Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Many Changes

I know I haven't posted in awhile... last week ended up being completely crazy and chaotic, and so far this week, I just haven't really felt like writing. Plus have been sooo busy.  

The hubby and I spent majority of last weekend shopping, spending money on necessary items for the state police academy.  He had a long list of things he needed to bring.  And only allowed to bring what was on that list. I swear, we must have spent close to $800 on everything, if not even more then that.  That's a lot of money when it's unexpected.  I am saving the receipts for next year's taxes!  It was all things that he needed and has been wanting to buy in the past but didn't really have a good excuse (a new suit- required to wear when leaving/returning the academy every weekend) or just things on the list that he didn't already have.  Most everything he had to buy new that was on the list.   He had to buy specific shoes,  that were almost $120.00!!  But they were the exact ones he needed... so oh well. :/

We spent Saturday together getting his things packed and just spending time together. Sunday we packed everything up and drove to Sykesville Md, where the academy/training is.  We went separately- Ryan in his car with his gear, and myself and Abigail in the Equinox. That way, Ryan will have his car to come home.  There was a general orientation, then it split and the candidates went into another room and there was a session for the family of the candidates.  I Learned a few things at the orientation, but most I already knew since I had already read his manual.  That's what I Get for being nosy :)  There was opportunity for questions to be answered, which was good to listen to as well.  Kind of reassured a lot of us about some things. 

After the orientation ended, it was about 2:00, and we were able to head to Frederick and met Ryan's mom for dinner at Olive Garden- she doesn't live too far from Frederick. That was nice, and she was able to see Abigail. She was loving up on her. 

Speaking of Abigail- she loves traveling- she was an angel again!! She didn't fuss the entire day. 

After we met his mom, we ran a few errands around Frederick and then headed back to Sykesville..we were both dreading saying goodbye.  Ryan was anxious to get into his form and meet other guys... so we finally said goodbye, and I left around 7:30 that evening.... I actually didn't cry or get upset on the way home.  I tried to keep my mind off things, and tried to focus on the positive- I will get to see him this Friday.  The staff at orientation told us that they would definitely be home this weekend.  The rest of the weekends depends on how many demerits he gets throughout the weeks.  I hope he is able to come home majority of them.

Monday night, my cell phone rang at 8:54 and when I looked, it was Ryan!  I immediately thought something was wrong since I wasn't expecting him to call, but he was okay.  They gave permission for them to call their families for a few  minutes.  (they had warned us at orientation that we might not hear from them for the first week or so).  We talked for 4-5 minutes.  Not long but long enough.  Eased my worries for the day.  He was exhausted but was okay, he made it through the first day.  3 people dropped out already, brings the group down to 70. 

25 1/2 weeks to go.

Can't wait to see him Friday night.  Abigail, Camden and I miss him terribly.  If I knew I could communicate with him more, it might be easier.  I already have written him a letter and mailed it, but am afraid to send another one for fear it makes him more homesick.  I will ask him on Friday.  I wish he could get emails so I could send pictures of Abigail- it breaks my heart that he won't have access to internet while he's thereand will miss a lot throughout the weeks. But it's very strict training and they don't want the candidates to get side tracked and forget why they are there- I understand that.

Abigail is doing well-  My mom watched her yesterday and my aunt watched her today- it was the first time that someone watched her for longer than  a few hours- I was nervous t work, to say the least.  But she did fine... she starts at daycare on Friday- will just be 1 day a week for 3 weeks.  I am nervous about that as well! I am sure she will be okay, but the mom in me just worries constantly!

She can sit up on her own now... she's getting to be a big girl.  I haven't downloaded pictures from my camera yet, but I will post pictures soon. 

Abigail gets to meet my dear Auntie Deb and Uncle Richard tomorrow- they came to Salisbury from Swansboro NC today, and are in town until Sunday.  I only get to see her once, MAYBE twice a year, so I am soooooo super excited to 1) see her and 2) for her to meet Abigail!!! I will definitely be posting pictures of that too!

