Tonight Zoe went to bed without a peep. Where most mothers would be rejoicing (it was very nice) I am worried. Zoe going to bed easily is NOT NORMAL. Especially after she slept most of the day and was pretty fussy all day. Anyway, I'm going to call the doc tomorrow to see what they have to say. Motherhood is all about guesswork, speculation, and the process of elimination. Maybe I'm overreacting and she was just sleepy. Maybe she's going through a growth spurt. Maybe a few nights of a modified cry-it-out method finally paid off and she learned that crying will not get her out of her crib. Maybe something is wrong and she is trying to let me know. And that right there is the reason we have a flex spending card.
* So, after a rough morning on my poor sister-in-law, and after Zoe having diarrhea and vomiting almost simultaneously, I went and picked her up. I had spoken with the nurse who didn't seem too concerned but I couldn't escape the feeling that I should take her to the doctor. After consulting Love and my sister-in-law, I decided to go ahead and take her. I'm SO glad I did as she has a double ear infection. Poor baby! So, we came home with ear drops and antibiotics and a promise from the doctor that she should be feeling better in 24-48 hours.
Resolutions for 2009
So, since I've been sick for over a week, I hope you'll forgive me for not posting sooner...and yes, I know I still owe you Zoe's six month post. Geez, does anyone else feel like the holidays totally throw you off and you can't reset your schedule until the end of January? Well I do.
Anyway, Love and I came up with our goals for the year and I thought I'd share mine here. Maybe we'll revisit themif I'm doing well periodically this year and pour out excuses share my progress.
In an effort to get back to the point of my blog- to find equipoise (a state of balance)- I tried to cover several areas with my resolutions. Here we go:
1. Find time to put myself first. Give myself the opportunity to be creative, musical, active, lazy, whatever. If I can't make time for me, I will lose myself.
2. GET OUT OF DEBT
3. Find a way to either quit or work from home.
4. Make the gospel a priority and focus on my spiritual side. Make time for prayer, for scriptures, for time to reflect and time to be quiet.
5. GET IN SHAPE!!!! NO MORE EXCUSES!!!
6. Find ways to be more organized at home. Create plans to keep up with the house without making it an impossible task. Always try to find ways to make things more efficient and less cluttered.
7. Cook at home more. I've been bad at this since we moved.
8. Stick to a budget. See number 2.
9. Worry less, do more.
10. Realize that sometimes playing with Zoe is more important than sweeping the floor. Spending quality time with Love is more important than fussing at him over the way he did something. Time passes quickly, take advantage of the minutes you have.
So that is it. Or at least that's all I'm going to put on paper. Yikes, now that it's all down it seems daunting. Well, one step at a time right?
Anyway, Love and I came up with our goals for the year and I thought I'd share mine here. Maybe we'll revisit them
In an effort to get back to the point of my blog- to find equipoise (a state of balance)- I tried to cover several areas with my resolutions. Here we go:
1. Find time to put myself first. Give myself the opportunity to be creative, musical, active, lazy, whatever. If I can't make time for me, I will lose myself.
2. GET OUT OF DEBT
3. Find a way to either quit or work from home.
4. Make the gospel a priority and focus on my spiritual side. Make time for prayer, for scriptures, for time to reflect and time to be quiet.
5. GET IN SHAPE!!!! NO MORE EXCUSES!!!
6. Find ways to be more organized at home. Create plans to keep up with the house without making it an impossible task. Always try to find ways to make things more efficient and less cluttered.
7. Cook at home more. I've been bad at this since we moved.
8. Stick to a budget. See number 2.
9. Worry less, do more.
10. Realize that sometimes playing with Zoe is more important than sweeping the floor. Spending quality time with Love is more important than fussing at him over the way he did something. Time passes quickly, take advantage of the minutes you have.
So that is it. Or at least that's all I'm going to put on paper. Yikes, now that it's all down it seems daunting. Well, one step at a time right?
2008
I found this on Back to Me and decided to fill it out here. So, here goes:
1. What did you do in 2008 that you'd never done before? Got in a serious car accident where our vehicle was totaled...while pregnant, lived with Gestational Diabetes, gave birth, learned to breastfeed, became a Mother, learned to love someone more than I ever though possible in an instant, learned (and still learning) to juggle motherhood, being a wife, being a housekeeper, working, and commuting, bought a house and probably several other things. This year has been full of newness.
