya-it's the holidays, everyone over eats.

Sumo Baby photo contest?

Just so you all know I didn't use any photos from our "photo shoot". She ended up being ALL smiles the next day and I snapped a few pictures with my CELL PHONE camera. Yep, our Christmas card photo is a cell phone picture. The quality of the picture may not be the greatest but the picture itself is priceless! Can't wait to show you all!

Early Christmas

2011-11-29T21:30:00.001-06:00

Grandma and Grandpa Santa came a little early to our house this year. We won't be seeing Paul's family at Christmas so we celebrated while they were here for Thanksgiving.

Even though Olivia will never remember I wanted to pretend like it was Christmas so we could all feel a little more festive. She slept in her Christmas pj's the night before. I had Christmas tunes playing while we opened gifts. "Santa" even filled mommy and daddy's stockings. I made sure the tree was up even though I had ZERO energy or desire to do it. I wanted it to feel like Christmas as much as possible rather than just some random November day.
NaNa Lindy got into the spirit with her pretty red sweater. Olivia's Christmas pj's were in the wash by this point because of a minor "incident" that us girls don't talk about. :) Perfect reason to put on this super cute Christmas outfit huh? See all those gifts behind O under the tree? Ya, those are for her. Spoiled much?
NaNa and Pop Pop Lindy getting a picture with their first grand baby on her first Christmas.
I'd say Olivia scored some pretty cool loot. We were most excited about the mobile for her crib. I'd been meaning to get one for a few weeks and kept forgetting. It's a big hit in our house right now. Olivia is napping in her crib! We just started that Sunday and it's working out really well. So far no 3 hour naps like she would take in her swing but we are getting there. I'm 100% convinced the mobile is the reason she'll sleep in her crib.
Paul and I got some pretty fun gifts from his parents as well. Iphone 4s for both of us and some accessories. I got a gift card to get my Tory Burch Reva flats that I've been wanting forever also. I can't wait to take advantage of my personal assistant that comes with the Iphone. I've heard hysterical stories about her!!!

Thanksgiving

2011-11-27T13:53:00.007-06:00

Happy Thanksgiving from our little butterball! We had a great holiday and hope you did too. Paul and I hosted this year and it was our first year doing so. I made the turkey, green bean casserole, broccoli blue cheese casserole, and had a cranberry sauce/jelly. Paul's mom made oyster dressing and mashed potatoes and his dad did the gravy. My step dad, Chuck, brought beef house rolls and wine. Mary (my friend and O's nanny) made apple and pumpkin pies and brownies. We had a delicious spread!! We celebrated on Wednesday because my hubby had to work on Thanksgiving day. Darn airplanes!
Grandpa Chuck couldn't wait to get his hands on Olivia. She was so content sitting on his lap watching all of us in the kitchen.
Uncle Phil has a new girlfriend Rachel and she is from the chicago burbs. They were in town celebrating with her family and stopped by for a bit. It was so good to meet her. We all really like her and are crossing our fingers she is the one! Paul and I would love it because with her being from here we'd see more of Phil when they come in town from DC. (but that's not the only reason we like her) haha
Uncle Phil loves his niece! Funny story...Olivia was getting a little over stimulated that day while all the craziness was going on. I was busy in the kitchen and everyone was handing her off all day. She wasn't napping as well as she usually does in a quiet house etc. She was a getting a little fussy as the day went on. When Phil got there it was as if he was the baby whisperer. She immediately calmed down and sat with him so calmly and content. He's so good with her!
My in laws! It was so good having them here. We were sad to see them go and I know Olivia was. We wish they lived closer!!!
Chuck was showing Paul how to carve the turkey. I must admit, the turkey came out delicious. I've never been a huge turkey lover mainly because I don't think I've ever had a good turkey but this was probably my favorite. And not just because I made it. I used a brine from Williams Sonoma and followed the Pioneer Woman's recipe to a T and it was SOOO good. Everyone loved it. I have to say I think everyone here doubted my abilities because I had never done a turkey but they raved about it.
The masterpiece! We had such a fun day. Once all the out of towners left yesterday and I was sitting here in a quiet house it was kind of sad and depressing. I've said it 1,000 times but we really hate living here with no family to run to at the drop of a hat.

I must also admit...For the first time in over 13 months I enjoyed myself and really let loose with the wine. Since I've had Olivia I have never had more than 1-2 glasses of wine at a sitting and that was only if I wasn't feeding her any time soon. I decided to pump and dump and let everyone else feed her bottles from frozen milk we had saved. It was the best decision ever. I got a much needed break and I know everyone else really enjoyed being able to have a hand in feeding her and really taking care of her. Towards the end of the day I did feel a little guilty that I hadn't fed her all day-it was a weird feeling but we got right back on track the next morning. A little break every once in awhile is good for everyone I think. :) Oh, and I'm a light weight!

When "giving" really pisses you off!

2011-11-21T15:20:00.003-06:00

Okay so in light of Thanksgiving and "giving" and all things warm and fuzzy I have a story for you that probably won't make you feel all too fuzzy by the time I'm done. Warm with anger, maybe but fuzzy? Probably not.

Here's the deal. My husband is one of the nicest people I know. Close running for nicest person I know next to my late grandpa Walker. He was a pretty nice giving man and darnit almost all his siblings are too. Some of the nicest people you'll ever meet those Walkers are. But that's not the point of this story.

A few weeks ago I checked our bank account online like I do every day. I noticed there was an ATM withdrawal at a non "our bank" atm. My husband knows I hate non bank atm fees like the other person and after complaining to him in the past he only takes money out from another atm other than our bank when it's an emergency. I mean, who enjoys throwing $5 out the window in fees to get YOUR OWN MONEY out? Not me.

So, I asked him very calmly "Honey, did you take money out of a non bank ATM?" Silence. Baby sleeping so figured that was why. Next thing I hear is him walking upstairs. There was a story. I couldn't wait for this. He tells me he helped a guy. "This guy needed money for gas. But he promised us a Gibson's gift card. He works there. He seemed legit. I needed to help him." I wanted to get pissed. "You helped WHO? You did What?" The story seemed so crazy but then he slowed down and told me the whole thing. The short of it? Paul was on break at work. He went to McDonald's for lunch. In the drive thru this guy walked up to him and asked him if he could help him. He'd run out of gas. He didn't have his credit card on him. Blah blah. I'm rolling my eyes of course. But trying to find the good in what Paul did so I'm hearing him out. I'm asking 100 questions. He said the guy seemed normal. Paul was in a sketchy neighborhood with very little english speaking going on so this guy needed his help as he'd told Paul "nobody speaks english around here."

Paul didn't have any cash on him (we rarely ever have cash on us). He reached for change in his console of the car and realized this guy wasn't going to get a tank of gas on silver coins. They talked football for a minute (Paul had his Vikings lanyard on from work) and the guy seemed like he was genuine. Paul told him he'd run to the bank ATM to get him some money and he'd be right back. (this is where I think Paul is the nicest man alive) HE DROVE TO AN ATM FOR A STRANGER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

He came back with $20 for this guy so he could get some gas to get home. It cost us $25 to help this guy by the time we paid bank fees.

The stranger told Paul he bartended at Gibsons Steakhouse (a favorite of ours) and he'd call him tomorrow with an address to send a Gibson's gift card for his help. Paul said that wasn't necessary and if he just wanted to mail us back the money that would be fine. The guy called Paul so they had each other's numbers. Everything seemed on the up and up.

And I think you know how the rest turned out.

The guy never called, never made good on his word and is a TOTAL DOUCHEBAG in my eyes. Paul text the guy a week or so later (after I bugged him 100 times to do it) and told him he was disappointed he didn't make good on his word. No response.

Paul told me the main reason he helped this guy is because he never wanted me and Olivia to be stranded somewhere and have nobody help us. He felt like there are still good people left in this world and he wanted to be one of them. Help a stranger. Go back to the old days when people acknowledged strangers and helped each other out. Instead of being so 2011.

Did we think the guy would make good on his word and actually pay us back? No. But it certainly would have made us feel better. Instead I know Paul regrets helping the guy and going so far out of his way to do so.

I know one thing is for certain, if the roles were reversed and Paul had to beg a stranger for gas he certainly would have paid the guy back.

Helping people should make you feel good. And it usually does but when you are lied to and made to look like a fool it really pisses you off. So to the Dbag who took $25 from us, we hope you truly needed it for gas and didn't end up shooting it in your veins or snorting it up your nose. Karma is a bitch man.

Our Full Day

2011-11-17T08:16:00.004-06:00

Yesterday was one of those days where I was on the go full speed ahead all day long. I felt like I was going 100 miles an hour until I finally sat down at 7:30 last night.

I got up at 6:30 am, got O fed and changed, did our normal morning routine, left for work, busy all day at work, raced home to feed her for her evening feeding, went to the grocery store, came home and made dinner, gave her a bath, fed and rocked her then put her down to bed. Crazy busy day!

I think it was the going to the grocery store AND making dinner in the evening part that really got me. At one point when I was making dinner I looked at Paul who was playing with Olivia and sighed and told him how tired I was.

We've been surviving on peanut butter and jelly and grilled cheese and take out and anything that is quick for dinner for far too long. I've been so bad about planning ahead and making dinner. We spend FAR too much money on take out (thank you mint.com)

I decided to make cavatini. We haven't had it in a long time and it's actually the first meal I ever made for Paul when we were dating. It is a childhood favorite of mine and oh so good. What is cavatini you ask? Well it looks like this after it's all prepared and ready for the oven:
& as you can see those ingredients is all you'll need. (oh and a package of italian sausage but the wrapper was already in the trash) Double (turkey) pepperoni on Paul's half and mushroom on my half. Don't tell Paul it was turkey pepperoni. :)

When I was done making it I looked over and saw this:
Both Paul and Olivia asleep. It was about 5:30 pm. I took advantage of the quiet house and got things ready for her bed time routine.

The nap was short lived for both of them. While I was putting her down to bed Paul was preheating the oven and cooking the cavatini. By the time I came downstairs the dinner was just about done and we finally ate. We usually don't eat until after she's in bed but it was nice to have a home cooked meal this time!

Must do more of that!

Happy Thursday blogland!

4 Months!

2011-11-15T09:41:00.009-06:00

Dearest Olivia,

You were 4 months on 11/11/11!! Such a fun day to have a 4 month birthday. Mommy and Daddy took you to your 4 month appointment today. You were so happy and even showing off for the doctor. We told her you were not rolling over yet and when she placed you on your belly you darn near rolled over for her as if you've been doing it for weeks. She looked at us funny as if to say "are you sure she's not rolling over?" It's going to happen soon.

You love to "sing" and do it quite often. I've taken several videos of you and I need to upload them. It's the most precious thing. Once you start you usually carry on for quite awhile. You also make a noise that is much like a yell but is very soothing and mono tone. You make this noise when you are tired or when you first wake up in the morning or from a nap. Nana Lindy said your daddy used to make the same exact noises and that was always their cue to put him to bed. We love your sweet voice!
Poor baby, you were so upset after your shots but I don't blame you. Mommy doesn't like shots either!
You have become quite the happy baby and never fuss unless you are tired or hungry. And when you are, lord help us all. It's tough when we get you away from your routine because you still do the eat play sleep and nap every 90 minutes. I get a little stressed when you aren't able to nap but do my best to just keep you at home so you can always keep your routine. It's rare that I interrupt that and with having your nanny Mary come take care of you there are many consecutive days you don't even leave the house.
We talked to the doctor today about when you will start forming a new routine of a morning nap and afternoon nap. She thinks you'll start staying awake for longer stretches soon but told us if you want to sleep to not rock the boat. She was very impressed with how much you love to sleep and was especially happy to hear you sleep from 7 pm to 7 am very consistently! We also talked to her about swaddling you and she said to start weaning you from the swaddle now. As I type this you are taking a nap without your swaddle and doing just fine. I have a feeling it will be an easy transition as you've been a pretty go with the flow baby with most stuff. We are all concerned with swaddling and your soon to be rolling and she said absolutely no swaddle if you are rolling (soon).
We are also going to work harder on getting you to sleep in your crib. Again, the doctor wasn't concerned with this when we told her you were sleeping in your rock and play sleeper at night. She seemed concerned at first because she thought you were sleeping with us and we quickly told her no! You never have. We are going to try more naps in your crib to get you acquainted. You've slept in your crib but you don't sleep as well as you do in the rock and play so that is why we always go back to that.
You love to play with your sophie giraffe chew toy. And I agree with just about everyone on this...it's an overpriced dog toy! Why do the babies love this so much? I know Chloe is DYING to get her paws on it. She was literally climbing on my lap yesterday trying to steal it from us. We've gotten most of your toys out to play with and it keeps you pretty entertained. You love all the colors and patterns and study things so intently. I love to watch your sweet face make new discoveries. You are so serious looking most of the time and when you are really puzzled about something you have the biggest scowl with your forehead and it makes a large dimple.
You are still exclusively breast fed. I plan to do it as long as I can but my goal is 6 months. You eat about every 3 hours sometimes more, sometimes less. When you take a bottle while I'm at work, you eat about 4.5-5 oz of breast milk. The doctor told us we can start introducing rice cereal to you so we may start that soon. You seem to be interested in some foods if we are eating while holding you. We aren't in a huge hurry to give you cereal but may in the next couple of weeks.

4 Month Stats:

15 lbs 6.5 oz - 75 percentile

25 inches - 75 percentile

head was also 75 percentile

wearing 3-6 months clothes and some 0-3

size 2 diaper

I know I say this every month sweet baby but you are the light of our lives. I tell you every day how much you are loved. I can't imagine my life without you in it and look forward to all the new milestones you will be reaching in this next month. I love to watch you grow and learn and develop into a sweet baby but please slow down a little. These 4 months have gone so fast.

I love you with all my heart,

Mommy

Another one?

2011-11-14T14:44:00.002-06:00

Here's another random post for you today, okay?

-I've been sick for a week. Last sunday I woke up not feeling well, went to work, stayed home from work, went back to work, and then spent thurs/friday home from work and in bed most of the weekend. My OB called in an Rx for me friday because I'm sure they felt so sorry just listening to me on the phone. I've been on a zpac for 4 days and finally starting to feel a little better. I get sick every November without fail. And am healthy the rest of the year (knock on wood)

-Paul and I are going on a date tonight. I realize it's Monday and most people go on dates on the weekend but it's his Friday with work so we are going out!!! He's taking me to Wildfire. I really wish I could smell and taste more than I can so I can actually enjoy the food to the fullest but I will still enjoy one on one time with my main man and enjoy eating WITH him rather than in shifts. & to not have to scarf my food down? Heavenly.

-I am overdue on Olivia's 4 month post. She turned 4 months on 11/11/11 but with me being sick I haven't felt like it. Her 4 month doctor appointment is tomorrow so I figured I'd wait so I can have her stats and whatnot. I did get her 4 month pictures ON her day though. No worries.

-A 10 year old committed suicide in a town close to my hometown on Friday. TEN YEARS OLD. She was bullied at school. Poor girl...my heart aches for her and her family. No child should ever feel like the only way out is killing themselves. Something has to be done about bullying. It's been around forever but it's getting worse. What is going to make kids be nice to one another?

-My job is crazy. I am currently dealing with a client who breached security at a local business and was pinned in by the security vehicles. She decided the best option at that point was to ram the vehicle to get through. She's being less than pleasant in dealing with our adjuster and I had to call her today. I was not prepared for that level of crazy when I called her. I called the adjuster afterwards and found out even more. Holy moses! She's NUTS! But guess what ? In true fashion this somehow was my problem because I was not doing my job! haha!

-My inlaws are coming for Thanksgiving now and I'm excited to be making my first turkey for a houseful! I've looked up my recipe for cooking the turkey from none other than the PW (if you don't know who PW is you aren't cool) :) She won't steer me wrong. I got my brine at Williams Sonoma (her rec) and a cranberry relish at Williams Sonoma too. I'm excited. If it sucks we'll order a pizza. Or go out. Every restaurant is open on Thanksgiving now. Crazy.

That's it for today. I'll be back tomorrow with pics of the star of the blog and her stats etc. I know you are all dying to know how much she weighs. Question...Why do we all care about how much our baby weighs? You stop talking about how much your kid weighs at some point right? haha. Lord knows I wouldn't want my mom posting my weight when I'm 15. Something to think about...

Wordless Wednesday

2011-11-09T08:06:00.004-06:00

just some stuff

2011-11-04T08:30:00.002-05:00

Since I can't seem to muster up a worthy post anymore why not a few bullet points of things going on in the L household?

-I've been a terrible blogger for, oh, like a long time. I haven't been reading and commenting like I would like so please don't take it personal. I am trying to keep up but if you get a comment on your blog from 10 days ago you'll know why.

-Olivia goes to bed between 7 and 8 every night and sleeps until 7 or 8 the next day. This has been pretty regular now for a couple of weeks. We are loving it but especially love the nights (last night) when there are no pacifier insert interruptions. Good news is when that happens all it requires is a short walk from our room to hers, put the pacifier back in, and walk away.

-I usually pump before we go to bed and have been doing this for a LONG time. She gave up that late evening feed long ago but in order to build my freezer stash I have always pumped that "feeding". It's been a pain because there are so many nights I (we) don't want to stay up until 11 to pump. Last night we said eff it and went to bed at 9pm! 9 PM PEOPLE! Can I tell you how wonderful it was to sleep from 9 until 7 this morning. Absolutely glorious. I may have been a little engorged but it was soooo worth it!

-I need to make a Christmas list. My side of the family doesn't mess around and wants to know what you want like yesterday. Is it sad that I don't even know one thing to put on my list? Well I know of a couple things but nobody is going to buy a house for us or give us $$$$ so we can SELL our house.

-Yes I said give us money so we can sell our house. This market BLOWS. We, like most people, owe more than our house is worth and cannot sell it. We want to move badly and give Olivia a big yard and a swing set and some ponies (HA!) but we can't. And it SUCKS.

-We've looked at a couple homes lately and were ready to start this moving process but after a long talk last night we've decided to table it until after the holidays. We'll put our big girl and boy panties back on then and decide what we're going to do.

-I hate my job. There, I said it. On the internet. I do. I need to get motivated or get looking for a new one. I've been in the same job for TEN years (gosh that makes me feel old). I used to love going to work every day but I can barely muster up the energy to go let alone stay there. Right now the only reason I stay is because of the flexibility (and money). I think I'll be taking a long hard look at this in 2012.

-Jeez 2012 is already shaping up to be a big decision year for us.

-Do any of you parents have a mobile on your child's crib? Do you use it? We don't have one but am wondering if I should buy one. Olivia doesn't sleep in her crib (we are working on that) but I wonder if she had a mobile to look at if she'd grow to like her crib? She's still napping in her swing and sleeping at night in her rock and play sleeper. She's going to be 4 months very soon and we need to break this before it gets too late. Any advice?

