As much as I thought it was impossible for me, I did survive my first day working since Norah was born, and a new job! I did feel like I was back in college during syllabus week -- getting a lot of information thrown at me. I did have a few moments of tears this morning and I'm sure will continue to have more as the days and weeks go on. But, life will go on.
As my wonderful friend, Lauren, told me last night, "You will be the first person she sees when she wakes up in the morning and the last person she sees when she goes to sleep." So very true, Laur. Those words are so comforting to me and will be each and every day.
Only three more work days until our weekend begins! ;)
Monday, August 12
Sunday, August 11
Letters To Norah {6 Months}
Norah,
Happy {belated} half-birthday! I absolutely cannot believe that you are half a year old. How can time fly by so quickly? And, how can one little baby change so very much in such a short amount of time? In just 6 months, you've gone from the teeniest, snuggly infant to a strong, curious, on-the-go little girl.
As promised, so much has happened in our lives this past month. And, of course, you've been a happy camper {most of the time!} while you enjoyed the ride with us. On July 3, we moved into a new house. The house you are going to grow up in and remember forever. We're going to make so many memories together in this house. It was crazy moving in the day before a holiday. We wanted to work on getting the house organized, but also wanted to celebrate your first 4th of July!
We went to the lake for the weekend after the fourth. You went on your first boat ride. You enjoyed the ride, but HATED your lifejacket! I can't blame you. After the lake, we had one week at home before we packed our bags again and went to Michigan with Nana, Papa, Aunt Quinn, Uncle Andy, and your 3 cousins. You loved the beach, but were very stubborn when it came to taking naps. There was too much going on that you didn't want to miss out on! That week you were also much fussier than you typically are. We figured out why about half-way through the week...teeth! Not one, two, at the very same time!
We were home from Michigan for four days before we packed yet again to head out to California. We spent a day in Southern California so daddy could go to a work meeting. Then we flew up to San Francisco to spend time with Auntie Lauren and Uncle Jared. We had so much fun with them! You loved being in the city, looking at all the people and taking in all the sights and sounds. We left the city for a couple days and drove to their house in Tahoe. The drive was much longer than we anticipated, but you didn't fuss too much that we were in the car for such a long time! You spent your 6 month birthday on the beach at Lake Tahoe. What a fantastic way to spend the day!
We're all glad that we are home now and don't have any travel plans in the near future. All of our trips wore you out so much, you slept from 9:30pm to 11:30am the night we got home! You are such a good traveler and we know we're going to spend so many fun times traveling all over the place together. By the time you're one, you'll have two passport stamps!
Last time I wrote you, you were just about to be able to sit up all on your own. You quickly mastered that skill, and have moved on to many new things. You are pretty much crawling now. You use your feet to push and hands to pull you in the direction of where you want to go. I'm guessing within the next couple weeks, you'll have figured out to use your knees to go even faster.
You are quite the wiggle-worm. It's getting more and more difficult to hold you or try to have you sit on our laps. You know what you want and are determined to get things once you set your eyes on them. You are a talker. You are starting to make all kinds of new sounds using your lips and tongue. It's fun to hear all the different sounds you come up with. Sometimes you surprise yourself after you make a funny sound!
Your newest thing is your "scrunchy face." You scrunch up your nose and eyes and give us a little bit of sass {imagine that}! Of course, I have yet to be able to take a picture of your new, cute expression. The amount of personality that shines through each and every day is amazing. I see a lot of your daddy in you!
Just before we left for California, I started you on baby food. You like it SO much better than rice cereal. You are not a picky eater! So far you've had peas, green beans, sweet potatoes, carrots, bananas, and peaches. You love all of them! You are starting to eat more at a time, especially around dinner time. I just bought you a couple new sippy cups for you to start practicing with. You love drinking water out of them!
