Prayers…

Tomorrow Charley and I make the trip to Tennessee.

That’s four hours in the car with a baby that HATES riding in the car.

Yes…prayers are needed.

This week Charley has gotten extremely clingy with me.  Maybe she’s going through a growth spurt, or maybe she’s one of those babies that just want to be held…either way, this little girl has gotten some serious mama time. 

Check out the reflection in Charley’s eyes.  Yes that’s me, making silly faces…trying to capture a smile. 

And baby girl can eat.  Seriously, if she is awake…she’s eating.  My milk supply must think I birthed triplets because every morning I amaze myself at what I’m able to pump.  The storage bags that I use only go up to 5 oz, so I appropriately labeled this bag, ‘Holy Cow!’.

I’m not complaining, though…because last night Charley slept for 6 1/2 hours straight.  Score!

I would gladly take a screaming baby in the car (ask me again tomorrow after four hours) to a baby that doesn’t sleep at night…and I don’t mind that the only way Charley will take a decent nap during the day is on my chest.

Some people would say I’m spoiling her, by letting her take naps on my chest…or rarely putting her down during the day when she’s awake…but I don’t care.  I’m her mama.  First of all, I’m pretty sure you can’t spoil a baby this young, and second, she’s only this little for so long.  Who knows, months from now she may never want to be held at all.    Right now, when my lap is available, I’m not going to let my sweet lil bit ‘cry it out’ just because.  Sure…there are times when I absolutely can’t hold her…and she fusses and whines like she hasn’t been attached to me for the past three hours.  But when I do pick her up, and she molds to my chest and immediately calms down…I know she feels loved…and that’s all that matters.

Yesterday I had my postpartum visit with Jan.  It’s an odd feeling going in there with a baby…and not having Jan come in with the fetal doppler to hear Charley’s heartbeat.  Instead, she got to meet Charley on the outside of my belly.

I’m actually sad that this was my last ‘Charley’ appointment.  I’m so blessed to have Jan as my midwife.  How many women actually look forward to going to the ob/gyn?  I do (unless I’m getting a glucose test)…because Jan rocks.

*All planning goes out the window once you have a baby.  I had ‘planned’ to bring my camera…nope.  Thank goodness for cell phones*

So there you have it…our week in review. 

Pray for safe travels…and maybe more importantly…my sanity.

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Good day…

It never fails that I get the inspiration to blog right as Charley wakes up.  In fact, about half of my blog posts are created with a baby nursing…while I punch out words on my keyboard with one hand. 

Hey, sometimes inspiration doesn’t wait on convenience…and maybe there’s a reason I get inspired when I do.

Regardless…here I am.  Baby cradled in the ‘football hold’…inspired and punching away.

Yesterday was Charley’s first Easter, and I wanted to do something special…something that we would look back and say, “that was a good day”. 

And it was.

I think an important part to any girl’s Easter…even if you are 5 weeks old…is to put on a pretty frilly dress and have pictures taken of you.

So that’s what we did.

One thing I’ve learned about photographing babies is that until they are able to sit up on their own…or at least interact with the camera easily…you shouldn’t try to force a pose.  Trust me.  I tried with Charley in her cute Easter dress (originally worn by my aunt), and it just looked awkward and uncomfortable.

Seriously, folks.  I was one cheesy backdrop away from an Olan Mills special.  We had much more success when I sat her on my lap and snapped away.

And what Easter isn’t complete without Easter baskets?  Even if they are strictly for my enjoyment?

Thank you Target dollar bin.

As much as I like to portray it…being a parent is not all sunshine and flowers.  Case in point…Charley HATES the carseat, and it has become my mission to get her to tolerate it.  I’ve got a Tennessee trip coming up this weekend, and the thought of her screaming for 4 hours makes me want to…well…scream. 

We have tried just about everything.  We bought a convertible carseat because I read and heard from a good friend that some babies don’t like to be reclined as much.  She seems to be more comfortable, but still she screams away.  We bought a portable dvd player and tried Baby Beethoven…no go.  I try and take a trip somewhere every day in hopes that it will get her used to it.  I refuse to be locked up in my house.

So yesterday we decided to have a picnic in the park.

And while the actual ‘picnicking’ proved to be difficult (fussy baby, plus wind, plus trying to nurse and eat at the same time) we ended up doing what we set out to do…we made a wonderful memory of our first Easter as a family.

Have I mentioned Spring is in full bloom?