2. Did you keep your new year's resolutions, and will you make more for next year? Honestly, I don't really remember my new year's resolutions...or if I made any. I will be making some for 2009.
3. Did anyone close to you give birth? Several people I know. Especially my two best friends, and my two sisters-in-law.
4. Did anyone close to you die? Unfortunately my Grandfather, on my Mom's side, passed away on December 24th.
5. What countries did you visit? None.
6. What would you like to have in 2009 that you lacked in 2008? Enough money that I can stay at home with Zoe.
7. What dates from 2008 will remain etched upon your memory, and why? January 8th- the day of the pregnant car crash, June 30th- the day Zoe was born, August 25th- the day I had to go back to work...the hardest day of my life to date, November 3rd- the day we signed papers for the house, November 8th- our first night in the house, and December 24th- the day my beloved Grandpa passed away.
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year? Becoming a Mom and surviving all the changes.
9. What was your biggest failure? Not speaking up sooner about what motherhood had done to my identity, not asking for help sooner, and not ever finding equipoise- a state of balance.
10. Did you suffer illness or injury? I suffered minor injuries in our car crash in January. As far as illnesses I had gestational diabetes- is that considered an illness?- and a urinary tract infection...and some colds here and there. Fairly healthy year though, I guess.
11. What was the best thing you bought? My house.
12. Whose behavior merited celebration? My Mom's. I don't know how I could have possibly made it through the year without her. Also, my Dad and Grandmother helped us purchase our house. My husband's family and their willingness to help care for my daughter. My Boss for being so great about all the changes this year. Actually a lot of people were pretty awesome this year.
13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed? A minimal few whom I do not want to name or discuss here.
14. Where did most of your money go? Bills. Mostly hospital bills this year.
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about? The day I held my healthy baby girl in my arms and watching her learn, grow, and develop. She is the light of my life.
16. What song will always remind you of 2008? "I Kissed a Girl" by Katy Perry because of all the controversy.
17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
a) happier or sadder? Sadder. The holidays were rough for our family this year. Last year I was pregnant and hopeful for the year to come.
b) thinner or fatter? Thinner...but only slightly...I was about 14 weeks pregnant then.
c) richer or poorer? Much poorer. I cut my hours after coming back from Maternity Leave and also we have more debt now...working on that. But you know what? It's totally worth it!
18. What do you wish you'd done more of? Sleep.
19. What do you wish you'd done less of? Worry/stress
20. How did you spend Christmas? We had Love's Sister and his Parents over on Christmas Eve and Love cooked a delicious dinner all by himself. Christmas morning Zoe opened presents with us and her Grandparents, we saw "Marley & Me" in theaters, then spent the rest of Christmas Day with Love's family. We spent the night at his parent's house because the snow was so bad.
21. Did you fall in love in 2008? Well, I'm constantly falling in love with Matt for various reasons. This year there were many as I watched him become a Father. Also I fell in love with Zoe...more than I ever thought possible.
22. What was your favorite TV program? Heroes
23. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year? I try really hard to never hate anyone. In fact, I have a very hard time holding a grudge. I find it easier on my soul to let things go.
24. What was the best book you read? "On Becoming Babywise" by Gary Ezzo and Robert Bucknam. That book changed my life.
25. What was your greatest musical discovery? That Zoe likes it when I sing. :) Just kidding, I am so stuck on her! No, this year I discovered Paramore and Ingrid Michaelson. There are probably more but those are my favorites.
26. What did you want and get? A beautiful, perfect, healthy baby.
27. What did you want and not get? To be a stay-at-home Mom.
28. What was your favorite film of this year? The Dark Knight
29. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you? I turned 26. I slept in, went to church, spent the evening with family, ate homemade chicken noodle soup, and received very thoughtful gifts from Love.
30. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying? More time for myself- to do things that I enjoy, to work out, to play the flute or piano or sing, to go swing dancing...anything really.
31. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2008? Something comfortable with an expanding waistband for the first half of the year. Anything that fits, that I can wear to work, the second half of the year.
32. What kept you sane? An incredibly helpful and patient Husband/Father.
33. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most? It's usually Angelina Jolie...and nothing's changed.
