My Randomness

It'sssssssssssssssssssss

2011-12-01T09:22:00.001-05:00

December!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I love Winter, Christmas, and SNOW!!

woo!

I fail and Thanksgiving

2011-11-28T11:47:00.001-05:00

So I totally failed at writing a blog entry everyday for the month. Oh well.

We had a nice week off last week, where we went to my Mom's in Maine. Madelyn had a great time. She got to play with the swing set, Baxter, Crazy, my Mom and Grandpa Jeff. It even snowed! It snowed 9 inches, so we played in the snow too.

Here are a few photos that were from my phone, when I can I will upload the ones from my camera.

Madelyn on the swing!

Madelyn with the hat my mom made.

Madelyn and Eric watching the bass from the bubble in LL Beans. Sorry the photo is not good.

Love

2011-11-05T21:03:00.001-04:00

This is what I currently see. I love it. I love her. It still amazes me that I can love someone as much as I love her.

Halloween

2011-11-04T09:13:00.000-04:00

I am glad that Madelyn was not older this Halloween because it ~~sucked~~ was not great. Since the snow storm had come through over the weekend, there were so many downed power lines, trees, and no power that they cancelled Halloween. Our mayor decided he was not going to reschedule it either.

So poor Madelyn was all dressed up and ready but could not go door to door. My brother and his wife were over though and they helped make it fun. We had Madelyn go around the living room and trick or treat to us! It was cute and honestly she was SUPER excited. She even managed to say something that sounded like "trick or treat".

They left to go to a concert and we were feeling pretty down for Madelyn. Although, I don't think she even noticed. So we packed her up and brought her to her cousins house. They had their light on and had a few trick or treaters so we figured we could hang. Madelyn went to one of the neighbor's houses there.

She then got to play with her cousin. They ran around SCREAMING for most of the night lol. It was actually very amusing. They eventually calmed down and I got several pics of them being very cute. Hopefully next year will be better, because by then, she might actually understand what you do on Halloween!

My little strawberry. That is her Uncle Matt next to her.

Our attempt at a family picture

Madelyn with her cousin, Gideon

National Blog Posting Month

2011-11-03T12:15:00.003-04:00

So it is National Blog Posting Month, basically you try and post everyday for a month. I am already two days behind but I thought it would be fun to try it. So here is my first..

So Last weekend we got snow. It was the first time in more then 100 years we had snow on Halloween. Madelyn thought it was really fun. We took her out the night it snowed and she loved catching the snow on her tongue. She also like to eat the snow, I warned her several times to not eat the yellow snow!!! Hopefully she remembers that important fact.. :)

She also tried to help Daddy shovel, it was funny. She decided supervising him was better! The next day, she tried to help me shovel and ended up just walking around and "dropping" into the snow. It was really fun watching her in the snow. Last year she was just to young to understand what snow was and what was going on. But this year, she thought it was very cool. She wanted to go out in it all day.

Seems like she will be like her Momma, because I love snow. I love the way it looks and feels. I used to love to play in it and always had fun. I hope she grows up to appreciate the different seasons we have here and not feel burdened by them when they come around.

Watching the snow fall.

Helping Daddy Shovel.

Eating snow!

Joy

2011-10-28T09:00:00.000-04:00

We travel the same way home from my Gram's every time we are there. This past Saturday as I was driving, I decided I wanted to stop at the playground that is on the way. Eric is was up to it and I knew Madelyn would be happy. So we stopped.

Madelyn went down and up slides, played in the sand, ran around and swung. She loves the swings, they are her favorite. She never wants to get off and giggles just about the entire time she on them. Although this trip, she went up and down a slide about a million times. She was excited because she could climb to it on her own and it was fairly small.

We didn't have the regular camera, just my cell, but of course we still snapped some shots. Here is my darling daughter expressing her joy of the swings..

Proud

2011-10-27T14:54:00.001-04:00

This morning I was very proud of my wonderful daughter.
We have been on the maybe we are potty training ride for a while now. We sit her on her potty all the time and she knows what it is. Daycare has her sit every diaper change as well. She has gone a few times at home and a few times at daycare. But we have not been very consistent with it.

So last night, Madelyn started yelling "peeeee" at me. So I asked her if she had to go pee, her response was to try and take her jammies off. So I got them off and took off her diaper. Put her on the potty and she indeed went "peeeeee"! She was so happy, we were so happy.

I told her after that, to let me know whenever she had to go pee and we would. She smiled, I wasn't sure if she knew what I was talking about but what the heck right!?

So this morning, after we woke up, I asked her if she had to pee. She jumped off the bed and made a beeline for the bathroom. I took off the jammies and the diaper. She said on the potty and peed!

I am so proud of her, she is really starting to get this whole potty business. I hope it keeps up! She hates wearing a diaper and I hate paying for them :)

Happy Birthday Mom!

2011-10-17T10:03:00.001-04:00

Today is my Mom's birthday! She is amazing. She is always there for me when I need her. She understands me, listens to me, and even gives me advice. She is a loving Grandma. She is smart, funny, honest, sincere, and TALENTED!

Happy Birthday Mom! Wish we were there to celebrate. I miss you and I love you! Thank you for always being there for me.

2002

2006

2007

2011

Pumpkins

2011-10-17T09:16:00.001-04:00

We went pumpkin picking over the weekend. We got to ride the tractor out to the field and then pick some pumpkins. It was fun except for the fact that it was muddy and my daughter is the ONLY one that fell into the mud. ahh the joys!

So we picked out one large pumpkin so we can carve it and then we let Madelyn pick a little one which turned into three little ones! Once we were home and they were on the porch, all she wanted to do was put them on her head. Here are some pictures of her trying to do so! lol The greenish pumpkin, is one that my Mom brought down for Madelyn.

Weekends

2011-09-28T10:09:00.000-04:00

I love the weekends. Like most people, it is when I can spend the most time with my family. I get bored quickly though, so we always have plans. This past weekend, we went to the Big E and saw my Gram a.k.a. GG to Madelyn.

Petting the horse.

Petting the chicky

Spinning GG

She had tons of fun spinning GG

Some good finds..

2011-09-22T11:10:00.000-04:00

I love Christmas. It is my favorite holiday by far. I do love to shop for people that I am close to because I always know exactly what I want to get them or what theme to go with.

This year we decided we were going to get Madelyn a kitchen and some books. She loves books and Borders was/is going out of business. We bough a bunch super cheap already so she is getting those for Christmas.

We I have been looking at kitchens all the time, trying to decide which one we were going to get for her. I had a few on our Amazon wish list, since there is plenty of time to decide. Well we went to Once Upon a Child last weekend to look through the long sleeve shirts. Since it all of a sudden got cold and I was like ZOMG I have nothing for my kid to wear. Anyway. We walk in and I see this...

I am immediately all over my husband, oh that's nice. He examines it with his scrupulous eye. There was one dent, one very small dent. It was in the rear on the bottom, which will be against a wall. So I immediately am like lets get it right now. We can hide it and everything. He wanted to go home and check it out online to make sure we would be getting a deal. {Yes I have a smart phone, no it never has battery, hence could not look right then} Plus we had no room in the car so we would have to empty the trunk. I was nervous that it wouldn't be there but figured if it wasn't, we could continue to look etc.

So we checked online and cleaned the trunks. Yes plural, we have small cars and this is huge. So on Babies R Us it retails for $229.00. The one at Once upon a Child... $100.00. Oh hells yea!!!

So obviously, we bought it. We took it apart in the parking lot, which took FOREVER. We loaded the car and now have it hidden in her closet. We are so excited.

Now most of us with kids and many who don't, know how expensive Melissa and Doug is. So I tend to just say forgetaboutit and don't get her that stuff. We we were at Savers last night and found this..

It was listed at $12.99. I checked online on my phone, wooo hoo I had battery and saw that it retails for $69.99! So we got that for her for Christmas too. It is in good condition and she thought it was helluva fun. So that is now hidden in the closet.

I am sure going to miss the days when she plays with something in a store and forgets about it by the time she gets home if it is not easily accessible.

You want to see what else we got at Savers? A trike.. for $.99, yes that is NINETY NINE CENTS! boya!

Friday

2011-09-16T08:55:00.002-04:00

Oh Friday how I am in love with thee this week! Thank you for finally getting here. We have had an interesting week.

My mouth has been hurting on and off since last Wednesday, right after my dental appointment.. hmmm... But this Wednesday took the cake. I could not open my mouth. It hurt to eat, swallow, talk (much to my husbands pleasure) and just be. I called the doctor and they told me to come down. Normally, I will not come in during the day but wait as late as possible. I do not like to miss work if I can help it. I knew the pain was bad when I told her I would be in as soon as the drive took me!

The dentist checked all my joints and muscles in the mouth, did a panorama, and put me in even more pain. He decided it was my upper wisdom tooth. I had my two lowers pulled a few years back. My two uppers were really not a problem. Even last week the culprit had come in and they said it was fine. Well guess they were wrong. They got me into an emergency surgery slot.

By 4 pm Wednesday, I was sitting in my car, numb, drooly, and unruly! ha. The whole extraction took 30 minutes, but the actual tooth removal took the Doctor a minute. Seriously, one minute. I was shocked it was so quick. They couldn't put me under since it was an emergency and you have to fast and all this other nonsense. So it was Novocaine I got. I was scared shit less. I am not one to openly like having any procedure done. I think the worst. Basically, I am a pessimist to the max. He had major problems with my bottom two, so I was envisioning the same ruthlessness. I am glad I was wrong.

So what happen was.... my upper wisdom tooth came down and was pushing to far into my cheek. It caused an infection in my cheek and thus the ability to open and close my mouth was revoked! After the tooth was removed and I got some Amoxicillin in me, I feel good. I still have to be cautious with what I eat for the remainder of the week but I am not in pain and that my friends is wonderful.

Hope you enjoy the weekend, it is nice and brisk here. Hopefully, fall stays around for a bit!