Wow, you've changed so much this past month! You are growing so quickly and not looking like a little baby anymore. You are a quick-learner and absolutely love learning about the world around you. Tomorrow I start my new job at Papa's office. I can't believe that 6 months has past us by this quickly. It seems like just a few weeks ago that we were meeting you for the first time. I'm really sad that I have to go to work and leave you during the day. I'm going to miss you more than you'll ever know! You are going to have so much fun at daycare and will have a blast with the other kids. You don't know how much fun I've had with you these past 6 months. I feel so lucky to be your mom and to have spent so much time with you each and every day. Just remember, I'll always be thinking about you during the day while I'm at work. Promise.
I love you, sweetheart.
Mommy
Happy {belated} half-birthday! I absolutely cannot believe that you are half a year old. How can time fly by so quickly? And, how can one little baby change so very much in such a short amount of time? In just 6 months, you've gone from the teeniest, snuggly infant to a strong, curious, on-the-go little girl.
As promised, so much has happened in our lives this past month. And, of course, you've been a happy camper {most of the time!} while you enjoyed the ride with us. On July 3, we moved into a new house. The house you are going to grow up in and remember forever. We're going to make so many memories together in this house. It was crazy moving in the day before a holiday. We wanted to work on getting the house organized, but also wanted to celebrate your first 4th of July!
{Watching the fireworks downtown Indianapolis.}
We were home from Michigan for four days before we packed yet again to head out to California. We spent a day in Southern California so daddy could go to a work meeting. Then we flew up to San Francisco to spend time with Auntie Lauren and Uncle Jared. We had so much fun with them! You loved being in the city, looking at all the people and taking in all the sights and sounds. We left the city for a couple days and drove to their house in Tahoe. The drive was much longer than we anticipated, but you didn't fuss too much that we were in the car for such a long time! You spent your 6 month birthday on the beach at Lake Tahoe. What a fantastic way to spend the day!
We're all glad that we are home now and don't have any travel plans in the near future. All of our trips wore you out so much, you slept from 9:30pm to 11:30am the night we got home! You are such a good traveler and we know we're going to spend so many fun times traveling all over the place together. By the time you're one, you'll have two passport stamps!
Last time I wrote you, you were just about to be able to sit up all on your own. You quickly mastered that skill, and have moved on to many new things. You are pretty much crawling now. You use your feet to push and hands to pull you in the direction of where you want to go. I'm guessing within the next couple weeks, you'll have figured out to use your knees to go even faster.
You are quite the wiggle-worm. It's getting more and more difficult to hold you or try to have you sit on our laps. You know what you want and are determined to get things once you set your eyes on them. You are a talker. You are starting to make all kinds of new sounds using your lips and tongue. It's fun to hear all the different sounds you come up with. Sometimes you surprise yourself after you make a funny sound!
Your newest thing is your "scrunchy face." You scrunch up your nose and eyes and give us a little bit of sass {imagine that}! Of course, I have yet to be able to take a picture of your new, cute expression. The amount of personality that shines through each and every day is amazing. I see a lot of your daddy in you!
Just before we left for California, I started you on baby food. You like it SO much better than rice cereal. You are not a picky eater! So far you've had peas, green beans, sweet potatoes, carrots, bananas, and peaches. You love all of them! You are starting to eat more at a time, especially around dinner time. I just bought you a couple new sippy cups for you to start practicing with. You love drinking water out of them!
Wow, you've changed so much this past month! You are growing so quickly and not looking like a little baby anymore. You are a quick-learner and absolutely love learning about the world around you. Tomorrow I start my new job at Papa's office. I can't believe that 6 months has past us by this quickly. It seems like just a few weeks ago that we were meeting you for the first time. I'm really sad that I have to go to work and leave you during the day. I'm going to miss you more than you'll ever know! You are going to have so much fun at daycare and will have a blast with the other kids. You don't know how much fun I've had with you these past 6 months. I feel so lucky to be your mom and to have spent so much time with you each and every day. Just remember, I'll always be thinking about you during the day while I'm at work. Promise.
I love you, sweetheart.
Mommy
Monday, July 22
21...
...the number of days I have left to spend with Norah before I start my new job and my maternity leave is over. I'm having a harder time with this than I ever thought possible. I've been way too emotional the last couple days, tearing up often as she snuggles before a nap, giggles, or cries out in pain from her teeth.
