As we embark on a New Year I can't help but reflect on the one we are about to finish the good and they bad:
1. My precious beautiful baby was brought into the world. An amazing Wednesday that didn't begin like anything else and definitely didn't end like any other day I had ever experienced. Best day of my life.
2. My precious Mary was taken from me. The woman who was like a mother to me, raised me, and loved me like I was her own child passed. It was a cold and rainy Sunday in June and it was the most miserable day of my life.
3. I finished my 6th year of teaching with an incredible team of teachers and began my 7th with that same group. I have absolutely loved working with these people and learn something new from them everyday.
4. I celebrated my 3rd wedding anniversary to the most incredible man, husband and father I know.
5. I welcomed a new niece, Arielle Olivia. Absolutley precious and I can't wait to see how wonderfully she will grow up to be.
Now with 2009 ending and a blog out there with a list of things to do before "30" it makes me want to come up with my own list of things to do not only in 2010, but before I'm 30.
1. Run a 1/2 marathon. The summer before I got pregnant I was running 6 miles a day, and I would love to get back into it and run a 1/2 marathon. I would really love to run a full one, but let's be honest, baby steps.
2. Graduate with my second master's degree. I will be starting up in January and finished by June 2011.
3. Have a second baby. B has brought me so much joy that all I can think about is wanting another to give her a brother or sister.
4. Move into a bigger place and to the suburbs. I have lived in this 1000 sq. ft. condo for 4 1/2 years doing the commute up to the burbs. I'm done. I'm losing time I could be spending with my child and it's extremely frustrating.
5. Lose these last 10 pounds. It's obnoxious already. Note to self...50 pounds should not be gained in a pregnancy when you are so not underweight.
6. Be a better friend. In our busy lives it's easy to put friends off to the side. I am down to a few very close friends and I want to be there for them more and make plans to go out with them once a month.
7. Go on a date with my husband once a month. He and I don't get to go out just the two of us ever, and we need to make more of an effort to do so.
8. Visit my aunt in New Hampshire and my cousin in Washington state. I've never been to either place and my aunt is always asking me to come and visit. I should.
With that said and stated hopefully those things will get accomplished.
So Happy and Healthy New Year!!! Here's to a great 2010.
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Break Time
My love-
So I have been on break for officially one week now and I can say that nothing productive has been done. Actually, I have productively effed up your nap schedule as you seem to have completely forgone your afternoon naps. So J will have a lot of fun getting you back on your schedule. I can't help it. I don't like to hear you cry for longer than 30 minutes and I'd rather play with you than watch you roll around by yourself in your crib. However, I am loving this time with you. You make me smile and laugh with every thing that you do. The way you pick up a toy or turn the pages of a book and your little giggles are the cutest and most heart-warming sounds a mother can hear.
Today as I was giving you your bottle you fell asleep in my arms. And I was able to lay down with you and take a nap with you on my chest in bed. I absolutely loved it. You never fall asleep on me and it was amazing. There was a point where I couldn't take it with you sleeping on my chest and had to put you in your crib. And now you never will. Yet, today when you did, there was no way I was going to give up that moment. Braedyn, Daddy and I cannot believe how lucky we are to have gotten you. I know I say this every post, but because I don't write that often I feel like I have to.
I am so blessed to be given this time to share with you. You melt my heart everyday.
XOXOXO
Mommy
So I have been on break for officially one week now and I can say that nothing productive has been done. Actually, I have productively effed up your nap schedule as you seem to have completely forgone your afternoon naps. So J will have a lot of fun getting you back on your schedule. I can't help it. I don't like to hear you cry for longer than 30 minutes and I'd rather play with you than watch you roll around by yourself in your crib. However, I am loving this time with you. You make me smile and laugh with every thing that you do. The way you pick up a toy or turn the pages of a book and your little giggles are the cutest and most heart-warming sounds a mother can hear.
Today as I was giving you your bottle you fell asleep in my arms. And I was able to lay down with you and take a nap with you on my chest in bed. I absolutely loved it. You never fall asleep on me and it was amazing. There was a point where I couldn't take it with you sleeping on my chest and had to put you in your crib. And now you never will. Yet, today when you did, there was no way I was going to give up that moment. Braedyn, Daddy and I cannot believe how lucky we are to have gotten you. I know I say this every post, but because I don't write that often I feel like I have to.
I am so blessed to be given this time to share with you. You melt my heart everyday.
XOXOXO
Mommy
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Ten Months
My Dearest Braedyn,
You are now 10 months and 2 days old. My how time flies!!! You are so funny and loveable and everyone who meets you says the same things. Let's see what things do you do since the last time I wrote...You have mastered clapping and "How Big is Braedyn." You still have no interest in walking or pulling yourself up, rolling is your main way of getting places. You have two more teeth on the top. You love people food and are pretty much over the baby food thing. And you LOVE feeding yourself! Your sleeping is unbelievable, you go down about 5 p.m. and sleep anywhere from 5;30 a.m. until 7:30 a.m. truly I don't know how I got so lucky.
Ms. B you are the best. I'm spoiled with how amazing you are. Daddy and I are quite obsessed with you and love you more and more everyday.
XOXO
Mommy
You are now 10 months and 2 days old. My how time flies!!! You are so funny and loveable and everyone who meets you says the same things. Let's see what things do you do since the last time I wrote...You have mastered clapping and "How Big is Braedyn." You still have no interest in walking or pulling yourself up, rolling is your main way of getting places. You have two more teeth on the top. You love people food and are pretty much over the baby food thing. And you LOVE feeding yourself! Your sleeping is unbelievable, you go down about 5 p.m. and sleep anywhere from 5;30 a.m. until 7:30 a.m. truly I don't know how I got so lucky.
