7 & 8 months {long}

Oh my!  Once again I'm behind..I seemed to have forgotten a whole month!!  My oh my how time flies...my little baby is now looking and acting more like a little person.  We've been busy as usual...with nothing too extreme..just seems like LIFE gets in the way of doing things sometimes.  Hoping that gets better with time, but I think just the opposite will be true:(

Anyways, Stella is changing so much EVEN week to week it's crazy!!

Seven months
 At our 6 month check up I talked with the pediatrician about weaning from nursing.  She offered some great suggestions for working moms.  That very day I stopped pumping at work (can we say FREEDOM!) but continued to nurse at night/first thing in morning and some throughout the day on weekends.  Stella made the transition great.  At first, I used my overstock pile of milk from the freezer but BOY did that dwindle quickly!  Inevitably we had to breakdown and buy formula.  We started mixing formula(Earth's best organic) with mommy milk then slowly went to all formula (still nursing at night though!)  Again, no problems!  Stella's such a good eater..no worries!  And now she's eating veggies and fruits all made by me!  I know it seems like a lot for a working mom (believe me I'm all for easy peasy with my schedule) but it's really easy. I usually make a batch of whatever during her naps on the weekend, then freeze!  Her absolute favorite is butternut squash, but apples is a very close second (even Adam liked the apples!)  She's not a big fan of avocado or bananas (I think it's a texture thing)

Stella is growing up!  She now has her two little bottom teeth.  Teething is no joke...she would be fine during the day for the most part but the night time was rough.  Highly recommend the Hyland tablets.  Also, she's sitting up great, reaching for things out of reach.  And starting to get on all fours and rock back and forth---momma's not ready!  We also started swim lessons:)  This is so much fun!  I know she's not going to be swimming laps anytime soon--it's more to get her used to the water so she's no scared down the road.  Like most things she's a little indifferent to the new environment; she didn't smile or laugh with enjoyment but she didn't scream either!  Still babbling lots.  Says "Dada"

Oh goodness does Mommy need sleep!!  Our schedule is nonexistent at this stage:(  We usually have to wake her up for daycare and that's always a different time almost everyday.  We try to do bedtime at the same general time but it usually around her last nursing.  It's so unpredictable as far as how long she will sleep..sometimes til midnight other nights til 5.  Doesn't make any difference whether she had good naps or no naps.  The good thing is that she typically is just up once at night and quickly goes back to sleep after eating.

She now is in size 2 diapers and size 3 at night.  Wearing mostly 6-9 months and 9 month jammies

Loves books and all of her toys.  Starting to really enjoy Brodie too!  Nicknames are still about the same and different everyday. Most common continue to be Stella Bella, Lil Adam, etc

Eight months 

Wow!  Just writing this makes me realize how many changes and advances we've made in the last few weeks:)  Stella continues to amaze me with her laid back demeanor and sweet sweet personality!  She loves to people watch when we are in big crowds and typically has no problems with strangers.  On the rare occasion she has cried when we say bye at daycare but is quickly soothed by her teachers.  When lots of people are around she doesn't nap--I think it's because she's afraid she might miss something HA!  When we sing to her she makes "singing" noises with us (it's one of the most precious sounds)  She still likes to pat our faces or put her hands on our mouths. She's definitely a snuggler

We are mobile!!  She rocked back and forth for so long.  She would move either one arm forward or one knee but never all together for the longest time..I was so afraid I would miss it just by looking away for a second.  Then one night (weekend before Thanksgiving) she just took off...after the remote control nonetheless.  She takes one true crawl step on all fours then does this funny thing where she uses her arms to pull herself around.  My sister described it perfectly as the army crawl!!  Now that she's mobile she likes to pull herself into our laps--pure love

Well, Stella is now on 100% formula.  It's only been about 2 weeks but overall I feel good about my decision to wean.  I'm proud of myself that I stuck with it for so long.  It was hard!  Now I realize that both have pros and cons.  Stella has yet again not skipped a beat...she had no problems.  Although I miss the extra time with her at night I now find other ways to have special time with her.

