14 Months

My Little Lovey ~

As we throw away all the packages and ribbon from your second Christmas, we still get to celebrate for one more day. You are 14 months old and growing more quickly every day.

The most notable thing about this last month has been the absolute language explosion that you've gone through. You are learning more signs and saying more words than ever before. I love hearing your little voice, especially when you're using your manners with the most adorable little "Pease!" I've ever heard. You are just so bright and quick and absolutely keep us on our toes.

Your second Christmas was far less eventful than the first. No massive snowstorms this year. You enjoyed everything we did, from ripping open paper and playing with the ribbons to trying out new toys and chasing your big boy cousins. You are such a happy, joyful, little girl!

I love you ever so much, my wonderful child.

Your Momma

13 Months

My Darling Little Girl ~

Time marches on and you just keep growing and changing before my very eyes. I am so grateful for you every single day and feel so honored to be your mother and the one who gets to chronicle your early years.

This month you drank your very last baby bottle! What a big girl you are now!!! We phased your bottles out slowly, switching you to a sippy cup with 2% milk. For a while you were only getting bottles at home, then just in the morning and before bed, then only right before bed. So far, you are taking the change like such a little trooper. You like drinking milk from your sippy or with a straw, and your bedtime routine is as solid as ever, even without the bottle.

In the last few weeks, you've been getting faster and faster, some days really running from one part of the house to another. My favorite is when you watch either Daddy or me coming in from outside and you run away from the door just before we open it. We've been playing a lot of chasing games, and you just run and giggle. You have such remarkable joy!!!

The other big milestone this month was your very first ear infection. I have to say, you are such a tough girl...the only way we knew something was wrong was by how crusty your left eye got. I was astounded when Dr. Parr said that you had a double ear infection. You hadn't been crying or moody or pulling at your ear at all. Let's hope that this isn't something that happens very often. I hate knowing that my little love is sick!

I love you so much, my love.

Your Momma

Goodbye Little Baby

Last night Kaylee drank her last ever bottle.

Words

Yesterday I talked with our childcare provider and compiled a list of words that Kaylee either says or signs. I was glad that we did, too, because Kaylee got a 12-month ASQ screening when our Parents As Teacher's educator came last night.

Kaylee's spoken words: momma, hey/hi, book, baby, bug, ball, cow, moo, boo, dog, block (she learned this one last night, as we were going through the ASQ)

Kaylee's signed words: milk, more, hat, dog, baby, signing, bye-bye (she waves, anyway...)

I think this is pretty dang good for a 1 year old. :) We're working on blowing kisses, please and thank you, and cat. Those are my priorities, anyway...I'm sure Kaylee will bust out with whatever words interest her.

We All Fall Down

Oh, but we have had a rough couple days!

It all started on Thursday morning when I got Kaylee up for the day. She had vomited in her crib sometime in the night. I felt horrible, because I know I had heard her coughing a bit, but since she didn't cry for long, I let her go back to sleep on her own. Oops. Anyway...I thought it was an isolated thing...she had had 5 shots and a big dinner the night before, so I gave her the typical morning bottle and got her ready to go to childcare. I was wrong. We had no sooner got downstairs and I grabbed my purse than Kaylee started vomiting. All. Over. The. Place.

Needless to say, I stayed home with Kaylee on Thursday. She got sick several more times, but seemed like she was mostly on the mend by late afternoon. Since the last vomiting episode was later in the day, we knew that she couldn't go to childcare on Friday either, so we agreed that Mike would stay home in the morning while I went in to do a few things at work. No problem, right.

Well, first I woke up on Friday feeling a bit off. I feared that I had caught Kaylee's junk, but I seriously had to get into the office. Bad idea. I vomited 5 times that morning, including twice in the alley behind our office and once into a trash bag while pulled over on the side of the highway. Ugh. Add to that, shortly after I arrived at the office, Mike called to tell me that he thought he had another kidney stone and needed to get to the hospital and couldn't even lift Kaylee.

Friday was a disaster, but we are so lucky to have amazing family. My dad took Kaylee to his house and Mike's grandma took him to the ER. I finished my work quickly (between trips to the restroom) and got back home. My mom took over for my dad at noon with Kaylee and I stayed in bed miserable. Mike finished up at the hospital, went in to his office for a few hours (hopped up on pain pills), and brought Kaylee home from my parents'. He took very good care of me for a few hours until he started feeling sick himself. He was sick for most of the night, waking up several times to vomit.

So each of us went through approximately 12 hours of hell and came out on the other side in one piece. A brief recap...Kaylee: 3 am - 3 pm on Thursday, me: 7 am - 6 pm on Friday, Mike: 7 pm on Friday - 7 am today.

So now we move on with the rest of our weekend. Today we have an anniversary party for Mike's grandparents (which we are co-hosting with his sister), and tomorrow is Halloween. No rest for the wicked, right?

One Year Old

My Beautiful Little Love ~

Today is your birthday and I'm filled with so much happiness and so many wonderful memories. It has been such a joy to watch you grow and learn. Your daddy and I are so blessed to have such a sweet, loving, independent addition to our family. You keep us busy, keep us laughing, and give us so many reasons to love life and each other every single day.

You have learned so many things in your first year. Some days your daddy and I just watch you in amazement as you learn something new before our eyes. Just think, a year ago, you spent about 85% of you day sleeping and the other bit either crying or eating. You were so tiny that you were practically swimming in the "newborn" sized going home outfit we got you. Your cries were high pitched and squeaky and your arms flailed out of control.

Today you are such a big girl. You sleep at night (and take one nap during the day) like a big girl. You eat food at the table and drink milk from a cup like a big girl. You walk like a big girl. You look at books upon books upon books like a big girl. You use your hands and all your senses to investigate everything in your path like a big girl. You are simply amazing, lovey.

Thank you so much for the gift of this first, beautiful year. I look so forward to celebrating many more birthdays and milestones and watching you grow and learn even more.

I love you!

Mommy

One Year Ago Today...

...was the longest day of my entire life. :)

By this point, I had been in labor for over 12 hours and still had 15 more to go. It was long, hard work, but wouldn't change a single second of it.

Tomorrow my first little baby turns one!

Party Girl

Whew...what a day!

Today was Kaylee's first birthday party. Honestly, the roughest part of the day was keeping Kaylee awake this morning so that she would take a nap just before party-time. Other than that, everything went just beautifully!

I had an amazing friend to help me pick up all the food and such and decorate the room. My equally-amazing husband and sister-in-law kept Kaylee at home until just before the party. We had just enough, but not too much, food. AND...I was able to pawn off most of the extra food and not bring too too much home with us.

