Memories and MIlestones

Bad mom confession:  I don't have a videocamera and so have only taken a handful of videos of Lily during her first five months (using my camera).

It makes me sad to think I've missed all these moments, but time has been flying by and honestly I didn't even really think if this until lately, as she has started hitting some exciting milestones.  Finally after weeks of being this close she rolled over back to belly on Dec. 15.  She and I had been to Target, the mall and dinner at Chick-fil-A while Kevin was at his work Christmas party.  When we got home I put her on her playmat while I was putting our purchases away, and she did it like it was nothing!  (In all honesty I probably would have missed getting it on video, even if we had one!).  And then yesterday Lily rolled belly to back.  I know before I blink she will be crawling, then standing, walking, talking and so much more.

So for our Christmas gift to our family Kevin and I made the leap and bought a videocamera!  It is scheduled to arrive today.  I am so excited to have it for Christmas so we can hopefully get some fun video of Lily and her cousin Henry on their first Christmas.  Of course neither of them understands yet about Santa, gifts or the "true meaning" but it will still be fun to have them around, dress them up and get tons of photos and videos.

And so, here's one of the very few videos I have of Miss Lily a few days before Halloween, while we were watching the Cards in the World Series.  So excited to capture so many more moments (just have to remember not to talk too much and ruin the cute memories of her with the sound of my annoying voice!)

Always there

The Christmas time of year always reminds me of how much I miss mom. She LOVED this time of year - decorating, baking, making cards, creating gifts, shopping, eating, and most importantly being together with family. Her absence is felt so much during this time of year, and especially in the planning process. She was so good at organizing everyone's schedules, and making sure we all got together. It is so hard to do this, especially because we travel during the holidays and are pulled in so many directions when we are in St. Louis.

Today I got a little reminder that mom is always with me. Bear with me here....there is a point to this. I have always like this Pooh quote:

You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.

It was actually my senior quote (mom encouraged me to use it) and is framed in Lily's room. (Here it is pre-frame, with the "and loved more than you know" added in by the artist)

Today when I was browsing online, I actually came across the full version of the quote, which I had never seen until today.

"If ever there is tomorrow when we're not together.. there is something you must always remember... you are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think. But the most important thing is, even if we're apart, I'll always be with you.”

Cue the chills and tears! I can't believe I have never seen this. Being hormonal and already missing mom, it of course brought tears to my eyes. She is always with me because of the foundation she gave me. And I certainly feel her presence and love every time I look at Lily.

Yes, I will miss mom every day during this holiday season. But during Lily's first Christmas, I know mom's presence in our life is felt in so many, many ways.

I will remember all of the wonderful memories she made with us and traditions she imparted....

And enjoy making new ones with Lily.

One of those days

Well, I knew I was jinxing myself yesterday writing about Lily sleeping through the night.  Usually she stirs once or twice and I give her a pacifier and she goes right back to sleep.  Well, last night she stirred about six or seven times... she didn't want to eat, but just be rocked back to sleep.  She has been really congested and not breathing great through her nose, so I think she kept spitting out her pacifier, but then would want it back.

In any case, it was a long night... so of course that means the nanny is going to call in sick... and of course it's on a busy day I have a conference call, two meetings and lots of to-do's... and then of course as I am rushing around this morning trying to get things organized before I start working, Cocoa gets sick.

Flash forward a few hours, Lily slept through the conference call, I rescheduled the meetings, and here I sit working while Lily naps again. Life is good.  Just a little crazy somedays.

Catching up

I realized I never did an "official" post about Miss Lily's arrival.... it's impossible to catch up on four months in one post, but I will share some of the highlights.

Arrival: Lily Jane was born on July 28 at 9:22 p.m., so just about 2 and a half hours "early." Sometimes I still hesitate when I tell people her birthday, because she was due on July 29, so I had that date in my head constantly for so many months. She was 7 pounds, 3 ounces and was born after a long delivery that started with my water breaking at about 5 a.m.

Growth: Now, at four months, Lily is DOULBE what she was at her lowest weight (got down to 6 lb 9 oz and is now just about 14 pounds).  She eats about 5-6 breastmilk bottles a day, and is the 50th percentile for height, weight and head... a very proportioned baby!

