tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24956482598676027372024-03-06T01:26:43.346-08:00BHappyInTodayLearning to live life day by day, and find happiness in the little moments along the way...Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04198099912956330460noreply@blogger.comBlogger79125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2495648259867602737.post-61313237742438760272017-01-16T20:04:00.001-08:002017-01-16T20:04:23.395-08:00Twelve Months!Goodness! Britta is turning 18 months tomorrow, and I'm realizing I never posted her 12 month post. Poor second child. :-( To be sure that I have record of her first year, I'm posting it, despite its EXTREME tardiness.<br />
<br />
Britta Alice,<br />
You are 12 months! A whole year. I've said it before, and I'll say it again...this has been, without a doubt, the fastest year of my life. I can't believe it. We had another great month to wrap up your first year, and love you more than ever (though I didn't think it was possible).<br />
<br />
<b>You teethed...big time...</b><br />
We knew for a while that you were working on some teeth. You had had your bottom teeth for a while, and we knew you were due for some top ones. And then came the crankiness, and sleeplessness (worse than usual)...sure signs of teeth.<br />
<br />
And then early in July, when we were at Lake Harriet taking in a concert, I was bouncing you on my lap and tipping you backwards (which you love). As you were laughing/shrieking, I saw your that your top gums were super swollen, and discovered that you were working on all 4 (!!!!) of your top teeth! Youch! I could actually see all four teeth trying to poke through. Poor girl! No wonder you were crabby!<br />
<br />
Around mid-month, the first one popped through. We lovingly refer to it as your "snaggle tooth," since it is not the middle one, but the one to the side (your right side). It looks a little silly now, but I'm sure the other ones will follow soon.<br />
<b><br /></b><b>You started walking (with support)!</b><br />
As I said last month, one of your big milestones was learning to pull to stand. You worked hard to improve your confidence, and got steadier by the day.<br />
<br />
I knew you were capable of a lot more in terms of movement. Since birth you have been big, sturdy, and strong...you just needed to gain some practice and confidence. At the beginning of July, I encouraged you to try walking behind push toys. And sure enough, after a couple tries, there you went! True to form, you took off like a pro.<br />
<br />
You still aren't walking on your own, but I'm sure you will be in a month or so. For now, you are very proud of how you can walk with the help of your push toys. It's so fun to watch you explore the world in new ways! Once you learn to walk on your own, there REALLY will be no stopping you. Watch out world!<br />
<b><br /></b><b>You vacationed in Duluth...</b><br />
This month daddy and I decided that we needed a little bit of a getaway. Magna was closed for a few days near the end of June, and we decided that was the perfect opportunity!<br />
<br />
We headed up to Duluth for a long weekend to enjoy some time away just the four of us. We lucked out in terms of the weather - it was perfect for the majority of our time up there. It was just gorgeous!<br />
<br />
The highlight of your trip was DEFINITELY exploring the rock beaches. I think you would have stayed there all day. Seriously. We had to keep a very close eye on you though...you wanted to try to eat the rocks.<br />
<br />
The only downside of the trip was that we had a poolside room in the hotel and there was a girl's soccer tournament in town. It was SO loud, and really disrupted your sleep the whole weekend. You handled it like a champ though...sleeping when you could, and keeping a pretty good attitude. We had a really fun weekend.<br />
<br />
Up next is your first flight later this month! We can't wait!<br />
<b><br /></b><b>We celebrated your 1st birthday!</b><br />
We had a fun day celebrating your birthday! We spent the morning at the zoo - we rode the carousel, watched the bird show, and enjoyed the beautiful day.<br />
<br />
After your nap, we had a star-themed party for you at Grandma and Grandpa's house. You were surrounded with lots of family and friends to celebrate. We were so thankful for the weather - we stayed outside the whole time.<br />
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You loved your cake. It took a little bit for you to get into it, but once you did...game on!<br />
<br />
It was a great day to celebrate a year of Britta Alice!<br />
<strong><br /></strong><b>You've grown and changed a lot too...</b><br />
You had a well baby check with Dr. Khan the week you turned 1. Per usual, you are doing great - growing and developing just as you should! You weighed in at 25 pounds, 10 ounces (98th percentile) and 31" long (96th percentile). You are continuing your trend of being big and strong!<br />
<br />
Not many 12 month clothes are fitting anymore. You mostly wear a mix of 18 month and 24 month/2T clothes. The 24 month/2T stuff is still a little big, but it tends to be more seasonally appropriate. You haven't really been wearing shoes, but as you are starting to get more mobile, I'm thinking we should get some good shoes for you!<br />
<br />
You're still in size 4 for diapers. They're fitting pretty good, so no switch it sight at this point.<br />
<br />
For the most part you are still jolly and easy-going. As I said last month, your limitations are probably what frustrate you the most. I have a feeling that this is going to continue for a while. You are a determined little girl, who knows what she wants - and can get a bit frustrated.<br />
<br />
Linnea continues to be enjoy being able to play with you more and more - and you love it too. Watching your friendship develop and grow is a HUGE joy to watch. I really hope you two stay friends forever.<br />
<br />
You continue to love to eat! You are trying more and more foods, and will eat most anything! You have continued the bottle boycott. Some days you'll take it, and some days you just aren't having it! After last month I got a little nervous. I didn't remember Linnea doing anything like that. I looked back at my notes from when she was your age, and sure enough...she did! That made me feel a lot better. That, and that you are, as I said last month, obviously still healthy, happy, and growing. We're still working on the sippy cup (it's going better, but not super great). I'm thinking the bottle will be ditched completely very soon.<br />
<br />
Bedtime is about the same - get ready for bed shortly after 7, down around 7:30/7:45 (after eating). You're still pretty flexible if needed, which is nice/<br />
<br />
Sleep is still difficult. As I've said before, there's just no rhyme or reason to it. I try to pay attention to if there's anything that leads to harder sleep, and I'm not finding a connection. So I just ride it out - I try to have you "cry it out" a bit, but it doesn't seem to work for you. That, and I don't want you to wake your sister. Teething has definitely seemed to make it worse, which I guess I understand. So it's a work in progress. I remind myself that you will sleep through the night some day, and enjoy the snuggles.<br />
<br />
You are pretty much always just napping once/day (unless you are at Grandma and Grandpa's or are REALLY tired). You can tend to get a little crabby around 10:00/10:30...but most days we can sort of push through it. You're still napping well in the afternoon (1:00-3:15/3:30).<br />
<br />
I can't believe you are 1! It's been an amazing year watching you become your own little person. You have brought us more joy than we could ever have imagined. We look forward to experiencing even more with you in the year to come!<br />
<br />
Love,<br />
Mama (and Daddy and Linnea)<br />
<br />
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Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04198099912956330460noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2495648259867602737.post-37262563510981344592016-07-15T21:22:00.000-07:002016-07-15T21:22:06.345-07:00Eleven Months!Now that Britta is just days shy from turning one (!!!), we are long overdue for her 11 month post. She turned 11 months on June 17th. Not as significant of a developmental month, but a great one nonetheless...<br />
<br />
My Sweet Britta Alice,<br />
How is it possible that you are nearly one?! This has seriously been the fastest year of my life. It's really incredible. Every day you are becoming more and more of a big girl/toddler and less and less baby. This month was mostly a month of building on your "big girl" skills. You've done great!<br />
<br />
<b>You learned how to pull to stand...and got a major ouchie!</b><br />
You were close last month (pulling up to your knees), but this month you learned about to pulling to standing. Big girl!<br />
<br />
Unfortunately, this new skill did not come without issue. At the end of May I got the dreaded midday call from daycare (oh man, does that immediately get my heart racing!). Magna shared the exciting news that you had been pulling yourself on one of her play tables...but after doing so one time you fell hard and bit your tongue. REALLY bad. Poor girl! Magna said it bled quite a bit, and wanted to give you some tylenol since she could tell it was bothering you.<br />
<br />
It opened a up a couple more times that week when you ate anything really hard or textured. Each time it bled a little, but not as bad.<br />
<br />
The sore itself stuck around for a LONG time...a couple weeks. It looked really painful...worse than any tongue bite I've ever given myself. Thankfully, past those first couple days it didn't seem to bother you too much. And the incident certainly didn't stop you from continuing to pull yourself up!<br />
<br />
<b>You became an absolute PRO at crawling...</b><br />
Like I said last month, you learned to crawl right as turned 10 months. True to form, once you got it, you got it! (That's how you've always been...you take a bit to get something, but then you're off and running - or in this case, crawling!).<br />
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More than ever you are in to EVERYTHING. You are getting FAST. You delight in pulling all the books of the shelves, crawling on to Luther's bed, and bee-lining for Linnea's room and the bathroom. Silly girl!<br />
<br />
We still walking is a few months off for you. You still have a lot of confidence to gain in terms of supporting yourself, and standing up on your own. But for now you are really enjoying your new found freedom.<br />
<br />
<b>You are LOVING finger food!</b><br />
Like I said last month, what a difference from a few months ago! We went for a couple months thinking we were never going to get you to eat food. And now, just a few months later, you are eating anything and everything! More and more we are just giving you what we are eating (or some sort of variation of it), and you love it.<br />
<br />
We are still doing purees, especially if we're out and about and in a pinch, but you are showing less interest in them. You just want regular food! Some favorites recently: fish, mashed potatoes, chicken, pasta (especially ravioli), and avocado. More on this later, but more finger food means WAY less milk.<br />
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<b>You learned to dance...</b><br />
Don't get me wrong, you wiggled and boogied a bit before this. But this month you learned how to dance on command. It is quite the delight to your sister (and to me too, if I'm being honest). You genuinely seem to like to listen to music and move your body to the beat.<br />
<br />
When you dance, you bob your head up and down, clap your hands, and wave your arms. Linnea loves to say, "Please dance!" to get you to dance. Love my little boogie baby!<br />
<strong><br /></strong><b>You've grown and changed a lot too...</b><br />
We still haven't had you weighed since your 9 month check. I can definitely tell your growth has leveled off. You are still growing (of course) by much slower than the last few months. You seem to be growing taller...stretching out. I'm really not quite sure what to expect for your weigh when we bring you for your 12 month appointment. Maybe 25 or 26 pounds? We'll have to see!<br />
<br />
You're still wearing 12 and 18 month clothes, although fewer 12 months clothes this month (partly due to size, partly due to season - though some of Linnea's old clothes are still fitting you. I've actually started pulling out some 24 month and 2T clothes. Although sometimes a little big still, they often fit better than the 18 month stuff. It's nice because for the most part, those clothes are seasonally appropriate (Linnea wore them the Spring/Summer before she turned two). It's fun to pull some old favorites out of storage and see them on another cutie!<br />
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You're still in size 4 for diapers. They're fitting pretty good, so no switch it sight at this point.<br />
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You continue to be our jolly, sweet baby. Now that you are bigger (less fragile) Linnea is more and more rough with you. We try to remind her to be gentle with you, but you are good about taking it and holding your own. You love the attention from her!<br />
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Not much upsets you, though as you get bigger and have more freedom, your limitations get you frustrated.<br />
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Like I said earlier, you have really taken to finger food, which continues to create a dramatic drop in your milk intake. It picked up after last month for a bit, but then really took a nose dive. You've had some days at Magna's that you've basically had a bottle boycott. Again, it alarms me a little bit, but I know that it's all really normal. You're obviously still healthy, happy, and growing, and that's what's most important.<br />
<br />
We're still giving the sippy cup a try, but you're not too interested. Magna's reported better success at her house, but still not great. We'll keep trying...<br />
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Bedtime is about the same. Most nights we start to get ready for bed a bit after 7:00. I feed you, and then you're down around 7:45 or 8:00. You have continued to show flexibility around bedtime if we're out doing something in the evening, which is much appreciated.<br />
<br />
You had a GLORIOUS stretch of several nights in a row that you slept through the night! It was awesome! Silly me, thinking it would last. It didn't. It's frustrating because there's no rhyme or reason to what gets to you sleep through the night (i.e. it doesn't matter when we put you down, how well you eat before hand, etc.). I enjoyed the nights you slept through, but I'm happy (relatively speaking) to get with you in the middle of the night.<br />
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This month you pretty much dropped your morning nap entirely. It got down to 20-30 minutes. Magna said it always took you a bit to fall asleep, so she gave it a try without, and you did well. You still take a morning nap on Fridays with Grandma and Grandpa, and occasionally on the weekends (just as needed). You take a good nap in the afternoon...usually 1:00-3:15 or 3:30 or so. This is generally shorter on the weekends, but it never seems to impact you too much. On my birthday you showed great flexibility - we were gone for the day, and you managed well with car naps, and little snoozes in the baby carrier. Awesome! This will serve us well when we go to Seattle, I think.<br />
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You are simply awesome, Britta. You bring so much joy to our family. You are sweet, silly, kind, and curious. We all adore you beyond what I could ever express.<br />
<br />
We love you SO much!<br />
Mama (and Daddy and Linnea)<br />
<br />
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<br />Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04198099912956330460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2495648259867602737.post-40190564607559661622016-06-14T07:45:00.001-07:002016-06-14T07:45:09.737-07:00Ten Months!Yup. Still behind. But such is life when you are a working mama with two littles.<br />
<br />
Britta turned 10 months (10?!!) on May 17th. It was a HUGE month developmentally. WOW!<br />
<br />
Britta Boo,<br />
10 months. 10. Double digits. Wow. I can't even believe it. Just a couple months months and we'll have a one-year-old. It's hard to believe. You had a HUGE month developmentally this month, and it was so much fun to have a front row seat. You are had such a fun age - so much change and learning happening every day. Here's a peek at what you were up to...<br />
<br />
<b>You learned how to wave!</b><br />
I think waving is one of my favorite baby skills, because it is so darn cute. This one kind of crept up on us at the end of April/beginning of May. You started raising your hand, and reaching out (almost like a slow high five). I didn't think much of it, but all of a sudden you were waving!<br />
<br />
We discovered it by surprise. Linnea and I were playing/talking with you one night and were waving, saying hi, and generally being a bit silly with you - and you shocked us by waving back! I thought it might be a fluke, so I tested you a couple more times - and you waved again...and again! So sweet!<br />
<br />
I had you and Linnea at Target together once this month and we were like our own little parade - Linnea was waving to you to get you to wave, and you were waving to...well...everyone and every thing! Way. Too. Cute!<br />
<br />
Your waves are usually accompanied but one of your giant smiles, which makes it even better! Such a sweet girl!<br />
<strong><br /></strong><b>You are sitting up on your own...</b><br />
Magna saw you do this before we did. She said the first time you did it, she didn't even see you, you were so fast. One minute you were on the ground, and the next you were sitting up like a big girl!<br />
<br />
It was spotty at first - just here and there, and not done without a little bit of work. But now you're getting faster and faster, and are doing it all the time. You love your new found freedom!<br />
<br />
In addition to getting yourself to sitting up by yourself, you are pulling yourself up. You're not quite pulling to stand, but pulling to your knees at the very least. You are so proud of yourself (I am too!)<br />
<br />
<b>You started crawling!!</b><br />
This month you did it! After being so certain that crawling was just around the corner for weeks, you finally got it right as you turned 10 months.<br />
<br />
It started with just a couple clumsy strides forward, but within days you were crawling all the way across the living room floor!<br />
<br />
Don't think you did it with a little drama. Linnea and I stacked a cup tower for you to crawl to. You made it there - eventually, but had to stop every few strides to sit and fuss. So dramatic.<br />
<br />
I'm sure now that you are on the move you will keep us even more on our toes!<br />
<strong><br /></strong>
<b>You've grown and changed a lot too...</b><br />
The last time you were weighed was at your 9 month well baby check. You aren't due back to the doctor's until you turn 1! I'm guessing you weigh around 24 pounds, though I can tell your growth is really slowing down. Though others may not be able to tell, Daddy and I can see how you are slimming down - you are losing some of your baby chubbiness.<br />
<br />
You are wearing 12 and 18 month clothes. Anything smaller tends to be too small. I'm putting away most of the 9 month clothes. As the weather is getting nicer you are able to wear some of the summer clothes that Linnea wore when she was a baby. We're also buying new stuff for you, which is fun. It's fun to see you in warmer weather clothes, after the long fall and winter season.<br />
<br />
You are wearing size 4 diapers. They seem to be fitting pretty well. There was a short time where I wondered if we would need to bump up to 5s because of how they were fitting down your tummy. But I think as you've slimmed down a little bit, it's been enough to keep your diapers fitting okay.<br />
<br />
Man, I say it every month, but you are such a sweet, happy, and content little girl, sweet Britta! There is not a lot that gets you too upset. You don't love being changed (or really slowed down at all). You still don't like having your nose or face wiped, but you're actually getting better with it. You don't like being too tired or hungry (though who does?).<br />
<br />
Now that you are moving around more, you love getting into anything and everything you should! Somehow, even before you started crawling, you managed to scoot yourself over to shelves, cabinets, lamps, power cords, you name it! Stinker! It's hard to be too mad at you, since you are so proud of yourself, but man, you are keeping us on our toes already, Britta!<br />
<br />
As expected, your eating has really started to shift. Your bottle intake is REALLY up and down. Some days you take your bottle like usual, and some days Magna reports only being able to get you to take an ounce or two. At first it made me panic a little, feeling like it was early to have such a shift. I looked back on my notes from when Linnea was a baby, and sure enough, same thing! Grandma always says eating is one of those things you just can't make babies do. All we can do is to continue to offer it, and trust that you will eat/drink when you are hungry/thirsty.<br />
