Memorial Day Memories

     After a very long, very busy, but very fun weekend, we are finally home, and settling back in. **Sigh**  It took us a day and a half to pack for our weekend trip, and I think that it is safe to say that it will take the same amout of time to unpack!  Our weekend was filled with BBQs, a boat ride, and plenty of Grandparent/Gwen bonding!  The weather was perfect, and we couldn't have asked for a better start to the summer.





I think all of us felt this way after the weekend :)

     Summer is here, and we have SO many things already planned... it's going to be one BUSY summer for us!  Let's just hope that it doesn't fly by too quickly! 

Trying to savor every moment.

xoxo.

Stats - 8 Months Old

I know that this is a little late, but our appointment with Dr. A was cancelled last week, and today was your rescheduled appointment.  Sorry :( 

Gwen, you are 8 months old...

and this is what you are up to...

Weight - 19 lbs 11 oz

Height - 28 3/4 inches (You grew almost 2 inches!!!)

Diapers - Size 3 

Clothes - Still 6-9 months, but we are squeezing into a few things.  Some 9 Months too, especially since they are mostly dresses and rompers... yay for warm weather!

Food - Today we got the green light for... EVERYTHING! YAY!!!!  Well, of course, except Peanut Butter, Honey, Eggs, and Shellfish.  And, Mommy still wants to keep your diet healthy, but it will be fun to try new things.

Sleep - You are the best!  You are such a good sleeper.  I think the only problem is that you have SPECIFIC places that you like to sleep... Bed (yours and ours) and the car.  Not many other places... hopefully that will change during the summer with all of our traveling.

Naps - 2-3 naps a day.  Depending when you wake up.  You nap longer when you are in your crib, and long car trips are almost always a guaranteed nap. :)

Teeth - My poor little mama... you have had your bottom two for a while now, but we are currently working on the 3rd, 4th, AND 5th, ALL AT THE SAME TIME!!!  Aaaaaaahh.  One central incisor, and both lateral incisors... which only means that the other central incisor should be here anytime too.  You're such a trooper, but I wish I could take all of your pain away!

-You are STANDING!!!! (While holding onto things, but it's still such an amazing milestone!)  Sometimes, you get a little daring and let go, but it is usually only for a split second.  It makes you look like such a little person, no longer that tiny little bambino we brought home from the hospital.

-You like to dance!!!  It is the most adorable thing in the world to watch!  Whether standing or sitting, if you are digging the music, you start movin' and a groovin'!  I love it!

-You are saying "Ma-Ma," "Da-Da," and a few other combos.  It may not be with words, but you are learning to say "no" by shaking your head, when you don't want something.  Then there are some times you just are in the mood to talk, and you babble, and babble, and babble. :)

-You are so social!  You laugh and smile at almost everyone (this is ok now, but Mommy will have to talk to you about strangers later, lol).  I can't wait for you to make some baby friends!

-Daddy and I both think that you are going to be lefty (like Mommy, YAY!).  It seems to be your dominant hand.  We know that things could change, but it just a "hunch" we have.

-We ALL survived our first weekend away from each other, although I don't want to be a part from you again ANY TIME soon, it is nice to know that all 3 (well 4, including Wiley) can handle it.

Your 8 month well visit was today, Thursday, May 26, 2011.  It was one of the shortest waits to date!  Dr. A said you look great, and that he loved your smile (who doesn't though ;)).  We don't have to go back until you are a year old!  Oh my goodness, is that right around the corner?!?!  Daddy and I are sooooo looking forward to the summer with you... so many firsts are just ahead of us.

We LOVE you sooooooooooooo much!

xoxo.

Are We Ready?!?

     Calm down people, I only meant "Are we ready for summer?!" :)  Why might I ask this?  Well, most of our summer weekends are spent "down the shore" (uuugggghhhhh I can't believe I just said that PHRASE!) in our hometown with family and friends.  Even before Miss Gwen arrived, it was a project in itself, to prepare, pack, load up the car, and hike down the GSP (and sit in TRAFFIC) to our destination.  Now, add in Baby, baby food, diapers, clothes, toys, and all the other essentials, and I can only imagine what our first attempt at this is going to look like!!! Lol.

     This weekend will be our first test... I really hope we survive pass :)  I think I will go start packing now... maybe I will be ready by Friday!  I will document it all, and keep you updated.