I'm thankful that I have a wonderful job waiting for me and that it's four days a week. I'm so thankful for this time that I've had with her and will soak up every last minute of the next 21 days. I know working will ultimately be good for me, but I'm sad about missing out on spending every day with her.
I'm overwhelmed by the number of changes that have happened in my life recently and they are making me an emotional mess! We head out to California for a week tomorrow to spend time with best friends. I can't wait. I'm thinking it's just what I need to get away from all the stress. For now, I'll pack and think about work another day.
I'm thankful that I have a wonderful job waiting for me and that it's four days a week. I'm so thankful for this time that I've had with her and will soak up every last minute of the next 21 days. I know working will ultimately be good for me, but I'm sad about missing out on spending every day with her.
I'm overwhelmed by the number of changes that have happened in my life recently and they are making me an emotional mess! We head out to California for a week tomorrow to spend time with best friends. I can't wait. I'm thinking it's just what I need to get away from all the stress. For now, I'll pack and think about work another day.
Tuesday, July 2
Reminiscing
As I lay in bed for the last time at our first house, I can't help but to feel a little sad. An amazing chapter in our lives is closing. We are so excited for our new house and can't wait to make many memories there. However, it's hard to not think back to all the amazing things that have happened in this house.
We were thrilled when we bought this house the summer of 2009. We couldn't wait to move in and get it furnished. Since then, our lives have changed and our family has grown. Our needs are different. We knew this day would come sooner than later buying a 2 bedroom house, but moving is easier said than done.
This house wasn't just our first together. It was so much more. Kurt proposed in our bedroom on a rainy evening in May. This was the house we brought Olive home to after we adopted her. We spent time rearranging the house after we got married and received so many wonderful gifts. I labored for far too long in this house! And most importantly, this was the house we brought our baby girl home to after a stressful 48 hours in the NICU.
We've had our fair share of late-night parties, lazy weekend evenings, and mornings where we slept in longer than we should have. After almost 4 years, it's hard to remember all of the good times we've had together in this house.
Tomorrow, a new chapter begins in our lives. Of course there are a few things we'll miss about this house {mainly two specific neighbors!}, but our new house and new neighborhood are going to be better than we could have imagined for us. We'll never forget all the amazing memories we made in this house and I can't wait to make even more in our next.
It's been real 2335. We'll miss you.
Monday, July 1
July Preview
I don't think I'll be blogging much during July because we have a C.R.A.Z.Y month ahead of us. All very exciting things, but I know it's going to fly by. I have mixed emotions about it all because it's my last full month at home with Norah before I head back to work in mid-August. I'm planning to soak up every last moment with her before that. Here's a preview of our crazy life to come:
*Today {July 1}, we officially got possession of our new house! We showed my parents, Andy, Julia, and Lauren the house yesterday, but we could officially begin moving things in today.
*Tomorrow Kurt and I plan to move as much as possible on our own to the new house. We're hoping to not have to keep the movers for as much time as they've quoted us. The less time, the cheaper for us!
*Wednesday the movers come! It will be our first night in the new place!
*Thursday is the 4th {already?!?}. This will be the first time in years we'll be celebrating in Indy. We'll probably go check out the fireworks downtown after working on the house all day.
*Friday we're going to head to the lake for the weekend to try and relax a little bit.
*Monday {8th} - Friday {12th} we are going to be working on the house as much as we possibly can. I'll make sure to take before and after pictures as much!
*Saturday {13th - Julia's 7th Birthday!!} my mom, Norah, and I are heading up to Michigan to meet Andy, Quinn, and the girls. Kurt and my dad are heading up after golf on Sunday. We'll be spending the week there with everyone.
*Friday {19th} we are planning to leave Michigan and stop at the lake on the way home. We'll spend the evening with Kurt's family and pick up the dogs from his parents.
*Saturday {20th} we are leaving the lake to come home, unpack, and do any last minute things on our old house.
*Monday {22nd} if everything goes as planned {fingers crossed!!!!!}, we close on our old house!