Fall

2011-09-13T09:43:00.001-04:00

I love Fall. My favorite season is Winter but Fall sometimes gives Winter a run for its money. Fall is beautiful. The leaves are always amazing. The nice cool days and nights are wonderful. No AC, just open windows. I love cold, I hate warm. So it is only fitting that fall and winter are my favorties.

This year, since we have our own home, I wanted MUMS. I love mums, they are so pretty and they are a typical fall "thing". So we bought some mums the other day. I put them on the front step and stood there with an eat-shitting grin on! I was so happy. I have not repotted them yet because my neck was so sore but it is on the to do list. I snapped a picture though of them on the stairs as is, hopefully you will grin too. I can not wait to see them all opened! (disclaimer, two are Mums and one is an Asteria)

The other thing about fall is Halloween which is so much fun with a kid. we are still debating on what she will be. We think either a strawberry or a watermelon! I am cheap though, so I have to wait to see where I can get a coupon for, to help us decide lol. I already started looking at Halloween decroations for the porch and front door. We are definitly having candy! I can't wait to watch Madelyn walk up and down the sidewalks to get candy, that Eric and I will probably eat. :)

Monkey

2011-09-10T09:28:00.001-04:00

Since I have not updated in a while, I decided I would now with some pictures of Madelyn. Everything is going good, she is growing to fast.

Weddings

2011-09-10T09:20:00.000-04:00

We went to a family wedding over Labor Day weekend. At one point I was tired and I had my eyes closed for a few seconds and part of the family was like WhAT! You are usually so lively at weddings.. I asked what they were talking about and they just laughed. So I started to go through old weddings photos when I got home, to see what they meant.... What do you think!? :)

My Wedding...

Franziska and I

My brothers wedding.

My brother-in-laws wedding..

Eric's cousins wedding...

Eric's cousins wedding, Labor day weekend...

Maine

2011-07-21T12:40:00.000-04:00

We traveled to my Moms over the past weekend. We had a great time per usual. This time though, I really really realized how much I wish I lived on a lake! It was so amazing to just sit on a tube and float on the water. It felt like there was not a worry in the world!

It was fun watching Madelyn play in the lake and the sand. She is my little dare devil. She kept walking out and out and out. She would get to the point where her mouth was not even over the water and she just wanted to keep going!

My brother and sister-in-law made a surprise visit as well. It was good to see them and I know Madelyn had fun.

I also went out in my mom's kayak with my brother. We went farther then I have ever been in one before. I loved it. I have been looking at Craigslist now lol. Too bad we could never afford one!

We also went to a concert while we were there, it was an all day country festival type thing. Blake Shelton, my favorite, was there an rocked it out! So awesome! Eric favors Brad Paisley and he was the headliner. He was good and he came super close to us and then walked through the crowd! It was pretty cool!

Well the countdown in on for when we will be in Maine again, 8 days! :)

Here are some pictures to show you how much fun we had!

Doctors

2011-07-15T10:07:00.000-04:00

So.. I had a physical the other day. I know I have some issues, mainly with weight, it is no secret.

Well I just got a call from the nurse about my blood work. My triglycerides and cholesterol came back high.

She says the doctor said to watch my weight and carbs... why do they make it sound so easy....

Long time no talk!

2011-07-14T10:22:00.006-04:00

Hello there!

Sorry I have been MIA for a longggggg time but things have been hectic around here. One of my bestest just started a blog and it got me thinking, I should write more on mine.

So basically, life has just been moving along. We purchased a house and moved in, in April. We love having our own space and yard. Madelyn has enjoyed it since the second she was here. The cool thing about our new town is that there are several parks. There are three really nice ones with stuff for little kids. All three have splash pads. Two have pools and there is an indoor pool as well.

The splash pad is very cool. Two of them just have one little thing at it but the big park, which is closest to our house has a HUGE splash pad. It has tons of different things for the kids to play with.

We weren't sure if Madelyn was going to like it right away since it is water being sprayed at your basically. So we brought her to it with her clothes on (we had her swimsuit in the stroller) and let her look at it. As we walked closer and closer, she started to get crazy. She was trying to rip the straps off her and get out! It was so funny. Once we got next to it, she just kept pointing. So I immediately got her into her swimsuit. We put her down and off she went! She was soo excited.

Every time since then, she just runs right in. People are always commenting to us how she just loves water. She is always so happy to be in there. Here are some pictures as evidence that our baby is definitely a water baby!

2011-01-24T13:46:00.002-05:00

Dear Madelyn,

Today you turned one. You have been here for 12 months. Those have been the best 12 months of my life. You have changed so much since the time we brought you home. You are bigger, happier, and very much your own person. You love to laugh and giggle, smile, and flirt. You love to eat! You love to play with all your toys every day. You love to sing and dance. At this point your passion is definitely music. You love it. Every time it comes on you dance. Any kind of music. It could be from a commercial, the radio, a cell phone, a toy, or our voices. You dance. You love it. The joy on your face, make everything that was hard over the past 12 months more then worth it.

You are loved little one by so many and do not ever forget that. We love you right down to our bones. No matter what we will always be there for you.

Happy Birthday to you my sweet angel, happy birthday.

Love, Mom xoxo

Birthday Party

2011-01-17T08:34:00.003-05:00

We had Monkey's party yesterday. Her birthday is on the 24th but this past weekend was easier for us than next. After my initial meltdown we did good. I am not good with stress and there was just to much of it in the beginning for me to be calm. Thank the ever loving lord that my mother was there because if she wasn't I am pretty sure I would have just said "SCREW THIS" and left.

Family and friends came with arms of gifts. Madelyn is really loved, she got so much! I got to see some of my close friends that I really miss. One of which is pregnant and honestly radiant. It was nice to spend more time with my brother and sister-in-law than I normally do. We should fix that. Everyone talked and seemed genuinely happy to be there. I hope everyone had a good time. Madelyn did great. I thought for sure she was going to be really clingy but she wasn't. I don't think I held her for more than five minutes. She just went from person to person.

She had her first cupcake.... she liked the frosting but not the cake part.. I am not shocked as I do the same!!!! She had some ice cream too, she loved that. I don't have a lot of pictures because I was running around.... but here goes the few I have...

Mmmmm Frosting...

I think I will just play with the cake instead....

She liked ice cream cake mustaches..

Snow

2011-01-13T11:51:00.004-05:00

It is no secret to most that I love the snow. Winter is my favorite. Honestly, I am not sure why people don't like it especially when we live in New England where it snows a ton! So we had a ton of snow Tuesday Night/Wednesday. Probably the most snow I have seen. We got 20 inches here. It was awesome. We took the baby out to play last night after work. I know it looks dark but it was only 5pm.

Attempting to crawl in the snow!

She loves to swing even in the snow!

I am a Mom.

2011-01-10T12:16:00.002-05:00

Some days I can not believe I am a Mom. I can not believe I can love someone as much as I do. I can not believe that every decision I make, I now consider her.

As I walked through our apartment last night on my way to bed, I noticed things. I noticed the high chair and smiled. I noticed the sippy cup and bottle rack and smiled. I went into the bathroom and noticed the toys in the tub and smiled. When I got to the bedroom, I saw a peacefully sleeping child and smiled. I went to bed and dreamed sweet dreams of being a Mom. Some days it just hits me, that I am a Mom.

Back

2011-01-08T08:10:00.004-05:00

Hey to the very few readers I have!
I am back. I don't know what happened but I just "went away" for a while. I have had a lot of stress with work and have been battling anxiety. We are doing something really big as well, and that takes a lot of my energy. This morning, I just felt like i wanted to get back to the blog, so here goes!

My baby is going to be ONE in basically 2 weeks. ONE, did you read that right? ONE! I can not believe it. 2010 was the best year of my life. I can not even comprehend how fast this all went. Madelyn is her own person now. Not that she ever wasn't but you know what I mean! She is playful, happy 90% of the time, she loves to giggle, she loves to play. She plays with others or on her own. She is very independent sometimes. She can be stubborn and dramatic. She is wonderful. I love her more than anything right down through my bones.

She finally has a bed time! She never did before, she just sort of went to bed whenever! Now she is in bed by 8 every night unless we are out later For example New Years Eve! but she will go down right when we get home. It has made a world of difference. After she does to bed, I pick up her toys and make the living room not look like a disaster area. I love it, I love going to my work desk in the morning and not having to trip over toys! One of the best things about her bed time, Eric and I watched a movie last night! Together! without the baby! It was divine!

Well I wish all of you readers again the very few of you, which are actually family i believe, ha a very wonderful New Year. May 2011 bring you all that YOU wish for. I have a few on my list and I am hoping they will work out. It is going to be hard to top 2010 and I don't think I ever will but we will sure try!

I will leave you with some pictures from the past few months. BTW, please don't steal my pictures, get your own beautiful baby!!!!

Spaghetti Head!

Happy Halloween!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Get me away from Santa!!!

Merry Christmas!

DayCare

2010-08-31T14:24:00.002-04:00

I know I haven't posted in a while and I have updates and pictures to put up but time has gotten away from me. I did however want to post about yesterday. Yesterday was Madelyn's first day at daycare and Eric's first day of classes.

I am so proud of both of them!

Madelyn did great! We had visited with the teachers and other kids last week twice. This was to get her used to everything. I think that really helped her transition into the daycare yesterday. She played with the other kids and even took a nap in her crib! The teacher is great, she had a note "written" from Madelyn to send home with pictures from the day! It was really nice! Especially since I was so nervous! I only called to check in twice! I am proud of myself! All in all she hardly cried and had a great first day! Glad the first one is behind us!

As for Eric, he said his first day was good as well. Just basic stuff. I am glad he is back in school though! So happy for him!

Maine

2010-08-14T10:03:00.006-04:00

I know I am a little late and it's already been a week but oh well, life is always chaotic now.
Last week we were in Maine on vacation. My mom lives on a lake and we went to visit her. Vacations with free room are the best. lol. Love you Mom!