34. What political issue stirred you the most? The economy.
35. Who did you miss? My friends. I have some that live far away that I miss all the time, some that I lost due to changes in our (or their) lives, and some that I just don't get to see as much as I used to. I also really missed my family way more than usual after Zoe was born. I hate that they don't get to be around her all the time.
36. Who was the best new person you met? Zoe
37. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2008. I learned to find a way to enjoy your life no matter what. It passes too quickly to live in the past. Things will happen the way that they are intended to happen...not necessarily on your time. In the end you'll understand why so don't worry about that now. I will apply what I learned in 2009.
1. What did you do in 2008 that you'd never done before? Got in a serious car accident where our vehicle was totaled...while pregnant, lived with Gestational Diabetes, gave birth, learned to breastfeed, became a Mother, learned to love someone more than I ever though possible in an instant, learned (and still learning) to juggle motherhood, being a wife, being a housekeeper, working, and commuting, bought a house and probably several other things. This year has been full of newness.
2. Did you keep your new year's resolutions, and will you make more for next year? Honestly, I don't really remember my new year's resolutions...or if I made any. I will be making some for 2009.
3. Did anyone close to you give birth? Several people I know. Especially my two best friends, and my two sisters-in-law.
4. Did anyone close to you die? Unfortunately my Grandfather, on my Mom's side, passed away on December 24th.
5. What countries did you visit? None.
6. What would you like to have in 2009 that you lacked in 2008? Enough money that I can stay at home with Zoe.
7. What dates from 2008 will remain etched upon your memory, and why? January 8th- the day of the pregnant car crash, June 30th- the day Zoe was born, August 25th- the day I had to go back to work...the hardest day of my life to date, November 3rd- the day we signed papers for the house, November 8th- our first night in the house, and December 24th- the day my beloved Grandpa passed away.
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year? Becoming a Mom and surviving all the changes.
9. What was your biggest failure? Not speaking up sooner about what motherhood had done to my identity, not asking for help sooner, and not ever finding equipoise- a state of balance.
10. Did you suffer illness or injury? I suffered minor injuries in our car crash in January. As far as illnesses I had gestational diabetes- is that considered an illness?- and a urinary tract infection...and some colds here and there. Fairly healthy year though, I guess.
11. What was the best thing you bought? My house.
12. Whose behavior merited celebration? My Mom's. I don't know how I could have possibly made it through the year without her. Also, my Dad and Grandmother helped us purchase our house. My husband's family and their willingness to help care for my daughter. My Boss for being so great about all the changes this year. Actually a lot of people were pretty awesome this year.
13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed? A minimal few whom I do not want to name or discuss here.
14. Where did most of your money go? Bills. Mostly hospital bills this year.
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about? The day I held my healthy baby girl in my arms and watching her learn, grow, and develop. She is the light of my life.
16. What song will always remind you of 2008? "I Kissed a Girl" by Katy Perry because of all the controversy.
17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
a) happier or sadder? Sadder. The holidays were rough for our family this year. Last year I was pregnant and hopeful for the year to come.
b) thinner or fatter? Thinner...but only slightly...I was about 14 weeks pregnant then.
c) richer or poorer? Much poorer. I cut my hours after coming back from Maternity Leave and also we have more debt now...working on that. But you know what? It's totally worth it!
18. What do you wish you'd done more of? Sleep.
19. What do you wish you'd done less of? Worry/stress
20. How did you spend Christmas? We had Love's Sister and his Parents over on Christmas Eve and Love cooked a delicious dinner all by himself. Christmas morning Zoe opened presents with us and her Grandparents, we saw "Marley & Me" in theaters, then spent the rest of Christmas Day with Love's family. We spent the night at his parent's house because the snow was so bad.
21. Did you fall in love in 2008? Well, I'm constantly falling in love with Matt for various reasons. This year there were many as I watched him become a Father. Also I fell in love with Zoe...more than I ever thought possible.
22. What was your favorite TV program? Heroes
23. Do you hate anyone now that you didn't hate this time last year? I try really hard to never hate anyone. In fact, I have a very hard time holding a grudge. I find it easier on my soul to let things go.