On that same note, we started sleep training about the same time (Nov 9th). We decided to try the Ferber method after a friend at work recommended it.  The first night was HORRIBLE!!  It seemed as though every time we went in there to comfort her, she would initially calm down but as soon as we left things were much much worse!!!  After about an hour of crying, I was ready to throw in the towel.  I mean seriously how is this any better??!  If I had just fed her then WE all would have been back to sleep by now...UGH! But we stuck it out and eventually after 2 hours she fell back to sleep.  Pure exhaustion--physically, mentally, and emotionally.  I definitely felt like a horrible mother in the midst of all of that.  The next few nights got better and better though.  On the third night we only had to go soothe her ONCE.  Then from then on-NONE!  Now my baby sleeps from 730pm-7am (unless we have to wake her early).  What a difference a little sleep makes--I feel like a new woman!

Stella is wearing size 3 diapers.  Size 9 months clothes and 12 month jammies.  And she was the "Star of the Week" at daycare in November (I realize all the kids at some point or another get this "award" but nonetheless you can't help that it makes your heart full!)  Starting to enjoy and play during bath time more and more.  Loving her bathtime book.

New Things

Wow!  Once again I am amazed by my little girl:)  We have tried lots of new things these past couple of weeks and she has done great!

• Probably the biggest change is her food.  We started her on solids on her 6 month birthday!  So far I've made all of her food (it's much easier than it sounds)  We skipped rice cereal and went straight for the veggies!  She's had sweet potatoes, avocado, carrots, peas, and butternut squash.  Her favorites so far are butternut squash and sweet potatoes--she LOVES it!  At first she's a little uninterested in new food but by the second day she's fussing because we aren't feeding her fast enough--it's hilarious really!

Loving the big girl chair!

• Another new thing is the introduction of formula.  We just started this today and so far it's going good.  I'm still nursing at night (partial wean) but decided to ditch the pump during the day.  I've been using my freezer stash but that is quickly dwindling!  So we started with a little formula today so we can make what little mommy's milk that's left last as long as possible.

• Stella and Brodie are finally starting to interact!  It's so funny to watch:)  She will smile when he comes close.  Lately while holding Stella we will chase Brodie in the back yard.  Stella laughs so loud and is so tickled by it!!  I need to figure out how to post the video haha

• We also went to the park a last weekend for the first time.  Stella enjoyed the swing.  She even loved watching all the other kids play!    Melts my heart to see her smile--makes it all worth it:)

Half Birthday

Oh My Goodness!!  It's hard to believe that Stella is already 6 months old:)  I keep reminiscing about how this time last year we were just out of the first trimester and had told family and close friends.  I barely had a bump.  It feels like a lifetime ago and at the same time just like yesterday!  My how things change in one short year or even in just a few months:)

Stella is growing up and her personality is starting to shine through.  She still is fairly laid back and goes with the flow.  She's a very happy baby and has yet to meet a stranger.  I absolutely love her little giggles--she's extremely ticklish just like her daddy!  She usually wakes up happy in the mornings and I love listening to her babble via the monitor.  Every morning I say "Good morning, Sunshine" as I approach her crib and she gives me a big sleepy grin as she stretches!  Now that's the best part of waking up:)

Stella has started sitting up:)  She still requires some assistance here and there but is getting the hang of it!  She loves to sit on the blanket in the living room with all of her toys spread around. She reaches for her toys and of course they go straight into her mouth!  Her favorites are Sophie the girafffe, an elephant and a few rattles.  I got her a stack toy but she hasn't quite figured it out yet!  She loves to play with her paci too-taking it in and out, reaching for it, etc.  I've noticed that she reaches a lot more with her left hand (not sure how I feel about that!)  And she is babbling like crazy and in the midst of her babbles she says a definite "dada"  I tried for the longest time to turn a deaf ear to it BUT  it's so distinct haha!