Ms. B you are the best. I'm spoiled with how amazing you are. Daddy and I are quite obsessed with you and love you more and more everyday.
XOXO
Mommy
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
9 Months and 1 week
Alright my love here is your official standings from Dr. Monroe:
Height: 28 inches-75th %ile
Weight: 20 pounds 4 oz-75%ile
Head: 46 centimeters-15th%ile (small but proportional)
You got 4 shots today, the H1N1, regular flu, TB, and a lead test. I hate when you get shots, it makes me so sad to see you cry, but you did it and shortly after you were back to your old self laughing and babbling. I was really hesistant on giving you the H1N1, but after I heard that a 2nd grade in my school district died last week from the virus I decided to. I just couldn't bear having anything wrong with you and knowing that I could've done something about it.
Ms. B you are awesome and perfect in every way.
All my love,
Mommy
Height: 28 inches-75th %ile
Weight: 20 pounds 4 oz-75%ile
Head: 46 centimeters-15th%ile (small but proportional)
You got 4 shots today, the H1N1, regular flu, TB, and a lead test. I hate when you get shots, it makes me so sad to see you cry, but you did it and shortly after you were back to your old self laughing and babbling. I was really hesistant on giving you the H1N1, but after I heard that a 2nd grade in my school district died last week from the virus I decided to. I just couldn't bear having anything wrong with you and knowing that I could've done something about it.
Ms. B you are awesome and perfect in every way.
All my love,
Mommy
Friday, November 6, 2009
Nine Months
B child-
This past Wednesday marked your 9 month birthday. In this past month you have completely mastered the art of eating. You love cheerios, puffs, avocado, banana, basically everything. You roll all over the place and have figured out how to twist your body to get to certain areas of the room. You have four teeth and just babble dadadad, nanana, mamama, bababa. And very soon there will be meanings to your babblings. Every morning when Daddy or I come and get you you have the biggest smile on your face, it's amazing. All you do is smile and laugh and I can't get over how amazingly lucky I am to have you.
We are working on you crawling and putting weight on your legs. But I'm in no hurry to get you walking. I am told when that happens I'll never be able to catch you
I love love love you!
XOXOX
Mama
This past Wednesday marked your 9 month birthday. In this past month you have completely mastered the art of eating. You love cheerios, puffs, avocado, banana, basically everything. You roll all over the place and have figured out how to twist your body to get to certain areas of the room. You have four teeth and just babble dadadad, nanana, mamama, bababa. And very soon there will be meanings to your babblings. Every morning when Daddy or I come and get you you have the biggest smile on your face, it's amazing. All you do is smile and laugh and I can't get over how amazingly lucky I am to have you.
We are working on you crawling and putting weight on your legs. But I'm in no hurry to get you walking. I am told when that happens I'll never be able to catch you
I love love love you!
XOXOX
Mama
Sunday, October 4, 2009
8 Months
Dear Braedyn,
Eight months. Today you are eight months. Eight months! I can't believe it! You are so incredible and we have been so lucky with you. Everyone says the same thing, "She is a dream." And it's true. You are. I'm not being biased here. You really are an incredible baby. You are so good natured and love to smile. You touch everything and then put it right into your mouth. And when you feel things for the first time you use the tip of your index finger to feel it out. It is the most adorable thing. You are rolling over like crazy, sitting up so well, and you have just recently started to sleep on your tummy. You have two teeth on the bottom and I think sometime in the next week or so a few more are going to be popping through.
I say this every month, but time is flying. I love being with you and making you smile. You are the first thing on my mind when I wake up, the last thing I think of before I fall asleep, and it's you who gets me through my day. Braedyn, I love you, I love you, I love you.
Happy Eight Months Baby Girl!
Eight months. Today you are eight months. Eight months! I can't believe it! You are so incredible and we have been so lucky with you. Everyone says the same thing, "She is a dream." And it's true. You are. I'm not being biased here. You really are an incredible baby. You are so good natured and love to smile. You touch everything and then put it right into your mouth. And when you feel things for the first time you use the tip of your index finger to feel it out. It is the most adorable thing. You are rolling over like crazy, sitting up so well, and you have just recently started to sleep on your tummy. You have two teeth on the bottom and I think sometime in the next week or so a few more are going to be popping through.
I say this every month, but time is flying. I love being with you and making you smile. You are the first thing on my mind when I wake up, the last thing I think of before I fall asleep, and it's you who gets me through my day. Braedyn, I love you, I love you, I love you.
Happy Eight Months Baby Girl!
Friday, August 28, 2009
First Week
First week of school down, 36 weeks to go, not counting other days off, so let's go with 35 weeks to go. And may I say I'm exhausted. I don't know how I'm going to do this the rest of the year. It's tough to make sure Ms. B is up, changed, fed, packed and I'm up, showered, dressed, fed, packed, with coffee in hand all by 6:15 a.m. But man, B you are a rockstar! You did fantastic with J and R & O. They all love you and I'm pretty sure you love them. I'm so glad that when I'm worried and stressed out at work, it's for the reason it's work related and not about you. Don't get me wrong, I'm always thinking about you and wondering how you're doing, but I know J is taking great care of you. I may say you're very lucky, and so am I that we found such a great woman to watch you while I have to work.
I think I may have to start this blog into funny things that have also happened at work type thing as well as things keep popping in my head...
1. A boy hissed at another student
2. A parent asked where "daban" is and I replied, "the banana?" He said, "no, jaban." Therein I replied, "I'm sorry I don't know jaban." Then a student jumped in, "He wants to know where the BAND room is." Really?
3. One female colleague says to my male colleague who says he's about to cry..."Don't f****in' cry."
It's going to be a good year!