<br />
One thing that's contributed to your milk intake changing is your increase in solid foods - particularly finger food. You are loving the ability to feed yourself. You love puffs, toast, little pieces of fruits and veggies (especially banana and peas). We laugh, thinking back just a couple months ago when we thought we'd never be able to get you to eat solids. Wow, that's changed! It's fun to be able to introduce you to new flavors and textures. Your hand-eye coordination could use a little work -as a lot of the food ends up in your lap rather than your mouth, but I know you'll get there. We're also starting to introduce a sippy cup at mealtime. We fill it with water, though you mostly bang the cup rather than drink anything. Again, you'll get there.<br />
<br />
Your bedtime is about the same - maybe a bit later. With our busy evenings, it can be hard to get everything done and get you down for bed, but you do just fine which we are thankful for. We start to get ready for bed around 7:15 or so, and you're typically down by 7:45 or 8:00. Admittedly, I take advantage of our nursing time to sneak in some Britta snuggles. I love playing with your hair (so do you while you eat!) and stroking your face, legs, arms, and back. It's a blessing to have those quiet moments just the two of us.<br />
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You're still up at least once a night. As I said before, I've mostly stopped trying to figure it out. There's not much consistency in terms of when or how often you're up. I do try to let you "cry it out" a bit when you are up in the middle of the night, but usually that just results in you getting more crabby. You always eat and eat well when you're up. I trust that "this too shall pass." And until then, I try to enjoy the middle of the night snuggles with you.<br />
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Your morning nap continues to shorten. It's down to about 40 or 45 minutes (though Magna does wake you typically). Sometimes on the weekend you go without (not intentionally really, but because it doesn't fit in with the activities of the day and you do just fine). I remember being nervous about naps when you were born - just how we'd make it work. I've said it before and I'll say it again, I appreciate your flexibility! You've made it a lot easier than expected to have a morning nap back in the mix of our schedule.<br />
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What a big month you've had! It's been so fun to watch you gain some new independence and skills. You are still a sweet, happy little girl. You bring daily joy to our lives and we love you so much!<br />
<br />
Love you as big as the sky,<br />
Mama (and Daddy and Linnea)<br />
<br />
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<br />Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04198099912956330460noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2495648259867602737.post-26245931804671148202016-05-21T20:00:00.005-07:002016-05-21T20:00:31.984-07:00Nine Months!I've officially been "lapped." But seriously...each month goes faster than the last. Britta turned 9 months on April 17th. We had another great month!<br />
<br />
Sweet Britta,<br />
How is it that you are already 9 months old? Each month goes faster and faster, and you just get more and more fun - and more and more sweet! Perhaps it's a bit cliche, but we can't imagine our life without you! You've had a great month!<br />
<strong><br /></strong>
<strong>You got the hang of eating solids! </strong><br />
As I said last month, you FINALLY started to eat solid food right as you turned 8 months. This month, you really took to it!<br />
<br />
You still eat best for Magna - I think partially because by dinner time you are just tired and wanting your milk and bed - but you are doing great all the way around. After a bit of trial and error, we discovered that you are a bit particular with the texture and temperature of your food. I guess this shouldn't surprise me, since you are pretty picky with the temperature of your bottles.<br />
<br />
We tried making our own baby food for you (which is what we did for Linnea), and you just weren't taking it well. Magna consistently said you were doing great for her, so we decided to give store bought a try. Sure enough, success! In addition to the food being store bought (read: really, really smooth texture), you like it heated up just a bit. Initially we mixed in a little breast milk with it to thin it out a bit, but as the month went on that became less necessary. Your food at Magna's is usually a puree with rice or oatmeal mixed with a little milk.<br />
<br />
You've tried quite a few different foods in the last month. Some favorites are: bananas, berries and oats, carrots, and apples and chicken.<br />
<span style="background-color: yellow;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white;">We think you're ready for some finger foods, so we'll start adding those soon as well.</span><br />
<strong><br /></strong>
<strong>You celebrated your first Easter</strong><br />
At the end of March, you celebrated your first Easter. We had a great weekend! On Saturday we ventured out to an Easter egg hunt in Excelsior. While you didn't really participate (more just along for the ride), I think you still had fun watching all the kids and activity.<br />
<br />
On Easter Sunday we headed to church for a quick breakfast before the service. While it was a little exhausting (as usual) to make it through the service with you, you did pretty well. We went home for lunch and naps. After nap we went back over to Eden Prairie - this time to Grandma and Grandpa's house for Easter dinner. In addition to Uncle Steve, Aunt Cindy, and Chris, Kirstyn, Dave, and Jack were there. It was fun for you to have a little playmate (Jack is exactly 4 months older than you)!<br />
<br />
Your big sister spent her first Easter in the hospital - we are so happy you had a MUCH better first Easter than that! You wore the same dress that we intended her to wear on Easter. We did a little photo shoot with her shortly after Easter, and did a little one with you too on Easter. It's fun to have pictures of you around the same age wearing the same dress.<br />
<strong><br /></strong>
<strong>You tried out swings!</strong><br />
Right before you turned 9 months you tried out a swing for the first time. We were over at Grammy and Grampy's house to dye Easter eggs, and decided to walk to the park for a little play time. You loved swinging right away. Huge smiles and lots of giggles.<br />
<br />
After that experience we decided that it was time for us to get you a swing for our swing set. You absolutely love it. Like your sister, I think that you could swing all day. Speaking of your sister, she loves to push you. It's so fun to watch both of you enjoy it.<br />
<br />
I'm certain your swing will get a lot of use this Spring and Summer!<br />
<strong><br /></strong>
<strong>You got SO close to crawling</strong><br />
Oh sweet girl, you want to be moving SO badly. For the last couple weeks we've been so sure that crawling was right around the corner for you, but you're still not quite there.<br />
<br />
You can get around pretty well with rolling, and you have a REALLY good reach. You love sitting up, and actually get quite upset now when you are on your tummy.<br />
<br />
From the sitting position you ALMOST get to a crawling position, but one leg gets stuck. That gets you quite frustrated.<br />
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I'm sure you'll be crawling in no time, and I have a feeling that when you do there will be NO stopping you.<br />
<br />
<b>You've grown and changed a lot too...</b><br />
We had your 9 month well baby check right about the time you turned 9 months. Dr. Khan says you look perfect! You continue to rock the upper 90th percentiles on all measurements. You weighed 23 pounds, 9 oz. (98th percentile) and 29" long (97th percentile).<br />
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You are wearing 9 and 12 month clothes - mainly 12 month stuff. There really aren't any 6 month clothes left in the regular rotation. I feel like I'm packing up clothes that are too small nearly every day. I anticipate I'll be pulling out 18 month clothes before too long. Although it's still a bummer that much of Linnea's 12 month stuff won't fit for summer, it's been fun to buy some new things just for you.<br />
<br />
Other than a few stragglers in the diaper bag, you are firmly in size 4 diapers at home. Magna and Grandma and Grandpa are finishing up their packs of 3s, which still fit, but not great. Any diapers than we buy for you moving forward will be 4s.<br />
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You are still a fairly content and happy girl, though you have gotten increasingly crabby that you can't move around like you'd like. I am grateful that you are so "go with the flow." It serves all of us pretty well!<br />
<br />
Your likes and dislikes remain pretty consistent. You love moving around (as best you can), sitting up like a big girl and playing with your piano and other larger toys, jumping in your Johnny Jump Up, watching Linnea be silly - or do pretty much anything, and being outside. You dislike getting your face or nose wiped, being changed (i.e. stuck on the changing table), being "stuck" on your tummy, and being over tired or over hungry.<br />
<br />
Your eating is still consistent, although I anticipate bottles/milk may level off or go down soon as you eat more solid foods. 3 bottles per day with whatever is left over after Magna mixes milk into your food (usually about 4 oz.). You nurse once or twice before bed - and as needed during the night (still!). Depending on when you were up in the night, you may or may not eat when you wake up in the morning.<br />
<br />
Your bedtime has snuck just a bit later..we're usually getting you ready for bed shortly after 7:00, and you're down for the night around 7:30 (unless we're out doing something a little later). No matter when you are down for the night doesn't seem to help you sleep through the night, or greatly impact your sleep overall. You're still up once a night, sometimes twice. I've given up trying to figure out what's going to get you to sleep through the night. Nothing seems to make a difference. I'm trying to just remember that this is just a phase, and it will pass.<br />
<br />
You still are napping well. Your morning nap is starting to get just a bit later and a bit shorter. You continue to be a little more flexible on the weekends, which is helpful! I'm glad you are fairly consistent in this area!<br />
<br />
Britta, you are 9 months old! How can that be?! It has been so fun watching you this last month. You are developing your own little personality. You are sweet, happy, content, and loving. We love having you in our lives, and look forward to the month ahead!<br />
<br />
We love you, Britta Boo!<br />
Mama (and Daddy and Linnea too)<br />
<br />
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<br />Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04198099912956330460noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2495648259867602737.post-27605373291350437832016-04-15T20:18:00.003-07:002016-04-15T20:18:29.685-07:00Eight Months!The months are just going faster and faster. Despite best intentions to post this in a more timely manner, I'm once again basically a month late. Britta turned 8 months on March 17th (St. Patrick's Day!). She's doing great, and continues to be such a joy to watch learn and grow.<br />
<br />
Boo Boo,<br />
You are 8 months old! I can't believe it. Despite my desires for time to slooooooow down, it's just going faster and faster. You are growing up so fast, and changing so much. We love every minute with you, sweet girl! Overall, it's been a fun month.<br />
<br />
<b>You finally started liking solid food!</b><br />
As I said last month, it's been been a bit of a battle getting you to get going on solid foods. Although we were certain you would love adding food to the repertoire, it did not go as planned. You just weren't into it! We tried several different foods (peas, green beans, pears, bananas...), and the result was the same - you'd just close your mouth, and turn your head. The running joke in our house has been "Britta puts everything in her mouth - except food."<br />
<br />
So we tried, and we tried, and we tried. Nothing worked. But then, just as you turned 8 months, things changed! At 8 months, Magna is required to at least offer you solid food - it's part of her nutrition/food program with the daycare. We warned her that it hadn't been going great, and gave her a list of what we tried.<br />
<br />
And of course...you ate for Magna! Seriously, that Magna. She is a miracle worker. Once again, she saves the day with something that had been so frustrating for us. Now she did say it was a bit of a struggle at first. But with a little patience, you started eating! Magna said that first day that by lunchtime you were opening your mouth like a little bird. <br />
You stinker! Ha ha ha! Oh well, I'm just glad SOMEONE got you to eat. Here's hoping it continues to go well...<br />
<br />
<b>You caught a really nasty cold...</b><br />
Tis the season, huh? Although you've had a few little colds here and there over the winter, this one was a big one.<br />
<br />
It started mid-February, shortly after Linnea had a bad cold (the joys of germ sharing). Though you never ran a fever like your sister did, you got a horrible, horrible cough. Poor girl. When we went on church retreat near the end of February you struggled a lot, particularly at night. You'd cough and cough overnight and then cry (presumably because it hurt). You were so congested that you'd gag and cough up mucus.<br />
<br />
We felt so bad for you - and there was nothing much that we could do for you. When we returned from the retreat I took you in to urgent care to see what was going on. No ear infection. Lungs were clear. The doctor said it was just a really bad upper respiratory infection.<br />
<br />
We ran the humidifier overnight for a week or so. I spent a few nights getting up with you so you could cough junk up. We also would do some steams in the bathroom. That seemed to help a little.<br />
Slowly but surely you got better, but man did it take a while - with lots of less than stellar nights of sleep.<br />
<br />
I gotta say though, sweet girl, you were such a trooper. Even when you were super sick you were still our happy little girl. Magna mentioned several times that you were in such good spirits for the cough that you had. Such a strong girl. Proud mama.<br />
<br />
<b>You got your second tooth...</b><br />
I mentioned last month that I thought a second tooth was coming in. Sure enough, at the very end of February, your other bottom tooth made it's appearance!<br />
<br />
It came right in the middle of your cold (mentioned above), so it's hard to tell what symptoms were your cold, and what were from teething.<br />
<br />
We've been on the lookout for more teeth, and though we've thought the top ones have been coming, nothing yet.<br />
<strong><br /></strong>
<strong>You learned "So Big"...</strong><br />
Early in March you quite quickly picked up a new "trick" - "So Big!" It's interesting, because you were almost exactly the same age as Linnea was when she learned it.<br />
<br />
You have been so enthusiastic about it - you get the BIGGEST smile, and through your arms up over your head. We laugh because sometimes you are less into it, and will only put up one arm. It's like you're saying, "Alright, mama and daddy, I'll do it..."<br />
<br />
This is a fun age for this type of stuff. Next up...patty cake?<br /><br />
<br />
<b>You've grown and changed a lot too...</b><br />
Once again, we're between well-baby visits, so I'm not exactly sure how much you weigh. When I took you into the clinic for your cold bug, they did weigh you, though I can't remember exactly what you weighed - somewhere around 22 pounds? It seems like your growth is leveling off a bit. You are still big, no doubt about it, but it doesn't seem like you're growing in leaps and bounds quite like you have been. I'll be interested in how much you weigh when we take you in for your 9 month check in April.<br />
<br />
You are almost exclusively in 9 and 12 month clothes. There are just a few 6 month stragglers, but more often than not when I pull those out, I realize they are too snug and they end up in the pile of stuff to pack away. The 12 month long sleeve onesies we bought have served us very well. Since a lot of the other 9 and 12 month stuff we have is short sleeve, we've been doing a lot of short sleeve shirts over white long sleeve onesies. I'm super bummed knowing for sure that the 12 month summer clothes we had from Linnea are not going to fit during the right season. I'm certain by the time summer weather comes around, you'll be wearing 18 month stuff (crazy!!). <br />
<br />
So much for size 3 diapers fitting for a while! They still fit okay, but we won't buy them anymore. The next diapers we buy will be size 4. We have some size 4s from when Linnea was little (that was the last size she ever wore!). We've been putting those on you at night to help so you don't soak through. We're trying to use the 3s up, but like I said will be buying 4s from here on out. <br />
<br />
You are continuing the trend of being a happy little girl. We often use the word "jolly" for you. Even when you are sick or tired you don't get horribly fussy. You let us know when something is wrong, but for the most part you are just happy and content. Everyone who spends time with you is surprised with how content you are and how intent you are on the world around you. It's so interesting to see your personality come through. And actually, you've been this way since birth - content and intently taking in the world around you.<br />
<br />
You love sitting up, grabbing anything remotely in your reach, playing with your piano, rolling around and reaching every which way, jumping in your Johnny Jump Up, Linnea, and being outside. Your major dislikes? getting your face/nose wiped (this did not go well for you when you were sick), being overly tired or hungry. That's about it.<br />
<br />
Your eating remains super consistent. Your cold and teething affected things for a bit there, but generally speaking you take 3 bottles during the day (5 oz. each bottle) - breakfast, lunch, and an afternoon snack after nap. When you're home for the night you nurse once (sometimes twice) before bed. Depending on when you are up in the night you nurse a bit in the morning before Magna's<br />
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You're usually ready for bed by 6:45, and down for the night between 7:00 and 7:30 (sometimes later if we are out doing something). Yay for you being so flexible.You're consistently up once - sometimes twice a night. Rarely more than that - just when you're sick or something else abnormal is going on. I tried to just enjoy my quiet nights with you. I'll admit it is nice to have a little one on one snuggle time!<br />
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You continue to do great with your naps at Magna's, and pretty good at home too. I'm sort of hoping we'll start to be able to wean you off your morning nap sometime soon so we don't have to worry about it.<br />
<br />
Oh Britta Girl, how are you 8 months old already? You are such a joy to have in our family. It's cliche, but it's hard to remember what life was like before you were born. We love watching you grow and learn. We are delighted by the happy, spunky, jolly, curious, sweet girl you are becoming.<br />
<br />
We love you so much Britta!<br />
Mama (and Daddy & Linnea too)<br />
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<br />Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04198099912956330460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2495648259867602737.post-2443996929403782082016-03-23T20:35:00.000-07:002016-03-24T09:55:51.935-07:00A Day in the LifeI have always enjoyed reading these types of posts. Perhaps that means I'm nosy? I hope not...I've just always liked learning and understanding other people's experiences. It's interesting to step outside of what's familiar to me, and look through a different lens.<br />
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I wanted to write "A Day in the Life" post of my own for couple reasons...mostly personal. I'm 8 months in to being a working mama of two kids (when is that going to stop feeling weird to say that?). Admittedly, our days feel crazy more often than not...and yet it feels like I never manage to get anything "done." Hopefully that juxtaposition makes sense...lots of day to day activity...but nothing that feels productive. I know I do more in a day than I give myself credit for, and that most days working full-time, being a mama, wife, and managing to keep the house somewhat put together is probably "enough." <br />
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Additionally, I know that I will look back on these days some time in the not so distant future, and the craziness will be a distant memory. I want to be able to remember what these days are like - the good, the bad, and everything in between.<br />