We had 22 people (out of 30 invited, not bad) come out to join the celebration. Once again, I am reminded just how blessed we are to have such amazing friends and family and to have so many people that love our daughter so much. I couldn't have wished for a better first birthday celebration for my littlest love.

Big Girl!!!

Last night Kaylee started walking!!! I'm so excited and sad at the same time. My baby girl is growing up so so fast. Any suggestions on how to slow her down a bit? :)

11 Months

My Sweet Little Monster ~

I've been calling you Monster off and on all month because you are becoming so busy and independent. It makes me a little sad, but it's also just so so funny. My favorite (although it can be highly annoying) is when you grunt and reach and grab at me until I pick you up, just to have you squirm out of my arms three seconds later. Make up your mind, dear one!

You are still crawling as your primary mode of getting from Point A to Point B, but you are cruising the furniture like crazy and starting to take a few tentative little steps. Your daddy and I watch you and laugh because we know that you are just so close to walking, but you don't seem to trust yourself. You spend more and more time standing on your own, though, and can now play with a toy or clap while you're standing. It seems like just yesterday that you were starting to stand on your own and would do so with your eyes wide and your arms out to the side, just waiting for the inevitable fall.

This month you started really eating like a big girl! When you're at Amanda's house, you eat what the older girls eat for lunch and drink formula in your sippy cup. We're trying to adjust our diet at home as well so that we can all eat together. We want to eat foods that are healthy for you and easy for you to chew with those two little teeth. Soon we will be saying goodbye to baby food all together!!!

I've noticed a lot of change in the way you "talk" lately, and you seem to be developing a more mature speech pattern. It's so fun to listen to you...as if you're really talking, just in a language that I don't quite understand. We have noticed a few things that you seem to be saying more frequently and with purpose..."hi," "mamamama," and "bye". I love that you finally seem to have a name for me and I almost tear up every time you reach for me and say "mamamama". Your daddy would be very happy if you could extend the same courtesy to him. :)

This is your last month as a baby. Before we know it, we'll be celebrating your birthday and be rushing into toddlerhood. Please don't feel like you have to go too quickly...

I love you!

Your Mamamama

10 Months

My darling little love ~

You have had a busy month, there's not doubt about that! You are now crawling like a big girl on your hands and knees, pulling up on anything that will stay still long enough, and cruising along furniture. You move so quickly and hate to be contained. I can't believe how it seems like all your large motor milestones have happened in just the last few weeks! You are practicing standing by yourself and can balance for 10-15 seconds at a time. Not I'm just waiting for the day that you stand up and walk across the room...I know it will be any time.

This month you finally outgrew your infant car seat. You're doing a great job in your new big girl seat, but I think it's taking some time for you to get used to it. I don't think that you like the fact that it stays in the car all the time. Even though we try to keep it covered from the sun, I think it's a little hot when you get into it, and you seem a little bit uncomfortable. Luckily, cooler weather seems like it should be just right around the corner!

You have been eating more and more table foods, and even had your first all table food meal last weekend! You seem to enjoy most of the foods we give you, but I think you love avocados the most. We'll just keep giving you new and different foods and hope that you aren't a picky eater someday like your mommy and daddy.

We had some issues with sleep this month. There were a couple nights that you woke up and cried until I came for you. One night, you even got to get in bed with us because I wasn't sure what else to do. I wish that there was some way for me to know what woke you. I really wonder whether or not you dream, and beyond that, if you have bad dreams. It's been a week or so since you've woken up, so I hope you're back to being the best-sleeping baby ever again.

Every month that passes brings so many new things and so much joy. I can not dream of what my life would be like without you in it. I love you, baby girl!

Your Mommy

Of Table Food and Independence

It seems like every day Kaylee finds a new way to express her growing independence. This weekend, it was all about table food.

We've been slowly introducing new foods to her over the last couple months. It started with Gerber baby puffs, continued on to soft fruits and cooked veggies, and now pretty much includes anything that Mike and I eat. While Kaylee still eats her baby food and seems to enjoy it, she is so interested in the food that we make for ourselves.

Saturday evening, Kaylee had her very first meal that was completely table food. She and I shared a grilled cheese sandwich (with Horizon Organic American cheese slices), she had some deli turkey breast (from Herman's Meat Market), and she ate half of an avocado. Whew!

At the beginning of the meal, she would let me help some by putting pieces of food into her wide open, waiting, insistent little mouth. That didn't last very long, though. Once she get rolling, she turn into Little Miss Independent and waved my hand away every time I tried to help. Funny girl. She did a great job, though.

I did have to be careful and just give her one or two pieces of something at a time. Pretty much whatever was within reach would disappear into her mouth. After one little coughing fit, I figured out that I needed to hold things back and make sure she was really chewing and swallowing the food. I guess this is a learning process for both of us.

Like every other milestone and memory, this is just so bittersweet. I love watching her and taking it all in as she slowly becomes the person she's going to be, but I do miss my little baby too. All in all, though, I just feel so lucky to be a mom and get to experience everything as her life unfolds and her personality develops. I can't imagine anything else I am meant to do or be that is more important that being Kaylee's mom.

What a Big Girl!!!

Today Kaylee took her first morning commute in her brand new, big-girl car seat. This seat will let her stay rear-facing until 35lbs, front-facing with the 5-point harness until 50lbs, and then act as a belt-positioning booster until 80lbs. In all likelihood, this will be the last seat that we need for Miss Kaylee. It fits just perfectly in the new CR-V (with tons of room for the infant seat to be put back in down the road a few years), and so far, she loves it! I just can't believe how quickly she's growing up!!!

Early Morning

This morning, Kaylee decided that 4:30 was the appropriate time to snuggle with me. For the last couple weeks, she's been waking up around 4:30-5, but she usually just fusses a little bit and goes back to sleep...enough to wake me, but not enough to get me out of bed. Today was a different story!

When Kaylee started fussing, I just listened to see what she'd do. When she progressed to full-blown crying, I got up. The first time I went into her room, I just patted her back a little bit. Kaylee calmed down and snuggled back in. She stayed quiet when I stopped patting, so I assumed that it was safe to go back to bed. Wrong.

The second time I went into Kaylee's room, I decided to rock with her a little bit. She was clearly still sleepy, because she just curled herself up on my chest while we rocked. Before long, I felt certain that she was asleep. She even stayed quiet and curled right up when I put her down in the crib. Back to bed for mommy. Wrong again.

The third time I went into Kaylee's room, I decided to commit the ultimate crime (in our house, anyway). I picked up my warm little ball of baby and took her to my bed. We both snuggled and snoozed until it was time for me to get up and around and into the shower. When I put Kaylee in her crib this time, she did fuss a little, but it was short-lived and I was able to leave her there and take my shower.