OTHER MILESTONES:

• HEIGHT: 26.5 INCHES (75-90th percentile)
• WEIGHT: 16 LBS 2 OZ (50-75th percentile)
• HEAD CIRCUMFERENCE: 17.5 inches (95-98th percentile)
• CLOTHING: 6-9 months mostly.  Some 6 months and some 9 months.  Wearing size 2 diapers (Huggies) Size 3 shoes 
• MILESTONES:  Sitting up!  Babbling!  Reaching for objects and passing things between hands.  Loves to stand with assistance
• FAVORITES:  
• BOOK: My favorites are Guess How Much I Love You and On The Night You Were Born.  Adam's favorite is All about Baby.  We both also love reading her a book called When Stella Was Little.  Stella seems to enjoy all the books but more recently has to have a book to read herself (holding a book while we read to her)
• TOYS: This was covered earlier..partial to Sophie

STELLA--A GOOD MIX OF US!
• LOOKS:   Stella is the spitting image of Adam as a baby, except I think she has my big eyes and lips!
• TICKLISH:  She is sooo ticklish and giggles all the time--definitely Adam
• SLEEP: O-M-G This girl can fight sleep like the best of them!  And can fall asleep anywhere--craziness just like ME!
• EAT:  When this girl is hungry she wants her food NOW (especially when she first wakes up)  This is a little of both of us

5 months

Wow my baby girl is getting so big!  She definitely is no longer a newborn:(  She doesn't like to be cradled except when taking a bottle. She's holding her head up and rolling all over the place.  Stella is just so stinking cute!!

So I started this a LONG time ago but never had a chance to finish it!  It's going to be short and sweet--just to get the major points down!

SLEEP:  Stella is sleeping great in her crib!  She goes to bed between 8-9pm most nights.  Still swaddled but now with arms out:)  She wakes up at least once during the night, sometimes more to eat but goes right back to sleep.  Her naps are unpredictable but there's no keeping this baby awake when she's sleepy.  Although sometimes she's pretty good at fighting the sleep herself.  I think she gets this from me!

EAT:  Still on 100% mommy milk.  Takes 4 oz every 3 hours during the day.  Sometimes more, sometimes less.

PLAY:  We are rolling over!!!  It's so cute because she is so excited about it too (Well that could be because I do a little cheer each time haha!)  Now she's definitely buckled into everything!  Still enjoying the swing.  Haven't really played on the activity mat lately because not enough room to roll over.  Introduced the exersaucer/bouncer and she wasn't impressed at first, but now she loves it!  She recently moved up to the "Mini Movers" room at daycare and is enjoying playing with all the "big" kids!  She currently is the youngest  baby in that room but loves the interaction.

Labor Day Weekend Fun!!

We had such a great LONG weekend!!  Nothing really spectacular just an awesome weekend with my little family and my sister's family!

The three of us spent Saturday afternoon just hanging out at the house.  Stella is such a good baby and we loved the extra "nothing planned" time with her.  She's rolling all over the place and giggling up a storm!  Then that evening Adam and I had our first real post-baby date night:)  Now we've left Stella with family to attend weddings and other functions or go out to eat with her in toll but this was a "real" date night with just the two of us.  I didn't know how I would feel about leaving Stella and I still have mixed emotions about it.  BUT  for the first time since having a baby I felt like a WIFE and just a person..not a mommy! It was so weird to be out and about without her or even in the car with just me and Adam.  We went to dinner at Bonefish Grill--delicious (I even had a glass of wine!)  Then we decided to go to the movies.  I can't remember the last time I went to the early movie (don't get me wrong we hit up the matinees all the time on Sunday afternoons), but this was the 7 pm movie with all the little middle school kids!  We saw the Campaign, good not great.  It was between that and the new batman movie BUT mommy couldn't stay away for 3 more hours!! ha!

It's the first time I've missed Stella's bedtime routine:(  But she was in good hands with Nana and Grandpa (Adam's parents).  She, of course, didn't even skip a beat and fell right to sleep for them!