Personality: Lily is a generally very happy baby, loves to smile and laugh, "stand' with mom and dad's help and be walked around so she can look at things, lights in particular!  She has always been very curious - she does not like being on her tummy, I think because she feels like she is missing out on seeing things. We are working on it and she gets better every day.

Sleep:  If you would have told me when Lily was ten days old that she would be sleeping through the night before I knew it, I wouldn't have believed it. But here we are, with her sleeping from about 8:30 p.m. to 7:30 a.m. I know how lucky we are, and I hope I am not jinxing things by putting this in writing! Her napping isn't quite as consistent, but we are working on this, too.

 

 

My thoughts on motherhood: I feel so lucky every day to be Lily's mom. The cliches are true - being a mom has changed me and made me truly understand what "unconditional love" is. I treasure each day with her and look forward to the next.

Well, there are about a million more things I could say about Lily, being a mom and everything I look forward to, but it will have to wait for another day, as work, life and Lily call!

Hobbies and a few resolutions

Lately I have been thinking a lot about hobbies. A lot of my loved ones have some wonderful, creative and productive hobbies - cooking/baking, art, photography, and handiwork, to name a few. I also think a lot about my mom and the wonderful things she left to remember her by - beautiful pillows, handmade ornaments, and so much more. It saddens me to think of all the wonderful mementos she would have made for Lily, and that I am so untalented in that area, but that's really another post for another day!

Thinking about all of this has inspired me to create some resolutions and ideas for using my time and talents to be productive and creative.

1. Write, write, write. I love writing and want to do it to ensure I don't forget the millions of memories we are creating with Lily everyday. That is why I hope and plan to write one blog post a week as well as a monthly letter to Lily. Honestly I would love it if people read this blog, but its worthwhile just as an outlet for me and hopefully something Lily can one day look back on and learn about herself and her mom.

2. Organize. Time is tight with a baby, full-time job and lots of weekends spent traveling for both personal and work. And it is easy to overspend on going out and picking up quick dinners. So I am working on creating a weekly meal planner and a binder of easy meal recipes, as well as a budget for our family. Can't exactly say this is creative, but is definitely productive and will hopefully give us opportunities to enjoy time together a little more and also allow us to save for vacations and maybe one of these days, a house we can call our own!

3. Exercise. I've been pretty good about walking, but it's cold now, so I need to do more indoor workouts and also hope to do a weekly yoga class starting in January. Need the "me" time and need to lose the last of the baby weight.

I also still want to find something creative I can do that won't stress me out or break the bank. Maggie suggested crocheting. I would also love to do something with stamped art, but that's definitely not an inexpensive hobby. I am going to keep thinking and looking for inspiration around me and am certainly open to any and all suggestions.

A perfect weekend

We've had many wonderful weekends since Lily was born, 11 weeks and 3 days ago. We've already been to St. Louis (twice), the Lake of the Ozarks and Kansas City and had lots of great visits from friends and family. These past 11 weeks have been full of so many memories and each day is truly a gift with sweet Lily Jane.

However, this past weekend, spent with just me, Kevin and Lily, was as perfect as it gets. Beautiful fall weather, naps, homemade chili and cookie cake, the pumpkin patch and Cardinals baseball. These moments I HOPE I will never forget, but at least blogging about it will help jog my memory as days, weeks and years fly by.

I am so blessed by my family of three and I cherish the days we spend doing nothing but being together.

A few of my favorite things....

Most summers, my favorite thing involves sitting by the pool, drinking beer.

Well, clearly, I am pregnant, so the beer is out. Also, we don't have a pool to go to. Plus, the heat is insane, and really unsafe for people, pregnant or not, to be out too long. So, for this summer, my favorite things are a little different...

World Cup Soccer

This sounds so cheesy, but with a daughter on the way, I love seeing the success of the USA women's soccer team. They are so inspiring and fun to watch. The USA vs. Brazil game was absolutely amazing - the women's team never gave up, scoring the latest goal in the history of Women's World Cup (122nd minute) to tie the game and then winning in shoot-outs. I love that our daughter will grow up in a world where women can truly do anything!

