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!

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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