I heard a song on the Christian radio station the other day I really like and think Ryan will too- I think it's a new one by Kutless:

When every step is so hard to take
And all of my hope is fading away
When life is a mountain that I can not climb
You carry me, Jesus carry me.

You Are strength in my weakness
You are the refuge I seek
You are everything in me time of need
You are everything, You are everything I need
When every moment is more than I can take
And all of my strength is slipping away
When every breath gets harder me
You carry me, Jesus carry me....


I think I might send him the lyrics. It might help him through the next 6 months.

PS:  As I was writing this, he called again!  He just had a few minutes, but is continuing to do well. His Spirits were up and he sounded very positive!  I love my boy :) so proud of him so far.  Even if it's just the end of the 3rd day!

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

"Do Not Be Afraid"

One of Ryan's favorite bible verses is Matthew 14:27-  But Jesus immediately said to them: "Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid."

It's a reminder that no matter what we go through in life,  God will always be with us.  We CAN step off of that boat and onto the water.  If we keep our eyes towards Jesus, then we will be okay.  If we falter and look towards the coming storm, we will fall down.  

Trusting that God will take care of us.  Knowing and having the faith that He will.  

We have had a whirlwind of the past week.  Last Friday was a wonderful day.  Abigail and I ended up going with Ryan to Baltimore, when he had to take his (3rd) polygraph.  It all worked out perfectly.  We got up there with time to spare, he had time to run into Walmart and shave (he forgot to at home!!) and we had lunch.  His polygraph was at 1:00 so I dropped him off. While he was doing that, Abigail and I ventured to baltimore city to Soft & Cozy Baby Boutique on Falls Road.  Cute little store!  I had somehow found it on the internet.  They were having a sale on bumgenius diapers, so we added a few to our stash, and also tried on baby carriers.  I am thinking hard about getting an ergo baby carrier- Abigail really seemed to like it. I walked around the store for quite a while "wearing" her.  No fussiness from her! 
We were done at the store and on our way through the city guided by my GPS to White Marsh when Ryan called and he was done, so we made our way back to Essex and picked him up.  That part worked out perfectly as well, but it's too long fo rme to type. Let's just say that God has impeccable timing.  Ryan had to wait a little bit for the results, but then he got a phone call and found out he PASSED!  He was sooo ecstatic.  However, the person who gave the polygraph didn't know when Ryan would be contacted, if at all, regarding training.  So we figured it would be a waiting game.  

Ryan was sooo relieved, he felt so much weight lifted off his shoulders.  He finally passed that darn test.  He was honest the entire time, but this time with a different person giving it, something showed different and it showed no deception.  Thank goodness. If my husband is one thing  then that is an honest and truthful man.  

Since he was in such a good mood and it was such a beautiful day,  we decided to head over to The Avenue at White Marsh- a cute little shopping area!! It was literally about 5 minutes from where his polygraph was- that worked out too!  It was a GORGEOUS day, in the 70's with the sun out! I just wanted the day to last forever.  We went to A.C. Moore, Barnes & Noble, Carters, and some other stores. 

In the meantime, while in Carters,  Ryan got a phone call from a recruiting sergeant and when he spoke with him, he was told that he was 99.9% approved for the academy, but his "packet" was to be reviewed by the review board today (tuesday) and that would be the final deciding factor.  The guy seemed really upbeat and positive that Ryan would be in the next academy training.  He said he would try to contact him Tuesday with the final decision.  We didn't want to get our hopes up- we wanted to be sure before we celebrated!  We still enjoyed our dinner at TGI Fridays anyway. 

Abigail was an angel the entire day.  She slept in her carseat when we were driving, was awake when I/we were shopping, slept most the way home, and STILL Slept the entire night once we got home!! It was wonderful- makes me want to take her back to Baltimore soon!  I know it won't always be that easy though....