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When choosing a day to "track," I wanted to pick the most "typical" day I could. That meant weekends were out, as well as Wednesdays (I work a later shift those days). It also meant Thursdays were out, since we currently have swimming lessons for Linnea after work. Fridays are always a little easier in the evenings, since we don't have to prep for another work day. Mondays are always a little rough as we get back into the swing of the week. Which left us with....Tuesday (yesterday).<br />
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So without further ado, here's my day...<br />
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<strong>4:22 AM</strong><br />
My day technically started at 4:22 AM when Britta woke up crying. Yes, I know my clock says 4:36. I set my clock ahead, to make it seem later than it really is. The intent is to help motivate me to get my butt out of bed...but now I just adjust the time in my head, and figure I have more time, so it's kind of pointless.<br />
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Anyways...I wake up and am actually pleased. Britta was up about the time I was headed to bed last night, but slept soundly through the night until now (which is good for her). I count it as a win. <br />
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I lay in bed for a while, seeing if she'll quiet down and settle back to sleep...<br />
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<strong>4:34 AM</strong><br />
After waiting her out for 10 minutes, Britta's still crying, so I figure it's legit. I make my way downstairs (we live in a story and a half - our bedroom is the 1/2 story and the girls are on the main level) and into her room, hoping not to wake Linnea (she sleeps pretty soundly, thankfully).<br />
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<strong>4:53 AM</strong></div>
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I'm done feeding Britta, and she's settled back into bed. I wander into the kitchen to check quick on the dishwasher. It's ancient, and has started to not drain after the rinse cycle. We end up running it several times in a row to get it to drain (which is does eventually), while the dirty dishes pile up on the counter. Super annoying. I curse under my breath when I see it hasn't drained. I start it again.</div>
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At this point I wonder if this is when I "should be" running. I've been a runner since high school, but just haven't been able to make it part of my schedule since Britta was born. But right now sleep wins out. So back to bed I go, in hopes of getting a few more minutes of shut eye before the day really gets going.</div>
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<strong>6:00 AM</strong></div>
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After laying awake for a bit listening to my snoring dog and snoring husband, I did manage to fall asleep for a bit...but then I slept through my alarm, and kept hitting snooze! Doh! Jeromy woke me up, asking if I was okay. Yup, I'm okay. Just tired. I head down to the bathroom to get into the shower. I'm not really a morning person. I don't like to be up early, and I don't like having to be rushed in the morning...I have to do both right now. So this is my "fake it 'til you make it" smile...</div>
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<strong>6:13 AM</strong></div>
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I'm out of the shower. Jeromy has gotten Britta up, and is working on waking up Linnea. Linnea is not a morning person either, so we have to proceed cautiously. We joke that Britta is our "therapy baby" - if we bring her into Linnea's room to wake her up, it goes much better. Here was the scene I came in to...</div>
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Luther (our chocolate lab) is underfoot, as it's Linnea's job to feed him. He's ready for her to get up too!</div>
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<strong>6:19 AM</strong></div>
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After some sister snuggles, I tell Linnea to get up and get dressed, and take Britta back in her room to get dressed. It's nice that she was up in the 4:00 hour because then I don't need to worry about feeding her again. It buys us a bit more time. </div>
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<strong>6:22 AM </strong></div>
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Linnea's up and dressed, and much more bright-eyed and bushy tailed. She comes in to greet Britta again before heading to the kitchen to feed Luther.</div>
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<strong>6:27 AM</strong></div>
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Both girls are dressed and happy (woot!). They hang out in the kitchen while I get stuff ready for the day. Linnea is hungry (she always has a "snack" before heading to daycare - where she'll have breakfast), so I make her a waffle (read: heat up a frozen waffle in the toaster). </div>
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Linnea didn't want her picture taken at first, but was willing to do silly faces with me...<br />
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<strong>6:30 AM</strong></div>
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Jeromy's out of the shower, dressed, and getting his stuff together. The girls keep each other entertained while I pack everything up - fresh milk (pumped yesterday at work) and clean bottles to send to daycare for Britta, and my pump to bring to work (so she has fresh milk the next day!)</div>
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<strong>6:42 AM</strong></div>
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The girls and all their stuff are packed into Jeromy's car, ready to go. Since we have a detached garage I always help Jeromy get everything into the car so he doesn't have try to carry it all. This is still one of the saddest parts of my day. I know the girls are happy and thriving at daycare/preschool, and that this arrangement is what works best for my family, but I still miss them all a lot during the day. I give last kisses, and I love yous, and they are off. I stand by the back gate and wave goodbye (I do this even in the dead of winter) until the car drives away. I head back to the house - now it's time to get me ready!</div>
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<strong>6:51 AM</strong></div>
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I'm back in the house, and after packing up the rest of my stuff for the day it's time to make myself presentable. I'm thankful in this moment that I'm not a makeup wearer. I would never be ready on time! It's a quick dry and go, and throw on clothes routine for me!</div>
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(This is super picture heavy already...I had a lot of fun taking pictures. I love pictures!)</div>
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<strong>7:20 AM</strong></div>
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And I'm off! Hair dry, dressed, and I have all my stuff (purse, lunch, pump, and a book). This post was a good excuse to try out my new selfie stick! I don't know why people dog on them so much. It's like a tripod/timer for your cell phone. Awesome! (The look on my face tells you I'm still sort of getting the hang of using it.)</div>
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<strong>7:25 AM</strong></div>
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I commute to work via light rail train, which I love. We live really close to the light rail, but not quite close enough to walk. It's a short drive to the station. On the way my current guilty pleasure song (Flo Rida's "Welcome to My House") comes on. I do a quick dance party at the stoplight (This is meant to document real life, after all, right? This is total real life for me. I'm a major car dancer.)</div>
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<strong>7:31 AM</strong></div>
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I'm parked at walking to the station (a few blocks). I'm happy to have three possible trains to catch - one gets me to work early, one gets me there right on time, and one gets me there just a little late. I'm on track to catch the one that gets me there right on time - works for me!</div>
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<strong>7:33 AM</strong></div>
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I know exactly when I need leave my house to catch each train. I hate having to wait too long, because it just feels like wasted time. I get to the platform just in time - the train is just pulling up!</div>
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<strong>7:34 AM</strong></div>
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Settled on the train. I love commuting this way because it's low stress. I listen to the radio, check social media, or just take a few moments to relax.</div>
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<strong>7:52 AM</strong></div>
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I'm off the train, and walking in to my building downtown. Isn't it pretty?</div>
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<strong>8:00 AM</strong></div>
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Tada! Right on time! It took me 8 minutes to get into the building, ride up to 10th floor, and get to my desk and logged on for the day. I enjoyed chatting with a few colleagues as I came in. I'm really thankful to work with awesome people. I love my co-workers, and it's fun to catch up as I make my way in.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBqRPoP7wv1ImryQu2Mhyphenhyphenl7odORB2gRlmMuKhKkTfu_tKGRsCTnND8ZJLm74a-iYyDyZI8qvYxCdKmcO4Fd2SccIzvxG_mKhKSd9cPPoOM8c_caTILMO936RmR1dIonZBa0ZT9BOMMd5E/s1600/IMG_20160322_080027.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBqRPoP7wv1ImryQu2Mhyphenhyphenl7odORB2gRlmMuKhKkTfu_tKGRsCTnND8ZJLm74a-iYyDyZI8qvYxCdKmcO4Fd2SccIzvxG_mKhKSd9cPPoOM8c_caTILMO936RmR1dIonZBa0ZT9BOMMd5E/s640/IMG_20160322_080027.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I open my e-mail, and do a little triage for my day. I'm an Academic Coach, working to advise students in the first year of their Psychology or Criminal Justice undergraduate degree. I've been at my job for 6 years as of last week, and I genuinely love it. </div>
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<strong>8:28 AM</strong></div>
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Now that I've done a bit of settling in, e-mailing, etc. it's time for breakfast. This is one of my go-to's - waffles with peanut butter. I'm sure I could be healthier, but it's easy in a pinch, and I suppose I could do a lot worse. I'm not a coffee person, but I do have a similar vice. The drink pictured is Strawberry Crystal Light. It's delicious and caffeinated, and my version of my morning coffee.</div>
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<strong>8:43 AM</strong></div>
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I'm full and caffeinated, so it's time to make some calls! Because I work at an online university, most of my work is done over the phone and via e-mail. At full capacity, I support around 400-500 students at any given time. I'm working back up to capacity after being on maternity leave, so I'm probably around 250-300 currently. Either way, lots of people to check in on and support! Better get calling!</div>
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<strong>9:24 AM</strong></div>
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Pump break #1. I'm thankful there are clean, private rooms available for me to pump in, but it's frustrating to have to stop working to do it -especially when I'm in a good flow. I try to make the most of it by watching Netflix (although now I'm all done with Parks and Rec, Parenthood, and Fuller House), catch up on social media, or just relax.</div>
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I'm in therapy right now for PTSD/anxiety issues stemming from my sister's illness and death (a post for another day, I suppose). My therapist and I have talked about working on mindfulness, so I've actually started using a daily app to work on mindfulness/meditation. I listen to a session while I pump. How's THAT for multi-tasking?</div>
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<strong>10:19 AM </strong></div>
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I'm back to my desk (have been for awhile), and am enjoying a unusually quiet day. I work a lot by phone appointment, and I don't have any today! I was scheduled to have a meeting during this time, but it got rescheduled last minute, so I'm using the time to think through a couple of projects I'm taking on. I'm really happy to have the time to process through everything. It feels so good to have my ducks in a row.</div>
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<b>11:30 AM</b></div>
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I have a 1:1 meeting with my supervisor. We spend most of the time talking about submitting an application to start working from home. This hasn't ever been an option in my position before, but they started offering it while I was on maternity leave. I've been working towards it for the last few months. It was a really encouraging meeting - for the first time it feels like it's not a matter of if, but when. I'm so excited about this possibility. Again, probably a post for another day...</div>
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<b>12:43 PM </b></div>
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Back to my desk after my 1:1 and heating up lunch. I'm having leftovers from the previous night - a steak penne dish that is one of my favorite meals that Jeromy makes. It's not as good reheated, but still tasty. I eat my pasta - and apple - while I catch up on e-mails from when I was away from my desk, and do a few other things I can do while I eat.</div>
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Is anyone still reading? Gold star if you are! I'm realizing how long winded I'm being...<br />
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<b>1:09 PM</b><br />
I'm flying downstairs to another floor to find a "wellness room" available for pumping session #2 of the day. I'm late and tried to reschedule, but there weren't any rooms available for a while. I don't know what my face was doing...this is my frazzled look. Again, it feels hard to pull myself away from my work flow (even though I love being able to provide for Britta in this way!)<br />
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<b>1:55 PM</b><br />
I've been back to my desk for a while getting back into my groove. I enjoy some dark chocolate M&Ms I have stashed in my desk. Mmmm....chocolate. I have such a weakness.<br />
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<b>3:25 PM</b><br />
Yup, I'm still here! There's nothing exciting to take pictures of, I've been making calls, helping students, scheduling appointments, and sending e-mails. This is a hard time of day for me...I start feeling tired, and my motivation dips a bit...but I'm pushing through!<br />
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<b>4:09 PM</b><br />
One last pumping session for the day...thinking about my babies...so ready to head home!<br />
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<b>4:45 PM</b><br />
After finishing my last pumping session, and wrapping up my work for the day it's time to head HOME! I log out, noting that I'll be back in the office tomorrow at 11:00 AM (I work late on Wednesdays and don't start until 11:00. I'm looking forward to a slightly more laid back morning tomorrow.)<br />
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<b>4:52 PM</b><br />
I'm two for two in terms of catching trains today. I arrive to the platform just in time to catch my train home!<br />
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<br />
<b>4:53 PM</b><br />
I'm settled in, and starting a new book. I feel cool by association because I know the author personally. One of my best friends used to be her nanny, so I've been to her house, and have hung out with her and her family. I read the first chapter while reminiscing about fun times with my friends. (I like that I caught City Hall in the background. It's one my favorite buildings downtown. It reminds me of Hogwarts.)<br />
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<br />
<b>5:15 PM</b><br />
Off the train, back to my car, and needing to stop for gas for my car, Large Marge, so I can do my crazy Minneapolis - Eden Prairie - Minneapolis commute tomorrow. I suppose that means nothing to anyone who's not local. Long story short - I drive all over the place on Wednesdays in order to take advantage of time with my girls, and to be able to get to be the one who drops them off at daycare/preschool, since I don't get to do it otherwise.<br />
<br />
<b>5:28 PM</b><br />
I get home, and my family isn't home yet (usually they are, or we're coming home at the same time). Jeromy calls as I'm walking in to the house. They are running a little late, and he needs me to start dinner. We joke that at our house it's either soup season or BBQ season. It's nice today, and snow is coming tomorrow, so we're grilling! He needs me to take out brats and get them soaking in beer. I steal a sip of beer and laugh taking the next two pictures...<br />
<br />
One for me...<br />
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<br />
And one for my homies...<br />
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I am super productive for a few minutes while I wait for Jeromy and the girls to get home. I run around like crazy, trying to take full advantage of the time alone. I start the dishwasher again (arg!), wash some dishes by hand, pick up a bit, and watch out the window until Jeromy pulls up front (he's dropping the girls off because he needs to stop at the grocery store of a few things for dinner).<br />
<br />
<b>5:34 PM</b><br />
My family's home! Yay! I run outside and am greeted by a very bewildered Britta, who fell asleep on the way home and I unintentionally startled awake.<br />
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<b>5:37 PM</b></div>
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Jeromy's at the store, and I'm playing with the girls. On my way home I had hoped to get outside for a walk, but with dinner on the stove, I can't venture too far. Instead, the girls do their favorite activities - Britta plays her toy piano, Linnea reads a Star Wars book (Daddy is so proud).</div>
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<b>5:46 PM</b></div>
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We've had a new box of Usborne books in our closet for a super long time, and hadn't given them to Linnea yet. Jeromy and I finally had time to go through them the night before to decide which ones were for her Easter basket, which ones we wanted to save for our trip this summer, etc., so I decided it was a great time to give her some of the others. She LOVES books, so she was super excited to check them all out.</div>
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<b>5:47 PM</b><br />
Britta is still happy at her piano. Gah! This girl. Such a sweetie. <br />
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<br />
<b>5:55 PM</b><br />
Linnea's delighting in reading her new books, and since Britta is getting a little squirmy I pull her over to check them out too. I read one, and then Linnea "reads" one to Britta. So sweet.<br />
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<br />
<b>6:03 PM</b><br />
Jeromy's home and working on dinner. Britta starts to get fussy. This is not her best time - a little hungry, a little tired. Not anything a little snack can't fix...I nurse Britta for a bit while I read Linnea one of her new books.<br />
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<br />
<b>6:29 PM </b><br />
Dinner is served! Grilled brats, pears, and some pasta salad...yum! Dinner together as a family is something we do every night. It's always a little crazy, but it's so important for us. Look! We got all of us in the picture (Selfie stick win! Jeromy is the one who suggested using it! Double win!).<br />
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<br />
<b>6:32 PM</b><br />
Jeromy and I take turns trying to get Britta to eat her green beans in between eating our dinner. She's getting better at solids, but she is still pretty finicky.<br />
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<br />
<b>6:42 PM</b><br />
We've given up on getting Britta to eat her beans, so she's moved to her jumper. She LOVES it, and even when she's getting cranky, she'll happily bounce for a few minutes. This also allows me to finish my dinner before I have to get her down for the night.<br />
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<br />
<b>6:55 PM </b><br />
Linnea's done with her dinner, and plays with Britta for a couple minutes while Jeromy and I finish up. I love hearing the two of them giggle together.<br />
<br />
<b>6:58 PM</b><br />
Now the jumper isn't even keeping Britta happy, so I know it's time for bed. I take her into her room to change her for the night. She still has some sweet smiles for me. She is such a grabber - she reaches for anything she can. One of her favorites on the changing table is the wipes container. Ooo, crinkly, says Britta!<br />
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I get Britta into her pajamas and sleep sack, and take her out to the living room to say goodnight.<br />