My sister and her family came to visit the rest of the weekend.  It was so great to have some time with Stella's cousins!  They couldn't get over how big she had gotten.  And I think Trent was a bit upset that she doesn't stay still long enough to cradle like a baby anymore! ha  Of course Stella had a massive blowout while my sister was holding her--it never fails!  Stella went shopping with us girls while the boys played golf.   We grilled out burgers and hotdogs even in the rain!  It was the perfect long weekend but we sure did miss seeing GranMomma and Grandaddy (my parents!)

Playing with my cuzzies (Amie & Trent!)

I'm too cute:)

Amie practicing for future babysitting

4 months of snuggles

Once again, I am astonished that yet another month has passed!  It feels like just yesterday we were bringing our little Sweet Pea home from the hospital.  But then again, looking at my little girl quickly reminds me that we are out of the "newborn" phase.  I miss those days, but I'm loving what each new stage brings.   (To no surprise I'm sure) I'm a little late on this post.  I wanted to wait until we went to the doctor to post so that I would have her stats, etc.

My first night in the crib

SLEEP: Stella is a pretty good sleeper.  On occasion she has slept through the night (which in baby terms is 6 hours). But mostly she still gets up somewhere between 3-4am to eat, then is quickly back to sleep.  We still swaddle (but plan to soon transition out of this).  My baby no longer sleeps in our room:(  She's a big girl now sleeping in her crib in her very own room.  We made the transition the last weekend of July.  She woke up a few times the first couple of nights, I gave her the paci and she was fine.  Hoping she continues to go with the flow!  **Update: The first week in the crib was pure bliss!  Week two was not-so-much fun.  Up every 30 min or so fussing.  Not crying and not truly awake- just restless!  After 2-3 nights of this (I was a pure zombie at work) Stella finally found her groove (haha!) and slept 6 hours without a peep!!  Here's to hoping this is the new "norm"

EAT:  Still on 100% Mommy Milk:)  Typically eating 3 oz every 3 hours.  For a few weeks we had to increase to 4 oz bc little miss piggy was still hungry--I think she was going through a growth spurt.  But since then she has cut back to about 3.5 ounces.  I never imagined I would breastfeed for this long...Now my goal is 6 months!  And per Doctor's recommendations we will try to hold off on any cereal or solids til 6 months.

PLAY: Stella still LOVES her swing.  She's not as interested in the playmat as she once was.  She loves playing around on the blanket.  Her favorite toys are Sophie the Giraffe and Bunnie By the Bay.  She is sooo ticklish..her laugh lights up my world..it is the cutest thing EVER!!  She loves taking  her paci out of her mouth and playing with it; however she hasn't quite figured out how to put it back in her mouth yet!  She hasn't consistently rolled over yet.  She gets so close but then gives up..so lazy ha!  OMG she has found her feet!!!  For the longest time she would just hold her foot with her hand straight out. I called her my little cheerleader:)  But then all of a sudden she's realized she can reach them into her mouth and that's where they are ALL the time.  It makes diaper changes difficult!

STATS:  Stella went to the pediatrician for her 4 month check-up on 7/31.  She once again did wonderfully with her shots!  She cried at first-I think it startled her more than anything bc she was almost asleep.  I quickly swooped her into my arms and immediately she stopped crying.  Such a big girl!

• Height: 25 1/4 inches (she's grown almost 4 inches since her 2 month)  Hoping she's tall like Daddy.  75th percentile
• Weight: 13 lbs 14.5 ounces (I was close with my guess of 14 lbs.)  25-50th percentile. How can this be...the stats make it seem as though she is tall and lean but my chunky girl still has lots of lovable "rolls"
• Head: 17 98th percentile.  I'm still amazed by this...She doesn't look like she has a big head...

After my shots

And this one bc I love it!

WE SURVIVED!!