-Speaking of my darling daughter. She's been napping for 20 minutes in her swing and is awake making the most obnoxious squealing noises. I love hearing new noises come from her. I wonder what's getting her so excited??

-Another mom question...When does the eat play sleep start to fade? The sleeping every 90 minutes I know doesn't last forever. At some point she'll start taking a long morning nap and an afternoon nap and that's it right? When? Based on her "nap" she just took I'd say she's going to start phasing out some of her naps soon?

Okay, I think I'm done with my all over the place post.

Enjoy your weekend blogland!!!

Shutterfly

2011-11-02T14:00:00.002-05:00

We love Shutterfly in our house. We get our Christmas cards from them every year. In fact, last year's card was my all time favorite. Sure, because one of the pictures was an ultra sound picture of our sweet Olivia and we were not only wishing everyone a Merry Christmas, we were also announcing our pregnancy. Last year's card will always be a very special one!

Our card this year will most likely be a picture of sweet Olivia dressed in festive holiday clothes. I have visions going in my head already.

What I love about shutterfly is the fact that it's a one stop shop. Of course for the Christmas cards www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationary/christmas-cards

and just their general greeting cards www.shutterfly.com/greetings We used Shutterfly for Olivia's birth announcements also which turned out fabulous!!

And you don't know what to get that person that has everything? How about a photo calendar for 2012? www.shutterfly.com/calendars

You can't go wrong. We've never been disappointed with our Shutterfly cards and I'm not always the easiest person to please. :)

I've got my 2011 Christmas card all picked out. Of course I will show you all after they go out. Funny thing...our 2010 Christmas card was the most popular card in blog land. It was crazy to me how many times I saw our card over and over. What's even crazier is my bff and I picked the same card and didn't even know it. I guess we all have really good taste. :)

Go check them out, you won't be disappointed.

1st Halloween

2011-10-31T11:42:00.006-05:00

Happy Halloween!!! There isn't a whole lot of celebrating going on here today. Minnie Mouse is a little under the weather with her first cold. We're keeping it pretty low key but we had to get her dressed in her costume.

We also didn't get around to carving her pumpkin but that's okay, I decorated it. That counts right? Poor girl didn't get to carve her pumpkin or go trick or treating on her first Halloween?? She's so deprived. And she'll never know any different. :)
She might have a cold but she's looking awful cute in her Minnie costume if I do say so myself.
Chloe sneaking in some licks. I put the caption "Minnie and her Moose" on facebook for this picture. haha. Chloe is a moose for sure!
We were going to trick or treat with our friends and their kids (and another Minnie Mouse) but since she's not feeling well we are keeping her home. In all honesty an almost 4 month old doesn't trick or treat anyway. I just wanted to do it for the pictures but I got my pictures. :P

Happy Halloween my friends!

Who?

2011-10-26T18:50:00.009-05:00

Who does Olivia look like? That is what people constantly ask us. When she was a newborn people said without a doubt she looked just like her daddy. As she's gotten a little older people are now saying she looks just like me. And lately? I've heard she looks like my brother Andy, my brother Patrick and my late brother Adam. I understand she has very little hair by why does she have to look like all the brothers? :)

We got Olivia's 3 month pictures taken last friday. Here she is in all her 3 month glory. Who would you say she looks like?

Olivia 3 months

Mommy at 3 months old

This picture cracks me up of her. I have to say, as soon as I saw it I thought she looked like my brother Adam. When he was a baby he smiled so big that you couldn't even see his eyes. I knew I had to have this picture of her because it was so special to me. She will never know her Uncle Adam but if she ended up looking like him that would be pretty cool.

I realize the next picture is sideways. I tried and tried and tried again to get it to upload straight and it would not work. Weird thing is, it was scanned in correctly and the file is even saved correctly and is not sideways but it still uploaded to blogger like this. I wanted you all to see the picture of Me, Andy and Adam when we were little. Adam is the youngest in the light blue. Do you see a resemblance of his sweet smiley face with O's picture above?

The above picture is the only other picture I could find of us when we were little. Yes, it looks weird because my dad is torn out of it. My mom tore him out of pictures when they got divorced. Dumb? Yes. But I wanted to show another picture of Adam when he was a baby (and you could see his eyes). I DO see a strong resemblance with he and Olivia. My sister, Mallory, has said from day one she thinks O looks like Adam. I'm starting to agree with her. Does she look like Andy? I think not. My dad's sisters would disagree with me though.

And finally, here is a picture of Paul fresh out of the womb. Her newborn pictures look sooo much like him but I don't have any 3 month pictures of him to compare with.
In summary, I think Olivia and I look a lot alike as she's getting older but I also think she looks like Adam. Do you agree? Disagree?

Best Friends

2011-10-19T14:21:00.002-05:00

Paul took this picture of Olivia and Chloe yesterday morning while I had the luxury of going back to bed after the early morning feed. When I got up Paul said he got some really good pictures of our two babies. When he showed me this one I about died at the cuteness. I love Olivia's expression-just chillin! Poor Chloe looks so miserable. She's thinking "get this baby that has taken over my life off of me!" I only wish it was taken with our nice camera rather than his crappy cell phone camera.

I've been meaning to post about my transition of going back to work. I can't say it's been too terribly hard but it hasn't been the easiest thing either. My first day back was pretty tough. I cried so hard that morning and maybe a little the day before too. Every time I looked at Olivia my heart hurt so bad and I felt like I was abandoning her. I wondered if she'd be ok with her mama not being around like I have been for the last 3 months. The morning I had to leave for work, Paul didn't work until 2 that day so I got to leave her with him which did help. I'm actually really glad it was him and not our nanny because I would have felt dumb for how hard I cried when I was trying to leave. I did not want to give her to him but once I finally did and walked out the door I was fine. Okay, I wasn't fine until I got my salted carmel latte from Starbucks, I'll admit it. That was my back to work treat. :)

I got tons of updates all day long from Paul and the nanny and then I was home somewhat early that day by around 4:00. I swept her up faster than you could ever imagine the second I walked in the door. Our nanny was talking about this and that and telling me about the last time she ate and pooped and I didn't hear any of it. I just needed to hold my baby girl and talk jibberish to her. The details could wait. haha. She did remember me and gave me the gummiest grin of all time. Nothing melts my heart more than seeing that smile and dimple.

Every day has been exponentially better since. Honestly, the only hard day was the first day. Once I got the "i can do this" in my head and actually did it I was fine.

The most annoying part about going back to work? Pumping. I pump when she eats at home. I made the mistake of pumping when I felt like I needed to one day and I was off her schedule when I got home which resulted in another pumping session which I hated. Sometimes lately she sleeps through a feeding so she'll go 4 hours between feedings and if I'm going by the every 3 hr usual feeding schedule it throws us off.

I have my own office with a (glass) door so I have the privacy. I bought blinds for my office door and I've emailed my co workers and let them know when the door is shut and the blinds are drawn DO NOT enter. So far so good.

I feel like all I do in my very limited spare time in my life is wash bottles and pump parts. I wash pump parts twice during the day at work. I wash bottles when I get home and re wash pump parts at home too (my washing at work is quick). I have to pump every night before I go to bed around 10:30 (her last feeding of the night is around 7:30). So, I either wash pump parts after the 10:30 feeding or first thing in the morning. It's annoying.

I feel like it's ground hogs day at our house every single day. I'm sure this is all normal but this is our life right now!

On Tuesday and Wednesday Paul is off so he gets to stay home with her. On those days if she is up early (which has been the routine so far) I feed her the first feeding around 5 am and then I go back to bed for a bit while Paul stays up with her. That has worked out nice that 2 days a week I can sleep in past 5 or 6. Praise God Paul is a HUGE help and never ever turns down an opportunity to help. He's the best.

We are adjusting to our new schedule as a family. We were used to him being off on weekends but that is no longer. I do dislike my evenings alone without him but that isn't anything new. And thankfully it's only 2 nights a week I'm alone. On those days I leave for work around 9, he leaves for work around 12:30, and he doesn't get home until 10 pm. So we go about 13 hrs without seeing each other. It is what it is but I much prefer his day shifts over night shifts!!!

Olivia's Baptism

2011-10-16T15:48:00.019-05:00

I'm a little behind on blogging this week. I went back to work on Tuesday and have had no time. (a blog post all in itself) We had Olivia baptized last Sunday 10/9 and it was a gorgeous day. We had her baptized in my home town where Paul and I were married. We really like the priest there.

Paul, Olivia and I with her Godparents. Phil (Paul's brother) and Michelle (my bff)
She did sooo good through church. She never made a peep. When the water was poured over her head she didn't mind that either but let out a sigh that was super cute as if to say "whoa, that was cold" However, once church was over, she was ready for a NAP! She was soooo fussy at her party and towards the end of pictures.
She loved to eat her dress. You'll notice it is in her mouth in most of the pictures.
Paul's family otherwise known to me as the in-loves. Missing his sister Stacey and her husband Sam who could not make the trip.
My family (part 1). My step dad, youngest brother Patrick and sister Mallory
My family (part 2) My dad, step mom, sister Megan and her hubby Chris, brother Caleb and his wife Maria and my sweet nephew Carter
Cute picture of Paul's parents and Olivia!!!
The Godmother Michelle. Such an adoooorable picture! I love! Just wish O wasn't crying.
The cake of course. We had lunch brought in for everyone and had the "after party" at the church banquet room. Lee's famous recipe chicken, biscuits, green beans, cole slaw and beverages. Comfort food for sure!
Eating her dress. My sister bought her that cute bracelet. It had a silver charm with a cross on it along with another charm with an "O" and "2011" on it. Super cute. My step mom got her a silver necklace with a cross on it but you can't see it in this pic. Also adorable as ever.
Does this pic not melt your heart? Look at the way she is looking at her Uncle Phil (and Godfather). Ahhh, so cute!
My sister trying to calm Olivia down and my Aunt Martha in the background. We changed her out of her hot dress so she could be comfortable.
Patrick loving on his niece. He's so good with babies. He loves kids!!!
We rarely catch O's smile on camera. She's got the cutest, gummiest smile of all time and whenever we get the camera out she stops smiling. Megan caught this sweet smile. And Megan also got her that lamb. It says "God Bless Olivia"
Mommy and Olivia. Not too sure what we are looking at but something was intriguing us both.
There's a little bit of a smile!!! She looks like a little Amish baby with that hat on :)
And another sweet smile. We are getting better but still not her full blown smile. She's got one dimple on the left cheek just like her mama.
We had a great day and weekend in Danville. The weather was gorgeous!!! We were so thankful to have most of the family there. Paul's brother Phil flew in from DC and his parents drove in from VA. Long haul for them and we were so happy to have them there. Someday Olivia will look at these pictures and know how much she was loved.

God Bless Our Baby Girl!

Wordless Wednesday-Cousins

2011-10-12T14:00:00.002-05:00

3 Months

2011-10-11T07:23:00.011-05:00

Dear Olivia,

Today you are 3 months old. Today mommy also started back at work. After being away from the office for nearly 6 months (bed rest/maternity leave) today was a VERY hard day for me. You got up this morning at 6:30 and we started the day off right with your 3 month photo shoot. I think next time I'll wait until you are a little more awake because you look very tired in these photos. :)

We've had a busy month. We got you baptized last weekend in Danville (more on that later). It was a very special weekend and you looked absolutely beautiful on your dress. It brought a tear to my eye to see you so dressed up and truly you looked like an angel.

You are definitely growing quite the personality. You are interacting more and more and talking to us and cooing like crazy. You have the sweetest voice and we love your coo's when you make an "O" with your lips and make the sounds of "oooh oooh". That is your daddy and I's favorite.

You are starting to grab at things especially your "Lu Lu" hanging from your play gym. You also grab at my shirt while I'm feeding you. It's as if you are grabbing and holding on for dear life. It's so cute. You LOVE to suck on your fingers and fists. Your hands are in your mouth more than they are not--proof in the pictures. We've also put you in the bumbo a few times. You have amazing neck and head control and have for quite awhile.
Eat: You sill eat about every 3 hours and on occasion you are hungry and I will feed you sooner. I have no idea how much exactly you take at each feeding but now that I'm pumping more and you are being fed while I'm at work we'll know for sure. My guess is about 4-5 ounces.
Play: You are becoming more and more fond of tummy time since you are able to lift your head pretty well. When we lay you flat on your play gym you don't last as long as you do if we do tummy time with the boppy. You love tummy time with the boppy and LOVE watching mommy get ready while laying like this. You are so nosy! :) You still love your walks in the stroller and bath time. I didn't worry about you getting water dumped on your head at your baptism because you are used to it. And of course, you didn't mind it at all.
Sleep: Well this has been challenging for us lately my dear. You were soooo good with your sleep at night for so long and for the last week you've been a little stinker with your night time sleep. The night before your daddy's birthday (Oct 6th) you were up every 2 hours or less. We were beyond exhausted. You didn't get up this much as a newborn!!! The next night you were up every 3 hours and then every 4 hours the next night. The past 2 nights you've been up at around 1 am to eat then you wake up at 4:30 and only need the pacifier and rocked back to sleep. You will sleep for a few more hours after the 4:30 pacifier insertion. Please go back to your old ways of sleeping through the night. Please?!!! With mommy being back at work, I would love a full night sleep. Maybe you are going through a growth spurt? Your daytime sleep is great as long as we can keep you on your eat, play, sleep schedule and put you down about every 90 minutes. You still sleep in your swing for your naps and must be swaddled any time we put you down to sleep. The swaddle, pacifier, and white noise are musts for you!

this picture cracks me up :)

You are still wearing size 1 diapers but I can see us getting in to the size 2's when this big box is done. You are getting so chunky the size 1's are getting tight. You are wearing 0-3 months clothes still but some of your 3-6 months clothes fit. My guess is that you weigh about 14 lbs.

You are the absolute most precious baby I've every laid eyes on. Every day you do something that makes my heart melt. A new sound you make, a loud burp, or a certain way you look at me...it doesn't matter what it is...you have a way of making me love you more and more with every waking second.

I could eat your chubby cheeks and chubby thighs all day long. I love you baby girl and being back at the work is so hard but is a must so we can provide you with the best life has to offer.

Love you to the moon!

Mommy

Happy Birthday Daddy!

2011-10-06T11:59:00.005-05:00

Today Paul turns 32!!! Gosh, that seems so old (sorry hun). I'm only a year behind but still we are getting closer to mid 30's and that is OLD!
Olivia decided that she would pull a stunt for her Daddy's birthday. What's that you ask? She got up every 2 hours (or less) last night because she was so excited for her daddy's big day. She wanted to be the first to wish him a happy birthday last night so she got up at 11:45.
And then again at 2.
And then again at 4:15. Poor daddy had to get up for work at 4:20 so we came in and jumped on his chest and coo'ed and in baby language said "Happy birthday daddy!" She was happy as can be all night. Waking up each time with the most pleasant disposition. (i can't say mine was as pleasant but as soon as I saw her sweet face I couldn't help but smile)
Someone thinks it was so fun to get up so much last night. She has never done this. Not even in the first few days home from the hospital. Never!

I fed her at the 4:15 waking and then put her back down in her crib (she's been sleeping in the rock and play sleeper in her room) thinking that maybe she was just trying to tell us she's over the R&P sleeper. She slept soundly until 5:15 and was back up. I decided enough was enough so we got up for the day and came downstairs.

This mama is tired and I'm sure the birthday boy is too. He slept through most of her wakings but I'm sure was still aware I kept getting up and his sleep was interrupted. I bet he won't be too tired to go to Capital Grille for dinner tonight though.

Thankfully my friend who came to visit this morning brought me a big coffee so I should be ok. :)

Happy Birthday Babe-we love you more than life itself!!!!

Wordless Wednesday

2011-10-05T15:46:00.002-05:00

Pumpkin Farm

2011-10-03T12:02:00.007-05:00

Sunday afternoon after the football game we took off to a local pumpkin farm to get Olivia her first pumpkin. (and have a photo shoot) We took 158 pictures but who's counting. My friend and Olivia's nanny starting next week when I go back to work went with us so she could take some family photos.

We had no idea this place was so cool. If the grandparents lived closer this would have definitely been a fun thing for them to do with us!! I knew the general idea of where it was but when we got closer I told them to look out for the signs. Mary said "oh you mean the cops up there directing traffic!" Um, ya, they had police directing people in and out because it was that busy. Thing Six Flags type busy. We had no idea...

The place did not disappoint that's for sure. It was free to get in which was awesome but if you wanted to do any of the really cool stuff it cost money. They had petting zoos, pony rides, camel rides, haunted house, corn maze, hay rides, you name it! Tons of Halloween decor, yummy fall food-apple pies, apple cider, carmel apples (yum!).
I saw this "how tall in the fall" sign and had to get O's picture by it. We can go every year and it will be cute to look back on all her trips to Goebbert's Farm.
Ya, that outfit? I die! When I saw it, I knew we had to have it!!! She looked pretty cute if I do say so myself.
Yes, we had hat and bow changes. Had to make sure she used all her fall gear in the pics. And I wasn't sure which hat/bow combination would be the cutest with the outfit. haha!
Our first fall family picture. Poor Olivia's right eye is a little hidden but she's still cute.

We had a great day. We look forward to making that a family tradition in year's to come.

11 weeks

2011-09-26T16:23:00.010-05:00

Olivia sat in her bumbo for the first time today. I know they say wait until they are 3 months old but she's close enough. She's always had great head control and I thought it was time. She loved it. I think mostly because she's so nosy and she loved sitting up and looking around.
I love the expression on her face in this picture. My little girl is getting so big.

I had Paul take a couple pictures of us before we went to our friend's house on Saturday. I have very few pictures with her and I need to change that. I'm always the one behind the camera. While I don't love the way I look right now I do want photos with my precious girl.
Mommy and daughter :) Oh, maybe I forgot to tell you I chopped all my hair off a few weeks ago?
Poor thing has to deal with a mamaratzi constantly taking her pictures. I don't even know how many photos I've uploaded to Iphoto but it's an insane amount. I just started playing with the editing on iphoto yesterday. I'm not sure why it's taken me this long to realize that some photos look better with a little sprucing up.
My dad and step mom came to town last Thursday. They just came for the day to see miss O (and us). I ran some errands while they stayed her with her and then we all went to lunch. Paul got home from work just before they left so he got to enjoy my leftovers from lunch and visit with them for a bit. O loves seeing her grandparents. My step mom spoils her rotten. She doesn't know it yet but Grandma and Grandpa always comes with super cute outfits and I'm sure that will turn in to toys some day. We are going to need a bigger house!
We've had a running joke for awhile that my dad was going to make Olivia run sprints and have basketball practice when he got here. So, I had her dressed in her "basketball gear" ready and waiting for him. We got these cute converse all stars as a gift before she was born and they are the cutest! My dad used to have me outside practicing basketball for hours when i was younger and he is always joking if he hears Olivia fussy on the phone that she better watch out because grandpa is going to make her run sprints. Mommy would love it if O followed in her footsteps and played basketball!
She smiles so big for us all the time. The second you bring out the camera or video camera she stops. This is about the closest thing I've got to catching her smile. I can't wait until I get a really good gummy smile out of her. It's so darn cute. She's starting to laugh too. She gets so worked up with smiling and laughing that she chokes herself from inhaling too much air. Ahhh, I just love her. I tell her all the time that I'm going to eat her up. Those cheeks are enough for me! :)

Honesty

2011-09-25T10:16:00.004-05:00

warning: Male readers might want to skip this. (yes dad, that's you!) :)

This post might drum up some controversy but please, this is not meant for a debate. These are my opinions/feelings and I just need to get them out there. Perhaps someone else is feeling this way and can commiserate? Or perhaps someone has felt the same thing before? It's another one of those "they didn't tell me that" posts because darn it I feel like a lot of mom's sugar coat things. I can't be the only crazy one out there feeling this way about...