<br />
<b>7:14 PM</b><br />
Britta is sleepily nursing, and I'm listening to the sounds of Jeromy and Linnea reading Star Wars coming from the living room. Jeromy is loving passing on his love of Star Wars to Linnea. They practice pronouncing the characters names.<br />
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<br />
<b>7:25 PM</b><br />
Britta's switched to the other side, and is slowing down tremendously. I have a bad habit of putzing on my phone during this time. I put down my phone, and just spend time soaking her in. I love how she runs her hands across my chest and face, watching her fall asleep, and feeling the weight of her falling asleep in my arms. I want to remember every bit of this - it's going to be over too soon (both tonight and overall).<br />
<br />
<b>7:33 PM</b><br />
Britta's totally out. I hate that I feel guilty lingering in her room. I want to spend time with Linnea too, and there's not much time before her bedtime - I hear Jeromy telling her to put her pajamas on. I kiss Britta, lay her down in her crib, and sneak out quietly.<br />
<br />
<b>7:47 PM</b><br />
Linnea's ready for bed. Jeromy has read her stories and brushed her teeth, and now I get some great one on one, snuggle time. We sing songs together, and my cheeks start to hurt because I'm smiling so much. I love this girl so much. We talk about our "peaks and pits" (best and worst parts of our days), giggle, and talk about the next day. I try and soak up every minute.<br />
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<br />
<b>8:17 PM</b><br />
I tucked Linnea in a little while ago, and am working on cleaning up the kitchen. In our house Jeromy cooks, and I do the dishes. A good arrangement, if you ask me! I love listening to Linnea read in bed while I clean.<br />
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<br />
<b>8:20 PM</b><br />
I do some more dishes by hand, and then finally outsmart the dishwasher and just stop it before it does the rinse cycle, so it's drained properly. I set it to dry, wishing I would have done that several cycles ago.<br />
<br />
<b>8:38 PM </b><br />
After doing a bit more pick up in the kitchen, I wander down to the basement and suggest that Jeromy and I watch Modern Family, which is on the DVR from last week. We have very few shows we like to watch together, but this is one we both really enjoy. I make him take a picture with me, and he's willing to cooperate.<br />
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<b>9:19 PM</b><br />
Modern Family is done. Both girls are quietly sleeping. And the dishes are dry! Rejoice. I empty the dishwasher, and then fill it with the dishes that I haven't washed by hand yet.<br />
<br />
<b>9:31 PM </b><br />
I suddenly remember that there's a form we're supposed to fill out for Linnea's preschool conference tomorrow. Kindergarten readiness...say WHAT??! I bring the form downstairs to fill out with Jeromy.<br />
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<b>9:48 PM</b><br />
I'm prepping milk for Britta's daycare bottles - 5 oz. in each so it's ready for our daycare provider to prepare tomorrow. I bag and freeze the extra. I'm really happy to have had extra - we have really good friends who adopted around the same time that Britta was born, so all the extra goes to them for their little guy.<br />
<br />
<b>9:57 PM</b><br />
Time to wash pump parts. Ugh. Such a pain, but again...it's all part of the process.<br />
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I'll be home for breakfast tomorrow, and lunch is provided by work tomorrow, so I don't have to prepare any meals for the next day. Usually I pack my breakfast and lunch the night before so it's ready to go in the morning. Small win to not have to do that tonight.<br />
<br />
<b>9:59 PM </b><br />
Old Man Luther says it's time for bed by standing at the door upstairs, waiting for us to let him up.<br />
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<b>10:01 PM</b><br />
I brush my teeth and use the bathroom, then head up for bed.<br />
<br />
<b>10:10 PM</b><br />
I take a few minutes to write in my journal (I'm starting my third year of a five year daily journal. It's perfect for me because you just write a couple sentences per day, so it's manageable to do every day). Friends, one of my all-time favorite shows, is on in the background. I know every episode, but I still never get sick of it.<br />
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<b>10:34 PM</b><br />
The episode of Friends I was watching is over. I lay awake for a bit longer to see if Britta is going to wake up (this tends to be a time she's up fairly regularly), but she remains quiet, so it's time for bed! I gotta get some sleep before Britta gets me up!<br />
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<b>10:35 PM </b><br />
One more peek at the monitor. Yup, she's out. Goodnight!<br />
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So there you have it! Anyone still reading? This post turned out to be WAY longer than I thought it would be, so thanks for hanging in there if you did. Leave a comment if you enjoyed it! I'd love to hear from you.Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04198099912956330460noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2495648259867602737.post-67323734366498078732016-03-11T19:49:00.005-08:002016-03-11T19:49:43.001-08:00Seven Months!Once again, I'm behind. Britta turned 7 months on February 17th. Better late than never, right?<br />
<br />
Britta,<br />
7 months! I'm certain I sound like a broken record, but I just can't believe how fast the time is going. Each month seems to go faster than the last. Each month you become more "alive" - more active, responsive, and become more of your own little person. It's so fun to watch!<br />
<br />
We've had another great month!<br />
<br />
<strong>You got your first tooth...</strong><br />
At the very end of January those days and weeks of drooling, chomping, and a little bit of crankiness paid off. You got your first tooth - the bottom right. Although we will miss your gummy little smile, Your little snaggle tooth is pretty darn cute too.<br />
<br />
At least one more tooth is coming in - we'll see how and when the others come in. Thankfully, teething hasn't been too rough for you yet (knock on wood).<br />
<strong><br /></strong>
<b>You MASTERED sitting up...</b><br />
Man, I forgot how quickly you babies master some tasks. Although you just started sitting up last month, you very quickly mastered it this month! You very easily sit unassisted now - for longer and longer amounts of time. You still have a tiny little bit of bobble, but not much and you continue to get better by the day.<br />
<br />
Because you are getting so much better at sitting, you have new world of toys available to you. Your favorite is your little piano (a hand me down from Linnea). You are happy to sit at that piano for a long time. We've also taken out some large floor toys (a big block with some spinning toys) that you enjoy as well.<br />
<b><br /></b><b>You showed zero interest in solid food...</b><br />
As I said last month, we started you on solid foods. We were so certain this would be a big hit for you. For the last few months you showed all the signs - you grabbed at our food, you followed our food with your eyes, you chewed on everything.<br />
<br />
When we started with rice cereal, it seemed to go okay. But since then you have completely lost interest. We've tried rice cereal, peas, and bananas. I mean, not even bananas?! How do you not like bananas?<br />
<br />
We try to get you to give the food a try. But when we get close to your mouth, you just turn your head away. You like smacking the spoon if it gets close to you. If any food does manage to get into your mouth, you make a yucky face and sometimes even gag too! So dramatic.<br />
<br />
I'm trying to be patient with you. I know it will just take time. I'm just really surprised... I was sure you would love trying all new kinds of food. You'll get there, I'm sure. Until then, we'll keep trying!<br />
<br />
<b>You switched into a big girl carseat...</b><br />
We had been talking about getting you into a big girl carseat for a couple weeks. You were getting so uncomfortable in your infant seat...especially since we had a cover over top of it for winter. You were also getting too heavy to lug around in that seat! Although you still technically had quite a bit of room to grow (it technically goes up to 30 pounds), we knew it was time to get you into something bigger.<br />
<br />
Once Linnea got a new booster seat, you switched into her old seat. It's crazy how little you look in it! You went from looking HUGE in the infant carseat to looking little in the new seat.<br />
<br />
You seem to enjoy your new seat - you seem to like the extra space. Riding in style now, girlie!<br />
<b><br /></b><b>You've grown and changed a lot too...</b><br />
We're in between well baby visits (your last one was in January for your 6 month check, and the next one won't be until April for your 9 month check). I know you're over 20 pounds, since you were last month...so somewhere in the low 20s is I'm sure where you are weight-wise. It seems like your growth is slowing down a little bit - which is normal at about this age.<br />
<br />
You are in a mix of 9 month and 12 month clothes. There are a few 6 month items still in your drawers (mostly shirts), but you don't really fit in them as well. I'm sure I'll be packing them away soon. We've had to buy a few new long-sleeve onsies, since Linnea's 12 month clothes are summer clothes.<br />
<br />
You are in size 3 diapers, and they seem to be fitting you pretty well (and probably will for a bit yet).<br />
<br />
You continue to be SUCH a happy baby. Some of your favorite things: your sister, baths - and generally being naked, putting things in your mouth, grabbing anything in reach, grabbing your toes/happy baby pose, sitting up, playing with mama's hair.<br />
<br />
Your eating continues to be the same. 5 oz. each bottle. 3 bottles during the day (9:00, noon, 4:00). The only weird thing this month is that you had a few days in there that you were not as interested in eating. On those days you'd skip a feeding and/or eat less at one or more of your meals. I think that was due to have a bit of a cold and teething. Even on the days you didn't eat typically you were jolly as usual. You are up at night once or twice to eat, nurse before daycare in the morning (if you weren't up in the 4 or 5:00 hour), and then again before bed.<br />
<br />
Your bedtime schedule is the same as well - ready for bed around 6:30 or 7:00, down for the night by 7:00 or 7:30 unless we're out and about (like I said last month, we are thankful for your flexibility!).<br />
<br />
Per Dr. Khan's suggestion, we started using gas drops at your last feeding. It seems to have helped quite a bit! You get up a lot less at 9:30/10:00. You still get up later, but it seems to be because you are hungry rather than gassy. Nighttime sleep continues to not be great. Usually up twice, and there isn't really any rhyme or reason to it. I'm trying to keep a positive attitude, knowing that it won't be like this forever. I enjoy our snuggles at least!<br />
<br />
You still nap like a champ at Magna's - super consistent. Yay! We continue to take the weekends as they come. Sometimes you don't nap in the morning on the weekends - or you'll snooze in the car. Have I mentioned we're thankful for your flexibility?!<br />
<br />
My sweet Britta Alice, you are 7 months old! We love you so much - you bring all of us so much joy. You are jolly, happy, content, observant, sweet, silly, snugly, charming, determined, and curious and we love you to bits. We can't wait to continue to watch you grow and learn.<br />
<br />
We love you to the moon and back, Britta Boo!<br />
Mama (and Daddy & Linnea too)<br />
<br />
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Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04198099912956330460noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2495648259867602737.post-64175298992680361892016-02-13T20:10:00.004-08:002016-02-13T20:11:28.428-08:00Six Months!Uff. Nearly a month late in posting this...Britta is just days away from being 7 months old! How is time going so fast?! Better late than never, right? Britta turned 6 months on January 17th. Here's the update...<br />
<br />
Britta,<br />
6 months old. Half way to a year. How on earth did we get here? Daddy mentioned recently that it seems like your baby-ness is already going away. And I completely agree. Yes, you are still a baby. And will be for a while. But you are growing and changing so much. All of a sudden you aren't just a little baby laying in a bouncer seat. You are a busy, grabby, mobile, chatty little one. It's so amazing and such a joy to watch. We love you so much, little lady!<br />
<br />
It's been another exciting month...<br />
<br />
<strong>You celebrated Christmas...</strong><br />
The time between Thanksgiving and Christmas is a family favorite. We are big into traditions, particularly around the holiday season. We had a great time last month and this month including you in our special celebrations. Unfortunately, a few traditions didn't work out this year - cutting down our own tree, putting up both trees, decorating (for the most part). I need to remind myself that there is time to bring those traditions back, when things aren't so chaotic. What's most important is enjoying time as a family -which we did!<br />
<br />
On Christmas Eve Daddy had to work, so it was just the girls for most of the day. I managed to get both of you to the zoo for a quick trip, and we had a really nice time. Daddy came home around the end of nap time, and we got to enjoy some time together just the four of us. Linnea enjoyed opening your presents as well as hers. You loved taking it all in.<br />
<br />
We went back and forth about what we wanted to do for Christmas Eve dinner. For the last several years we had the tradition of going out with just our little family. This year we had the opportunity to have dinner with Grandma and Grandpa but ultimately decided to stick with the tradition. We really enjoy that time just the four of us. <br />
<br />
We went to Big Bowl for dinner. Funny story - on our way I found out that your godparents and our good friends, Tom and Jackie, and their son Gavin, were at the same restaurant. It was nice to see them, and wish them a Merry Christmas. You had many admirers from the tables nearby - you were staring people down, and flirting up a storm. <br />
<br />
After having dessert at Grandma and Grandpa's we went to late church. I was a little nervous about how it would go since it was waaayy past your bedtime, but you did great. You got a little loopy and chatty. You gabbed your way through the service, and were pretty exhausted afterwards, but you managed just fine. <br />
<br />
After sleeping in a bit Christmas morning, we headed over to Grandma and Grandpa's for the day. We had fun spending time together, playing, and opening presents.<br />
<br />
We celebrated Christmas with the Hommen/Carlson side on New Year's Day. You were spoiled rotten by Grammy, Grampy, your aunts and uncles, and Santa. We had a fun time!<br />
<br />
<strong>You started sitting up...</strong><br />
This month you started sitting up! As you've gotten bigger and strong, we started sitting you up and sitting what you were capable of. <br />
<br />
It's still a work in progress. You are a bit wobbly, and lean forward a lot, but you are getting better by the day. You look like such a grown up girl! <br />
<br />
I think you really like the change in scenery that comes from sitting up. You love to lean forward and grab whatever you can. It's fun to watch you explore in this new way! <br />
<br />
We will continue to practice, and work those muscles. You'll be a pro in no time! <br />
<br />
<b>You tried your first solid food...</b><br />
For months, you've been grabbing for things, and showing great interest in what we were eating. At your 4 month appointment, Dr. Khan gave us the go ahead to try solid food. We had planned to wait until after your 6 month appointment, but decided early in January that that was silly - and we should just give it a go. <br />
<br />
We started with rice cereal on January 9th. You completely surprised us by being not at all interested. We've tried a couple times, and while you'll take a few bites, you are generally far from impressed. We really don't want to push it - we know you'll eat when you're ready. We'll try more foods in the coming days...maybe you just don't like rice cereal? We are very surprised that you aren't more into it...but you'll get there.<br />
<br />
<strong>
You fell in love with bouncing...</strong><br />
A month or so ago we got the Johnny Jump Up out for the first time. You seemed to enjoy it right away. But this month? Oh man, baby girl. This month you fell in love HARD with bouncing in that thing. <br />
<br />
You could spend all day bouncing! Even if you are crabby, when you start bouncing in the Johnny Jump Up, you have the biggest smiles! You are super strong, so you are able to jump really high. <br />
<br />
It's a bit of a bummer - I fear that you'll outgrow it quickly. But we will make sure you get to enjoy it while you can!<br />
<br />
<b>You've grown and changed a lot too...</b><br />
You had your 6 month well baby check with Dr. Khan right as you turned 6 months. You are continuing to rock the 95th-99th percentile in all of your measurements. You weighed 21 pounds, 10 ounces, and were 28" long. Big girl! What surprised me the most was when I looked back at your sister's measurements and found that you weigh the same as she did at a year. You didn't seem that big to me - you are just perfect. Right as you should be. Dr. Khan said you look awesome. She was surprised how well you support your own weight. Your legs have gotten SO strong (must be all that bouncing, huh?).<br />
<br />
You are mostly in 9 month clothes. There are a few 6 month clothes still in the mix, but most of them are too tight and/or too short (6 month pants are totally capris on you these days). There are a few 12 month clothes I've started to pull out...and will likely pull out more soon since the 6 month clothes are dwindling. We'll probably have to buy more clothes for you than planned because the 12 month clothes we have are more summery. It's fun seeing you in the same clothes your big sister wore! I enjoy taking pictures of you in the same outfits, and seeing my beautiful babies side by side.<br />
<br />
You are in size 3 diapers (though Grandma & Grandpa and Magna still have size 2s they are using up). We still put you in size 3 overnight diapers. They work better at night to keep you dry. <br />
<br />
You are absolutely in love with your big sister (and vice versa). No one can get you laughing like Linnea can. She loves to make silly sounds and do goofy dances, and delights when you smile and laugh at her. Linnea often requests that you lay in bed with her, particularly around bedtime, and again in the morning. I love watching the two of you. I can already see your bond forming. What an amazing thing to watch. <br />
<br />
Nothing within your reach is safe these days. I thought it was bad last month! Your hand control is accurate, and you are fast and strong. You'll grab at anything in front of you, pull it towards you, and almost always it will go right in your mouth. Daddy and I were surprised food hasn't been more of an interest for you because of this. We thought you'd for sure gobble it up (literally and figuratively). We'll just keep trying, I guess. And until then, I'm sure you'll just continue grabbing at our food (and everything else you can get your hands on).<br />
<br />
You continue to be as observant and content as ever. Magna will regularly write things like - Awesome day, content and happy, loved just watching the other kids. You have your moments where you are fussy - mostly when you are hungry and/or tired, but your norm is content and chill. I'm so glad you got your daddy's disposition! <br />
<br />
Your eating has been consistent.You usually nurse at least a bit in the morning, unless you nursed in the 4 o'clock hour or later. Then three bottles at daycare, 5 oz. each time - 9:00, 12:00, and 4:00 or thereabouts. You nurse right before bed as well.<br />
<br />
You continue to be ready for bed by around 6:30 or 7:00. Usually down by 7:00 or 7:30. Sometimes we can stretch it a bit later if we are out for some sort of family event. We try not to do that too much, but we really appreciate your flexibility!<br />
<br />
Like last month, I'm frustrated with night time sleep. There is just not a whole lot of rhyme or reason to it. You continue to be up usually twice a night. Again, you are still usually legitimately hungry...or at least seem to be. I've tried to settle you down before trying to nurse you, but you just aren't having it. I do still think some of it is gassiness- you wake up fairly regularly between 9:30 and 10:30, and seem to be really uncomfortable. I talked with Dr. Khan about it. She suggested trying gas drops, so we'll see if that helps. You will sometimes randomly sleep through the night, but those times are few and far between. I am thankful that when you are up you eat and (usually) go right back to sleep. That helps at least...<br />
<br />