Well, Stella and I survived!!!  I think that about sums it up--our first time without Daddy for 10+ days:) Adam was away for work..boo.  And Boy is Mommy exhausted..ha to say the least!!

I'm not going to lie..I was dreading Adam's first trip away from home.  I was sooo afraid that I wouldn't be able to juggle everything all by myself.  It was a lot of hard work and planning ahead but I survived. Yay me!!  And Stella lived to tell about it:)

A couple of things saved me.  First, we have a great daycare that takes care of Stella.  And we have a wonderful babysitter that picks Stella up from daycare between 4-430 everyday and spends some one-on-one time with her until I get home from work.  It's such a relief to know that Stella is in good hands and they love her as much as she loves them!  But even so..I still rush home to kiss those chubby little cheeks:)

Also, since Adam was away for more than a week, I decided to go to my parents for the weekend.  That way I wasn't sitting at home lonely and they could give me a hand with Stella.  Of course, they didn't mind the extra snuggles with her either!  My sis and her family came too and Stella was a bit of a star because people came from all over to see her.

While in Owensboro, I also had Stella's 3 month pics taken by a high school friend that now does photography.  I'll share more on that later!

Since I'm taking this time to pat myself on the back....I'll go ahead and add a few other things I'm proud of myself for!

1. I'VE REACHED MY PRE-PREGNANCY WEIGHT: WooHoo!  This happened 2-3 weeks ago and I'm so happy.  (The benefits of nursing!)  If only I was in shape...It's definitely still a flabby version of my pre-pregnancy weight but oh well..happy to see that number again!  With that I'm also fitting into ALL of my pre pregnancy pants
2. I'VE SUCCESSFULLY BEEN BREASTFEEDING FOR 3+ MONTHS:  Wow I never thought I would say that! If it wasn't for pumping I think I could make it a whole year..but I despise the pump:(  So, for now I'm taking it one week at a time.

Ok sorry for the moment of tooting my own horn.  Look forward to sharing with you Stella's 4 month stats soon...she's growing up so fast!

My baby's 3 months old!!! (LONG)

OMG Where has the time gone?!   I can't believe that it's already been 3 months!  It feels just like yesterday we were bringing our little sweet pea home from the hospital.  In other ways it feels as if Stella has been a part of our little family forever...its hard to remember what life was like before her!

Our little photo shoot-Thx Aunt Summer!

Stella has changed so much in the last month!  She found her VOICE a couple of weeks ago and just loves cooing and talking to us.  It's the cutest thing ever!  When we talk to her she smiles and "responds"  She hasn't quite squealed yet but does get tickled easily:)  Adam and I sit around talking about her all the time.  It's amazing how "content" she is!  She's not a smile all the time type baby, fussy baby or high maintenance.  She's simply content with whatever!  And she's perfectly fine with playing by herself.  Right now she still loves her swing and playmat.  For her 3 month birthday we bought her Sophie the Giraffe and boy does she lover her!!  Even Brodie is a bit more interested in this toy:)  We are still working on rolling over.  She will quickly roll from back to side but hasn't quite figured out how to get all the way over.  Not a huge fan of tummy time--we still try for a few minutes each night but she fusses at us!

Little Fish At Granmoma's and Grandaddy's Pool

We've has our first sickness:(  Unfortunately on her 3 month birthday!  Over the weekend she had been a bit congested sounded and we were using the saline nasal drops, etc.  Moma knew baby girl was sick because she was crying and not easily consolable.  It just started so quickly.  Like she was fine when we went to bed around 10.  Then she woke up around 1145 crying.  She typically sleeps til around 4 so this was a big deal!  Long story short I knew something was wrong and Adam took her to the doctor first thing the next morning.  She stayed home that day from daycare.  And then the next day she was back to her usual self!  So we put off taking her 3 month pics until over the weekend:)  This was such a bad week for me as a mommy.  I felt so guilty not being able to be home with my baby girl while she felt bad and I felt bad because she was sick!  I never thought that I would struggle as much as I have with being a full-time working mom--some of you make it look so easy!