Breast feeding!

I know it's the best thing for the babe and that's why I do it. But I have to say I do not love it. Sure, I have good times and am grateful for the bonding moments with her but it's not like we wouldn't be bonding if she was being fed a bottle. I'm sorry but for the two mom's in my neighborhood who nearly fell over with excitement when I told them I was nursing Olivia...I don't understand why you had to be so dang excited. I heard the words "I LOVED nursing my babies" "Oh, it's the BEST, isn't it?" "That was the best time of my life". I guess I'm weird because I just don't understand where they were coming from.

Here's the deal. My boobs are huge. They are constantly over filled if you know what I mean. I have to wear breast pads every second of the day which means I have to wear a bra every second of the day. Sometimes I just want to lay around and not be so restricted. But I can't.

I can't work out like I want to because they are so big and it's uncomfortable. I thought I would be running like crazy by this point but honestly? I despise running with these things. It feels weird. Not only because they are so big and I'm not used to that but because they are filled with milk. And yes, I've even tried running right after I feed her and it is still really uncomfortable.

I don't like feeling so trapped all the time. Those feelings have gotten a lot better than how I felt in the beginning but every three hours I'm feeding her again. I hate pumping and only do so when I absolutely have to. Which means I'm the one always feeding her. I'd love to pass the early morning feeds off on Paul just once. But in order to do so I'd have to get up and pump while he feeds her. Pointless! Sure, Paul tells me to go shopping and with my friends for the day but then I have to pump at some point and again, pointless!

Everyone says you lose weight faster when you breast feed. That's the biggest pile of crap I've ever heard. Seriously. I swear that statement must be written by a lactation consultant because all my friends disagree with this too. Last night I was with some friends who also breast fed their babies and they agreed that losing weight faster was not the case for them either. In fact, they said they lost weight AFTER they stopped breast feeding. Hmmmm.

You have to watch what you eat. You constantly worry about if you eat this or that will it hurt your baby. You can't really drink. If you do you have to drink very little or pump and dump. And the pumping and dumping part I haven't done because I would hate to throw the milk away.

And pumping? I'm not a fan. I feel like a farm animal sitting in the chair pumping every night after she goes to bed. I sit there and think "how in the world will my husband ever be attracted to me after watching this?"

I set a goal for myself in the beginning to nurse her until 6 months. I don't think I can go much beyond that. We'll re evaluate when the time comes but I'd be lying if I don't already have the 6 month on my mind. Heck, I just hope we make it that long. I go back to work in a couple weeks and have to pump at the office. I'm hoping that goes ok.

I want what's best for her which is why I continue to nurse her even though there are times I just really really want to throw in the towel. A lot of it is for selfish reasons and I need to get over it.

I wish there was an on off switch for your boobs. Just so mom's could get a break every once in awhile. :)

10 weeks and MAJOR progess!

2011-09-19T11:58:00.004-05:00

It only took us 10 weeks and MANY frustrated days/nights but I think we've turned a corner with Olivia. Of course, I hesitate to say anything because any time she's had a good day we hold our breath and pray that she's actually grown out of colic rather than just had a fluke good day. And so far, it's always just been a fluke.

BUT, after having a HORRIBLE weekend with her, we've made a new discovery! We do, in fact, have a baby that loves to sleep during the day at home (without us holding her). After we put her to bed Saturday night, I told Paul we WILL watch the 'Happiest Baby on the Block' DVD. I've had it for over 3 weeks and why we didn't watch it sooner I will never know.

Sure, I swore away the books and said we'll just let her be. I knew she'd sleep in her own time and grow out of colic. However, we were at our wits end Saturday night. We popped in the DVD and it has hopefully changed our life.

As many of you know, the whole idea of HBOTB focuses around the 5 S's. We had been doing them but it was the combination that we needed. We learned that Olivia really did need the swing on full blast for the movement. Dr. Harvey made it very clear that babies love the movement-back and forth, up and down. We went back to the swaddle during the day. We'd tried it numerous times and it didn't work. (she's always swaddled at night and loves it) We brought out the white noise for the daytime too. It was like a lightbulb went off for Paul and I. We decided Sunday morning was it. We were going to try the swaddle, swing, and white noise at her first sign of fussiness after the morning feed and see what happens.

And it was like MAGIC. I fed her, we "played" with her, and then she started to grunt and fuss. (her sleepy signals) I told Paul she's sleepy and we swaddled her back up, turned on the sleep sheep white noise, and laid her in the swing and BAM within 5 seconds her eyes were already closing.

I'M NOT KIDDING!

Of course I was skeptical. I rolled my eyes at Paul. I told him she's got us figured out. She's only going to do it once and never will it be this easy again. She slept for 45 minutes. I don't think she's ever taken a 45 minute nap in her swing. We thought she hated it.

But, she did it 4 times yesterday. She followed the eat play sleep method to a T. Huh, it really does work! I watched the clock for the 90 minute program and she's not exactly at 90 minutes. She's at 60 then the next time 75 and then maybe 80 minutes between awaking and her next sleeping. But, it's close.

We were worried she wouldn't sleep last night since she took 4 naps yesterday about 45 minutes long. She slept great. 9 hours last night. Got up to feed and I put her back down. She slept another 3 hours. Got up for the day and is on round 2 of her eat play sleep....swaddle/swing/white noise routine. In fact, her first nap this morning was TWO hours!

Dr. Harvey said for a baby under 3 months sleeping/napping in the swing is just fine. Heck, we'll let her sleep anywhere at this point. Our evening last night was so enjoyable.

Leads me to wonder??? Does she really have colic or was the just so darn sleep deprived she didn't know what else to do but cry and fuss? It's as if she was begging us to help her sleep.

And baby girl, I think we've got it all figured out. Happy 10 week birthday. The best 10 week birthday gift you could have given your mommy and daddy (and yourself).

Sweet dreams!

Olivia can Read!

2011-09-15T16:39:00.004-05:00

Ha, kidding! But she does LOVE being read to. She was pretty fussy yesterday morning so I thought we'd try something new (we are ALWAYS trying something new). I grabbed a few books from her bookshelf and brought them down to Paul. I told him maybe she'll calm down if you read to her. After all, she loves to be entertained. :) I got in the shower and when I got out I heard silence. Ahhh, it worked! I heard him reading to her and she was "talking" back. She was making the cutest noises and expressions so I grabbed the camera. This is what I saw when I rounded the stairs.

I have to laugh at this because you can't see her and it just looks like my almost 32 year old husband is reading an Olivia the Pig book. :)

Doesn't she look so engaged? I couldn't believe a 2 month old could enjoy being read to as much as she was enjoying it. She looks so focused on the pictures.
I love her expressions!
And yesterday afternoon, Uncle Andy came to visit. He had a meeting here in Chicago so he stopped by for a quick visit. Funny story...Olivia farted really loud while he was holding her and seriously scared him. He said "Amy, she just farted" I said "it's okay, that's what she does" He said "NO, it was REALLY loud" I was dying laughing. He has no clue about babies!!!

Olivia is fighting sleep so bad right now. She's so tired. Don't call child services but my husband is reading her the 'Go the F**K to Sleep' book! My youngest brother bought it for us and it really is the funniest book ever. Of course, we will remove it from her book shelf when she's old enough to know better but sometimes you just need a little humor in your life.

2 Months!

2011-09-11T20:43:00.009-05:00

Dear Olivia,

You are two months old today! Today is a very special day in history as it marks the 10th anniversary of 9/11. Mommy and Daddy will tell you all about 9/11 when you are older, don't worry. It's also grandparents day! Your grandparents love you so much!

You've had a rough 2 months of life baby girl. As much as I'd love to say it's been so easy on you (and us) it just really hasn't. You have your good days and bad days but you are mostly just one fussy baby! Your daddy and I literally hold our breath at our every move wondering when you are going to start crying again. Our ONLY saving grace is that you are SUCH a good nighttime sleeper.

I've been thinking that there is more to your unhappiness than just being a fussy baby or going through a growth spurt or anything else the nurse a the doctor's office tells me when I call. Your auntie Michelle actually mentioned that she thought you had silent reflux a couple weeks ago. After meeting you last week she was convinced of it. Today Mommy had enough listening to your screams because I felt like you were in serious pain. I called the doctor immediately and they got us in this afternoon.

The doctor thinks you have a classic case of colic. In fact, I don't think he could have been more sure of it. I don't know why but I've never thought to call you colic. I guess I just feel like your cries are different than what fits the colic definition. I told him I thought you might have silent reflux and he said it can't hurt to give you Zantac and we would know tonight if it was reflux or colic.

Well...I have to say, you had your first night of not screaming/fussing during your "witching hour" that I can remember in a LONG time! Is it a coincidence? I have no idea but your daddy and I sure did enjoy your pleasant nature this evening. I even told him I thought we were hanging out with a different baby. We've seen your sweetness in small spurts over the last 9 weeks but tonight we really got to enjoy you. I'm going to say an extra prayer tonight that you do have reflux and the medicine is helping. I can't stand to listen to you cry-it breaks my heart in to a million pieces. If this is the answer, I only wish we could have figured this out sooner. :)
Tomorrow you actually have your scheduled 2 month doctor visit. I guess I could have waited to have them evaluate your colic/reflux issue but after listening to your screams this morning I didn't want to wait.
Eat: You eat every 3 hours during the day if not more often. You still cluster feed in the morning and eat about every 2 hours because you are so hungry from sleeping so long at night. I still feed you on demand and try to feed you at your first sign of hunger to avoid you getting too pissed off. Because girlfriend? You have one hot temper! As the day wears on, you stick more to the 3 hour schedule. You are still only taking breast milk. I can count on one hand how many times you've had formula. Nothing against it but I'd rather feed you than pump! Speaking of pumping...I've started pumping in the evenings after you go to bed so you have breast milk when I go back to work. (let's not even talk about that, ok?)

Sleep: You still do not really sleep during the day. You may fall asleep in my arms for 30 minutes to an hour on a good day but you refuse to be put down. I love to hold you but sometimes mommy needs a little break. I'd love to lay you down to sleep so I can rest while you count sheep. I'm going to enjoy it while I can though because once I go back to work I will miss holding you like crazy. You sleep so good at night. For as much as you fuss during your waking hours, I wouldn't trade your nighttime sleep for anything! I don't know how your daddy and I would function if you weren't sleeping at night! You typically go to bed between 7 and 8 and wake between 5 and 6!!!! That's right, 10-11 hour stretches of sleep we've been getting out of you since last week.

Play: You still love your stroller and car seat. Any activity that involves those two things are your favorite. However, when we are on a walk, you get pissed if we stop and talk to neighbors. You also throw a fit if we stop at a red light in the car. I've tried to explain to you that red lights are not optional but you don't get it. Please figure that out by the time you turn 16, k? We've been getting a few longer stretches out of you in your swing because you are noticing the mobile above you now. You've gotten so alert in this last month sometimes it's hard for me to believe you are only 2 months old. You follow our voices and turn your head to watch us walk through the room.

Size: You are wearing size 1 diapers and mostly 0-3 clothes. Carter's pj's are 3 month but still a little big. Your newborn onesies still fit you perfectly. You are chunking up pretty good so I can see you filling out your 3 month clothes even better very soon. You weigh 11 lbs 11 oz and are 22.75 inches long. You are getting so chubby and I love it. Mommy could eat your cheeks all day long!

You are smiling so much in the last week or so and are even cooing quite a bit. Daddy and I have taken a couple videos of you "talking" to us. It melts our hearts!

Today was also your first day of watching football with daddy. Uncle Phil gave you all your Vikings gear so we had to dress you up today after your doctor appointment. I'm not sure what you thought about wearing all that purple and yellow. You are your mother's daughter and a Chicago girl at heart! Don't worry, we'll go get you some orange and blue this week! :)
In your 2 months of life so far you've been quite busy. You've met so much family and so many of mommy and daddy's friends. You've traveled to quite a few states including: Illinois, Missouri, Indiana, Kentucky, and Tennessee.

Sweet baby, here's to hoping tonight was not a fluke. I hope more than anything we can get rid of your fussiness and make you feel better. I love you more than life itself. You are the sweetest most precious thing I have ever laid eyes on.

Love,
Mommy

Labor Day 2011

2011-09-08T18:50:00.008-05:00

We spent labor day weekend in the smoky mountains with Paul's family. His mom, dad, brother Phil, sister Stacey and her husband Sam. We rented a cabin in the mountains. Although most people think "cabin in the mountains" and equate it to roughing it, we did hardly that. We stayed in this rental community in May 2009 for his sister's wedding. We loved it then and figured we couldn't go wrong renting from them again. Only this time, we got a bigger cabin.

Olivia did great with the long drive. On the way there we left in the late afternoon from Chicago and she slept most of the way. I pumped in the car and fed her on the go. Not ideal but the best option for us. We didn't want to spend time stopped while she was eating so that's what worked best. On the way home it took us 10.5 hours because of labor day traffic. It was horrible. I felt so bad for Olivia because she screamed bloody murder for the last hour and forty five minutes. We both decided we won't be making any long trips anywhere anytime soon. It was pure misery and it's not fair to keep her in her car seat for so long.
While in TN, we went to the car museum on the strip in Gatlinburg. Paul was in heaven because there are 4 cars he absolutely LOVES and all 4 were at the museum. Personally, I thought paying $11 each to walk through and paying $7 if you wanted your picture taken inside a car was dumb but Paul probably thinks half the stuff I like to spend money on is dumb. So, no complaints by me, we were going in! I'm glad we did because he was like a kid in a candy store.
This picture is out of place but funny story...The boys all went to the UT football game on Saturday evening and us gals went shopping and out to dinner. Olivia had the worst blow out diaper of ALL time as we were leaving the mall. I had to change her in the car and it was miserable. You can't tell in this picture but this outfit has white leggings that go with it. It's one of my favorite outfits that she owns and she finally fits in to it so this was the first time she wore it. Of course she had to poop all over it and basically ruin the pants. I've tried like heck to get the yellow mustard looking stains out of the pants and can't. And of course she had to be wearing one of her expensive outfits. It couldn't have been a cheaper carters outfit or something...
Paul in all his glory sitting in the General Lee. This is his favorite car! He'd give anything to own it.
Stacey and Sam finally got to meet Olivia. They live in TN so they hadn't had the chance to meet her prior to this trip. Aunt Stacey spoiled Olivia with the cutest clothes.
NaNa Lindy and PaPa Lindy loving on their granddaughter. I wish we lived closer because they don't get to see her nearly as much as I know they'd like to.
Aunt Stacey and Olivia. :)
Uncle Phil is smitten for his niece. He bought her a vikings baby blanket, vikings baby bottles, two vikings baby hats, and a vikings outfit. He's certainly not worried about being on my good side buying my daughter all that purple stuff. He knows I'm a bears fan and the girls of the house only wear orange and blue. Haha. She does look good in purple so I'll let her wear it.

We had a great weekend. It's always good to see family. If only we all lived closer.

7 weeks and weekend fun

2011-08-30T16:06:00.009-05:00

Hi, the crabby lady from yesterday has left the building. I'm back to my normal self. Some days are just really ugly no good days and yesterday was one of them. I'm happy to say that today has been a very good day. Funny how that works...babies must know when mama needs a break because she's been a very sweet baby today.

But guess what? She's napped. Granted she slept for 2.5 hrs on my lap and would give me the half eye open every once in awhile to make sure I was still holding her but she slept. She took another 30 minute nap in her car seat earlier when we ran errands and just fell asleep again on our walk. Normally she wakes up right away when you bring her inside but she's still sleeping in her car seat and has been for the last 30 minutes. I call this progress.

I'm very thankful to Erika for turning me on to the 90 minute baby sleep program book. My ever so sweet neighbor and friend drove all over this morning to get that book for me because she knew how badly I needed to read it. I was able to get half way through it while she was napping earlier and I like what I'm reading so far. I plan to really work on the 90 minute program tomorrow. Based on what she's doing today, she's all over the place with her sleeping and doesn't fit in with the theory behind the book but I'm just letting her sleep when she sleeps today. I'm not going to worry about any of the particulars just yet.

Olivia attended her friend's first birthday party on Saturday. She slept for 3 hours and woke up when it was getting over with. I'm not exactly sure how she slept because the place was SOOO loud but somehow she managed.
Sunday we went downtown Naperville with some good friends and their kids. Olivia slept most of the time there as well. When we stopped to have a picnic lunch I laid out her blanket so she could stretch out. She enjoyed sleeping under the shaded tree and I couldn't resist some pictures. :)
You must think I'm lying about her never sleeping when that's all she's doing in these pics. :)
Her sun hat is a little big and I think she was trying to tell me no more pictures!
She finally woke up and realized her best friend Emma was with us. Emma is my friend Jenny's baby and she is 10 weeks older than Olivia.

Switching Gears

2011-08-29T21:52:00.003-05:00

Today's post was written in my head earlier when I was day dreaming about what Olivia's 7 week post was going to be about. I had the pictures picked out from our exciting weekend and planned to write about what a good girl she was all weekend even though she still doesn't nap.

I have decided to change it up since today in fact was fucking miserable if I do say so myself. Sorry for the language but there really is no other way to describe my frustration right now. It's almost 10'o clock, Olivia is asleep FINALLY, and I should be crawling in to bed but instead I'm scouring the Internet looking at the best sleep books in hopes that SOMETHING will work.

I should have known today was going to be miserable. Olivia woke up this morning at 4:30 to feed. Nothing wrong with that...she'd gone 8.5 hrs...mama's happy to sleep. What is wrong is that I wasn't able to go back to sleep. It was nothing she did or anyone else did...I just couldn't sleep. We are embarking on a 10 hr road trip for labor day weekend (god help me--that's sounding miserable right now too) and I was packing in my head while I should have been drifting back to sleep. The dog was chasing bunnies in her sleep-you know what I'm talking about? The half barks in her sleep and legs look like she's running? The husband must have been having a bad dream b/c he was moaning and Olivia was grunting in her sleep. So anytime I would drift off one of the 3 would wake me up.

The coffee wasn't made fast enough this morning if you catch my drift.