Anyway, we went to a baseball game, wildlife park, did some shopping, hung out in lakes, went to lighthouses, and relaxed and enjoyed our time with family.

It was simple yet perfect.

Crystal Lake at Night

Looking up at Portland Headlight

Madelyn and I

Madelyn and Daddy

Madelyn loves Baxter!

Madelyn floating in the Lake

Madelyn and Gram

Officially Done

2010-08-10T08:26:00.003-04:00

I was an Exclusive Pumper for 6 months 2 weeks! I am so very proud of myself. I really didn't think I was ever going to make it to my goal of 6 months!

At the beginning it was so hard to keep pumping. I had to bring the pump EVERYWHERE. I had to pump in random places and in parking lots. I felt like a COW getting MILKED! BUT I pushed through. I set a mini goal and a big goal. My big goal was 6 months!

I went through several emotions during this time. See here.
I am truly happy with the decision to end now. I have no anxiety about it at all. We have a freezer stash, so Madelyn will continue to have breast milk for some time. We have some samples of formula as well. So we will start with those when the time comes and see what works best for her.

She is healthy and in the end that's all that matters.

Thankful Thursday

2010-08-05T10:10:00.002-04:00

* I am thankful to be on VACATION!!!!!! It is pure bliss to not have to worry about work. I am pretty sad it is already Thursday though. This means Monday is right around the freaking corner.

* I am thankful that my mom lives on and near lakes. Monkey had an awesome time on Sebago Lake yesterday. She really had a blast, splashing, kicking, and giggling. I am pretty sure she would have stayed in her float in the lake all day if we let her. Hopefully more of that today!

* I am thankful that I get to continue a tradition I had with my father and extend it to my daughter. Every time we went to Maine in the summer we went to a Portland Seadogs Game. Last night was no different. Madelyn did great. She didn't cry or anything. She is a champ!

Hopefully, I will update y'all when I return with pictures! Enjoy the rest of the week and weekend. I know I will!

Thankful on Thursday

2010-07-29T08:47:00.005-04:00

First - Do you like my new layout? I think blogger did a good job with the new options. They are no longer boring!

This week was definitely better than last week in the happiness department. So here goes my current list.

* I am thankful that my husband is officially back in school! Go Eric! It was a long decision process but he finally decided what he will go to school for and how we will do it. I am so excited for him to start this chapter and I know he will excel!

* I am thankful it is Thursday, why do you ask? Because that means there is ONE day sitting between me and vacation!!!!!!!! Vacation = sitting lake side with Grape Island Glass AKA my Mom :)

* I am thankful for the Go Baby Go! Crawl & Cruise Musical Jungle by Fisher Price. Monkey lovesssssss it! She likes to sit there and play with it and giggles insanely when the monkey sings!!!!

* I am thankful Madelyn can sit! I know it means she is getting older but it is great to let her sit and let her explore and play with toys. Plus, it makes it easier in stores, restaurants, and dinner time at home!

* I am thankful I got my new glasses, I can see again!!!! haha

* And as always, I am thankful for my daughter. No matter how rough my days are, she can always make me smile...

Madelyn with the singing monkey

6 Months

2010-07-24T08:35:00.002-04:00

Dear Madelyn,

I can not believe how big you have gotten. It feel like just yesterday you were born. I always knew that time flew by but now I really understand it more. You are already 6 months old. Where the time has went I am unsure.

What I do know is you change so much week to week, day to day. You can now sit on your own, eat some "nummies", sit in a highchair and shopping cart, you talk ALL the time, you giggle, smile, and just explore everything. Clearly, you bright up our lives.

It is so interesting to see you change even a little a day. It warms my heart. I can not wait to continue to see you grow but I can wait at how fast it all goes. Such a catch 22!

Now matter how fast you grow up or how much you learn, you will always have our hearts. We love you to pieces and always will. Whenever you need me and your daddy we will always be there, you can count on that.

With more love for you than ever imagined,
Mommy & Daddy

Thankful on a Thursday

2010-07-22T08:35:00.004-04:00

I have missed a few weeks but unfortunately I am a ball of bad moods this week so not a whole lot on this list....

* I am thankful my vacation is soon, I need it so bad right now

* I am thankful for my Monkey, she brightens my day everyday and I needed it this week.

That's all folks.....

*EDIT*

Just found another thing I am thankful for!

* I am thankful for the Sally Hansen Color Quick Nail Pen. It is awesome! I found it at Target for $1.82 (love target clearance) yesterday. Tried it out today and it only took me 2 minutes to do my nails and they look awesome!!! I did my nails in purple.

Aquarium

2010-07-20T08:36:00.001-04:00

Over the weekend we went to the aquarium in Long Island. It was a long drive. The aquarium was okay, kind of small. I think it is really good for kids around 8-10. Lots of interactive stuff for that age range. Monkey still liked looking at the tanks just like she does at home.

We brought the stroller which turned out to be a good thing. We fed her in there, which worked out well. She also took a few naps in it when we were walking around, so that was nice.

She came home with a new outfit and the cutest baseball cap everrrrr (well not cuter than if a Yankee cap but she looks darn cute!)

I am going to warn you now, this is picture overload :)

Madelyn and Daddy looking at the fishies!

Loving the fishies!

Knocked out!

Loving the Aquarium! Full of giggles!

Knocked out with my new hat on!

No desktop computer = hardly any posts

2010-07-19T08:46:00.005-04:00

I hate not having a desktop computer. I have my work one but it is for work, so I can not really "play" from there. We have a laptop but I loathe it. Every time it gets hot, it shuts off. It overheats all.the.time. I am not a fan. I like desktops! We have been looking but I am bit of a cheapskate and I HATE parting with money. So this has been a bit hard. Hopefully the mister will find something soon that I won't cry over the price at.

Any who, Monkey keeps on getting bigger! She now sits on her own! Sits in a shopping cart! Sits in highchairs when we are out!

As far as her eating goes - She loves carrots and squash. She hates peas. She will tolerate but doesn't love green beans and sweet potatoes! Oh, and she loves to drink out of a sippy cup. My baby girl is getting big!

Feeding herself carrots! She loves them!

First time in the high-chair when we were out!

4th of July Weekend

2010-07-06T09:01:00.004-04:00

We had a very lovely 4th of July Weekend. On Saturday, we went for a walk downtown and perused all the shops. We than got some yummy pizza and had a picnic on the green under a nice shady tree!

It was a really great day. We enjoyed each other's company and just hung out. It was nice to not have to be rushing off somewhere. Monkey loves being outside. She was so content while we were walking and than playing on the blankets.

We took pictures and had lots of "takes" at a family picture. None came out to well though! I sweat she knows when a camera is around and changes her faces to annoy the picture taker! haha

Laying on the green! Do you like my drool?!

Sunday our Landlords had a picnic in the back yard. Lots and lots of food! We hung out there and put Monkey in her tiny 2 foot pool. She loved it because she can sit. Since she was sitting in it she splashed and splashed and splashed. She has really found her feet/legs and was kicking them everywhere. I am pretty sure by the time we were done, there was more water on the pavement than in her pool!

Monday we had a meeting with a lawyer to make our wills. It is such a morbid thing to do as there is so much talk about if and when you perish.. ughhh.. After that we went to see my Gram. We hung out in the pool there and had a blast. Madelyn really likes to be in water. She was splashing away and kicking away. It was fun! Eric actually went in the pool AGAIN! We were soo excited. He was even hanging out in it alone after I got out!!! It was crazy! Than we just hung out with Gram for a bit. It was a nice afternoon.

So overall we had a very nice and relaxing 4th of July weekend. Back to the grind today. ::sigh::

First time in the pool!

2010-07-06T08:36:00.000-04:00

I love water. I grew up with a pool and around 2 different lakes. I would spend as much time in the water as I could. As I have gotten older I have moved farther away from water, not by choice. I no longer have a pool in my backyard to use as I please. I no longer "live" in my Grandparents old lake house every weekend. It is a bummer. I miss those sweet lake and pool days.

My goal is to have Madelyn love the water as well, her father doesn't and I really want her to know the joys. If she doesn't love the water that is fine but she will know how to swim. There is no ifs, ands, or buts about it.

So last weekend it was HOT here. Both my Aunt and Eric's Aunt have pools. So last Saturday we went to visit my Grandma and we went in my Aunt's in ground pool. It was Monkey's first time in a pool (besides our tiny 3 feet foam one, that only gets her feet wet). I am proud to say, she loved it. She was splashing and kicking! One of the best parts of it, was she got her father to go in with her! I had to capture it on camera! Eric hardly ever goes in the water, I am always in alone!

The following day we went to Eric's Aunts for a day in the pool with the family. We jumped right in and she LOVED it. No pictures from this day, oops! But she just hung out with me. I am pretty sure if I didn't take her out, she would have sat in the pool with me ALL day! She was so content.

I can not wait for our vacation to my Moms. Mom lives on one of the two lakes I grew up going to. I used to play in the water with my parents and brother all day long. I can not wait for us to bring Madelyn in the lake too. It will truly be special as I have so many memories at the lake. I know my Dad will be there watching because we used to just sit in tubes all day together!

Madelyn just "chillen" in the pool with Dad!

First Solids!

2010-07-05T08:21:00.000-04:00

So when Madelyn turned 5 months we started her on cereal. She started with Rice and is now on to Oatmeal and will have Barley before we move to vegetables and fruits. She didn't like the Rice at all. She likes the Oatmeal much better and actually takes the spoon and "slurpes" it herself!

Here is a picture time line of how the first time eating the cereal went....

Oh cool, I got a new seat!!! YAY!!!

What the heck is that thing!?

EWWW! That is Gross!

You stay away from me, you hear?!