Naps (and everything else for that matter) still are great at Magna's. As was true with your sister, she tells us that she would have 10 of you if she could. That makes us happy and proud. We continue to "go with the flow" on the weekends. Morning naps are generally what suffers the most. Sometimes we're home and can get you down for a good nap, but a lot of times we're out at about - errands, church, etc. so you nap in the car or as needed. Afternoon naps are better because it's nap time for everyone - Linnea doesn't nap usually, but we all need rest time! It made me feel better looking back at my notes about Linnea at this age, and realizing it was the same way with her.<br />
<br />
Britta, we are halfway to a year. I just can't believe how fast it's gone. It's cliché, but we really can't imagine our lives without you. You fill our hearts in a way we didn't know was possible. You are such an awesome baby, and we love you to bits!<br />
<br />
We love you!<br />
Mama (and Daddy & Linnea too)<br />
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Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04198099912956330460noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2495648259867602737.post-15315849519260977822016-01-09T19:45:00.004-08:002016-01-09T19:45:44.636-08:00Five Months!Once again, I'm mega-late in posting. Britta is almost 6 months old (say whhhhaaaatt?!). This time around, I blame the holidays. I should just start writing the next month's post as I post the previous month's.<br />
<br />
Anyways, as of December 17th, Britta was 5 months old. She's becoming more and more her own little person, and it's amazing to watch.<br />
<br />
Britta Alice,<br />
I am in disbelief that you are already 5 months old. Seriously. Where has the time gone? It is such a joy and pleasure watching you learn and grow, little one. You are such an awesome little lady - loving, sweet, content, happy...you bring so much joy to our family. I hope that as you get bigger you always know that. <br />
<br />
We've had a good month...<br />
<br />
<strong>You celebrated Thanksgiving...</strong><br />
I think Grammy was looking forward to celebrating Thanksgiving with you from the moment she knew you were on the way. Seriously. The big reason is because when your sister was a baby she was our Thanksgiving centerpiece. She sat in the Bumbo seat in the middle of the table for our Thanksgiving dinner. It was very cute. So Grammy was set on having you be our centerpiece this year.<br />
<br />
Unfortunately, Grammy and Uncle C.J. were under the weather a bit on Thanksgiving, so we had to postpone. Thankfully, since Grandma and Grandpa live so close and were hosting, we were able to celebrate with them. We had a very nice evening with the Broste side of the family.<br />
<br />
By the day after Thanksgiving, Grammy and C.J. were feeling better and had some antibiotics in them, so we were able to have a second dinner with them. It was a bummer because Uncle Ethan, Auntie Rachell, and your cousins couldn't make it that day, so it was a bit of a quiet celebration. But you, my love, were of course the Thanksgiving centerpiece in the Bumbo. Adorable, of course. We had a great holiday!<br />
<br />
<strong>You became a rolling pro! </strong><br />
Last month I was posting about how you were learning to roll - tummy to back. Well... this month, you became a rolling pro - both ways.<br />
<br />
I forgot how quickly learning can come with you little ones. You had been working and working on rolling. You were doing pretty well tummy to back, but you weren't able to do back to tummy. You'd get most of the way, but then get stuck.<br />
<br />
Magna mentioned a couple times that she had seen you go from back to tummy, but I hadn't seen it. But then one night, right as you were turning 5 months, you rolled so fast I didn't even see it. I put you down on your back, looked down for seriously 30 seconds - and then there you were on your tummy! So of course I put you back on your back so you'd do it again - and you did! So fast... just like that! You want to be a mover, Britta Girl. There will be no stopping you soon!<br />
<br />
<b>You saw Santa...TWICE! (among other holiday festivities) </b><br />
This stretch between Thanksgiving and Christmas is me and Daddy's favorite time of the year. Lots of festivities and fun. We are big into traditions, especially around this time of year. We've so enjoyed adding you to the mix.<br />
<br />
So far we've done some decorating around the house, caroled with our faith group, and met Santa - twice! First, you met Santa at our neighborhood tree lighting. You did not freak out at all (again, you are so chill), but you were totally underwhelmed. The pictures I got were hilarious - Linnea was all smiles, and you had this "who is this guy?" look. Too funny.<br />
<br />
We saw Santa again at Bachman's. We discovered an awesome little play there. The show was about Santa and his head elf. You didn't get much out of that, of course. I hope to make this a new tradition - so hopefully in years to come you will enjoy it more! After the play, Santa took pictures with all the kids. Same underwhelmed look from you. I know you'll learn to love him!<br />
<br />
I'm looking forward to more Christmas fun with you!<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>You've grown and changed a lot too...</b><br />
We're in between well baby visits (your last one was on November 18th, your next one is scheduled for January 20th. As such, I don't have a whole lot of concrete measurement information. I do know this - you are a solid little nugget of baby love! You are sturdy, with lots and lots of baby rolls. You'll hate me for this when you are older...but I quite regularly stand you up when you are naked just to admire the adorable chunkiness. You love being naked, so you are happy to oblige!<br />
<br />
You have officially outgrown your 3 month clothes. You're in a mix now of 6 month clothes and - get this- 9 month clothes! I had gotten a few 9 month long sleeve onesies when I realized that you would need them (since Linnea wore 9 month clothes in the Spring/Summer). I put one on you one day, sure that it would be quite big. But it fit! Wow!<br />
<br />
We ended up getting size 3 overnight diapers since you were leaking so much overnight. That has helped a lot. You're still in size 2 diapers, but they are getting really small. The next pack of diapers we buy will FOR SURE be size 3s.<br />
<br />
As always, you are so observant. It's so clear that you are REALLY paying attention, trying to figure everything out. Generally speaking, you are content to just sit and watch the world around you. Your favorite thing to watch is Linnea. You love watching her do ANYTHING, and she can make you laugh more than anyone else. I love it.<br />
<br />
You continue to smile with your whole face and body. You are such a happy baby! It's so fun to catch your eye, say your name, and watch your huge smile spread across your face. Happy girl.<br />
<br />
Your hand control has gotten a ton better this last month. You are grabbing for things like crazy, and are much better at getting things on the first attempt. We have to be really careful these days if we have you on our laps at the table. You'll grab at our plates - and start to pull them towards you! I think you are ready for food (though we haven't started anything yet - soon, little one!).<br />
<br />
Your eating is the same - consistently 5 oz. each bottle. Just like the last couple months, depending on when you last ate in the night, you sometimes nurse in the morning. You have 3 bottles at Magna's/Grandma and Grandpa's - around 9:00, noon, and 4:00. Then you nurse usually just once before bed.<br />
<br />
You're usually ready to get ready for bed by around 6:30 or 7:00. Usually down by 7:00 or 7:30. I have given up trying to figure out your bedtime sleep. I know that it's totally normal, but your bedtime sleep is so frustrating. You are almost always up twice...sometimes even three times. You're usually legitimately hungry...so you're eating a lot overnight. You've also had some gassiness, which I really thinks affects your sleep. You had had a bout of constipation shortly after Thanksgiving. Once you finally "cleaned out your pipes" you had some of the best nights of sleep you've had in a long time - straight through the night. I'm trying to take it all in stride, and know that "this too shall pass," but it's hard. Sleep deprivation is no joke!<br />
<br />
Naps continue to go great at Magna's. I'm so thankful for how well she does with you - and how good you are for her! Magna always has nothing but good things to say about you. I'm so glad! I'm learning how to just "go with the flow" on the weekends - recognizing that it's not realistic to keep your schedule the same as it is during the week. I'm getting there... :-)<br />
<br />
Britta, I can't believe you are 5 months old. Who told you you could grow up so fast? You are beyond a joy, Boo Boo. Your smiles, your laughter, your silly antics...they all brighten our days so much. We've had a great month. I can't wait to see what next month has in store for us...<br />
<br />
Love you so much,<br />
Mama (and Daddy & Linnea too)<br />
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<br />Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04198099912956330460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2495648259867602737.post-89648361611049957782015-12-08T18:58:00.002-08:002015-12-08T18:58:29.934-08:00Four Months!As of November 17th, Britta was 4 months. I've had this post in the works for a while. Time to post (before she turns 5 months!)!<br />
<br />
Britta Alice,<br />
Each month goes faster than the last. I find myself so torn in my emotions...on the one hand, it's so fun to watch you grow and become your own little person. You change and develop every day. It's such a joy. But on the other hand, it's going so fast. You very well could be our last baby...I'm in disbelief that each of these exciting firsts could be the last time I experience them first hand. Moral of the story...one day at a time - both surviving and savoring, I suppose! <br />
<br />
It's been another big month...<br />
<br />
<strong>You were baptized!</strong><br />
What a special celebration! Like your big sister, you had the privilege of being baptized by Grandma. Words can't describe what an incredible gift it is to watch her baptize you girls. It's very emotional for all of us.<br />
<br />
While we had a nice celebration, the service didn't quite go off without a hitch. In the days and weeks leading up to your baptism (October 25th), our baptismal font at church was having issues. I LOVE our font. It's HUGE, and always full...with a little waterfall feature. It's really beautiful. Anyways, it was having some issues as we approached your baptism. Grandma kept reassuring us that they were fixing it. However, when we got to church before the service, she came up to us to let us know it had sprung a major leak, and we'd need to go to plan B. <br />
<br />
Plan B was a little stand set-up in the front with a simple glass bowl filled with water. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't a little disappointed, but I tried to focus on the most important thing - the baptism itself.<br />
<br />
We made it in the sanctuary just in time for the ceremony after getting you fed, changed, and dressed.You did great during the baptism...some tears were shed during the ceremony - but not yours! You were content the whole time. <br />
<br />
We had a nice little reception at church after the service - just a little gathering of friends and family for cake and coffee. It was such a joy to look around the room and see the loved ones who support you and our family. You are so loved!<br />
<strong><br /></strong>
<strong>You celebrated your first major holiday...Halloween! </strong><br />
This month brought your first holiday - Halloween. We had a wonderful time celebrating. Before you were born, Grammy found a cute bumblebee costume for you. Leading up to the day I was nervous it wouldn't fit, but because you have been growing like crazy, it was just right by Halloween. <br />
<br />
You were so cute in your costume. We called you "BumbleBritta." You got to partake in a few celebrations. <br />
First, you came along on our annual trip to the Crosstown Covenant Church party. The church is just a few blocks from our house, and we've gone the last few years with our friends the Winters and the Olsons. It's awesome - just a couple years ago it was just three kiddos, now between the 3 families we have 7 kiddos! So it's a little crazy, but a lot of fun.<br />
<br />
You actually slept through most of the party (in the carrier), which is impressive because it was pretty loud. It will be so fun to bring you next year - I imagine you'll be running around by then!<br />
<br />
You also celebrated Halloween at Magna's. She reported that you loved watching the other kids dance around, and were completely baffled by her Minnie Mouse ears. Hee hee. <br />
<br />
Finally, we had a great day on Halloween itself. First, we went to a Trunk or Treat event at church - people decorated their cars and did trick or treating in the parking lot. You got lots of oohs and ahhs at how cute and cozy you looked. After the event at church, we headed over to the Getchius' house for pizza and trick or treating in their neighborhood. You slept through most of trick or treating - I liked having you as a little snuggle buddy as we went house to house. Once again, it will be fun to the contrast next year - I'm sure you'll be running around trying to keep up with the big kids by then!<br />
<br />
<strong>You scared us with a fall...</strong><br />
Oh Britta Girl, you gave us a scare. On a normal night early in November I was getting you ready for bed. Linnea and I were in your room...I was at the changing table getting your pajamas on and Linnea was just behind me on the chair in your room. She needed help to put the foot rest up. <br />
<br />
I turned for just a second to help her and turned back just in time to watch you go head first off the changing table. My eyes well up with tears and my stomach ties in knots just to type it now. I hadn't realized how strong you had gotten - you didn't roll...your kick was powerful enough to propel you right off the end of the table. <br />
<br />
You fell right on your head on the wood floors below. I have never heard you cry so hard. I picked you up right away and managed to get you calmed down after a minute or so. Once you were calm you just sort of whimpered. I could tell it really hurt you - and probably scared you too. To say I felt horrible is quite an understatement. <br />
<br />
We needed to get you checked out to be sure you were okay - so we all went to the ER (I was too shook up to take you myself). It scared me because you were falling asleep, and I didn't know if you had a concussion or something.<br />
<br />
Thankfully, you were 100% fine. You absolutely charmed the nurses and the doctors at the hospital. They talked about how sweet and alert you were. They were so confident that you weren't seriously hurt that we didn't need to do any scans or other tests. Thank God!! I don't know what I would have done if you would have gotten hurt. I'm so beyond thankful that you are okay.<br />
<strong><br /></strong>
<strong>You started rolling (with consistency)...</strong><br />
I have to laugh a bit. I took you in to the doctor's office after your fall (they wanted to do a follow-up appointment just to be sure you were okay). The nurse who saw you said to me, "Watch out for this one." She explained that she could tell you are very strong, and very much want to be on the move. She said it likely wouldn't be the last time that you surprised us with your strength and independence.<br />
<br />
We are definitely seeing that. You love to kick and move your legs. At a very early age you could get yourself over to your side. This month you started rolling! So far you're just rolling from your tummy to your back, but I'm sure back to tummy is just around the corner. And then, just like the nurse said, we better watch out! There will be no stopping you!!<br />
<br />
<b>You've grown and changed a lot too...</b><br />
We had your 4 month well baby appointment on November 18th. You continue to rock the 95th+ percentile in all of your measurements. Your measurements were: Weight: 17 lbs, 8 oz. (95th percentile), Height/Length: 26 1/4" (98th percentile), 17.2" (99th percentile - big head for big brains I say!).<br />
<br />
Dr. Khan said you were doing great! You are growing just as you should be. She told me, "People will tell you she's big, and should can say 'Yup, she's big...but she's just what she should be!" That made me feel good...I'm so glad you are healthy and thriving. People can be a little insensitive, and make comments that can make me feel a little insecure. But what's most important is that you are healthy!<br />
<br />
You are mostly in 6 month clothes. 3 months pants are definitely too short. There are a few shirts in the mix that are 3 months or 3-6 months that still fit...but 6 month is better. The 6 month sleepers are already getting really short, so I think I'll big digging out the 9 month clothes soon. I can't believe that you are already wearing that size! Growing girl!<br />
<br />
You are in size 2 diapers. They're fitting okay, but starting to get a little tight. Diapers are problematic at night - you leak a lot, so we might need to go up a size so you don't soak through.<br />
<br />
You are as observant as ever. It's so awesome to see. When you are awake, you are focused, curious, and observant. I can't wait to watch you learn and grow. Your mind is so active already, little one. It will be amazing to see what you are capable of.<br />
<br />
You are smiling a lot more readily now. Grandma and Grandpa were in Israel for 10 days at the beginning of the month. When they came back, Grandma made a comment that your smiles were the biggest difference she saw since they were gone - that they were more regular, bigger, etc. I just love your smiles. They are huge, and come so easily - sometimes just when I look at you or say your name. Daddy and I often comment that you are such a jolly baby. <br />
<br />
You are discovering your hands and learning to grab things, and it's. blowing. your. mind. Utter bafflement and wonderment are regular emotions to come across your face. It's so funny to watch - you look shocked (and slightly concerned) by your hands. You're still learning to control them - sometimes you'll accidently smack yourself in the face, or your hands will work against each other - one hand will be trying to get to your mouth, and the other will be pushing your first hand away from your mouth. You'll get there in no time! <br />
<br />
Your eating is about same - although now consistently 5 oz. each bottle. Like last month, depending on when you last ate in the night, you sometimes nurse in the morning. You have 3 bottles at Magna's/Grandma and Grandpa's - around 9:00, noon, and 4:00. Then you nurse usually just once before bed.<br />
<br />
You're usually ready to get ready for bed by around 7:00. Usually down by 7:30. Bedtime sleep continues to not be great...although I keep trying to remind myself that you are more typical than your sister was. You are always up once - usually twice. Times vary. Since last month it shifted a bit - to earlier...like 10:30 or 11, and then again around 2 or 3. There's not a whole lot of regularity or consistency with it, which is hard for your Type A mama, but I'm managing. <br />
<br />
Naps go great at Magna's. You take a nap sometime mid-morning (around 9:30-10:30) for about an hour, and then take a solid nap in the afternoon (usually around 2 1/2 to 3 hours). You also tend to have "car naps" on the way too and from daycare, which I think is part of the reason you don't go to bed super earlier (which I like because I get more time with you!). Naps on the weekend are harder because your schedule varies more. Often you sleep as late as 8:00, so your morning nap is shorter, and usually in the midst of stuff we're doing as a family. The last couple weeks we seem to have missed your nap window in the afternoon so we have to be flexible (which is, again, hard for your Type A mama. I'm a work in progress, and so are you I suppose).<br />
<br />
I say it every month, and I mean it more every month. You are a joy. You bring us all such happiness with your smiles and sweetness. I can't believe how fast these last 4 months have going, and how big and strong you are already. I look forward to seeing what our next month brings.<br />
<br />
I love being your mama, sweet Britta Boo.<br />
<br />
We love you,<br />
Mama (and Daddy & Linnea too)<br />
<br />
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<br />Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04198099912956330460noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2495648259867602737.post-34959157640653232332015-11-05T20:26:00.004-08:002015-11-05T20:26:50.469-08:00Three Months!I say it every month, and I'm sure will continue to say it for forever, but time is just flying. I can't believe that, as of October 17th, is 3 months old!! A quarter of a year!! Cue the mama tears. I just want to put the brakes on a bit, and be able to savor each moment. <br />
<br />
Yes, this is ridiculously late. Yup, she's less than a couple weeks from 4 months, but I want to be sure to document these monthly updates.<br />
<br />
So here we go...<br />
<br />
Britta Boo,<br />