*Tuesday {23rd) we are heading out to Newport Beach, CA for a business meeting that Kurt has.
*Wednesday {24th} Kurt, Norah, and I will be flying up to San Francisco to stay with Lauren and Jared!! :) Either Thursday or Friday that week, we are going to drive to their house in Tahoe and stay there until Sunday.
*Monday {29th} we fly home!
Hopefully, by the end of this month, we'll be vacationed out {is that really possible?!?}, ready to do some major work on our new place, and only own one home. It's going to be a crazy month, but so much fun. I know we'll come out of July feeling tired, but I can't wait to make so many memories!
*Today {July 1}, we officially got possession of our new house! We showed my parents, Andy, Julia, and Lauren the house yesterday, but we could officially begin moving things in today.
*Tomorrow Kurt and I plan to move as much as possible on our own to the new house. We're hoping to not have to keep the movers for as much time as they've quoted us. The less time, the cheaper for us!
*Wednesday the movers come! It will be our first night in the new place!
*Thursday is the 4th {already?!?}. This will be the first time in years we'll be celebrating in Indy. We'll probably go check out the fireworks downtown after working on the house all day.
*Friday we're going to head to the lake for the weekend to try and relax a little bit.
*Monday {8th} - Friday {12th} we are going to be working on the house as much as we possibly can. I'll make sure to take before and after pictures as much!
*Saturday {13th - Julia's 7th Birthday!!} my mom, Norah, and I are heading up to Michigan to meet Andy, Quinn, and the girls. Kurt and my dad are heading up after golf on Sunday. We'll be spending the week there with everyone.
*Friday {19th} we are planning to leave Michigan and stop at the lake on the way home. We'll spend the evening with Kurt's family and pick up the dogs from his parents.
*Saturday {20th} we are leaving the lake to come home, unpack, and do any last minute things on our old house.
*Monday {22nd} if everything goes as planned {fingers crossed!!!!!}, we close on our old house!
*Tuesday {23rd) we are heading out to Newport Beach, CA for a business meeting that Kurt has.
*Wednesday {24th} Kurt, Norah, and I will be flying up to San Francisco to stay with Lauren and Jared!! :) Either Thursday or Friday that week, we are going to drive to their house in Tahoe and stay there until Sunday.
*Monday {29th} we fly home!
Hopefully, by the end of this month, we'll be vacationed out {is that really possible?!?}, ready to do some major work on our new place, and only own one home. It's going to be a crazy month, but so much fun. I know we'll come out of July feeling tired, but I can't wait to make so many memories!
Sunday, June 30
Letters To Norah {Five Months}
Norah,
I say it each and every time, but truly this month has gone by in a blink of an eye. With buying and selling houses and completely packing our current house, things have been incredibly crazy around here. You've kept up with us and not complained when we've been on the go for far too many hours than I can count. What a flexible baby you are!
You continue to get cuter and cuter {if that's even possible!} and more and more fun. Your giggles make me smile and laugh and your open mouth smiles are the very best. The way you move your body when you are excited or having fun is so cute. I love how we can tell when you are having fun by the smiles on your face and the way you flail your arms and legs.
You are THIS CLOSE to sitting up all on your own. You can do it, you just need someone to make sure you don't fall to the side. You are super good at staying up when you have something in front of you to keep you focused {like Coop}.
I know daddy and I will have our hands full because you are going to be crawling before we know it. You scoot everywhere. One minute you'll be on your play mat and the next you'll be way over on the carpet trying to pet your doggies or find a new toy. You get up on all fours, downward dog style, and get from one place to another, especially when you are in your crib.
You tried cereal for the first time this past month. Sometimes you're really into it and others, not so much. Probably a reason why you aren't loving it all the time is because I haven't been very consistent about giving it to you. With things being so crazy around here, that's one thing that hasn't always happened. Your doctor told me that you could start baby food in a couple weeks once you've been on cereal for awhile, but I think I'll wait until the beginning of August. July is going to be such a crazy month and there is no way we are going to be able to give you cereal/food on a consistent basis. Why rush, right?!?
