Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Family Date Night
Last night we had our first "official" Family Date Night! I went to Target yesterday (for the 3rd time in a week, by the way....), and bought "Tangled". I remember seeing the preview for the movie when we went out with friends to see Toy Story 3 in the theatres. I was very pregnant, but was so excited that "Tangled" would be out in time for little Ady. I wanted to take her to see it a million times, but everytime I thought about it, I decided against it. The first 8 weeks the doctor didn't want her out, and then after that I never knew if she was going to have her screaming escapades. When I think back to that time, I can't believe we ever survived it. It was so hard. So much harder than I had ever imagined. Anways....getting off track. But, very thankful that today I truly have the happiest baby in the world!
I made a homemade alfredo pizza (crust homemade too!). It had chicken, bacon, spinach, and cheese on it. It was amazingly delicious! Joseph was in heaven for sure!
We went upstairs to our favorite room in the house where it's all nice and cozy and watched Tangled. Ady. Was. GLUED! Her eyes didn't leave the screen until she fell asleep. It was so precious. I had heard the movie was really good, so I wasn't surprised when I was in love with it. But, really, it's Disney. What is there about Disney I don't love? :)
Ady got a "Tangled" doll for Christmas and her hair lights up when you brush it. Check out this cool photo:
She loved her doll so much she tried to tackle her and pull all her hair out :)
She was so good at Target yesterday. (She hasn't been napping much at all during the day.) She went 4 hours straight on a 30 minute nap (which is a big deal for her). I knew she was tired, but she didn't even fight it. She was Miss Social Butterfly at Target. So...she got a princess ball. And she LOVES it! :)
And can you believe this? She is doing exactly what the picture says. It doesn't lie! She is pulling up. My baby girl is growing too fast!
She fell asleep on me during the movie. She was out. Remember she didn't sleep much during the day? Well...about 10:00 I went to go lay her in her crib and I noticed she had woken up. So...I decided to change her diaper. Then realized she had spit all over her jammies. So I was changing her and she started doing her usually happy things. Kicking like wild, squealing, laughing. It was so cute. The girl got her 2nd wind and was a little insomniac. So cute :)
It was a great, fun, family night! Last night I was reminded that if I never, ever receive one more blessing, then I truly have more than I'll ever need. I'm at a peace with that. Jesus, Joseph, Ady, our precious dogs, a wonderful family, friends who love us, a sweet little house that is truly our home, it's all we need. I feel like I am truly "living the dream!" And I beleive that just like in the fairy tales I loved to watch (and I know Ady will love to!), I truly will live (and am living) happily ever after! :)
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Can you believe it?
Ady is growing up so fast. I know people say this all the time, but until you're a parent you don't get it! Literally, I blinked, and I have an almost 7 month old. She is growing so much. I just can't believe it!
Ady is pulling up on things and people. She's getting very hard to hold because she wants to MOVE!
And pull hair....
And THIS week my little baby started to CRAWL....I got a video but it was a horrible shot. Daddy and Gramme were able to see it though. She is going to be FAST. I can't WAIT!
She's sitting up like such a big girl!
Of course she's still a little glamour girl....
And definitely going to be a beach bum like her mommy...
And she likes to be silly at mealtime....
She loves to spit her food back at me. Not because she dislikes it, she eats every last drop. But, she likes to make a mess :)
Caden and Rachel came to Lexington for the weekend to visit Ady. We had a great time. She really loves her "big cuz" Caden.
And Ady, of course, was trying to escape!
But, Auntie held on tight!
We are so excited for our upcoming trip to Florida. My sweet friend, Laura, is an angel for agreeing to watch our 3 precious pups.