     Today, I took a few pictures of Gwen... this task was a lot easier when she was a newborn.  Lol.  I actually broke out in a sweat!!!!! Haha!  But I think they came out well.  Here are some:

Such a Diva :)

Love the Bottom Lip in this one!

Well worth the work!

Have a great day!  xoxo.

Goals...

     Now that we are back from our mini-vacation, and headed straight towards summer and warm weather (hopefully :)), I have decided that it is time to set some goals for myself.  No deadlines, or consequences, just knowing that they are there, and that I have made them public knowledge should be enough "push" to follow through. (Thanks Workaholic Momma for the idea)

1. Rearrange my (and Hubby's) eating habits - We don't neccessarily eat poorly, but we could eat better (like we used to).  I think it has to do with the fact that we are accomodating Miss Gwen, and not too worried about ourselves.  But, we should be, we should want to be our absolute healthiest for our little girl, now and in the future.

2.  Spend at least one hour a day outside (weather permitted) with Gwen - Walking somewhere, maybe on the swings at the park, or just with some toys on a blanket on our back deck.  I think the bitter winter made me used to being inside, so now I feel like I have to push myself out.  Sunlight therapy is good for the soul, right?!? :)

3.  Walk more - This may not make sense, but even though I am 10lbs under my pre-preggo weight, I felt healthier while pregnant.  And I think that walking had so much to do with it... so I am making a comeback, this time with stroller and girlie in tow.

4.  Drink 6-8 glasses of water a day - This is another thing that I was SO GOOD at while pregnant... so I know that I CAN do it, it is just a matter of making myself. 

5.  Finding a 'Mommy & Me' type class, going, and making new mommy friends - So, if you know me, or have followed this blog for a while, you know that other than a few friends (that all have 9-5 jobs), I have no other "mommy" friends up here.  And it is starting to weigh on me... and in a way I think inhibit both Gwen and I.  I also think that sometimes it creates tension between the Hubs and I also, just because I want him around all the time.  Sooooo, it is time to put myself out there.  With Gwen by my side, I am sure that we will do just fine... it's just that first step that is the doozy :)  Wish us luck.

6.  Get better at talking on the phone - I am a slave to text/email/instant message... I HATE talking on the phone.  I used to love it, before cells phone were a dime a dozen, but I don't know what happened.  I NEED to reconnect with actual conversing via phone.  I just think that it will be good for me. 

There they are.  Nothing crazy.  I would say, doable.

Let's hope.

xoxo. 

So Long Carrier

     Alright, so I am not sure if I am alone on this one, but I LOOOOVEEE the infant carrier part of our travel system:

Chicco Cortina Travel System ~ Luna

     Yes, it is a bit bulky, but we travel (drive) so often, that Gwen OFTEN falls asleep, and I love that I don't have to wake her, just plop that sucker onto the stroller and continue on our way.  I am dreading not thrilled with the fact that Gwen will soon grow out of this (like any day now).  Am I alone with this feeling?!?!  Will I really be able to let it go?  Lol.  I know that I will, and I also know that I am probably holding on to it longer than I should, but I'm a first timer here, and I like comfortable things... and this was comfortable. 
     
     It seems, with MommyHood, the minute you think you have mastered "something", a whole new "something" comes along... and without warning :)  This seems like an easy adjustment so I am ust going to try and roll with the punches. 

Gwen's 8 month Dr. appointment is in a few days, so I am waiting for the official "weigh in" to start our transition.

I'll let you know how it goes.

How In The World?!?!

I was going to do a "Wordless Wednesday" today, but I thought that after my long weekend away, I needed to get back into the swing of things.

     I have already admitted that I am an addict of Reality TV, there is something about it that ropes me in, even when dumber than dumb.  After having Gwen, and watching some shows, I have started to wonder a few things:

1. How in the world do these girls from "16 & Pregnant" survive?  I am 27 years old, married, and what I consider to be stable... and I still find it challenging.  Rewarding all the same, but I couldn't imagine doing this at 16.  Or single.  I have a new found respect for single mothers as well... we should all applaud you.  Seriously.
2. How in the world do people not know they are full term pregnant like the women on "I Didn't Know I Was Pregnant"?  These women give birth in bathroom stalls, with no pain meds, medical attention, or PREPARATION!!!!!  Are you kidding me?  I couldn't imagine saying "Hey, I have to poop. No, wait, it's just a baby!"  More power to you ladies...
3. How in the world do Moms handle multiples?!?!  Jason has triplet brothers, and I tell his mom all the time... I do not know how you did it!  Grant it, they are blessings, but I lost so much sleep with 1, could you imagine that times 3, 4, 5?  Just thinking about it makes me tired.
4. How in the world does it cost so much to have a baby?!?! Lol.  Ok, so we have great insurance, but when you see that bill from the hospital, I am pretty sure that your jaw drops, because you could have bought a car, a VERY NICE CAR!  AND, if there were a running tally of all the things that we buy for our little bundle of joy... well, I think that we would be sent into heart failure.  I don't want to speak for everyone, but Gwen's worth it. 
5. How in the world are we going to be able to send our kids to college?!?!  In 18 years, I am sure that we will be paying about $100,000 a year... Holy Crap... I think I need to go make a drink. :)
6. How in the world did parents function without all of these crazy gadgets that we have now?  Monitors, jumpers, harnesses, sound machines, etc.  I couldn't imagine ever driving with an infant without a car seat, but it happened.  Nor could I imagine not being able to see Gwen's every movement while she sleeps, but it happened.

 Just some food for thought.

With all that said, all I can think is...

How in the world could I love someone anymore than I love Gwen?

Answer:  I can't. :)

xoxo.



Long Weekend

     Yes, I know, I have been MIA, but there is good reason... Hubs and I were away for a long weekend, sans baby.  You may be thinking, "How could you go away?!?!"  Here's my honest answer... because I am also a wife.  Although Jason and I had a decently long engagement, it seems that after our wedding everything happened in "rapid fire" mode.  We were married in October, pregnant in January, and baby in September.  Meaning that, the last time that we were away together was our honeymoon :(  Please do not get me wrong, I would not change a SINGLE thing, I am just trying to rationalize why we went. 

     First and foremost, it was the hardest thing I have ever had to do, and I do not think we will go away without Gwen for a LONG time.  We had "FaceTime" everyday with our little peanut, which was so great, but I really had to hold back my tears... I missed everything about her... Her smile, smell, laugh, hugs, kisses, and even cries.  Our returning flight landed at 11:30pm and when we got home, our puppy decided to make a little too much noise, which woke Miss Gwen, but I didn't care, I got to see my girl!  It's rainy here today, so we are cuddling in pjs ALL DAY LONG!!!!! :)

     On the other hand, it was a beautiful trip!  We spent the weekend in Key West, and it was pretty close to perfect.  My brother and his girlfriend were also along for the trip, and it is with great excitement that I share they are now engaged!  Yay! 

Congrats Michael and Megan!

Headed out on our Sunset Cruise

Date Night :)

     It was very refreshing, for mind, body, and relationship.  We are both so happy to be home, and are now just trying to get back into our normal routine.  But, I promise, I won't neglect my blogging anymore. :)

xoxo.

Wordless Wednesday - My Saturday Nights Dates :)

LOVE THEM!

xoxo.

My 1st Mother's Day

     The day was great!  The weather was beautiful, perfect for the "on the water" restaurant where we had brunch.  And after our meal, we walked down to the little beach area and tested Gwen's sand/water tolerance... she loved it!  I have to say that the water was a bit cold, but she didn't really mind (by that, I mean no screaming, lol).  She loved the sand as well!  Thank goodness because we are such beach/water/boat lovers! 

Here are some pics:



Hope your Mother's Day was perfect!

xoxo.

Happy Mother's Day & My 100th Post

     How fitting?!?!  Today, is my 1st Mother's Day, and my 100th post!!! Holy Moly.  So, let me address the least important first...

     My 100th post. Wow.  I started this with the intention of informing my family, across the country, about the progress of the growing peanut in my belly.  Yes, after she was born, I slacked for a bit (sorry!), but eventually returned to keep everyone up to date on Gwen's every movement/milestone/antic.  And then, it became therapeutic... I love this blog.  Whether no one reads it, or it hits a million followers, I find comfort here.  I vent, share, boast, and even sometimes BRAG, lol... but, again, I love it, and if you don't like it, DON'T READ IT! :)  So, thank you, to my followers, my family, and my friends!  You are all so wonderful, and I hope that I make this journey of ours enjoyable for you to share with us... Please know, in some way or another, you have shaped ours lives.  THANK YOU!!!!!

