I started a new blog.
I changed the name of this blog.
I changed the template.
I changed my picture.
I needed change. I decided to split my blog into two. I wanted to go in a different direction but didn't want to take this blog with so I just started a new one.
The new one is all about being a mom and I'm using it more of a journal. It's going to be very honest and real; things I never read about motherhood.
I'm keeping this one for what it's always been: a little bit of everything (so I'm not promising that I won't continue to talk a lot about Lily here :). I will still continue my letters to Lily here, pictures, etc. I really just needed to start a journal and not just a "here's what's going on with me" thing.
Follow me if you'd like on the new one but just know it won't be what everyone wants to hear all of the time.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Speaking of changes, we are closing on our new house on July 21st! We're so, so excited. It's new, it's shiny, it's bigger, and it will be ours in 26 days!
Friday, June 25, 2010
Monday, June 21, 2010
Happy Father's Day!
How incredibly lucky Lily is to have such an amazing father. I know she already knows it too...
And then there is my dad. My amazing, smart, talented, generous, sacrificing dad...
Lily will drop anything and everyone for my dad, just like I always did for him. For those of you who do not know my dad, he just has this...aura. This caring aura that is so rare and so genuine.
He has taught me so much and been such a mentor. He is my hero.
Happy Father's Day, Dad. Thank you for being there every step of the way. We're beyond lucky to share our life with you.
Happy Father's Day to all of our family and friends!
Sunday, June 13, 2010
One year meltdown, er, I mean, doctor visit.
Lily had her one year well baby visit last week. Oh.My.
I'll start with the stats and the fun stuff...
She is:
22lbs (71%)
30.5 inches (70%)
and her head is...well...huge. 18.5 inches (90%) She's smart!
She is a perfectly healthy little girl.
She is advanced in her language skills, with a 4-6 word vocabulary, and right on target with everything else. The doctor gave us some interesting information about walking versus talking and she told us that babes that start their language skills early are usually on the very late end of walking, and vice versa. This must be true for our kid. Lily shows absolutely NO interest in walking. She has her little push walking toy that she will push about 10 steps...and that's it. She doesn't have enough confidence yet to even stand on her own without holding on. She love cruising the furniture and pulling herself up but very stubborn about experimenting beyond that.
Aside from that discussion, I cannot tell you what else we talked about since Lily screamed through the rest of the appointment...
Wow, what a difference in taking her to the doctor this time. In the past, she has always found a way to entertain herself while we wait on the doctor/nurses. She plays with the paper on the patient table, her toys that we give her or even Puffs would capture her attention for at least 10 minutes.
Nope. Not anymore. It was the appointment from hell. Granted, this is the longest doctor's appointment we've had with her, but that fact did not help in the moment.
We went into the appointment with crabbiness. We soon found out from the doctor that this could have been because Lily has 5 more teeth coming in at once, her eye teeth and a molar. (I think I've lost count but we might now be up to 16 now). God bless Dr. Manilla for being so sweet while Lily was screaming through the exam, but she didn't offer any encouragement on the situation. She said that the next teeth to come in would be her 2 year molars but being that she got the rest so quickly, those will be soon to follow.
Then, after we waited 30 minutes, yes, THIRTY minutes in a 9x9 room with a screaming kid, the nurse finally came in and gave her 4 shots: one in each arm and one in each leg. I have not ever seen such a look of terror on Lily's face. It was awful. She looked at me as though she was thinking, "why are you allowing the woman to torture me!!??". Ugh. It was heartbreaking.
I realized that this isn't different than what every other parent goes through with their kids, it was just new and different to us since this was our first terrible experience at the doctor's. It made me realize how lucky we are that 1.) Lily is pretty easy going and 2.) how healthy she has been so far. Yes, teething has been a monster and her sleep issues have been defeating at times but all in all, she has been such a good girl. Thank God for a healthy baby.
So, here you have it. 12 months of happy baby...
I'll start with the stats and the fun stuff...
She is:
22lbs (71%)
30.5 inches (70%)
and her head is...well...huge. 18.5 inches (90%) She's smart!
She is a perfectly healthy little girl.
She is advanced in her language skills, with a 4-6 word vocabulary, and right on target with everything else. The doctor gave us some interesting information about walking versus talking and she told us that babes that start their language skills early are usually on the very late end of walking, and vice versa. This must be true for our kid. Lily shows absolutely NO interest in walking. She has her little push walking toy that she will push about 10 steps...and that's it. She doesn't have enough confidence yet to even stand on her own without holding on. She love cruising the furniture and pulling herself up but very stubborn about experimenting beyond that.
Aside from that discussion, I cannot tell you what else we talked about since Lily screamed through the rest of the appointment...
