Traditions

Charlotte got to move The Bear!

Every year, my parents hung this count-down-to-Christmas (seen above). For the 24 days leading up to Christmas, this little stuffed bear moves around his house "looking for Christmas." You're supposed to read the clue each day and snap The Bear in place. On Christmas Eve, The Bear "finds Christmas" in his living room.

Growing up, my brothers and sister and I FOUGHT and FOUGHT and FOUGHT over whose turn it was to move The Bear. I guess the older 3 were probably pretty over it by the time Chris and I were paying much attention to it, but I remember racing each other down to the family room each morning to "move The Bear," setting super-early alarms to wake up to beat the others to moving The Bear, and I even remember several physical fights over who was supposed to move The Bear that day. My parents eventually wrote out a rotation to end the quarreling.

Today, Charlotte got to move The Bear for the first time! Of course, she needed help snapping him in place, and she was way more interested in how The Bear tasted than the calendar itself, but I am thrilled for her to be a part of this tradition.

Christmastime is filled with lovely childhood memories for me... going to the Christmas tree farm to find our perfect tree, trimming the tree with all of our wonderfully hideous homemade decorations with Dad's Christmas records playing, reading Christmas stories under the tree on Christmas Eve, and bundling everyone up in the old van and braving the weather to midnight mass. We always left milk, cookies, and carrots (for the reindeer, of course) before midnight mass, just in case our house was one of Santa's first stops - but he never came while we were at church.

We'll make lots of new memories on this very special Christmas over the next couple of days. On Christmas Eve we'll read those Christmas stories with Charlotte, visit family at Aunt Carol's house, have dinner with Grandma Val & Grandpa Jim, then bundle her up for her very first midnight mass. Christmas morning will be spent opening presents, having dinner with Charlotte's great-grandma & great-grandpa, and then more presents and supper with my parents and brothers and Becky.

There will be an empty spot on the living room floor this year. My sister, who is living in Mumbai right now, had the opportunity to travel to Bethlehem & Jerusalem and is spending Christmas in the holiest of places this year. While we'll all be thinking of her, we know that she's loving this great adventure and being so close to the "reason for the season." We miss you, Bobbi Jo!

I hope you all are blessed with good health and good times spent with the ones you love most!

Happy Holidays!

One-Third of a Year

Charlotte saw her new pediatrician here in Lexington today. In addition to looking gorgeous, he also let us know that Charlotte looks and sounds perfectly healthy! She weighs 13 lbs & 1 oz and is measuring 25.5 inches in length. She's reaching all of the appropriate developmental milestones, too. She's got very good head & neck control, is reaching for & grabbing toys & other objects, she rolls from tummy to back, cooing & laughing at people, chewing on her toes, and eating adequately. 

4-month likes:

Chewing on her toes

Sucking on her finger(s)

Kicking & scratching anything with a sound

Feeling different textures

Singing

Giggling

Funny noises

Bath time

Diaper changes

4-month dislikes:

(some) Car rides

Loud, startling noises

Waking up alone

Boredom

She's growing so quickly and I feel like if I blink, I'll miss something new. She has a high chair now, and I'm pretty excited to put her in it when she starts eating solid food. Each day she becomes more of a person and I just can't get enough of her.

We're very happy that we have just one week left of living in separate states. Ben has greatly enjoyed his time at ISU, but we're both looking forward to living under the same roof. This week I've enjoyed the company of my dear friend Sharon and her darling son Evan. Sharon has been taking great care of Charlotte while I'm at work and somehow managed to find time to tend to the house as well! I've been thinking of ways to keep her, but she must return to Boston tomorrow. Sunday Ben will be going back to IL as my mom makes her way to KY for one last week of school before the break. 

I cannot explain how grateful I am to Sharon, my mom, my mother-in-law, and my dad for spending time with Charlotte while Ben and I are working in separate states. I'm also thankful for their families making their time spent here possible. It's much easier transitioning back to work full-time when I know Charlotte is being watched by baby-friendly people who love her. And thank goodness for text messaging and picture mail!! 

Tis the Season to be Jolly!