24. What was the best book you read? "On Becoming Babywise" by Gary Ezzo and Robert Bucknam. That book changed my life.
25. What was your greatest musical discovery? That Zoe likes it when I sing. :) Just kidding, I am so stuck on her! No, this year I discovered Paramore and Ingrid Michaelson. There are probably more but those are my favorites.
26. What did you want and get? A beautiful, perfect, healthy baby.
27. What did you want and not get? To be a stay-at-home Mom.
28. What was your favorite film of this year? The Dark Knight
29. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you? I turned 26. I slept in, went to church, spent the evening with family, ate homemade chicken noodle soup, and received very thoughtful gifts from Love.
30. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying? More time for myself- to do things that I enjoy, to work out, to play the flute or piano or sing, to go swing dancing...anything really.
31. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2008? Something comfortable with an expanding waistband for the first half of the year. Anything that fits, that I can wear to work, the second half of the year.
32. What kept you sane? An incredibly helpful and patient Husband/Father.
33. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most? It's usually Angelina Jolie...and nothing's changed.
34. What political issue stirred you the most? The economy.
35. Who did you miss? My friends. I have some that live far away that I miss all the time, some that I lost due to changes in our (or their) lives, and some that I just don't get to see as much as I used to. I also really missed my family way more than usual after Zoe was born. I hate that they don't get to be around her all the time.
36. Who was the best new person you met? Zoe
37. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2008. I learned to find a way to enjoy your life no matter what. It passes too quickly to live in the past. Things will happen the way that they are intended to happen...not necessarily on your time. In the end you'll understand why so don't worry about that now. I will apply what I learned in 2009.
38. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.
Well open up your mind and see like me
Open up your plans and damn you're free
Look into your heart and you'll find that the sky is yours
Please don't, please don't, please don't
There's no need to complicate
Cause our time is short
This oh this this is our fate- Jason Mraz
Open up your plans and damn you're free
Look into your heart and you'll find that the sky is yours
Please don't, please don't, please don't
There's no need to complicate
Cause our time is short
This oh this this is our fate- Jason Mraz
My year has been full of the new. New people, new experiences, new love, new places, new discoveries, new learning experiences. I feel like I've lived in a whirlwind the whole year. In 2009 I hope to gain my footing again. I hope to find time to do more things I enjoy, get in better shape, be an amazing wife and mother, find a way to stay home with Zoe, and try to live more in the moment instead of putting things off. I hope to find equipoise in 2009. Care to join me?
Tomorrow night Love and I will be writing down our New Year's resolutions and I will post them here. I will also be posting Zoe's 6 month letter soon. Happy New Year!!!
Zoe's First Christmas
We were pleasantly surprised as we took a hungry Zoe downstairs Christmas morning to receive her first presents from Santa ever. She was immediately interested in her new toys. She even helped Love open her presents a bit. She was fun to watch as she inspected each of her gifts. We did laugh at her a little as she looked around a few times trying to figure out why this particular morning was so different. By the end she was tired of the present thing and ready to eat, but we think she did great! Here are a few photos:
"Mom! We just woke up!"
The tree...Santa came!
"I learn fast."
"Books that talk and sing!"
"This looks delicious!"
"Is this mine?"
"Wow, she's pretty!"
"It's sooo not that cold in here."
"Well look at that! New PJ'S!"
"Didn't you know? DVD's are for eating."
"Wow! That frog is as big as me!"
"Ooo...cozy outerwear!"
"Let's see there's one, two, three..."
"Playing with the new toys...sitting all by myself."
"K, Mom, I'm ready to eat now."
There was much more under that tree for her than what I posted in pictures. Thank you to everyone who helped Zoe to have such a great Christmas! I hope everyone enjoyed their holiday as much as we did.
___________________________________________________________
On a more serious note, my Grandpa passed away peacefully in his home on December 24th. I will be taking a break from blogging for the week in order to attend his funeral and spend some time with family. While he will be greatly missed, he had been ill for some time and we're glad that he's home at peace with our Heavenly Father. My Mom wrote a lovely tribute post to her Daddy here. Thank you for your understanding, friendship and love.
"Mom! We just woke up!"
The tree...Santa came!
"I learn fast."
"Books that talk and sing!"
"This looks delicious!"
"Is this mine?"
"Wow, she's pretty!"