The rest of the weekend flew by, of course, as all Ryan's weekend's off do. 

Today, he got a phone call while I was at work.  The little booger didn't even call me to tell me, he waited until I got home to tell me the news!!  The same sergeant called him and told him that it's official and he has been approved! 

He has to head to baltimore on Friday morning to sign his final offer and there is an orientation.  He then has to report for the academy (6 1/2 months) this coming Sunday Mach 27th.   

I am sooooo happy for him, it's what he's been wanting. It's what he feels led to do.  He wants to make a difference.  I am very proud of him, and I know he will be fine through training. 

We have a strong relationship.  Sure we will miss each other and I will have my "moments" but I know we will be fine.  We will come out strong on the other end.  I will still see him on weekends here and there.  The nights will be rough on me at times, I am sure, but I will get through it. 

However, the next 3 weeks will be really stressful for me.  We have a daycare lined up for Abigail but she can only do Fridays for now until mid-April when she will have a full time infant spot.  Between my family and friends, I think I can manage with finding people to watch Abigail while I work,  but it still stresses me out.  Only a select few people have watched her so far.  It makes me nervous! She's a good baby, I guess she will be fine.  I hope she will be.

So Ryan's last day at ECI will be tomorrow, Wednesday.  Friday he heads to Baltimore for the day, not sure how long he will be there.  We will have Saturday together, then Sunday he reports to training.  It's all so fast.  A little too fast.   We will get through it.

God will see us through it.  Jesus said "Take Courage- It is I.  Do not be afraid."

I willl definitely keep you all updated, as this spring and summer will definitely be treading into the unknown, in many many ways. 



Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Walk By Faith

2 Corinthians 5:7- For we walk by faith, not by sight.

Today I happened to end up in a conversation with one of our dialysis patients who isn't particularly religious but he did make a good point that I agreed with-  living a Christian life is mainly about faith.  He reminded me that Christians walk by faith, not by sight. 

I struggle with this sometimes.  Especially here lately.  I worry constantly, but I am better than I used to be.  I have blogged about my worries before.  God answers prayers.  I see that every single day.  Worrying is not trusting that God will take care of everything. 

God takes care of everything.  Every little thing.  It might not be our way, or the way that we prayed for, but He takes care of it His way.  His timing.  Not our timing.  It is very difficult to accept that in this world.   We tend to want things our way.  Our way and God's way can be different sometimes.  We need to live our lives knowing that God will take care of everything.  Not worrying about whether he will or not.  Easier said than done, I think.

Ryan still has an opportunity for a new job (I won't go into details until he actually knows whether he is accepted or not).  He has struggled with just one part of the entire application process, one part of a test. He has passed everything else, as far as we know.  He has had two tries with this test and continued to struggle with just one section.  He was informed almost 3 weeks ago he was to retake the test, and never heard a word.  Of course, we assumed that he did not make it in and have been going about our business. Why would they wait that long and not contact him?? We knew the training starts on March 28th which is VERY soon, so we just assumed he did not make it in.   How would he give notice at his current job?  How would be make sure child care is set in place?  We figured they would have contacted him by now, if they wanted him to retake the exam. 

Today, much to our surprise, he received a phone call, and he indeed has a third time to take this test.  A third time. Who gives third chances anymore?  Who receives third chances anymore?  He takes it on Friday, at a completely different place this time.  He has a different attitude about it now, which we are hoping helps.

From what I can tell, Ryan feels led to this job.  He has for quite some time now. He feels like he needs to do this.  I am supportive.  But scared nonetheless.  He has a dangerous job now.  This job would be more dangerous, in a way.  And now he has a child... a 5 month old.  He will miss a lot of her milestones if he does end up in this training where he is away all week.  One positive thing is he will be able to return most weekends. 

We walk by faith, not by sight. 