If this doesn't put you in a good mood, I don't know what will!!
(Sorry, I can't figure out how to flip the video - you'll have to enjoy it sideways!)

Giving Thanks

We spent last Thanksgiving in Illinois with our families, hiking in the woods with my dad & driving from one dinner to the next. I was carrying a tiny little bundle of joy and didn't even know it. In fact, Ben's cousin Jenn asked the million dollar question that weekend... "When are you guys going to have a baby?" I smiled and said, "Soon, hopefully!" Our double blue lines came just a few days after that!

What a difference a year makes...

A few of my friends have been posting what they're thankful for each day on their Facebook pages. I'm horrible at remembering to do things like that daily, and with moving, going back to work, and soaking up every last minute with Charlotte & Ben, I just couldn't make the commitment on Facebook. 

But I'm here tonight to compile my list! 30 is a nice, round number, and it's convenient that November has 30 days, but in all reality, my list of blessings could go on and on and on and on and on.... But, in no particular order, here are 30 running through my brain this evening.

1. Charlotte - My beautiful, healthy daughter

2. Ben - My handsome, healthy husband

3. My own health

4. The health of my parents and in-laws. I'm so happy that Charlotte has 2 sets of grandparents (and great-grandparents) who love her very much!

5. The health and well-being of my siblings. 

6. The health and well-being of my brothers-in-law.

7. My job - although I dragged my feet going back after maternity leave, I'm so thankful that I have a job when so many others don't this year.

8. Ben's job at ISU - he got a taste of life after college and LIKED IT!

9. That Ben's job was temporary. Yes, it stinks that it wasn't a permanent gig, but since he finishes in December, I can rest easily knowing that our baby girl will be in good hands come January - his hands!

10. My friends - whether I met you in Illinois, Nevada, or Kentucky - I love you all!

11. Food - I've never gone hungry.

12. Medicine - With blood clots and baby complications, I've been fortunate to be under the care of very skilled nurses & physicians

13. Health Insurance - See #12

14. My coworkers - they made my return so much easier! Thanks for covering for me for 12 weeks!

15. My sense of humor - although not appreciated by everyone, I sure do amuse myself!

16. My education - without it, I would not have a job!

17. Our cars - expensive, yes! They make numerous trips to IL every year way more comfortable & convenient than taking a bus or train.

18. Electricity - could you imagine life without it?

19. Indoor plumbing - see #18

20. USA - and all of the freedom and choices it holds.

21. Pajamas - instant relaxation

22. Furniture - especially my BED and couch

23. Traditional Saturday Morning Breakfast

24. Texting & Skype - help keep me in touch with those nearest & dearest

25. Donny & Marie - my cats!! They've been AMAZING while Charlotte is brand new & during our move.

26. Easy breastfeeding experience

27. My common sense & problem-solving skills - let's face it - not everyone has them.

28. Music - all kinds

29. Baby-friendly technology - thermometers, baby monitors, toys, etc.

30. Eyewear - I'd have massive headaches without my glasses!

I hope that you all have a chance to sit with those that you love this weekend and share what you're thankful for! Happy Thanksgiving!! :o) 

Dog-Dog would definitely be on Charlotte's list!

3 Months Old!

I haven't had much time to update the blog lately, but I wanted to post a quick note about Charlotte at 3 months old!

Add caption

Charlotte has been AWESOME through this move!! She tolerated the drive down to KY much much much better than when we came down in September. She misses her Daddy & kitties, but is having a ball with Grandma Val while I'm at work.

3 Month Likes:
Chewing on her hands!!! and anything else that can fit in her mouth
Bath Time
Toys - especially her monkey rattle, "Mr. Star Man," and the crinkly-eared dog
Talking - She's really "found her voice" these last couple of weeks
Smiling


3 Month Dislikes:
Bedtime - although it's been getting a bit easier (knock on wood)
Boredom
Car Rides


In related news, Charlotte is rolling over from tummy to back, follows people around the room, and has been singing, cooing, and GIGGLING!! It's the most precious sound in the whole world.

