mother's day (i'm bragging a little)

This mother's day was pretty great, and it was all thanks to my wonderful husband. He took me to see Iron Man 3 yesterday, which was great because it's the first date we've had since Emmett was born. Plus, it was a really great movie. Then, this morning he made me breakfast in bed and gave me some gifts. To understand the significance of these two presents, we have to venture back in time a couple months.

A couple months ago, we went to Virginia Beach hoping to play some putt putt golf. The golfing didn't last very long because Evie got bored of it, so we walked around this souvenir shop for a while instead. While we were there, I found this super cute VA Beach picture frame and told Dan that eventually I wanted to buy one of those and take a picture at the beach to put in it, that way we would always remember that we lived here. Then, I promptly forgot about it. After that, I saw this super cute dress and commented on how much I liked it, but since I was pregnant I would never fit in it. Then I promptly forgot about that, too.

So, back to this morning. I open my presents and what should I find? That picture frame and that same dress. Well remembered, sir. It was touching to see how much thought he put into getting me something, but most especially it was touching to see that he really listens when I say things. Even meaningless, passing comments.

this is the dress. it's SUPER soft. wish you could feel it.

Dan also gave a talk in church today about mothers, which was just outstanding. I had to go out to the car and re-do my make up because I cried so much. I swear I was glowing from the inside out because I was so proud that he was my husband. Everyone should be jealous. He said some wonderful things about me and about his mother, and the whole thing was just phenomenal.

After Sacrament meeting, the young men went around and gave all the women some Godiva dark chocolate truffles. Yum. Then, all of relief society was spent chatting and eating yummy snacks.Not too shabby.

We ended the day by Dan making dinner and promising me a massage later.

Seriously, I could not feel more pampered or loved. What a wonderful day. I wanted to document it, in case I ever forget. What a great man I married, and what great children I have. I am so blessed.

I am also blessed to have such an amazing mother of my own. I wouldn't be who I am today without my mom, and words cannot express how much I love and appreciate her.

Alongside my mother, is my mother-in-law. Boy, did I win the lottery with her. I am so lucky to have a woman like her in my life and I love her more than I can say.

Happy mother's day to all you mothers and future mothers. It's the greatest job in the world. 

blog challenge: day 2/ Mother's Day

All that I am or ever hope to be, I owe to my angel Mother.  ~Abraham Lincoln

Mother's Day is such a great day because it gives us the opportunity to lavish our mothers with affection and gifts. I have so much to be thankful for on a day like today. I am so thankful to have the opportunity to be a mother. What a great gift and a great responsibility. I take comfort in knowing that heavenly father would not have sent Evelyn to me if he didn't think I could take care of her the way she deserves. I think he has more faith in me than I do, though. I am thankful for my wonderful husband who made me dinner so that I wouldn't have to, and also did the dishes. Be still my heart! He can only cook a handful of things, and one of those things is steak, so I got an enormous steak for mother's day. I swear, it was as big as my head. I am thankful for our sweet stake president who is so in tune with the spirit that he always seems to know exactly what I need to hear at that moment to lift me up and make me feel special. I am so, so thankful for our ward and the wonderful people in it. This ward really goes all out for mother's day. We each got a giant symphony chocolate bar, which are my absolute favorite, and had all the young women and elder's quorum take care of all the classes so we could go to Sunday school and Relief Society. It was great. During Relief Society, the bishop and stake president gave talks about how amazing we are, then they fed us all kinds of yummy treats. I certainly felt special and loved, so mission accomplished. I loved mother's day this year and I feel so loved and appreciated.

 

 

Frustration

Okay, I have to complain for a second, so buckle up. First of all, what the frack evelyn? She is ELEVEN months old and still wakes up one or two times a night. What am I doing wrong? What happened to sleeping through the night? I have tried everything and nothing has worked. She won't cry herself to sleep because she cab stand up in her crib now, and she won't take her binky or be rocked to sleep. You guys, I am so so tired. It's like having a perpetual newborn baby. Any suggestions would be much appreciated.

