Just a quick note to myself:
Now that Zaylee is loving food, she is also filling her pants with more substantial number 2 business. It is sometimes a bit hard for her to work it out, and it's the saddest thing to watch her struggle. As sad as it is, it is also one of the sweetest moments of the day. She looks at me with a red face as little grunts come out of her cute little self, and she puts her arms out towards me as if to say, "help me mama!" I scoop her up, and she digs her sweet head into my chest and pushes against me with all her might. We snuggle like that for as long as it takes for her to push that poopie out, and then gently rest her head on my shoulder with relief that it is finally over. I just love it. Its both the sweetest and most entertaining thing to watch her work so hard at this process. I just can't get enough of this little girl. She fills my heart with so much joy I don't know what to do with it all. I mean, seriously, I'm admitting to loving her stinky butt. That is real love! And those feet. Oh how I could smell them all day! :) Motherhood is the BEST thing I have ever done, along with marrying Paul.
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
My Little Pink Leopard
Halloween. It has never been something we fully participated in amongst our family, but with all the little ones that have entered the family, trick or treating has become a fun event. Living inside a youth camp, we never had kids ringing the doorbell saying, "Trick or treat!" I personally didn't start trick or treating until I was in middle school, and even then, my costumes were simple (hippie, cheerleader, bears fan). I was truly just out there to get as much candy as possible. Now that my parents live in a neighborhood, we get to see all the kids come to the door and pass out the much desired candy. It is always a good mix of tastefully cute costumes, and the ones that you wish the parent's wouldn't allow there little ones to wear.
This year, our little lady was an adorable little pink leopard. It was a hand me down from Kendrick, and I can remember getting all excited with Erin when we put her in it for the first time four years ago! It really is crazy how fast time goes.
We were joined by the McKendrick crew and Theoharis clan. Spiderman, a pink butterfly, an adorable lion, a cheerleader, a soccer player, and a sleeping puppy (Rems took an extra long nap!) all hit the streets around Grandma and Grandpa D's house. It was a fun walk around the neighborhood, with an extra cold breeze but warm sun easing the sting. The streets were lined with piles of crunchy leaves, kids were running wild in their disguises, and Cohen, the lion, was just the cutest thing you ever did see. All the big kids took turns carrying Zaylee's basket up to the door and always made sure to get her some candy since she couldn't do it herself. They all take such good care of her, and it's so sweet to watch them love on her.
When we got back to the house, we heard screaming as the Bears had just come back for the win! The kids dumped out their buckets and took inventory of all they had accumulated from our short walk. It was a happy moment indeed. Paul had been sick for the better part of the weekend, so he was able to enjoy the game in peace and quiet. He was happy to see us return and got some good snuggles from his baby girl.
It was another great weekend with family, good food, and memories made. One of those memories being Aunt Jenny getting her nose pierced. She has been wanting it since last summer, but finally was able to do it and in the company of little Zay! Oh Zaylee, how I hope you NEVER come home with a tatoo it will break your father's heart. A nose stud he can handle, but please no ink!
This year, our little lady was an adorable little pink leopard. It was a hand me down from Kendrick, and I can remember getting all excited with Erin when we put her in it for the first time four years ago! It really is crazy how fast time goes.
We were joined by the McKendrick crew and Theoharis clan. Spiderman, a pink butterfly, an adorable lion, a cheerleader, a soccer player, and a sleeping puppy (Rems took an extra long nap!) all hit the streets around Grandma and Grandpa D's house. It was a fun walk around the neighborhood, with an extra cold breeze but warm sun easing the sting. The streets were lined with piles of crunchy leaves, kids were running wild in their disguises, and Cohen, the lion, was just the cutest thing you ever did see. All the big kids took turns carrying Zaylee's basket up to the door and always made sure to get her some candy since she couldn't do it herself. They all take such good care of her, and it's so sweet to watch them love on her.
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| We are always happy to have Aunt Jenny with us! |
It was another great weekend with family, good food, and memories made. One of those memories being Aunt Jenny getting her nose pierced. She has been wanting it since last summer, but finally was able to do it and in the company of little Zay! Oh Zaylee, how I hope you NEVER come home with a tatoo it will break your father's heart. A nose stud he can handle, but please no ink!