Yes…that is huge black snake.  Snakes scare the poo out of me, but at least I know black snakes are the kind you want around…they eat the poisonous ones!  I was so worried someone was going to kill it.  Yes people…never kill black snakes…or king snakes.   

It was a beautiful day.

It was a good day.

And thanks to my friend Lindsey…who suggested we use white noise in the car…this is how the ride home went.

We’ll see how long it lasts.  😉

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Sometimes…

I have tons of pictures to post…

…lots to say about the wonderful day we shared as a family today.

But sometimes…

…when life gives you the opportunity to take an hour and a half nap…

you. take. it.

Today was a fabulous day.

…and you will hear all about it tomorrow. 

Happy Easter everyone!

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{i heart faces}–pets

What an appropriate challenge.  It’s been almost 5 weeks since we had to make the difficult decision to let Bela pass on…only a few days after Charley was born.  This is my absolute favorite picture of her…it portrays pure joy, and is how I like to remember her.

check out more animal faces

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Neighborly love :)

There is something to be said for having wonderful neighbors.

Neighbors who know that when there is a beautiful Spring day, you don’t waste it.  You get out and live it.

In the form of corn hole.

This is one of my favorite things about warm weather.  It’s nature’s way of getting your butt outside and enjoying the sun. 

And my neighbors get it. 

Charley is a month old, and she gets it.

Yes…she is most definitely my daughter.  This girl LOVES being outside.  This was during her ‘fussy’ time, and all she did was hang out…happily being passed from neighbor to neighbor.  If she got cranky I would nurse her, and then back to hanging out she would go.  My happy little outdoorsy girl. 

And Charley is no longer the youngest baby on the block.  Reece is now a big sister.  Andi Jo was born a month and a day after Charley…I see many play dates in the future. 

Quick post this morning…I’ve got a stirring baby who has her first Easter to experience.  Another gorgeous day ahead, and we’re going to live it.  This may even be a double post day.  🙂

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Things I’ve learned…

I keep thinking of things I’ve learned in the short time I’ve been a mama.  Some of them fun, some of them serious…all of them valid.  In no particular order I give you…

‘The Mama do’s’

~When you have the time…go to the bathroom.  Don’t have to go?  Go anyway.  You will regret it later.

~There is no such thing as ‘right-handed’ or ‘left-handed’…there is ‘get what you need done with whatever hand you have free’.  This includes cooking, eating, shopping, feeding the animals, and of course taking pictures. 

When taking pictures with my left hand I will often get pictures like this…

or this…

but occasionally I will score.

~Family outings are priceless…even if they are at the local Sonic to get hot dogs.

*First time nursing in public…success!*

~Matching is overrated.

~Purse shopping has now turned into ‘diaper bags that are disguised as purses’ shopping.

~There is nothing sweeter than lazy afternoons with your little bug on your chest.

~Cloth diapers are the way to go.  Hands down.  They’re better for the planet, you save crazy money, and how much cuter are they than sposies?

…and if you’re doing cloth diapers, you might as well use cloth wipes.

~Smiles caught on camera don’t have to show the entire face to convey emotion.

And last, but not least…

~Babies rock.  Period.

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A letter to my daughter…

Dear Charley…my little bug,

I can’t believe it’s been a month since you took your first breath of air. 

You took your sweet time, but that’s okay.  You are my daughter, and like me…you tend to do things our own way.  We like to be unique.

 

Good things come to those who wait, and let me tell you…

…waiting has never had a sweeter outcome.

I have loved getting to know you this past month…soaking up every moment like the last rays of sunshine on a Spring day.

Gladly have I traded my ‘me time’ for time spent with you.  I am a mama now.  I don’t mind changing your diapers one bit, and I wear your spit up like a badge of honor.  Watching you grow has been one of the most fulfilling experiences of my life…and we’re only a month in, baby girl.

At this very moment…you are asleep on my chest, rhythmically breathing as I type, interrupted by the occasional grunt that I’ve grown so accustomed to, and I still can’t believe you were the tiny thing responsible for the kicking I craved while pregnant.

…but it was you.

I can’t wait to see the kind of girl God has planned for you to be.  You’ve got some spunk already, and I dig it…because Mama isn’t raising a boring girl. 

 

Wait till you see all the fun things I have planned for you.

Holidays will mean new craft projects, and sunny days (and even the occasional rainy one…that’s what rainboots are for) will be spent outside…because no girl of mine will be glued to the tv when there are discoveries to be made outdoors.