Needless to say, it's been a long day already and I'm thinking about a nap. Would anyone really blame me if I just put my head down on my desk? Just for a little while?

Mommy Car

Today I'm going to say goodbye to my sweet little GrandAm and get my very first Mommy Car!!!
After much research and deliberation, Mike and I decided that the Honda CR-V was what we've been looking for. While it drives and feels very much like a car, it has the additional space that we've been missing. We're looking forward to no longer asking to borrow other people's vans and knowing that there will be plenty of space for two car seats (not anytime soon, though...we're not crazy!!!).

Mike is very relieved that I'll have a far more reliable car for the commute. I'm psyched that it has keyless entry and a rear defrost (the GrandAm's hasn't worked since I've had it)...our needs are simple. I'm also excited about the hatchback as opposed to a trunk. I'll be the first to admit that I carry way too much crap in my car, and I keep most of it hidden in my trunk. I'm hoping that having a hatchback that's open for anyone to peek into will keep me from making it my own personal locker. We'll see how that goes!

I'm so excited! I can't wait to pick it up and head home!!!

9 Months

My dear Kaylee ~

9 months! Can you believe how quickly the time has gone? In just three short months, we will be celebrating your first birthday!!! It will be here before we know it.

You have been quite a busy girl this month. You are still crawling flat on your belly, but you've gotten so much quicker! If one of us go into the kitchen without you, you are right on our heels and get so so mad when you encounter the baby gate. How dare we block you from going wherever you please!? You've also figured out how to go from your belly back up to sitting, and you're very proud of this achievement. It makes it much easier for you to play with your toys and torment the animals.

Speaking of sitting up...this month we caught you sitting and standing up in your crib. !!! We had to lower your mattress and take away your bumpers. The first night without the bumpers was rough...you woke up 3 times from hitting your little head on the crib rails. Luckily, though, it didn't bother you too much and you went back to sleep each time. I absolutely adore walking in your room in the morning to find you sitting up and smiling at me. That is the best way to start a day, no doubt.

You are still eating all the baby food that we'll feed you, but we've also started to give you some real food as well. You love little pieces of banana but hated hard boiled eggs. You are getting so good at picking up your puffs and feeding yourself. You're also holding your own bottle from time to time. I know that you like doing it, but I still like to snuggle you and feed you myself. I can't let you grow up too quickly!!!

I was thrilled beyond words the other day when you finally said, "Mamamamama". I've been hearing constant "ba"s and "da"s for so long...I wanted to cry just thinking that some day soon you will look straight into my eyes and call me Momma. I can't think of anything else that will make me happier.

Every day with you brings something new and exciting. Daddy and I are so proud to be your parents and we love you so so much.

Your Mommy

Where Did She Go?

Once upon a time there was a little girl that was still. At first, she could only lay in one place...on the floor, in the bed, on your chest...she would lay there and look adorable. You could give her toys or talk to her and she would play and talk to you.

Soon enough, this little girl learned to sit. Even though she was now upright, she was mostly still. Playing and talking were a bit more interesting for the girl from this new perspective. When pictures were taken, she would sit and smile, charmingly, into the camera.

Before long, this girl learned to crawl. The days of stillness were over. Anything on the ground belonged to her. Household pets ran in fear of her grasping hands. Parents erected gates to block her path. Pictures were blurry, life was never the same.

Sheer Exhaustion

I am so so tired. I feel like I'm not sure whether I'm coming or going these days. Let's look at what my days entail...

1) Kaylee - My most important objective is making sure that my baby is taken care of. I make sure that I am mostly ready for the day by 6:30 because I know that's when she'll want to eat. Once we're both fed and dressed, it's into the car and away we go to childcare and work in Lawrence. In the evenings, I try to spend as much time with her as possible. We play on the floor, we practice standing and we talk. Three times a week, we take a bath. This part of my day ends once her bedtime routine is complete and she's off to dreamland.

2) Work - I spend 8 hours a day, Monday through Friday, at my job. I plan events, I answer questions, I take messages and I update two websites and a facebook page. My job is not rocket science, but some days it is tiring.

3) Unpacking - It's beginning to feel like this is a job that will never end. I think we're down to just 4 or 5 boxes left to unpack, but that does not include the stuff that is still at the old apartment. When I get little pieces of time, I'll put a few things away or move things around. I'm trying to create a home....one that looks nice and is organized enough that we can keep it neat.

4) Cooking/cleaning - This is infinitely more convenient now that we have our own washer/dryer and dishwasher. I do a load of laundry here and there. I try to pick up the kitchen as I cook. Today I'll be hauling the vacuum cleaning to Topeka to start on that front. I am determined to keep our new place much neater than I ever did our apartment. We have also agreed to start eating healthier and eat out less frequently. Mike does help with the cooking, but I do a fair amount myself.

5) Mike - This sliver of my day is growing smaller, but I do try to pay attention to my wonderful husband. We're working on a couple projects together with the house and I try to spend at least a few minutes with him after Kaylee goes to bed.

6) Me - Some days I feel like this piece of my day is practically nonexistent. I even feel like taking a shower and getting ready for my day isn't enjoyable because I feel rushed, am listening for Kaylee, and having to push one or both animals out of my way all the time. I do attempt to read in bed for at least 10-15 minutes before I fall asleep. I guess that's better than nothing.

Right now I feel like I'm doing a lot, but not doing much very well. I've been blowing off friends' phone calls, I've been missing television shows that I enjoy and I've gotten woefully behind on the blogs and online forums that I frequent. I think I need a lesson on finding balance in a busy life. No wonder I'm so tired.

8 Months

My dear Kaylee ~

I know that I say the same thing every month around this time, but I cannot believe how quickly you are growing. Every day brings a new surprise for your daddy and me. We love watching you grow and learn!

You got your first tooth this month! You made pretty much everyone kind of miserable for a couple days, but you came out on the other side with one bottom tooth. We keep expecting another one to pop through any day, but we haven't seen anything yet. You really don't like for people to look at your tooth, and get upset when we try to feel for it. I'll tell you one thing, though, that baby is sharp! This month, you also spent your first nights away from Mommy and Daddy. You got to spend a fun weekend with Grandma and Grandpa while we had a little weekend away. You did an amazing job and, although we missed you so much, we all had a great weekend.

You absolutely blew us away this week when you began to crawl! Right now, though, it's more of a scoot since your belly is still on the ground, but you are using your arms and legs together and you are mobile. We are learning a lot about baby proofing. Daddy learned that he can't just leave cans of soda on the floor. If it's on the floor, it belongs to you. That's what you seem to think, anyway.