I took the dog and Olivia on a long 2.5 mile walk late morning, we ran errands this afternoon. Remember that O loves to keep busy? Well that I did. And for some reason she still wasn't happy because the errands were pretty miserable. I knew she was over tired. I finally had her to sleep at home on my chest at 4:15 pm. I wanted so badly to shower so I decided at 4:30 to lay her down. I debated 100 times on where would be the magic spot to lay her and once again I failed. She woke up as soon as I laid her down PISSED OFF. So I got pissed off. Why can't I lay my child down to sleep without her waking up and making a huge fuss? And then it's as if she woke up on the wrong side of the bed. Waaaaa Waaaaa Waaaa fuss fuss fuss. That's all I heard for the next 2 hours and 15 minutes until Paul got home.

I was beside myself by the time he got home. I debated calling my neighbor to come sit with her so I could leave, it was that bad. I just couldn't take one more minute of crying. I handed her off as soon as he walked in the door. I might have mumbled some things I wish I didn't say and I LEFT! Where was I headed? To buy a book that another blogger mentioned today about helping your baby sleep.

I went to Borders...no such luck. I called Barnes and Noble and they had one copy and the guy said it would be on hold for me. I showed up TEN minutes later and guess what? The book was nowhere to be found. Holy shit batman where the hell is it? At this point all I wanted to do was cry some more. Why on earth was this book missing? 2 sales associates were tearing the place up looking for it because they had just seen it.

I was trying to keep my cool because they wouldn't understand if I started crying right then and there over a book about getting babies to sleep. They were fresh out of high school and could give a damn about getting your baby to sleep. But I give a damn and that's why I had to walk out of the store after realizing they weren't going to find it. I had to wait and cry on my walk back to the car. And so I drove home, crying my eyes out about the book that wasn't there. When in reality I was crying because MY BABY DOESN'T SLEEP during the day and it makes my life miserable. Actually pure hell. I'm not sure how much longer this can go on.

Let me state again, YES I'm very thankful she sleeps well at night. 8, 9, 10 hrs a night is great. But of course she's going to sleep that long when she hasn't slept all flipping day. The poor girl is in a coma at that point. We just need her to sleep during the day. A nap here or there so the late afternoon and evening aren't miserable for her and anyone else in her company. I feel so terrible for her because she's cried her eyes out and looks absolutely exhausted by the early evening.

I love her more than life itself and that will never change. I get frustrated as I'm sure most mom's do. Thing is, most mom's don't share their frustrations I have found. One thing I tell people about being a new mom is that I feel like a lot of people portray parenthood as the most cheerful happy time and it's all rainbows and unicorns. Well, I have to say, it's not. It's hard. It's demanding. It's the toughest job I'll ever have.

And I won't ever be one of those mom's who paint a false picture. Tomorrow is a new day and I hope to be back and blog about what I planned on writing about today. :)

The dreaded day

2011-08-25T15:29:00.002-05:00

Here we are again, August 25th. Always a very dreaded day in our world. For my new readers, my brother was killed on this day 8 years ago in a tragic car accident. (You can find the story in previous 8/25 archives.)

I was worried about this year's anniversary. Mostly because I'm only 6 weeks post par tum and I wasn't sure how I would handle it emotionally. Partly because I'm a new mom and now that I have a child I can't fathom every losing a child and finally, I worried I'd be overcome with emotion now that I do have a daughter who will never know her amazing uncle.

I have to say, I've done pretty well today. I've kept really busy with friends. My good friend came to visit today with her newborn (born 3 weeks after Olivia) so it was nice to see them and we went and had lunch. I just got home and now Paul is here so I can visit with him and before I know it I'll be meeting my friends for girls night tonight. Busy day here but it's just what the doctor ordered. I always try to fill this day up with stuff so I don't sit around and be sad.

It has also helped that Olivia has been pure joy today. It's not that I don't always enjoy her but I enjoy her so much more when I'm not listening to fussing all day. She took a NAP in her crib this morning so I could get ready. Granted she only slept for about 45 minutes, but hell, when she wasn't napping at all 45 min seems like a long time. Then when Sarah got here she was falling asleep IN HER SWING. Another miracle. She was beyond sweet and happy the entire time Sarah was here but what else is new, she's ALWAYS good around other people. We went to lunch and she slept the whole time and is STILL sleeping...in her car seat...in the house. Another miracle. Usually the second we come inside she wakes up and is pissed.

I am thinking my brother had something to do with her good behavior today. Mamma needed a break from the fussy pants today. Thanks Adam! :)

It does sadden me beyond words that Olivia never got the chance to meet her uncle but she will always know what a wonderful brave soldier he was. He was such a good brother to me and I know he would have been a fantastic uncle. He loved kids and always had a special bond with them. I will tell her story after story of Uncle Adam and make sure it's as if she DID know him.

A nap?

2011-08-22T15:44:00.004-05:00

Hi my name is Olivia and I'm 6 weeks old so I don't have to take naps. Ya, that's my daughter. She refuses to nap at home during the day. I'm pretty sure I've mentioned it a couple times but I'd like to remind you...she does NOT nap at home. Okay, maybe once or twice but that's a freaking miracle. She is still sleeping SOOOO well at night so you hate to complain but she's miserable during the day because she IS tired but won't allow herself to drift off to sleep.
She is still sleeping 8-10 and even gave us 11 hours the other night. Saturday night I fed her at 7:15 and she fell asleep eating (she always does for the last feed of the night) and I laid her down. We didn't hear a peep from her until 6:15 the next day. Wonderful!!! Some might argue that she's sleeping so long at night she doesn't need to sleep during the day but I disagree. She is so cranky come mid day. And by 6 pm she's almost unbearable to be around if she hasn't napped. She might drift off to sleep if I rock her but the second I try to lay her down she is awake. It's so frustrating.
As long as she is entertained during the day by going on walks, running errands, or anything else that requires you to leave the house she'll sleep. I am at my wits end on trying to figure out why she sleeps SO wonderfully at night but will NOT nap during the day. Any advice? We've tried the eat play sleep method, happiest baby on the block 5 S's, mimicking the SAME routine at night (save for the bath), rocking, swaddling, putting her in our bed, you name it. All I'm asking is for just one nap a day. Even if it's only an hour.
We went to babies r us yesterday and bought this little contraption above. We said we would buy anything that might entertain her for more than 10 minutes. If she's not going to sleep we'd love to find something that she won't get bored with in 10 minutes and start screaming. The jury is still out on this thing. So far she's lasted 15 minutes before she's pissed and wants to be picked up and played with. This is a soothing motion bouncy seat type thing from Fisher Price that simulates being in a car. It has music and sits on a plastic platform with wheels like a car. It's cute but we don't think she likes it. I thought since it made movements like the car that she'd love it but it's as if she knows better. Can it be that she's really smarter than us??? I swear she's too smart for her own good. It's making me crazy!!!

St Louis Trip

2011-08-17T15:16:00.007-05:00

As previously mentioned, we went to St. Louis on Saturday morning for my new nephew's baptism. We were very nervous about how Olivia would do with the trip...being away from home, driving in the car 5 hrs each way, lots of people, out of our routine etc. But overall, she did great. Everything was an absolute breeze but dinner Saturday night got a little hairy. It was past her bedtime, she was starting to get hungry and just decided to throw a fit in the restaurant. I had never publicly nursed her so I was trying to hold her off and looking back, that was a big mistake. I should have just put my cape on and fed her at the table like Maria did with Carter when he got fussy/hungry. I think I'm over that now but I was really worried it would make everyone uncomfortable to feed her at the table, in a restaurant. Am I the only one who struggles with this?

Our sweet girl all dressed up for her cousin's baptism. Her dress is fushia but in photos it looks red I think. She was so sweet all day and so well behaved. We were worried she wouldn't sleep in the car on the way home Sunday because she slept ALL day long on Sunday while people were passing her around.
Carter's baptism was so sweet. He did so well. He did not cry like we all expected him to do. The deacon called made special mention of Olivia being there at her cousin's baptism and that they were so close in age. He had the whole congregation "turn and look" at her and it was really sweet that he mentioned her. I know she was so excited to be there.
See, so excited. She slept the entire time. Good thing because the mass lasted about an hour and a half. It was really nice but holy cow that church is different that what we are used to. They had one special mention after another and several things that kept delaying things. I was so nervous O would wake up and be starving. Talk about being nervous about public breast feeding. Is it wrong to breast feed in church? lol! I didn't have to thankfully. (Yes AM, I have headbands and bows in every color, thank you) :)
Carter and Olivia snuggling on the couch. Olivia looks like she's giving the face of "ewww, boys are gross, leave me alone" Truth is, neither one of them cared one bit that they were awkwardly leaning on each other.
My brother Andy meeting Olivia for the first time. I think he liked her. :)
A family pic. There's so many of us it's hard to get us all in one picture. You can't really tell but both babies are screaming at the same time. I think that's why we are all smiling so big. The faster you smile the quicker this is all over. haha.
And lastly, my dad and O. He is smitten for her! I told him I never dreamed he'd be so in to the babies like he is but man o man he just loves them. He text me the other day and said she makes him "melt like butter in a skillet" So cute! Every time I looked up he was holding her or telling the person who was holding her that he'd take her. Olivia is one loved baby, that is for sure!

PS: I was able to do this post all in once sitting. That's rare. However, I'm happy to report that O is SLEEPING during the DAY at HOME in the pack and play. Seem like a weird thing to be happy about? Have I mentioned that she doesn't sleep at home during the day? Ya, she doesn't and it's really hard. We met a friend today downtown Naperville to shop and walk around and she slept for 2.5 hrs in the stroller. I came home, fed her and she went back to sleep. I was certain as soon as I laid her down she would cry but so far so good. I don't know what to do with myself. I just did 2 loads of laundry, folded 3 loads, cleaned a little and am relaxing at the computer now. I've said a million times, she sleeps so well at night it's hard to complain about the lack of daytime sleeping at home but it's really really hard to get anything done when she won't even give me a 30 minute nap without me holding her.

1 Month Doctor Visit

2011-08-15T18:06:00.004-05:00

Olivia had her 1 month check up today. She's growing like a weed and weighed in at 9 lbs 7.5 oz. I wasn't expecting that! I figured she'd be around 8lbs but was floored when I read the scale! The doctor was even surprised that she gained 2.5 lbs in 1 month. She even asked me how much I feed her and made me feel like I'm doing something wrong. So she gained 2.5 lbs? Big deal. At least she gained instead of lost!

She also grew from 20 inches at birth to 21.5 inches and her head grew from 13 in to 14 in. I know the majority of you aren't interested in the numbers but I know the grandparents are! And the best news of all??? Her PKU results are FINALLY in and she does NOT have PKU! Her daddy has PKU so we were worried she might have it. If I was a carrier then she had an even better chance. It wouldn't have been the end of the world if she did have it but it's one less thing to worry about. Overall, she got a great bill of health from the doctor!

Today Olivia is also 5 weeks. This picture above cracks me up. She really looks chubby here and I love it! There is nothing cuter to me than a chubby baby and she sure is starting to fill out. Her cheeks are getting SO full.

This picture was taken last night after we got home from our trip to St. Louis (which went FANTASTIC by the way). She was so tired from the weekend and was passed out on my shoulder. I loved how she had her head resting on her arm so I told Paul to go grab the camera. She looks so peaceful.

More on our trip to STL for my nephew's baptism later. All I can say is we have one good traveler on our hands. A baby who sleeps in the car the entire way there and back? I'll take it.

1 Month!

2011-08-11T16:10:00.001-05:00

Dear Olivia,

Today you are 1 month old. I know it's so cliche, and it's even annoying that I'm saying it, but I can't believe how fast this first month has gone by. Truly. I feel like you've been part of mommy and daddy's life forever. Your birthday was the happiest day of my life aside from marrying your daddy.

You are such a sweet baby. Anyone that meets you just oo's and ahh's over you. You are for the most part a pretty easy baby. We've had some tough days but that's normal and you always seem to follow a tough day up with a good day so it's easily forgotten. In fact, as soon as mommy wrote the last post about you being fussy you haven't been a fussy girl since.

Daddy went back to work after 4.5 weeks at home with us. He was such a HUGE help and catered to our every need. It's so sweet to watch him interact with you. I am in awe of how he went from knowing nothing about babies and not ever changing a diaper to being a pro at everything related to you. My favorite thing is to hear him talking to you when he doesn't think I am listening. He has an ability like no other to remain so calm and always is able to get you to calm down when you are upset.

Sleep: You don't sleep much during the day. There are days we can't even count a total of 2 hours that you might have slept and then others you take longer naps. So far yesterday and today you are sleeping a lot more during the day. I was worried you wouldn't sleep last night after sleeping so much more in the day but you still gave us a solid 7.5 hours! I have no idea how we got so lucky with your sleep pattern at night but it's been a life saver!! Our nighttime routine is to give you a bath (which you LOVE!) around 8 pm, swaddle you super tight, and then I feed you. You fall fast asleep and we don't hear from you for another 7-8 hours. The first time this happened (at about 2.5 weeks) we thought it was a fluke but you've been pretty consistent. Thank you for that!!!
Eat: You are a great eater! Sometimes I have to tell you over and over to take it easy and stop eating so fast but you don't seem to understand. You make all kinds of noises and kick your legs and your arms fly while I feed you. You are a very active eater. :) I make sure to stop and burp you a few times while you are eating or you will spit up everything. We are going to talk to the Doctor more about this on Monday at your 1 month appointment because while you don't spit up often, when you do, it's a huge amount. I'm not sure what you weigh but I know you've gained weight. Your cheeks are getting chubbier and your tiny little legs are getting a little thicker.

Play: You enjoy tummy time on your play mat. You do even better with tummy time if you are laying on my chest. The jury is still out on if you like your swing or not. It's hit or miss if you'll stay in it and be happy. You LOVE to go on walks with mommy, daddy and Chloe and you love car rides.

You are still wearing your newborn clothes and newborn diapers. I'm so surprised by this! I have a feeling you'll be outgrowing the newborn carters sleepers soon as the length is getting a little snug but everything else newborn is fitting perfectly. We are about out of newborn sized diapers and we've decided we won't buy anymore in that size. The size 1's are big but I think they will be ok if we roll down the top a little bit.

You are starting to find your voice and will lay in your crib while mommy is needing a few minutes to get stuff done and coo and "talk". It's so cute!

Overall, you are a pretty good baby. I have a feeling whatever funk you were in a couple days ago is over because you have been especially sweet the last two days.

We are taking you on your first road trip this weekend to meet your baby cousin Carter and attend his baptism. Please be a good during the 5 hour car ride!

Baby girl, your daddy and I love you more than life itself. Thank you for blessing us and being a part of our lives. We look forward to what exciting things the next month (and beyond) will bring.

Don't grow too fast.

Love,

Mommy

Fussy Pants!

2011-08-09T21:07:00.002-05:00

See this sweet face? Don't let her fool you. She just might be the fussiest baby we know right now. We keep saying it's a phase and she'll go back to being the best, easiest baby like she previously was but man she's tough this last week or so.

No joke, she HATES being at home. And I'm convinced she's bored with Paul and I. She hates when you sit down to hold her. She hates when you aren't rocking back and forth while standing up holding her. She hates her swing. She hates her pack and play even though it's super fun and has a vibrating motion, music etc. She hates pretty much everything we do with her UNLESS we are out of the house.

She LOVES to go on walks. She loves to go to Target, Costco, out to dinner/lunch with Paul and I. She loved going shopping with mommy and daddy for 6 hours on Saturday. She loves her car seat and the car. She does LOVE her bath which is at home-shocker.

What I'm getting at is she's been a tough one lately. I told Paul today we may just have to let her cry because we can't always be out of the house. Yesterday she got so fussy I decided to lay her in the crib on the boppy and sing to her. She was so entertained by my singing she stopped crying (not sure how b/c my singing is enough to MAKE you cry). Then, I decided to have a little photo shoot with her. I hadn't tried out my other lens for the Nikon and figured I'd give it a whirl. I put her in a couple different outfits and took her picture and she couldn't have been happier. You'd think it would have pissed her off to be A. put down in the crib and B. messed with by me changing her clothes. Nope, she loved it. As long as you are entertaining her in some way she is happy.

She's as sweet as can be as long as she's being stimulated. I never dreamed at 4 weeks old she'd be this opinionated about her surroundings. Even tonight, she was SOOOO fussy and I had tried everything so Paul simply took her out on the porch and the second he stepped outside she stopped crying. She loves the fresh air and he sat in the chair rocking her on the patio and she fell asleep. Another shocker, this child actually FELL ASLEEP during the DAY! (but she didn't stay asleep for long)

We are trying something new tonight. She's sleeping in her crib for the first time. She's been such a good sleeper at night which is a blessing but the past 2 nights she's been keeping me up with all her noises. She's so loud when she sleeps. She never wakes herself but I'm constantly checking on her to make sure she's ok. I am hoping that by keeping her in her room in the crib I might get better sleep. After all, she's been averaging 8 hours between the last feeding of the night until the next feeding. That's AMAZING but not so amazing when you are awake every 30 minutes because she's grunting or moaning or FARTING! Girlfriend is always passing gas. (She'll hate me for this later in life)

She's currently soothing herself to sleep right now. I'm hoping this is it until her next feeding. I'm exhausted.

I don't hear anything coming from her room and she appears to be still so I'm going to enjoy a hot shower without rushing like usual and then I'm off to bed.

Here's to hoping tomorrow is a better day. Paul is officially going back to work after 4.5 weeks (he took a few more days off this week) and I'm hoping she's easy on me tomorrow. I know for certain I need to plan our day's activities so I make sure she's fully entertained. Just call me the cruise ship entertainment director.

First Bath

2011-08-03T14:44:00.003-05:00

Olivia had her first official bath last Saturday. Her umbilical cord fell off so we were anxious to get her in the water. She absolutely loved it. We have given her a couple since then and she acts just the same. So calm and lays there like she's in heaven. Last night she actually dozed off while I was bathing her.

How sweet is this face? She always has her hands up by her face...even during the bath. If she doesn't look like her daddy here!!!

We had to get our weekly picture taken of course. She got all fancied up because my friend Allison was coming to meet Ms. Olivia for the first time. She didn't have this outfit on long because she decided to projectile vomit on herself. She's only done that twice since she's been born and both times she's really made a mess!
So, we changed her in to this outfit which is the same thing only different color. I bought these cute outfits from Zulily a couple months ago and was so happy that she actually fit in to them. She doesn't have a lot that she actually can wear because 0-3 clothes are still too big but this brand must run small.
Speaking of size, I know she's gained weight but she's still a little peanut. I'm dying to know exactly what she weighs. I feel like her cheeks have filled out more and her legs have a little more meat on them but not a lot. I didn't get very many newborn clothes or sleepers because everyone said they grow out of them so fast. She's 3.5 weeks old and showing no signs of growing out of her newborn stuff.