Yes, my sweet girl, we are going ot have a blast.  I’m sure there will be times when you give me attitude…times where we butt heads, but the sweet times we share will far outweigh the sour ones. 

You are my daughter, and I couldn’t be more proud to be your mama.

One month ago my life changed forever.

 

As Nonnie used to say, “my cup runneth over”…

…well mine is spilling because of you.

I love you baby girl.

~Mama

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The good stuff…

Leg rolls, hand dimples, and double chins

Just in the past week I’ve noticed that Charley is losing that delicate newborn appearance and has gained some substance to her.

*For the record, hand dimples are one of the top five things I love about babies…right up there with baby tushies*

First smiles caught on camera…sort of

I wish beyond wishing that I could capture Charley REALLY smiling, but I happened to catch this little smirk this morning, and that will have to suffice for now. 

Cookies n cream Hershey kisses

Random, I know…but this is probably my favorite Hershey chocolates and having them in kiss form is well…awesome.

The perks of strawberry season

Cupcrazed sold me the most incredible cupcake this past weekend…

Strawberry on strawberry.

You may drool now.

The discovery of hands

Recently Charley has discovered that her hands can function as a pacifier.  Folks, we may have a thumbsucker on our hands.  I don’t even care of the orthodontic bills that we’ll see years from now…because seeing a little baby toddling around, sucking her thumb is just so gosh darn cute.

Hedgehog hair

Enough said.

Ergo induced naps

When all else fails…use the Ergo.  This thing is a lifesaver.  Sometimes miss crankypants just won’t shut her eyes, but give her 10 minutes in Ergo, and she’s out.  Today we vacuumed, swept, and cooked dinner.  LIFESAVER.

Sweet little baby coos

 The cooing has started, and I’m loving it.  One of my favorites, though, is when Charley coos in her sleep.  Sometimes Andy and I will mute the tv and just listen to the high pitch noises our little bug makes. 

The last bit of light…

When I’m rocking Charley to sleep there is a small stream of late afternoon light that spills into her room.  It’s a sign that the day is nearing an end.  Job well done.  🙂

 

Let’s all take the time to remember the good stuff in life.  🙂

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{I heart faces}–wind

This was one of my favorite photo shoots I’ve done…so many beautiful pictures to choose from.  I shouldn’t be surprised, though…Abby is such a cutie!  🙂

Check out more wind photos!

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All I really need…

…is a song in my heart,

food in my belly,

and love in my family.

~Raffi

I love Raffi.  He can sing a song about baking biscuits and Baby Beluga…but then he can shift gears and sing a song so deep…yet so simple. 

I am in love with our little family…and especially the little girl that completed us.

I’ve started to get a handle on my days with Charley…and I thouroughly enjoy spending them with just her.  After she wakes up and eats we do tummy time. 

She is a rockstar.  She didn’t roll over for me, but she got pretty darn close again.

…and this time she had an audience.

I feel bad for Sam.  She’s had a rough time these past few weeks, and who could blame her.  She lost her best friend, Bela, and now has had to deal with most of the attention in the house being focused on Charley.  Andy has stepped up, though, and he and Sam have gotten a lot closer.

After tummy time, Charley and I go for a walk around the neighborhood, and yesterday we stopped by to see my friend Amber…who also happens to be the best labor and delivery nurse a girl could ask for.  She has a little girl, Leila, who I know will be Charley’s first friend.  Not to mention she has one of the prettiest sets of blue eyes I’ve ever seen. 

It really was fate that I gave birth when I did because otherwise Amber would just be another house that Charley and I pass on our walks.  I continue to be amazed by the plans God has for me…where something as seemingly insignificant as the day you go into labor leads to a new friendship. 

One of my new favorite things to do is getting Charley to sleep.  I used to just pat her back after I nursed her.

Now we dance.

We put on the Raffi CD that Lolly purchased, and we bounce and sway to the music.  It doesn’t get much better than watching your little baby drift off to sleep in your arms…

Somehow we end up in the rocking chair…where a previously wiggly, fussy baby is now a still, sleeping, little slump of a girl. 

Next to breastfeeding, this is the closest bond I’ve felt with Charley.  I love locking eyes with hers and watch as my stubborn little girl fights off sleep…

…one of the few fights I’m glad to watch her lose.

I feel as if I’ve officially earned the ‘mama’ badge.

 

Happy Friday, everyone!  🙂

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