She did it a few years ago and survived, so fingers crossed she'll survive again! :) We are very blessed to have her for such a wonderful friend. Speaking of which, her and her daughter and son came over for a "play date" and lunch Saturday. How in the world did I NOT get a picture?? So sorry, guys :(
I ran across this picture yesterday and couldn't believe how much little Ady looks like me as a baby :)
And speaking of coming across pictures, I ran across this one:
Caden came to visit one weekend in December. It was one of my lowest times. I was smiling on the outside, but inside I was aching. Aching for a precious baby to call my own. I couldn't understand how it seemed like everyone left and right was getting pregnant like it was no big deal. But little did I know that my life would one day look like THIS:
I have learned, over time, to just believe. When everything else says no, our God (sometimes) says yes. He has the power to always say yes, though. And I believe. I believed He could once upon a time handle my situation, my pain, my deepest desire, and He did and He did more than I ever could have imagined. If he can do this, how can I not believe and trust He can do something else? Even more? I am a little (well...actually a lot) scared about what's going to happen next; where we go; what God's plan is. And there is really no peace at all. I'm ready for April 13th. I'm ready to hear what else my doctor finds and what she recommends from then on. I believe that the peace that "passes all understanding" will be felt afterwards. Right now, I might not feel it, but I believe it's coming.
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Constant Changes
I'm learning that with a baby in the house, life is constantly changing. Ady is growing so fast. Check out some of her latest pictures.
Chewing on a saltine cracker wrapper:
Such a big girl: Trying to get her Aunt Heather's Dr. Pepper. She worked so hard! We've enjoyed lots of beautiful walks outside. She loves the sun, naturally! And, like mother like daughter, the sun makes her happy!
She's saying "buh, buh, buh". It's so precious. She is really developing just perfectly and responding to people (and dogs!) with her squeals and talking sounds. Last week she found a "monster voice". It was hilarious. I can't upload videos to my blog for some reason. But, just imagine a toddler trying to imitate a lion. That masculine, rough sound came out of my dainty little Ady for about 3-4 days :) It's so cute to watch her as she finds new sounds. I am so thankful for a healthy baby. I am so thankful for a now happy baby! We've paid our dues for sure!
Ady is back to taking her infamous 30 minute cat naps. It makes it very difficult to accomplish many tasks. But, most nights when I watch her sleeping I think, "Nothing else is really that much more important than watching her." She is so absolutely precious. I never imagined how much I'd love her. I always knew I would. I just didn't realize it'd be this deep.
She is eating just as much as before. At breakfast: cereal and a fruit with a 4 oz bottle. At lunch, two veggies (or one BIG jar of sweet potatoes). Let me rephrase it: lunch is sweet potatoes, always, with another veggie; and a 4 or 5 oz bottle. :) At supper she gets cereal and a fruit and a 4 oz bottle. And right before bed she gets an 8 oz bottle. Her spitting is a lot better and I can tell my little lady isn't quite so little anymore :(
She has been waking up a lot in the night. Not sure if it's reflux or teeth. She is still sleeping in her crib and oh, so precious. Look how precious this picture is:
Another change: Ady no longer likes TV. Mickey's Clubhouse used to be the only way I'd get a shower. No more! Jenny Jump Up and her Bumbo seat are the only ways I get a shower :)
I am thankful, more thankful than ever before for Ady. The other night I was holding her and just looked at her and had tears welling up in my eyes. I will never forget the day I left the doctor's office and she said, "You're at the right place. You never would have gotten pregnant on your own. But, we're here to help you." And then the night I took the pregnancy test. She has defied all odds. And as I deal with this pain and this mess that is continously growing in my body, I'm reminded just how special and how much of a gift Ady is to our family.
My surgery is scheduled for April 13. My doctor is out of town for a few weeks, so that's why I have to wait a while to have it. Please be in prayer for this surgery with us! We'll be leaving for the beach in a little over a week. I'm so excited to get some time to rest and relax in the sun before the surgery. And, sit by the ocean's waters and rest in the promise that even when everything else in our lives is constantly changing, whether good or bad, God is the only thing that will never change.