You still love to talk and hear the sound of your voice, not much has changed in that area. We were very excited, though, when we (meaning Amanda and me...Daddy hasn't seen it yet) realized that you have learned your first sign. You know seem to understand and make the sign for milk! I can't wait for you to learn even more. It feels so nice to think that you can actually communicate with us and tell us what you want or need.

These are the first of many milestones that we'll celebrate in our new home. We moved one week ago today, and you have taken the change in stride. Since we made it a priority to have your room in place from day one, you never really strayed from your routine. We were a little worried that it might be rough for the first few days, but you did great. Along with the move, you and I are now commuting to Lawrence every day together. It's only been one week, but so far, you've been staying awake and talking during the morning drive and sleeping in the afternoon. Sometimes we sing together too.

There are so many other things I'd love to say to you, but I just don't have the words. I love you so much and you truly are my joy. Thank you for the past 8 months!!!

Your Mommy

And Now The Trouble Starts...

Ladies and gentlemen, we have a crawler...

Happy Father's Day (Late Again)

Dear Daddy,

I wanted to write this to you yesterday, but the weekend was busy with all the moving and we still don't have internet at the new house. A little baby can only do so much!

Thank you so much for being my daddy. I love how silly you can be and we have so much fun playing together. No one else can make me giggle quite like you do! I know that sometimes Mommy gets nervous when we play rough, but I know that you would never let anything bad happen to me. You make me feel safe and loved, even when I'm hanging upside-down or bouncing on the bed.

I love that even when you're half-asleep and so so tired in the morning, your face lights up when you see me. I know that you and Mommy work extra hard for me, but the look on your face tells me that it's worth it and that you wouldn't trade a minute of our time together. I'm such a lucky girl!

Aside from being an amazing daddy, thank you for being such a great partner to my mommy. Even though she tries to be a super-mommy, I know that she couldn't do any of it without you. Seeing the two of you work together and love each other so much makes me feel secure and gives me an idea of how I want people to treat me some day.

Thank you for everything you do and every minute that we get to be together. I love you so much!

~Kaylee (and Mommy too)

Busy Weekend...

I am one tired momma as I write this!!! We had a crazy busy weekend, and I'm still a little surprised that I've come out on the other side in one piece.

Saturday was our big moving day. I'm going to go ahead and admit that I did about 85% of the packing leading up to the big event. Mike was no slouch though. He helped me immensely by keeping Kaylee occupied when she was awake and doing whatever I needed him to do when we were both able to work. We did hire movers, and boy did they earn their money that day!!! They brought the biggest truck that the company has, and it was filled to bustin' with all the crap that we've collected over the years. There is still even a fair amount of stuff in the apartment!!! Ugh. It was a long day, but we got everyone there in one piece. (I think Kitty and Bella are a little traumatized, but they're coming around.)

Yesterday, of course, was Father's Day. Though I would have like for him to, Mike did not get to sleep in. He got up with me for Kaylee's first breakfast (around 7), and we put her down after and got to work. When Kaylee woke up around 9, we did gifts before she wanted to eat again. Mike got DVDs of It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia, an iPod and a new throw blanket (because he always wants to steal mine). I think I went a little overboard, but he deserves it. We got more work done and then had dinner with my family. It was a long day for all of us.

Today was the first day for Kaylee and I to commute to Lawrence. It took me exactly 50 minutes to get from one parking lot to the other, dropping Kaylee off in between. I took Highway40 today, tomorrow I will try the turnpike. Kaylee did great. I think she snoozed a little bit on the drive, but was awake when we got to Amanda's house. Works for me.

Packing Up and Moving On

We got our keys to our new home in Topeka this week. We're moving into a three bedroom, one-and-a-half bath townhouse with a full basement and giant closets. The walls are not white. We bought our own fridge, dishwasher and washer and dryer. This is a big deal for us.

While we are thrilled about our new place and have completely outgrown our little apartment in Lawrence, this move is still bitter-sweet. The apartment we're in now began as a frequent hang-out for me in the summer of 2000 and has been my home since the summer of 2003...there's a lot of history. It's the place where Mike and I became an us as well as where we became parents. It's the place where we first brought Kaylee home after waiting for her for so long. It's the place where we've hosted friends and family, where we've cried, we've argued and we've celebrated, where we've hid from the cops on the 4th of July after starting a small fire in the parking lot next door. It's the only home that 3 out of 5 (fur babies count too!) of us have ever known.

So we are closing this chapter of our lives. The movers come on Saturday. In the meantime, we will be packing and reminiscing and saying goodbye. (The animals will continue to freak out...do they think we're not taking them with us!?)

Weekend at Grandma's

Kaylee spent this past weekend with my parents. Mike and I went with his siblings for a weekend in Vegas. I have to say, while we missed our girly, it was the right choice for us and we had an amazing time. Kaylee did great as well.

Since my dad works in Lawrence, Kaylee was able to go to childcare on Thursday and Friday like normal. There was very little interruption in her schedule. She even slept like a dream, even though she was in a Pack 'N Play rather than her crib. I'm going to go ahead and attribute this to her standard half-swaddle and The Beatles. Nothing says sleep to Kaylee better than the familiar strains of "I Will", "Blackbird" and "Michelle" (among others).

What a Weekend!!!

I'm surprised that we all survived in tact! Miss Kaylee got her first tooth on Friday and, quite frankly, I don't think she's too pleased.

All the drama started on Wednesday...Kaylee had a few loose diapers and vomited once. Poor baby. She seemed to be doing alright on Thursday morning, so I went ahead and sent her to Amanda's. That did not go well. I ended up picking her up around 1 and staying home with her Thursday afternoon and all day Friday. Pedialyte and BRA(T) diet FTW.

I thought I was home nursing a stomach bug, but Friday afternoon, I noticed that Kaylee was, in fact, popping her first tooth. It's on the bottom, right-center. At that point, I couldn't feel anything, but it was just barely visible.

On Saturday, since Kaylee hadn't had any blowouts or vomiting for over 24 hours, we started trying to get her back on formula and phase out the Pedialyte. I think we pushed things a little too quickly, because by Sunday, she was having stomach issues again. Poor baby!!! (By Saturday and Sunday, though, we were able to feel her tooth...baby teeth are sharp!) Back to the Pedialyte we went.