     My 1st Mother's Day... :)

First, and foremost, I do not know what I did to deserve to be blessed with the most amazing little angel, but THANK YOU.  I don't care what time in the morning she wakes up, if you saw the smile I see every morning, you wouldn't look at the clock either.    

There are so many things that I now understand, being a mom, that have improved the relationships between my parents and I.  I may have not had the absolute perfect childhood, but I do have GREAT Parents and Grandparents, who love me/us unconditionally, and have taught me to love the same way.  I love you Mom and Dad (and Mam-Mom & Pop-Pop)...

I asked Jason, last night, to describe fatherhood in one word... he said, "I am the happiest I have ever been in my life.  I love you, I love Gwen, I love our life.  I think that we are great parents, and I wouldn't change anything about us."  WELL.... that wasn't one word, but I'll take it :)  I am VERY lucky to have married my best friend, and I only hope that Gwen eventually does the same.

There is one thing I really need to say to my daughter on my 1st Mother's Day... so here it is:

Dear Gwen,

You are THE BEST THING that ever happened to me.

Love Always,

Mommy

Happy Mother's Day to all of you!

xoxo.

All The Toys In The World

     Gwen has every toy (age appropriate, of course) that you can imagine, yet WHAT will you find her with and/or wanting... the remote control, her shoes (in her mouth), her socks, our laptop... the list goes on, and none of them are toys, lol.

     It AMAZES me that she is fascinated by all of these things.  Don't get me wrong, she LOVES her toys, but if her favorite toy and our remote are within two feet of each other, guess which one Peanut is headed for?!?!  It is too funny.  I can't sit with her near the laptop (if I expect to get something done) because she HURLS her body at it, LOL! 

I guess we will have to get Gwen her own play Laptop... although, she will most likely still want ours.  Maybe it is a sign that she will be a computer genius!  The next Bill Gates?!?!  Here's hoping :)

xoxo.

Wrestling Alligators

     You must be thinking, "What in the world is she talking about?!?!"  But, it's true, I wrestle a tiny, adorable, 19 lb. alligator numerous times a day!  Or at least, that is what it seems like.  Ever since Gwen has become "mobile," I can't get her to sit still!  She just wants to be "on the go" 24/7... and it is EXHAUSTING!  It has made changing diapers, clothes, putting on shoes, clipping nails, sometimes even feeding, a RODEO!  It IS, however, improving my speed and technique :)  Sadly, using the changing table (I was really holding on to that, but only for poopie diapers) is no longer an option.  She is so quick that sometimes I just say, "whatever" and let her play for a few minutes without a diaper (I know, I am really pressing my luck, but if it gets some energy out, then so be it!).  Let's just say, I am thankful that she doesn't bite too!

She's so lucky she is cute! :)

  At least, I get a workout out of it, right?!?! 

xoxo.  

Almost Wordless Wednesday - Birthday Fun!

     Sunday was my 27th (ouch that hurt to say, lol) birthday, and I have to give my husband credit, he always makes it perfect.  I decided that I wanted to go to the New York International Car Show, after I had seen a few of the cars on Regis and Kelly, so we headed to NYC for the day.  While there, I decided that my next car will be the new Range Rover Evoque... right, Hubby? :)  It was a beautiful day for strolling the city, and I loved every minute of it!

Ready to go!

Strollin in Style!

Too cute for words!!!!!!

Mommy's next car :)

We had more interest than she did

She's ready to go mud hopping

Daddy HAD to get a picture in the racecar, he even waited on line, lol.

With my peanut, waiting for our car... she's such a good cuddler.

Thank you to Jason and Gwen for such a wonderful day.  I love you both so much! (And Wiley too!)

xoxo.

Simply Amazing

     Today, my birthday, Gwen is 7 months, 2 weeks, and 1 day old.  Why am I telling you this?  Today is the FIRST day that I have had to buy a diaper.  Confused?  I'll explain.  When I found out we were expecting, Celia, a dear friend of mine, gave me the advice to have my Mom put this on my baby shower invite:

"Bring a box/package of diapers, and receive a chance to win a door prize"

(She gave away restaurant gift cards, and a few other things)

     WELL, the result was AMAZING!!!!!!  I still have some diapers, but they are Size 4, and she isn't ready for them, but I cannot believe that we made it this far without spending money on diapers.  Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU!  We have the most amazing family and friends!

     For anyone who is expecting, knows someone expecting, or throwing a shower, SHARE this idea! 

We are so grateful! xoxo.