3 months. 3 months?! It seems like yesterday that you were born...and actually just yesterday that I was pregnant with you. You've had a big month...lots of changes and milestones. More and more we are realizing what a content, peaceful baby you are. It will be so interesting to see your personality take shape! Here's what you've been up to in the last month...<br />
<br />
<strong>You started daycare!</strong><br />
Probably the biggest transition this month for you (and me...and the whole family really)... I went back to work on October 8th, and you started at Magna's that same day. The combination of you being an all-around rockstar baby, and Magna having some sort of awesome voodoo magic skills means that you have been doing AMAZING! <br />
<br />
Much like with your big sister, Magna managed to get you on a schedule right away. You take 3 bottles at daycare (9:00ish, noonish, and 4:00ish) - between 4 and 5 ounces each time. You take a morning nap around 9:45/10:00 for between an hour and an hour and a half. You take an afternoon nap from around 1:00 to 3:00/3:30. <br />
<br />
Magna reports you are happy, very chatty, and snuggly for the vast majority of your days there. You are getting better at tummy time each day, and love watching the other kiddos play and interact.<br />
<br />
We had a bit of a scare right before you started daycare - you were refusing to take a bottle. I panicked BIG time, but discovered just in the nick of time that it was a temperature issue. You are a bit of a diva, and like your milk REALLY warm (body temperature, thank you very much!). Daddy and I had a date night for our anniversary the week you started daycare, and you cried (LOUD) for Grandma for most of the 2 hours we were gone. You are SO chill usually, but will definitely let everyone know when something's wrong.<br />
<br />
Thankfully, we figured it out just in time and you have had ZERO issues with bottles. Wahoo!!<br />
<br />
In addition to starting at Magna's, you are joining big sister for what is now "Linnea AND Britta Day" at Grandma and Grandpa's. I think it's a bit of an adjustment to have two to take care of, but they are enjoying it.<br />
<br />
<strong>You took your first vacation!</strong><br />
We've had a few overnight out-of-town trips before this, but this month was your first REAL vacation. We had planned long before you were even born to take a trip up north. Since I was still on leave we took our usual trip to Grand Marais with Grandma and Grandpa, and then headed over to Bayfield, WI for another couple nights.<br />
<br />
Admittedly, it was a bit crazy. Almost a week gone...staying in three different places (we stayed in Duluth the first night)...sleeping all in one room. Sleep was never really great...you had a bit of a cold, and didn't sleep super well in the pack 'n play.<br />
<br />
All of that said, we had a really good time. It was so fun to introduce you to all our favorite places up north. We look forward to many, many more years of time up north as a family. I look forward to throwing rocks in the lake with you in a few years.<br />
<br />
<strong>You started laughing!</strong><br />
This one took me by total surprise! I was "chatting" with you before dinner one night when we were in Bayfield. You were smiling and cooing (per usual), but all of a sudden you were laughing! It happened so fast that by the time I realized what you were doing, it was over! I called Daddy over to try to get you do it again, but I didn't have any luck.<br />
<br />
We've had a few more little laughs since then, but not regularly quite yet. It was like a little gift for mama, to have the laugh from my Britta girl!<br />
<br />
<b>You've grown and changed a lot too...</b><br />
You continue to be a big, happy baby!!<br />
<br />
We haven't had a doctor's appointment since the beginning of September, so I'm not really sure how big you are. I won't be surprised if you are well over 15 pounds by your next appointment mid-month. You are regularly mistaken for older than you are...which doesn't really surprise me. I think you look older than you are too...not just because of your size, but because of your head and neck control, and level of alertness.<br />
<br />
You are still squeezing into some 3 month clothes, but are mostly in 6 month clothes. Pants and sleepers in particular got too short/small practically overnight. It's a bit of a bummer, because I think we'll end up being off the right seasons with the clothes that Linnea wore as a baby. I suppose there are worse things, but it's fun to be able to give new life to old clothes.<br />
<br />
You are fully in size 2 diapers... well actually, we found a few 1s here and there and used them to get rid of them - crazy how quickly they went from fitting fine to WAY too small!<br />
<br />
You continue to be alert and attentive. Nearly everyone who meets you/spends any sort of time with you comments on that. You are SUCH an observer. Maybe it sounds silly, but you can tell that even at 3 months you are just wanting to take everything in.<br />
<br />
Like I said before, we are realizing more and more what a content baby you are. It's rare that you will cry or get upset. When you do it usually means that we aren't feeding you soon enough...or you have a little gas bubble...or are a little overtired. But as soon as your needs are met you calm down. Even when you wake up at night you don't cry...you just grunt and fuss a bit to let me know you're hungry.<br />
<br />
It's fun to watch your relationship with Linnea continue to develop. She loves to talk to you and get you to smile - and she's good at that. She loves to lay with you and say sweet and silly things to you. She gets mad at Daddy and I if we "hog" you too much. It's so fun to watch how sweet she is with you. I can't wait to continue to watch you become friends!<br />
<br />
You continue to eat well. Depending on when you last ate, you nurse a bit in the morning before Magna's. You take 3 bottles there (between 4 and 5 oz.), and then nurse once or twice before bed.<br />
<br />
Your bedtime has moved up again this month...usually between 7:30 and 8:00. It's nice that you stay up a bit later than your big sister did at this age because it's nice to have a bit of time with you when we all get home for the night.<br />
<br />
Bedtime sleep has not been as good as it was previously... I'm not quite sure what to attribute that to. You are pretty much always up once, and usually twice. Times vary a bit, but are usually around midnight and then again around 4. Those times are my least favorite times because it breaks up my sleep in a bad way. However, I am thankful that you continue to go back to sleep very easily. You wake up, eat, and are back out without much of a peep. That makes it a bit more manageable.<br />
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Naps have become more consistent now that you are at Magna's (yay Magna for helping me get you on a good schedule!). Like I said before you have a shorter nap in the mid-morning, and then a long nap in the afternoon. (It's awesome that you and Linnea nap together in the afternoon!). We can't get you to nap quite as well when you're home with us on the weekends (like I said, Magna has some sort of awesome voodoo magic). <br />
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You are so awesome, Britta! You are sweet, observant, strong, and calm. I love learning who you are...I love being your mama...I love watching you learn and grow.<br />
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You have brought so much joy to us in your short little life!<br />
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We love you so very much, Britta girl!<br />
Mama (and Daddy & Linnea too)<br />
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<br />Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04198099912956330460noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2495648259867602737.post-47965810744740422342015-09-26T20:19:00.001-07:002015-09-26T20:19:15.970-07:00An Interview with a Four-Year-OldI have a four-year-old! Crazy! Linnea (for the most part) is SO much fun these days. She's goofy, curious, sweet, and loving, and we love her to pieces! She's got a little edge of sassiness, but she's really SUCH a sweet girl.<br />
<br />
I'm a little late with this, but wanted to continue the annual interview I started last year. One thing I've really enjoyed about this age/stage is watching Linnea discover who she is, her likes and dislikes, etc. In case you're curious, our interview from last year is found <a href="http://bhappyintoday.blogspot.com/2014/09/an-interview-with-three-year-old.html" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
<br />
Here's our interview from this year. (I added my thoughts in italics.) It was very cute - she was quite serious about the whole thing. More thoughtful than last year, and answers came much easier.<br />
<br />
1. How old are you? Four!! <i>(She is so proud of this. In the weeks after she had her birthday, she'd tell strangers, "I'm FOUR now." She doesn't really have her Rs, so it's more like Fow-a.)</i><br />
2. What is your favorite color? Purple and blue <i>(Purple has been pretty consistent. I have expected her to say sparkly something, or rainbow, as she has cited those in the past.)</i><br />
3. What is your favorite toy? <i>(She had to think about th(is one...) </i>My firetruck <i>(A bit of a surprise, as she hasn't played with it for a while. She got a garbage truck for her birthday that she's played with quite a bit. She also likes to play with play food A LOT.)</i><br />
4. What is your favorite food? Mushroom stroganoff!! <i>(True story, and both Jeromy and I love this about her because it's so unique. She loves going to Noodles for it, and also LOVES when Jeromy makes it at home. Other favorites are pizza, any type of pasta, egg wraps - our creation...basically just scrambled eggs and cheese wrapped in a tortilla, and fish).</i><br />
5, What is your favorite snack/treat? Cheez-its <i>(Another surprise. We never really have them at home. She chose to bring cheez-its to preschool this past Friday when it was her turn to bring snack, so maybe it was fresh on her mind. She likes pretzels, goldfish crackers, craisins and raisins. She loves chocolate and ice cream as treats.)</i><br />
6. What is your favorite TV show? <i>(Lots of thought about this...) </i>Ummm...Mickey Mouse [Clubhouse]. <i>(We've been trying to cut down on TV at home. Not that we think it's awful or anything...it just was getting too excessive for us. I know she watches different shows at daycare, but Mickey does tend to be the one she wants most with us.)</i><br />
7. What is your favorite movie? Frozen <i>(Yup...still. We haven't watched in a while, but she definitely still loves it.)</i><br />
8. What is your favorite animal? <i>(Some thinking...) </i>A pony. <i>(Interesting to see the similarity from last year. We did go to the Renaissance Festival again, where she once again rode a pony. I don't know if that's what she was thinking about or not...)</i><br />
9. Who is your favorite friend to play with? Raia <i>(Again, same answer as last year. This one was a bit of a surprise. Not that Raia isn't a good friend, but they haven't played together in a while. She does, however, very much look up to her and had an adorable "over the fence" conversation with her around the same time I did this interview.)</i><br />
10. What's your favorite thing to do outside? Play on a swingset <i>(Very accurate. Girlfriend could swing ALL. DAY. LONG. It was the best thing ever when we A) bought her a swingset for our yard and B) she learned how to pump.) </i><br />
11. What is your favorite thing to drink? Ice water <i>(What a diva...ha ha ha. Over the summer we started drinking stuff with ice - which we don't do very often. Needless to say, she liked it.)</i><br />
12. What do you like to take to bed with you at night? My ballerina story...my baka! <i>(I have to laugh about the ballerina story. She just got the book from a church friend and it is her latest obsession. It's a book that looks like a purse and has several stories about little girl ballerinas in it. Her baka is her beloved blankie that ALWAYS needs to be in bed with her.)</i><br />
13. What is your favorite song? Okee Dokee Brothers <i>(We've istened to their stuff for awhile, but just recently borrowed the CD from the library. They're really great. I don't mind this obsession.)</i><br />
14. What makes you happy? <i>(She leans in close and almost in a whisper) </i>Icccccceee cream. <i>(That's my girl. Ha ha ha!!!)</i><br />
15. What makes you sad? <i>(Became very thoughtful.) </i>When people hit me? <i>(I asked her who would hit her and she shrugged her shoulders.) </i>Maybe doesn't talk to me?? <i>(I guess it's good that she can't think of a whole lot that makes her sad.)</i><br />
16. What is one thing you love about mama? <i>(She gave me a huge hug.) </i>That you love me!!! <i>(Cue mama melt...)</i><br />
17. What is one thing you love about daddy? Just because I love him... <i>(I tried to get more out of her...I think she basically meant she loves everything..)</i><br />
18. What do you want to be when you grow up? A "fighterfighter" <i>(Again, same answer as last year. She LOVES fire hydrants and will come running from anywhere in the house when she hears the firetrucks - which is regularly because we live right by the fire station. She loves watching them drive by.) </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
Linnea is SUCH a personality, and is coming into her own more and more by the day. It's so fun to watch her grow. She is such a sweet little girl, and we love her to bits!<br />
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<br />Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04198099912956330460noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2495648259867602737.post-21734345640813668672015-09-26T20:02:00.002-07:002015-09-26T20:02:16.850-07:00Two Months!I'm a bit late in posting this...but better late than never, right? Britta turned 2 months on the 17th. Time is just flying...<br />
<br />
Britta Alice,<br />
Time just goes faster and faster. You are now 2 months old, and I've loved watching you learn and grow this last month. We say all the time you seem SO grown up already! I don't know if it's just because you are big for your age, or if you are just that much more alert and aware, or maybe a combination? Either way, there's been lots of change this month...you are really coming into your own.<br />
<br />
We love you more and more as each day passes. Here's what we've been up to the last month.<br />
<br />
<b>You started sleeping through the night!</b><br />
It's not consistent just yet, but you've had SEVERAL nights recently when you've slept 7, 8, or even 9 hours at a time! Wow! Rockstar!<br />
<br />
The first time you did it was such a surprise. It was the night you got your shots (Sept. 4th). I actually was fully expecting your sleep to be disrupted because I could tell you were sore. But a dose of tylenol in you and you went from 5 hours as your longest stretch to sleeping around 9 hours! Wow! I thought it must have been a total fluke, and it was for a bit but since then you've been doing it again.<br />
<br />
Just within the last couple days you've started breaking out of your swaddle, so I've been leaving your arms out at night. Your startle reflex is much less than it was when you were brand new, but you still flail a lot in your sleep, so you haven't been sleeping quite as good as of late. I'm hoping this is short lived.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>You started smiling!</b><br />
I forgot how gradual this comes... Daddy and I (and Linnea for that matter) were watching closely and started seeing little grins the end of August/beginning of September.<br />
<br />
As the weeks have gone by they've become more and more frequent. You have very sweet, smirky little smiles. I love it! You are also cooing up a storm. Lots of fun noises. We've started having "conversations" with you. We talk to you, and you'll coo back at us. So fun!<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>You went to fairs and festivals...</b><br />
It was a busy month for us in terms of fairs and festivals. We love hittin' a bunch up, and we were excited to take you with this year!<br />
<br />
At the end of August you went to the State Fair - twice! You, me, and Daddy went on opening day (WOWZA Auntie Rachel and Andrew were in town, so we went with your WOWZA aunties, uncles, and "wousins"). You did awesome! It was funny because a couple people made comments about how ambitious we were - but we knew you'd do great! You slept a lot, woke up to eat, and observed contently the rest of the time. We went again as a family (with big sister this time) that Saturday, and once again you did great. It was SO fun to do our annual photo booth picture with 4 people this year!<br />
<br />
We also love going to the Renaissance Festival. This year we went on Labor Day. It was a beautiful day, and we had a good time. You stayed content in the carrier pretty much the whole time - a mix of sleeping and alert time. We got a little hot near the end of our time there (it was warm in the midday sun), but we managed just fine. I'm excited to take you in future years - I bet you'll have a great time riding ponies and seeing fairies with your sister!<br />
<br />
Finally, we made our annual trip to the Monarch Festival. This one is right by our house, which is fun. We had a good time wandering around, and taking in all the festivities.<br />
<br />
<b>You took a few more road trips...</b><br />
You are already well traveled, little one! Last month you went to Eau Claire for cousin Tom's funeral. This month you took a couple more little road trips.<br />
<br />
First, me, Linnea, and Grandma took a little day trip down to St. James to meet your great grandma. You did great in the car both ways, and we had such a nice little visit. Great Grandma loves you (and your sister) SO much. We hung out at Great Grandma's place for a bit, went out for lunch, and had a bit of time at the park before heading home.<br />
<br />
Unfortunately, this month brought another funeral for our family - which meant another road trip. Great Grandma Mary Grace passed away following her battle with cancer. We made the drive down to Decorah for the service. I was most nervous about this road trip, as it was the longest so far. No need to worry though - you did great once again. We had another hotel stay (which went pretty well, all things considered). The service was very long, but very beautiful, and you did as well as to be expected during it.<br />
<br />
<b>You've grown and changed a lot too...</b><br />
As I said at the beginning, we are in awe on a daily basis how grown up you seem already. It seemed to happen overnight!<br />
<br />
I seriously can't believe how big you are already! You definitely got a "head start" (being so big when you were born), but it's still a surprise. I'm trying <i>really</i> hard not to compare you to your sister, because that's really where the surprise comes from (since I'm used to how big Linnea was as a baby).<br />
<br />
We had your 2 month doctor's appointment when you were 7 weeks old (September 4th). At that time, you weighed 13 pounds, 13 ounces and 24" long! All of your measurements were in the high 90s percentile wise. Your head measurement was 99.99%! Dr. Khan was SO pleased with what she saw. She said you were right on track with where you should be, and you are moving right along your growth curve. We're so glad you are so healthy! You got your shots. You got REALLY mad, but you did okay - and it led to your best night of sleep (see above)!<br />
<br />
Some of your 3 month clothes are getting a little snug. We're in that weird stage where the smaller size is getting a little small, but the next size up is a little big. So you're in a mix of 3 months, 3-6 months, and some 6 months stuff. Some of the 6 months clothes make you look even more grown up. You wore a pair of Oshkosh overalls the other day that looked so cute on you!!<br />
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You are still in size 1 diapers, and they definitely aren't too big anymore! In fact, we talked recently about switching into 2s. We're not there quite yet, but I'm sure we'll be there soon!<br />
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I thought you were alert last month - but you are SO much more alert this month. That's one of the first things people notice about you. You seem to pay such close attention to the world around you. You are so curious already. There is such a light in your eyes...it's amazing to watch you take it all in<br />
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Your favorite thing to watch is ceiling fans. It's hilarious. Wherever we are, if there's a ceiling fan, that's where your eyes will go. The other week you managed to put yourself to sleep watching the fan at Grandma and Grandpa's house!<br />
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Linnea is still LOVING her baby sister. I think she's really liking how interactive you are. I'm so excited to watch that continue. I know it's just begun, and I'm confident that you two will be the best of buddies!<br />
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You continue to eat well. You nurse every 3-4 hours for the most part. We started giving you the occasional bottle this month - your first on Sept. 12th. It took a bit for you to get used to them, but you're doing alright (which makes mama feel a bit better about having to go back to work in just a few weeks!).<br />