Wednesday, October 24, 2012
Extra Snuggles
Yesterday our sweet Zaylee had a first, but this one wasn't the kind we get excited about. Our little lady experienced her first bout of sickness. The dreaded stomach bug. She woke up as per usual, knocking on the crib and talking. When I walked in her room, she was all smiles and hopping on her cute, little knees, but from there all went a whole lot differently than the norm.
We were sitting in her room with sleepy eyes staring at one another as she ate her breakfast, and right about the time she was finishing her eyes got wide and out came a waterfall of milk. Again. And again. We were both soaked from head to toe. She was dazed for a minute, but then seemed to be fine. No crying or fussing. I ran a warm bath, and she couldn't wait to get in and splash around. After she was all clean, lathered in lotion, and dressed in comfy, sick clothes she was ready to lay back down. She slept for 2 1/2 hours, and woke up talking and seemingly herself. I nursed her, and all seemed fine. I carried her on my hip to the kitchen to start preparing Paul's lunch, and she seemed to be holding the milk down just fine. Within a few minutes, the kitchen floor was showered. Pressure washed would be more accurate I suppose. It was so sad to see her little body heaving so forcefully. After lunchtime snuggles with Dad, and yet another 2 hour nap we tried the process over again, ending similarly but with a small change. This time around, instead of small smiles and a bit of activeness, she laid in my arms for the better part of an hour just staring up at me and occasionally touching my face with her soft hands. Just as we were getting comfortable on the couch wrapped up in a blanket, the vomiting started again. Poor baby!
After yet another outfit change for both of us, I noticed she had yet to urinate for the day. This concerned me as it had been 9 hours since her last wet diaper, and with her small, little peanut self she could get dehydrated quickly. I called Grandma D for the third time, and she suggested I call our doctor and see what they would recommend. In to the doctor's office we went. Paul came home a few minutes early and joined us. It was a new doctor to us, and we truly enjoyed him! He was a firm breastfeeding advocate, didn't suggest medication except as a last result, and was so sweet with Zaylee. She on the other hand, didn't seem to think so as she started crying when he went to touch her. For being sick and miserable all day, those were her first tears, and for that I was thankful. Once he stopped poking at her, she calmed down and for the rest of the appointment she stared him down making sure she was safe in my arms! Paul is always so sweet with her, and she truly settles right down when he sings to her in French. If I could bottle up those sweet moments, I most definitely would!
When we returned home, I nursed her a bit and we watched her to make sure she was keeping it down. She did, and seemed to be feeling a bit better. The color started returning to her face, and her eyes lit up a bit more. As we were getting her into her pajamas, Paul had her laughing so hard as he kissed her bare belly. I guess after a day of mostly silence, she needed a good belly laugh! She went down for the night at 6:30 without a peep. I fed her before we went to bed in hopes to hydrate her a bit more, and at around 3:30am I heard something coming from her room. Sure enough, Zay had thrown up a bit in her bed. I snuggled her for a while and back to sleep she went. Today she seems 90%, and woke with a very wet diaper. For that I was thankful!
The one plus side to a sick baby girl is the amount of extra snuggles this Mom received. Oh how I love her so!
We were sitting in her room with sleepy eyes staring at one another as she ate her breakfast, and right about the time she was finishing her eyes got wide and out came a waterfall of milk. Again. And again. We were both soaked from head to toe. She was dazed for a minute, but then seemed to be fine. No crying or fussing. I ran a warm bath, and she couldn't wait to get in and splash around. After she was all clean, lathered in lotion, and dressed in comfy, sick clothes she was ready to lay back down. She slept for 2 1/2 hours, and woke up talking and seemingly herself. I nursed her, and all seemed fine. I carried her on my hip to the kitchen to start preparing Paul's lunch, and she seemed to be holding the milk down just fine. Within a few minutes, the kitchen floor was showered. Pressure washed would be more accurate I suppose. It was so sad to see her little body heaving so forcefully. After lunchtime snuggles with Dad, and yet another 2 hour nap we tried the process over again, ending similarly but with a small change. This time around, instead of small smiles and a bit of activeness, she laid in my arms for the better part of an hour just staring up at me and occasionally touching my face with her soft hands. Just as we were getting comfortable on the couch wrapped up in a blanket, the vomiting started again. Poor baby!