We'll get settled in pretty soon and I'll get back to blogging more often - I'm sure you'll all be happier for more frequent updates! :o)

Mobility: It Begins

I've been thankful for every. single. day. of maternity leave. I knew things were going to be tight when I decided to take the full 12 weeks that are allowed (7 of which are unpaid...). This amazing time spent watching my little baby during her tiniest times could not have been possible without Ben's job at ISU. Being practically within walking distance to our parents during Charlotte's first 3 months has been the biggest blessing - for all of us. It's going to be incredibly hard to say goodbye to everyone next Monday morning as Charlotte and I move back to Kentucky.

While it's easy to get caught up in how difficult it will be to leave family - especially Ben - behind so that I can return to work, I have to remain thankful for this precious time with Charlotte. We all have to remember how lucky it was for all of this to work out the way it has. Although it stinks that Ben's job here is temporary, we wouldn't have been able to spend these first 3 months up here without it.

I wouldn't have been able to capture this moment today without it...

With my return to work within eyesight (see you next week, MC!), I'm starting to get nervous. I'm nervous about the stress & demands of the job, figuring out how to continue nursing, the lack of sleep, and just leaving my girl every day! I don't want to miss a minute - the girl grows if you blink! I'm also fortunate to have a host of guests lined up to watch C for me while Ben finishes work at ISU. Ben's mom, my dad, my mom, and my friend Sharon are all coming to spend a week or two with us so that C can stay home during the day.

And after the holidays Ben will get to make up for lost time with the opportunity to stay home with her while I finish the school year. We all joke that she'll be able to rattle off her state capitals by Easter! But all joking aside, these two will be just fine. Daddy has a lot to teach Baby, and Baby has a lot to teach Daddy. I know she's been schooling me for over 12 weeks!!

Charlotte telling Ben how to carve his pumpkin

Early Thanksgiving

Last Sunday, my parents hosted an early Thanksgiving dinner since Ben and I won't be able to come up for the real holiday this year. Along with turkey and stuffing and pie, we also got to enjoy time with the family. Charlotte got passed around a lot and loved all of the attention... except for Chris... it took several tries to get a no-tears picture of her with him.

My Aunt Carol  & Aunt Jeannie were there too, but I didn't snap a photo - sorry!! Ken & Becky were there, but recovering from colds, so they kept their distance from Charlotte. I appreciate their thoughtfulness! Hope you guys feel better soon!

Uncle Brandon's first time holding her

With Unci Linda (the girl is part Lakota, after all)

Hanging out with Mr. Ron

Hanging out with Uncle Chris

Just a little reminder - you don't need a big holiday to be thankful for all of the wonderful blessings in your life! We've been blessed beyond measure this year and are so happy we can share our happiness (and our baby) with all of you!

"So... How Are Those Cloth Diapers Treating You?"

"Hi, Everyone!"

Many people raised an eyebrow when I mentioned cloth diapering before Charlotte was born. "Really? Are you for real?" I didn't really get any negative comments, just a lot of weird looks. I think a lot of people view cloth diapers as a reverse step in the evolution of baby rearing. It's kind of the same as washing all of your dishes by hand even though you have a perfectly good dishwasher right there. 

Well, I'm here to tell you that after 2 months, I'm still not exclusively cloth diapering. We used disposables in the beginning because we got SO MANY as gifts (Thank You, diaper gift givers!!) and because EVERYTHING was so new, we thought going the easy route would help us ease into this one small part of parenthood. And then for a while I'd wait until after Charlotte had pooped for the day before putting a cloth diaper on her... that's right, I was scared.

Look at those precious leg rolls!!

She had her first poop-in-cloth-diaper experience last week (or was it earlier this week...???) and WE ALL SURVIVED! In fact, I believe it was two poops in one day - which is super rare for her, and I thought I was in the clear after the first one! The diaper held everything in and the washing machine did its job wonderfully. 

Hoodie with ears?? Cuteness overload!

The problem I'm having with the cloth diaper is that they leak (or maybe soak through??) after just 90 minutes or so. I don't mind changing her frequently when we're just hanging out at home - and anyone who has done it can tell you the girl loves diaper changing time! But when we're out running errands, or she's spending time at the grandparents' houses, or visiting friends, or sleeping at night... she wears disposables. Hey, I figure if I save 3 or 4 disposables each day, the savings will still add up - both money savings & saving the planet. :o) 

Maybe I'm using them wrong, maybe I don't have the highest quality (I can't afford $30+ per diaper!!!), maybe they fit her little tush funny, or maybe she's just a soaker... I don't know. 