I'm sorry this month's note is so short. We are going to make so many memories this next month. I can't wait to tell you all about them!
I love you to the moon and back,
Mommy
I say it each and every time, but truly this month has gone by in a blink of an eye. With buying and selling houses and completely packing our current house, things have been incredibly crazy around here. You've kept up with us and not complained when we've been on the go for far too many hours than I can count. What a flexible baby you are!
You continue to get cuter and cuter {if that's even possible!} and more and more fun. Your giggles make me smile and laugh and your open mouth smiles are the very best. The way you move your body when you are excited or having fun is so cute. I love how we can tell when you are having fun by the smiles on your face and the way you flail your arms and legs.
You are THIS CLOSE to sitting up all on your own. You can do it, you just need someone to make sure you don't fall to the side. You are super good at staying up when you have something in front of you to keep you focused {like Coop}.
I know daddy and I will have our hands full because you are going to be crawling before we know it. You scoot everywhere. One minute you'll be on your play mat and the next you'll be way over on the carpet trying to pet your doggies or find a new toy. You get up on all fours, downward dog style, and get from one place to another, especially when you are in your crib.
You tried cereal for the first time this past month. Sometimes you're really into it and others, not so much. Probably a reason why you aren't loving it all the time is because I haven't been very consistent about giving it to you. With things being so crazy around here, that's one thing that hasn't always happened. Your doctor told me that you could start baby food in a couple weeks once you've been on cereal for awhile, but I think I'll wait until the beginning of August. July is going to be such a crazy month and there is no way we are going to be able to give you cereal/food on a consistent basis. Why rush, right?!?
I'm sorry this month's note is so short. We are going to make so many memories this next month. I can't wait to tell you all about them!
I love you to the moon and back,
Mommy
Melt My Heart
Best Friends...
P.S.- I'm late writing Norah's 5 month post. We're in the middle of moving to a new house... I took the pictures, just need to find some time to write to her!
Thursday, June 27
Blessed
Just a bit ago, as I was rocking by baby to sleep, Olive came in the room and fell asleep by the chair. A feeling of gratefulness rushed over me and I almost began to cry. As my beautiful, healthy baby drifted off to sleep, I couldn't help but to think how lucky I am. Sure, life has been really (understatement) stressful right now. Yes, our house is an absolute mess. And, like usual, we've had to pay for more vet bills than we'd ever imagine in a month.
But, my pups are healthy. My baby is asleep. My husband just grilled a delicious dinner and we ate outside. Possibly the last time we grill and/or eat outside at this house! We close on our new house tomorrow and we move in next week. One amazing chapter is coming to an end, but we have so much to look forward to.
Really, how did I get so lucky?!? I'll go to bed tonight feeling incredibly blessed in the midst of one of the craziest times in our lives.
Tuesday, June 11
2 Years
2 years ago at this time, the doors to the church opened wide and I got to see my husband waiting for me at the end of the aisle. It's hard to imagine that two full years have past since that day because I remember it like yesterday. As we were reminiscing about our wedding the other day, we both agreed that it was the absolute most fun day of our lives. {We are hesitant to say best because that may be reserved for Norah and any other kids that may join our family!}
A lot has happened in our lives in the past two years and life is going by quicker than we would like. However, not many days go by that I don't think about our wedding day. Each time I think about it, a smile washes over my face.
I'm so lucky to have my best friend by my side each and every day. No one else in this world can understand me and make me laugh like he does. Norah is so lucky to have him as her daddy.
10 years ago when I met him, never in a million years did I think this would be our life. I couldn't be more thankful and blessed that it is though. I'm so proud of everything that we've accomplished together and can't wait to see what else life has in store for us.
Of course, I often wish we could go back and relive our wedding and honeymoon. That was an amazing time in our lives. Because we can't, I'll hold memories and pictures so very close to my heart -- especially today.
Happy Anniversary, Kurt. I love you more than you'll ever know. Thank you for all that you do, especially simply being you.
A lot has happened in our lives in the past two years and life is going by quicker than we would like. However, not many days go by that I don't think about our wedding day. Each time I think about it, a smile washes over my face.