After yet another outfit change for both of us, I noticed she had yet to urinate for the day. This concerned me as it had been 9 hours since her last wet diaper, and with her small, little peanut self she could get dehydrated quickly. I called Grandma D for the third time, and she suggested I call our doctor and see what they would recommend. In to the doctor's office we went. Paul came home a few minutes early and joined us. It was a new doctor to us, and we truly enjoyed him! He was a firm breastfeeding advocate, didn't suggest medication except as a last result, and was so sweet with Zaylee. She on the other hand, didn't seem to think so as she started crying when he went to touch her. For being sick and miserable all day, those were her first tears, and for that I was thankful. Once he stopped poking at her, she calmed down and for the rest of the appointment she stared him down making sure she was safe in my arms! Paul is always so sweet with her, and she truly settles right down when he sings to her in French. If I could bottle up those sweet moments, I most definitely would!
When we returned home, I nursed her a bit and we watched her to make sure she was keeping it down. She did, and seemed to be feeling a bit better. The color started returning to her face, and her eyes lit up a bit more. As we were getting her into her pajamas, Paul had her laughing so hard as he kissed her bare belly. I guess after a day of mostly silence, she needed a good belly laugh! She went down for the night at 6:30 without a peep. I fed her before we went to bed in hopes to hydrate her a bit more, and at around 3:30am I heard something coming from her room. Sure enough, Zay had thrown up a bit in her bed. I snuggled her for a while and back to sleep she went. Today she seems 90%, and woke with a very wet diaper. For that I was thankful!
The one plus side to a sick baby girl is the amount of extra snuggles this Mom received. Oh how I love her so!
Thursday, October 18, 2012
Just for Fun
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| She was having fun with Dad while I made dinner, up until I got the camera! |
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| Loves exploring her toy basket. |
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| And Paul thought my twine balls were a stupid gift :) |
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| Her facial expressions crack me up! |
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| Showing me the paper in her mouth that I was trying to finger sweep out! |
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| Got it! |
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| Couldn't quite reach the toy she was going for...haha |
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| She thought it was pretty funny too! |
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
A Visit from Papi!
A couple of weeks ago, we were honored to have a short but sweet visit from Papi Jean-luc. He was stateside for a little over a week for some church business, and decided he couldn't be this close without seeing you sweet Zaylee. (and I'm sure his boys and Jenny Joy too! :) ) He flew in late on Sunday night, and since I had to feed you before bed, he was able to snuggle you for a few minutes without having to wait until morning. He liked this fact very much!
He loves you very much Zaylee Jean, and was overjoyed to spend a few days waking up to you each morning. When you were still in my belly, he could hardly stand waiting for you. Then when you were finally here, it killed him to be so far away and have to wait a few more months to hold you in his arms. He lived through the pictures and videos of you, and found you to be the biggest stress relief he has ever had. There were days, he said, that he would just stare at your sweet little face and feel completely at ease. When days are hard and troublesome, he looks at you and feels peace.
We often hear him say things such as:
"Oh I love this!"
"I could get used to this!"
"I'm addicted to you sweet girl!"
"I never knew how much I would love being a Grandpa"
"I won't get tired of this"
On the Wednesday of his visit, I had to go to my morning Bible Study. I had planned to bring you with me as usual, but thought since he was here with us, and doesn't get much time with you, I would leave you home with your Papi. I think he enjoyed the one on one time you two shared, and I was so happy for that.
When he is holding you, he kisses your hand over and over, and you love every bit of it. The roughness of his facial hair tickles your little hands, and you giggle. You look at his face so meaningfully as you place your hand softly on his cheek. It's so precious to watch the interaction between you two, and the fullness of his love for you.
You are very loved little lady. Near and far. I hope you grow up knowing the love your four grandparents hold for you. I never fully knew what having Grandparents felt like, and I always felt I was missing something so meaningful. I pray you will know full well what it feels like to grow up with memories and stories of the four beautiful people you have the honor of calling Grandma D, Grandpa D, Papi and Mamie!
He loves you very much Zaylee Jean, and was overjoyed to spend a few days waking up to you each morning. When you were still in my belly, he could hardly stand waiting for you. Then when you were finally here, it killed him to be so far away and have to wait a few more months to hold you in his arms. He lived through the pictures and videos of you, and found you to be the biggest stress relief he has ever had. There were days, he said, that he would just stare at your sweet little face and feel completely at ease. When days are hard and troublesome, he looks at you and feels peace.
We often hear him say things such as:
"Oh I love this!"
"I could get used to this!"
"I'm addicted to you sweet girl!"