Despite my worrying.... I do have faith.  I always have.  I have faith that if this is God's will, then it will be.  Things will work out.  Child care will fall into place.  The finances will be okay. Pop Pop always said things that you often worry about seldom ever happen.  He also often said that "things will work out-  In one way or another, it will work out". 

We walk by faith, not by sight.

If this job is God's will for our family, then He will allow things to work out.  Our lives are in His hands.  He ultimately knows our future.  If not, then we will continue to pray for whatever God has in store for us.

I am letting Go and Letting God- that is something I took from Chrysalis retreat back in high school and never forgot.  Just Let GO and LET God.  Let God handle everything.  Why worry?  Where will that get me.  Nowhere... just stressed out and wore out.

I have always loved the song by Jeremy Camp- Walk By Faith: 
Jeremy Camp- Walk By Faith 

Lyrics:
Would I believe you when you would say
Your hand will guide my every way
Will I receive the words You say
Every moment of every day

Well I will walk by faith
Even when I cannot see
Well because this broken road
Prepares Your will for me

Help me to win my endless fears
You've been so faithful for all my years
With one breath You make me new
Your grace covers all I do

Well I'm broken- but I still see Your face
Well You've spoken- pouring Your words of grace

I will walk, I will walk, I will walk by faith
I will, I will, I will walk by faith




Tuesday, March 15, 2011

5 Months...

My Sweet Little Darling,

Today is Tuesday, March 15th.I cannot believe you are 5 whole months old today!!   Wow... they say time flies faster when you have children and they must be right.  The past 5 months have gone by so fast... soon you will be half a year old!! And then a year!  Pretty soon after that you will be driving!! It seems that way, anyway. 

I try to cherish each and every single moment I have with you because I know it will go by so quickly...  It already has- the past 5 months have flown by.  You have changed more and more the past month than any other, I believe.  Every day we see more and more of your personality.  You really are a sweet girl.  You are the best baby I could have ever asked or prayed for.  And believe you me, I prayed. Before I knew I was having you, when I was carrying you in my belly, and I still pray for you.  I always will.  

There are so many things you have started to do in the past few months. For one, you really do take after your mommy because you already love to 'talk'.  It is so funny.  At first it was more breathy coos, but now you really make some funny noises and squeals! I swear, you really want to talk! In a way, you are.  That is how you are expressing yourself! Daddy won't be able to get a word in once you start talking with real words, between you and me.   And the past few weeks you love to stick your tongue out and blow spit everywhere!! It is sooo funny.  Daddy and I Could listen to you all day long, all night long and it wouldn't bother us.  Well, when you cry it bothers us of course.  

Saturday, March 12, you rolled over from your back to your belly on your own!!! It was just me and you, and you did it once.  You didn't repeat it then.  Then on Monday (the 14th) you did it several times and even let me capture it on video!! It was so very exciting.  You really want to crawl- soon you will be all over the place!! 

You love sitting up in your bumbo seat like you are a big girl-  and you ARE getting to be a big girl!!  You can't really sit on your own yet, but you are so close!!  Sometimes if I am holding onto you, you can sit for a few seconds but you always end up leaning forward towards the ground.  Daddy does "sit ups" with you when you are on the bed... you always fall over and it's sooo funny. You like that.

I wish you still liked to be cuddled, but you want to be looking around at your surroundings all of the time.  You get very squirmy most of the time.  You love to have tummy time on your playmat on the floor.  Right now your favorite toys are your GloWorm that plays lullabies, and you also love looking at mirrors.  They both make you smile lots.   You also love toys that make any type of music.  Makes sense, you have been exposed to lots of music in your lifetime, with your daddy and myself in the choir at church. 


You are learning to grab onto toys and reaching for things...  you just really love getting into things already!  If you are sitting in your bumbo, or even just on my lap, you are always reaching for what's closest to you!!

I love thinking back to the day you were born.... I hope I never forget the little details.  You have grown so much since then, it is already hard to imagine that you were that small.  The last time you went to the doctor, you weighed almost 15 lbs!!  You are getting quite heavy to carry around! You give mommy a workout. 