We've had a rough week with her. The first two weeks she was a gem of a baby but the last week she's been a little spit fire. We originally thought she had bad gas but aren't sure if that's really the case. I was told that I probably have overactive let down while breast feeding so I need to pump a little before I feed her and then lean back while I feed her to avoid her getting so much so fast. That has helped we think. She's SOOOO fussy during the day and hardly naps at all. I was reading online that newborns sleep around 16-18 hrs a day and we laughed. She's been sleeping pretty decent at night (thank god!) but during the day she's been a lot of work. She might sleep a couple hours total all day if we are lucky. She'll take little 15-20 minute cat naps with maybe one good nap during the day. It's been very exhausting. However, the last two nights she's fallen asleep around 8pm, gotten up for the 11 pm feeding and gone right back to sleep until 4:45 am!!! That makes this tired mama happy. But, for as little as she sleeps during the day, she's got to be exhausted.

She also gets bored if you are holding her and sitting so we do a lot of walking around the house soothing her and bouncing up and down. The second you get her to doze off and lay her down she screams like there are nails in the swing or pack and play. Very annoying. This morning I fed her at 8 and I literally let her sleep on my chest while we both napped until the 11 am feeding. I know it's too early to spoil her but it's as if she already is spoiled with her not letting us put her down. Baby girl just loves the close contact which I can understand b/c she's still adjusting to live outside the womb.

It's been tough and we've had some really bad days but she's so worth it. She's doing pretty good today and I actually got out with a friend for lunch and went to the mall for a bit. I've been doing a little more pumping and Paul has been doing some feedings just so I can get a break. It's been absolutely wonderful having him home for 4 weeks. I will hate it when he goes back to work next week but we'll do just fine. Not all daddy's get to take 4 weeks off when their baby is born so we are so thankful for the time we've had at home!!

Recent Pics

2011-07-27T14:28:00.007-05:00

It's been a little nutty around here the last couple of days. Olivia has decided that cluster feeding is what all the cool kids are doing and she's been eating every 1.5 to 2 hrs and that leaves very little time for this mama to do anything. Yesterday was a VERY bad day and I may or may not have cried all afternoon. I was so tired, I was going on NO sleep, I was the only one who could feed my baby and I just needed a break. She did not want to sleep and all she did was eat. Today is a MUCH better day and she's been a little gem. I got a shower, I got to brush my teeth and I actually have makeup on.

Paul and I keep saying how horrible yesterday was and what a difference a day makes. Olivia is currently in her crib "talking" and I've got the video monitor on watching her while I type this quick blog post. She really is a self soother and quite content just to lay in her crib and listen to the noises of her sleep sheep and kick and punch the air. It's cute to hear her new noises she makes.

Olivia says hello at 1 week. She's already changed to me.

See? 2 weeks and so alert. Just hanging out. Get used to the camera child, get used to the camera...

Grandpa Chuck came to visit over the weekend. He just adored his new granddaughter and she thought he was pretty cool too. Thanks Aunt Megan for the cute little outfit!

Aunt Mallory and Uncle Patrick came too! Patrick was scared of her at first and said he didn't want to hold her but he quickly changed his mind when I reassured him that he wouldn't break her. As you can see, he's way too cool for the camera. Aunt Mallory misses Olivia already. She's moving next Friday to Carbondale to get her master's at SIU so while we already live 3 hrs away, she'll be even farther at 6 hrs away. We will miss her dearly!

Olivia and Chloe having their first heart to heart. Chloe was letting her know they'd be fast friends if she slips her a cheerio or two down the road. Chloe couldn't be more protective of her baby sister. She gets up at night for EVERY feeding and lays right at my feet. Today when the cleaning people came you would have thought someone was trying to steal Olivia. Chloe barked and barked at them as if to say "stay away from the baby"

Speaking of the baby, she's tired of playing by herself in her crib and guess what time it is? Feeding time. Imagine that. :)

Olivia's Birth Story

2011-07-21T11:45:00.002-05:00

warning: extremely long

I've finally got what I feel like will be adequate time to sit down and right about the most amazing day of my life. Although words will never fully describe how I truly felt that day, I will do my best to explain the events that took place when our beautiful daughter came in to this world.

It all started July 10th around 6 pm when I told Paul I was going to Target to "walk the aisles until the baby came out." He had been sick all weekend and I was suffering from a serious case of cabin fever. We needed a few things at Target so I figured I'd walk for as long as I could (which isn't long) in hopes it would help coax her to drop even more and send me in to labor. Well, it worked...sort of. When I got home I told Paul I felt like I need to change clothes. Things felt a little, well, wet down there. I didn't think much else of it and thought that because it was insanely hot out that maybe I was extra sweaty (gross, and no that is not normal).

We go to bed that night and I was up all night long. I don't think I even slept an hour. I was constantly going to the bathroom and still continued to feel a little unusual down there. If I had depends I would have put one on. I never had a gush of fluids so I never thought it was my water breaking. And there was never enough of anything to make a huge fuss. At 4 am Paul finally rolled over and asked me what was going on. I told him I thought I should call labor and delivery just to inquire about what was going on. I was sure they'd tell me it was all normal. After all, I had lost my mucous plug on Thursday of that week. It was now Monday morning and I know that it can slowly continue to come out for awhile. I called at 4:45 am and the woman said I better come in to be checked because if my water broke I would need to be delivered within 24 hrs. She said not to rush, told me to shower and take my time coming in. The tone of her voice made me believe they'd send me home but we wanted to be sure what was going on.

I showered and so did Paul. I set the check out for the cleaning crew that was due to arrive on Wednesday. I prepared Chloe's stuff for the friend of mine that was going to keep her when we went in to labor. We finished the last minute things for our hospital bags. We just felt like this was it and I wanted to be prepared.

We arrived at L&D at 6:30 am. I got checked in and they started running tests to see if my water had broke. There are three of them. One is a cervical exam much like a pap smear and holy moly it hurt! The nurse who was taking care of me was not the most pleasant person. She made me feel like I shouldn't have come in. I reminded her that the woman on the phone TOLD me to come in and that's why I was there. She said discharge is normal late in pregnancy and made me feel like I was being over reactive. I didn't enjoy her one bit. She said when she did the exam she didn't see any water and if my bag had broke she could have seen it. Basically saying we'd be going home. But guess what? She came back shortly with her tail between her legs saying my water had broke and her tune totally changed! She was sweet as pie at this point. Apparently she had seen her fair share of over reactive pregnant ladies and thought I was another one. Paul and I both wanted to laugh in her face! Although, I have to say I was a little surprised when she said all 3 tests came back positive that my bag of waters had broke.

I might add that in the midst of all these tests and my laying in triage we were having the WORST storm. We had gotten to the hospital just in time because power had gone out all over the place, trees were down, and the hospital actually lost power a few times and was running on a generator. 615,000 people were without power for a couple days in the chicago area.

Now that my water has been determined officially broke, I was moved to a room where I would spend the next 6 hours laboring. I had the sweetest nurse who I befriended. Turns out she is best friends with a co worker of mine and she grew up in the same area as my step dad on the south side of Chicago. I have very fond memories of my labor experience because of LuAnn.

Once I was hooked up to pitocin my contractions started hard and fast. My body had actually started going in to hard labor on it's own so LuAnn turned down the pitocin to let my body labor. My contractions were coming 1.5 minutes apart and were extremely intense. After a couple hours of this I was advised to get an epidural because things were only going to get more painful. I felt like it was sort of early to get it but after the nurse and doctor recommended it I thought I better go ahead. The epidural was one of the things I was most nervous about in the whole delivery process. I was comforted by hearing if I made it through 3 iv tries the epidural would be a breeze. (they couldn't find a vein for the IV b/c I was so swollen so I got pricked 3 times and it sucked really bad)

I was put on the epidural list and was told I was 3rd in line. At this time, I was only 2 centimeters and 75% effaced. Olivia was showing signs of distress as I would contract. The doctor had already been in to tell me that my placenta was not functioning properly and Olivia's heart rate was alarming. Cue the nerves! At one point the look on LuAnn's face was so frightening. I could tell she was nervous so I asked her what was going on. She said Olivia's heart rate had dropped into a range they weren't comfortable with so she ran to get the doctor. He informed me they wouldn't let that go on for much longer and may be delivering her via c section. I freaked out a little. I did NOT want a c section. But I did want my baby to be delivered safely.

The epidural turned out to be much easier than I anticipated. The anesthesiologist was amazing. He was so comforting and patient and kind. He was surprised my the edema in my back (swelling). He made a couple comments about it. I had to laugh. I have edema in my back? Seriously, where wasn't I swollen???

Shortly after I got the epidural Olivia had a couple more bouts with heart rate issues. I was put on oxygen to see if that would help. No such luck. I was still 75% effaced and still only 2 cm dilated. It was 4 pm at this point. I had been laboring for 6 hours. The doctor informed me c section as unavoidable and they were prepping the OR for me. Holy shit! I was a hot mess of emotions. I text my dad and all it said was "c section" and off we went. At 4:32 they were dictating from the OR and about to start surgery.

Waiting on Paul to be able to come in the OR was hard for me. I was scared and anxious and all I wanted was him by my side. He was out pacing the hallways having the same emotions. I asked how long it would take to have my baby and I was told we'd meet her within the hour. And I started to cry. And as I'm typing this I'm starting to cry just reliving the emotions of that day. Finally Paul came in dressed in his scrubs and looking awfully cute. I remember thinking that in my state of being majorly drugged up.

The OR was very cold and bright white. I remember thinking "this IS just like they show on TV". The anesthesiologist was busy pumping my epidural with medications. He kept asking me how I felt and I was so shaky and cold but my legs felt like they were on fire. I just kept responding that my legs were burning on the inside. He said "ok, I've never had anyone tell me that". Great! Now all I was thinking was that I'd never walk again. But, after a minute or two of him pumping me with more meds that burning sensation would subside.

They started cutting and pulling and tugging. I remember at one point smelling burning flesh and it about made me sick. Paul just kept his face close to mine and held my hand telling me how much he loved me and reminding me we were going to meet our baby soon. The doctors were keeping us somewhat updated and then they said it..."you're about to meet your baby"!!!! And they also told me I was going to feel a ton of pressure. I sure did. I felt so much pressure but it didn't necessarily hurt. I definitely let out moans and groans and next thing we knew, at 5:03 pm on July 11, 2011, we heard the sweetest, most amazing noise I've ever heard.

The sound of our baby girl crying for the first time. Our first born baby...our flesh and blood. It was a noise and a moment I will never forget for the rest of my life. I said "she's got the sweetest cry". The brought her around the curtain and showed her to us. She was covered in blood and other bodily fluids but she was beautiful. "She has hair" I said to Paul. The nurse, LuAnn, said she was small. I couldn't really tell with the quick shot I got but I was anxious to hear what she weighed.

And just like that Paul and Olivia were off with LuAnn to get her all checked out. She got a 9 out of 9 on the APGAR. She was healthy, the only thing I prayed about for 10 months. I stayed in the OR for another 40 minutes or so (seemed like an eternity) getting all put back together and stapled shut. (I had 18 staples) I started to shake uncontrollable and was extremely nauseous. The anesthesiologist was by my side comforting me-he was so sweet. He was trying to make jokes with me and I remember laughing at a few but then I told him I needed to throw up. He grabbed a pan for me to throw up in but I didn't know how in the world I could throw up while my stomach was cut open and I was laying flat on a bed with my arms tied down. I suffered through the extreme nausea and thankfully did not throw up. The doctor heard me talking about how sick I felt and he said "ya, it's normal to feel like that when we are working on that layer of your stomach" The anesthesiologist proceeded to talk to the nurses about where they were from and their ethnic foods. He said his favorite Chinese food was chicken feet. I laughed and thought to myself if I wasn't about to puke already I sure am going to now. Thankfully though, their conversation was pretty interesting--talking about their cultures and rituals. I actually learned a few things while laying there cut open from hip to hip.

The doctor informed me that my placenta was small. Olivia had stopped growing-he guessed a couple weeks prior because of my placenta issue. When he told me earlier in the day my placenta was functioning properly this now made sense to all of us. Even without Olivia's heart rate drops he didn't think I would have been able to have a vaginal delivery.

Finally, I was wheeled off to recovery to reunite with my husband and baby. Things were a little blurry from here on out. I wasn't completely out of it just very groggy. When I was wheeled in to my recovery room I saw Paul holding Olivia and started crying again. I couldn't look at her without crying for a bit. I was in complete awe and shock that she was FINALLY here. She was perfect and everything I had ever hoped for. The nurse had guessed she was 6lbs 14 oz in the OR and she was pretty close...6 lbs 13 oz.

Once we were taken up to our room where we'd stay for the next 3 nights my dad and step mom were there to meet their granddaughter. This part of the night is what is most blurry to me. I knew they were there and I probably appeared to be totally coherent but I told Paul the next day I had no idea what we talked about. I only remember crying as soon as they walked in to the room. I remember seeing both of them hold Olivia and I remember they brought us flowers and a balloon but I truly don't remember much else. It's weird to have such a great memory only to be blurred out by being on so many heavy medications. Want to know another weird thing? When LuAnn came to visit us a couple days later in our room I was so excited to see her. I was holding Olivia and said "come meet Olivia". She looked at me really weird and that's when it hit me, she was one of the first people to hold Olivia. I felt like an idiot and explained to her that I had such a blurry memory of that night. She understood.

I wasn't sure if we'd keep Olivia in our room at night while at the hospital or if we'd send her to the nursery. I wondered if I'd ever want her out of my sight once I had her. But after having such a long day, not sleeping the night before, and having major surgery we decided we'd send her to the nursery so we could sleep.

I might have slept an hour. I felt so exhausted but so wired at the same time. I couldn't turn off. With them bringing Olivia in for feedings and everyone coming in to check vitals etc. I just didn't sleep. We did the same thing the next two nights-sent her to the nursery and they brought her to me for feedings. I hated sending her off each night more than anything but I knew I HAD to get some sleep at some point which I did those next two nights.

Overall, everything was wonderful. Our care was fantastic. I have very good thoughts about everything that took place even though it didn't exactly go as I wanted it to. I never dreamed I'd end up with a c section but it wasn't up to me. Someone asked me a month or two ago if I had written a birth plan and I laughed. I knew better. Sure I had things I knew I wanted or didn't want but in the end, it's not up to you.

We are happy and healthy and so in love with our sweet Olivia. We truly could not have been more blessed. And now I'll spend the next 18 years telling Paul that's it's ok to tell her no every once in awhile. :) This baby has had our hearts from the second he saw her.

We are so in love!

(i know this is long and if you've made it this far pat yourself on the back. I was going to break it up in 2 parts but worried i'd take forever to finish it)

Newborn Photos

2011-07-20T18:45:00.009-05:00

A friend of mine did Olivia's newborn photos on Sunday afternoon. They turned out far better than I could have ever imagined. Save for the fact that she peed and pooped on this damask quilt of hers, everything went great and she couldn't have cooperated better.

I'm having a hard time deciding which photos to use for her birth announcements. I do plan on picking an announcement that allows a few photos but all 60 some photos of her turned out SO well. What are your favorites?

I might be a little biased but she is the cutest darn thing I've seen in a long time. I just love her more than words can ever say. She is my sweet baby girl and I tell her that 100 times a day.

First Doctor Appointment

2011-07-18T12:44:00.005-05:00

Olivia had her first doctor appointment on Friday, July 15th. She got rave reviews from the doctor. She gained 2 ounces from the previous day which made everyone very happy. She left the hospital at 6lbs 6 oz so is now obviously 6lbs 8 oz.

Paul snapped this photo of her while I was getting her checked in. She was smiling in her sleep. I absolutely love it.

She was sound asleep but quickly woke and was soooo alert just looking around. The doctor said she was the most well behaved baby she'd seen all day. I guess it had been a pretty rough day for her with tons of screaming babies.
I caught this photo of her after feeding the other morning. She was doing some business in her diaper. She takes it pretty seriously. :)
And finally, Chloe...We had a rough start with her when we brought Olivia home but realized it was because Chloe was sick. She had a horrible infection on her neck but she's on medications and doing fine now. She's very protective of her little sister and watches over her. When Olivia cries, Chloe looks at us like "someone help her"!

Baby Pictures

2011-07-17T15:45:00.009-05:00

As promised here are a few pictures from the big day. I promise I'll be back soon with the full narrative on the events that took place on July 11th. I want to make sure I have plenty of time to devote to the birth story so it will have to wait a little longer. Things are going GREAT and we couldn't have been blessed with a better baby. All I want to do is hold and snuggle my sweet girl.

I was so scared, nervous, and excited

Our first family photo

in recovery

Paul holding Olivia for the first time

our anniversary present!!!

GOING HOME!

She's Here!

2011-07-15T10:55:00.004-05:00

I have almost no time at all to post anything but wanted to let you all know Olivia Grace arrived 7/11/11 at 5:03 pm via c section weighing in at 6 lb 13 oz and 20 inches long. She is precious beyond words and Paul and I are so blessed to be her parents. More to come later!

Baby time!! water broke and we've been at the hospital since 6:45 am!!! Oh and happy anniversary to us!

2011-07-11T11:52:00.001-05:00

Still Here

2011-07-10T11:28:00.004-05:00

Just wanted to touch base with ya'll and let you know I'm still trucking along at 39 weeks 4 days pregnant. No big news on the 'baby coming out' front other than I really wish she would.

And I also really wish she would for other reasons like the 100 texts and calls I get per day asking how I'm feeling? or any changes? or do you know when it's going to happen? I know you all mean well and this isn't directed at any one person but I'm just going to put it out there that it's REALLY starting to annoy me. Why? Because there is nothing new to say. And when there is, you'll bet your ass I'll be letting you know.

Or maybe we won't. I told Paul I don't want to tell anyone when we are headed to the hospital because I know there will be the select few that BLOW us up all day long wanting to know the same thing "is she here yet"?

If I sound super grouchy but it's because I AM! Nobody and I do mean NOBODY wants to get this show on the road more than me.

Until then, I'm sending Paul to the urgent care because he's been flat on his back since Thursday and the thought of him not getting better is stressing me out. Because we have a baby to birth, duh!

I have always "felt" like she was going to come on July 16th and I'm getting closer and closer to being right.

39 weeks and progress

2011-07-07T10:10:00.006-05:00

Warning: TMI Post

Well, 39 weeks greeted me this morning with something very interesting and exciting. Sorry that this is probably TMI to a lot of people (especially my male readers) but I want to document things for future...I lost my mucous plug this morning! Hell Yes! This baby IS indeed coming out at some point. I know it's no indication of when like your water breaking but it's a step in the right direction. It was such a big deal to me that I woke Paul up to tell him. Poor hubby got all excited, got up and put his clothes on, and had a huge smile on his face. I felt bad telling him it's really not that big of a deal and labor could be days or a week away. Ooops.

We had our 39 week appointment yesterday and I was still not dilated but am 25% effaced. The doctor said she's even lower and he didn't have such a hard time getting to my posterior cervix which is a darn good thing. Good things people, good things. And since this morning's events, I'm pretty sure I have to be dilated now, right?