I'm so lucky to have my best friend by my side each and every day. No one else in this world can understand me and make me laugh like he does. Norah is so lucky to have him as her daddy.
10 years ago when I met him, never in a million years did I think this would be our life. I couldn't be more thankful and blessed that it is though. I'm so proud of everything that we've accomplished together and can't wait to see what else life has in store for us.
Of course, I often wish we could go back and relive our wedding and honeymoon. That was an amazing time in our lives. Because we can't, I'll hold memories and pictures so very close to my heart -- especially today.
Happy Anniversary, Kurt. I love you more than you'll ever know. Thank you for all that you do, especially simply being you.
Tuesday, June 4
Birthday Present
Last year, the day after my birthday, I received the best birthday present ever. We got our first peek at Norah. She was 6 weeks old a year ago today. I'll never remember that day when we first got to see her. This year, I was able to spend my birthday celebrating with her. Life is good.
Wednesday, May 29
Letters To Norah {Four Months}
Lovie,
Your giggles. Oh, your giggles. They make me smile and laugh each and every time I hear them.
We went to the doctor today for your 4 month check up. Your doctor is incredibly pleased with you, how strong and alert you are, how much you've grown, and how much you're sleeping and eating. I couldn't agree with her more! You weighed in at a whopping 14 lbs. 2 oz today! You are in the 90th percentile for height and 75th for weight. Out of the doctors mouth, "She's tall and thin!" :) You had to get four shots today and you weren't happy about it. However, you took them like a champ and are rallying this evening.
You have gotten yourself on quite the schedule and it's really helpful because I can plan our days and know why you are crying when/if you do. You eat an 8oz bottle first thing in the morning and last thing at night. You eat two 6oz bottles during the day. You always eat about four hours apart. You typically take three 2ish hour naps during the day and continue to sleep 11-12 hours at night.
This month has been absolutely crazy. We spent quite a bit of time getting our house ready to sell. We did most of the work during the day while you napped. We also bought a new house. Trying to make sure we got the new house has been so crazy and a bit stressful! I'll be sad when we move out of this house, but can't wait to watch you grow up in our new one. So many memories will be made there.
This month, you've accompanied me to pilates once each week. You've been doing some of your own pilates with Anne while I work out! We had another playdate with Henry and got to meet sweet baby Kennedy. You had your first overnight with Grandma and will have your second one with Nana and Papa this weekend! You visited Orchard with me another time and traveled to the lake for the very first time. {Thank goodness we got to go to the lake because we all needed a mini-vacation together!}
Each day I can't help but think about how little time I have left to spend with you before I return to work in August. I decided this month to stop teaching and go work at Papa's office. This will allow me to stay at home with you more. I know I'll miss teaching, but spending time with you is the most important thing to me!
You are such a good baby and I love you for that. I love how you make me smile and laugh every day. You are absolutely perfect.
Love you to the moon and back,
Mommy
Wow, what a busy month it has been! There has been a lot going on around our house and you've been so flexible while we've been on the go. You've grown and changed so very much this past month and I've loved watching every minute of it. You have quite the personality and love chatting and screaming!
This month you started rolling over. You've been a mover and a shaker from the beginning, but now you are really all over the place! Once you are on your tummy, you scoot everywhere until you've gotten yourself stuck. :) Now, you sleep on your belly and love it.
You love to play. You have a few favorite toys that you love to grab and put in your mouth. You always have to have something in your mouth these days! You are so alert and are always looking around the room to see what is going on. You also recently started enjoying listening to books being read to you and love looking at the pictures!
We went to the doctor today for your 4 month check up. Your doctor is incredibly pleased with you, how strong and alert you are, how much you've grown, and how much you're sleeping and eating. I couldn't agree with her more! You weighed in at a whopping 14 lbs. 2 oz today! You are in the 90th percentile for height and 75th for weight. Out of the doctors mouth, "She's tall and thin!" :) You had to get four shots today and you weren't happy about it. However, you took them like a champ and are rallying this evening.