I was so nervous about being a mommy when I was pregnant with you, but now that I have you, I absolutely LOVE being a mommy.  I hope you think I am a good mommy, I sure try.  Sure there are things that I don't know if I am doing right or wrong.  But I can tell that you love me...  You smile at me when I come home from work and it makes all my worries dissapear.  I especially love when you smile at me in the mornings when you first wake up.

Ahh, the joys of nursing.  I always knew I wanted to at least try breastfeeding you, but I never thought we would end up going 5 months.  You certainly eat well, my dear.  Just look at your belly and leg rolls!! Anyone can tell you are certainly getting what you need.  I just love the fact that my body produces all of the food/nutrients that you need right now. It's neat how God designed our bodies, isn't it? I hope to breastfeed you for as long as you want me to...

Soon we will start you tasting solids... we have started a few times here and there, but I am waiting awhile longer until you are truly ready.  You haven't gotten the swallowing part down yet.  Lots of people don't agree with me and think you should already be eating solids every day, but daddy and mommy will do what we think is right at the moment.  


Right now you are asleep in your crib.  Tonight you were fussy because instead of sleeping on your back, you wanted to roll over on your tummy.  This has never happened before, usually you sleep on your back all night long.  I just checked on you and you were fast asleep on your tummy... this is  a first time.  It makes me nervous.  But you are a big girl now. 

I love you so much, and always will.  I never knew a heart could love someone this much.  But now I know.  God has blessed me so much when He gave me you. 



Love always,
Mommy

Monday, March 14, 2011

It's Time to Roll!!

This past Saturday was the first time Abigail actually rolled over from her back to her tummy.  She had rolled from tummy to back a few times the other week, but this one is the biggy.  Ryan was working and it was just Abigail and I.  We were lying together on the couch, and she was reaching up for one of her toys and all of a sudden she had rolled over! She wouldn't do it again though :(

Today, I layed her down on her playmat in the living room, and went into the other room for JUST a second to grab something.  I came back- she was on her tummy!! I know I laid her down on her back before I had left the room!

So I put her on her back again, and she promptly rolled over onto her tummy!! Then she did it again after that! I just had to grab my camera and video record it!! And my computer is actually reading the video now (for some reason it didn't use to!) She loved doing it, and kept doing it for awhile.

Then she pooped out and took a nap.  All that rolling over must have exhausted her!

So let it go down in the record books that Abigail is officially rolling over!  So many milestones....


And another one...








Sunday, March 13, 2011

Cuddlebug

Abigail used to sleep on my chest all the time when she was a newborn...she loved to cuddle with mommy.  However, now that she is almost 5 months old, she's not quite the snugglebug like she used to be. She wants to look around and see everything. She fell asleep on me like this in church today though, the first time in probably months... I was loving it :)  I miss when she used to snuggle.  I hope she grows back into the snugglebug phase...




Saturday, March 12, 2011

FuzziBunz® One Size Cloth Diaper

I guess you can officially call me a cloth diapering momma now.  I started the Jillians Drawers diaper trial at the end of January, and since then, I have ordered quite a few and use them routinely.  I have a pretty good stash of about 18 or 19 now, maybe more, I am not sure!   I am still working on getting my hubby on board- he is scared of the poop! He is coming around...slowly but surely. 

I haven't yet used the cloth diapers at night time, but I use them when home with my Abigail, and have used them just a few times when going out to run an errand or two.  So far, so good!  There are sooo many brands out there, and so many different types to choose from!! So far, I have bumgenius, fuzzibunz, kawaii, and 2 dry bees (that are a little big right now), and one dinkledooz.  Most of them are "one size" which means they are adjustable and can grow with Abigail until she reaches around 35 lbs or so.  I like those the best, because I won't have to continue buying more as she grows.  I can use the same ones!!