Chewing on a saltine cracker wrapper:
Such a big girl: Trying to get her Aunt Heather's Dr. Pepper. She worked so hard! We've enjoyed lots of beautiful walks outside. She loves the sun, naturally! And, like mother like daughter, the sun makes her happy!
She's saying "buh, buh, buh". It's so precious. She is really developing just perfectly and responding to people (and dogs!) with her squeals and talking sounds. Last week she found a "monster voice". It was hilarious. I can't upload videos to my blog for some reason. But, just imagine a toddler trying to imitate a lion. That masculine, rough sound came out of my dainty little Ady for about 3-4 days :) It's so cute to watch her as she finds new sounds. I am so thankful for a healthy baby. I am so thankful for a now happy baby! We've paid our dues for sure!
Ady is back to taking her infamous 30 minute cat naps. It makes it very difficult to accomplish many tasks. But, most nights when I watch her sleeping I think, "Nothing else is really that much more important than watching her." She is so absolutely precious. I never imagined how much I'd love her. I always knew I would. I just didn't realize it'd be this deep.
She is eating just as much as before. At breakfast: cereal and a fruit with a 4 oz bottle. At lunch, two veggies (or one BIG jar of sweet potatoes). Let me rephrase it: lunch is sweet potatoes, always, with another veggie; and a 4 or 5 oz bottle. :) At supper she gets cereal and a fruit and a 4 oz bottle. And right before bed she gets an 8 oz bottle. Her spitting is a lot better and I can tell my little lady isn't quite so little anymore :(
She has been waking up a lot in the night. Not sure if it's reflux or teeth. She is still sleeping in her crib and oh, so precious. Look how precious this picture is:
Another change: Ady no longer likes TV. Mickey's Clubhouse used to be the only way I'd get a shower. No more! Jenny Jump Up and her Bumbo seat are the only ways I get a shower :)
I am thankful, more thankful than ever before for Ady. The other night I was holding her and just looked at her and had tears welling up in my eyes. I will never forget the day I left the doctor's office and she said, "You're at the right place. You never would have gotten pregnant on your own. But, we're here to help you." And then the night I took the pregnancy test. She has defied all odds. And as I deal with this pain and this mess that is continously growing in my body, I'm reminded just how special and how much of a gift Ady is to our family.
My surgery is scheduled for April 13. My doctor is out of town for a few weeks, so that's why I have to wait a while to have it. Please be in prayer for this surgery with us! We'll be leaving for the beach in a little over a week. I'm so excited to get some time to rest and relax in the sun before the surgery. And, sit by the ocean's waters and rest in the promise that even when everything else in our lives is constantly changing, whether good or bad, God is the only thing that will never change.
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Joy.
I have learned over the years how important it is to be transparent. When I was struggling to get pregnant with Ady and finally let my "secret" out, it was exhilirating. I realized that I didn't have to carry it alone. Even though I knew Jesus would gladly carry it, I think by holding it all inside I felt like I had to appear okay on the outside. I had to act all put together.
I'll never forget the afternoon I told my mom. She had come to Lexington for something (even though I can't remember what for now), and I just cried and cried after I told her. I felt like after I said it, then I could deal with it. There was no turning back, it was real. And I was real. I was raw, cut right open. One of my mom's dear friends said to me, and I'll never forget it, "Rebekah, you have grown up praising Jesus. You have had a pretty easy life. Now, this is the time to find out if He really is who you've said He was all these years." And she was so right. His word is filled with seasons of faithfulness, trials, but ultimately, there IS good in every ending. I spent years and years saying He was faithful, but it was time to live it. There is a difference .