I think I may have to start this blog into funny things that have also happened at work type thing as well as things keep popping in my head...
1. A boy hissed at another student
2. A parent asked where "daban" is and I replied, "the banana?" He said, "no, jaban." Therein I replied, "I'm sorry I don't know jaban." Then a student jumped in, "He wants to know where the BAND room is." Really?
3. One female colleague says to my male colleague who says he's about to cry..."Don't f****in' cry."
It's going to be a good year!
Monday, August 17, 2009
6 Month Check-Up
Alrighty Braedyn,
Here's the low down of what happened at the doctor for your 6 month check-up. In a nutshell, she said you are..."splendiferous." Which according to dictionary.com means, "spendid, magnificent, fine." I just loved hearing that! She also said you now weigh 17.8 pounds and are 25 3/4 inches long. I really don't know how you managed to gain 4 pounds in 2 months, but good for you! I was also told to start giving you a sippy cup (which you love!) and wean you onto milk based formula. So you are getting one bottle a day and I think you're doing great with it! Saturday we will start with giving you 2 bottles a day of it. You also have a tooth coming in, finally a reason for all your drooling. It is your lower left and I can't wait to see how long it takes for it to fully come in.
Watching you grow up is so fun. I can't believe my summer of Braedyn and Mommy is coming to an end. We have one last week together and I'm going to milk it for all I can. I'm so happy that we have found an amazing woman to watch you and I know you are in amazing hands. J is going to take such good care of you. And even though I'm sad that it won't be me watching you and playing with you, I'm glad it's someone as thoughtful and caring as J.
XOXO
Here's the low down of what happened at the doctor for your 6 month check-up. In a nutshell, she said you are..."splendiferous." Which according to dictionary.com means, "spendid, magnificent, fine." I just loved hearing that! She also said you now weigh 17.8 pounds and are 25 3/4 inches long. I really don't know how you managed to gain 4 pounds in 2 months, but good for you! I was also told to start giving you a sippy cup (which you love!) and wean you onto milk based formula. So you are getting one bottle a day and I think you're doing great with it! Saturday we will start with giving you 2 bottles a day of it. You also have a tooth coming in, finally a reason for all your drooling. It is your lower left and I can't wait to see how long it takes for it to fully come in.
Watching you grow up is so fun. I can't believe my summer of Braedyn and Mommy is coming to an end. We have one last week together and I'm going to milk it for all I can. I'm so happy that we have found an amazing woman to watch you and I know you are in amazing hands. J is going to take such good care of you. And even though I'm sad that it won't be me watching you and playing with you, I'm glad it's someone as thoughtful and caring as J.
XOXO
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Six Months
Dearest Braedyn,
Today marks your 6 month birthday. Honestly, I cannot believe you are 1/2 a year old. In the last 6 months you have gone from waking up every 2 hours to sleeping 12 hours straight (on most nights). You have gone from eating breast milk, to soy formula, to oatmeal, and now fruits and veggies. You have gone from wanting me to hold you 24/7 to wanting to play on your playmate and exersaucer and entertaining yourself (though you do get the occasional where is mommy is she looking at me cry). You have gone from this blob who didn't move at all to this little wiggle worm. You were this little peanut who fit in the palm of her daddy's hand and are now this long string bean. You're so long you're wearing 9 month clothes! Today you even decided to go from front to back twice and from back to front! You are changing right before my very eyes, everyday there is more hair growing on your head, eyebrows and eyelashes growing in. You just smile and laugh and sometimes cry, and everyone says they can't believe how beautiful and how good you are. And guess what? They're right!!
Braedyn it's hard to believe that a year ago I was just telling people I was having you and now you're here (actually you've been here for 6 months). This is the hardest job I have ever had to do, however it's been the most fun and rewarding. I cannot wait to see what's in store for these next 6 months. You truly are an amazing baby and I am so blessed that you came into my life.
Love,
Mommy
Today marks your 6 month birthday. Honestly, I cannot believe you are 1/2 a year old. In the last 6 months you have gone from waking up every 2 hours to sleeping 12 hours straight (on most nights). You have gone from eating breast milk, to soy formula, to oatmeal, and now fruits and veggies. You have gone from wanting me to hold you 24/7 to wanting to play on your playmate and exersaucer and entertaining yourself (though you do get the occasional where is mommy is she looking at me cry). You have gone from this blob who didn't move at all to this little wiggle worm. You were this little peanut who fit in the palm of her daddy's hand and are now this long string bean. You're so long you're wearing 9 month clothes! Today you even decided to go from front to back twice and from back to front! You are changing right before my very eyes, everyday there is more hair growing on your head, eyebrows and eyelashes growing in. You just smile and laugh and sometimes cry, and everyone says they can't believe how beautiful and how good you are. And guess what? They're right!!
Braedyn it's hard to believe that a year ago I was just telling people I was having you and now you're here (actually you've been here for 6 months). This is the hardest job I have ever had to do, however it's been the most fun and rewarding. I cannot wait to see what's in store for these next 6 months. You truly are an amazing baby and I am so blessed that you came into my life.
Love,
Mommy
Friday, July 24, 2009
Sleeping Through the Night
My darling Braedyn,
This is the first week you have slept through the night. And through the night, I don't mean any of this 5 hours and then a feeding, your down and then a feeding 5 hours later. I mean from 6 p.m. until 6 a.m. sleeping through the night! You have made me so happy! I knew it would happen when you were ready, and I'm so happy it has happened before I have to go back to work...again! I think it happened because I'm giving you a little dinner at night and that holds you over. And the only reason I thought of doing that was because of a friend of a friend told me that's when her son started to sleep through the night when she started giving him 2 meals. Thank R. Well am I glad I tried that out! Mama is happy! Now if only I could sleep through the night! I seriously am going to have to retrain myself on how to do that!