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oh, hi there

So, I haven't blogged about anything in a really long time. I have been overwhelmingly busy lately, but that's not why I haven't been posting. I honestly can't think of anything interesting to talk about. This last week Dan was gone for army training, so it was just evie and I alone, trying to survive without the man of the house. Miss evelyn has also been in rare form this last week. She has become even more stubborn and willful lately, if that's possible. She likes to crawl over to the tv, look at me, smile, and grab the tv screen while I'm watching and telling her no. Little Stinker. She has also decided that her binky is old news, so sleeping has been a bit of a challenge since last week. All of these happened last week when Dan was gone, so needless to say, when Dan got home I was completely exhausted and needed a break! For the love. Other than that, we have been having a lot of fun running around the house and playing in the kitchen cabinets. I do wonder sometimes if I'm being a good mother. I mean, I have no clue what I'm doing, and I just hope she's getting all the things she needs in life to be a successful adult. You know? Am I the only one with these insecurities? If you have suggestions for being a great mom, please lay them on me.

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being a mom has taught me many things

• including, but not limited to, doing almost everything with one hand. ie: cooking, cleaning, my hair, errands, etc. 
• going around with food stains on your clothes is acceptable
• also, not showering until 2 in the afternoon is also acceptable
• an outing to the grocery store is a grand affair
• how to be patient
• and then add more patience onto that patience
• that sometimes I am just not going to look my best and that is okay
• how to get stains out of anything
• that I have no imagination, so I need to work on that
• time management; I thought I learned this in college, but that was nothing compared to squeezing everything I need to do into 2 short nap periods of time during the day. 
• to be more tidy. she sticks EVERYTHING in her mouth, so keep stuff off the floor
• that I no longer require 8 hrs of sleep to survive
• how to entertain a tiny human
• and that crock pot dinners are the best thing ever

But, mostly it has taught me love and joy. Love is so much more complex and deep than I comprehended before hand. I love Dan and I love my family, but the love a parent has for their child is something completely different. Being a parent myself has really helped me realize just how much my heavenly father loves me. It has improved my relationship with Him and my Savior and I am so grateful for that. Sometimes it's frustrating and hard, but at the end of the day it is so worth it to have Evie and call myself a mother. I have been thinking about this a lot lately because I was thinking there was no way I was ready for another baby just yet, but now I don't know. Evelyn has brought us so much joy and she is becoming so independent already that I think another baby may not be such a bad thing after all. However, this is not an announcement because it is just a passing thought and more than likely will not happen.

I love being a mom and I love my little family. I am so thankful to have a home where we can feel comfortable, safe, and have the spirit. I am so happy to be in Virginia and have the opportunity to meet the great people I have met and seen all the things I have been able to see.

Being a mom has taught me all of that; to count my blessings, multi-task, and to be grateful for the little things. Being a parent truly is a sanctifying process and I can't wait to see what the future holds.

sometimes I think I live my life in pink and green

 In case you were wondering, the color scheme for my house in not pink and green. Not at all. But Evie seems to take up so much of the living room space that it kind of looks that way. We start our day with baby einstein in the bumbo while I take a shower and eat breakfast. Then there's some play/ funny faces time followed by a nap. After the nap she eats her rice cereal and loves it; making a huge mess in the process. Sometimes we go for a walk, but more often than not we play on the floor together or I put her in her entertainer. Depending on the day, she'll watch me do the dishes in the kitchen sitting in her bouncer, all the while listening to music and dancing. Sometimes I even cook a little something. This is followed by another nap and another round of rice cereal, followed by an attempt at a vegetable or fruit of some kind. At this point she hates all non-milk, non-cereal items. Sigh. And that is how most of our days go.

But, not lately. Because lately little miss has had a really stuffy nose. Which means she has a really hard time sleeping or nursing. So, most days it's just crying all day long until she wears herself out. I feel really bad for her and I wish there was something I could do, but more than that I just feel frustrated and exhausted. Dan didn't get home until 9 last night, so I didn't get to get out of the house and go anywhere.  I'm just exhausted. Any words of encouragement?

So this is what my life looks like. Pink and green, baby. 

Loves her baby einstein. Is she cute or what?