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You're going to bed a bit earlier this month. Usually around 9 or 9:30. You continue to do pretty well at night. If you're up you are up once, nurse, and go right back to sleep (there have been fewer "fights" to get you back to sleep. As I mentioned before, we've had a bit of regression - I think at least partially caused by not being swaddled anymore. Even with that, you're a good sleeper, with a mix of sleeping through the night and getting up once. I'm thankful for that!!<br />
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Naps are still inconsistent. I try to get you to sleep at least one "good nap" of a couple hours. It varies whether that's in the morning or afternoon. I'm soaking up all the snuggle naps I can get before I have to go back to work .You are such a snuggler and I absolutely love it. One nice thing about me going back to work (and you starting at Magna's) is that you will likely get on more of a schedule. Magna did a great job doing that for Linnea, and I hope for much the same with you. It tends to make things easier for everyone.<br />
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You are doing really great with tummy time. You tolerate it pretty well, and can really hold your head and neck up well. Continuing to live up to your strong name!<br />
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What a month we've had! You continue to be a delight in our lives. We are so thankful for you, and can't wait to see what next month brings!<br />
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We love you as big as the whole world...<br />
Mama (and Daddy & Linnea too)<br />
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<br />Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04198099912956330460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2495648259867602737.post-9701649827050987782015-08-25T13:47:00.001-07:002015-08-25T13:47:14.863-07:00Fall Blogger Exchange<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It's hard to believe that August is coming to a close, and that Fall is just around the corner. The weather here in Minnesota makes it a little more believable - it's been unseasonably chilly the last few days.<br />
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I'm torn - Fall is my favorite season. Bonfires. Sweatshirts. Crunchy Fall leaves. But Fall also means my return to work. I feel like I didn't fully enjoy the Summer. It went so fast preparing for Britta, and then recovering after having Britta and finding our groove as a family of four. And just like that, it's Fall.<br />
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Anyways...I digress.<br />
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This Spring I did something I had never done before - a blogger exchange. Read about the experience <a href="http://bhappyintoday.blogspot.com/2015/04/spring-blogger-exchange.html" target="_blank">here</a>. I was a little hesitant to participate at first because I don't really feel like a "real" blogger. I follow some awesome, creative bloggers who post regularly, take and share awesome pictures, and host giveaways and sponsored posts. I wasn't sure I could do an exchange justice. But after some convincing, I decided I'd give it a try. I'm so glad I did! It was a lot of fun to get to know some other mama bloggers, and to give and receive fun care packages.<br />
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So when <a href="http://secretsofasahmom.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Jess</a> approached me to take part in a Fall Blogger Exchange, I knew I wanted to participate. I may have been a little crazy to jump in so soon after Britta was born, but I knew I could make it work. Granted, I was a bit late in responding to e-mails, and sending out the package, but I think I managed okay given a brand new baby.<br />
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The way the exchange works is that each blogger is matched with another blogger. Everyone then puts together a care package to send to their "buddy."<br />
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This time around I was paired with <a href="http://leslie-and-tim.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Leslie</a> and her sweetie pie little girl Mila. I wasn't following Leslie's blog prior to the exchange, so it was fun to "meet" someone new. To get to know one another a bit, we sent a few e-mails back and forth, and checked out one another's blogs. Leslie and her family seem so sweet, and I was happy to be paired with them!<br />
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Armed with a bit of information about Leslie and Mila, my family set off to do some shopping! Although I thought Jeromy might drag his feet a bit (he has a tendency to get impatient with extended shopping, and me being indecisive), it was actually great. He had some good ideas, and got into it almost as much as I did! All three of us had fun thinking of fun things that Mila would enjoy.<br />
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Here's a peek at what we chose (complete with a Linnea drawing). Hop on over to Leslie's blog to get the full report...<br />
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We received our package right before Linnea's birthday (which I think made it extra fun and exciting for Linnea). It's really cool because especially since this is our second exchange, I think Linnea really "get it." She knew that when we were shopping for Mila, the gifts weren't for her (even though she would have liked to have the things we chose). Then when our package came, she understood that these gifts were from the "little girl" we sent gifts to. So fun!<br />
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Leslie was awesome and wrapped and labeled all the gifts - most for Linnea, but some for me and Britta too! Linnea was THRILLED that some of the gifts were wrapped in birthday wrapping paper. She didn't waste any time to dig right in!<br />
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Leslie and Mila seriously knocked it out of the park! Linnea loved everything they sent. I did my best to capture her reactions. They were PRICELESS.<br />
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First up was a Frozen notepad. For a girl who loves Frozen, and is always wanting to color or do stickers, this was well received.<br />
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Next came a Minions art pack - coloring book, crayons, and stickers. My camera wasn't fast enough to get her initial reaction. She LOVES Minions, so she had a huge smile and a little cackle laugh too. She thinks they are so funny! (Sidenote: when she dug into this one, she literally paged through the whole coloring book and admired each picture. Each page made her throw her head back and belly laugh. She then showed me every page with a comment like, "Mama! Look at them. So funny."<br />
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Also, mamas - have you discovered these little packs? They are the best. Perfect for purses/diaper bags. They are a great size and have everything you need to keep your little occupied.<br />
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MINIONS!<br />
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This next one is probably the pick of the box - for me and Linnea. It's a magnetic "paper doll" Elsa. Basically a little wooden Elsa (like a paper doll) with different magnetic outfits to dress her in. Funny thing - we bought Linnea a larger set like this as a "big sister gift" from Britta. Linnea loves it, but it's too big to travel with. This one is awesome because it is easy to throw in my purse to take with us. (Do you sense a theme? Ha ha ha. Now with Britta I am always in need of having things with me to keep Linnea occupied as needed.) This doll came in handy right away when we needed to go out of town that weekend for Jeromy's cousin's funeral. Elsa did a great job keeping Linnea quiet and busy during the service. WIN!<br />
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Finally, Linnea got a fun mermaid canvas to color. She was so excited to dig in to this one! Girlfriend loves art.<br />
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Not pictured, but equally well received were an adorable outfit for Britta, and a super cute notepad set for me.<br />
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We had a lot of fun with this exchange! Thanks, Leslie and Mila for being great "buddies." It's such a cool experience to get to know people in this unique way.<br />
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Just in case you were curious, here's a full list of mamas who participated in the exchange:<br />
Amy at <a href="http://lukeandamysmith.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Keeping Up with the Smiths</a><br />
Jess at <a href="http://the-newly.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">The Newly</a><br />
Ashley at <a href="http://wordsaboutwaverly.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Words about Waverly</a><br />
Sara at <a href="http://runninglawyer.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Running from the Law</a><br />
Alisha at <a href="http://www.simpleluxuryblog.com/" target="_blank">Simple Luxury</a><br />
Bekah at <a href="http://iprefermypunsintended.com/" target="_blank">I Prefer My Puns Intended</a><br />
Jess at <a href="http://secretsofasahmom.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Secrets of a Stay at Home Mom</a><br />
Leslie at <a href="http://leslie-and-tim.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">This is for Keeps</a><br />
Becky (me) at B Happy in Today<br />
<br />Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04198099912956330460noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2495648259867602737.post-92002168929750623812015-08-20T20:15:00.002-07:002015-08-20T20:15:26.251-07:00One Month!My Sweet Britta Girl,<br />
Oh my, how are we already a month in?! Your first month has just flown by. It seems like just yesterday that we were waiting on pins and needles for you to arrive, and just like that you've been a part of our family for a month. I just commented to Daddy tonight that it all still seems surreal that you are here, and we are a family of four.<br />
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We are adjusting and learning how to be a family of four. There have been a few bumps here and there, but overall the transition has gone so well! You have truly filled a hole in our family, and already brought so much joy in your short life! We love you so much, Britta! Here are some highlights and events of your first month...<br />
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<b>You arrived...LATE!</b><br />
We were certain you would be on time - or even early. Mainly, we thought this because your big sister arrived right on time. You seemed determined to differentiate yourself, and remind us that you were your own person.<br />
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After a LONG five days of waiting - each day felt like a year (especially for mama) - you came! Labor and delivery was wonderful. We were so relieved that you came, and you were healthy. Even now, Linnea says how glad she is that you're "out." We all are!<br />
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<b>You had lots of visitors...</b><br />
Everyone was so excited to meet you, and see your sweet face! Of course, the first visitors to the hospital were Grandma and Grandpa, and your VERY proud big sister, and Grammy and Grampy, Gracia, C.J, and Ty.<br />
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These last few weeks have been filled with people coming to our house - WOWZA aunties/uncles, some of mama's co-workers, Uncle Ethan, Auntie Rachell, and your cousins, and many other close family and friends. We've had a lot of fun introducing you to everyone!<br />
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<b>You attended your first wedding...and your first funerals...</b><br />
At just two weeks young, you attended your first wedding! Our longtime family friend, Jenny Reiman, got married on August 1st. Jenny and I actually had to be in touch leading up to the wedding - we weren't sure if we'd be able to go depending on when you arrived, and how everything went. But you came without complication, so we went! It was a little crazy, but it went okay (thankfully Grandma and Grandpa were there to provide some extra help).<br />
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Unfortunately, your first month also had you at your first two funerals. First, Daddy's cousin Tom passed away on August 9th of leukemia. We drove down to Eau Claire that Thursday for the visitation. It was really quite nice to see lots of family (despite the awful circumstances). For most of them it was their first time meeting you. You did great, and everyone fell in love immediately (I don't blame them).<br />
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Going to Tom's services meant staying overnight in a hotel - eep! This made mama very nervous - all four of us in a hotel room! Thankfully, we all made it through without much issue. I was very thankful you are such a good sleeper!<br />
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The next day was the funeral. You did great, and brought lots of joy to a otherwise sad day.<br />
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The day after Tom's funeral, back at home, you and mama went to our friend Melissa's dad's funeral. He had passed away from lung cancer a couple weeks before. Once again, you did great. We had a nice time seeing our friends the Imbodens (who moved to Seattle a few months earlier), and seeing some other friends we don't see very often.<br />
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<b>You went lots of places...</b><br />
I think that the number of places you went this first month is directly related to you being a second kid. It felt less intimidating than it did with your sister to get out. So we got out and enjoyed summer together.<br />
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Right away your first night home we went out for ice cream (it was National Ice Cream Day - so we had to!). We went out for ice cream a couple times this month!<br />
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We also went out for donuts, went to lots of stores (Target about a million times), went to the zoo for Linnea's birthday, church a couple times, geocaching a few times, a handful of restaurants, a splash pad/wading pool (to observe your big sister, not participate), the St. Paul farmer's market, and more. Mama was even brave enough to take both you girls to a parade and picnic - on my own - when you were just a week old!Just this past weekend, you went to your first Twins' game! Like some of the other outings, it was a little crazy, and things didn't go perfectly, but we had a good time. Phew! It's been a busy month. We look forward to even more adventures in the months to come - including your first vacation at the end of September!<br />
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<b>You've grown and changed a lot too...</b><br />
You were a big girl when you were born - and growing every day! When the home health nurse came the Tuesday after you were born (you were born on Friday), you were already back up to your birth weight - the nurse was delighted and impressed by you. A few days later, on Friday, at your 1 week well visit, you had gained an additional 3 ounces! This week I started my "Second Time Mamas" class. While there, I thought I'd weigh you (out of sheer curiosity). You're already around 12 pounds! WOW!<br />
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Because you were quite a bit bigger than your sister, we are finding that a lot of clothes that fit her for awhile are not fitting you very well. We've already "retired" our first round of clothes - pretty much all the newborn stuff. You are comfortably fitting into the Carter brand 3 months clothes - without a lot of room to spare! It'll be interesting to see what sizes you land in as the months go by.<br />
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You have been in newborn diapers, but we are making the switch to 1s now. You kept blowing out the newborn diapers because they were getting too small! The 1s are still a little big, but hopefully will help to limit the poopy messes!<br />
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In the last week or so I've really seen a big change in terms of your alertness. You are awake for longer stretches, and SO engaged and alert during those times. We actually have noticed this since birth - when you are awake you are fully present. Very alert and observant. You have started to coo a bit - you coo the most for Daddy. He whistles at you, which you love! You stare and him and coo away. Although it may be a little early, we feel like you are very close to smiling. You get so close - almost a little smirk. We can't wait for smiles!<br />
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Your big sister LOVES you, and has really enjoyed helping take care of you. She thinks everything you do is hilarious and awesome. We tell her all the time that it's just going to get better and better. I'm so excited for you two to be able to play together!<br />
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You are eating well (obviously, as your weight gain indicates), and sleeping great - very consistent. So far we've kept you up with us in the evenings. You get a little fussy around 8:00, nurse, and then pass out on my chest for a couple hours (I'm not complaining!). Around 10:30 or 11:00 I change your diaper, get you ready for bed, and feed you one more time. You generally go down without a fight until 2:00 or 3:00. You eat, get your diaper changed, and go back down. Sometimes it's a bit of a fight - I have to get the timing just right. But eventually you settle back down and sleep until at least 6 - sometimes later!<br />
<br />
We are thinking we might try to put you down earlier - around 8:00 or 8:30 when you get fussy, but I imagine this will be a bit of trial and error.<br />
<br />
Your naps during the day are still inconsistent. I'm trying to get a bit of a routine in place, but for now it's okay that you sleep when you want/need to. We nap together a lot, which is just heavenly!<br />
<br />
We comment a lot that you are living up to your name (which means "strong"). You love craning your head around, kicking your legs, and movin' and groovin' as much as you can. I wonder if you'll be an early mover?<br />
<br />
We have had such a great month, Britta Alice! You are such a gift, and have brought lots of joy in your short life. We look forward to getting to know you better, and having even more fun in the months to come!<br />
<br />
We love you!<br />
Mama (and Daddy & Linnea too)<br />
<br />
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<br />Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04198099912956330460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2495648259867602737.post-22290434180688816072015-08-16T12:31:00.002-07:002015-08-16T12:31:49.648-07:00Britta's Birth StoryI can't believe it's been a month since Britta was born! Time is flying already!!<br />
<br />
Anyways...I love birth stories. I loved writing Linnea's birth story - it was so empowering to put into words what the experience was like, and what my body was able to do. I knew that when Britta was born, I would want to do the same thing - to be able to remember the amazing gift of that day forever.<br />
<br />
Like I did with Linnea's birth story, I will warn you here...this is a birth story, and I won't hold back details. So if you don't want to her intricate details regarding the birth, stop reading now.<br />
<br />
For Britta's birth story, I back up to the Friday before my due date (I was due on Sunday). I had my 39 week (even though it was closer to 40 weeks) appointment with my OB. I left work that day for my appointment feeling SO certain I would not be back. Looking back, I realize how silly that was. I didn't really have any reason to think that - other than the fact that Linnea came right on time. I guess I assumed that since Linnea was on time, this baby would be as well - maybe even a little early. Ha! Not so.<br />
<br />
At my appointment, my doctor and I chatted about how I was feeling (great, actually - though getting impatient), and when we thought Baby Sister would come. She did an exam, and much to my surprise, I was dilated to 1 cm. Now I know this isn't much of anything, but with Linnea I had ZERO progress the day before I went into labor, so I really wasn't expecting to have any sort of progress prior to giving birth.<br />
<br />
My doctor seemed encouraged by what she was feeling/seeing, and she was quite hopeful that I would likely have the baby soon...perhaps even by the end of the weekend. Hooray! I left the appointment feeling excited, and certain that Baby Sister was on her way.<br />
<br />
Well...my due date came and went without much change. All weekend I was feeling sort of crampy - on and off contractions. Again, not really anything I experienced with Linnea. I didn't know if they were Braxton Hicks, or legit contractions - or something in between. Either way, I'd have contractions/cramps for a bit, and then they would go away. Womp womp.<br />