As for other accomplishments there haven't been much more lately. You've rolled over...once. But you just keep growing and becoming more and more beautiful every day! I love you!
Mommy
P.S. I have way too many exclamation marks in this post!
This is the first week you have slept through the night. And through the night, I don't mean any of this 5 hours and then a feeding, your down and then a feeding 5 hours later. I mean from 6 p.m. until 6 a.m. sleeping through the night! You have made me so happy! I knew it would happen when you were ready, and I'm so happy it has happened before I have to go back to work...again! I think it happened because I'm giving you a little dinner at night and that holds you over. And the only reason I thought of doing that was because of a friend of a friend told me that's when her son started to sleep through the night when she started giving him 2 meals. Thank R. Well am I glad I tried that out! Mama is happy! Now if only I could sleep through the night! I seriously am going to have to retrain myself on how to do that!
As for other accomplishments there haven't been much more lately. You've rolled over...once. But you just keep growing and becoming more and more beautiful every day! I love you!
Mommy
P.S. I have way too many exclamation marks in this post!
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Seriously a Slacker Mom
Okay, okay there are no excuses. Braedyn, you are now 5 1/2 months old and are just the cutest baby there is (if I may say so myself). We have started you on solids, only once a day, and the majority of it ends up on your face rather than in your mouth. You love sweet potatoes, and didn't seem to love pears very much. But we'll keep on trying. You are still not sleeping through the night, which is getting exhausting, but I'm told you'll sleep through the night when you're good and ready. I hope that's soon. You're giggling and smiling all the time and it just melts my heart. I took you to the park yesterday for the first time and had you on the swings and you loved it! Girl, I'm having the time of my life with you! This has been the best summer ever!
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Slacker Mom
Alright, alright, alright...I'm back on...I'm so sorry but I have been slacking on this blog. To no fault of my own. The passing of Mary really through me for a loop and the end of school was just exhausting. But here I am. So a lot has happened and I have to catch up.
Ms. Braedyn, at your 4 month check-up (where does the time go?) you weighed 13 pounds and 15 ounces (let's just round up to 14 pounds) and were 25 1/4 inches long! Holy cow! My how you have grown. Once again Dr. Monroe said you were awesome and also said we could start you on solids. I tried. I don't think you're ready just yet. I'm thinking I'm going to hold off for a few more weeks. Let's see what else...you have found your feet and are trying oh so hard to turn over. I'm thinking within the next few weeks you will officially turn over. Oh yeah, we stopped the swaddling and you are doing fantastic! I was a little worried you wouldn't sleep if I stopped it, but you have surprised me. You are laughing and talking up a storm and I just love to hear what you have to say.
Now on to some serious stuff...what to do for daycare for next year. If anyone has thoughts, please let me know. Or knows of anyone who nannies, let me know!
Ms. Braedyn, at your 4 month check-up (where does the time go?) you weighed 13 pounds and 15 ounces (let's just round up to 14 pounds) and were 25 1/4 inches long! Holy cow! My how you have grown. Once again Dr. Monroe said you were awesome and also said we could start you on solids. I tried. I don't think you're ready just yet. I'm thinking I'm going to hold off for a few more weeks. Let's see what else...you have found your feet and are trying oh so hard to turn over. I'm thinking within the next few weeks you will officially turn over. Oh yeah, we stopped the swaddling and you are doing fantastic! I was a little worried you wouldn't sleep if I stopped it, but you have surprised me. You are laughing and talking up a storm and I just love to hear what you have to say.
Now on to some serious stuff...what to do for daycare for next year. If anyone has thoughts, please let me know. Or knows of anyone who nannies, let me know!
Monday, June 8, 2009
My Mary
I know these blogs are meant to share in Braedyn's growth, however, due to the circumstances, I'm sure baby girl you'll understand if this post goes out to Mary.
Mary-
You came into my life 27 years ago. I am told I went running straight into your arms, and that's how my parents knew you were the one for our family. I don't have a single memory without you in it. You have been there for everything. Every recital, swim meet, performance, bat-mitzvah, graduations (all 3), my wedding, and of course for the birth of my daughter. I am who I am today because of you. You never yelled at me when I was fresh, and you always made me apologize when I was being mean to anyone. You were such an amazing woman and every body who ever met you was a better person. You had the best smile and the best laugh and it always put a smile on my face. Mary, with you gone, a part of me has died as well. I love you so much. Thank you for raising me into the best woman and mother I can be. Most importantly thank you for watching my daughter this last month. I know she will be a better woman and someday mother because of you too.
I will always think of you. I will always love you. You are forever in my heart.
All my love,
Alison Michelle
Mary-
You came into my life 27 years ago. I am told I went running straight into your arms, and that's how my parents knew you were the one for our family. I don't have a single memory without you in it. You have been there for everything. Every recital, swim meet, performance, bat-mitzvah, graduations (all 3), my wedding, and of course for the birth of my daughter. I am who I am today because of you. You never yelled at me when I was fresh, and you always made me apologize when I was being mean to anyone. You were such an amazing woman and every body who ever met you was a better person. You had the best smile and the best laugh and it always put a smile on my face. Mary, with you gone, a part of me has died as well. I love you so much. Thank you for raising me into the best woman and mother I can be. Most importantly thank you for watching my daughter this last month. I know she will be a better woman and someday mother because of you too.
I will always think of you. I will always love you. You are forever in my heart.