So, prior to news of Ady's precious little body growing inside of me, I had to be transparent. I had to let my friends know, "You know what? I'm not okay. I trust God, but right now, I don't understand Him". And I had days, plenty of them, when I had my doubts. Plenty of days when I didn't want to trust Him. How could He know what was best for me? But, He did. Every time I look in my little miracle's eyes, I see how His plan was far greater than mine. Don't get me wrong here. I'm not insinuating my love for Ady is any deeper than for the mother who conceives with no problems at all. But, it is different. It's a different feeling. To know that, this child I longed for, literally ached for. And to see her with my eyes. What a testimony to the faithfulness of God! And, what a story Ady gets to live out in her life! My prayer is that she will choose to love God and honor Him with her life.
I have really been praying hard this week for me to "Be still and rest". To rest in the promises of the Lord. The week didn't start out the way I wanted it to. I had a lot of tears, a lot of unanswered questions, still have them. But, I've spent time at the feet of Jesus; some days just "showing up" and saying, "What do you have for me today, God?" Yesterday was one of those days. I opened up to Psalm 119:32 "I'll run this course You have laid out for me. If You'll just show me how." I kept reading, and then went back to it. I kept on reading, and went back again. My eyes were just drawn to it.
I kept thinking, "You of little faith! How dare you act like there is no hope!" And, I realized in that moment that God calls us through trials to strengthen us in Him, not ourselves. So often I think "we" find ourselves thinking we ought to become stronger, but that's not it at all.
This morning I sang the lyrics of a song I've heard dozens of time at church. But this time, I listened. I really listened to what I was singing. "Take my life, let it be everything, all of me. Here I am, use me for Your glory." And that was all it took. I finally got it. He can, and WILL use this season of my life to bring Him glory.
I believe God has the power to stop this madness. I believe that the day of my surgery the doctor can go in and find nothing. I believe that I can go the rest of my life and never have it return. I serve a God that can do that. But, if in His infinite wisdom He chooses what's best, and it involves something that creates more pain momentarily, and some heartbreak along the way, then I must choose joy. I can choose to be angry at Him. I can choose to question His plan. Or, I can simply choose to trust and to be thankful in all circumstances. No matter what. He is always faithful.
"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him."-Romans 15:13
Please continue to join us in prayer that His will will be done in our lives.
So, prior to news of Ady's precious little body growing inside of me, I had to be transparent. I had to let my friends know, "You know what? I'm not okay. I trust God, but right now, I don't understand Him". And I had days, plenty of them, when I had my doubts. Plenty of days when I didn't want to trust Him. How could He know what was best for me? But, He did. Every time I look in my little miracle's eyes, I see how His plan was far greater than mine. Don't get me wrong here. I'm not insinuating my love for Ady is any deeper than for the mother who conceives with no problems at all. But, it is different. It's a different feeling. To know that, this child I longed for, literally ached for. And to see her with my eyes. What a testimony to the faithfulness of God! And, what a story Ady gets to live out in her life! My prayer is that she will choose to love God and honor Him with her life.
I have really been praying hard this week for me to "Be still and rest". To rest in the promises of the Lord. The week didn't start out the way I wanted it to. I had a lot of tears, a lot of unanswered questions, still have them. But, I've spent time at the feet of Jesus; some days just "showing up" and saying, "What do you have for me today, God?" Yesterday was one of those days. I opened up to Psalm 119:32 "I'll run this course You have laid out for me. If You'll just show me how." I kept reading, and then went back to it. I kept on reading, and went back again. My eyes were just drawn to it.
I kept thinking, "You of little faith! How dare you act like there is no hope!" And, I realized in that moment that God calls us through trials to strengthen us in Him, not ourselves. So often I think "we" find ourselves thinking we ought to become stronger, but that's not it at all.
This morning I sang the lyrics of a song I've heard dozens of time at church. But this time, I listened. I really listened to what I was singing. "Take my life, let it be everything, all of me. Here I am, use me for Your glory." And that was all it took. I finally got it. He can, and WILL use this season of my life to bring Him glory.