First trip to the zoo

2010-07-04T08:05:00.002-04:00

A couple of weeks back I took a day off and we went to the Bronx Zoo. I have never been there before and Eric went when he was little. We love zoos and have been itching to bring Monkey. So we went on a Wednesday because it is donation day. Basically, you just give them any amount of money to get in. Going to the Bronx Zoo was part of Eric's Father's Day present.

I was going to wear her but it was hot. We had her in the stroller instead and I am glad we did. She was able to see a lot and sleep when she wanted. We took her out a bunch too to see the exhibits and animals etc. Much to my satisfaction, as I love them too, Madelyn loved the butterflies! She would watch them flutter all around her! It was so awesome. They would fly by her head and she would whip around watching them. It was pretty cool to watch.

We saw tons of animals, gorillas, monkeys, giraffes!!, sea lions, birds, etc... Madelyn didn't look that interested in anything else. She would look at them but that is it.

We can not wait to take her again when she is a little bit older. When she will get excited at the animals and want to see them all!

Madelyn having fun at the zoo!

Awesome!

2010-07-01T08:19:00.003-04:00

Hey All, I still have a bunch of blogs I have to get up. We still don't have a new desktop - suggestions welcome! So I have to get the pictures onto the laptop. Hopefully, this weekend! I have a few "firsts" I need to put up!!

BUT.. the reason for this blog is because my wonderful mother has a website! She is a great artist who makes fused glass pieces. She can make dishes, jewerly, wind chimes, candle holders, etc.. the list goes on! All her stuff is beautiful!

Her site just started so it's in the beginning phase but check it out and bookmark it! Great gifts for yourself, birthdays, holidays, and house warmings etc!

Hope you enjoy!

Grape Island Glass

Delay

2010-06-25T07:36:00.000-04:00

Hey All,

Our computer crashed! I may be MIA for a bit. I can post from work just can't upload any pictures!

We went to the Bronx Zoo on Wednesday and had a great time. So I wanted to post about that with some pictures! Hopefully soon!

PS - It's my 100th Post today! Wooooo!

Do you want to know what's hardcore?

2010-06-22T08:11:00.003-04:00

Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred!!!

I picked it up on Sunday at Wally World and started it yesterday. I felt the Wii Fit wasn't really doing much. Everyone kept talking about the 30 Day Shred, so I figured it must be good.

It is NO JOKE, it is intense, and damn it, it is hell!!!!!! Dear Lord, Jillian Michaels is the DEVIL!!

But..... it is also AWESOME! I never feel like I am not working hard. I have to push myself just to get past the warm up and than through interval 1, than really push to go through interval 2, and if I make it to interval 3 but golly I am going to finish!!

I am PETRIFIED to see what levels 2 and 3 hold but that won't be for some time. I need to be able to get through level 1 without thinking I will collapse at any second first!!!

So 2 days in and I feel I can stick with it! I hope so! Wish me luck!!!

Happy Father's Day!

2010-06-20T08:11:00.004-04:00

Happy Father's Day to all the wonderful father's out there!

Happy FIRST Father's Day to my hubby! Eric you are amazing with Madelyn and I couldn't have hoped for a better father. She loves you to pieces and you can tell every time she is with you. I know you will continue to make me proud in being such a terrific father to her! I love you!

Happy Father's Day to my Daddy! I love you and miss you more than words can express. There isn't a day that goes by that I don't think about you! I wish you were here to enjoy this wonderful time with me. I know you are watching over us though. Miss you! RIP

Monkey's New Toy

2010-06-18T08:44:00.009-04:00

So we finally got Madelyn a jumperoo. I have been wanting to get her one for a while now. She likes to play with more things and to be standing. Her swing is a bit boring for her but the bouncer is still good. She liked to hold onto the toys attached and move them etc.

We went to BRU to get a different jumperoo but they didn't have it. I really wanted one yesterday so I told Eric we weren't leaving without one. We looked at them all and the Baby Einstein one looked the best. It had bright colors, music, and toys. The best part though and the winning factor was price. It was regularly $89.99. It was on sale for $76.49, we had a 20% off coupon, and $5.00 "R Us Dollars". So it was only $56.xx!!! Plus, we used a gift card!

Eric put it together once we got home and Madelyn was in it. She was checking it out and found the frog that is on it. The frog spins. I showed her how to spin it. She really didn't care that it spun. She just wanted it in her mouth! She puts EVERYTHING in her mouth, so I was not surprised by that. What did surprise me was how PISSED OFF she got because it wouldn't go in her mouth. She started to hit it and spin it and was really really mad. We managed to caption a few pictures of her pissed off, I think Eric even took a video. After a little bit of her trying to kill the frog, I took her out of the seat. I felt like we were teasing her.

Eric put her in it for a second this morning, maybe she forgot about the frog? NOPE! She tried again! Poor Kid!

Here's a picture of her trying to eat said frog!

Thankful Thursday

2010-06-17T13:25:00.003-04:00

So far, this week has not been to bad. I am pretty excited about that. It has gone by fairly fast as well! Most of what I am thankful for this week is totally random but it is what it is!

* I am thankful for The Bump! I know that sounds nuts! But seriously without the message boards (BOTB and currently 3-6) I am not sure I would have gotten through pregnancy and these first few months of being a Mom. They answered so many questions. The reason I am putting this out there today is because someone suggested a few ways to get Monkey to take naps better. She was taking them in her father's arms, not exactly ideal. I am proud to say for 2 days now she has taken ALL naps in her crib!!

* I will probably never say this again but I am thankful Monkey woke up at 6 this morning. I had to get up and there was no point in going back to bed until 7. So I worked out! I have been meaning to try it out in the morning and have had no motivation. Well after my workout I felt so good and refreshed that I think & hope I will continue every morning!

* I am thankful for good salad dressing. Yes I know TOTALLY random but we found some new dressings we like and now I eat salad everyday. If you know me, you know that's HUGE.

* I am thankful I actually took the time yesterday and got our eye appointment and our attorney appointment set up. I have been procrastinating each and it was time! I hope our new eye doctor is nice!

* I am thankful for hair ties. I hate having my hair down lately as it seems to always be in the way but I am to chickenshit to cut it super short.

*As always I am thankful for the hubby and my monkey!

We Caved into the Madness of....

2010-06-15T07:00:00.002-04:00

SOPHIE !

Everyone is always raving about the Sophie. Going on and on and on about how it is awesome and their children love it. It is a good toy for teething.

We have discussed getting it several times but didn't see the point in spending the money on a "glorified dog toy". So we tried other teethers. She could not keep most of them in her mouth or her little hands around them. She loves her Tigger but she wanted something else too. So we tried a billion teethers that we had. Most of them were complete fails. She really enjoyed a set of Monkey keys but we lost them. I know parenting FAIL! haha. We looked everywhere for them but they have gone to lost toys (it's just the beginning) heaven.

So anyway, back to the Sophie saga. We went to BRU over the weekend. We had a 20% off coupon, so I knew we would be buying something! I mean it's a coupon! hahaha. We were cruising through the "teether" section and Eric saw the Sophie. He literally screamed "Stac it's the Sophie!". I picked it up and stared in amazement (BRU didn't sell them before, they just started, you had to order online or go to a "boutique" shop). I said aww maybe we should get it, and than I remembered the coupon! SOLD!!!

So far, Monkey likes it. She loves that she can put the different parts of the giraffe in her mouth. As I type, she is gnawing on it!. She can easily hold it too! So I think it was a good "investment" AKA a good idea for our sanity! :)

Here are some pictures of Monkey and the Giraffe... ahhaha I crack myself up!

MADELYN

2010-06-14T18:02:00.001-04:00

ROLLED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I tried to get a video but I swear she knows when the camera is out. I will try again when I can. I am soooo excited. I was jumping up and down and screaming. I can't believe how big my "baby girl" is getting! I loveee her soooo much!

Another Carrier! Yes Please!

2010-06-14T10:21:00.001-04:00

So, you all know I have a mild obsession with carriers/wraps. I loveeeee our Beco but am always looking for a new one to try and love just as much. I came across a blog from The Bump who I enjoy reading. She is having a give away for an Ergo!

I would loveee to win it! I think it would be a great addition to our carriers and I wouldn't get in trouble from Eric because it's free!!! His favorite word!!!

So go and check out her post for the free Ergo and read some of her other stuff!

Takin Care of Twins

Catchup

2010-06-12T08:40:00.005-04:00

Sorry I have been MIA as of late. I had a long week.

Last weekend we went to Maine. It was a good time. My brother and Mo went too. So it was nice to have us all together. I am sure my Mom loved it. Mom and Jeff had a party on Sat for Jeff's Big 55! It went well. There was a minor glitch and unfortunately it was a person so it could not be easily fixed! LOL. It was super hot and well Monkey hates the heat, so she wasn't really that nice! I am not sure what we are going to do throughout the Summer...

Here is Madelyn with her Aunt Mo...

"Hey, Aunt Mo, Why the heck is it so hot!?"

Went to work on Tuesday after having Friday and Monday off. It was bad and not a good start to my week. That's all I will say since Momma always told me "Never talk about work on the Internet".. But in order to cheer me up my husband and monkey brought me home a surprise when they went out....

Yesterday was the first day we got out for a walk. Between the rain and my intense need of sleep we didn't get out much this week. My back has been hurting like there is no tomorrow so Eric had to wear Monkey or fight with the stroller (it's in a small car trunk). He choose to wear her. He didn't like the wrap (it was to girly!) but he liked the Beco. She fell asleep on him half way through the walk and I think he thought that was pretty cool. I think she really enjoys the Beco.

Daddy and Monkey ready for the walk..

Hopefully this week will be better. Going to see Gram today and not sure what's in store for tomorrow. Maybe I won't feel as "down" this week. We will see. Hope you all have a good weekend!

Thankful Thursday

2010-06-03T10:44:00.006-04:00

* I am thankful that I have a 4 day weekend! I need a break from work!

* I am thankful I am going to my Mom's for the weekend in Maine!