What I DO know is that she's adorable! And she loves changing time and diapers - cloth or disposable!

Tummy Time

For those of you who may not know what Tummy Time is, let me explain it to you... it's time that babies spend on their tummies! Sounds simple enough - but not all babies enjoy Tummy Time. In fact, Charlotte started out disliking Tummy Time very much, but as you can see, not only is she gaining head, neck, & trunk control, but she's also starting to enjoy it!

"Oh hey, look at the blanket!"

Such a determined face

"What's over here to the left?"

"What's over here to the right?"

"Oh boy! Polka Dots!!"

Mr. Sandman...

If you're wondering why the blog has been so quiet lately, it's because SOMEBODY has been resisting sleep. There's just so much for her to see and do... she doesn't seem to want to waste a minute of her precious time sleeping! 

Must. Keep. Eyes. Open.

Two Months!?!?

So big!! 

Look who it is!!! She's getting bigger every day!! 

Charlotte had her 2 month checkup on Friday, October 7 and it was confirmed - she's healthy and growing and perfect!

Stats:

Weight - 10 lbs, 11 oz   (3 lbs gained in 6 weeks!)

Height - 23 inches (about 3 inches gained in 6 weeks!)

She did really well getting her vaccinations. She cried just for a minute or two and then was fine! She wanted tons of cuddles and snuggles last night, but was back to her wonderful self today! Watching the baby get shots was so much worse than getting shots myself!! 

Somebody's legs are chunking up!!

Charlotte continues to amaze us every day. She has the cutest smile, most darling mannerisms, and the cuddliest snuggles of any baby... ever. We're beyond blessed to have such a healthy, happy baby girl!

2 Month Likes:
* Milk
* Her mobile
* Swing
* Caterpillar activity mat
* Wristband rattles
* Bath time
* Sucking on her hands

2 Month Dislikes:
* Bedtime
* Tickling her feet
* Long car rides

We're soaking up as much time as we can with family and friends in IL before we (Bri & Charlotte) move back to KY. It's hard to believe we've been here for over 3 months already! Charlotte really enjoys spending time with her grandparents and great-grandparents - and they love spending so much time with her, too! 

She's growing and changing every day! She's super alert, becoming more and more aware of her surroundings, starting to show interest in toys & books, flashing smiles left and right, and sleeping longer stretches at night. Naps during the day are still brief and few & far between, but that's just because she loves to play and hang out more than she enjoys sleeping! 

I got moves!

I went through Charlotte's dresser to clear out clothes that no longer fit (again!? already?!) and tried on this number. I can't believe it's been 5 weeks since the last time she wore it!!!

The girl decided to put on a show! I present to you...

Frog Legs Jazz Hands 

Snooze Fest

Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z!! 

Making the Grade

When I was a kid, we got report cards every 6 weeks in elementary school (I know, teacher friends, can you imagine?! Granted, they were 1/2 a page in length and the teachers simply penciled in our grades and wrote a quick comment... nothing like we do now).

If Charlotte were to get a report card at 6 weeks old, it might look like this:

Math: A+   Even as a newborn, she's got #1 and #2 mastered!!

Reading: A-  I try to read books with her every day, but sometimes it just doesn't happen.

Social Studies: A+   Charlotte is a very social baby and loves to be held by anyone willing! She's also very aware of her surroundings and seems to recognize different geographical areas - she likes to walk up to the mailbox with me and check out what's going on in the back yard, loves looking around her nursery from her changing table, loves looking at the pictures on the wall at grandma's house, and apparently dislikes walking through the town of Mackinaw.

Science: A+  Charlotte gets along well with Donny and Marie, likes to listen to the birds chirping outside, and enjoys going for nature walks around our big yard. She's also beginning to form opinions about different types of weather.

Music: A+  She loves when people sing to her - even when Mr. Ron is singing "The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald." Ben's also been working with her on quarter notes and eighth notes.