Family visits

Since Memorial Day, Mike and Annie, Brian and Jessica, Michael and Laura and Maggie and Steve (not to mention, Ollie, Stella, Tater and Roxie) have all come to visit. It has been so fun to see everyone and show them all the exciting things in Springfield (which mostly involve the new brewery, Springfield Cardinals and food). We appreciate everyone taking the time to come see us, as it's pretty impossible for me to travel right now.

Preparing the nursery

I am putting the finishing touches on baby girl's room! Will share all of the photos soon. For now, I have to share a photo of my boppy cover from etsy - one of the things I splurged on and am so glad I did. It is so beautiful and soft. Also, a friend of mine from Springfield made this awesome diaper/baby clothes wreath. It was such a sweet surprise... I don't want to take it apart, it looks so cute, but at the same time, I want to use all of the clothes!

Lounging

I am trying really hard to not spent too much time being lazy, mostly because it's impossible with work, school, and trying to get ready for baby. However, I am also trying to listen to my body and slow down at night when I can. Love curling up with Cocoa on the couch watching TV. We've gotten really into Sports Night and also CAN NOT wait until Breaking Bad premiers tomorrow!!

My hubs

Sorry to get cheesy again (blame the pregnancy hormones) but I am really trying to enjoy these last days when it is just the two of us. Kevin and I have been together for seven years come October and adding a baby is obviously going to change things - of course for the better overall, but not without some sacrifices on the time and energy we put toward each other right now. He has been working so hard lately, but also trying to make time to spend helping me and just hanging out together. He is not the type to normally buy flowers, but surprised me last week after I had a bad afternoon. So sweet. Can't wait to see him as a dad. OK, enough, sorry!

I am sure in a month from now, I will have a whole new perspective toward my "favorite things." Can't wait to share!

The countdown is on!

Finally have a little time to catch up on blogging... so will probably do about 4 posts at once. Oh well, guess that is life and it's about to get even crazier with baby almost here!

Here are my belly shots from the past month or so. I can't believe how much larger I have gotten (well, it makes sense, there is a baby in there, but still!)

34 weeks


36 weeks


38 weeks


(Clearly I gave up on wearing the same shirt in each photo a long time ago. WAY to hot to put on something with long sleeves!!)

And a final update....
How Far Along: 38 weeks

Total Weight Gain: More than I would like but still within recommended amount.

Maternity Clothes: Basically all maternity (and sweats and Kevin's shirts). It is amazing how much money I have probably saved working from home. I never look cute and sweat through anything I put on in about 5 minutes.

Movement: She is soooo busy in there. Makes me a little nervous. At all of our ultrasound appointments, the techs have mentioned we better get ready for an active little one. Should be challenging to say the least! But right now, I love feeling her move, it is amazing and reassures me she is doing OK in there!

Cravings: Water. I drink sooooo much. And of course, means I am in the restroom every 5 minutes. A never-ending cycling.

Symptoms: Hot and swollen. Can't wear my rings any more :( and no shoes except flip flops fit my feet.

Best Moment this week: Knowing how close we are to meeting our beautiful baby girl! Every new day is one day closer to holding her.

How can I resist?

With all of the scary weather lately, it was lovely to see this...



Somewhere over the rainbow
Way up high
And the dreams that you dreamed of
Once in a lullaby
Somewhere over the rainbow
Blue birds fly
And the dreams that you dreamed of
Dreams really do come true
Someday I'll wish upon a star
Wake up where the clouds are far behind me
Where trouble melts like lemon drops
High above the chimney tops thats where you'll find me oh
Somewhere over the rainbow bluebirds fly
And the dream that you dare to,why, oh why can't I?

Baby updates and Springfield happenings

The baby has hiccups right now.... reminding me I NEED to post an update to record these memories. It is so crazy to feel the hiccups. I cannot get over the fact that there is a 3 lb. human living inside me! SOOO amazing.

A quick update
How Far Along: 30 weeks

Total Weight Gain: Around 25 lbs...

Maternity Clothes: Basically all maternity (and sweats and Kevin's shirts). So much more comfortable. Did wear a non-maternity shirt for our anniversary. Probably stretched out for future wear, but oh well!

Movement: A lot!! Tons of hiccups, rolls, kicks. So reassuring to feel the constant movement.