Something needs to change

I went to bed at 9pm last night. Yeah.... Does that make me old and boring? Probably. But Evie Lou and I went on a walk yesterday and in order to get the stroller up and down the stairs outside I had to carry the whole thing with her in it. Needless to say, my back was hurting A LOT by the time Evie went to bed last night, so I took a tylenol PM and hit the hay. She has been waking up around 3 or 4 every night. What is that about? Should I feed her? Let her cry it out? I don't know what to do. She wakes up completely upset with real tears and everything. Last night I let her cry for like half an hour and she still didn't go back to sleep so I just fed her. Good thing I went to bed so early or I wouldn't have gotten any sleep last night. Oy vei.

Also, I'm thinking something needs to be done about all of Evie's things. I would like to take our living room back and not have it constantly overrun with Evelyn's toys and things. Any ideas? I would have it all in her room, but she won't play without someone in the room with her and being in her room all day everyday doesn't sound like fun to me. Thoughts? I just need a change. I'm trying to decorate our home and make it feel like a house instead of a college dorm, but having a baby makes that a tad difficult. So, if you have any organizational ideas I would really appreciate it.

giggles

 

My sanity

My poor Evie Lou has been sick the last couple of days. Which means that she has required extra cuddles, kisses, walks, and rocking to make her comfortable, and I am more than happy to oblige. Yesterday she cried all day long because she just didn't feel well and no matter what I did it wasn't enough. Yesterday also happened to be the day that Dan didn't get home until 8:30 because he had an emergency come in at the clinic, which means that I was taking care of Evie all by myself all day long while she was MAD at the world. Because of all of that extra holding and walking, when I woke up this morning I felt like a semi had run me over during the night while I slept. A huge semi that was carrying train wheels or something super heavy. I could pin point to you on my back the EXACT vertebrae that is fractured because it feels swollen and like there are 3 of them. Hopefully that goes away soon. I definitely did too much yesterday, but I didn't really have a choice in the matter. I would do anything for that little girl, even brake my back, if it means it will make her a little happier. Also, I don't know if this is an over share, my precious baby girl had TWO disgusting diapers in a row yesterday. It made my eyes water it was so bad. Poor sick girl. I wonder what it would be like to have all of your needs taken care of by someone else at all times, especially when you're sick. I imagine it would be pretty awesome. In fact, that is what I am asking for for my birthday next year. A day where someone takes care of all my needs all day long. That would be fabulous. Yesterday I let Evie fall asleep in her swing, comfort nurse, sleep on my chest, and numerous other things that I always say "no" to under normal circumstances, but when your baby cries all day long you will do ANYTHING to get her to sleep. You know?

Evelyn is almost 6 months old! What!? How did that happen? She loves her baby einstein video and laughs and smiles through the whole thing, she LOVES her baths and thinks it's the funniest thing in the world when she splashes us, and she loves to cuddle and watch TV with me. I think I'm accidentally on purpose indoctrinating her to love 30 Rock and Gilmore Girls. Whatevs. We can't all be perfect parents.

So this post was a bit random, but I needed to get some stuff out for my own sanity (hence, the title) because I haven't left the house in a couple days and I'm in quite a bit of pain. Just know that Evie is just as cute as ever, if not more so, and I think she is starting to feel a little better (fingers crossed).

p.s. I have a rash/hives on my face. What? I bought some new face wash and apparently my face hates it. So glamorous, this life I lead. 

big surprise, I need help again

Dear friends,

Evie will go down for naps just fine, but she won't stay asleep. She wakes up grumpy and tired but won't go back to sleep. She's down to 3 naps a day, but should we go down to 2? She gets so fussy before nap time, so I don't know what else to do but put her down for a nap. If she's tired, why won't she stay asleep? Any suggestions?

Holy mess

That title is actually deceiving. There is nothing holy about this mess. And believe me when I tell you that my house IS A MESS, but I don't feel well and my baby is only 5 months old, so I think I deserve some leeway when it comes to being messy. 

I am so tired, guys. So tired.

I ordered pizza for dinner. Sorry, honey, but this wife ain't cookin' tonight. 