Physical Fitness/Health: A+  She may be little, but she's growing like a weed!! She's a good eater, does well sleeping at night, and is growing out of her clothes quicker than I expected!

Time is FLYING and she's already so different than she was the day we brought her home (except, of course, the love she has for her hands hasn't changed a bit). She loves to study everyone and everything within eyesight while she's awake. She even slept in her crib overnight for the first time this weekend - and it went really well! I got a baby bathtub for her and, just as I thought she would, she loved it!

This is her father's yawn

Couldn't you just nom nom nom those little toes all day long?

All that was left of her swaddle one morning. She's Houdini.

By the Numbers

10 - Years have passed since Ben and I went on our first date.


9 - Years we knew each other before our first date. 


8 - Dear friends stood up with us on our wedding day. We're so happy to have AK, SS, AW, KM, JN, BJS, SF, and NK in our lives! We were so happy to spend our special day with you!


7 - Days each week we love each other. Awwwww! (Saved this one for last and had a hard time coming up with something!!!)


6 - Siblings - When we joined each other's families, we both gained some pretty awesome in-laws!


5 - Rentals - We're nomads.


4 - Degrees earned. Late night study sessions, hours and hours of practicing, celebrating milestones - we're a couple of life-long learners.


3 - States we've lived in. From farm towns to the wild west to the bluegrass... each move has been a wonderful adventure.


2 - Adorable cats we've adopted. Donny and Marie are pretty much the perfect pets. They cuddle & snuggle with us, they pounce & play, they get along with each other amazingly, and they're independent when we can't spend tons of time with them.


1 - Gorgeous little girl. Charlotte has changed our lives forever. She's tiny and sweet and will teach us just as much about ourselves as we will teach her. Our love for her is immeasurable.

One Month Old

It's hard to believe Charlotte's been here for a month already!! Time is flying!! In many ways, we're still getting to know each other and each day is a new adventure. In other ways, it feels like she's been here all along.

At one month old, Charlotte likes:
* eating
* sleeping (on people, in her bassinet, in her rocker)
* baths
* people talking to her & singing to her
* car rides (most of the time)
* cuddling
* making faces
* grandmas & grandpas & aunts & uncles

At one month old, Charlotte dislikes:
* being hungry
* being left alone
* quiet
* more than 5 minutes of tummy time

Not in the Books

4 weeks old!

Look how big Charlotte is getting already! I think if you sit and listen real carefully, you can hear her growing!! She's staying awake for longer periods of time, tracking people and objects, sleeping in 3-hour chunks at night, and growing out of all of her adorable newborn clothes! Believe it or not, I did not pose her at all for that photo! 

Charlotte meets 2nd cousin Evan

Ben's Aunt Peggy and cousins Jenn and Megan came to visit today. Charlotte's second cousins Bronwyn, Drayson, and Evan gave her some of their toys and clothes that they no longer use. A big THANK YOU for sharing!! :o) 

Charlotte napping with Grandma Val

While Ben was playing a gig in Springfield, Charlotte and I went to hang out at Grandma & Grandpa's house. She got to hang out with Grandma Val & Grandpa Jim & Uncle Joey. 

Before Charlotte was born, I read several baby books - books about pregnancy, delivery, and caring for a newborn. None of those books prepared me for this week... 

I came home Monday evening to cook supper before Ben got home from work. Just 5 minutes or so after getting home, I started bleeding very heavily. I called Ben's mom (a nurse) and asked her to come over - I didn't know how bad it would be and was afraid I'd pass out while home alone with the baby. His dad ended up driving me to the ER to get checked out. After several hours, blood tests, and ultrasounds, they sent me home saying "sometimes this happens." No answer. I called my doctor the next morning and she basically said, "Sometimes this happens. Call me if it happens again." Later that day, I was quietly sitting in my recliner with Charlotte when I felt another gush... I set the baby down in her rocker, grabbed my phone, and proceeded to panic my way to the bathroom. This time was worse...