* I am thankful for fish tanks and my Monkey! Madelyn loves looking at our Cichlid tank. She likes it better than our tropical tank. I think because the Cichlid's are brighter. When we went to Lindsey and Jeff's she loved Jeff's tank! He has a saltwater tank, so the fish are really neat!

Here is her being curious!

Happy Memorial Day!

2010-05-31T08:54:00.005-04:00

Thank you to all those who have served and are serving and who have fallen for us. Much love.

We had a nice weekend with family and friends. Saturday was with my Grandma. Yesterday we hung out with Eric's cousin (who also happens to be my longest running friend lol) and her husband and our friend Sandra. Madelyn got to meet her cousin Gideon. Gideon was born 5/13/10 and he was 5 weeks early, so he is a wee one. Very cute!! It was comical when we were taking pictures.. you will see!

Today I am off! SWEEEET! I am going to clean the car in preparation for our trip to Maine on Thursday. Maybe a run to Kohl's for a new water jug, maybe some pool time for Madelyn! squeeeee :)

Hope you all had a wonderful weekend and a good memorial day. Don't forget to thank those that have and are continuing to make your WAY of life possible!

Pictures as always....

Friends

2010-05-28T08:00:00.004-04:00

We had dinner Wednesday night with our friends Mandy and Tim. We had another play date! They have a son Patrick.

It was very sweet to see the two of them together. They just kept looking at each other. Madelyn was giggling and smiling. Being quite the flirt to her father's dismay!! Than Madelyn tried out Patrick's toy car, she was more interesting in eating it!! But she liked to have her legs extended so I think it is time to look into an exersaucer or jumperoo for her!

She is getting so big!

Thankful Thursday

2010-05-27T15:07:00.004-04:00

* I am thankful for air conditioning!
Yesterday was brutually hot (90-100 degrees) which is hot for May here. I loathe the heat and so does Madelyn. She would not nap or anything. All she did was cry and was cranky. She was a diaper baby all day yesterday. I didn't want to attempt sleeping so Eric put the air conditioner in at like 9 PM last night! It made the night much better!

* I am thankful for my friend Candace because we always "bitch" together and it is fun! Plus she is a good friend! hahaha

Throwback - 12/08

* I am thankful for the weekend, it's a 3 day weekend! Lots of places to go though!

* As always, I am thankful for my Monkey!

In her 6-9 month jeans!

4 Months

2010-05-26T07:08:00.003-04:00

So on Monday our Monkey turned 4 months old. I could not and still can not believe how fast she is growing. It feels like just yesterday we found out we were pregnant!

She is starting to do lots more things. She knows what her hands are and is starting to examine her feet! She loves to look around on walks and loves the trees! She loves to smile and giggle. Especially with her Daddy. But we have been noticing her smiling more to and with other people. So that is fun! She is like me in one aspect, she definitely has a temper! When she can not figure out how to crawl. She gets pissed. When she is hungry and/or tired she gets real pissed! Even the doctor noticed she had a temper after she got her shots! She basically turned purple from screaming!

Speaking of the doctor, yesterday we had her 4 month checkup. She weighs 15 lbs 10 oz (HOLY CRAP!!) She is in the 90th (yes I said nine zero) percentile for weight. She is 23 inches long and that is the 25th percentile for height. She loves loves loves to stand. I have to hold her, obviously, but she loves it. She was laying down for the doctor and the doctor has to pull her up by the arms to a sitting position, I assume to make sure she has the head control etc.. Well Monkey doesn't want to sit and "jumps" straight up to standing. The doctor laughed and said "well I guess you want to walk". Monkey just smiled all big for her! It was cute!

So with that I will let you see my wonderful giggling 4 month old baby girl. As usual pure LOVE...

New Wrap!

2010-05-25T08:00:00.000-04:00

On another note.. I got a new wrap! Eric wasn't to happy. He thinks I have to many but OH WELL! I only have 3 and 1 I made myself, so technically I can say 2. hahahaha. He didn't like my rational.

I wasn't sure about this one before I got it but I bought it off of Kids Woot for like 50% off. I than read about it on the boards I go to and none of them seemed to like it.. I LOVE it!

It is easy to put on, it takes a few seconds extra just because you have to tie. I think its just as easy as my Beco. The thing I really love about it, I can hardly feel Monkey (it terms of added weight). My back doesn't hurt while she is in it, and I don't feel weighed down.

So far so good with this one! Here are is a picture. Don't mind the picture, I tried to take it myself and than Eric took one and none of them came out presentable but that's all I got!

McFatty Monday

2010-05-24T08:11:00.001-04:00

I just wanted to let ya'll know that I am going to stop doing McFatty Monday for a little bit. I need to get my head under control first. Every time I get on the scale I sink farther. To bad that makes me eat more.. Needless to say I went up more. It's weird because before I started this, I stayed the same for WEEKs and Weeks... It seems like as soon as I decided to try this I could only move up...

So I will graciously bow out of McFatty Monday for a bit. Maybe I will be back in the future!

Thankful Thursday

2010-05-20T10:50:00.006-04:00

I don't have much for today. It has been a stressful day/days... The voices in my head are relentless... So these may be cheesy but it is what I am looking forward too..

* I am thankful it is Thursday because that means the Grey's finale is tonight. I watched the first 10 minutes the other day and it was INSANE!

* I am thankful for my Monkey because on days like this she makes me smile...

* I am thankful it is nice out today. I think the past 2 days of rain, haven't helped me. So today we get to go for a walk after work! Yay for sunshine, blue skies.....

* I am thankful for a good friend and saying yes to our heavy request.

It is just one of them days...

2010-05-19T17:33:00.005-04:00

Everyone that has lost someone will tell you that sometimes you just have one of them days. No matter how long the person has been gone you just have a day, an hour, or even a minute, of missing them hardcore. You always miss them but sometimes it is just really hard to deal with.

This afternoon was that time for me. I was wearing the monkey in the Beco. She fell asleep and I was putting away laundry. A new favorite song of mine came on by Miranda Lambert.. It made me start thinking about the house I grew up in. Tears started to stream. It is impossible to think about growing up, the house I grew up in, or virtually anything else without thinking of my parents. Especially my father.

I started to think of everything he missed - my senior year, my senior day at softball, my prom, high school graduation, college, college graduation, my wedding, and now my wonderful daughter. My daughter so far has been the hardest... I can just imagine how he would have been with her and it aches...it makes me miss him what seems like more than the day he was taken from us...

Than I started to think of all the memories with him and our family... How lucky we all were to have known him, loved him, been loved by him, and have the memories with him...

He was strong...

and funny...{Sixteenth birthday party when he saw the bill!}

and a family man...

I miss him everyday. I love him.
I wish he was here.

McFatty Monday

2010-05-17T09:26:00.002-04:00

I am not a happy camper today. I went up again. At this point it is really depressing. I had to go into the office last week because of my lack of internet. I had to pack a lunch since I wouldn't be home to make it. So I ate less food because when I am at home, I eat whatever I want when I want. Which is bad. So I thought I would be done since I could only eat what I brought to work with me. Guess I was wrong. Plus, we walked like everyday. We did a menu.

I know my doctor is going to yell at me in July if I do not go down. I am not sure what to do. I feel at a loss. I lack motiviation or whatever is supposed to be inside me telling me to push harder.

I really have nothing more to say at this point..

Nice Weekend

2010-05-16T16:18:00.003-04:00

Well, we had a beautiful weekend here in CT. It was nice and breezy with lots of sun. We tried to take advantage of the weather by doing a lot of walking and baby wearing. Here is Monkey with her shades and sun hat! They so do not match but it's super cute none the less. Don't mind the sticker still on the shades, we didn't notice until after!

Internet

2010-05-15T07:50:00.000-04:00

is finally back on.. I had a h-e-double hockey sticks week dealing with my internet provider. But it is back on. My mom is down for the weekend but I will try and get some sort of post up soon!

Mcfatty Monday on a Tuesday.

2010-05-11T10:49:00.000-04:00

Sorry I am late. I have had no internet at the house. Hopefully, it will be up and running tonight. Monday was a horrible day. I got on the scale and I am up 3.5 pounds! Ugh!

So my new weight is - 196.5

Huge disappointment. I walked, I thought I ate good, I had a menu for dinners. So back to square one. I am still trying to figure out how to work out besides going for walks. I feel like there is no time. I am to tired after work and honestly I just want to hang out with the monkey.

So suggestions are welcome!

Happy Mother's Day!

2010-05-09T17:58:00.005-04:00

First and foremost, Happy Mother's Day to other the mother's out there! Happy Mother's Day to my awesome Mom! and my Wonderful Grandma! I love you both!

My 1st mother's day was wonderful. When Madelyn woke up she was all smiles. It was nice to look in her crib and see her infectious smile looking at me! We spent a nice day together, a little bit of time relaxing at home, homemade breakfast, and some shopping.

My husband did an amazing job picking out my gifts! (I love you!) They were thoughtful, warm, so "me", and showed how much he knows and loves me. I will always remember them. He got me a charm for my Pandora bracelet that has Madelyn's name and birthday engraved into it. He got me chocolate covered strawberries and a frame with a picture of Madelyn and I. The card he got me was also awesome, as he put Madelyn's hand print in it. He did a great job for his first time buying mother's day gifts for me. I know he was nervous and worried, but hunnie you did an amazing job and I thank you for making my day special!

Close up of the charm:

My best friend also got me a mother's day gift. Which was very unexpected! She made me chocolate covered oreos! Can we say yummy!? (So about Mcfatty Monday --- uh oh!) She is awesome and I am thankful to have her as a friend! I love you Danielle!

Overall, I had a very nice first mother's day. It is so surreal to be a mom. I never knew I could love one person so much. I never thought I could worry about one person so much. I never thought one person could make me smile as much as she does. I love being a mom!

Dear Mom

2010-05-08T07:39:00.003-04:00

Thank you for being my mom.
You are such a wonderful person.
You are a great listener and always have good advice.
You are creative and determined.
You are strong.
You are loving and caring.