Wow, what a difference in taking her to the doctor this time. In the past, she has always found a way to entertain herself while we wait on the doctor/nurses. She plays with the paper on the patient table, her toys that we give her or even Puffs would capture her attention for at least 10 minutes.
Nope. Not anymore. It was the appointment from hell. Granted, this is the longest doctor's appointment we've had with her, but that fact did not help in the moment.
We went into the appointment with crabbiness. We soon found out from the doctor that this could have been because Lily has 5 more teeth coming in at once, her eye teeth and a molar. (I think I've lost count but we might now be up to 16 now). God bless Dr. Manilla for being so sweet while Lily was screaming through the exam, but she didn't offer any encouragement on the situation. She said that the next teeth to come in would be her 2 year molars but being that she got the rest so quickly, those will be soon to follow.
Then, after we waited 30 minutes, yes, THIRTY minutes in a 9x9 room with a screaming kid, the nurse finally came in and gave her 4 shots: one in each arm and one in each leg. I have not ever seen such a look of terror on Lily's face. It was awful. She looked at me as though she was thinking, "why are you allowing the woman to torture me!!??". Ugh. It was heartbreaking.
I realized that this isn't different than what every other parent goes through with their kids, it was just new and different to us since this was our first terrible experience at the doctor's. It made me realize how lucky we are that 1.) Lily is pretty easy going and 2.) how healthy she has been so far. Yes, teething has been a monster and her sleep issues have been defeating at times but all in all, she has been such a good girl. Thank God for a healthy baby.
So, here you have it. 12 months of happy baby...
Sunday, June 6, 2010
So much, yet so little.
We have been so busy around here...but I can't really tell you why. Not because it's top secret or anything, I just really can't pinpoint what we're so busy doing!
One thing that is definitely noteworthy is the weekend that my husband just gave me.
To back up a minute, we were supposed to be in Cancun this weekend with my company. Once a year my boss treats us to a weekend away somewhere. We went on a cruise a couple years ago, last year was Cabo (which I also missed) and this year was Cancun. It was in the works for months and Dustin and I were originally really excited about it.
Long story short: child care, schedules, family members having to be moved...all got in the way. I really didn't want to leave Lily for 3 nights again anyway, so I was more than ok with it.
Instead, Dustin planned a short weekend away...
We headed out at 9am for our massage appointments at our favorite spa in Sarasota. After that, we headed to Selby Gardens to walk around a bit. It is so gorgeous there...
Then we went to check into the Ritz...
This was our view. Yes, fancy! I had never stayed in a Ritz before and to be honest, I wouldn't spend that kind of money again. It was nice, but not shockingly different from any other hotel we've stayed in.
Then we headed to Ritz's portion of Lido beach...
Then we went to get some appetizers...
After a nap, we went out to dinner...
Then Dustin surprised me with...
Which was so unexpected and thoughtful.
Of course, we couldn't wait to get home this morning so we ate a quick breakfast and jetted out at 9:30am!
It was a perfect weekend. Dustin and I needed that reconnection in the worst way.
I know there isn't a lot of substance to this post but I needed to share, ok, brag about, my amazing weekend. I am a very lucky girl to have such an amazing husband.
One thing that is definitely noteworthy is the weekend that my husband just gave me.
To back up a minute, we were supposed to be in Cancun this weekend with my company. Once a year my boss treats us to a weekend away somewhere. We went on a cruise a couple years ago, last year was Cabo (which I also missed) and this year was Cancun. It was in the works for months and Dustin and I were originally really excited about it.
Long story short: child care, schedules, family members having to be moved...all got in the way. I really didn't want to leave Lily for 3 nights again anyway, so I was more than ok with it.
Instead, Dustin planned a short weekend away...
We headed out at 9am for our massage appointments at our favorite spa in Sarasota. After that, we headed to Selby Gardens to walk around a bit. It is so gorgeous there...
Then we went to check into the Ritz...
Then we headed to Ritz's portion of Lido beach...
Of course, we couldn't wait to get home this morning so we ate a quick breakfast and jetted out at 9:30am!
It was a perfect weekend. Dustin and I needed that reconnection in the worst way.
I know there isn't a lot of substance to this post but I needed to share, ok, brag about, my amazing weekend. I am a very lucky girl to have such an amazing husband.
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Dear Lily,
You are one whole year old.
I have sat down several times to write this but cannot seem to put into words how I feel. I'm trying desperately not to fill this with too much sappiness or cliches, but I'm finding it so difficult! I cannot even begin to describe what this last year has brought to me and how you've enriched my life.
When you were first born, people would ask me all of the time, "Did you ever imagine you could love somebody so much?". I suppose the expected answer is "No, I never imagined" but for me, from the moment I held you, it was like you were always here. It was like we were instant soul mates and you made my life make sense. It was like I knew you my whole life, loved you my whole life and needed you to be here, it just so happened that I waited until May 15, 2009 for this to happen.