Yesterday was Memorial Day, so Mike and I were both home with Kaylee. We decided to give her 2oz of formula at her normal feeding times with 2oz of Pedialyte between feedings. I swear she thought she was starving all day long!!! She only seemed happy the couple of times that we left the house to run some errands...she even got grumpy sitting in her jumperoo!!! When we tried to give Kaylee her bedtime bottle (we tried 3oz), she was inconsolable and did not want to be put to bed. We ended up giving her two more ounces and I had to rock her a bit. I was proud of myself, though, I did attempt to let her self-soothe a little bit before I went in and rocked her. I couldn't stand to let her go for more than 5 minutes, though. She needed her momma!!!

Kaylee is back at Amanda's today and Mike and I are at work. I'm hoping that getting back into the normal routine will help her fussiness (and that she won't drive Amanda absolutely bonkers). We're trying giving her 4oz of formula at a time. My hope is that she'll be back to normal by the time Mike and I leave for Vegas on Thursday. Wish us luck!!!

7 Months

My darling Kaylee ~

I truly can not believe that 7 months have passed so quickly. As much as I wish we could make this adorable baby stage last forever, the best parts of my day are seeing all the new things you are learning and doing. You are my joy.

Your new favorite thing is food. Daddy and I feel guilty any time we eat in front of you! We just know that you can't wait until you get to try everything that we're eating. For now, though, you love your baby food. We started some fruits this month, and you just love them! You've been eating a 1/2 jar of food for lunch and an entire jar at dinner time. What a good eater!!! You also got your first try with juice in a sippy this month and did great with it.

You're now off and rolling with the best of them. Although you prefer to be on your back, you're spending more and more time happy on your stomach and will roll 2-3 times to get to something you want. The only problem is that sometimes you get hung up because you won't take your thumb out of your mouth. Silly baby. You're still sitting like a champ and doing a great job of keeping your balance. Daddy starting having you practice walking the other day, and it made me so proud yet so sad. I can't believe you're so big now!!!

You have been talking virtually non-stop lately. We love hearing your constant stream of 'ba's, 'da's, and 'ga's, but I can't wait until you throw a few more 'ma's in the mix. It's just so funny, because we can tell that you just love the sound of your own voice. I love it too.

This is the last monthly milestone that you'll celebrate in our little apartment. We'll be moving soon so that you'll be closer to family and have more space to move and groove. This has been a good home for Daddy and Mommy and we'll never forget the place where we became a family.

I love you so much, Kaylee. You add so much joy and wonder to my life. Happy 7 months!!!

Your Mommy

Two Videos

We got a new video of Kaylee in her jumperoo a week or so ago. She only gets put in it 2-3 times a week for 15 minutes or so while Mike and I share a meal together. This is the only time that she is completely happy to have independent play time. I'm glad that we don't abuse the jumperoo and that she just seems to love it so much.


Kaylee has been talking non-stop lately. It's a constant stream of "da-da-ba-ga-ga-da-ba-da-da-da." We get the occasional "ma," but that's mostly when she's pissed off about something. Mike says that's because she really needs her mommy just then. He's the sweetest! Kaylee's voice is just love lovely and she enjoys hearing herself so much. This video is kind of crap quality because I used my cell phone. The angle of the shot is super weird because when I held my phone up higher, Kaylee stopped talking altogether and stared at the blinking red light. Stubborn baby.

A Video For My Oh-So-Neglected Blog

I feel so bad that I've not posted very much here lately. I guess we just have a lot going on. You may have also noticed that my 360 project was an epic fail. Oh well. I guess my only excuse is that I'm a busy working mom. When I'm home, I'm trying to spend as much time with my girlie as possible. I can't believe that she's growing up so much right before our eyes!!!

Last night I let Kaylee try a sippy cup for the first time. I used the Playtex First Sipster. I think she did really great with the mechanics of holding it and bringing it to her mouth, but she didn't seem to care for the juice. I did 1/2 Gerber baby apple juice and 1/2 water. Maybe next time I'll try just a little bit of plain water. See for yourself...

Happy Half-Birthday!!!

My Dear Littlest Love ~

Today you are 6 months old. I can not believe how the time has flown by, but I have loved every single day that I've gotten to spend with you. You are the best thing I have ever done and I'm so proud to be your momma.

I'm so excited to go to the doctor later and find out how much you've grown this past month. You are still taking your bottles like a champ and love love love your vegetables. So far, your favorite seems to be squash, and I don't think you care for carrots. Last night you finally figured out that eating is a whole lot easier if you open you mouth wide for me. :)

You are getting so big and love sitting up now. You still wobble a little and fall right over when you get too excited. You still aren't terribly interested in rolling, but we know you can do it when you really want something.

You are talking more than ever, and have even added a consonant to your repertoire. We spend a lot of time now saying "Ba Ba Ba" along with you. Sometimes you're trying so hard to get those sounds out...it seems like you have so much to tell us, if only you could get it out. Your little voice is one of my most favorite sounds in the world.

Your daddy and I are so excited to tell people about what a great sleeper you are. You go right to bed after your last bottle and sleep until I wake you up in the morning. Thank you for that!!! You love to sleep on your side and make the cutest little noises from time to time. I love laying in bed and listening to you through the monitor.

I love you so much, baby girl! Happy half-birthday!!!

Your Mommy

One Sad, Lonely Mommy

Tonight I will sleep in a different town as my baby. I will be in a strange bed in a hotel with no baby monitor next to my head for the first time in just over five months. I'm so sad and feel like something is terribly wrong.

I know that traveling is sometimes part of my job. I've managed to avoid it for this long, but I had to go this week. I keep telling myself that it's only one night; that it's a good start and good practice for longer trips; that Mike is wonderful with Kaylee and I have nothing to worry about. While these things are all true, none of them make a new mommy feel okay about spending a night away from her baby.

Will anyone hold it against me if I cry a little bit tonight? I sure hope not.

Baseball is Back!!!

HAPPY OPENING DAY!!!

(There are also some very cute pictures of Easter. I'll post them later. Priorities, you know...)

Holy Growth Spurt, Batman!

Yesterday my mom and I took Kaylee out to her office to weigh and measure her. She was 11lbs 8oz at her 4 month appointment, so I was guessing she'd be somewhere in the 13 pound range. Actually, Mike and I put an over/under bet on it...I guess over 13, he took the under. Imagine my surprise when the little girlie weighed in at 14lbs 6oz. She's huge!!! Kaylee gained nearly 3 pounds in one month. Not only that, but my mom plotted her on a growth curve, and she's now at the 25th percentile (up from the 9th percentile at 4 months). Wowza!!!

I'm so happy that she's growing so well now. I was so worried there for a while when nursing wasn't working and she was only gain 3 or 4 ounces a week. I dare say she's making up for lost time.

5 Months

Dear Darling Littlest Love,

You are 5 months old today and growing so much! I can hardly wait to spend time with you every day and see what new things you have in store for me!

