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.
28 June 2010
26 June 2010
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
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
22 June 2010
21 June 2010
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)
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.
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.
16 June 2010
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!?)
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!?)
08 June 2010
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).
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).
01 June 2010
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!!!
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!!!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)