I can't wait until Friday because Dan promised to take me back to this Japanese place that we found last week.

BEST FOOD EVER

Seriously, everything there was divine and I couldn't be more excited. 

We're going to buy Dan some crab traps and fishing gear and he is going to do some crabbing. 

Nice. 

So tired....

teething

I'm pretty positive that Evie has started teething already. She seems pretty miserable. Any ideas from you mommies out there?
I've tried those teething rings that you freeze and she hates the cold. It's actually pretty funny to put it in her mouth. Ever seen a baby with a lemon? It's like that.

What worked for you?

two months

you're two months old and you...

• have a huge head. 90th percentile.
  
• weigh over 10lbs
  
• take 3 good naps a day
• smile constantly
• love to be swaddled
• hate being alone
• can only sleep on your side or tummy
• have abandoned your cradle for your bouncer
• make me laugh
• have taught me patience and endurance
• sleep through the night
• are too long to wear newborn onesies anymore
• love your binky
• are exceptional in every way

Near the end of my pregnancy people were always saying things like, "enjoy this time now because everything is going to change", or "get some sleep now because you won't once the baby is born", and my favorite, "once that baby is here you two won't have any time together, so enjoy it while it lasts". Well sweetie, I have to say that I 100% disagree with all of this. I'm glad everything changed. I love my life the way it is. I didn't sleep at all near the end of my pregnancy because I was so uncomfortable, so it's not like I get any less sleep now. In fact, I think I actually get more now. I thought I loved your dad before, but it's nothing compared to how much I love him now. From the moment he held you in his arms, he was wrapped around your finger. You have made us love each other more and made our marriage even better. I love my little 2 month old girl. I have never been more tired, frustrated, or busy in my life, but I wouldn't change a thing.

you're two months old and I adore everything about you. Thank you for coming into my life and making me realize how much I was missing.

hallelujah

you guys, my baby takes naps.

not only does she take naps, but she also doesn't cry all day long anymore.
she still fusses occasionally, but who doesn't?
i'm in heaven.

also, she sleeps 7 hours at a time at night and smiles constantly.

i knew that baby was in there somewhere.

i feel like i should send her doctor a pony.
or some chocolate.
or a million dollars.

Baby Update

Evie and I went to the doctor yesterday for her 2 month check up and she cried the entire time we were there. This is kind of a big deal because every other time I've gone there, complaining about her crying all day long, she doesn't cry AT ALL. Seriously little girl? So, I don't think they believed me about her being fussy, but they sure saw it yesterday. To add some insult to injury, she had to get her 2 month shots. Poor thing. She cried so hard her face turned red and she could hardly breathe. I felt so bad for her! So, I spent the majority of last night cuddling with my little girl trying to make her feel better. I asked the doctor while we were there what else we could do about her being fussy because he and I are both completely at a loss as to why she cries all the time. He said he doesn't think she's colicky because she sleeps fine at night, so he gave us a new prescription for a different acid blocker that's a lot more intense than the Zantac stuff. I gave it to her this morning, so we'll see how today goes and whether this will work or not. Fingers crossed! Honestly, if this doesn't work then I just have no idea what else to do. I don't eat dairy, spicy food, caffeine, or chocolate anymore. Cutting diet Dr. Pepper and chocolate out of my diet is heart breaking, but what can you do? Even without all these things, she's still fussy, which makes me think it isn't me.

We're back in Manhattan for right now because I have to start packing and throwing things out, then after that comes the epic cleaning. I am glad to be home because I sure missed my bed and Evie really missed her swing. Seriously, that thing has been a life saver. She can sit in there and swing, watching the mobile and listening to the music for a solid hour. Yay! Constant motion folks, that's the key.

So, here's hoping the new medicine works and that I can get everything packed before we move in 2 weeks.

help me please

Hello all you mothers out there.
Question:
My baby cries pretty much all the time. I have tried Mylicon, Gripe Water, Pedialyte, and baby Zantac, but still she cries for the majority of the day. She has some times of pleasantness that last like 15min at a time, but then she all the sudden freaks out and starts crying again. I'm out of ideas. Help!