Cravings: STILL ice cream and fruit. Can't get enough sweets, seriously.

Symptoms: Hearburn... tiredness.... but overall, not too bad!

Best Moment this week: Celebrated anniversary with Kev! 2 years of marriage and 2 months until baby. So exciting.


Here are pics from weeks 26 and 30.







And on non-baby related note, we are starting to get more settled and more acquainted with Springfield. Have found some good places to eat, been to the Springfield Cardinals game, walked around and ate good food at Artfest and I also got to attend Ozzie Smith Missouri Sports Hall of Fame Induction. Not sure it will ever feel like home here, but at least starting to know my way around and enjoy some of the community events!

Ozzie and Whitey Herzog at Ozzie's induction ceremony


We enjoyed live music and yummy BBQ at Artfest


Delicious fondue at a local eatery


Springfield Cards home opener - they won!


Galloway Station - our fave place to eat in Springfield so far


Clearly, what I have been enjoying includes a lot of food. And I wonder where the 25 lbs has come from... ha! But anyway, we are excited to continue to enjoy Springfield and show fam around this summer! And after all, our baby will be born here, so we will always have a special connection to Springfield, regardless of where we end up!

24 weeks!

I am a terrible blogger lately - few posts and all baby-related. So I apologize! I've also been pretty terrible about consistently taking photos so when I do I want to get them up here so I have some record of them!

Anyway, here is me at 24 weeks.


And now a quick update:

How Far Along: 24 weeks

Total Weight Gain: Haven't been weighing myself... will find out at doc this week!

Maternity Clothes: Basically all maternity (and sweats and Kevin's shirts). So much more comfortable.

Movement: A lot!! Kevin even was able to feel a kick earlier this week.

Cravings: STILL ice cream and fruit.

Symptoms: I am slowing down and tiring more easily. But otherwise feel really great!

Best Moment this week: Dad came up to help us set up nursery!! It looks awesome. Pics to come soon.


Sorry I am already one of those people who only talk (blog) about baby! But the only other thing really dominating my life right now is work... and trust me, that is even less exciting!

20 weeks: halfway there!

I can't believe I am halfway through this pregnancy. Sometimes it seems like it is flying by, other days/weeks time seems to stand still! But I am extremely happy to be this far along with a baby who is healthy!

Here are a few updates:

How Far Along: 20 weeks

Total Weight Gain/Loss: 10 lbs give or take (ok, probably give)

Maternity Clothes: Maternity pants and lots of sweats! Still can fit into normal shirts, but wearing some maternity as well.

Movement: Felt kicks for the first time about a week ago. Such an amazing feeling.

Cravings: Nothing really... I am waiting for my cravings to kick in. Nothing ever really sounds particularly good, except ice cream and fruit still.

Symptoms: Congestion, bloody noses still going on... otherwise feeling pretty darn good!

Best Moment this week: A week ago we saw baby on ultrasound and everything checked out great! Also starting to order items for the nursery and it's a lot of fun.

Baby...


Me...


Nursery inspiration...

Valentine's in Branson

At least as far as I can remember, I have never been to Branson, at least before Sunday. Kevin tried to plan a trip a few summers ago to visit Silver Dollar City and other local attractions, but we seriously didn't have a free weekend (he claims I just didn't want to go, which while true, wasn't the only reason we didn't go!). But anyway, on Sunday morning, we were trying to figure out what to do with our day because we were planning to "celebrate" Valentine's on Sunday because on Monday we were playing trivia with a bunch of friends. Surprisingly enough, we both actually came up with the idea of heading to Branson.

While Silver Dollar City was closed, at least I think, and we were only there for a few hours, I must say I really enjoyed our day trip. I think it was mostly the beautiful weather, getting out of the house and spending some quality time with Kevin.

We went to the Branson landing, which has a really nice boardwalk and lots of shops and restaurants. We grabbed lunch, walked around, and just made one purchase - Kevin picked out a Cardinals onesie for baby. So sweet of him.

Some photos from our "day away"

Loved this quote (the middle one) on the menu at Waxy O'Shea's


They even did the shamrock on Kevin's Guinness


Apparently it's Christmas in Branson all year?


Walking on the waterfront!