I am a bargain shopper, so I always try to find good deals out there.  I use pocket cloth diapers, which I have found  can be fairly expensive.  Last week I came across an Amazon.com baby store coupon for $10.00 off, and wondered if I could use to purchase a FuzziBunz® One Size diaper off the website.  I  had received one a few weeks ago and really liked it, and thought maybe I could get another one!! I didn't think the coupon would work, but it appeared to!! Then I stumbled across another Amazon.com coupon for 20% off....lo and behold, that worked on the same purchase!! Somehow I managed to get a FuzziBunz® One Size diaper for a total whopping cost of: $5.96.  Regularly priced, it would have typically cost around $20.00 (plus tax and shipping!) !!  I was able to score free shipping for this...  What a deal!! I was so excited!  

The diaper arrived very quickly, just 2 days after ordering it! I was so surprised.  I had a few other new diapers that came that same day thatI needed to wash/prep before using, so I threw them in the laundry right away.   Soon the new diaper was washed and ready to use! 

Here are photos of the $5.96 FuzziBunz® One Size Diaper:


Here are some photos of Abigail wearing her FuzziBunz® One Size diaper that we got a few weeks ago with another order- but don't you just love the color??  (who ever thought I would get excited over a darn diaper).

This FuzziBunz® one size cloth diaper has a button adjustable waist and leg casings. I have not seen this feature in any other cloth diaper.  It allows for better more customized fit for your baby!   The diaper even comes with a free replacement elastic band, if the original elastic wears out! It is easy to replace, without sewing required!
The FuzziBunz® one size comes with 2 inserts, one for newborn babies, and a larger one. If needed, you could double up the inserts for more absorbancy!  They are easy to insert and easy to remove. 
 FuzziBunz® diapers are made with PUL for the outer layer, which helps keep the moisture contained.  I have had very FEW leaks with cloth diapers that have PUL outer layers so far. This diaper has a soft microfleece inner layer that is gentle on baby's skin, and it pulls away the moisture which helps keep your baby rash-free, dry, and comfortable. The microfleece is made of 100% Polyester and is custom-milled.

The diaper has very durable and sturdy snaps!

All in all, I really like this FuzziBunz® one size diaper so far!! Abigail has worn it a few times already, and no leaks, and it is much trimmer than some of the other pocket diapers! I will be buying more of these, especially if I come across more coupons!!


Dinner with a Good Friend

I apoligize to my readers for not writing much this week!  It turned out to be a busy week.  Ryan was off from work Tuesday through Thursday, so I tend to not spend as much time on the computer when he is home. 

Wednesday night we headed to Easton to a good friend of mine's house, and had dinner with her and her husband.  I went to Salisbury University with her, we both obtained our Masters in Social Work together. I know without a doubt that I would have struggled through that program moreso if it was not for her!!  We became friends in the fall of 2006 and were instant buddies.  The social work program was very intense and I was blessed to have a friend like her for support.  We grew very close during our time at Salisbury University, and she was even in my wedding after we graduated!!

We still keep in contact, but probably not as much as we should, due to our busy lives! I am very grateful for her friendship though.  She is a wondeful person, as is her husband and their family.  Easton is only about 1 hour away, just down the highway, but it becomes very difficult planning around both of our hectic schedules to spend some time together!!

We arrived at their (beautiful!) home a little after 7:00 and had a delicious dinner complete with cheesecake for dessert...yum yum.  We had only been to their home once  since they have bought it, so we enjoyed seeing all of the decor they added since we last visited!!

They don't have children yet, but they loved Abigail to pieces, of course!!! And, of course, she loved the attention.  I cannot wait until she has her own children so we can bring Abigail to play!

The last time she had seen Abigail was when she was about 1 week old...  I hope we don't go that long again without seeing each other!!!

Oh, another cool part of the evening was that I got a very belated birthday and Christmas gift!! I felt bad though, I forgot to bring hers :( There is always next time!