I believe God has the power to stop this madness. I believe that the day of my surgery the doctor can go in and find nothing. I believe that I can go the rest of my life and never have it return. I serve a God that can do that. But, if in His infinite wisdom He chooses what's best, and it involves something that creates more pain momentarily, and some heartbreak along the way, then I must choose joy. I can choose to be angry at Him. I can choose to question His plan. Or, I can simply choose to trust and to be thankful in all circumstances. No matter what. He is always faithful.
"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him."-Romans 15:13
Please continue to join us in prayer that His will will be done in our lives.
Monday, March 14, 2011
Just believe.
Joseph and I have been dealing with a lot of things thrown on us at once the past couple weeks. We've been praying and trying to make sense of it all. But, today we were not prepared for what we heard.
As many of my followers know I have a very aggressive form of endometriosis. I spent the first year of our marriage in a lot of pain 2 weeks out of every month. Luckily, after two laparascopies to removed excessive amounts I was able to have my sweet little Ady. I also have PCOS, which for those of you who don't know what that is, is Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. Not a big deal really. Unless you are tough as nails and want to remain infertile. This is where it gets complicated.
Due to the severtiy of my condition, it continuously spreads. I had a lap in February of 09 and then 9 months later in November of 09 it was everywhere. I went to multi doctors and most said, "it doesn't grow that fast." Unfortunately for me, it did as Dr. Bain found out on November 20, 2009. But, with a lot of help from Jesus I was able to get pregnant with Ady the next month.
So what's the big deal? When your body is pregnant your symptoms go into a remission type stage. I had absolutely no pain, at all the entire time I was pregnant. It was perfect. I loved it. I also knew that it wouldn't last forever. I was told at my 6 week "post Ady" check up to strongly consider trying for another one soon (as I had been told previously by Dr. Bain after she performed the 2nd surgery I had). I brushed it under the rug. I was confident this time it would NOT grow back. I wouldn't need it. My God would calm that storm and He would heal my body completely. But, His plan did not fold out like that.
I have been having a lot of pain, excruciating actually. But, I've learned to mask it and deal with it very well. I mean, I had to, right? After going through this month in and month out, you learn to just deal. The world goes on and I don't appear sick on the outside, so I've got to be tough. I called Dr. Karon last week to set up an appointment. I had in my head how it would go today. I'd ask her to put me on Lupron shots to suppress the hormones for a few months, then try to get pregnant when Ady was about a year old. But, that's nothing like today went. And because I had a plan in my head already, it made the tears just flow and flow.
She did an ultrasound and without hesitation said, "it's covered in cysts." She hadn't even finished the exam and she said, "I'm sorry to tell you this, but you need surgery again." I looked at her and I'm sure my jaw just dropped. I then mustered up the words and asked if I'd have to do this everytime I wanted to get pregnant. She said, "this pain will not go away unless I do surgery." A part of me wanted to jump up and say "Where were you 2 years ago when I was running all over town being told this pain was all in my head?" I was grateful for her proactive nature. But, instead I told her my doubts, my worries about the condition of this. She said, "I need you to know that I specialize in this. I do extensive work to remove every last spec. I can promise you that I will help with the pain. I can't promise how long it will last before it returns. It may return in 4 months, it may be 4 years. But, I can promise you I will do an extensive surgery." As I was checking out she walked me to the desk and said, "You know I wouldn't mind delivering your second baby very soon."
And I cried the entire way home. And I stopped for an hour or so, and then when Joseph came home I cried, and cried, and cried again. Why am I crying? Because I had an expectation for God, and He did not do what I wanted Him to. I learned today that I might have said I trusted Him in this situation, but I really didn't. You see, I already had a plan. I went to the doctor with how I wanted it to go.
There are a few things that are very hard for me to understand. It's hard to understand how someone as young as me has this mess going on inside. No, it's not terminating my body. I'll be fine, I"ll live. But, it's a hard pill to swallow when you go in for an exam and you look at a screen and all you see are black clumps everywhere. It's easy to throw a pity party for myself. "Why do I have to live in this pain? Why does this continue to grow, why can't it just stay away? How come someone else can get pregnant not even trying and for me I'll never be able to do that? I have something taking over my body that keeps it from ever being easy."