All my love,
Alison Michelle
Monday, May 25, 2009
Sick Baby Girl
My darling,
You are sick. And I don't know what is wrong with you. I can guess because of wonderful things like the internet and books, but I am no doctor. For the past several days you have barely eaten, you are screaming uncontrollably at random times, drooling like crazy, have white patches on the inside of your mouth, and I just am so sad for you. I am pretty sure you have Thrush and you may have just developed acid reflux. I am told that the majority of infants do not react to thrush, however, I am pretty sure that is what is bothering you. How can it not? You have these patches all over the inside of your mouth and on the roof of it and you don't want to eat. Like I said, I am no doctor, but come on. So to the doctor we will go and I am hoping and praying that he has some wonderful advice and is able to give us a magic medicine to make you all better. Daddy and I just want to cry when you are so upset. I truly haven't seen you react this way since you were born. I'm sorry you're in so much pain my darling, beautiful baby. I never want to see you hurt.
:(
You are sick. And I don't know what is wrong with you. I can guess because of wonderful things like the internet and books, but I am no doctor. For the past several days you have barely eaten, you are screaming uncontrollably at random times, drooling like crazy, have white patches on the inside of your mouth, and I just am so sad for you. I am pretty sure you have Thrush and you may have just developed acid reflux. I am told that the majority of infants do not react to thrush, however, I am pretty sure that is what is bothering you. How can it not? You have these patches all over the inside of your mouth and on the roof of it and you don't want to eat. Like I said, I am no doctor, but come on. So to the doctor we will go and I am hoping and praying that he has some wonderful advice and is able to give us a magic medicine to make you all better. Daddy and I just want to cry when you are so upset. I truly haven't seen you react this way since you were born. I'm sorry you're in so much pain my darling, beautiful baby. I never want to see you hurt.
:(
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Back to Work
So last week I went back to work. Honestly, I thought it was going to be a lot harder than it was. I thought I was going to cry my eyes out several times throughout the day, especially saying goodbye to my precious one, however, I didn't. I realized that Braedyn is in the best hands possible (I already knew that) and that my wonderful mother-in-law and my second mother, Mary, only have her best interest in mind. I am truly lucky to have these wonderful women in my life who want to take care of my precious baby. So the week went by and everything was great...until Friday afternoon when my gorgeous sweet baby wouldn't even look at me. She gave all these beautiful adorable smiles to Mary and my parents and completely ignored me. I was sad. It was at that time that I felt like I don't want to go to work anymore. I hate the fact that someone else gets to watch my precious love all day long and play with her, while I don't. However, all was made better when Saturday morning I went to get the gorgeous baby out of bed and I got the biggest smile along with kicking legs. Oh how my heart melted.
I still am not 100% into this work thing, though I love my job, I just don't want to miss all these amazing milestones. The countdown has begun...17 more wake ups!!!
I still am not 100% into this work thing, though I love my job, I just don't want to miss all these amazing milestones. The countdown has begun...17 more wake ups!!!
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Practice Run
Today we had a practice run of me going back to work and you going to Nonny and Poppy's. It wasn't as hard as I thought. Don't get me wrong, I so didn't and don't want to leave you, however, I realized when you are with Mary it is out of my hands. I know Mary will take the best care of you possible and spoil you rotten. She's going to overfeed you, though you're pretty good at showing when you are and aren't hungry, and she's going to make sure you nap in her arms. Even though I would prefer you sleep in the crib, Mary hasn't gotten the swaddling thing down yet, and until she does, in her arms you will sleep. Which is better than getting no sleep at all.
By they way, you are now officially 3 months and 2 days old, and 13 weeks old. You are giggling and smiling every time you see mine or your daddy's faces and you are only having one wake up a night. Wow, you are incredible and I have loved every day of these past 13 weeks. You are my world and I can't wait until we get to spend every day this summer together. I love love love love love you!
By they way, you are now officially 3 months and 2 days old, and 13 weeks old. You are giggling and smiling every time you see mine or your daddy's faces and you are only having one wake up a night. Wow, you are incredible and I have loved every day of these past 13 weeks. You are my world and I can't wait until we get to spend every day this summer together. I love love love love love you!
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
12 Weeks
Braedyn,
Today you are officially 12 weeks old. I know that does not sound like a lot, but trust me when I say, I cannot believe you are already almost 3 months! It is crazy to me that you have been out of me for that long already. We have had so much fun together lately. You are laughing and smiling at me ALL the time (because you do have the funniest mommy in the world). And you are sleeping pretty well at night. Yesterday we had you on your changing table, for some reason your calming place, and daddy kept giving me kisses. You just were smiling and laughing and it was one of the most precious moments. I'm in love with you! Thank you again and again for coming into my world.
On a side note...your daddy and I just got Wii. It's quite fun and we're quite addicted to it already. I did the Wii fit today, and according to it, I need to lose 22 pounds to be at my ideal BMI, and I want to do that in 3 months. That means I have to lost something like 3 or more pounds a week. I wish I could say this Wii fit guy was wrong, unfortunately it's exactly right. Too bad I love to eat!
Love,
Mommy
Today you are officially 12 weeks old. I know that does not sound like a lot, but trust me when I say, I cannot believe you are already almost 3 months! It is crazy to me that you have been out of me for that long already. We have had so much fun together lately. You are laughing and smiling at me ALL the time (because you do have the funniest mommy in the world). And you are sleeping pretty well at night. Yesterday we had you on your changing table, for some reason your calming place, and daddy kept giving me kisses. You just were smiling and laughing and it was one of the most precious moments. I'm in love with you! Thank you again and again for coming into my world.
On a side note...your daddy and I just got Wii. It's quite fun and we're quite addicted to it already. I did the Wii fit today, and according to it, I need to lose 22 pounds to be at my ideal BMI, and I want to do that in 3 months. That means I have to lost something like 3 or more pounds a week. I wish I could say this Wii fit guy was wrong, unfortunately it's exactly right. Too bad I love to eat!