I called Ben's dad - luckily he was home. He came right over, grabbed the baby, and called 911. Knowing there could be any number of high school classmates on the volunteer emergency team, I was worried about who might show up. Lucky for me, it was my good friend Teri (and her mom)! Teri did a great job calming me down and helping me out of the bathroom. I was terrified! I had never been a patient in an ambulance and there were about 20 people in my living room. Jim came with me & called my parents and Ben's grandma and brother Joey stayed with Charlotte. Everyone was trying to get ahold of Ben, but his phone had died. Jim actually called ISU PD to ask them to hunt him down on campus! 

I was taken to St. Francis in Peoria - a different ER. Again... tests & exams. Only to be told "sometimes this happens. Call your doctor in the morning." Ugh I was so frustrated!! Wednesday morning, I made an appointment to see my doctor. Val stayed with me all day in case I had another 'episode.' After another ultrasound, my doctor deemed it necessary for me to have a dilation & evacuation procedure done that night to remove a piece of retained placenta - and anything else in there that might be causing trouble. We immediately went to the hospital for same-day surgery. It was fast and relatively painless... my throat hurt for a couple of days from the breathing tube and my body ached from the general anesthesia. My mom spent Thursday helping me with the baby, and my dad hung out with me Friday evening. I'm soooo happy we're here in IL - close to family. I don't know what we would have done without them this week! 

On the bright side, having different people over at the house taking care of Charlotte has really improved the cats' tolerance levels of other people! Donny even let Jim pick him up to brush him one night! 

I'm feeling much better now! We're very thankful that this complication wasn't anything more severe. More importantly, we're so thankful that sweet Charlotte is happy and healthy and surrounded by people who love her! 

              

              

Stumped

When Charlotte was born, they told us it would take between 2 and 21 days for her cord stump to fall off. I was starting to wonder when the dang thing would come off and told Ben I'd call her pediatrician if it wasn't off by Monday (Day 22). Well, right on time, it fell off on Sunday! Look at my girl's beautiful belly button!

I've also started putting Charlotte down on her tummy a couple of times each day. She likes to lay on her tummy on people and will pick her head up and move it around, so I figured I'd see how she'd do on the floor on her own... not the same! She'll put up with it for about 5 minutes, but then she gets frustrated. She does appreciate the change in perspective... it's like seeing everything from the cats' point-of-view! 

Things are going really well at the 3-week mark! I wouldn't call it perfect at all, but we've made improvements in the nighttime sleeping situation. I understand why some people warn against offering bottles to breastfed babies, but let me tell you how it works for us... 

In the evenings, I pump about 4-6 oz for a "relief bottle" (that's what our pediatrician's office calls it). It relieves me of feeding duties for 6+ hours, and it fills her belly at night so she's able to sleep for longer periods of time. Ben feeds her half of the bottle at bedtime (sometime between 9 and 10 right now) while I read books to her. Then Ben takes over getting her to sleep while I get some "time off" (last night I took a shower and flossed my teeth!!). The second half of the bottle is given at her first wake-up. You can tell when Charlotte is hungry, because she tries to eat her hands (or her arms, or other people's arms!) 

Sometimes it's enough to satisfy her and she goes back to sleep, sometimes it's not. She usually wakes up between 12:30 and 2:30, then sleeps again until 4:30 - 5:30... after that, I have a really hard time putting her back down. We usually end up snuggling in bed (and dozing on and off) until 8 or 9.

Those first 3 or 4 hours that she sleeps are awesome! After that, she's up for changing and feeding for anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours... Of course the 2 hour awake sessions in the middle of the night are not my favorite. If any of you mommy readers have tips for helping extend her nighttime sleeps (or at least shorten her nighttime wakes), I'm all ears!  

The best part of the "relief bottle" is the special bonding time Ben gets with Charlotte. Our bedtime routine is my favorite time of day! 

My Little Ladybug

While we didn't go to the pool or soak our feet in the surf, we did try on this adorable swimsuit outfit our friend Anna Jacobs got for Charlotte. I wanted to get a picture of her in it before she outgrows it - - I know! Can you believe she's starting to outgrow her newborn clothes already??? The good news is, this outfit is still roomy on Charlotte, so we still have time to enjoy it! We got all dressed up and spent some time hanging out under a shade tree in the front yard. I love maternity leave! :o)