We didn't get home until almost 11:00 and I had to get up for work the next morning, but it was an evening well worth it.  We had such a wonderful time catching up with each other!! But as always, there is never enough time to catch up on everything! I found myself on the ride home, thinking about everything I forgot to ask about!! An excuse to get together again real soon!




Monday, March 7, 2011

Hubby Time

I love my hubby time :)

My husband started working in a local prison as a correctional officer in July 2009, basically a few weeks after my Pop Pop passed away.  Along with the new job came a new working schedule.  Goodbye to the days of Monday through Friday, 8-5.  Hello to working 7 days straight, sometimes 8.  I guess I have grown used to it over the past year and half... in some ways. In some ways, not. It is sure different now that Abigail is here. 

Before Abigail was born,  Ryan (such the supportive husband that he is) decided to change shifts at work.  We were (and still are!) trying to avoid putting our newborn chid in a daycare. We discussed the other possible shifts that he would switch to, and after much prayer and discussion, we thought that the 3-11 pm shift would be best.  He would still get home with enough time to get a decent night's sleep and ready to go with Abigail in the mornings.  My supervisor at my job was gracious enough to let me adjust my schedule so that I come in early (most days!) and leave early so I can be home by 2:00 pm when Ryan leaves for work.  I am fortunate and blessed to have a wonderful supervisor. 

It works out great.  Ryan gets home at 11:30 pm and he gets to sleep in every morning.  He is with Abigail during the day, getting his daddy-daughter time.  Then I come home from work, and he goes to work.  We have only needed someone to watch Abigail a few days here and there if I need to stay late at work and usually only for an hour or so.  But most of the time, I am home in time to kiss my hubby, find out how much Abigail has pooped that day, (haha) when she was last fed, and when she had her naps.  Then it's off to work he goes.  Sometimes I get home early enough to talk to him a little bit more while he's getting ready for work.  Sometimes not.  It's those days that wear on me after so many days in a row of that. I love my hubby time.  I love sharing moments of my day with him.

However, I also  LOVE LOVE LOVE my time with my Abigail in the afternoons and evenings. But I sure do miss my husband on those nights too.  Some nights I don't know what to do with myself, I get in ruts where it's the same ole same ole.  This winter has been so cold, I Haven't felt like taking Abigail out.  She hates getting all bundled up and into her carseat. Most days I come home, put my jammies on, and we are in for the night.  

I always look forward to Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, because those are the days we can all sleep in together :)  I get to see and talk to my hubby before he leaves for work at 2:00.  Sometimes that is what gets me through the workweek.  (I Have off Fridays usually).

It does pay off eventually though, because when Ryan does have days off, it is always either a  Friday Saturday Sunday weekend off... or Monday through Thursday.  This week he had to work Monday day shift, his 8th day in a row, but he has off until Friday now.  So it works out.  He works hard at his job, as much as he might not enjoy it at times, and I am proud of him. He deserves those days off. 

I know there are families out there who don't get to spend much, if any time at all together... especially military families.  I am definitely not complaining about not seeing my husband... I am fortunate to have the time with him that I do. I have great respect for those military mommies whose husbands are deployed overseas.  It sure takes a strong woman to do that. 

But I just wanted to say that I cherish my time with Ryan and Abigail, the time we have together, the 3 of us (well 4, when includining Camden too) as a family.  Whatever the future holds, I know we will get through it. 

Sunday, March 6, 2011

A Sleeping Baby...

Abigail wasn't always a "sleeping baby".  When we first brought her home from the hospital, there were some ROUGH nights at the beginning.  And I do mean rough. Rough that some nights I didn't think I Was going to make it.  Abigail had her days and nights mixed up and would not go back to sleep at night after nursing. In fact, some nights it seemed that she hardly slept at all!!  It seemed I would spend the entire night breastfeeding her! I would nurse her, we would put her down... eventually she seemed to fall asleep then maybe 20 minutes later she was crying again!! Cluster feedings were the worst for me.  I didn't have a lot of patience at 2 am in the morning.  My husband was crucial when this was going on.  HE had to remind me that it was not about me...it was about Abigail and her needs.  He tends to give me a reality check wheen I need it. 