This month has been absolutely crazy. We spent quite a bit of time getting our house ready to sell. We did most of the work during the day while you napped. We also bought a new house. Trying to make sure we got the new house has been so crazy and a bit stressful! I'll be sad when we move out of this house, but can't wait to watch you grow up in our new one. So many memories will be made there.
This month, you've accompanied me to pilates once each week. You've been doing some of your own pilates with Anne while I work out! We had another playdate with Henry and got to meet sweet baby Kennedy. You had your first overnight with Grandma and will have your second one with Nana and Papa this weekend! You visited Orchard with me another time and traveled to the lake for the very first time. {Thank goodness we got to go to the lake because we all needed a mini-vacation together!}
Each day I can't help but think about how little time I have left to spend with you before I return to work in August. I decided this month to stop teaching and go work at Papa's office. This will allow me to stay at home with you more. I know I'll miss teaching, but spending time with you is the most important thing to me!
You are such a good baby and I love you for that. I love how you make me smile and laugh every day. You are absolutely perfect.
Love you to the moon and back,
Mommy
Thursday, May 23
One Year
A year ago today, my world changed. I went to work, had an appointment after school, worked out with my mom, and then went to dinner with my parents at Bazbeaux. Kurt was already up at the lake with OG and Josh getting ready for a fun Memorial Day weekend away. Because we were planning on drinking that weekend, I decided it was a good idea to stop by CVS on my way home to buy more pregnancy tests just to triple check that I wasn't pregnant. {I had already taken some in the weeks prior but they were all negative. I was pretty sure I wasn't pregnant, but thought I should really make sure.}
When I got home, I went straight to the downstairs bathroom and took a stick with me. Immediately it showed pregnant. I looked at myself in the mirror and said aloud, "Holy Shit!" As I was shaking, I cleaned up in the bathroom and went outside to call Kurt.
As I was sitting on our back step, Kurt answered his phone. It was clear that the guys had already started drinking, but I told Kurt he needed to walk away from the guys. He was hesitant at first and didn't really want to, but did as I persisted. When I could tell that he was away from them, all I could get out was, "I'm pregnant!"
In that moment, I was incredibly excited and in disbelief that it truly did happen. I wanted nothing more than to share that moment with Kurt next to me, not on the phone.
In the next couple hours, I went ahead and took the other two tests to triple check that I was in fact carrying our baby. Of course, they all came back positive right away.
I'm pretty sure I didn't sleep much that night.
So much has changed in a year and I wouldn't want things any differently. It's amazing to think that we were just discovering my pregnancy a year ago and now I sit admiring our sweet baby girl.
A year ago, I sat on our back step excitedly telling my husband the news on the phone. Tonight, I sit by the lake with a drink in my hand and my husband at my side while my baby girl sits on my lap. Life is really good.
Cheers to wonderful husbands, beautiful babies, warm summer evenings, and of course, a cold drink in hand!
Monday, May 20
Rockin' and Rollin'
Norah had her first overnight this weekend so Kurt and I could go to a wedding. When we went to pick her up from his parents' yesterday, his mom told us that she never saw Norah roll over but every time she went to get N from her crib, she was on her tummy....! We knew she was getting close to rolling over, but I didn't think it would happen this quickly! She literally went from getting to her side to rolling all over the floor in like a couple days. {Stop growing up so quickly!}
This is how I found her this morning --
--and now she refuses to sleep unless she's on her tummy!
{I rolled up blankets and put them on both sides of her to try to keep her from rolling over. That clearly didn't work!}
Although I'll always be Norah's biggest cheerleader, I was content with her not quite rolling over yet. Now it's all eyes on her while she's awake!! My little baby is now mobile.
This is how I found her this morning --
--and now she refuses to sleep unless she's on her tummy!
{I rolled up blankets and put them on both sides of her to try to keep her from rolling over. That clearly didn't work!}
Although I'll always be Norah's biggest cheerleader, I was content with her not quite rolling over yet. Now it's all eyes on her while she's awake!! My little baby is now mobile.