Please don't misunderstand me. I believe God has the power to remove it and keep it from ever coming back. But, for some reason these are the cards He has dealt for me. There is something in this I'm not learning yet. Because, it's the third time I'm having this surgery. There is some reason why I've been told I need to have my children now, not later. Surgery has to happen regardless. Then, we must act fast and make a decision that will affect the rest of our lives. I'm 25 years old and I have to make a huge decision.
For tonight, I'm going to just believe. I'm going to just believe that God knows what He is doing. I've thought many times tonight that at this exact moment He is seated on His throne. He is hearing my cries. He's nodding His head and saying, "Yes, My child. Just believe Me even when you can't see Me." He has a big blueprint in front of Him and He's sharing it with the angels. He's saying, "See how this ends? She can't see it now, but she'll be so thankful for it once she's on the other side."
I believe God's voice will speak louder than anything else we are listening to. I believe that He will fill me with His presence, His peace. And, I believe there will come a day when He will say to me, "Well done, good and faithful servant, welcome Home."
Will you believe with me?
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Changes.
I am so thankful for Ady. Have I said that before? She has, literally, grown up over night. She's settled into a nice little routine. And, I know, now that we've got one, it'll change soon. In honor of the time change weekend, I thought I'd update all my followers of the changes we are experiencing right now.
1. She is happy! ALL. DAY. LONG. This means.....tada! Reflux is almost a thing of the past. She never, and I mean never cries anymore. In the past 4 days I haven't heard a peep out of her. Not one. This is what she was like until she was about 2-3 weeks old. We knew at around that age once she started screaming that something was up. She had been too good originally at birth. And now, she's reverting back to it. Wonderful :)
2. Very rarely does she spit. We had her photo shoot today and she had to be placed in the car immediately after the bottle. This means massive spitting. Or well, I guess I should say it used to mean massive spitting. Not. A. DROP! Not on the bib once I took her out of the car after the hour and 15 minute drive. And...very, very minimal during the photo shoot. I wouldn't even call what she did there spit. I guess for other parents they'd call it that. To us, it was nothing. Oh, reflux you have not been a friend to us. We are so happy to see you go.
3. Sleep, sleep sleep! Ady is in her crib full time now and LOVING it. I feel like all these changes started after we transitioned her. I'm sure it's just a coincidence. But, it's like she realized, "Hey! I'm 6 months old, I'm a big girl now!". She sleeps all through the night without waking up. Remember when she was waking up every 30 minutes or so screaming out in pain? The past 2 nights I haven't heard a peep. 3 nights ago she cried out twice. Once before I fell asleep around 11:30 and then about 4:30 AM. I watched her on the monitor (greatest invention of all time), and in less than 20 seconds she had gotten herself back to sleep. It's almost as if Ady has learned to self soothe without me having to "teach" her how. Weird, I know. No complaints here. One happy mommy!
4. Sleep, sleep, sleep! Wait, I just said that, didn't I? Well, my once little cat napper has turned into a 2 hour napper. I'm afraid to type this. Afraid that tomorrow it'll be back to 30-40 minutes. She started this on Wednesday. Slept 2 hours for a morning nap. This is huge for me. I spent the first 5 months doing laundry, scrubbing bathrooms, vacuuming, mopping, making grocery lists, etc up until about 11:00 every night once Joseph was home to help me with Ady. Now that she's napping, I can do those things then.
5. Perfect. That hasn't changed. Duh. She's always been perfect :) She is the best baby ever. It's funny now that she's not screaming in pain or spitting I find myself thinking back to when her reflux problems first started. I cried, and cried, and cried ALL the time. It was incredibly frustrating. I was already dealing with mutltitudes of emotions from giving birth and then having a baby I couldn't console just fueled the fire. It's funny how easily you forget how bad it once was. I remember people saying, "it'll be over before you know it. It won't last forever." I honestly did not believe there was any possible way anyone could outgrow this. I truly didn't. But, she IS and she has!