Thank you for everything you did for me since the day I was born. I guess I didn't really understand it at all before but now that I am a "mom" too, I understand so much more.

Thank you for all the worrying you ever did and will do for me.
Thank you for all the love you gave and will give to me.
Thank you for always caring.

Thank you for staying strong and being there for Matt and I when the world sent us the biggest curve ball. You didn't strike out like so many could have. You stayed a float and hit a home run. I love you for that.

But most importantly, thank you for being my mom. I love you.

Happy Mother's Day!

Are You Serious?!

2010-05-07T12:08:00.003-04:00

So I bought cute linen shorts for the monkey from Target. I bought them in 6 months. Eric tried them on her last night and they are tight as fudge! I could not believe it. So I insisted we try her Old Navy shorts on. I bought them in size 6-12 months and couldn't wait for her to wear them! Well, she looked like a cupcake! The pants were the wrapper and her little tummy was the "muffin top". It was horrible they were sooooooooo tight!

Booooo! How is my 3.5 month old not fitting in her 6 mo shorts?!?!!?
AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

Thankful Thursdays

2010-05-06T10:04:00.009-04:00

* I am thankful for Monkey's swing. Not because it keeps her occupied but because she genuinely loves it. She is always smiling and giggling and "jumping" about in it.

* I am thankful it is Thursday because that means the weekend is super close.
* I am thankful for clearance at Target because I got Monkey wicked cute cupcake shorts for very cheap.
* I am thankful for e-mail because than I can talk to my bestie who is wicked far away in Germany. Miss you! Love you! xoxo

My Wrap

2010-05-05T13:57:00.003-04:00

Second post in one day! Holy cow! ha

Anywho, I have wanted to try "wrapping" Madelyn. I am cheap though and couldn't see spending the money on a wrap. 1. I just bought the Beco, which we love. See my picture here 2. What if she didn't like to be wrapped.

So I "made" my own. I didn't do much. I bought Cotton Gauze and there you have it, I made a wrap! haha.. Anyway, I put Madelyn in it. She giggled and looked around for a few minutes and then fell asleep. I guess she likes it! Wooo!!!! I can't wait to get more in different colors and to try different "holds"!

I will post some pictures but only if you promise to ignore the hot mess I am ! haha

Do you use a wrap? Which one do you use?

Milestones

2010-05-05T11:34:00.007-04:00

I am not a fan of milestones sometimes. I am not a fan when I read other people's milestones and Madelyn has not accomplished XYZ yet. I always wonder what I am doing wrong. I wonder for half a second and then check back into reality - Nothing! Every child is different and is going to grow and achieve different things at different times in their life. As long as she is healthy that is all that matters.

For instance, she has not rolled yet. She can "roll" to her side. Well mostly just lay on her side. I am not that surprised though because she hated tummy time in the past. She is actually starting to tolerate it more. Which makes us very happy because than we get to see her do this -

This is a milestone for us, her lifting her head so high while on her tummy! woo hoo! She actual likes to do it. She will do it then kick her legs around in excitement.

Our other "milestone" is she holds her bottle. She will hold it in place and sometimes take it out. She tries to put it back in but always hits her cheek! It is really silly. OBVIOUSLY she can not feed herself yet and we would NEVER consider that. But it is really cute to see her trying to hold her own bottle and pulling it out and in. Plus, it really helped when I wanted to move the pillow yesterday! lol :p

Here is some proof -

So yes, this whole post was a shameless awww of my child's "milestones" hope you enjoyed!

McFatty Monday

2010-05-03T08:28:00.002-04:00

Weight - 193

Well I stayed even. I am not surprised as this will be a gradual thing and will take time. I am just glad I did not gain at this point.

I did cut back on certain foods. I will have to do more. We actually have started to make a menu and have all the dinners set up. Hopefully, that will help instead of just figureing something out last minute.

We walked every day that it was nice out. So that was good. I also did Wii Fit twice. I wanted to start it again. So I am going to try and make that a regular thing. My problem is finding the time. There is no way I can wake up any earlier than I already do. Doing it after work won't work as we normally go for a walk and than I take over Madelyn playing etc.. since Eric does it all day. So I am thinking I might try and do it during the day on lunch? Hmmm.. We will see, maybe I will try today.

As I told you, I got this idea from a great blogger. Every Mcfatty entry she has questions to be answered to help motivate and give ideas to each other. This week Blair's question was - What do you do while traveling on the road for your diet?

Normally when we drive to my mom's we bring our own snacks. We like cheese and crackers and we bring water and powerade. Sometimes we do have to stop and at that point I am usually to tired/cranky to think about eating healthy. So that's why we try and be prepared with good snacks.

Today

2010-05-01T21:40:00.004-04:00

Saturday was a beautiful day. It was in the 70s! We spent some quality time in bed in the morning. All three of us snuggled and napped together. It is easily my favorite part of the weekends. Sleeping in with the hubs and the babe!

We then went out with Grandma (great gram to the babe). As always we had a splendid time. It was really nice watching Madelyn with her Great Gram. They captivate each others attention and it is really neat to watch. Madelyn loves her Great Gram!

Eric got another great shot of Madelyn and I smiling. I know it seems like something easy since she is always smiling but she is usually smiling a lot with her father!

Here's the proof!

And one with her Daddy..

Thankful Thursday

2010-04-29T11:48:00.006-04:00

It's that time again to be thankful, no it's not Thanksgiving! It is Thankful Thursday!

*I am thankful for clear blue skies! I loathe the rain.

*I am thankful for giggles from the Monkey! (Disclaimer - I will always have something about her in Thankful Thursdays!)

*I am thankful for spring. As much as I love snow and winter, I equally love being outside in nice weather. Here are some spring time flowers. Also, I love tulips!

War With Myself

2010-04-29T08:45:00.004-04:00

***Disclaimer - If my brother is about to read this, there is a lot of talk about my boobs and I am sure you do not want to read it. Have Mo give you a recap if you do! haha! Over share warning!

Currently I am having an internal battle with myself.

Background - I breastfed Madelyn in the hospital when she was first born. It was four days of complete torture. It hurt every.single.time. She did not latch correctly and her mouth would never open wide enough for my nipple. By day 4 in the hospital I was about to slip into depression. I wouldn't leave the shower because I didn't want to have to breastfeed again. So I made the decision with the help of my husband and a wonderful nurse to exclusively pump. I was still providing my daughter with the positives of breast milk and I was not in anguish from putting her on the boob.

At first it was great. I was not crying while trying to feed my daughter. My wonderful husband could get up and feed Madelyn in the middle of the night and during the day. I had help. It felt good on all accounts. Three Months later - not so much. I am sick and tired of it and I feel selfish for feeling like that. I first started pumping every 3 hours which you need to do to establish a supply. Then around the 2 month mark, I went to every 4 hours. Now I am down to every 5 hours and my supply dropped a lot from this.

I now feel guilty, selfish, and like I am a horrible person. I am not producing a lot since I switched to every 5 hours. Which is fine because I had an oversupply in the beginning and I have a pretty generous freezer stash. Plus, we have to start to use the older milk now anyway.

But I feel like I am "letting" my daughter down by starting the weaning process. I am petrified for some unknown reason to give her formula. I know formula now a days is fine and has tons of nutrients as well. I know a few babies that are fine and they are formula fed. So why do I feel so bad?

I cry daily over the fact that I am almost done pumping. Then two seconds later I am delighted that I will be done pumping. I go back and forth all.day.long. My husband tells me to do whatever I want and he is fine with whatever I decide. Which is awesome and I appreciate that he is not overbearing in this situation but I have NO CLUE what I want.

So lets make a list of the pros in cons to me -

Positives -
I love providing my daughter with breast milk. I am very proud of my decision to pump instead of throwing in the towel all together. I have reached my goal of 3 months (Yay me!). I love that it is free.

Negatives -
I hate that I am strapped to a machine. I hate that I leak everywhere. I hate that I feel like a cow being milked. I hate that I can not go out for extended periods of time without bringing the pump. I hate that my boobs ALWAYS hurt. I hate that my nipples look disgusting.

Not sure if this is a pro or con - I feel it is the only thing that connects me with my daughter, I feel like it is the only thing "I am good for"...

DING DING DING - I think that's my issue.....

McFatty Monday

2010-04-26T09:02:00.002-04:00

Okay, so Blair, the blog I am obsessed with, has McFatty Monday. Every Monday she has a post about the weight she has lost and how etc... It's nice to get ideas as other people post their blogs with their stories as well.

Well I need to lose weight. I am beginning to become unhealthy because of my size. Okay maybe I already am unhealthy. I am 6 pounds (as of this morning) from my pre-pregnancy weight. Which I think is good to have lost all of that in 13 weeks but it's not enough. So each week I will write about my weight loss on Monday's. What I did to achieve it etc. My hope is to not gain but always to stay the same or lose. So hopefully I will be able to achieve that.

I know I am "big boned" so I know I will never be a "skinny mini" but dang it I want to feel good.

In short, I want to be able to run around with Madelyn all day and not be tired. I want to run beside her when she learns to ride a bike. I want to be able to run up and down the basketball court with her or around the softball diamond. Simply put - I just want to be there and be there healthy!

So my starting weight as of this morning is 193.
My mini goal is 175
My huge goal is 150
My doctor's goal is 130! eek!

Past Weekend

2010-04-25T19:41:00.006-04:00

We went to Maine over the weekend to visit my Mom and Jeff. The ride up was okay, Madelyn slept the first hour and than was up for the rest of the time. It was difficult when she was crying. The end leg of the way Eric was in the back with her. Our normal 4 hour trip took 6 hours but that was to be expected. This was our trial run. We are going again in June and August so we wanted to get one under our belt. The ride home was much smoother. She slept about 3 hours. It took us 5 hours to get home. This was because of the stop we had to make to feed and change Madelyn. So it was good to go up. It was good to know that our trip will take longer than 4 hours. That our stops that used to be 10 minutes tops are now an hour. But it was all worth it.