I forgot to update that I found out why my OB is out on medical leave. She's pregnant!!!! I know, shocker. She's like really pregnant-due 2 weeks after me. Ya, I know, you are thinking "how the hell did you not know"??? Well in all fairness, nobody did. I got the scoop from one of the nurses at the hospital when we were there last friday. She said it was kept a secret until 2 weeks ago. She was able to pull it off because she's a larger woman to start and super tall so she carried ALL over rather than straight out AND she wears very large lab coats and goes all incognito on us. So, yep, she's having a baby...I guess that's good enough excuse for her to ditch me in my last couple of weeks. :)

I have a doctor appointment next thursday the 14th (one day after my due date)---can we all join together and PRAY that I don't see that appointment?

I.WANT.TO.MEET.MY.GIRL.

4th of July

2011-07-04T19:05:00.004-05:00

Happy 4th of July to you all! We have not really done anything this weekend that is very patriotic. With all the fun festivals, fireworks, and barbecues around these parts it's hard to stay home and miss them all but definitely worth it. My swollen feet can handle about 1 minute of the heat before they get even bigger. I can't walk more than 5-10 minutes without hurting so no festivals for us. We did, however, go watch fireworks last night but enjoyed them from the comfort of our (new) car and AC. We brought chairs and attempted to sit on the golf course with everyone else and watch them but the bugs were LOVING my huge feet. Swollen feet that you can barely bend over and scratch after being bit to death...not good. We loaded back up in the car and found the perfect spot to watch them from the car. Success!

I did say new car...We made a very last minute decision and drove 3 hours south on Saturday morning to buy a new car. We got final numbers (after I called AGAIN) that we couldn't pass up and one of the rebates was only good until 7/5 so we felt like we needed to jump on it. We literally decided at 10:30 Saturday morning we were going to buy the car and were out the door by 12. At the dealership by 3 and gone by 4:30. It was easy peasy.

It was a little risky being gone from home at 38.5 weeks pregnant but after just being in the hospital the day before and knowing I wasn't dilated at all we figured we'd be okay. And we were. After all, we were coming straight back so we figured it would be fine.

I said goodbye to this...my dear Lexus that I adored so much. I drove this baby for 8 years and it was the best car! I truly had a hard time driving away from it. I asked the guy at the dealership what was going to happen to her. He looked at me like I was crazy. I hope she goes to a good home. I know she's got some life left in her even at 207,000 miles but it was time for us to part ways.

And this is our new pride and joy. A brand new 2011 GMC Acadia. It's diamond white and the prettiest color of white I've ever seen. I just love it. While I still miss my Lexus I'm becoming quite fond of the Acadia. After all, it's 10 years newer and has SO many updated features the Lexus did not. We are definitely enjoying this car. And the new car smell. Mmmm.
I can't wait to bring Olivia home from the hospital in this. :)

PS... my baby ticker says 9 days. NINE days. Single digits. Holy cow!

3rd trip to L&D

2011-07-02T09:12:00.003-05:00

Yep, it happened again. To save myself from completely repeating what happened on Tuesday, we'll just say the same thing happened. High blood pressure at the doctor that they couldn't get down so off I went to the hospital. I gave the doctor a good "really" and a big sigh. He apologized but said with the long weekend he wanted to be safer than sorry.

I was super annoyed because we just went through this on Tuesday and everything was fine. My routine is to have high blood pressure, lay down for a bit and it goes down. I understand pre-eclampsia can come on at any time but I was showing no other signs.

We waited forever to be seen by the doctor at the hospital. It was really busy with lots of babies being born but I was admitted at 12ish and did not see him until about 4:15. He was ready to send me home but wanted to do a "quick" ultra sound to check amniotic fluid levels. I wasn't going to turn down a chance to see our sweet girl but wondered how "quick" this really was going to be. Turns out it was a flipping nightmare!

We got wheeled down to u/s right away but then I turned 10 shades of aggravated. The u/s tech took us in to a room, put the jelly all over my belly and took a couple pictures. She stopped and said she'd be "right back" and did not come back for an HOUR! I laid there flat on my back in a dim lit room with a jelly filled belly for an hour before she returned. I was furious. Paul and I both fell asleep at one point. She finally came back apologizing and brought another tech with her. They were trying to kiss our ass and being really nice but I wasn't having it. I was SO annoyed. She asked what brought us to the hospital and I said high blood pressure. She said "oh I bet I haven't made it any lower, have I?" I quickly told her "NO!" She proceeded to be overly nice and even said she'd do some 3D photos for us (I know just because she was trying to make up for her disappearance). I will admit, it changed my mood immediately getting to see Olivia in 3D. Technically, they were only measuring amniotic fluid, they didn't even have to show us anything let alone 3D images!

Want to know the funniest part? This little stinker had her tongue sticking out at us. We all died laughing. She's saying "jokes on you!" Isn't she so cute!??!

She was moving her mouth open and closed the whole time. She kept putting her hand up to her mouth as well. I'm wondering if she'll be a thumb sucker? You can see in the picture above and below that she's got her hands nestled right under her chin. She certainly takes after her mama in that way. I always sleep with my hands up by my head or face.
Ahhh, melt my heart this sweet girl! Honestly, this MADE my day!!!

After the u/s we thought we were smooth sailing to go home soon. The tech did mention that she thought my amniotic fluid was on the low end of normal if not low. She had to put all the measurements in to a report before she knew for sure. That report? Took her TWO HOURS to complete. We sat there another 2 hrs before it was done and once it was done it had to be reviewed by the doctor. Paul and I both were starving and I was beyond cranky. Turns out my amniotic fluid level was an 8. I looked it up online and that seems to be an okay number. Some things I read said anything between 5-25 is okay and others said 10-25 but this late in the game it seems to be ok. The doctor was ok with the results and FINALLY released us to go home.

Normally you have to wait for a wheel chair to leave. I told the nurse I wasn't waiting for anything. I'd spent my entire day waiting on everything and I was outta there! She understood how frustrated I was and didn't argue.

So, after leaving my house at 10 am yesterday for a doctor appointment, we finally got home last night around 9. Fun day!

Rest assured, I will NOT be going back for any type of monitoring again. If they want me to go to the hospital again it will be to have a baby.

38 weeks

2011-06-30T10:44:00.004-05:00

Yesterday was pretty eventful as far as my doctor goes. My OB that I've become very close with over the years and especially since I've been pregnant and seeing her nearly every week for the last 11 weeks, is no longer in the picture effective yesterday. I got a call from her office stating that she's taken a medical leave of absence and will not be back until September. I was completely thrown off because we had just seen her the day before and she did not say anything. The way she was talking there was no indication she'd be leaving. And I guess she didn't even know according to the lady that called. It sounds like a pretty sudden thing for everyone. I truly hope she's okay (they said she was) but damn, I'm disappointed she won't be around for the birth of Olivia. I feel like we've been through so much and she isn't there for the end result. I'm hoping to get more info from the nurses when I go in tomorrow.

I'm not going to lie though, I felt like I'd been broken up with all day yesterday with no closure. It feels so strange to be "starting over" with a new OB with my last couple weeks of pregnancy. Yes, there are other doctors in the group we like but we don't have that close relationship with any of them like we did her.

Moving on...

This week I've found my love for root beer floats and chili cheese dogs. I eat the turkey or veggie hot dogs (healthier) and decided this week to add a little chili and cheese to them and wow they are delicious. Back in the day, we used to frequent the local A&W root beer stand and get cony dogs and root beer floats so I'm reliving my past by eating them this week. I asked Paul the other night why I didn't discover the root beer floats earlier in my pregnancy?

We don't have any 4th of July plans at all. I'm sort of bummed because I'm a HUGE fan of the 4th. It's one of my favorite holidays. I love fireworks, barbecues, festivals etc. Naperville has a Ribfest every year that is SO much fun. Last year we had Paul's entire immediate family here for the holiday fun and boy did we have fun! Paul promised me we'd drive to watch fireworks from the car at some point this weekend. If I could walk for longer than 5 minutes, we'd for sure be going to Ribfest. It's supposed to be 105 degree heat index this weekend so it's probably not a good idea for me to be out much. And who knows, Olivia may decide she's ready this weekend and we don't want to be too far from home. Ohhh, one can only wish!

Have a safe and happy 4th. Enjoy all your parties and fireworks-I'll be there in spirit. :)

2nd trip to L&D

2011-06-28T21:29:00.003-05:00

We had our weekly appointment today and my blood pressure was the highest yet. 138/100. Wowzers. The nurse wouldn't even tell me what it was when I asked. She just gave me the look and said "your second number is the highest yet" She also told me she didn't want to tell me because they were going to retake it in a few minutes and didn't want to stress me out. Thing is, I didn't even feel stressed. Everyone asks me if I can feel when my BP is high and I honestly can't. I don't normally have high BP so this is all new to me. Along with the other 100 pregnancy symptoms I've got that are unfavorable. :)

They rechecked my BP a few minutes later and it wasn't much better. Only slightly. Before the nurse left the room she basically told us Dr was sending us to the hospital and we may get to meet our baby today. The meeting the baby part sounds GREAT but I don't want to under these circumstances. If I could choose, I'd go in to labor on my own. I'd really like to not have medical intervention to bring her in to this world. I think anyone would agree with that.

My dr came in and we chatted. She asked how the week was going and I told her the last two nights have been really difficult. I've had a lot of contractions and last night I seriously thought I was in hard core labor. I downloaded the contraction app on my phone at 1:30 this morning because they were SO bad and I figured I needed to start timing them. When you are woke from a sound sleep from a contraction you sort of feel like you should pay attention to that. I was able to go back to sleep but was up every hour to hour and a half with contractions that were waking me up. Obviously, I did not go in to labor but it was apparent to me that things were happening down there. Or at least they better be, right?

The dr checked me and because I have a posterior cervix she can't get to it without completely making me lose my mind in pain so she couldn't give me a definite on the dilation but confirmed again that Olivia's head is "right there". Finding out if I'm dilated and how far I'm dilated (if I am) is really not important because it is what it is. So, she opted to not make me completely uncomfortable just to figure that out.

She did confirm we were headed to the hospital for further testing. My swelling has gotten even worse (believe it or not) and she didn't like it. My hands, arms, face and legs were more swollen than she remembered from last week she said. As we were leaving her office she said "I hope to see you in the morning at the hospital in rip roaring labor" Awesome! Sounds good. That meant she was on call tomorrow which immediately eased my mind.

We grabbed a quick lunch, came home to situate the dog, grabbed our bags and headed to the hospital. We wanted to be prepared in case we didn't come home for a few days.

My first BP reading at the hospital was 140/99. Not any better. The next few were just ok...coming down slightly but not much. Then, it went down exponentially. Almost weird how low it was getting. We were in labor and delivery for about 3 hours until we were sent home.

I've been sent home with a 24 hour urine collection kit. It's a blast, let me tell you! And a lot of work. The jug of urine must be kept on ice (how high maintenance is that?) and Paul must deliver it to the lab at the hospital tomorrow evening. Friday I go back to my doctor for a follow up on the urine test.

I can't wait to hold Olivia in my arms and be done with all this extra "stuff". Here's to hoping she decides to meet us soon.

3 years

2011-06-27T10:45:00.004-05:00

Yesterday was my 3 year blogiversary. I planned to write something yesterday just to acknowledge it but that would have been far too exhausting. We did absolutely nothing yesterday. It was one of those days where you wake up and go to bed wearing the same clothes. No showers, no cooking, no getting off the couch. It was glorious.

It's hard to believe it's been 3 years since I settled in to this little blog. I don't have many followers, I don't make money from ads on my blog, and I'll never be a blogger to attend blog conventions and the like. I didn't start blogging to get all famous and rich...I did it for me and and I'm happy with the way it's all worked out.

I have been thinking very seriously about going private. My only concern would be for those of you who do actually give a damn about what I ramble on about a couple times a week. I wouldn't want to deprive you of the boringness. With the baby on her way (HOPEFULLY SOON) I've considered this for the privacy of our family only. There are some situations in my life that I've mentioned here in the past that make me want to keep my baby and our family life out of the minds and mouths of certain people. Quite simply, they don't deserve to see in to our life. However, I also would be shutting out some potentially great blog "friends" if I do so. If I do go private, I'll let you all know so you can jump on the wagon via invitation before I shut the doors to the unwanted.

So with that being said, happy 3 years to my blog. It's been fun and I'm so thankful to those of you who I've "met". You all are great!!!

37 weeks and baby book

2011-06-24T14:24:00.004-05:00

I fell in love with his baby book months ago and knew I had to order it when the time came. The baby book is from baby books by marci and while a little pricey, totally worth it!!! There isn't anything she's forgotten when designing her books which makes it so much easier to fill out. I plan to do my own digital book of her first years with Iphoto but wanted to make sure I had something to record all the important milestones. And when I saw it came in black and white damask to match her room, I knew it was meant to be!!!!

Now back to regular scheduled 37 week programming...

This week has been one of the most challenging. My sleep is extremely compromised. I can NOT get comfortable at night. I knew this was coming as most prego gals talk about how horrible the sleep is especially at the end. I've made it the entire pregnancy without a pregnancy pillow and I refuse to buy one at this point. My body aches all night long and I can not fall asleep or stay asleep. If I do get to sleep I'm up the next minute having to go pee. I'm a complete tired mess all day long. Thank goodness I'm working from home and don't have a strict agenda because this week I've barely had the energy to shower. What makes it even worse is I can NOT nap either. I try but for some reason my body won't let me. My mind is in overdrive I guess. I'll say I'm pretty ready for the sleep deprivation that Olivia will cause us.

I'm also extremely sore. Again, this week it's the most noticeable. I've gotten more mobile because I know it's safe if she decides to come so my bed rest orders are not strictly enforced or followed. I try and walk with Paul and Chloe at night which consists of waddling to the park (which we live on the park so it's not a far waddle) to sit down on the benches for a break and then we waddle home. My back is miserably aching by that point. It's so crazy to me how restricted your body becomes when carrying another human in it.

Yesterday I cleaned out our walk in pantry. It was a sight for sore eyes. I literally couldn't take looking at it anymore. I emptied the entire thing, threw away 2 garbage bags full of crap and expired food and swept/mopped the floor. It took me the ENTIRE day to do because I could only be on my feet for a few minutes at a time before my back felt like it was going to break. I am SOOO happy I did it because I know there will be no time for cleaning out like that in the first weeks with the baby. I am definitely nesting like crazy but I'm running out of things to do.

I keep telling myself that all these added pains I'm feeling this week just mean she's getting closer to her arrival. Have I told you all how flipping excited I am to meet my baby girl? I don't even think you understand. I hope nobody wants to hold her for the first week because I don't know if I'll let you. (kidding...maybe)

We are trying to buy a new car for me--2011 GMC Acadia. I say trying because nobody wants to call us back. We are dealing with 2 dealerships at the moment and both dealerships promised us figures on Monday and we never heard from them. I called one of them Wednesday and he said he'd get right back to me. Nothing still. One thing he did say was "I'm hoping to get this deal done by month end, what's the chance of that happening?" I had to laugh. So let me get this straight...you are dragging your feet like crazy but feel it ok to give ME a time frame of when we need to make a decision because you need to meet your month end numbers? That seems appropriate. Ha. People are crazy.

We are planning 2 date nights this weekend. No telling how many date nights we have left before baby so tonight we are going to dinner and to see Bridesmaids. My brother, Andy, is coming to visit tomorrow and we are going out to our favorite sushi place for dinner.

Have a great weekend!

customer service

2011-06-22T21:28:00.002-05:00

Sometimes I feel like I'm on candid camera. Okay, I feel like it all the time. I don't have good luck most of the time. I need to vent here's your warning!

We registered at Pottery Barn Kids and got quite a few things off the registry at our baby showers. Several items I had indicated I wanted monogrammed. While I love PBK, their monogramming is LESS than acceptable. Two items I received as gifts were completely ruined because of the monogramming. The boppy cover was returned and when they re did the order to have it shipped to me, they actually sent it to the person who bought it for us. Great!

Another item we got was a hooded bath towel with Olivia's name on it. The towel was ripped around the monogram so back to the store I went. Because the monogrammed items are considered "catalog" purchases everything has to be done through the mail. It's not as simple as taking it back to the store and getting an exchange. So, I had to wait for my merchandise credit and then go back to the store and get my replacement. Sure, they could have just re monogrammed a towel and sent it to me in the mail but at this point I've given up on their monogramming and want nothing to do with it.

So, I get my merchandise credit last week and went to the store tonight to finish up what I had started. Guess what? That merchandise credit card they sent me was blank. The sales gal told me the card was blank and asked if I had it confused with another one. Um, no! Cue my blood boiling and about losing my crap right there in the store. I gave the lady a little history and told her all the shit I'd been through. She was really nice and said she'd call PBK and see what's going on. Thankfully I had the return slip and order number and all the info we needed.

I went and sat down on one of the kids beds because at over 9 months pregnant I could barely stand and wait the THIRTY FIVE minutes it took for this to get resolved. Apparently the merchandise credit they sent me was loaded with the wrong amount so they voided it and have sent me another one. Would have been nice to know. How about an email telling me that or possibly over nighting a new merchandise credit immediately rather than waiting over a week? I was furious because I just wanted to get this shit done. Why spend my own money when I clearly have merchandise credit to use in this store? They say I'm supposed to have the merchandise credit with the correct amount in the mail tomorrow.

Thanks PBK, you really know how to F things up don't you!?!

What's really funny is I had a friend with me who was trying not to laugh. She knows how I really don't have the best of luck and how things don't always go smoothly. I told her how I feel like I'm always arguing with people about things and I get so sick of it. She said she doesn't know how I'm not the worlds biggest Bitch because of the crap I deal with. I sort of agreed.

And then we went to Cheesecake Factory to have a salad. We ordered our food like normal people do in a restaurant. Her food came out and I figured mine was not far behind. She started eating and still no food for me. We laughed at first. And then she reminded me that it's ME so why would my food be coming??? Would you believe we had to ask the server twice where my food was. His response "what the heck is going on with your food?" I don't know buddy but if someone doesn't figure it out I will. Sure enough, he came back with my food and shook his head and called the kitchen idiots.

That has been my night. But unfortunately my entire day has been like this. I'm just not telling you all of it because I'm already feeling like deja vu.

Here's to hoping tomorrow is a MUCH better day.

Nursery Tour

2011-06-19T08:57:00.013-05:00

First things first, my nephew Carter Adam was born 6/16 weighing 6lbs 4 oz. He and mommy are doing great and they are home. He is just darling and I can't wait to meet him.

Happy Father's Day to all the father's out there especially my dear husband, my dad, step dad and father in law.

And now for the nursery tour...I will also post where things were purchased in case you are curious. If you need any additional info feel free to email me. :)

The crib, dresser, and night stand were purchased at Cribs To College in Naperville, IL. The brand is My Kids. They are only local to the chicago land area. I've mentioned before but the bedding material was all purchased from Carousel Bedding and I had everything custom made to my liking.