Ady had her 6 month photo shoot at Tammy's today. She is an amazing photographer. If you need one contact her at www.tammylanham.com. She's fantastic! Ady was a little more interested in the surroundings than in flashing us that pretty smile, but as the pictures show, she's beautiful even if she's not smiling. The camera doesn't lie!
She just wanted to hang out:
Her eyes are STUNNING in this picture:
I just love this expression:
She was having lots of fun kicking :)
Could there be a cuter picture?
Joseph and I are experiencing some changes as well. We have some pretty big (and pretty tough) decisions to make soon. This past week was hard for us for various reasons, but we prayed harder and did a lot more "listening" for what God has in store for us. Although we are still uncertain of what to do, we are at a peace in knowing in His perfect time He will fill us with the answers. It's not just one decision, so it can be very easy to feel overwhelmed when there are multiple things that must be decided. For now, we are resting and trusting God. He was faithful before, He'll be faithful again. How can I look at this picture and not put my trust in Him again? The God who gave me a gift I never thought I'd have?
Thursday, March 10, 2011
Miss Social Butterfly
Ady had her 6 month check up today. Happy to report she got an "A+" from the doctor. He said, "She's absolutely perfect!" Words of sweetness for a mommy, for sure. The fact that she is spitting less, although still spitting, tells the doctor she is outgrowing her reflux. Hallelujah! He's hoping by 9 months she will be completely "out" of it. As far as the Prevacid twice a day, I told him she was the "happiest baby on the block" and that I'd try to take it down to one a day before her 9 month check up. I told him I was so happy that she was happy and he laughed and said he completely understood. He said, "I'm just so glad we've found some peace for you and your home!" I love her doctor. Have I said that before?
We talked about her crib and he was so proud that she's graduated into it :) We are going to start self soothing again. Since her painful reflux episodes are under control, he said we were in the clear. I'm a little sad though. I so enjoy snuggling with her. I guess I still can :) As long as she doesn't start to not like me holding her. Because this is the age where separation anxiety really sets in (and Ady's set in a while ago!), it's helpful for them to learn to soothe apart from mommy. Sniff, sniff, she's a big girl now. He suggested starting it on a weekend. We'll see if this is the weekend we do it. I know it's much harder on a mommy than on an Ady.
The nurse was cracking up at Ady when we first got there. I was taking her shirt off and Ady was trying to play tug-o-war with me. The nurse just couldn't stop laughing. I told her she was going to be the class clown like her daddy. She said, "My goodness! I can tell!" Ady kept flashing that cheesy smile at her and just melting her heart. Then, we went to weigh her and Ady was so busy doing her crunches the nurse had to get her to lay her head flat by clicking a pen to get her attention by her face. Hilarous! When we made it back to the room, Ady was babbling on and on and the nurse said, "does she always do this?" I told her, "oh yes! I have a little social butterfly on my hands!" She was smitten with her, it's safe to say :)
She is in the 67%ile for her weight!!!! Although she still seems like a little lady to us, it's "gone up" because of where she started from (a little 6 lb 4 oz bundle of joy!). The doctor wasn't alarmed at all. In fact, he said because of the rice cereal in all her bottles and amount of solids she needs, she would put on weight a little faster. However, he by no means said she was chunky. He kept telling her "you are sooo cute." And then before he walked out he said to me, "I don't just say that to everybody. She is a doll." Momma's heart was beaming proudly :)
She is in the 55%ile for her height. She is 26 inches! However, her head is in the 76%ile. Perhaps this is for various reasons: She's just so bright, or she's trying to compete with all her bows, or she just wants to be like her Bampe and have a big head.