Love,
Mommy
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Sleep
My Darling Braedyn,
Last night you officially "slept through the night." By sleeping through the night I mean you slept from 12 a.m.-6 a.m. It was very exciting. I woke up at 5 thinking I slept through a feeding, and then even went to check in on you because I thought something happened to you. This is why camera monitors were invented, we need to invest in one. But I was happy to find out that you were just sound asleep. What an accomplishment, if you could only repeat this every night!
I had high hopes on you napping today, however they were quickly crushed as you did not want to sleep at all and just wanted to cry! That was not fun.
Tomorrow we are going to venture up to the suburbs to see a friend I haven't seen in 10 years. She was my very first friend when we moved from Deerfield to Arlington Heights. I'm so excited!
Here's hoping to sleeping through the night!
Last night you officially "slept through the night." By sleeping through the night I mean you slept from 12 a.m.-6 a.m. It was very exciting. I woke up at 5 thinking I slept through a feeding, and then even went to check in on you because I thought something happened to you. This is why camera monitors were invented, we need to invest in one. But I was happy to find out that you were just sound asleep. What an accomplishment, if you could only repeat this every night!
I had high hopes on you napping today, however they were quickly crushed as you did not want to sleep at all and just wanted to cry! That was not fun.
Tomorrow we are going to venture up to the suburbs to see a friend I haven't seen in 10 years. She was my very first friend when we moved from Deerfield to Arlington Heights. I'm so excited!
Here's hoping to sleeping through the night!
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
10 Weeks
My Dear Baby Girl,
Today you are 10 weeks old and I can't believe it. You have officially survived your first Passover, which was lovely and everyone oohed and aahed over you (as they should). You have started to be more alert for longer periods of time now and you and I just stare into each other's eyes for minutes on end. I am having so much fun with you and am so sad that in 2 1/2 short weeks our daily time together will be coming to an end, as I will have to return to work. I am sad for this day to come. At first, and I'm sorry to admit this, I was sort of looking forward to going back to work because it was such an adjustment. But we have come to learn from one another and I love you so much that I don't want to leave you. You make me smile and laugh and even when you're sleeping in my arms I just stare at you. I am in awe of you. I can't believe I made you.
I love you more than you will ever know.
Your mommy
Today you are 10 weeks old and I can't believe it. You have officially survived your first Passover, which was lovely and everyone oohed and aahed over you (as they should). You have started to be more alert for longer periods of time now and you and I just stare into each other's eyes for minutes on end. I am having so much fun with you and am so sad that in 2 1/2 short weeks our daily time together will be coming to an end, as I will have to return to work. I am sad for this day to come. At first, and I'm sorry to admit this, I was sort of looking forward to going back to work because it was such an adjustment. But we have come to learn from one another and I love you so much that I don't want to leave you. You make me smile and laugh and even when you're sleeping in my arms I just stare at you. I am in awe of you. I can't believe I made you.
I love you more than you will ever know.
Your mommy
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
2 Month Check-Up
Dear Braedyn,
Yesterday you had your 2 month check-up. Two months! The doctor said you were perfect, that's right, she said perfect! You weighed in at 10.8 lbs and were 22.5 inches long (I think you're longer than that according to your centipede, but what do I know). And you had to get shots :(, but you did wonderful. Yes, you cried, but I often want to when I get shots too. You did wonderful.
After spending a long weekend in the suburbs we also came home yesterday. It's truly amazing how much better you sleep at home in the comfort of your surroundings than you do out. You're just like your mommy.
As well, your daddy came home after a long weekend away. It's so great to have him back, though we didn't get to spend much time with him, you were sleeping and I was was sick. As well, he's busy looking for a job. Unfortunately this tough economy has hit us too. You will come to learn, in your not so distant future, that this time you were born in is the worst time for our economy since the Great Depression in the late 20's and 30's (1920's and 1930's that is). Your daddy is trying extremely hard to find an amazing job that will help us as a family, and I have no doubt he will. You are so lucky to have a daddy like him. He's truly amazing.
Tomorrow marks the first night of Passover. It's the Jewish holiday we celebrate for 7 days by not eating any leavened bread and instead eat this nasty cardboard tasting stuff called matzo. It's a special holiday, one that is too long to write about and you will learn all about someday. Also, all of your extended family is coming in. It's exciting because you haven't met them yet! It'll be fun, but hectic.
I am also proud to announce to you that you are going to be a cousin! Your Auntie Marisa is expecting a baby October 22! Congrats Auntie Marisa, you're an amazing mom to Max and Josie and you'll continue to be to new baby Mandrea!
Love,
Mommy
Yesterday you had your 2 month check-up. Two months! The doctor said you were perfect, that's right, she said perfect! You weighed in at 10.8 lbs and were 22.5 inches long (I think you're longer than that according to your centipede, but what do I know). And you had to get shots :(, but you did wonderful. Yes, you cried, but I often want to when I get shots too. You did wonderful.
After spending a long weekend in the suburbs we also came home yesterday. It's truly amazing how much better you sleep at home in the comfort of your surroundings than you do out. You're just like your mommy.
As well, your daddy came home after a long weekend away. It's so great to have him back, though we didn't get to spend much time with him, you were sleeping and I was was sick. As well, he's busy looking for a job. Unfortunately this tough economy has hit us too. You will come to learn, in your not so distant future, that this time you were born in is the worst time for our economy since the Great Depression in the late 20's and 30's (1920's and 1930's that is). Your daddy is trying extremely hard to find an amazing job that will help us as a family, and I have no doubt he will. You are so lucky to have a daddy like him. He's truly amazing.