"It's sooo not that cold in here."
"Well look at that! New PJ'S!"
"Didn't you know? DVD's are for eating."
"Wow! That frog is as big as me!"
"Ooo...cozy outerwear!"
"Let's see there's one, two, three..."
"Playing with the new toys...sitting all by myself."
"K, Mom, I'm ready to eat now."
There was much more under that tree for her than what I posted in pictures. Thank you to everyone who helped Zoe to have such a great Christmas! I hope everyone enjoyed their holiday as much as we did.
___________________________________________________________
On a more serious note, my Grandpa passed away peacefully in his home on December 24th. I will be taking a break from blogging for the week in order to attend his funeral and spend some time with family. While he will be greatly missed, he had been ill for some time and we're glad that he's home at peace with our Heavenly Father. My Mom wrote a lovely tribute post to her Daddy here. Thank you for your understanding, friendship and love.
26
Twenty-six years ago this last Sunday I came into the world. We celebrated by sleeping in, going to church, and attending to family dinner to eat yummy homemade chicken noodle soup with brownies for dessert. A few years ago Love gave me a print of my favorite Van Gogh, "Starry Night". It's been sitting in our closet in a tube for a long time. Five years later he had it framed for my birthday.
He and Zoe also framed one of the family pictures we took recently:
Thoughful gifts always make a birthday wonderful. Also, getting to spend time with family always makes for a great day.
Lastly, my birthday happened to fall on the Sunday before Christmas so I have to include a few pictures of Zoe in her Christmas dress. In case I don't get on here again before then, Merry Christmas everyone!
He and Zoe also framed one of the family pictures we took recently:
Thoughful gifts always make a birthday wonderful. Also, getting to spend time with family always makes for a great day.
Lastly, my birthday happened to fall on the Sunday before Christmas so I have to include a few pictures of Zoe in her Christmas dress. In case I don't get on here again before then, Merry Christmas everyone!
5 Months
Dear Zoe,
A couple weeks ago you turned 5 months old. I regret to say that your fourth month in this world was definitely not your Mother’s best month as far as mommyhood goes as I had to spend much of my time dealing with all the changes we went through. The theme of this month was “new” and you came through it all so well, much to our surprise.
At the beginning of this month we signed papers on our house. By the end of the first week we had packed half the apartment and were ready to move the necessities. The entire week you were somewhat anxious, wondering why the only home you’ve ever known was being packed away as boxes began appearing everywhere. Friday, November 8th, our friends showed up to load all our belongings into a big trailer. At this you fell apart. Mom was trying to get you to play in your bouncer or go to friends/ family as I hastily packed anything I thought we might need for the next week or two…not to mention taking down your room. (We wanted to wait until the last minute to do this to make it as easy on you as possible.) You would not have it- only wanting me. So, I held you and packed at the same time. We gathered up a few last minute things, shoved them in the car, loaded up and we were on our way to our new house. You cried most of the almost hour drive there. Upon arrival, I took you to a quiet room (our closet) shut the door, and nursed you- trying to comfort you. Although better after eating, you were still fairly anxious as people wandered in and out of the house with our furniture and boxes. When everyone went home, you calmed down enough to play on the floor while we set up your room. Mom and Dad were a little worried that you wouldn’t sleep well that first night…but you surprised us when we woke up at 8:30 am and you were still snoozing! Eleven hours of sleep the first night in our new home- even your naps were longer! It was amazing that the quiet of the house, verses the noise of the apartment, allowed you to finally relax and get the rest you need. It only took you a couple of days to relax during your wakeful hours and recognize the new place as home. We are so proud of how well you did through all this!
The change of residence brought with it a change of primary sitter. Now that we lived near her, your Aunt Hez volunteered to watch you 3 days a week, leaving Grandma D with one day. Again we were nervous to see how this change would affect you, and again you surprised us. Eager to meet your Aunt’s expectations from day one as she worked to follow my direction, it only took you a couple days to pin down a new schedule. We’ve had troubles here and there, but overall you’ve been great. In fact, I think you nap better for her than you do for Mom sometimes! The new schedule helped make things easier for Grandma D on her day, so overall we’ve been pretty happy with our new set up. I’m excited for you and your cousins to become close as you grow up with each other. I’m grateful to have people I trust help me to raise you while I have to work. I hope you become increasingly comfortable there as I work to help provide for our family…and work on trying to be home with you.