She got 4 shots this time. One extra than last time because she got a Flu shot. She has to go back April 12 to get the second part of the flu shot. Her doctor highly recommended it because he said we are in the heart of flu season now, even though most think it's over. And my little girl was the brave little toaster :) Hardly a cry at all. I was so proud. By the time we were at the checkout the nurse came back to see Ady again and she was flashing that smile :)
We talked about our upcoming trip to the beach. He said, "Oh she's going to have so much fun!" She can wear sunscreen now that she's 6 months old and he said to pack lots of big hats. I can't wait to see my little pride and joy on the beach!
We're so thankful for a perfect baby. I have learned so much in her short 6 months of life. How thankful am I that her heart, lungs, ears, and all organs are just absolutely perfect. Her personality is really coming out. She is so funny. And when I hold her in front of the mirror it literally takes both my hands to hold her up she is moving so much. The doctor also told me to baby proof the house now. He feels she will crawl this month. Yikes!! Ready or not, here she comes!
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Mom Was Right.
I am amazed at how much more I fall in love with Ady each day. When I go in to kiss her at night before I go to sleep, I get excited to wake up the next morning and play with her. She has brought more joy than I could ever express into words. It's truly something you have to experience to understand. I can still hear my mom saying, "One day when you're a mom, you'll understand." And she was so right.
Her laugh, her smile, even her smell reminds me everyday of how great our God is and how blessed I am to be her mother. It is my joy to watch her grow. It brings me great happiness to watch her as she reaches each milestone.
Joseph and I were watching a movie the other night and the dad was going shopping with his "little" girl for her senior prom dress. I turned to him and he knew exactly what I was going to say before I did. He said, "Don't think about it." Haha! My eyes filled up with tears at imagining all that I'll get to experience with her. Shopping for her first bike, her first pair of earrings, her first day of school outfit, her first pair of dance shoes, her first outfit for a date (which Joseph says won't be until she's 35), her first prom dress, her wedding dress.... What fun do I have in store for me! Bittersweet though. She won't be this little forever. Every mother says it, "don't wish the time away." Oh, and it's so true.
I think our lives should be lived with no regrets, no turning back. But, I'd be lying if I said I didn't have some myself already with Ady. When we were going through all we were the first 8 weeks, I was such an emotional wreck. I had a lot more than just dealing with a baby on my plate so it just complicated the issue. But, I so wish I could have just enjoyed it. I did secretly wish it away. I wished for my nights of sleep back. The funny thing? I miss it. I actually miss it. Waking up and feeding her in the middle of the night while the rest of the world sleeps. Knowing that it's just me and her. It was such a special bonding time. I remember the heartbreak, the devastation I felt when I had to stop nursing her. Then, the guilt I felt for somewhat enjoying the break I got from actually letting someone else feed her. If I knew then what I know now, I would have treasured those tender moments just a little more dearly. I am thankful everyday for the gift that Ady thought she was getting from me, but in reality I was the one getting the gift from her.
She's growing too fast. 6 months and yet it feels like I've never lived a day without her in it.
She's sleeping in her crib now. She's such a big girl. The "wedge", if you can even call it that, is by no means helpful for my reflux baby. I don't really see where on it there is elevation. So...we've recreated her baby hammock ourselves to give her that elevated, snuggly, close feeling. The only way she will sleep. She truly looks like an angel asleep in it.
One of my current favorite songs is "So in Love" by Jeremy Camp. It's a love song between a person and Jesus. But, I can't help but feel exactly the way about Ady when I hear the lyrics:
I am so in love with You
There’s nothing else I choose
You’ve stolen my heart
Yes, I’m all for You
Amazing isn't it? That the love I feel for Ady will never, ever compare to the love Jesus has for me.
Since I'm a little technologicaly challenged I can't figure out how to upload the video, but you can click on the link and see it here. Precious song:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xbAzM9L3KDc
And always remember. When your mother tells you to treasure the moments because they won't last forever, she's right.
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