You still have the greatest smile and are now starting to laugh a little bit more often. Boy howdy, though...you make us work for those giggles! You're also moving past a little quiet stage and starting to talk more again. It seems like you make new noises all the time!

You still aren't a fan of tummy time and show very little interest in rolling. At first, I wanted to be worried about this, but I think maybe you'll just skip rolling. Who needs it!? You're working so hard on sitting up, but love love love to stand. You stand holding our hands or leaning up against something...doesn't matter, as long as you're standing, you're happy. I love it when your little legs start to get tired and wobble all over the place.

You love your bottles, but are starting to fight us a little bit. I think you're just so curious about the bottle and our hands, but you end up pushing the bottle away and making a huge mess. It's not unusual for Daddy and me to hold your hands down while we're feeding you. Poor baby! You're also getting to be a champ with baby cereal. I really think you like it and can't wait to try out some vegetables in a few weeks. What a big girl!!!

You make us so happy and add so much to our lives. While I can barely remember life without you, it seems like just yesterday that we were still in the hospital, meeting you for the first time. I love you Kaylee!!!

Your Mommy

Reading to Kaylee

I'll be honest from the start here...we do not read to Kaylee nearly as much as we ought to. I would say that I read to her several (3-5) times a week. I don't think that's too bad, especially considering that she's so young and would much rather shove the book in her mouth than hear me read it.

Right now, though, my favorite book to read to her is I Love You Because You're You. It's a little fox mommy and child and talks about different emotions and such...the final page saying,

I love you any way you feel,
No matter what you do
I love you any way you are,
I love you because you're you.

It's just so so sweet and I love the way it rhymes so nicely. Mike has been making fun of me, though, because I have the entire book slightly memorized. I guess I just hope that some day, Kaylee will have it memorized too.

More Food...

Last night Kaylee had cereal for the second time. She took 1 tbsp. of rice cereal mixed with approximately 1oz of formula...a consistency slightly thinner than applesauce. I know it was only our second try, but I think she's starting to get the picture. When I would move the spoon towards her, she would grab my hand and pull a little. She also started to open her mouth in anticipation, but just barely. She hasn't quite got the wide-mouth little baby bird thing going yet, but it's early. Tonight I'm going to let Mike try feeding her. :)

So here's my plan for food in Kaylee's diet...
Week 1 (3/21-27) - cereal once a day in the evening
Week 2 (3/28-4/3) - cereal twice a day; once at childcare, once in the evening
Week 3 (4/4-10) - cereal twice a day at childcare, vegetables once a day in the evening

We'll maybe stick with the Week 3 plan for a while (I want to be the one to introduce new foods), until she's tried a few different veggies. Again, this is just a rough plan. You know what they say about the best laid plans...

Food!!!

Yesterday we let Miss Kaylee try baby cereal for the first time. It was a mess, but I think she liked it and ate every bit. Please ignore our conversation in the background...yes, I admit it...I had to google the cup:gallon conversion.

And It's Over...

I did not pump today.

I knew the day was coming, but I never made the conscious decision for today to be the day. I got Kaylee and Mike up and around like every other day and went into the kitchen to grab my pump parts. I didn't have any clean parts and the sink was full of dishes. Yes, I could have taken the time to partially empty the sink and wash up my pump parts, but really? Is it really worth it? For the last several days, I've been pumping for 15 minutes to yield less than an ounce. Is it really worth it?

We have 8oz of frozen milk. Kaylee will get four more nighttime bottles with some breast milk mixed in. That's it. It's done.

Like I said, I knew it was coming and I know that the pumping was almost pointless, but I didn't expect to be as sad as I am. If I could have any wish right now, it would be to be able to nurse my baby and give her the nutrients that she needs. To hold her close and know that I am giving her a part of myself to help her grow. I guess I just have to know in my heart that I have done the absolute best I could. I love my baby girl and I will continue to make the best choices I can for her. She will drink formula and (soon) eat baby food and grow and learn and be the center of our little world.

This Time Last Year...

One year ago today two little pink lines changed my life. I have never known more joy or love than I do right now.

What's Best

I'm not quite sure how this post is going to go. I feel like I'm in a tough spot where I don't know what I'm thinking or feeling. I guess I'll just type it out and see what happens...

I had always planned to breastfeed my babies. I knew all the research and could wax poetic about why breastfeeding is best on so many levels. I planned to nurse my child within the first several moments of her life and continue doing so for up to a year. I planned to introduce a bottle for use at childcare and the occasional daddy-feeding. I planned to nurse, pump, and save a ton of money during the first year of my child's life.

These plans were derailed early on when Kaylee needed medical attention immediately after birth. Rather than being placed on my chest and having an early try at nursing, she was swept away to the nursery and was put under oxygen. It was eight hours before I would get to hold her and almost twelve hours before we would have a shot at nursing. We struggled and worked with each other to learn how to breastfeed. I finally got to a place where I thought we were doing well. Kaylee was nursing and acting satisfied, but there was the nagging voice in the back of my mind that kept telling me that she wasn't gaining enough weight.

At three months, I had to stop trying to ignore this nagging voice when our doctor said the same thing. For some reason, Kaylee wasn't able to transfer enough milk through nursing to gain the weight that she should have been. That was the beginning of the end of nursing for us.

I mourned this for several days. I felt like a failure for not being able to nourish my child. I would sit with my pump while Mike gave Kaylee a bottle and cry for the moments that I wasn't spending with her in my arms. Slowly, my supply decreased and Kaylee's diet contained more and more formula and less and less breast milk.

Right now, Kaylee gets straight formula during the day and half formula/half breast milk in the evening. I pump twice a day and get anywhere from 1.5 to 3 ounces at a time. Something important has happened, though. Somewhere in the last month, I stopped mourning and started to accept this new plan. Kaylee went from the 3rd percentile in weight at three months to the 9th percentile for weight at four months. She is growing and learning and happy and so so beautiful. Even though I know all the facts about breast milk and nursing, I am damn proud to say that my daughter is formula fed and thriving. I had to make a choice about what was best for my child and my family and this time, it happened to be formula.

I talk with a lot of moms of infants and read a lot of articles about what moms are doing with their children. Let me tell you something...there are some pretty damn self-righteous ladies out there. I have read time and time again about how breast milk is the only good choice for babies and formula is detrimental and considered the easy way out. I have read that mothers who think they can't breastfeed only reach that conclusion because they're uninformed and ill-supported. I have read that mothers who drink and smoke yet breastfeed are making better choices than a clean, sober mom who uses formula.

