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!