There were plenty of things that I did not imagine though...
What I couldn't have imagined is the amount of emotion that you would evoke from me. I cannot tell you how many moments in your first year that you made me cry tears of joy. You make me laugh like no one else can, too. Your laugh is still as infectious as it was the first time I heard it at 4 months, and I still cry every time you get the giggles and can't control yourself.
I also could not have imagined the bond that we would create in this past year. A bond between a mom and her first child is unbelievable and something that took me by surprise. I understand your needs now, I hurt when you hurt, I miss you when we're apart, even while you're sleeping, I understand your baby language...and you, you need me when you're hurting, you look for me when I'm in another room, you understand me.
I could not have imagined how you would grow in one year. From a helpless, dependent newborn who slept her way through her first 2 weeks of life, into a growing, independent toddler who knows exactly what she wants and is usually too busy to sleep, all in one year. All the milestones that happened in your first year: smiling at 6 weeks, rolling over at 3.5 months, sitting up at 6 months, crawling at 8 months, clapping your hands, growing 12 teeth, dancing, mimicking....it was such an amazing experience to be a part of.
We threw you a party on your birthday, something that I was excited about doing from the day you were born. Remember, on the day you were born, I wasn't feeling well and daddy did a lot of the work caring for you. I felt that I missed a lot that day, even if it was only a few hours. So, on your first birthday, I made it my mission for it to be the second best day of my life, next to the day you were born. I wanted to be present, in the moment, and full of energy that I could put into you. It was more than I could have hoped for...
You were an angel on your first birthday. You slept in that morning until almost 9am, only waking at 7 to have a bottle. You soaked in all of the attention. You weren't a ham, you were just content with 35 people watching you eat your lunch, singing you Happy Birthday and then watching you eat cake. You were passed around from person to person and then you even napped for an hour. You sat and opened your presents with me, for most of the time. You were just a happy little girl, basking in the love and attention. It was almost as if you knew it was your day. It was a perfect day.
It was overwhelming to me to see all of the love that people have for you. How many people gave up their Saturday to come and spend it with you, and even those that could not be here poured their love into you with phone calls, cards and gifts. You are so loved by so many people and such a lucky little girl to have the friends and family that we have. Having you has given me a newfound respect and love for the people that are in our lives and love us so much. We are so very, very blessed.
You are no longer a infant, Lily. You are now my toddler. You have a personality all your own. An amazing, fun, strong, loving personality. You had a great first year of life and you gave me a new perspective on mine. I can't wait to see what the years ahead will bring to us.
Although you are growing by leaps and bounds, you will forever be my baby.
I love you,
Mommy
I have sat down several times to write this but cannot seem to put into words how I feel. I'm trying desperately not to fill this with too much sappiness or cliches, but I'm finding it so difficult! I cannot even begin to describe what this last year has brought to me and how you've enriched my life.
When you were first born, people would ask me all of the time, "Did you ever imagine you could love somebody so much?". I suppose the expected answer is "No, I never imagined" but for me, from the moment I held you, it was like you were always here. It was like we were instant soul mates and you made my life make sense. It was like I knew you my whole life, loved you my whole life and needed you to be here, it just so happened that I waited until May 15, 2009 for this to happen.
There were plenty of things that I did not imagine though...
What I couldn't have imagined is the amount of emotion that you would evoke from me. I cannot tell you how many moments in your first year that you made me cry tears of joy. You make me laugh like no one else can, too. Your laugh is still as infectious as it was the first time I heard it at 4 months, and I still cry every time you get the giggles and can't control yourself.
I also could not have imagined the bond that we would create in this past year. A bond between a mom and her first child is unbelievable and something that took me by surprise. I understand your needs now, I hurt when you hurt, I miss you when we're apart, even while you're sleeping, I understand your baby language...and you, you need me when you're hurting, you look for me when I'm in another room, you understand me.
I could not have imagined how you would grow in one year. From a helpless, dependent newborn who slept her way through her first 2 weeks of life, into a growing, independent toddler who knows exactly what she wants and is usually too busy to sleep, all in one year. All the milestones that happened in your first year: smiling at 6 weeks, rolling over at 3.5 months, sitting up at 6 months, crawling at 8 months, clapping your hands, growing 12 teeth, dancing, mimicking....it was such an amazing experience to be a part of.
Lastly, I could not have imagined how unbelievably emotional I became as your first birthday approached. It's something I can't really explain but I can only hope that you will experience someday. I just could not believe that my precious little baby, who at one time found everything she needed inside of my belly, was turing a year old. As the day was approaching, I felt excited, joyous, happy, yet sad because you're getting so big. I can only imagine how I will feel the day you go off to kindergarten, or better yet, drive away for the first time.