There were also a lot of new physical changes this month. You braved through your second set of immunizations without too much trouble. A little crying, but that’s to be expected. You mastered rolling over front to back AND back to front, pulling up your legs to play with your toes or bending over to try and remove your socks, and easily rolling or reaching to pluck up toys from the ground around you. Everything you touch instantly goes to your mouth! You get bored easily…always wanting more stimulation- making diaper changing (or leaving you to play by yourself for long) kind of difficult. I’m hoping that this means you’re eager to learn, to do, to master and to push limits as you discover the world around you. You learned to giggle and will laugh at funny faces, or from being tickled. We heard quite a lot of your little voice this month from happy squeals, to babbling, to upset screams…you’ve definitely found your voice and aren’t afraid to share your opinion. Also, we started introducing you to solid foods. You don’t particularly care for rice cereal, but you’ll eat it- especially that one time when Grandma N decided to mix in a little organic applesauce and you devoured two small bowls! We also discovered you like water and can drink from a cup…except you sometimes just want to play and will get the water in your mouth and then let it fall down your shirt, silly girl. Also, you got your first cold, which totally threw you off! Mom had to leave work for a couple days to take care of you. It was a week before you were really yourself again. It was hard for me to watch you deal with being so congested…and to hear such a big ugly cough come from such a tiny person. I think we’re both glad it’s over. I promise it won’t be the last time you’re sick, but I also promise to take good care of you when you are.
We rounded out our month of newness by taking you on your first trip. We went to my home in New Mexico to visit family for Thanksgiving. Everyone was so excited to see you, especially Grandpa S- who hadn’t seen you since you were a week old! We decided to leave at night, hoping you would sleep through most of the trip. We made it four hours to Moab- you slept most of the way- and decided to be smart and stop since we were tired. You slept terrible in the hotel room. I don’t blame you, we didn’t sleep well either, but we got up early and finished the trip. You were an angel. When we arrived, everyone was gushing about how much you’d grown. You touched each person’s face, as if you wanted to study them, remember them, and give them a genuine hello. Grandpa S came home as soon as he found out we were there. Within minutes he had you in his arms. We were shocked at how well you did with being scooped up by so many unfamiliar people. As Grandpa S said when I expressed my worry for you when we moved, “She will take her cue from you guys.” To me this was home, this was my familiar place, my family…as it has become for your Dad. I think you recognized my comfort there and trusted that these people love you just as much as I do. We dragged you so many places, introduced you to so many new people and through it all you stayed fairly good natured- even blessing many with smiles and happy squeals. Personally, I think you enjoyed being the center of attention everywhere you went. I was excited to introduce you to your great Grandparents, Aunts/ Uncles and second cousins. They all thought you were beautiful and enjoyed getting to spend time with you. Your sleep schedule got a bit off during the trip, with nighttime crying and short naps, but you were happy…though we’re still working to get things back to normal at bedtime.
I know this month of your life was crazy, but it showed that we can get through anything as long as we stick together. Your personality shines, my little sweetheart. I’m certain there are quieter times ahead…and also more insane times. As you learn and grow, we will too, and we’ll figure out life together step-by-step. I love you with all my heart.
Love,
Mama
A couple weeks ago you turned 5 months old. I regret to say that your fourth month in this world was definitely not your Mother’s best month as far as mommyhood goes as I had to spend much of my time dealing with all the changes we went through. The theme of this month was “new” and you came through it all so well, much to our surprise.