3 months:) So hard to capture her beautiful smiles!

STATS

• Weight: 12 lbs 10 oz (Only know this because of sick visit)
• Diapers: Huggies Pure & Natural or Little Snugglers Size 2 (we do have a few other random brands that we are using because they were gifts!)
• Clothes: I've packed up all the newborn and a few 0-3 months clothes.  She's mostly wearing 0-3 months and a few 3-6 months just depends on brand
• Nutrition: Still exclusively on mommy milk (Yay for me!)
• Sleep: Asleep around 8 or 830 but she stays with us in living room.  Wake her up around 10 for a final feeding before swaddling and going to bed.  Usually sleeps until somewhere around 330 or 4am.  Up for feeding then back to sleep til around 7am.  

Lots O Changes

Well, like I mentioned in the last post...things have been crazy at the Davis house!  It seems like when it rains it pours:)  There have been so many changes in our lives over the last few weeks, but thankfully all for the good!
First, I returned to work:(  BooHoo!  It was sooo hard to leave little Miss Stella...much more than I thought.  We made arrangements for the first few weeks of my return for family to keep Stella.  It was a great transition for me because I received daily texts with pics of my sweetie!  And it was a great time for Stella to bond with her grandmothers and aunts!  My first week back Nana and Aunt Abby watched Stella (Adam's family).  The second week was a combination of Nana, our friend Emma Scott, and Adam.  The third week Granmoma and aunt Summer came to visit (my family).  My sister's kids were away at 4H camp so it was the perfect time for them to get some extra Stella time!  I hope they enjoyed it as much as she did!
I survived the first day..even though I thought I wouldn't!  I strategically planned Stella's 2 month check up for my first day back to work. So I went to work for about 2 hours, then skipped out for a minute and met Adam for Stella's check up!  That's probably the only way I survived those first few hours.  Nana came to the house that morning and I was determined I wasn't going to cry.  Well I didn't make it out of the neighborhood before the tears came rolling...I just felt so guilty.  I knew she was being well taken care of, I just selfishly wanted to be the one with her all day:(  Then at Stella's check-up she received her immunizations.  Oh boy, the tears came rolling again.  I think Adam thought I was crazy..it was just such an emotional day!  Never in a million years did I think I would be "that mom" that cried when my baby got shots--geez I blame it on the hormones ha!  Ok enough about that...each day gets a bit easier!
Second and probably the biggest change is that Adam got a new job!!!  Crazy, huh?!  He wasn't even looking for one, but when a great opportunity presents itself you can't pass it up--even if the timing isn't quite perfect:)  I'll spare all the details (partly bc I'm still trying to muddle through it and understand!). But essentially he will still be doing the same thing (engineering--inspecting waterfront: bridges, navy bases, etc) but for a different company.  Where he worked before was a large company (StanTec) but his department was quite small.  His new company is small (MSI) but ONLY does what he does.  Long-term he will have more opportunity to grow, etc!  Overall, we are both very pleased and looking forward to what this means for our family.  The only downfall at this point is that he now works in the Brannon Crossing area...he's not a fan of the commute (old travel time 5 min; new 25!)  Anywho, he's already talking about moving....
Lastly, Stella started daycare this past week!  Luckily for me, I've had to be at work early this week and so I haven't experienced dropping her off yet.  However, I have picked her up all but one day.  We had met with the 'teachers' before and toured the place, etc.  But let me tell you that first day picking her up, it was a lot to swallow seeing someone unfamiliar holding her:(  She did great though!  They do a great job of keeping track of her feedings, naps, and diaper changes.  I did break down and call to check on her the first day...but I think that's expected, right?!  That first day after picking her up she was asleep before I even got her to the car AND she slept most of the evening!  I think she was worn out--maybe a little too stimulated in the new environment, new people, and other babies.