Tomorrow marks the first night of Passover. It's the Jewish holiday we celebrate for 7 days by not eating any leavened bread and instead eat this nasty cardboard tasting stuff called matzo. It's a special holiday, one that is too long to write about and you will learn all about someday. Also, all of your extended family is coming in. It's exciting because you haven't met them yet! It'll be fun, but hectic.
I am also proud to announce to you that you are going to be a cousin! Your Auntie Marisa is expecting a baby October 22! Congrats Auntie Marisa, you're an amazing mom to Max and Josie and you'll continue to be to new baby Mandrea!
Love,
Mommy
Friday, April 3, 2009
Suburbia
This weekend I am speding it up in suburbia with the p's. The hubby has gone out of town to a cousin's wedding in California and I just didn't want to be home alone in the tiny little condo, so here I am. Honestly, I thought I'd be more relaxed. I thought I'd come out here catch up on working out and allowing everyone here to take care of Braedyn and allow me to sleep a bit. I was wrong. Braedyn doesn't want to nap here because her now favorite swing is not here so we go for car rides, which in turn makes her tired and crabby and makes me tired and crabby. As well, my sciatica is acting up again which annoys me because I really want to start hard core working out. I know I just had a baby (8 weeks ago), but when is this weight going to come off?! I mean I am trying on sizes 3 to 4 times bigger than before. Which makes me just not want to buy anything because it's so depressing, yet I completely sick of wearing either comfy pants or maternity jeans. I feel like I'm back to my freshman year of college, and we all know how I looked (not cute).
AH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
AH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Soy Vay!
Dear Braedyn,
Tomorrow (well actually in 22 hrs) you will be 2 months old. My how time flies. Every day you change just a little bit more. Today was the first day you barely fussed and was the first time you sat for about an hour at a time just taking in the world around you. I cannot believe how different you are today than yesterday. Your daddy and I had so much fun sitting on the couch with you and giving you kisses, and you just didn't know who to look at. You kept turning your head from one to the other and it was the most adorable thing ever. It was one of the best moments of these last two months ever and I know there are going to be so many more of them.
So for the past two weeks I've been battling on what to do with your fussiness. I thought it was just normal infant stuff, but I've come to find out something in my diet has just not been agreeing with you. Every few days I would give you a bit of formula and you'd seem to be okay, but then the next feeding I'd put you right back to my breast. And then you'd get extremely fussy. I'm sorry to say, I wish I could say you never cried, but it's true you did. But now we know why! It wasn't you, it was me! It was what I was ingesting that has been interfering with your happiness. Today I gave you only formula, soy formula to be exact, and my what a difference it made! I'm still not ready to completely give up breastfeeding, so I am still pumping, but I have to do what's best for you. If soy formula is going to make you feel better than that's what I have to do. Many people will say I'm being selfish and should change my diet, however, that could take weeks to find out exactly what it is that's bothering you. Unfortunately, I only have 4 more weeks at home with you, and I want these next few weeks to be the best yet.
Braedyn, happy 2 months! Thank you for making my all my dreams and wishes come true!
Love,
Your mommy
Tomorrow (well actually in 22 hrs) you will be 2 months old. My how time flies. Every day you change just a little bit more. Today was the first day you barely fussed and was the first time you sat for about an hour at a time just taking in the world around you. I cannot believe how different you are today than yesterday. Your daddy and I had so much fun sitting on the couch with you and giving you kisses, and you just didn't know who to look at. You kept turning your head from one to the other and it was the most adorable thing ever. It was one of the best moments of these last two months ever and I know there are going to be so many more of them.
So for the past two weeks I've been battling on what to do with your fussiness. I thought it was just normal infant stuff, but I've come to find out something in my diet has just not been agreeing with you. Every few days I would give you a bit of formula and you'd seem to be okay, but then the next feeding I'd put you right back to my breast. And then you'd get extremely fussy. I'm sorry to say, I wish I could say you never cried, but it's true you did. But now we know why! It wasn't you, it was me! It was what I was ingesting that has been interfering with your happiness. Today I gave you only formula, soy formula to be exact, and my what a difference it made! I'm still not ready to completely give up breastfeeding, so I am still pumping, but I have to do what's best for you. If soy formula is going to make you feel better than that's what I have to do. Many people will say I'm being selfish and should change my diet, however, that could take weeks to find out exactly what it is that's bothering you. Unfortunately, I only have 4 more weeks at home with you, and I want these next few weeks to be the best yet.
Braedyn, happy 2 months! Thank you for making my all my dreams and wishes come true!
Love,
Your mommy
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Birth Day
Dear Braedyn,
It has officially been 7 weeks and 5 days since your birth day and I feel like I'm finally beginning to breathe. I've been wanting to start this up for a while, and wish I started it the day I found out I was having you, but I always figure it's better late than never. So for this first blog entry I would like to recount the day of your birth.
It was an extremely cold day on February 4th. I woke up like any other day ready to go to work at about 5:40 a.m. I got out of the shower and started getting ready and began to feel some strong menstral cramp like sensations. I ignored them and continued to get ready. As it came time to put my boots on, I just couldn't bend over to get them up (yes I was that big, but more importantly I was in that much pain). So I woke up your daddy and he had to help me. I began eating my breakfast (the usual SpecialK Vanilla Almond Cereal) and just kept stopping from these cramps I was experiencing. Which, you will come to find out, very little gets between mommy and food. Daddy even said, "Maybe you should call in sick today." Wherein I replied, "I can't. I have conferences and I don't want to have to take more sick days than I already am going to." So off to work I went.