We had a wonderful time and I am sure Mom and Jeff did too.

Madelyn and Grampa (Jeff) sleeping on Friday Night..

Madelyn and Baxter taking a nap on Saturday

Madelyn and Gramma getting sick of the camera!!!

Some high flying to end the weekend...

Thankful Thursday

2010-04-22T11:16:00.005-04:00

I guess it is Thankful Thursday again, so much for me blogging more! haha..

Anywho, very tough week so these will be limited...

* I am thankful for our trip to Maine this weekend! It will be Madelyn's first!

* I am thankful for the new wedge for Madelyn's crib. Helps her sleep much better!

* I am thankful the Spurs won last night otherwise Eric would have been a BEAR today.

* I am thankful the sun is out today so we can take a walk after work!

* I am thankful we are having breakfast for dinner. MMMM Bacon!!!

* I am always thankful for my little Monkey!! Like her tongue! lol

Thankful Thursday

2010-04-15T10:30:00.004-04:00

I am going to start blogging more *I hope*.

One way I am going to do that is do Thankful Thursday. I have gotten this idea from a few blogs I read. Basically every Thursday I will just write out some things I am thankful for.

I feel this is a good idea because a lot of times the negative in life overpowers the positive. If I say what I am thankful for every week then I am remembering the positive things in my life and making my heart happy!
Feel free to add your own to comments if you would like!

1. I am thankful for sweet morning giggles with my little girl
2. I am thankful for the new bond I have with my husband as a result of our sweet little girl.
3. I am thankful for play dates with our friend, hopefully making an early friendship for our children.

(Patrick and Madelyn, although Madelyn isn't looking)

4. I am thankful for our new chest freezer!!! This means we have our fridge freezer back!!!!
5. I am thankful for our new Beco Carrier! I love walking with baby girl so close to me!

Smiles

2010-04-10T19:09:00.007-04:00

I have decided that one of the greatest things in life are smiles! Here is proof....

6 Weeks

2010-03-08T14:37:00.002-05:00

6 Weeks.

6 Weeks of bliss.
6 Weeks flew by like a breeze on hot summer morning
6 Weeks, really?!

I can not believe that I have been away from work for 8 weeks, I can not believe it has been 6 weeks since I had a baby, I can not believe that I have been a mother for 6 weeks, I can not believe that my daughter is already 6 weeks old, and I can not believe that 6 weeks ago my life changed forever.

6 weeks ago I had my daughter and life as I knew it changed. She is wonderful, amazing, brilliant, and beautiful. She makes me smile in every way possible. The amount of love I have for her is uncontrollable and in immense proportions.

But the worst thing about 6 weeks – I am back to work.
So I started back to work today, it was an okay day. Not to busy. The best part about it was that I could see her at any second. That is what made me push through.

I wish I could be a millionaire so I didn’t have to work. Dreams…..
Of course I bet that’s everyone’s dream! :)

Here is a picture!
Picture is when she was 5 weeks

Madelyn Joyce

2010-02-09T14:43:00.002-05:00

Our baby girl was born on January 24, 2010 via urgent c-section after 27 hours of labor. She was 8 lbs 4.5 ounces and 21 inches long. We fell instantly in love.
She currently weighs 9 lbs 3.4 ounces! She is our superstar! <3

41 Weeks

2010-01-22T09:32:00.001-05:00

Eric says the best things in life are worth waiting for... I know he is right but I can not wait to meet our baby girl. Today we are "officially" one week past our due date. Good thing due dates are estimated and not a real indication of when you are supposed to have your baby! Hopefully she will be here sometime this weekend!

I have been doing good but starting to get to the point where I am overly anxious and just need her to be here already.

Everyone keeps telling me she isn't ready yet but on the contrary according to the doctors she is ready and in position. It is my damn uterus that isn't contracting lol..

Mom says I am a lot like her... good thing they don't let you go 4 weeks past due anymore! {That was my brother, not me ! :) }

Due Date

2010-01-15T08:04:00.001-05:00

Happy Due Date to Me!!
40 Weeks.. wow I can not believe how fast the time has gone by. I feel like it was just the other day that we found out about baby girl! I am in awe of the fact that at any moment she can be here!

Baby Girl's Room

2010-01-08T12:08:00.010-05:00

I figured it's about time to put up the before and after pictures of the room. I think we did an okay job!

I am warning you though.. the before pictures are scary !!! :)

BEFORE -

AFTER -

Crib -

Decal above Crib -

Dresser -

Teddy Clock, it will be above the dresser once we get the back working.. Eric made it :)

View when you walk in -

Book Shelf -

Futon -

39 Weeks

2010-01-08T11:59:00.004-05:00

How far along? 39 Weeks
Total weight gain/loss: Total gained is 25 pounds.
Maternity clothes? Yes
Sleep: Getting up a few times to pee
Best moment this week: it was my last week of work!!!!! :)
Movement: Yes!!
Food cravings: nothing special
Gender: GIRL!
Labor Signs: No
Belly Button in or out? still in and shallow
What I miss: hmm... not sure... i guess not being as tired?
What I am looking forward to: Having some relaxation time, hopefully! Meeting our baby girl!
Milestones: Down to single digit weeks! 1 to be exact.

38 Weeks

2010-01-01T14:59:00.003-05:00

How far along? 38 Weeks
Total weight gain/loss: Total gained is 26 pounds.
Maternity clothes? Yes
Sleep: Getting up a few times to pee
Best moment this week: getting the car seat bases in the cars!
Movement: Yes!!
Food cravings: nothing special
Gender: GIRL!
Labor Signs: No
Belly Button in or out? still in and shallow
What I miss: feeling in my hands, being able to go out and not be so tired!
What I am looking forward to: This is my last week of work... and seeing baby girl!
Milestones: Down to single digit weeks! 2 to be exact.

37 Weeks... FULL TERM!!!!!

2009-12-26T10:17:00.002-05:00

Danielle and I.

How far along? 37 Weeks
Total weight gain/loss: Total gained is 27.5 pounds.
Maternity clothes? Yes
Sleep: Getting up a few times to pee
Best moment this week: Christmas and Full Term!
Movement: Yes!!
Food cravings: nothing special
Gender: GIRL!
Labor Signs: No
Belly Button in or out? In, but very very shallow, who the heck knows when it will pop
What I miss: feeling in my hands, being able to go out and not be so tired!
What I am looking forward to: Not Working!!
Milestones: Down to single digit weeks! 3 to be exact. Making it to Full Term!!!!

Mommy View

2009-12-22T17:48:00.003-05:00

Just thought I would throw out a comparison view!

Mommy View, 23 Weeks!

Mommy View, 36 Weeks!

What a difference!!!!!!!

36 Weeks

2009-12-19T09:09:00.003-05:00

My ugly mug in front of Matt and Monique's tree! I am really starting to look horrible in these pictures!! lol

How far along? 36 Weeks
Total weight gain/loss: Total gained is 25 pounds.
Maternity clothes? Yes
Sleep: Getting up a few times to pee
Best moment this week: Packing 75% of my hospital bag
Movement: Yes!!
Food cravings: nothing special
Gender: GIRL!
Labor Signs: No
Belly Button in or out? In, but very very shallow, who the heck knows when it will pop
What I miss: feeling in my hands, being able to go out and not be so tired!
What I am looking forward to: Next week is full term!!
Milestones: Down to single digit weeks! 4 to be exact.

When you are feeling down...

2009-12-17T16:53:00.004-05:00

the best cure is a package from your Mommy! <3

I received a package from my Mom yesterday full of goodies for baby girl! She hand made us a purple sweater and a purple/green/pink hat! I love them both and can not wait for baby girl to wear them!

Especially the hat, we are doing a newborn shoot with baby girl after she is here and I have been wanting a cool hat for her to wear. Now I have it and it was made by Mom! So much better!!!

Take a look!!!!

The hat!

The sweater!

The hat and sweater!

35 Weeks

2009-12-12T07:59:00.004-05:00

How far along? 35 Weeks
Total weight gain/loss: Total gained is 25.5 pounds.
Maternity clothes? Yes
Sleep: Getting up a few times to pee
Best moment this week: Seeing Baby Girl on the ultrasound again... :)
Movement: Yes!!
Food cravings: nothing special
Gender: GIRL!
Labor Signs: No
Belly Button in or out? In, but very very shallow, I am sure it will be popping soon.
What I miss: feeling in my hands, being able to go out and not be so tired!
What I am looking forward to: Being another week closer!
Milestones: 35/35!!! Down to single digit weeks! 5 to be exact.

35/35 !!

2009-12-11T07:30:00.000-05:00

Today is 35/35 (points to ticker at the bottom of blog). That means I am 35 Weeks and I have 35 days until my due date! Wow!!!!

My Doctors Should Know Better...

2009-12-09T09:25:00.003-05:00

then to scare me shitless! haha.

So yesterday was our normal weekly checkup. As the doctor was feeling my belly for the babe, his face dropped to an expressionless mess. He says in a low monotone "ohh, your baby is BIG and we need to get you in for an ultrasound", umm sir, I was 7 lbs, that's not going to work for me. He just stared at me so I said "okay, I cry with a paper cut, a big baby, I will be in for some huge trouble" again just stares.. So I sat there and hyperventilated and Eric laughed away to the end of the appointment.

We went in yesterday afternoon for the ultrasound, major bonus that we got to see baby girl again but I was still nervous. So the tech is doing all the measuring etc... and at the end tells us baby girl's size. Yea she is only 5 lbs 12 ozs and is in the 67th percentile which is in the middle and perfectly fine. She said in her opinion the baby is fine and not big. A feeling of ease rushed over me!

Eric and I were wondering why the Doctor thought she was so big then. Tech said that because I am sooo short there is no room really for the baby now. So if you feel my belly basically all you feel is baby... her back, butt etc... so it feels like a big baby. But if I was taller there would be more room and the baby would feel regular.