On a side note, there's been lots of exciting news with friends too!  We've had friends accept new jobs and unfortunately for us move away.  Other friends are expecting a baby girl!  And others are expecting TWINS:)  Exciting times ahead.  Change can be good!!!

Miss Stella is 2 months old!

Ok so I'm only about 3 or so weeks behind:)  But here's her two month update!!  Lots of things have been happening at the Davis house (more on that later) and Stella is growing so fast in the mix of all of our craziness ha!  Stella's 8 week birthday was marked by my returning to work boo:(

But on a happy note we made our first true road trip with Stella to Charleston, SC for our friends wedding weekend and celebrating Stella's big 2 MONTHS!!  Stella did fabulous in the car.  It took us a bit longer to get there, making extra long stops around her feeding times and only making ONE extra stop on the way there and on the way back for meltdowns!  I don't blame her for those..even I get a little cranky after being in the car for many hours:)  Stella experienced her first trip to the beach and her first dip in the pool.  She was not phased by either and was her usual content self!  She even spent some time with Granmoma and Grandaddy (my parents) on her bday as they babysat her while Adam and I attended the wedding.

Before dinner out in Charleston, SC

My first pool experience:)

The second month of Stella's life has brought me more joy than ever!  Each day she amazes me more and more.  She's started to be less interested in eating in the early morning and more interested in smiling and cooing at me.  I should be a bit frustrated that it takes extra long for her to eat during this time, but I can't help but to soak in all the love she's sharing with me...it's the cutest thing ever!  She has started to show a bit more personality; although for the most part she continues to be quite serious and content.  She smiled for the first time on April 29th and took her first bottle of pumped breast milk on April 30th.  Adam started feeding her one bottle a day so that she gets used to bottles by time for daycare and for extra bonding:)  She's done exceptionally well transitioning!

2 MONTH STATS

• Height 22" (25th percentile)...she's petite!
• Weight 11 lbs 5.5 oz (25-50th percentile) 
• Head 15 3/4 cm  (90th percentile)...hope that means she's smart and a little thankful for c-section!
• Clothes: 0-3 months
• Diapers; Size 1  We are definitely a fan of Huggies-either little snugglers or pure & natural
• Eating: She eats about 3oz every 3 hours (still exclusively mommy's milk)
• Sleep: We get about a 4 hour stretch at night, she eats then goes back to sleep for another 3 hrs.  Still sleeping in PNP next to our bed.  Continues to be swaddled
• Nicknames: Wow do we have a lot of nicknames!!  My new favorite is Lil' Adam (bc she looks so much like her daddy).  Others include Precious, Sweet Pea, BabyCakes, Pip Squeak, StellaBug, Little Missy, Chunky Monkey



So hard to get a non blurry pic with a squirmer!



Oh how she loves that tongue!!

End of Maternity Leave

Tomorrow is the big day...

I'm definitely having mixed emotions about returning to work. Don't judge this post--I'm being completely honest so that when I look back I remember exactly how I feel during this time.

Deep down I know that I would not be completely fulfilled being a stay-at-home mom.  But that doesn't mean I'm not dreading tomorrow.  Terrified.  Guilty.  Sad.  I'm a bit of a workaholic (at least I can admit that!) I only hope that I can find the positive in returning to work full-time.  Part of me wishes that I could work just 4 days a week BUT I love my job and that's just not a feasible solution at this time.  I hope that I can be a role model for Stella.  I want to show her that women can be successful and great mothers (have it ALL!)  I worry that I will be distracted at work thinking/worrying about Stella.  I pray that I can find balance:)

I'm trying to see the positive in everything.  I think it will be good for Stella to attend daycare and have social interactions with other kids.  The daycare that she will be attending is very good.  I've heard great things about how kids that attend this daycare perform in school later, etc.  Anyways, that doesn't mean that I don't worry and feel guilty.  Sometimes I think the best thing for a baby is to be with her parents.  However, this works and is best for our family!