So here I am. In just over four months I have made the journey from someone to planned to exclusively breastfeed to someone who is fighting to be respected for formula feeding. I guess, all in all, my message is that mothers who are able to exclusively breastfeed do not have the market on doing what is best for their children.

Congestion

Kaylee and I are both sick. We both have a cold with stuffy noses. She is dealing with her cold far more gracefully than I am. I had been attacking her with saline drops and the booger sucker every couple hours, but then I realized that her cold is bothering me more than it is her. She's eating, she's sleeping, she's playing, she's smiling...I'm the one that's been freaking out. I would just really like to nip this little bug in the bud before it gets worse.

Laughing

Kaylee finally blessed me with her darling little laugh this last weekend. I love it!!! We had been trying to get her to laugh using toys and things that make all sort of noises, but that didn't work. I had to just sit with her, face to face, and make a complete jack @$$ of myself....making all kinds of noises and goofy faces finally paid off. The only bad part is, I get so tickled by her laugh that I start squealing and giggling and that freaks her out a little bit. My next trick is to learn to act cool, like I don't care if she's laughing or not. I love this baby!!!

Four Months and Counting

My Dear Darling Littlest Love~

I can hardly believe that four months have passed since you joined our family. It has been a roller coaster, but one that I wouldn't miss for the world. You have added so much to my life and to our family.

I love seeing your beautiful smile...it reminds me that all our work is worth it; you are a happy, healthy little girl. I love hearing your voice and having our little conversations in the evening. I love watching you explore your hands and discover how many things you can do with them. I love watching you sleep and noticing how much you move around in your crib at night.

I can not wait to see what the coming months hold for us. You have so much more to learn and discover...so much more growing to do. I'll be right here, holding your hands and my camera, hoping to catch it all. I love you so much more than you could imagine.

Momma

Update on the Photo Project

I can now change my project name to Kaylee 356. I have missed the following days: January 5, 7, 11, 18 and 25, February 2, 3, 4 (what was going on that week?) and 15. I set 350 photos in 365 days as my goal. That means that I can only miss 6 more days for the rest of the year. I have a feeling that ain't happening. I'll just keep clicking...

Totally Forgot About This...

The results from the little online baby pool...

Angel	girl	7 lbs 4 ozs	20 in	Nov 12, 12:42 pm	PA	online friend
Becky	girl	8 lbs 4 ozs	20 in	Nov 20, 6:40 pm	Lawrence KS	I'm the momma!!!
Mary	girl	7 lbs 13 ozs	19 in	Nov 18, 5:36 am	Topeka KS	baby-momma's friend
Auntie	girl	6 lbs 10 ozs	18 in	Nov 14, 3:00 am	St. James City FL	The best Aunt ever!!!!!!!!!
Grandma	girl	8 lbs 2 ozs	21 in	Nov 16, 12:45 am	Topeka KS
Mike	girl	9 lbs 9 ozs	22 in	Nov 6, 4:41 am	Lawrence KS	I'm the baby daddy
Paula	girl	8 lbs 2 ozs	21 in	Nov 10, 8:00 pm	Topeka KS	baby gma
Sarah	girl	7 lbs 4 ozs	17 in	Nov 4, 6:04 am	New York NY	I used to live in the baby's room . . . and the parents' room . . .
Michelle	girl	6 lbs 14 ozs	19 in	Nov 5, 5:04 am	Olathe KS	Cousin-in-law to Becky

So my friend Sarah was the closest on the date, but that's only because she chose her own birthday...disqualified. A couple people were close on the length, so we'll call it a toss-up. On weight, my Auntie was the closest...only off by 1 oz! Way to go!!!

She Laughs...

...at childcare. Not at home. Grrr.

Our provider casually mentioned this to me yesterday, showing me a toy that Kaylee likes. She didn't realize that we have yet to hear this minor phenomenon. When I told her we hadn't, she jokingly said, "Oh never mind, she never laughs here either."

I actually surprised myself, though. I wasn't as crushed to hear this news as I thought I would be. I'm sad, yes, and I want to figure out what we can do to get her laughing at home, but I'm okay.

I'll give her a week to laugh for me...then I'll be crushed.

Realizations

I'm not sure why it took a while for this to set in, but the other day I realized the ramifications of having a baby in childcare. Our provider will be the one to teach Kaylee a lot of new things. She will likely be the first one to see her crawl, walk, talk, und so weiter...

I have no doubt that Kaylee knows who I am. The look on her face when she sees me or hears my voice tells me this. I just feel a little sad at the things I'm giving up by being a working mom. I know I'm making the right choice. I'm not cut out to be a SAHM...my maternity leave taught me that. I just wish there was a way to work outside of the home without feeling like you're missing out on your child's life. I mean, right now, five days a week I wake her up, change her clothes, ship her off to childcare, pick her up, feed her and put her to bed. There are snippets of playing and "talking" in there, but it just doesn't feel like quite enough.

Anyway...forgive my ramblings. I'm just still trying to work through all this mom stuff. It takes some time...

A Day Late...

We hope everyone had a nice Valentine's Day with the ones they love!!!

I'm Sad But Oh So Over It

I finally reached my breaking point last night. I finally decided that stressing and agonizing over pumping, all the while getting a mere 2-3oz at a time, is just not worth it. I love my baby girl. I would love for her to have nothing but breast milk until she's six months old, but it just isn't going to happen. I'm tired, I hurt and I want my boobs back.

I'm starting the process of stopping pumping. Did that make sense to anyone besides me? Right now I'm cutting down to three pumps a day and asking to go back on my old birth control. I also stopped taking the prescription my doctor gave me for production (which didn't help anyway, by the way). Kaylee is getting straight formula at childcare. Right now, she's been getting straight breast milk at home, but I think I'll start cutting that half-and-half to ease the transition a bit.

As much as I'm ready to stop stressing and start enjoying my baby and my body again, I'm still sad and confused. I wish I could know what went wrong. I wish I could know why my body was so resistant to all the normal things that help other women with their supply. I really wish I could know in advance if I'll have better luck with another baby down the line or if we'll have the same struggles. All questions that I'll probably never know the answers to.

I guess I just need to focus on the fact that I gave Kaylee as much of my milk as I could. I have to know that almost four months is better than nothing. I have to know that she will benefit in so many ways from having a mommy that is calm and happy and who loves her so so much.

Holy Cow I Need to Post More Often!!!

Kaylee is now in week 2 of childcare. We love our provider and I'm happy to say that she understands how a mommy's brain works. She texted me midway through Kaylee's first day to tell me that things were going well and yesterday she sent me a picture of Kaylee on my phone. I love it.