We did get a picture, of her foot!!!! haha.. She was facing my back so we were not able to get any good face pictures. But I love feet! Eric joked that she has his feet! Poor girl!!!!

Nesting?!

2009-12-06T17:29:00.005-05:00

So today I had unusual energy. It all started because I wanted to do the dishes. So I did the dishes. Then I cleaned off the counter, noticing that the ledge needed to be cleaned. So I cleaned that, well then I did not like the way the counter was set up and I wanted to move some things. Moving some things meant cleaning the hutch. Cleaning the hutch meant cleaning the side cart, which ultimately made me go through our mugs and make a pile for goodwill! And thus I came to the theory that I was nesting.

I never have energy and if I do, I certainly do not utilize it on cleaning. I loath cleaning, it is my arch enemy! So logic says I was nesting... but Mom says nesting is a sign of the baby being ready... hmmmm... I still have 6 weeks to go! I am not ready, so I stopped and sat on the couch LOL Sat on the couch for an hour or so and couldn't take it anymore. So I moved some stuff out of the living room and threw out more unnecessary items! Then 2 more people commented on how I must be nesting and that means the baby could be coming soon. Again, I thought to myself... NOO this is a January baby not a DECEMBER baby... no jipping my kid on presents!!! lol

So I stopped again, had some lunch and began football Sunday. But I was bored.. so I wrote out all the Christmas Cards and got them ready to be mailed! Wow, it's December 6th and I am ready to mail Christmas Cards?!? Oh lordy! Well I figure it's okay, since we got 2 in the mail last week. So at least I am not the only one being early!!

And now, I am waiting for the Brownies to come out the oven.... oh man.. who the hell made up this nesting thing....

P.S. in case you didn't believe me...

Here is my hutch, if you have been to my house and seen this hutch, you know this is like a brand new looking hutch!

and here is the cart.. again if you have been here this is unusual...

34 Weeks

2009-12-05T08:54:00.003-05:00

How far along? 34 Weeks
Total weight gain/loss: Total gained is 25.5 pounds.
Maternity clothes? Yes
Sleep: Getting up a few times to pee
Best moment this week: getting most of Baby Girl's things away, it's coming together
Movement: Yes!!
Food cravings: nothing special
Gender: GIRL!
Labor Signs: No
Belly Button in or out? In, but very very shallow, I am sure it will be popping soon.
What I miss: feeling in my hands, being able to go out and not be so tired!
What I am looking forward to: My appointment on Tuesday, Getting everything cleaned and finalized
Milestones: Down to single digit weeks! 6 to be exact.

33 Weeks

2009-11-28T08:16:00.002-05:00

How far along? 33 Weeks
Total weight gain/loss: Total gained is 23 pounds.
Maternity clothes? Yes
Sleep: Getting up a few times to pee
Best moment this week: Time with my Mom and I guess shopping with Eric on Black Friday lol
Movement: Yes!!
Food cravings: nothing special
Gender: GIRL!
Labor Signs: No
Belly Button in or out? In, but very very shallow, I am sure it will be popping soon.
What I miss: feeling in my hands, being able to go out and not be so tired!
What I am looking forward to: Nothing much, December I guess!
Milestones: Down to single digit weeks! 7 to be exact.

Baby Shower # 2

2009-11-24T16:55:00.010-05:00

This past Saturday was my second baby shower. It was thrown by my sister-in-law, Monique and my brother-in-law's wife, Kelly. It was held at Eric's Aunt Joan's home. It was a very nice shower. I had a great time and got tons of new stuff for baby girl. Monique and Kelly did a great job. Monique did an awesome job helping me unwrap gifts. There were so many! We are so blessed to have so many wonderful people in our life that came and joined me on this special day. Our baby girl is so lucky already and is definitely spoiled!! Here are some pictures, okay a lot of pictures! :) More on facebook!

Mom let Eric open a present, he was so upset he was missing out! He was so excited.

The gifts! There were sooo many!

The Yummy ice cream cake!

Me cutting the cake!

Gooooo Yankees!!!!!!

Jeff thought it would be funny to get us a Patriots bib (I like the Giants, Eric likes the Raiders). Here is my reaction! hehehehe Guess it will be used in Maine! love it!

One of my absolute FAVORITE gifts! The night light my Mommy made for Baby Girl!

Mommy and I <3

32 Weeks

2009-11-21T08:55:00.003-05:00

How far along? 32 Weeks
Total weight gain/loss: Total gained is 21.5 pounds. Down a tiny bit from last week
Maternity clothes? Yes
Sleep: Getting up a few times to pee
Best moment this week: Shower # 2 with the family and friends!
Movement: Yes!!
Food cravings: nothing special
Gender: GIRL!
Labor Signs: No
Belly Button in or out? In, but very very shallow, I am sure it will be popping soon.
What I miss: feeling in my hands, being comfortable.
What I am looking forward to: Black Friday shopping for Baby Girl..
Milestones: Down to single digit weeks! 8 to be exact.

Baby Shower # 1

2009-11-17T12:48:00.005-05:00

On Saturday, I had Baby Shower # 1. Two of my bestest from work threw me a shower. There were a few girls from work there. We had an awesome time. Baby Girl was spoiled.

Everything was wonderful, the food, the desserts, the decorations, and the gifts. Candace and Angela did a great job and I am lucky to have them for friends. Our Baby Girl is lucky to have them in her life as well! Here are a few pictures!

The YUMMY Ice Cream Cake!

Me Cutting the cake!

The gifts!

Angela and I being true to form! LOL

Candace and I after SEVERAL attempts, LOL

**There are a few more on facebook.

31 Weeks

2009-11-14T07:31:00.002-05:00

**Don't mind the picture! Eric had me laughing and I was toooo tired to try again!

How far along? 31 Weeks
Total weight gain/loss: Total gained is 22 pounds. Down a tiny bit from last week
Maternity clothes? Yes
Sleep: Getting up a few times to pee
Best moment this week: Shower #1!
Movement: Yes!!
Food cravings: nothing special
Gender: GIRL!
Labor Signs: No
Belly Button in or out? In, but very shallow
What I miss: feeling in my hands
What I am looking forward to: My Mom coming again and my family/friends shower!!
Milestones: Down to single digit weeks!

30 Weeks

2009-11-07T08:59:00.001-05:00

How far along? 30 Weeks
Total weight gain/loss: Total gained is 23 pounds. Down a tiny bit from last week
Maternity clothes? Yes
Sleep: Getting up a few times to pee
Best moment this week: Booking our Maternity Photo Shoot!
Movement: Yes!!
Food cravings: nothing special
Gender: GIRL!
Labor Signs: No
Belly Button in or out? In, but very shallow
What I miss: feeling in my hands
What I am looking forward to: My appointments next week, My shower next Saturday
Milestones: 30 Weeks! we have the same number of weeks left as number of fingers you have!!! wow!

29 Weeks

2009-10-31T08:52:00.002-04:00

**not a very good picture but oh well...

How far along? 29 Weeks
Total weight gain/loss: Total gained is 23.5 pounds.
Maternity clothes? Yes
Sleep: Getting up a few times to pee
Best moment this week: getting our first gift in the mail!
Movement: Yes!!
Food cravings: nothing special
Gender: GIRL!
Labor Signs: No
Belly Button in or out? In, but very shallow
What I miss: feeling in my hands
What I am looking forward to: next week I will be 30 weeks! eek!
Milestones: everyday is a milestone!

Maine, October 2009

2009-10-28T13:03:00.007-04:00

So we went to Maine over the weekend to see Mom and Jeff. It was probably the last time we will be able to go until March or April. So this trip was bittersweet. It was awesome to see my mom and all but it was so sad when we had to leave.

We had beautiful weather on Friday and Sunday. Friday we went up to Hacket's Hill at my request. Went there before but Eric never went. I don't think he was as impressed as I was yet again lol. But here are some of his pictures from there...

Sebago Lake -

My favorite picture, because of the clouds!

Saturday it rained, the Milkowski Rain as Mom and Jeff call it. Didn't mind though we went to Freeport to do some shopping. Eric bought way to much for baby girl but at least he never spends full price! Bargain Shoppers we are! Mom helped me finish the closet dividers in the afternoon. It was our project for baby girl!

At some point, Eric and Baxter had a bonding moment. I think they probably were really communicating! lol.

We enjoyed a wonderful fire two of the nights. Eric even helped with the kindling! After Jeff showed him what to do! I was nervous with Eric and an ax at first. But he did a wonderful job for his first time!

It was a great trip. Got to spend time with my mom and Jeff. Good conversations, good food, and good company. What more could I ask for?
On Monday when we were packing, I looked at Eric and realized something. Next time we pack to leave Maine, we will be packing Baby Girl's things as well, since the next time we go she will be with us. How amazing is that?!

Well I miss my Mom already but how weird is it that I will be a Mom soon to and I will have to put all her good teachings to use! Hopefully, I can compare.

Closet Dividers

2009-10-27T12:39:00.002-04:00

So I decided to do a project. I made closet dividers. I just could not take looking in baby girl's closet and not knowing what size was what. So I made dividers. Let me know what you think!
I made six, newborn, zero-three, three-six, six-nine, nine-twelve, twelve-eighteen. I did the sizes on paper so I can change them as she gets bigger etc...

Together -

And here is a close up of one-

28 Weeks

2009-10-24T10:48:00.003-04:00

How far along? 28 Weeks
Total weight gain/loss: Total gained is 22 pounds.
Maternity clothes? Yes, pants
Sleep: Getting up a few times to pee
Best moment this week: officially 3rd trimester!
Movement: Yes!!
Food cravings: nothing special
Gender: GIRL!
Labor Signs: No
Belly Button in or out? In
What I miss: not throwing up.
What I am looking forward to: holy moly 12 weeks left!
Milestones: 3rd trimester!