"I never knew how much I would love being a Grandpa"
"I won't get tired of this"
On the Wednesday of his visit, I had to go to my morning Bible Study. I had planned to bring you with me as usual, but thought since he was here with us, and doesn't get much time with you, I would leave you home with your Papi. I think he enjoyed the one on one time you two shared, and I was so happy for that.
When he is holding you, he kisses your hand over and over, and you love every bit of it. The roughness of his facial hair tickles your little hands, and you giggle. You look at his face so meaningfully as you place your hand softly on his cheek. It's so precious to watch the interaction between you two, and the fullness of his love for you.
You are very loved little lady. Near and far. I hope you grow up knowing the love your four grandparents hold for you. I never fully knew what having Grandparents felt like, and I always felt I was missing something so meaningful. I pray you will know full well what it feels like to grow up with memories and stories of the four beautiful people you have the honor of calling Grandma D, Grandpa D, Papi and Mamie!
Tuesday, October 16, 2012
Phone Picture Dump 2
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| Fireworks at Camp. You loved them and didn't mind the noise at all! |
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| In Mamie's favorite polka dots! |
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| On one of our many walks in your new hoodie |
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| Cheesin' in some hand-me-downs |
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| Fall time swinging |
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| Sporting the headband from Elie |
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| One of the few bottles you acu |
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| My view on our walks. The best! |
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| Getting into everything these days. |
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| Proud of yourself! |
7 Months Old
- You are officially crawling on all fours now, although sometimes you still prefer your fast army crawl across the wood floors.
- Food is something you thoroughly enjoy now, and it's fun to be able to eat with you now. Last night you downed a whole thing of KFC mashed potatoes since I forgot your "real" food. You loved them!
- You love to climb the step in the living room to kiss yourself in the mirror.
- The blinds are one of your favorite things to play with as you look out the window.
- You like to sit on your knees, and its the cutest thing.
- In the morning, you wake me up by knocking your Nuk against the crib rails while talking to yourself. I often find a pile of two or three Nuk's behind the crib, because you have a tendency of throwing them overboard :)
- You are talking a LOT these days, and we are pretty certain you said Dada a few times the other day. Dad loved it!
- You are giving high fives now, although they are pretty weak, but you definitely are giving them!
- Bath time is still something you truly enjoy, and love crawling around, splashing in the water. Rubber ducky has become a bath time favorite as well.
- Your laugh is the best!
- You still love your sleep, but some day's we can get you to just take two long naps, others you are still demanding a short third!
- You love going out, and demand that every person that walks by notices you and gives you a smile. When they don't, your eyes stay locked on them and you give a little curious frown as if to say, "What did I do?" It's the cutest thing. You get so many compliments on your pretty blue eyes and your happy demeanor.
- You have great eye contact, and always look people in their eyes. You love to observe anything and everything.
- You put EVERYTHING in your mouth!
- You love to read books, and can self entertain very easily.
- You like to feel things in a very soft, gentle way. It's so sweet to watch you touch something new as you "pet" it and feel it between your fingers or twirl it in the air with your little hands.
- You refuse bottles and sippy cups. You seem to only want me, but we are working on this.
- Peek-a-boo always makes you laugh.
- You love when we sing to you, especially Aunt Jenny!
- You are the sweetest little lady, and we love you more and more with each passing day! Our hearts are full.
13 pounds 5 ounces
25 1/4 inches
The doctor seemed happy about this, and although I would have liked to see a bit more growth, I too was happy that you in fact gained even if only a half a pound! You really only started fully eating with in the last week and a half, so I'm confident you will gain much more by the next weight check in a month. I am still nursing you two extra feedings, and the doctor was happy about that as well. You are just our little peanut, and we love you just as you are and always will!
Phone Picture Dump
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| Loved those first days watching you sleep! |
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| Sleeping on Grandma your first week home |
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| Cubs opening day |
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| April 11, the first time you took your Nuk for us at home! |
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| In Dubuque for JJ's wedding |
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| Thursday date with Kimmy at Target |
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| Enjoying some sunshine |
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| First time away from Daddy...sending him some smiles at work! |
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| Hanging with the Aubrey |
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| Sending more smiles to Daddy |
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| Lovin' on your Bunny Boo! |
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| How we find you sleeping often! |
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| Finding your toes on our morning walk |
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| You love riding on Daddy's shoulders |
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| Swings are a big hit with you! |
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