The onesie Kevin bought and bear from me for our little one for Valentine's day!


Hope everyone felt some love on Valentine's Day!

3 Years, and 16 weeks

Like my mom, and her mom, I tend to think a lot about time... two weeks ago today, a month from now, etc. Well, three years ago today was the day I got in my car accident coming home from work in Jefferson City. I can honestly say it is the scariest thing that has ever happened to me. I feel so lucky to be alive today, and thinking back over all that has happened over the past three years makes me even more thankful - marrying my best friend... finding a new job that while extraordinarily frustrating and challenging at times, was a blessing in terms of giving me time off when I needed it most... and now of course 16 weeks pregnant.

Here I am, 16 weeks today!


Not a lot has changed in terms of symptoms or cravings or even weight (too much). The biggest change right now is probably emotionally. This week has been especially hard, maybe because I've been thinking about the accident, maybe because I am missing mom more during this particular time in my life, maybe it's job stresses and worrying about traveling so much in the next few months, maybe it is being alone so much because I work from home all day and then Kevin works so much, maybe it's just all hormonal. I don't know! I am trying to do everything I can to stay "sane" - yoga a few times a week, cardio the days I don't do yoga, trying to eat healthy but also treating myself (a few homemade milkshakes this week!), but I just feel "off." Trying to remind myself every day I am lucky not only to simply be alive, but to have so many blessings as well!

Snow Day

For the past few years, I have come to really hate snow and winter weather. It is scary to drive in, makes getting to work a pain and is dangerous to walk in... BUT... because this year I am working from home, I have to admit I am learning to like snow again! Especially when it is enough to get Kevin's office closed for two days. It was so nice to have him at home. Also really nice to watch the pretty snow fall, see Cocoa hop around in it, bake cookies and enjoy being warm inside. So I guess that's my thing: If I can just stay inside and watch the snow, I can really enjoy it! I still do feel for people who have to drive (especially people this week who got stranded, got in accidents, etc.)

Here are some highlights from the 2011 Snowstorm






It is strange and exciting to think that a year from now, God-willing, we will have a 6-month-old at home with us. It makes me really glad I am due in summer - sure the heat will be miserable, but how scary would it be to go into labor with terrible roads and snow... and have family driving in this to come visit (or not able to come at all). I'll take the heat any day!

As I like to do, will end with a simple quote about family.
"Then come the wild weather, come sleet or come snow, we will stand by each other, however it blow."
(Simon Dach)

A blog announcement!

Well of course my thousands of blog readers have been eagerly waiting for me to return and have been wondering where I am. Hahahaha. But for real, as I am sure anyone who reads this blog knows.... we are expecting!! We are of course so excited and happy to now officially be in the second trimester. Our little one is already well-loved and we are counting down the days to meet him or her (still more than 180, at least we hope!)

Here's baby's first photo from a ultrasound two weeks ago today:


I am thinking about doing weekly blog updates about pregnancy and baby on the way. I have seen other blogs do this, and it can be a good record for us, and also a way to share with family that is not close by (meaning ALL of our family, unfortunately). So here's the update for this week:

How Far Along: 14 weeks

Total Weight Gain/Loss: 4 lbs

Maternity Clothes: Still in regular clothes, except one maternity shirt I don't quite need, but is really comfy!

Gender: We'll know sometime in late July/early August.

Movement: Haven't felt yet which is of course totally normally for how far along I am.

Cravings: So far my most common cravings have been ice cream and salty foods (soft pretzels, popcorn, etc). I am also obsessed with apples - actually had a dream about one last night!

Symptoms: I have been one of those really lucky pregnant women with no morning sickness. I have been a little more tired and can be forgetful. Also extremely congested and regular bloody noses.

Best Moment this week: snow day today!! After being in Columbia all week last week, and then driving back late Sunday night due to the crazy winter weather on the way, it was so nice to have our office closed today... and Kevin's was too! Of course he has worked for a good portion of the day, but we slept in and it has been super nice to have him around all day.

Photo: I will preface these by saying, yes, I realize I don't need the maternity shirt yet. But it was on sale, it is really, really comfortable, and also I am thinking about doing the weekly photos in this same shirt to better track "the bump."




Will share more soon! Miss you all!