A view of the corner of the room from the entry way. The damask "O" was given as a gift at our shower and fits perfectly on that wall.
Lamps were purchased at Target and the gal that did our bedding recovered the lamp shades. The white baskets were purchased at IKEA and the liners were also made by my seamstress friend.
The pink trash can with her name on it is from Pottery Barn Kids. It's not a very good photo but you get the idea.
The black shelf on the wall is from Pottery Barn. The diaper changer cover is from Pottery Barn kids and is the softest chamois material ever made! The fisher price rock and play sleeper hiding in the corner will be put in our room and she'll sleep in that at night until we transfer her to her own room.
One of my favorite things in her room is the Olivia canvas painting! My friend Allison from Allison Kegley Designs painted it for us. It turned out GREAT! The baby bag I've mentioned before but it's a Petunia Pickle Bottom bag. All packed and ready to go. :)

Our chair is a Best Chairs Quinn model. It swivels and rocks and is the most comfortable chair. I highly recommend Best Chairs and they have many different models to choose from. Of course, the pillow and blanket on the chair were made by the same seamstress.

We are so glad the room is finally done. With time we'll add a few things to the walls but for now I'm happy the way it is. Paul just spent about 15 minutes sitting in the chair in her room relaxing. He is so excited to meet his baby and rock her to sleep in her room.

36 weeks and BIG NEWS!

2011-06-16T11:19:00.003-05:00

9 months pregnant! I gave quite the update a couple days ago so there isn't much else to report. I did get confirmation that the remainder of the nursery furniture will FINALLY be delivered on Saturday. Woo hoo! I can finally finish the room and get things hung etc. I wanted to wait until we got the chair and side table delivered before we decided exactly where we wanted the crib which also meant we couldn't hang her name canvas just yet. Little things, but enough to drive me crazy. When the furniture store said 4-6 weeks they meant every bit of 6 weeks!

I also checked on the baby book I ordered because that's taken forever too. It's a custom made baby book (I can't wait to show you all and give the deets) so it takes a little longer than just a typical buy and ship transaction but apparently it's being shipped today and I'm super excited.

I feel like after Saturday, we are officially ready for her arrival at any time. After all the hoopla she'll probably stay put until the bitter end but either way we'll be ready.

And for the BIG NEWS of the day!!!!! My sister in law, Maria, is in labor. She's due 2 days after us but her water broke at 3 am and baby Carter has decided he is eager to meet everyone. As of 8:30 this morning's update she was only 1.5 centimeters and we all know it could take forever or happen soon. For her sake, I hope it's a quick easy delivery and everyone is healthy. I'm keeping my phone close for updates. They live in St. Louis so we won't be meeting Carter any time soon unfortunately.

Floozies

2011-06-15T12:01:00.002-05:00

The man of the house left for work today at 5:45. Per usual he kisses me goodbye in my semi comatose state. Next thing I know my phone is ringing at 7:20 and it's him. It better be him, right? Who else calls someone that early? He was informing me that he was on his way home. He got to work and started throwing up. Um, not good.

From the moment I put my feet on the floor I have had a serious case of nausea. I haven't gotten sick but holy cow do I feel like crap. I'm beyond exhausted today too so I'm wondering if I'm getting the flu. I can't imagine being 9 months pregnant and having the flu is fun and hopefully I won't be finding out.

Paul is feeling better. He's only had a couple "incidents" but they haven't amounted to much. He did just run to the DMV to get his sticker renewal b/c that's almost past due. He felt like he was good enough to drive there really quick to get that done. He wanted to take my car because the cleaning people are parked behind him. And guess what? My car won't start. I guess it thinks just because it rolled 206,000 miles yesterday it's got a free pass on running properly today. I don't care at the moment but we'll need to figure that out at some point.

For the good news...the new cleaning company is here and I'm very happy with things so far. They are the sweetest polish people (one guy and one gal) and speak very little english but that's okay. They know how to clean some house! The manager showed up with them just to introduce himself and go through the house with us. I'm assuming it's because these 2 barely speak english but either way, it was really nice. Girlfriend is currently up on a ladder in our kitchen dusting things that probably haven't been dusted in 7 years. No joke-she's not messing around. I think we'll get along quite nicely.

Speaking of 7 years-that was no joke either. 7 years ago today I bought this town home. It was one of my proudest days taking keys from the closing and walking in to MY house. We've made so many great memories here and soon to be making more. Happy 7 years to my sweet town home. I love you dearly even though we are starting to outgrow you.

All good

2011-06-14T11:11:00.002-05:00

Our Dr. appointment went well. My blood pressure was fine 124/80 and everything else checked out to be just fine. We had no idea what to expect going in to today's appointment. Paul and I were both pretty nervous and there was very little talking on the way to the appointment. You know the kind of drive...nerves are flared, your stomach is churning, etc.

We feel a definite sense of relief knowing she'll stay put for awhile longer. I'm glad my high blood pressure hasn't failed me and caused this baby to come sooner than she wanted to.

We saw my regular doctor today and she couldn't confirm nor deny the statement the dr made last week which was "you will not see your due date". She said she thinks something will happen in the next couple of weeks but who can say for sure. When she did the internal exam she did inform us that there is no dilation but she could feel the baby's head pushing down on my cervix. I thought she had dropped because I have had a lot more pressure down there and when Olivia gets the hiccups I can feel them so much lower.

That's all for now. Have a great Tuesday!

Baby items ready for baby

2011-06-13T17:58:00.007-05:00

Over the weekend we got the boxes of baby items out of the garage and Paul started assembling the goods. First up is the Fisher Price My Little Snug a Bunny swing that we got from my step dad. We LOVE this swing already. The best part? It plugs in!! We looked at this swing and the Fisher Price my little lamb swing and decided that a swing that plugs in vs. basically the same thing that takes batteries? Um, no brainer! This one goes better with our decor too--less blue and more green/brown :)

Next is our Graco pack and play that my dad and step mom got us. I originally wanted the graco rittenhouse (black and white damask pattern) but it was being discontinued and I figured we'd have a hard time finding it. I decided on this pattern and am SO glad we went this route. It looks darling in our family room if you can't tell. It couldn't match things any better. While our baby items don't have to match our house, I'm also not a huge fan of obnoxious bright colored baby items that take over people's homes. I love the "shelves" on the bottom (that rounded zipper unfolds and has easier access) where I currently have tons of diapers stored and plan to add sleepers and onesies. Less walking up and down the stairs the better.
Here is a closer look at the pattern. So cute and classy and totally doable for a boy if that's what we have next. This pack and play vibrates, plays music, has a built in light-basically does everything but feed the baby. :)

For our infant car seat we went with the Graco Snugride 30 Zoey pattern. No this will not work for a boy if that's what we have next but there wasn't a single infant carrier I liked that was gender neutral. Of course these are "our colors" and I was drawn to it but I was also drawn to the fact that it's lightweight, the fabric is amazing and easily wiped down, and won't be too hot like most fabrics that come on the snugrides. There were a couple gender neutral ones that would have worked but they either had a velvet fabric (no!) or a fabric that would snag super easy (another no!) so I'm happy with our final decision!!! We got this after returning several duplicates on our registry and using a 20% Buy Buy Baby coupon.
Our 2011 BOB Revolution SE stroller was delivered today along with the infant car seat adaptor. Paul is working late tonight and I could not wait to get this put together. It was SOOO easy! I had it done in less than 10 minutes and did not touch the manual. I'm very pleased with this purchase and can't wait to use it!
Here's a shot of the BOB with the infant carrier on top. We'll be using the stroller like this for quite awhile and I know I can't technically run with her for about 8 months but having a nice, easy to use stroller was a must for us. This stroller is super expensive but after having store credit and gift cards we ended up paying very little. Amazing!

We have a doctor appointment in the morning. I'm getting a little anxious wondering what will happen. Honestly, I wouldn't mind her cooking a little longer but we'll see what my blood pressure tells us we have to do tomorrow. Will it be a routine quick appointment, will be go to the hospital for monitoring, or will we be induced tomorrow?

35 weeks

2011-06-09T15:08:00.004-05:00

I'm nesting like crazy around these parts. I have everything washed that needs to be washed for her homecoming and first few weeks at home. I purposely am not washing all the clothes in case I need to do exchanges later for different sizes.

Her bag is packed but I'm still working on mine. Mine won't be officially done until we are headed to the hospital because I'll need to add my toiletries but I've got a good start on what I'm taking.

I need to read more about my camera. I thought I'd have it all figured out by now but I honestly don't know where the days go. Work is keeping me busy during the days and I've been busy washing, cleaning, etc. (see nesting above) that I really haven't read much more of the owners manual. I know I've got plenty of time to become an expert but I sort of wish someone would just show me everything rather than having to read. I learn by doing.

We bought our 2011 BOB Jogger stroller and car seat adapter 2 nights ago. As I type this I got an email that it's been shipped! I can't wait to be able to take walks and eventually run with her.

Our carpets were cleaned today and they look amazing! We fired the cleaning service we had all the drama with. I interviewed another company Tuesday and hired them on the spot. Would you believe she hasn't gotten back to me like she said she would? She was supposed to email me which day would work for our every 3 week cleaning and all the particulars. I'm hoping she gets back to me because I don't feel like I need to call them screaming from the rooftops that I WANT TO HIRE YOU! I made it pretty clear we wanted them to start soon.

I'm getting my car detailed tomorrow and the car seat installed in my car. Paul and I are putting together baby items this weekend. The pack and play, swing, and snap n go are at the top of our list. I'm sure I'll be supervising while he puts together. He's better and WAY more patient at reading directions. I'd like to just throw all the pieces on the floor and figure it out on my own. Did I mention I hate reading directions/manuals?

I've been a thank you note writing fool the last couple of days. I'm just trying to get everything checked off my list because after Tuesday's doctor appointment I'm not sure what to expect. We could have a baby next week or it could be several weeks.

I called to check on the nursery chair and night stand we ordered 5 weeks ago. It's still not in. It should be here next week but I was really hoping for delivery this weekend. I still owe you all a complete nursery tour! I can't wait until it's officially DONE!

Baby Shower #2

2011-06-08T09:44:00.004-05:00

We had our second and final baby shower in Danville last weekend. It was amazing. Baby Olivia was showered with so many generous gifts and my family completely outdid themselves preparing for the shower! I don't have many pictures but here are a few of the big day.

The adorable cakes for Maria and I. (remember she's due 2 days after me so it was a double shower) They got the cakes from the same place Paul and I got our wedding cake. They turned out a-dorable and the cake itself is always delicious!! You can't see really well but my sister Megan made the suckers that say it's a boy and it's a girl. She also made the mints that spread around the tables in pink and blue and the pink mints had an "O" on them for Olivia. I'm assuming the boy mints had a "C" for Carter but I actually never ate a blue one to tell you for sure.
Everyone was so creative and got us the cutest stuff. You can't see very well in this picture but there is a diaper cake on the table that a friend had made for us. It is the most amazing diaper cake I've ever seen. It was filled with all sorts of goodies off our registry-bottles, sophie the giraffe, pacifiers, hair bows, rattles, chew toys, grooming accessories etc. The top of the cake has the most adorable pink giraffe that winds up. I am going to have a hard time taking that diaper cake apart. :)
Me, my step mom Karen, and Maria. Karen and Megan did a fantastic job planning everything. The shower itself was at the golf course in town (also where we got married) and they had appetizers which included a fruit tray, veggie tray and cheese tray. Lunch was served which included Italian beef, ham and cheese sandwiches, and chicken salad on croissants, pasta salad and chips. The food was delicious!

The table decorations (I need to get their photos-gosh I'm leaving out so much) were the suckers Megan made sticking out of little pink and blue tin buckets filled with candy as the "dirt". Around the table arrangements were carters blankets in pink and blue which was a super cute idea. At the entry to the room were huge potted pink and blue hydrangea plants and 2 lucky guests got their name drawn to take them home to plant in their yard. I have to be honest, I was dying to take home the pink one-hydrangeas top the list as one of my favorite flowers but I was happy that 2 of my favorite people won the plants. They were so excited (everyone wanted them) and said they'll always think of me and baby Olivia as they look at these plants in their yard. :)

After the shower we had a cookout at my dad's. It was a long day and I probably over did it but it was so worth it.

I'm still battling the extreme swelling (who am I kidding to think it's going away anytime soon). We had a doctor appointment yesterday with a different doctor in the group. He was the only one we hadn't met yet. He was looking at my feet in disgust and feeling sorry for how huge they are. He especially couldn't believe the cracking/splitting of the skin which now look like scabs. He said "are you sure you aren't wearing shoes that is creating this mess?" Um, no Doc...my shoes don't fit! :)

He said that I will NOT see my due date as my blood pressure was high at yesterday's appointment. It was 130/90 and he didn't like that one bit but I guess 140/90 is the "dangerous" limit so he said I was right on the borderline. He also told me to be prepared after next Tuesday's appointment to be sent to the hospital for tests/monitoring if my BP is still high or borderline high. Paul and I are preparing ourselves to meet our baby girl much earlier than the expected July 13th due date. I know at this point she's in the safe zone so I'm not stressing but as much as I want to have her NOW it wouldn't hurt to let her cook for another week or two.

I know I joke that I'm DONE with being pregnant but I will miss the daily kicks and jabs from her. The good has far outweighed the bad with this pregnancy no matter how much it might sound like I'm complaining. I'm not trying to-just being transparent. I know there isn't much time left and no matter how horrible I feel, I can do this.

34 weeks

2011-06-02T17:39:00.005-05:00

I am officially over being pregnant. Before anyone starts passing judgement, I am completely aware of what a special gift this is to be growing our baby girl. We wanted this sooo badly and when I found out I was pregnant I couldn't be happier...and still am. I'm just saying that if she was born very soon I wouldn't mind at all.

My 34 week update told me today that babies born between 34 and 37 weeks have little to no health issues and spend nearly no time in the NICU. She also is just about 5 lbs and 18 inches long.

But I'm tired. I'm HUGELY swollen. The skin on my feet/ankles is starting to split because my feet are so huge. My face is swollen-I have 3 chins. My arms/wrists/fingers are very swollen. I'm just a HUGE hot mess.

Sleep has been great but the last couple of nights I've been pretty uncomfortable. I don't know if it's just a fluke or if my sleep is not going to be good from here on out. I have had a pain in my lower back/hip/leg for the last couple of days and I've had to take Tylenol just to not go insane.

I got a manicure/pedicure today at my favorite spa-Coldwater Creek and the girl who did it (my friend Cathy) was so worried about my feet. She just kept saying OMG OMG. She said she tried to be extra gentle but she said my toes wouldn't even bend. Yep-it's pretty bad. :)

Olivia's final furniture delivery should happen in the next couple of weeks and then the room will officially be done. I can't wait to show you all the completed project! Her name canvas will be delivered this weekend as well.

We are headed to Danville (my hometown) for the weekend tomorrow. We have our final baby shower with my family. We are very much looking forward to going as it will most likely be our last trip anywhere for quite awhile. Probably won't be back in Danville until Christmas.

Thanks for all your sweet comments about my 'what to do after baby is born' post. It really gave me/us a lot to think about and we are shifting our focus for sure! You all made some very valid points that I hadn't really thought about.

When Olivia is born I'm sure all this will be a forgotten memory. Everything I've been through this pregnancy I would do over again and again but I can't say I've loved being pregnant. For those of you who do, god bless you. I've been told that pregnancy #2 will probably be a breeze but for the love of all things holy I'm NOT EVEN THINKING ABOUT NUMBER 2 RIGHT NOW!!!!!!

PS Sorry no picture. I took one with the new DSLR for my own record but don't have the energy to deal with uploading it.

Memorial Day

2011-05-30T13:05:00.002-05:00

We've had a pretty low key weekend. Nothing to exciting to report in the L household. Last weekend was full of out of town guests so we sort of loved just sitting around in our pj's doing absolutely nothing.

Friday night we went to dinner at Jason's Deli-one of our all time favorite chill places to eat. Girlfriend loves me so frozen yogurt after the meal. Yum! Saturday Paul's friend came over with her little 18 month old and brought us a sweet baby gift. She stayed all afternoon and I'm pretty sure her sweet little one got in to everything she could possibly get her hands on that was not for her! Gotta love the little ones in a non child proof house. Guess we should start thinking about that. Sunday we slept in until 10 am!!!!! We were SHOCKED when we saw the clock and it was that late. We don't sleep in anymore-ever. Chloe usually has us up by 8 am sharp so she can eat. You'd think she was malnourished or something. We stayed in our our pj's and watched the Deadliest Catch marathon until 4 pm!!! It was wonderful. The Chicago weather was horrible and we had torrential downpours all day with thunder and lightening so it was perfect weather for that kind of day.

Until I got extremely bored with cabin fever and made us peel ourselves up off the couch to shower and run errands. We needed to get a mattress cover for our bed (our other one died in the wash) in case baby girl decides to break my water and leak all over the bed. I want to be prepared! I also wanted to go check out the Memorial day sales at Best Buy and look at their DSLR cameras.

We finally made a decision and bought the Nikon d5100 and I couldn't be happier. They were having great bundle deals at Best Buy. We thought we were just going to look but couldn't pass up the deal. The additional lens which retails for $400 came in the bundle for MUCH less. It was that kind of deal. I've been reading the manual and plan to just start practicing taking pics in different settings. Chloe has been warned-she is my subject!

After the shopping we had dinner at another favorite-Cheesecake factory. My back and feet were killing me after about 20 minutes at Best Buy so it was nice to end our evening relaxing with a good meal.

Today Paul and I sat outside for a bit this morning to enjoy the SUNSHINE! He's off to work now and I'm going to run a few super quick errands. It's 90 degrees here and couldn't be prettier. If only I could take the dog on a walk...

Also, a congrats to our friends Josh and Annie on the birth of their baby boy, Adler. He was born last Thursday at a tiny 3lbs 12 oz but mom and baby are doing great! They were due 12 days before us and she ended up having him just shy of 36 weeks. He's a little guy but is doing fantastic. Olivia can't wait to meet her little friend.

Happy Memorial Day to you all. I am so thankful to all the service men and women who fight for our freedom. I especially remember my brother Adam USMC on this day. RIP.