We threw you a party on your birthday, something that I was excited about doing from the day you were born. Remember, on the day you were born, I wasn't feeling well and daddy did a lot of the work caring for you. I felt that I missed a lot that day, even if it was only a few hours. So, on your first birthday, I made it my mission for it to be the second best day of my life, next to the day you were born. I wanted to be present, in the moment, and full of energy that I could put into you. It was more than I could have hoped for...
You were an angel on your first birthday. You slept in that morning until almost 9am, only waking at 7 to have a bottle. You soaked in all of the attention. You weren't a ham, you were just content with 35 people watching you eat your lunch, singing you Happy Birthday and then watching you eat cake. You were passed around from person to person and then you even napped for an hour. You sat and opened your presents with me, for most of the time. You were just a happy little girl, basking in the love and attention. It was almost as if you knew it was your day. It was a perfect day.
It was overwhelming to me to see all of the love that people have for you. How many people gave up their Saturday to come and spend it with you, and even those that could not be here poured their love into you with phone calls, cards and gifts. You are so loved by so many people and such a lucky little girl to have the friends and family that we have. Having you has given me a newfound respect and love for the people that are in our lives and love us so much. We are so very, very blessed.
You are no longer a infant, Lily. You are now my toddler. You have a personality all your own. An amazing, fun, strong, loving personality. You had a great first year of life and you gave me a new perspective on mine. I can't wait to see what the years ahead will bring to us.
Although you are growing by leaps and bounds, you will forever be my baby.
I love you,
Mommy
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
My First Mother's Day
It was amazing, even with my screaming baby. Actually, the screaming just solidified the fact that Mother's Day is a much needed holiday to celebrate the challenges and triumphs that come with being a mother.
My husband got me a couple dozen gorgeous lilies, Lily got me a Pandora charm bracelet like this one, only without those charms:
Dustin had to work a long shift so in the morning we went to my in-law's for breakfast. My dad joined us too to love on Lily. Here is the only picture of Lily and I were she isn't trying to push me away (although you can see the elbow to my chin. Diva):
Then, the rest of the day was just relaxing. We took Lily to the pool in my mom's community (soon to be our community too):
My husband got me a couple dozen gorgeous lilies, Lily got me a Pandora charm bracelet like this one, only without those charms:
but she did get me this charm:
and I love it.
Then, the rest of the day was just relaxing. We took Lily to the pool in my mom's community (soon to be our community too):
Auntie Nicole and Ty met us there too, which was really fun to celebrate our first Mother's Day together:
I'm bummed that I didn't get a picture with my mom, Lily and I. I never think of these things in the moment!
It was a very special day to me. If you've ever heard that you don't truly appreciate your mother until you have kids of your own, it's definitely true. I always have love, respected and appreciated my mom, obviously, but this last year has really taught me about what my mom means to me. She always handled motherhood with such grace and simplicity. She cooked, cleaned, worked, was able to be a friend, confidant, support system...just an amazing mom. Now, to celebrate Mother's Day with her, as a mom myself, is something special.
It was a great day.
Monday, May 10, 2010
Randoms
- I have been too emotional with Lily's birthday coming up to make a post that makes sense and isn't too sappy.
- I had a beautiful first Mother's Day and the rest of the weekend was beautiful too. I WILL post about this sometime this week.
- I am so stinkin excited for Lily's party.
- My job is keeping me on my toes and so, so busy.
- I have been sticking to my "down time" plan, for the most part...except for doing housework at night. Aside from folding some laundry, I just don't have it in me.
- I have been doing yoga at least 3-4 times a week...now, if I could just balance some more cardio into my workouts, I might actually start loosing a few pounds like I want to.
- I am not good at watching my diet at.all.
- Lily has more teeth coming in. She has 10 established and it appears that 4 more are coming soon. God hates me.
- I have a feeling that my child is going to be a challenging toddler and I will continue to eat my words about "how to be the perfect mother".
- Supporting story to the last thought: We went to Wal-Mart today to get birthday party supplies. The child was getting hungry. Grandma promptly ran and got some string cheese and clearly could not feed it to her fast enough, This was evident by the screeching and half crying/screaming she was doing in between bites. Diva.
- Lily loves the pool.
- I like to use caps for emphasis and people often times think I am "yelling" text at them. A lot gets lost in typed translation.
- I was tagged in my friend Nicolasa's blog post a few days ago and want to get to this soon.
- I always dread any kind of workout, but never feel bad about doing it afterward so I have been using that as motivation.
- Our new house will hopefully be completed in 2-3 months!
- We NEED (emphasizing) to find renters. 3br, 2bath, 1 car garage in Venice. Put the word out.
- Time for yoga.
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