So I spent my last day cuddling, snuggling and playing with my little precious baby girl.  I just wanted the clock to stop:)  I didn't want to let her out of my sight or my arms!  I am having to share her tonight with Adam.  We did meet Adam for lunch today to celebrate my day with Stella and here are a few pictures.

Off to get some extra snuggles..Wish me luck tomorrow!

First Mother's Day

Let me say that I ABSOLUTELY love being a Mommy:)  Although my maternity leave is coming to an end (tear tear) I'm trying to live up every minute this week.  SO we celebrated Mother's Day all weekend and even started a little early!!

Stella and I made our first trip to Owensboro where she was introduced to her great grandparents and other extended family.  She was a trooper during our travels and did great at Granmomma and Grandaddy's house (my parents).  Then we went shopping ALL day with Granmomma and Aunt Summer on Friday and enjoyed some quality time with the important women in my life.  So thankful for health and happiness (sometimes I take that for granted!)

Stella was a born shopper:)

Saturday, the three of us traveled to Louisville to watch my niece, Amie compete in the national archery tournament.  My parents came too and we all went to dinner and celebrated Mother's Day.  We got my Mom a beautiful handstamped necklace with all the grandkids names on it with their birthstones too. It was beautiful and she loved it!

Sunday morning, we celebrated with donuts!  Stella and Adam gave me a beautiful present and card.  It's a beautiful aquamarine stone (Stella's birthstone) set around diamonds and chocolate diamonds!  I love it and it will be perfect to one day pass down to Miss Stella:) Then we spent the day hanging out just the three of us.  Later, we traveled to Frankfort to spend time with the in-laws.  All in all, a GREAT first Mother's Day!

Push/Mother's Day gift!

Happy First Mother's Day!

One Month

I can't believe my baby girl is already a month old! It feels like just yesterday I was pregnant and impatiently awaiting her arrival:) I've shared my birth story with most friends but I'm just not ready to relive it and write it down...in time.
Adam and I have been truly blessed with a healthy, beautiful, and happy baby.  She has made our lives so joyous in this short amount of time.  We love her more than we could ever imagine

One month stats:

• Not sure about height and weight since we've not had a check-up since 2 weeks (go back at 2 months).  But if I had to guess I would say she's pushing close to 9 lbs and probably grown at least 1/2-1 inch.  
• Clothes: 0-3 months!  She now longer fits in any of her newborn clothes (so sad!)  Some of the 0-3 months are a bit long, especially the pants.  But for the most part the Carter's outfits fit great.
• Diapers: Size 1 (again no longer fitting into newborn).  We're still trying all different brands since that's what we were gifted but I think I'm liking Huggies better!
• Sleep: Well the first two weeks were a total bust-even if we did the same thing every night she would sleep great one night and not at all the next!  Needless to say we were exhausted!  But I took advantage of her napping during the day and did the same!  Maybe not everyday but at least every other day I got a little cat nap which totally saved me:)  Over the last 2 weeks things have definitely taken a turn for the better.  I'm feeling more comfortable with our BF (nursing) schedule and we are having more "good" nights and I think that plays a part!  She sleeps in the PNP in our bedroom.  During the day she naps downstairs either on the couch or in the cradle
• Activity: She loves her swing and has even fallen asleep on her own in it a few times.  Everyday we do a little tummy time and her head control is getting stronger.  We sing, play, and read books.  For her one month, Adam and I bought her an activity mat and she loved it!  We've been talking to her lots and waiting for that awake smile---which finally came Sunday!!  Melted my heart that morning bright and early and then she did it again for Adam around lunch time--best thing ever! It's not a big belly laugh just yet but a little smirk!  She's so serious all the time ha!

• Outings: Weather permitting we will walk around the neighborhood either during the day when Adam is at work or at night after dinner with the whole family!  I've yet to venture out with Brodie and Stella on my own:)  Last weekend, Stella made her first trip to the mall--and she was a trooper! She slept the whole time:)  And I ran a few errands by myself with her earlier in the week and she made it so easy for me!  Looking forward to more outings with my baby girl!