On my journey on the Edens these cramps started coming on a little more consistently. No way this is labor I kept thinking to myself. But I must've known something because I had brought my hospital bag with me, and I was timing these so called contractions. They were coming every 5 minutes. I decided to call daddy and told him to pack his hospital bag as a "just in case." Now, most people would also call their doctors to let them know what was going on, but I was still in complete denial.
So I arrive at school. Almost everyone who saw me said I was walking funny and that I should go home. "No no no, I'm in a little pain but I'm fine." Was all that I kept saying. I even met with a parent that morning who had said she thought today was the day. I just laughed her off. So the day began with homebase as usual and then onto block class where I needed to finish the slavery powerpoint from before. My poor students had to sit through the most boring powerpoint, especially since I had to keep stopping. So in order to get them to be quiet I gave them a quiz. I began to time my contractions...again...but this time they were coming every 3 minutes for 20 minutes. At this point most women would have called their doctors. Not me. Still in denial. So I decided I was going to go to your grandparents to lie down and recharge my batteries. My team refused to let me drive and insisted that they drive me there. I was kind of annoyed, but appreciated their gesture.
While I was waiting for my teammates to get their things together everyone kept telling me to call the doctor. Finally after 20 minutes of convincing I did. The doctor told me to come in and let's just get you checked out. Seriously? I thought. I'm just going to be one of those women they send home and I really didn't want to be that person. Fine. Going to the doctor with my teammates in tow. I call daddy to let him know I'm going just to get checked out, and he said, "I'll meet you there." Really? He's going to be so annoyed to come all the way up to Highland Park from the city to find out I'm having Braxton Hicks. Ugh. So off we go from Wheeling to H.P.
As soon I get to the doctor's office they take me in and check me out. "Alright, Ali, you're definitely in labor. You're 2-3 cm dialated, 100% effaced and baby's head is at 0. You're going to labor and delivery." What? I'm in labor? I have conferences tonight. Was all I kept thinking. So off we went.
We got checked into the hospital around noon, I got my epidural, by 5:20 p.m. I began pushing and by 5:41 you were out. I wish I could tell you more about the delivery, but really it was so quick and I didn't feel a thing except the feeling of unconditional love when you came out of me.
Baby girl, that was the most special and amazing moment of my life. When I saw you and looked into your beautiful blue eyes, I knew I was never going to let anything happen to you.
7 lbs 1 0z, 20.5 inches
It has officially been 7 weeks and 5 days since your birth day and I feel like I'm finally beginning to breathe. I've been wanting to start this up for a while, and wish I started it the day I found out I was having you, but I always figure it's better late than never. So for this first blog entry I would like to recount the day of your birth.
It was an extremely cold day on February 4th. I woke up like any other day ready to go to work at about 5:40 a.m. I got out of the shower and started getting ready and began to feel some strong menstral cramp like sensations. I ignored them and continued to get ready. As it came time to put my boots on, I just couldn't bend over to get them up (yes I was that big, but more importantly I was in that much pain). So I woke up your daddy and he had to help me. I began eating my breakfast (the usual SpecialK Vanilla Almond Cereal) and just kept stopping from these cramps I was experiencing. Which, you will come to find out, very little gets between mommy and food. Daddy even said, "Maybe you should call in sick today." Wherein I replied, "I can't. I have conferences and I don't want to have to take more sick days than I already am going to." So off to work I went.
On my journey on the Edens these cramps started coming on a little more consistently. No way this is labor I kept thinking to myself. But I must've known something because I had brought my hospital bag with me, and I was timing these so called contractions. They were coming every 5 minutes. I decided to call daddy and told him to pack his hospital bag as a "just in case." Now, most people would also call their doctors to let them know what was going on, but I was still in complete denial.
So I arrive at school. Almost everyone who saw me said I was walking funny and that I should go home. "No no no, I'm in a little pain but I'm fine." Was all that I kept saying. I even met with a parent that morning who had said she thought today was the day. I just laughed her off. So the day began with homebase as usual and then onto block class where I needed to finish the slavery powerpoint from before. My poor students had to sit through the most boring powerpoint, especially since I had to keep stopping. So in order to get them to be quiet I gave them a quiz. I began to time my contractions...again...but this time they were coming every 3 minutes for 20 minutes. At this point most women would have called their doctors. Not me. Still in denial. So I decided I was going to go to your grandparents to lie down and recharge my batteries. My team refused to let me drive and insisted that they drive me there. I was kind of annoyed, but appreciated their gesture.
While I was waiting for my teammates to get their things together everyone kept telling me to call the doctor. Finally after 20 minutes of convincing I did. The doctor told me to come in and let's just get you checked out. Seriously? I thought. I'm just going to be one of those women they send home and I really didn't want to be that person. Fine. Going to the doctor with my teammates in tow. I call daddy to let him know I'm going just to get checked out, and he said, "I'll meet you there." Really? He's going to be so annoyed to come all the way up to Highland Park from the city to find out I'm having Braxton Hicks. Ugh. So off we go from Wheeling to H.P.
As soon I get to the doctor's office they take me in and check me out. "Alright, Ali, you're definitely in labor. You're 2-3 cm dialated, 100% effaced and baby's head is at 0. You're going to labor and delivery." What? I'm in labor? I have conferences tonight. Was all I kept thinking. So off we went.
We got checked into the hospital around noon, I got my epidural, by 5:20 p.m. I began pushing and by 5:41 you were out. I wish I could tell you more about the delivery, but really it was so quick and I didn't feel a thing except the feeling of unconditional love when you came out of me.
Baby girl, that was the most special and amazing moment of my life. When I saw you and looked into your beautiful blue eyes, I knew I was never going to let anything happen to you.
7 lbs 1 0z, 20.5 inches
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)