Finally a few weeks into it, or maybe a month, she seemed to finally sleep for longer periods.  First, it was a 4 hour stretch... then 5... I remember her pediatrician had told us at the 2 week checkup not to let her sleep longer then 5 hours...but I have to admit, I didn't wake her up to breastfeed, no matter what others said.  I let her sleep and wake herself up when she was hungry.  We never had problems breastfeeding or with milk supply. My body has always adjusted to Abigail's needs. 

Eventually she did get her days and nights straight. However, then she became a night owl and didn't want to go to sleep until 11 pm, sometimes close to midnight!!

Ryan and I were both going back to work when Abigail was 6 weeks old.  When the time was coming, I sat Abigail down and we had a discussion.  Well, I discussed and who knows what she understood.  :)   Anyway, I told her that Mommy was going back to work and had to get up early now.  So Abigail will need to fall asleep earlier.

Wouldn't you know, that first week that we went back to work, Abigail actually fell asleep around 9 pm?  I swear to this day that she listened to me.   Ever since then, she has been a wonderful sleeping baby... I put her down to bed between 8:30 and 9pm usually,depending on whats going on that night, and she falls right asleep without fussing 99.9% of the time.  She will sleep through the night and wakes up hungry usually between 5 am and 6 am, sometimes late, sometimes earlier.  I always nurse her at least once before I head to work.  Then she goes back to sleep and my husband gets to sleep in with her until 9:00-9:30 every morning.  He's a lucky duck!!

A lot of people told me at the beginning that if I don't wake her up to nurse in the middle of the night, my supply will go down, but Abigail has been breastfeeding since the day she was born and my supply is fine.  My thing is, she will wake up when she is hungry. And she sure lets me know!!! Besides, you can tell from the pictures that she has been gaining weight just fine! She will be 5 months soon, and we are still going strong.   I hope to continue breastfeeding for as long as Abigail wants :)

I love my sleeping baby!  I know that it could change in the future, when she gets older and starts teething etc, but I certainly am enjoying the fact she she sleeps so well right now!!

Wednesday, March 2, 2011

Getting There...

Okay, well I admit that I haven't yet started Abigail's scrapbook.  I have the materials (mostly) that I need, but I have yet to find the motivation or energy to work on it.  Abigail has been going to bed earlier these days, but I tend to veg out on the couch or on the computer until I head to bed. 

I have gotten as far as trying to sort through the pictures I have so far, I don't have a clue which ones to use, we have so many!!

I will keep you guys updated as to my status.  I am getting there!! Just in the "brainstorming" part right now.   :)

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

Baptism

Sunday Abigail was baptised.  It was a family affair- Ryan's mom, aunt, brother and our sister in law came down for the weekend.  Abigail was baptised at Grace United Methodist Church, there church were I grew up, where we got married, and now Ryan and I continue to attend. 


Of course we dolled Abigail up... she had a beautiful baptism gown complete with white socks and booties.  She looked like an angel. 

Some of us thought she looked like a little amish girl with her cap on!  (Don't mind my frowny face, I am not sure why I looked like that!)



We welcomed her into God's family.  I just pray that Abigail grows up to know and love God as we do, and that she will come to live her life loving God and loving others.  I pray that we can teach her and that she is willing to listen and learn about the teachings of Jesus Christ, and what God has in store for her life.  She is a blessed baby, and we are very blessed to have her. 

She did so well during the baptism!  She let out one cry at the first touch of water on her forehead, then she calmed down.  It must have all been too much for her, because she passed out in Nan's arms for the rest of the church service!





After the church service, there was a reception and then our family went to lunch. 

It was overall a very nice weekend indeed.  Very tiring (we took a nap Sunday afternoon) but well worth it.