Baby Shower

2011-05-28T11:05:00.010-05:00

Our Chicago baby shower was last Saturday the 21st. Paul's parents, my sister, and my friend Allie from New Jersey all stayed with us. (we had the bed still up in the babies room) Paul and I took everyone to Maggiano's for dinner Friday night. This isn't the best picture but Mallory, my sister, is sitting next to me and Allie is on the end.
Paul and I met Allie and her husband Morris on our honeymoon almost 2 years ago in Mexico. We became instant friends doing shots at the resort bar and had had an absolute blast with these two. Allie and I have developed a great friendship in the two years we've known each other. We went to NYC last year and stayed with Morris and Allie a couple of nights. Allie opened a bakery in NJ and offered to make the cake for the baby shower as soon as I told her I was expecting. She flew from NJ to Chicago with the cake in her suitcase fully baked along with the icing and fondant. All she had to do when she got here was assemble it. She was up until 3 am Friday night/Saturday morning assembling this beauty.
I woke up Saturday morning to find this in the refrigerator. I was speechless. I stood there with the fridge door open just staring saying OMG OMG! She does amazing work. If you live near the NJ area her bakery is called Lexie's Bake Shop-you must order!!! She also made the favors for the shower which were cake balls and had them packaged up with super cute boxes and ribbons.
The morning of the shower I woke to the worst swelling I've had to date. Of course it had to get so bad on shower day, right? My face, my hands, my legs, my feet...OH MY! When I saw these pics I was shocked at how swollen I looked. Of course every pic of me opening presents had my face down which made the double chin pop even more. It's a great look people! :) Jodi helped pass out gifts and my sister was kind enough to write down the gifts people got baby Olivia.
I loved this gift (I loved them all but really loved this). It's a boppy cover from Pottery Barn Kids with Olivia's name sewn on it. It's soooo soft. I want one for my pillow!
A shot of the gorgeous cake and candy table. My dear friend Jenny bought 30 bags of m&m's at Easter and hand picked out all the pink ones. Everyone had little bags to take scoops of candy home with them.
Me and my cake!
My friend Mary made a chair cover because she wanted me to sit in something pretty. How sweet! She used the same materials as the bedding for Olivia's room. The back of the chair has a huge black bow on it. Absolutely adorable!!! Paul and his dad showed up at the end to help with carrying gifts to the car. When he walked in with this outfit on everyone ooo'ed and ahh'ed. They thought I had picked it out for him. He did it all on his own. It was super cute that he thought to match his clothes with the colors of the baby shower. :)

I was so overcome with emotions the day of our shower. As I was getting ready I was reflecting on what wonderful friends, sister and mother in law I have. They all put so much time and energy in to making this day so special. I thought I would cry at the shower but I didn't. I was so happy and enjoyed myself to the fullest.

My bestie Michelle was the brains behind the whole operation (I sadly did not get a pic with her-what is wrong with us?) She made a June/July calendar and had a super cute piggy bank and passed it around. It was the only "game" we played and people could make bets on when Olivia will arrive. 1/2 the pot will go to the winner and 1/2 will go to Olivia's college fund. :) Everyone loved it. I think people feel really relieved when they know there are no games at baby showers. This was one that if they wanted to participate in they could and if not, no pressure.

We have a baby shower in my home town next Saturday that my family is putting on. The boys are all playing golf while the girls do baby stuff. The shower is for me and my sister in law who are due 2 days apart. Should be a great time! Here's to hoping my swelling goes down slightly this week so I don't look like such a blimp. Not counting on it though. :)

33 weeks

2011-05-26T17:01:00.003-05:00

I thought the red shirt was hiding the "large and in chargeness" of my belly so I rolled er up. I'm most definitely starting to feel like I can't get any bigger but I know I will. To date, I still do not have any stretch marks but I doubt I'll escape this pregnancy without them.

I'm feeling good. Ridiculously swollen and feel like I'm walking around with someone else's legs and feet. I even put on a bracelet the other day that is usually really big but I could barely fasten it at the last hook. I'm swollen everywhere! It's not a pretty sight. I'm going to love this baby with all I have but damn she's not been easy on me.

I'm sleeping like a champ. I'm knocking on wood as I type this. So many pregos talk about their horrible sleep but I'm still sleeping well save for the 3-4 trips to the bathroom a night. I don't even have a pregnancy pillow or any other pillows for support. I figured I would have caved and bought one by now.

Our baby shower was last weekend and I still need to post about that. It was amazing! I have the most talented caring friends anyone could ask for. My in laws were here from VA and we had a nice visit. Every time people come it stresses me out that we don't have a bigger house.

Which leads me to another issue...I don't know what to do when the baby is born. None of our family lives close. My family is 3 hours away and his parents are 14 hrs away. His brother is in DC and his sister and her hubby are in TN. Everyone wants to come see the baby when she's born but nobody knows when. Everyone wants me to tell them when and I just don't know. I don't know what kind of delivery I'm going to have, I don't know what state of mind I'll be in, I just don't know anything.

In a perfect world, everyone would live close and have their own home to retreat to each night. I'm sure we'll welcome the visitors but it would also be nice to have some peace and quiet to ourselves I'm sure. I'll be breast feeding. I've heard that the first couple of weeks are very challenging. I don't want to worry about trying to figure that out with a house full of people.

If people stay with us we only have a pull out couch in the loft. After his parents visit, I've realized that will be less than ideal. Our guest bedroom is now the babies room as it should be. My family said they'd get a hotel but then I feel bad that they are here to see us and they are getting a hotel. Should I just suggest everyone get a hotel? Should we not have any visitors at first? Is it ideal to have your "mom" here for a week or two to help out? Obvi my mom isn't helping as she clearly wants nothing to do with this whole situation. Do I ask my sister to come stay? I think the less commotion the better. I know I'll want everyone to be there to see their granddaughter and niece be born but what is the best way? Are there any free hotels in the chicago land that I can send everyone too?

Clearly, I'm stressed about this. Maybe tomorrow I will have a different outlook. Any advice from you fellow bloggers would be good. And no, moving right now is not an option.

Chloe's 7th Birthday!

2011-05-23T10:29:00.004-05:00

Today is my sweet puppy girl's 7th birthday. Although she's 7 and very much an adult dog, she'll always be my puppy girl.
Dearest Chloe,

(yes i'm writing a letter to my dog...no I haven't lost it)

Here we are, 7 years into your sweet life. Although we haven't known each other for the entire 7 years, we've spent nearly all of them together. When I got you on August 9th 2004, I had no idea what I was in for. You peed AND pooped in the front seat of my "new" Lexus on our way home from the breeder but I knew good things were in store for us.

You see, Chloe, I needed you. I was lonely, I was sad, I was in a bad place in my life and I needed you. I was in my darkest days of missing my brother who had died the year before. I lived in Chicago all by myself working way too many hours and I needed an escape. You were it. And you've been it for 7 years. So many wonderful things have happened to us in 7 years but it was those first couple years that I had you when you were really more to me than you'll ever know.

You've always been the SWEETEST dog. You love all dogs-you are the dog that gets along with the dogs who don't get along with ANY dog. You welcome people with the biggest tail wag that nearly knocks you off your feet. You wag your tail and your entire body shakes back and forth. Everyone comments on this and just loves this about you. When we go on walks, you have a trot that needs a patent. It's a trot unlike any I've ever seen and every time we walk I smile as if it's the first time I've ever seen it.

You love your "pappas" more than I could have ever hoped. You loved him from the first time you met him and I knew that you approved of mommy's future husband. You haven't always been this way with mommy's "friends".

You love your tennis balls, your green and white bone, and your bed. Those three things you could not live with out. When you spot a tennis ball anywhere you get unbelievably excited. You'll pick a tennis ball up on our walks when I don't even realize it. You'll keep it in your mouth all the way home and try and sneak that dirty thing in to our house. Fat chance sister! You have plenty of clean balls in the house to play with and it only takes a couple seconds of convincing you until you "drop it" and leave it for next time.

You know when I'm sad, you know when I'm happy, and you are always there to make me smile. I love coming home to you-I could have been gone 10 minutes or 8 hrs and you greet me with an overwhelming welcome home each time.

You are such a creature of habit. I can almost always predict your next move. You know something is coming with all the recent changes in our house. You know there is a reason mommy can't take you on walks right now and you still love me. You have been found sleeping next to the baby's crib lately and it warms my heart. I know you'll be the best big puppy sister to Olivia and you will protect her.

Thanks for being the best dog a person could ever have. I'll never get this lucky with another dog as long as I live. I don't even think I will ever try.

Happy Birthday Chloe--now lets go pick out your favorite treat at the dog bakery.

Love,
Mammas

32 weeks!!!

2011-05-20T12:53:00.002-05:00

We are 32 weeks 2 days today. My doctor appointment went great yesterday. My doctor and the nurse were literally doing cheers that I made it to 32 weeks. After the 27 week scare, we had no idea what would happen. She gave me my first goal which was make it to 32 weeks and we did! My next goal is 35 weeks. I have no doubt we'll make it.

This weekend if very special to Paul and I. It's our first baby shower!!! My mother in law, sister and best friends are putting on a fabulous show tomorrow. I can't even imagine how amazing it will be. I've dreamed of this day for a very long time. I told Paul a couple nights ago that I can't believe we are celebrating OUR baby this weekend. His parents should be arriving from VA any moment, my friend Allie from NJ has just landed at Midway Airport, and my sister is driving up from Danville later today. I can't wait to see the rest of my friends tomorrow!

It's going to be a great weekend. Stay tuned next week for pictures and updates.

Happy Friday!

Surprise Baby Shower

2011-05-17T17:07:00.004-05:00

Last night I went to girls night with my running friends. It's just 5 of us who get together once a month and this month they decided to get a little tricky on me. I didn't go last month due to being newly discharged from the hospital and on bed rest. Even though I'm still on bed rest I went because I knew all we'd be doing was sitting around relaxing.

Clearly I did not know this was coming or I wouldn't have shown up looking so haggard. They totally out did themselves and got baby Olivia the sweetest gifts. The host is not a fan of pink at all but she allowed plenty of pink in her house last night for the occasion. And the plates even had polka dots on them! Pink and polka dots? My fave! And my latest obsession-tulips!

We had so much fun. When I'm with these girls all we do is laugh and laugh. We got so comfy sitting on Sally's couch talking last night that I didn't even realize what time it was. I didn't get home until nearly midnight. I couldn't believe I stayed up that late!!

It's been a pretty lazy day today due to my late night. I'm still in my pj's as I type this and have no plans of changing out of them. Normally days like this make me crazy-I at least like to shower and get dressed even while laying around all day working. Work has been slow and I've been enjoying doing nothing.

I actually did my first load of baby clothes today. I washed all of Olivia's newborn and 0-3 pj's and sleep gowns. Our upstairs smells like baby and I love it! Something about doing baby laundry is way more fun!

Another discovery today...I don't have nearly enough clothes for Olivia. If you look at her closet it looks like she's got tons of stuff but after talking to my bestie she informed me I don't have nearly enough essentials like white onesies (I have zero), thin cotton pj's, socks etc. I definitely need to go out and get more casual sleepers for Olivia. More shopping? Oh darn! I was shocked how many sleepers/onesies she said she goes through a day. What are your thoughts? What's a good amount to have on hand in your opinion?

31 Weeks!

2011-05-13T12:26:00.002-05:00

Now that blogger is back up and running and it's letting me post...

31 weeks yesterday. Sorry no picture this week. There's nothing new to look at really and I just didn't get around to taking a picture. We are officially in the single digit weeks left in this pregnancy. Woo Hoo!

I had a doctor appointment this week and met a new Dr. in the group and Paul and I really really liked him. He spent a lot of time with us and was all around a nice guy who made us feel all warm and fuzzy. We love my doctor but sometimes we feel really rushed by her. I know I've been seeing her like every single darn week so there's not a whole lot of "pull of a chair and visit" needed but this guy was just totally different.

Everything looked good with Olivia at the appointment. The highlight was that she had hiccups while they were getting her heart rate. It was the cutest thing and I think I told Paul how cute it was 10 times after that. I loved hearing it on the Doppler. I had felt her hiccups a few times but knowing that's what that was and hearing it was so adorable.

We ordered the rest of her nursery furniture last weekend. We got the Best Chairs Quinn swivel rocker in black micro fiber suede. I had last minute second thoughts about a black chair (even though that's what I wanted all along). I'm happy with our decision. With pink/white walls, white furniture, light carpet, black will be perfect.

We hired a cleaning service to help out while I'm on bed rest and they started today. I'm not happy to report they are not alleviating any stress in my life. They charge and arm and a leg for the first deep clean but I capped it at 2 hrs. Apparently, the 2 women did not get the memo and 1.5 hrs in to the clean I asked them if they could please start on the downstairs. They wasted 15 minutes trying to get ahold of their boss to ask what they should do. Of course, I wanted my downstairs cleaned and the clock was ticking. It was pissing me off they were wasting MY time calling their boss. The boss just showed up at my house. I showed/told her my concerns and she said we only owe for the 2 hrs we agreed on. She was super nice and even went over the upstairs and cleaned a few things the girls either didn't clean or didn't clean well enough. This "boss lady" saved the day for the company because I was ready to fire them. She said they would send a different crew next time and she'd even come to supervise. I'm not trying to be super picky but we are spending really good money AND how is expecting your furniture to be dusted picky? The boss even did a few things and pointed out to me that they should have already been cleaned.

Is it me or are cleaning crews just a disaster to deal with? Since we've lived here we've tried a couple different cleaning companies and have had nothing but bad luck. The last cleaning company threw away my bridal lingerie a couple weeks before the wedding. Seriously.People!

Happy Friday everyone. We've got out of town family staying the weekend and a 90th birthday party tomorrow!

Mother's Day

2011-05-09T18:20:00.002-05:00

I hope you all had a very enjoyable Mother's Day, Mother's to be Day, or Mother's in Waiting day, I hope it was fabulous.

My hubby is one good man and acknowledged his wife's first mother's to be day. Not that I didn't think he would but you just never know if someone thinks that just because you are pregnant and not officially with child, if you should celebrate. Hell yes we are celebrating around these parts. I've been a mother since we found out about this baby in November!

My baby daddy got me a couple cards. One from him that was very touching and one from Olivia. He never buys me just one card. I always get at least two and I love it. I know he truly reads the cards and because of that when I read them I really pay attention to what they say. He also gave me a gift card to my favorite spa. I've gotten a couple pedicures lately to help with my swelling at the strip mall type places because they are quick and cheap but they are NOT the same as the pedicures I get at my favorite spa. It was the perfect gift.

I got a couple cards from friends and a card/gift card from my dad and step mom. Having a birthday last sunday and mother's day this past sunday was fun! :)

Saturday night we went to see Something Borrowed (loved!). We laid around all day and watched movies on Saturday. No joke, we did not get out of our pj's or brush our teeth until 4pm. I decided I couldn't take it any longer. I had the worst cabin fever ever. I suggested we keep the movie marathon going but go OUT to see a movie. He agreed since he could drop me at the door and we would be sitting the whole time. He's pretty protective of me and his baby girl and keeps a tight leash on me with this bed rest stuff.

We also snuck out of the house yesterday to visit my dear friend who just had a baby girl on Saturday. I have 4 close friends who I've been pregnant with. 3 of them just gave birth within the last month and a half or sooner and they had girls. The 4th friend is having a boy. So exciting that Olivia will have instant friends so close in age.

All in all it was a wonderful weekend. I kept telling Paul how wonderful yesterday was and I'm pretty sure he thought I was weird for thinking it was that great of a day when we didn't do a whole lot. Truth is, it was just good to be out of the house most of the day. I've felt so confined and it's not a good feeling. I'm giving myself a little more freedom (nothing crazy) but I am feeling good. My contractions are at a minimum. My swelling is still OC but that isn't a huge worry like the contractions were. I will say though, for working out 3-4 times a week up until 26.5 weeks it is absolutely CRAZY to me that if I stand for too long I can totally feel it in my back. It blows my mind how achy I feel when I considered myself to be a very active/in shape person.

Chopped Salad

2011-05-06T10:41:00.002-05:00

I've been meaning to blog about this for awhile. A few weeks ago my in laws sent me an OXO salad bowl with chopper. They know how much I've been loving my salads since being pregnant and thought I would enjoy this. Boy were they right! We wash this and don't even put it away because I'm making salads every night I feel like. I can even do it sitting down. :)

When I'm making a chopped salad for myself, I throw in all the goodies. I like fruits and veggies in my salad. This particular salad has just about everything in it. The more the merrier-even when it comes to food. A little raisins, craisins, green apple, broccoli, tomato, carrots, sliced almonds, hard boiled egg, avocado, you name it! If Paul is going to join in on the fun, I tame it down a little. Like the other night, he didn't want strawberries in this salad (oh the horror) so I just put them in mine. He's not a fruit with your salad kind of guy and I respect that.

For some reason when it's all chopped up in small pieces it tastes better. Really, it does. I know it's probably just a mental thing but I eat more fruits and veggies when it's all chopped up like this so I'll keep telling myself it tastes better even though it's the exact same ingredients if it's not chopped.

Functionally, this works VERY well. The chopper fits perfectly in the bowl and for as much as I've used it there's been no profanity thrown around from being annoyed. Score! The bowl even holds up very nicely even after the killer chopping I do. I expected it to be torn up after the first use but you can barely tell it's been used 4 weeks later.

All in all, I totally recommend the OXO salad chopper.

For the record, I was not compensated or persuaded to do this review. Just wanted to share the the love of this product with you all!

30 Weeks!

2011-05-05T11:16:00.002-05:00

Not much new to report this week, thankfully. I go back to the doctor on the 11th and will see a new doctor in the practice. My swelling is still OC but I didn't expect it to clear itself overnight. Olivia is moving more and more. She was already an active baby but the last couple of days she has been going crazy. I love it! Last night I just laid there with my hand on my stomach letting her kick me like crazy. Just when I thought she'd be done and go back to sleep the party started again. As much as I want to meet her (when the time is right) I will miss all these kicks. It's truly the best thing about pregnancy for me.

This weekend we don't have anything going on. Other than my first Mom-To-Be Mother's Day. :) The next few weekends are busy with family coming in town and my shower at the end of the month. Looking forward to seeing everyone!!!

Happy Thursday!

The Ugly

2011-05-04T14:22:00.005-05:00

For 26 weeks I posted about the "good" in pregnancy. I had a text book pretty easy pregnancy. Then I turned the corner and started talking about the "bad" about being admitted to the hospital etc. etc. And now my faithful readers, I'd like to show you the ugly. Why just talk about it when I can SHOW you. :) I know you all are dying to see this. You're welcome.

See that indentation in the above picture? That's my thumb print. I would say "see that indentation on my ankle" but you'd probably still be looking because I'm sure you aren't able to locate my ankle. My ankles and calves are pretty much the same size.

I wouldn't want to leave out the other foot so here's another picture. My right "ankle" is so puffy it's swallowing the heel of my foot. Glamorous people. So pretty! While I have my feet exposed, you'd think I'd go ahead and take off that chipped nail polish but I can't reach my feet. And my legs are too swollen to pull my heel up and prop it on my knee. True story, I tried.

Just for the record (when I look back on this blog for future reference) my swelling had gone down. My feet looked good. However, I went to work this morning because I had some important things I needed to do at the office. I also had a luncheon for a coworker who is leaving that I had to attend and I guess the little bit I was on my feet did me in. My swelling wasn't great yesterday at the doctor but today it is really really bad.

No worries, my feet are up and I don't plan on doing a darn thing the rest of the day but relaxing.