Kaylee cried upon being dropped off for the first three days. This surprised me. I guess I thought that three months was too young for a baby to show a real preference for her parents. I would have thought that as long as her needs were being met, she would be fine. Kaylee never ceases to amaze me. By Thursday, she seemed to settle in and didn't cry as much when Mike left her. I kept her with me on Friday, but it didn't seem to mess her up as she was a dream for our provider yesterday. My highlight of childcare so far was Thursday when I picked Kaylee up. She was about to get fed and had her face all scrunched up, crying. As soon as she heard my voice...and I mean the second I spoke...her little eyes flew open and the crying stopped. She knew her momma was there!!! Hurrah!!! Mommy FTW!!!

I gotta say it...while I miss seeing my little girl whenever I want to, I'm getting so much more accomplished at work! Much to my chagrin, I'm just not cut out to be a stay-at-home or work-at-home mom.

Three Months Ago

Three months ago I became a momma. After sweating and grunting and breathing and worrying and pushing and crying for nearly 30 hours, my Littlest Love joined our family.

These three months have been filled with some of the hardest moments I can remember. Seeing my new little baby swept away before I got to hold her...watching a nurse put an IV in her little hand...endless heel sticks...nursing issues that finally ended with an order to exclusively pump...the list goes on. While there have been tears and sleepless nights, I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world. I am so lucky to be holding the most beautiful little girl I have ever seen. She has my heart. She challenges me to be what I've always known I was made to be...a mommy.

Thank you, Kaylee, for making my dreams come true.

(By the way...I missed taking a picture yesterday. Oops. Possible 360 now.)

Exclusively Pumping

We have been a little bit concerned about Kaylee's weight gain (or lack there of) for some time now. While it's generally expected that babies gain about an ounce a day, Kaylee's only been gaining approximately 3-4 ounces a week. We tried not to get too worked up at first...she was happy after being fed, having more awake/alert time, developing appropriately in all other areas, and she had never lost weight...but we went to the doctor this week.

We went in Thursday and Kaylee weighed in at a whopping 9lbs 8oz. My doctor ordered some blood work on her, just to be sure that she didn't have some sort of problem, and suggested that she might not be getting enough calories. She had us spend the rest of the day Thursday and all day Friday with me pumping and Kaylee getting 4 ounces in a bottle at her feedings. Doing this at home with Mike's support is no problem, but let me tell you, being alone at work on Friday...pain in the ass!!! I got very little accomplished.

We went back to the doctor yesterday morning and Kaylee weighed 9lbs 12oz. She gained 4 ounces in two days! She gained as much in two days as she had been gaining in a week! Wow!!! So...the official order is for me to continue exclusively pumping and giving Kaylee my milk in bottles. I've been given the option to start some medication that may boost my supply, but I'm going to give the pumping a few days to see what happens. We may also cut some of her bottles with a few ounces of formula. It'll make our supply of milk last a little bit longer, and we have some left from when she was born that's about to expire in February.

I'll be honest, I'm pretty sad. Don't get me wrong...I'm so glad that this is going to work and that Kaylee's finally going to get the calories she needs, but I love nursing and hate hate hate pumping. I'm so sad that I can't hold her to me and know that she's getting what she needs. Sometimes I watch Mike feed her while I'm pumping and I get so jealous. That's supposed to be my job. It'll just take some time. Who knows...maybe once I get my supply going a bit more, we can try nursing again. I'm not getting my hopes up, but who knows...

Trying to Laugh

Today Kaylee tried to laugh at me. I was holding her at my desk and tickling her chin. She had a big, open-mouthed grin, and went "huh" several times. It sounded like a grunt, but I know it's the beginning of her little laugh. I can't wait to hear it!

365 Days of Kaylee...Well, Not Quite

You may have noticed a new box at the bottom of the page. This is a photostream of quite possibly the most adorable baby on the planet. My goal was to take a picture of Kaylee at least once a day to add to this set...365 pictures of my baby in 2010. So far, I'm down to a possible 361 pictures. I have missed the following days so far: January 5, 7, 11, and 18. I will update this photostream frequently and keep track of how many and which days I miss. Any bets on how many pictures I'll have by December 31, 2010? I think I'll be super-impressed if I get 350.

Year In Review

I've been seeing a lot of bloggers do sometime similar to what I'm about to attempt. I'll go through 2009 and highlight a few things that happened in my life. This has been a big year, so here I go...

January ~ America welcomed their first African-American President. Mike and I tried a get-healthier plan, but it was fairly short-lived. Oh well.

February ~ Mike and I had an amazing Valentine's Day, which he believes resulting in Miss Kaylee joining our small family. Gwen, my mother-in-law, found out that her cancer had returned and decided that she no longer wanted to fight it. I got my Blackberry.

March ~ We discovered that I was pregnant and I started the very blog you are reading today.

April ~ We gave up and shared our baby secret with our family. We celebrated my dad's 60th birthday with a surprise party. I got to go to Florida for work and also visited my aunt...vomiting on the sidewalk in Orlando was not exactly a high point, but pretty funny all the same.

May ~ We go to see our little one on an impromptu sonogram and finally shared the good news with the world.

June ~ Mike and I went to the Chicago/Earth Wind and Fire concert with his mom and sister. I began to feel the baby move a bit.

July ~ Mike and I celebrated our second wedding anniversary. We had another sonogram and found out that we were expecting a healthy, beautiful baby girl. I got to see the Wiggles with my mom and nephews. Mike got to feel Kaylee kick for the first time.

August ~ We ordered the furniture for Kaylee's room. Little did we know what an ordeal that would be. Kaylee began to respond to me poking my belly...interactive fetus.

September ~ Mike and I started our childbirth class at the hospital. We took our annual Labor Day camping trip. I had a wonderful baby shower thrown by my friend Mary and sister-in-law Kris. We went to my 10 year high school reunion that same night. Mike stopped smoking!!!

October ~ We finally got our furniture and put Kaylee's room together. We had another sonogram and finally got to see Kaylee's profile. Kaylee decided to make a surprise appearance at 37 weeks. We finally became a family of 3!!!

November ~ I went through some tough times adapting to life as a mother, but found out that there is support out there. Kaylee got to meet her Grandma Gwen before she passed away. Gwen died two days before Kaylee's original due date. We celebrated our first Thanksgiving with our daughter and without my mother-in-law.

December ~ I celebrated my 29th birthday and continued to adapt to my life as a mommy. Kaylee's first Christmas was marked with a ridiculous snow storm that resulted in our postponing celebrations for a few days. We had a wonderful Christmas lunch of mac-n-cheese and hot dogs with Auntie Miriam.

It's been quite the year. I have to say that I'm glad to welcome a new year and a fresh start.