At the beginning of this month we signed papers on our house. By the end of the first week we had packed half the apartment and were ready to move the necessities. The entire week you were somewhat anxious, wondering why the only home you’ve ever known was being packed away as boxes began appearing everywhere. Friday, November 8th, our friends showed up to load all our belongings into a big trailer. At this you fell apart. Mom was trying to get you to play in your bouncer or go to friends/ family as I hastily packed anything I thought we might need for the next week or two…not to mention taking down your room. (We wanted to wait until the last minute to do this to make it as easy on you as possible.) You would not have it- only wanting me. So, I held you and packed at the same time. We gathered up a few last minute things, shoved them in the car, loaded up and we were on our way to our new house. You cried most of the almost hour drive there. Upon arrival, I took you to a quiet room (our closet) shut the door, and nursed you- trying to comfort you. Although better after eating, you were still fairly anxious as people wandered in and out of the house with our furniture and boxes. When everyone went home, you calmed down enough to play on the floor while we set up your room. Mom and Dad were a little worried that you wouldn’t sleep well that first night…but you surprised us when we woke up at 8:30 am and you were still snoozing! Eleven hours of sleep the first night in our new home- even your naps were longer! It was amazing that the quiet of the house, verses the noise of the apartment, allowed you to finally relax and get the rest you need. It only took you a couple of days to relax during your wakeful hours and recognize the new place as home. We are so proud of how well you did through all this!
The change of residence brought with it a change of primary sitter. Now that we lived near her, your Aunt Hez volunteered to watch you 3 days a week, leaving Grandma D with one day. Again we were nervous to see how this change would affect you, and again you surprised us. Eager to meet your Aunt’s expectations from day one as she worked to follow my direction, it only took you a couple days to pin down a new schedule. We’ve had troubles here and there, but overall you’ve been great. In fact, I think you nap better for her than you do for Mom sometimes! The new schedule helped make things easier for Grandma D on her day, so overall we’ve been pretty happy with our new set up. I’m excited for you and your cousins to become close as you grow up with each other. I’m grateful to have people I trust help me to raise you while I have to work. I hope you become increasingly comfortable there as I work to help provide for our family…and work on trying to be home with you.
There were also a lot of new physical changes this month. You braved through your second set of immunizations without too much trouble. A little crying, but that’s to be expected. You mastered rolling over front to back AND back to front, pulling up your legs to play with your toes or bending over to try and remove your socks, and easily rolling or reaching to pluck up toys from the ground around you. Everything you touch instantly goes to your mouth! You get bored easily…always wanting more stimulation- making diaper changing (or leaving you to play by yourself for long) kind of difficult. I’m hoping that this means you’re eager to learn, to do, to master and to push limits as you discover the world around you. You learned to giggle and will laugh at funny faces, or from being tickled. We heard quite a lot of your little voice this month from happy squeals, to babbling, to upset screams…you’ve definitely found your voice and aren’t afraid to share your opinion. Also, we started introducing you to solid foods. You don’t particularly care for rice cereal, but you’ll eat it- especially that one time when Grandma N decided to mix in a little organic applesauce and you devoured two small bowls! We also discovered you like water and can drink from a cup…except you sometimes just want to play and will get the water in your mouth and then let it fall down your shirt, silly girl. Also, you got your first cold, which totally threw you off! Mom had to leave work for a couple days to take care of you. It was a week before you were really yourself again. It was hard for me to watch you deal with being so congested…and to hear such a big ugly cough come from such a tiny person. I think we’re both glad it’s over. I promise it won’t be the last time you’re sick, but I also promise to take good care of you when you are.
We rounded out our month of newness by taking you on your first trip. We went to my home in New Mexico to visit family for Thanksgiving. Everyone was so excited to see you, especially Grandpa S- who hadn’t seen you since you were a week old! We decided to leave at night, hoping you would sleep through most of the trip. We made it four hours to Moab- you slept most of the way- and decided to be smart and stop since we were tired. You slept terrible in the hotel room. I don’t blame you, we didn’t sleep well either, but we got up early and finished the trip. You were an angel. When we arrived, everyone was gushing about how much you’d grown. You touched each person’s face, as if you wanted to study them, remember them, and give them a genuine hello. Grandpa S came home as soon as he found out we were there. Within minutes he had you in his arms. We were shocked at how well you did with being scooped up by so many unfamiliar people. As Grandpa S said when I expressed my worry for you when we moved, “She will take her cue from you guys.” To me this was home, this was my familiar place, my family…as it has become for your Dad. I think you recognized my comfort there and trusted that these people love you just as much as I do. We dragged you so many places, introduced you to so many new people and through it all you stayed fairly good natured- even blessing many with smiles and happy squeals. Personally, I think you enjoyed being the center of attention everywhere you went. I was excited to introduce you to your great Grandparents, Aunts/ Uncles and second cousins. They all thought you were beautiful and enjoyed getting to spend time with you. Your sleep schedule got a bit off during the trip, with nighttime crying and short naps, but you were happy…though we’re still working to get things back to normal at bedtime.