Tuesday, May 7
Weird & So Gross
40 weeks of pregnancy brings a wonderful gift, there's no doubt about that. However, for some reason, women don't always tell all the random, weird, and sometimes miserable things pregnancy does to your body. 14+ weeks after having a baby and almost 3 weeks after stopping breast feeding, I would have thought most pregnancy related things would be gone...until next baby. Nope, wrong again!
Never knew that three months or so after having a baby you start loosing your hair. Too bad it's not like leg hair so I don't have to shave as much. Couldn't be helpful hair loss, right Mother Nature?!? ;)
So handfuls of hair are falling out of my head on the regular every day. Don't believe me? Just look at how I saved our drain and pipes a few minutes ago while showering... Sick I know.
If only the last 10ish pounds would shed that easily....
Never knew that three months or so after having a baby you start loosing your hair. Too bad it's not like leg hair so I don't have to shave as much. Couldn't be helpful hair loss, right Mother Nature?!? ;)
So handfuls of hair are falling out of my head on the regular every day. Don't believe me? Just look at how I saved our drain and pipes a few minutes ago while showering... Sick I know.
If only the last 10ish pounds would shed that easily....
Wednesday, May 1
Letters To Norah {Three Months}
Norah,
Three months? How can that possibly be? You are just as shocked as the rest of us...!!!
Three months? How can that possibly be? You are just as shocked as the rest of us...!!!
This past month, you've changed so much! You are so much fun to spend each and every day with. I'm so thankful that I'm not going back to work right now and getting to spend all this time with you. I know you aren't going to remember it, but know that I'm never going to forget this special time with you!
Your smiles. Oh, how I love your sweet, gummy smiles, especially first thing in the morning when I go to get you out of your crib. That's the most amazing way to start each day {especially since you sleep all night and I'm well-rested}!!
You have been quite a talker for awhile, but now you scream. Full-on, overjoyed, little screams. Daddy and I laugh out loud many times a day when we hear your crazy noises. We love them. I often wonder what you are thinking about when you are talking to us.
You are so strong. You love playing on your mat on the floor and will spend quite a bit of time admiring your hanging animals. Recently, you've realized that you can use your hands to grab those funny animals. You love grabbing them and pulling them to your mouth. Just the other day, you started rolling from side to side. You almost rolled over, but you got stuck on your arm. You enjoy being on your tummy more now because your neck and back are so strong, you can look around the room when you're on your tummy. You love sitting up and standing with our help. The different perspective is perfect for your curious little eyes. We often pop you in your Bumbo seat for a few minutes so you can look around and watch what we are doing around the house.
A few weeks ago, we took a trip to Mexico. Not surprisingly, you were a wonderful traveler. You loved the warm weather and breeze. You took naps by the pool every day and loved swimming. We have so many memories we'll cherish forever from your very first trip! Daddy and I hope that we can take you on many trips. We love traveling and know you will too.
The first morning we were in Mexico after you woke up, I began thinking. That night was the very first night your whole life that you slept in the same room with daddy and me. We didn't get to do that with you in the hospital because you were in the NICU. We don't regret our decision of having you sleep in your own room, but I felt special getting to share a room with you for a week. I loved waking up in the middle of the night to your little coos. But, I'm glad that you sleep in your own crib at home or we'd never get any sleep! :)
Just before we left for Mexico, I stopped nursing you and we began giving you formula. Immediately, your belly felt better and you don't have any bloody diapers! I'm so glad you're feeling better, but I do miss those snuggly times when you would nurse. I'm thankful that I was able to nurse you for almost three months. Hopefully, you'll grow out of your milk allergy when you get older so you can enjoy dairy just like we do!
I can't believe what a fun little baby you are turning into. I am so proud to be your mama. I love watching you change and grow. Each day, it's amazing to watch you do new things, make new noises, smile a little bigger, and laugh a little more. Keep being you, because I love every single ounce of you.
I love you to the moon and back,
Mommy
P.S.- You love watching Coop and Olive during the day. Of course, Coop wanted in on your monthly photo shoot! Looks like we'll have to get one with you and him every month! :)
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