I know this month of your life was crazy, but it showed that we can get through anything as long as we stick together. Your personality shines, my little sweetheart. I’m certain there are quieter times ahead…and also more insane times. As you learn and grow, we will too, and we’ll figure out life together step-by-step. I love you with all my heart.
Love,
Mama
Any Equipoise I've found is missing...
How do you even begin when you haven't updated your blog in weeks? How about a list? I like lists. We'll just go with major points of interest.
-Moved the big stuff to the house, unpacked, proceeded to begin our new life here.
-Long (loooooong) commute. Zoe got used to a new sitter. She began to sleep well during the day!
-So little time. So very little time. Never able to touch a box, hang a picture, clean a room. Just driving and working. Feeding and playing. Eating and sleeping. Rinse and repeat.
-Moved the rest of the stuff from the apartment, cleaned and said goodbye.
-Vacation to New Mexico to see the fam for Thanksgiving. Grandpa was adorable with Zoe- came straight home from work at 2 in the afternoon to see her. (He hadn't seen her since she was a week old.) Everyone was thrilled to see her and happy to see us. Zoe didn't sleep well but she was an angel and was sweet and playful with everyone the whole time. Extended family on my Dad's side got to meet her- including her great grandparents. I enjoyed her being the center of attention. We also got to meet our future brother-in-law- who, unfortunately, got hurt during a "flag football" game and ended up having surgery. Luckily he is bringing my sister up to see me in a couple weeks so we'll get to chat more.
-Zoe turned 5 months old. Letter will follow in a later post.
-Back to work. Boxes from the second move still scattered everywhere- along with our bags from the trip that are still packed.
-Will life ever get back to normal?
-Tried to go get family pictures taken today. By the time it was nearly our turn Zoe had rubbed her eyes red, I was stressed and Love was done. We went home instead.
-Zoe pulled her little knees up under her tummy and learned to scoot. We are thrilled with our little stinkbug!
-Was going to try pictures early tomorrow but Zoe's been up 4 times since bedtime...think it's going to be a long night.
Sorry no details. I should really be sleeping instead of typing. I do have a bunch of Zoe pictures that I will try to post soon. I am reading your blogs, just haven't had time to comment. Hopefully life gets back to normal soon...I need a week off. Goodnight!
-Moved the big stuff to the house, unpacked, proceeded to begin our new life here.
-Long (loooooong) commute. Zoe got used to a new sitter. She began to sleep well during the day!
-So little time. So very little time. Never able to touch a box, hang a picture, clean a room. Just driving and working. Feeding and playing. Eating and sleeping. Rinse and repeat.
-Moved the rest of the stuff from the apartment, cleaned and said goodbye.
-Vacation to New Mexico to see the fam for Thanksgiving. Grandpa was adorable with Zoe- came straight home from work at 2 in the afternoon to see her. (He hadn't seen her since she was a week old.) Everyone was thrilled to see her and happy to see us. Zoe didn't sleep well but she was an angel and was sweet and playful with everyone the whole time. Extended family on my Dad's side got to meet her- including her great grandparents. I enjoyed her being the center of attention. We also got to meet our future brother-in-law- who, unfortunately, got hurt during a "flag football" game and ended up having surgery. Luckily he is bringing my sister up to see me in a couple weeks so we'll get to chat more.
-Zoe turned 5 months old. Letter will follow in a later post.
-Back to work. Boxes from the second move still scattered everywhere- along with our bags from the trip that are still packed.
-Will life ever get back to normal?
-Tried to go get family pictures taken today. By the time it was nearly our turn Zoe had rubbed her eyes red, I was stressed and Love was done. We went home instead.
-Zoe pulled her little knees up under her tummy and learned to scoot. We are thrilled with our little stinkbug!
-Was going to try pictures early tomorrow but Zoe's been up 4 times since bedtime...think it's going to be a long night.
Sorry no details. I should really be sleeping instead of typing. I do have a bunch of Zoe pictures that I will try to post soon. I am reading your blogs, just haven't had time to comment. Hopefully life gets back to normal soon...I need a week off. Goodnight!
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