<br />
Monday came, and I grudgingly got up and got ready for work. Seriously, it was painful. When I had left on Friday I had everything wrapped up really well. All of my work for the quarter was done, and in the best place it possibly could be. But Monday was the start of a new quarter, and a whole new load of work. I struggled to know what to do - how much to dig in to stuff, what to focus on, etc. And I had a really hard time focusing. I was on pins and needles, waiting to go into labor.<br />
<br />
All week at work was much the same - leaving every day hoping it was my last, only to be back the next day. My co-workers were so kind and supportive - but I ended up answering the same questions every day, all day. I felt like the movie "Groundhog's Day" - the same day, over and over.<br />
<br />
By midweek I was actually getting quite anxious. Baby Sister was not moving around as much. I notice this, and start to get paranoid that something was wrong. On Wednesday it got bad enough that I ended up leaving early and going into the clinic to make sure everything was okay. The doctor I saw (who was someone I've never seen - not even the same clinic) was great. She was very reassuring and thorough. We listened to the baby for longer than usual. She explained the sounds and movement she was hearing and feeling. She also checked me - I was dilated to 3! Again, so different for me - to be late, and to have that kind of progression!<br />
<br />
That night Jeromy and I talked about a game plan for work. I explained my anxiety and how difficult it was for my mental health and well being to be struggling through work days. We decided that I would work half days on Thursday and Friday, and then be done, whether the baby was here or not (thankfully it didn't come to that!).<br />
<br />
On Thursday we attended a closing celebration for Linnea's week at Vacation Bible School. It was hard for me to be there - I had hoped/planned that we would have the baby by then, and maybe even be able to bring her. Instead, I was very pregnant, fielding lots of comments and questions.<br />
<br />
On Friday I woke up in the four o'clock hour, needing to use the bathroom. As I crawled back into bed I started having contractions. This had happened most of the week in much the same way, so at that point I just got crabby, assuming it was another false alarm.<br />
<br />
But they kept coming. And were quite regular (every 5 minutes or so). And were a little painful (not horrible, but enough that I couldn't really get back to sleep). I woke Jeromy up a little before 6 and told him that today was the day! It worked out great because it was Friday, so Linnea was due to go to my parents (they take care of her every Friday). I knew that we still had a bit of time, so we got up and got ready like any other day (just with some contractions thrown in!). Jeromy and Linnea headed out for my parents' house, and I got into the tub with a bowl of cereal and some juice. Like with Linnea's labor, the tub helped me relax and ease the pain of the contractions a bit.<br />
<br />
After a bit, Jeromy came back and started gathering our things. I knew that I wasn't as far progressed as I was with Linnea when we headed into the hospital, but I wanted to go. I was anxious that we'd get stuck in rush hour traffic, and I was worried things would progress faster than with Linnea and we'd risk not getting to the hospital in time.<br />
<br />
As we drove to the hospital we joked about how it seemed that Baby Sister wanted to differentiate herself as much as possible - it seemed as though everything was different with this labor! We got to the hospital, and made our way up to Labor and Delivery.<br />
<br />
I was so much more at ease this time. Yes, of course I was a little anxious, but I felt a boost of confidence having been through the process before. The nurses were very kind, getting us checked in and everything. When they examined me upon check in (around 9:30 or 9:45), I was a "stretchy 5 with a bulging bag of water (gross! ha ha!)."<br />
<br />
The nurse asked about our birth plan. We explained that, as with Linnea, we had a "non-plan plan." Ideally, go without medication/intervention, but open to options as needed. The nurses were very supportive of this.<br />
<br />
The hospital had been renovated since Linnea was born, and now included water birth suites. I had considered trying for a water birth, but opted not to (mainly because I'd have to switch from working with my OB to the midwives. I'm sure the midwives are wonderful, but I love my OB). I had asked when we had done a tour a couple weeks before if we could request a water birth suite if there was one open. The lady looked at me funny, but said that one could certainly try. So I did - and there was one available.<br />
<br />
We got into the room, which seriously felt like a spa. The tub was HUGE - super deep, and easily long enough for me to lay completely flat in it if I wanted to. Additionally, there was a big, flat screen TV with a naturescapes-type channel - a slideshow of pictures/video of animals and pretty scenery. The accompanying music was beautiful and relaxing.<br />
<br />
At that point, contractions were quite regular, and a little painful - but still manageable. Jeromy and I chatted in between them. Our nurse (Kate) came in periodically to check on how everything was going.<br />
<br />
I stayed in the tub for an hour or so I suppose, and then decided to get out. I was getting a little stir crazy, and wanted the option to move around more. I got out and dried off, and climbed into bed. Contractions were getting significantly more painful at this point. When I was checked at this point I was a 7/8. We checked in about pain management - if I wanted/needed anything. Although it was painful, I was confident that I could once again manage without an epidural. Unlike with Linnea (when I had minimal pain medication), I opted for nothing - feeling like I was managing things well without any medication.<br />
<br />
Kate was super fabulous - very encouraging and calming. She was very positive about how I was managing labor, and empowering - telling me to trust and listen to my body. She also encouraged me to try to "shut down" between contractions to get some rest. At first I thought she was crazy, thinking it was next to impossible, but (much to my surprise) I found that I could. I curled up on my side, focused on the nature music, and drifted off in between.<br />
<br />
This stretch of labor was fairly uneventful. Regular, painful contractions. Mostly laying quietly, but becoming more vocal with contractions. Kate coming in and out to check on me, and helping me relax and focus my breathing.<br />
<br />
At some point Kate told me she was staying until the baby came, and that I was getting close. She again told me to focus on my breathing, since it was getting a little more out of control and frantic as contractions got worse. She gently told me to listen to my body, and that I could bear down if I needed to. She checked me around this time and I was basically at 10 (with just a tiny bit of cervix left to dilate).<br />
<br />
Kate had asked me a few times between 8 and 10 cm if I wanted her to break my water. Each time she explained that it would like speed things up, but also make things more intense. Each time she asked I turned her down. I felt comfortable with the speed of how things were progressing, and didn't really want things to get more intense if I could avoid it.<br />
<br />
Fast forward to me around 10 cm. It was just me, Jeromy, and Kate in the room. Things were very quiet in between contractions. Another contraction came and I moaned/breathed through the pain. All of a sudden there was this HUGE pop and gush. All three of us sort of jumped/startled. I had this immediate warmth and wetness all over. I heard it splash on the floor. Jeromy still laughs - saying that it was seriously like someone throwing a bucket of water - claiming that it splashed halfway across the floor. My water had, quite dramatically, broken.<br />
<br />
Kate was right - immediately things got much more intense. I panicked a little bit, and started to cry. I had come so far, but it hurt so bad now, and I was scared about what I still needed to do. Kate and Jeromy were there to reassure me - that she'd be here soon. At this point it was probably 1:00 or so, maybe a bit after.<br />
<br />
Other nurses and doctors started to come in and prep the room for baby. I was seriously delirious - aware of the action and energy around me, but exhausted and in a good deal of pain. The time had come to start pushing. A resident started me going at first, but I really struggled - I had done this before, but it felt so awkward. I felt unfocused and weak - and unsure of when/how to push, and where I was within the process. After a bit the attending doctor stepped in, which I was so thankful for. She was much more intentional about telling me what to do - counting out loud of the pushes, and telling me which pushes were good.<br />
<br />
Each round of contractions came, and I would grabbed the back of my thighs and bear down. The doctor had me push as long as I could at the beginning of the contraction (usually about 15 seconds), take a deep breath and push again. I would get two, sometimes three pushes in with each contraction.<br />
<br />
At this point I felt so weak. It took EVERYTHING I had to push each time. Each time a contraction would come I'd start to cry because I didn't want to face it. But each time I summoned the strength within, and pushed as hard as I could. (Side note: later that day, and especially the next I noticed that my arms were super sore. I couldn't figure out why, and then realized it was from holding my legs. My arms got a really good workout that day!)<br />
<br />
Maybe it sounds weird, but at this point it was almost an out of body experience. I was quite delirious. I was exhausted and SO hot (around this time I took my gown off altogether because I was overheating so bad). I was making sounds that seemed so foreign to me. Screaming, grunting, moaning, etc. felt like all I could do to get me through each contraction/push. I was oddly aware of myself and the state I was in, but almost felt disconnected - really hard to explain.<br />
<br />
From the beginning I had been nervous that I would be pushing for as long as I did with Linnea (2 1/2 hours or so). Kate assured me that would not be the case - that Baby Sister would come much faster. Thankfully she was right, and before I knew it, everyone was excitedly telling me she was almost here. I felt the "ring of fire" as her head came out, and shortly after could feel the rest of her. The doctor announced the time (1:53) and put Britta on my chest. I bawled. Sheer exhaustion. Sheer love. Sheer pride in what I had done.<br />
<br />
After a couple minutes, they took Britta to test her vitals and get her measured. Some of the nurses and doctors stayed with me to get me finished up. Another experience that was different with Britta was delivery of the placenta. With Linnea, I have no memory of delivering the placenta. I know it came out, but it didn't hurt and I wasn't aware of it. With Britta, the doctor had to guide me through delivering it - a couple more pushes and some pushing of my stomach on her part. It was a little painful, but short lived. I tore just a bit during the whole process, and needed one stitch.<br />
<br />While this was going on Jeromy was with Britta. When it came time for her to be weighed, he yelled across to me to see what my guess was. On the way to the hospital we guessed her to be about 8 pounds, 5 ounces. I couldn't believe it when Jeromy told me she was 9 pounds, 5 ounces, and 22.25"!! Big girl!<br />
<br />
Once they were done with both Britta and I, Jeromy and I each got a chance to meet Britta. She was awake and SO alert. It was surreal to be able to look into her eyes - she was finally here, and she was perfect.<br />
<br />
My favorite part of the whole experience came after Britta was born. I got out of bed to get showered off (Rain shower head! Seriously, it was like a spa!). What I really wanted was a bath. When I mentioned that, the nurses told me I could get back into the tub - and then suggested that Britta join me.<br />
<br />
So they filled the tub again, and I got back in. They stripped Britta down, and laid her on my chest. They covered her with wet towels so she'd stay warm. She hadn't had her first bath yet, so I got to clean her off- scrub her little head, wipe down her back and legs, wash her tiny toes and fingers. I had tried to nurse her shortly after she was born, but she wasn't really having it. But in the tub she happily nursed well for 20 minutes or so. It. Was. Heaven. I will never, ever forget those sweet minutes with her.<br />
<br />
I had been so nervous leading up to Britta's birth - how would it go, how would I manage, would everyone be healthy, would we like the nurses. In those quiet minutes after Britta was born I had a huge wave of relief. I had done it. I was so proud of myself. So thankful for my support team - Jeromy and our awesome nurse Kate. So relieved that she was finally here. My heart was full.<br />
<br />
She's here! And perfect, if I do say so myself!<br />
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Meeting Daddy...<br />
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Meeting Mama...<br />
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I couldn't stop kissing her...<br />
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My favorite memory of the experience. I may not look it, but this is the face of pure happiness, pride, and relief.<br />
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Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04198099912956330460noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2495648259867602737.post-75241204511381012572015-07-22T19:48:00.000-07:002015-07-22T19:56:25.111-07:00Britta Alice: Behind a NameI love names. I love the history and meaning of names. I love the nostalgia and tradition behind names. And I love naming babies.<br />
<br />
I admittedly get a bit obsessed. I like considering names from all different perspectives, and want to get it "just right."<br />
<br />
So I thought a lot about it. And <strike>talked to</strike> bugged Jeromy a lot about it.<br />
<br />
As with Linnea, our name criteria was as follows:<br />
1. Scandinavian (Jeromy and I are both Scandinavian, and we really like honoring the heritage).<br />
2. Unique, but not weird.<br />
3. Fairly easy to pronounce and spell<br />
4. Sound good (obviously) with Carlson<br />
5. No alliteration (this is Jeromy's) - so no K or C names, or names that have the same first letter as the middle name<br />
<br />
It makes sense, I suppose, that many of the names we considered this time around we're ones that we talked about with Linnea.<br />
<br />
Quite honestly, the pool is pretty small. To have it be Scandinavian, and not weird... and not starting with a C or K. It's a pretty short list...<br />
<br />
Side story...Jeromy and I both got foiled by pop culture. Jeromy has always loved the name Siri, and probably would have named Linnea that, had it been his decision only. I'm glad we didn't, because within a few months after Linnea was born, Siri on iPhones came out.<br />
<br />
Although Jeromy might have still used the name for Britta, I vetoed it. <br />
<br />
I got foiled by Frozen. I have loved the name Elsa for a long time. Again, it was a name we discussed for Linnea. But I knew I wanted to use Beth as the middle name...and I found out that Elsa is a form of Elizabeth, so that's redundant. And then Disney had to go and steal the name.<br />
<br />
So anyways...no Siri. No Elsa. No K names. No C names.<br />
<br />
We threw around a few names...<br />
<br />
I was really sad to have "lost" Elsa, because it was a way to honor my sister. (Linnea's middle name Beth does that well). I still wanted to honor my sister through the name, but wasn't sure how to do so.<br />
<br />
Then we talked about Alice. Alice was my sister's middle name. Alice was my grandma - my dad's mom - whom I never got to meet. She died when my dad was a teenager. Alice is also a family name on Jeromy's side. We decided on Alice before deciding on Britta.<br />
<br />
Through our criteria we narrowed the list down to two - one was Britta (obviously). The other name is one that we really like. But it sounded weird with Linnea. And then we realized that an added criteria this time around was that it needed to sound good with Linnea.<br />
<br />
So we both found ourselves leaning towards Britta.<br />
<br />
It didn't feel quite right at first... I'm not sure why. But as the weeks went by, when I thought of her, I thought Britta. Britta Alice.<br />
<br />
Somewhere along the line I realized that Britta means strong. I love that.<br />
<br />
As with Linnea, we didn't actually name her until she was born. Although we knew that we had pretty much decided, we waited. Waited to see it sweet little face. Waited to hold her in our arms. Waited to hear her cry.<br />
<br />
And then we happily looked in her eyes, and told her her name...Britta Alice.<br />
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This was a really long post to explain how we came up with her name. I told you I'm obsessed. ;-) Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04198099912956330460noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2495648259867602737.post-81626275170909987942015-07-21T13:03:00.004-07:002015-07-21T13:09:44.350-07:00Introducing Britta Alice!!She's here!! After a long wait, our sweet rainbow appeared!!<br />
<br />
Britta Alice Carlson made her way into this world on Friday, July 17th after a quick and wonderful labor and delivery.<br />
<br />
She surprised us by weighing in at 9 pounds, 5 ounces, and measuring 22.25" long!<br />
<br />
We've been home since Sunday, and our settling in to our life as a family of four.<br />
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Stay tuned...much more to come, including Britta's birth story. Until then, I'll leave you with a few pictures...<br />
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Our family of four... <br />
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My two sweet girls...<br />
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So glad she's here!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq6FMHcSjNJfDWGNKKHoAg5ejf3pJtpKT2jpEAzasM1ILp-QGhdPz3azRWQuE1lcVKEvx0AzgnpsShUv4zDG2xhY_6vjZqh8edwvifPR6xqTa8zI6sfw2uV1iFXuCZTIUw9FBiQCk9g0Y/s1600/063.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq6FMHcSjNJfDWGNKKHoAg5ejf3pJtpKT2jpEAzasM1ILp-QGhdPz3azRWQuE1lcVKEvx0AzgnpsShUv4zDG2xhY_6vjZqh8edwvifPR6xqTa8zI6sfw2uV1iFXuCZTIUw9FBiQCk9g0Y/s1600/063.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq6FMHcSjNJfDWGNKKHoAg5ejf3pJtpKT2jpEAzasM1ILp-QGhdPz3azRWQuE1lcVKEvx0AzgnpsShUv4zDG2xhY_6vjZqh8edwvifPR6xqTa8zI6sfw2uV1iFXuCZTIUw9FBiQCk9g0Y/s1600/063.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq6FMHcSjNJfDWGNKKHoAg5ejf3pJtpKT2jpEAzasM1ILp-QGhdPz3azRWQuE1lcVKEvx0AzgnpsShUv4zDG2xhY_6vjZqh8edwvifPR6xqTa8zI6sfw2uV1iFXuCZTIUw9FBiQCk9g0Y/s640/063.JPG" width="640" /></a>My little squishy!<br />
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<br />Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04198099912956330460noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2495648259867602737.post-37995094146119471912015-07-14T19:34:00.004-07:002015-07-14T19:34:44.239-07:0040 weeks and counting...I started this post a couple weeks ago, when I had realized it was APRIL when I last posted ANYTHING. Good grief.<br />
<br />
When I started writing the post I was in my 38th week of pregnancy. Just a couple weeks away from meeting our newest little love.<br />
<br />
Well...fast forward a couple weeks...and a couple days. I am now 40 weeks, 2 days, and in completely uncharted (for me) territory.<br />
<br />
My sweet Linnea girl was right on time, textbook, and honestly the best labor and delivery I could ever imagine or ask for. You can read her birth story <a href="http://thecarlsonschronicle.blogspot.com/2011/08/linneas-birth-story.html" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
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Anyways...with the exception of these last couple days, I've really been enjoying these last weeks of pregnancy. I feel like everyone asks very tentatively, "How are you feeling?" expecting the worst, but (again, with the exception of the last couple days) I've been feeling really well. I remember feeling like this with my pregnancy with Linnea. I felt so crummy for such a long time with both pregnancies, that it's such a relief to not feel that way! Yeah, I'm a little hot, sore, and have limited range of motion. But other than that - pretty good energy, sleeping fairly well, etc.<br />
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I reached the point a couple weeks ago where I just felt "done." When it hit July...and then when we were in single digits until my due date, I'm just ready. And now...2 days late...forget about it....it's SO hard to focus/be effective at much more than waiting for Baby Sister to arrive.<br />
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Work has been particularly hard. In my role, I support a specific group of students (anywhere from around 400-500 people at a given time). As I've talked to people this most recent quarter, I've told anyone I've connected with about my maternity leave. That's a lot of people. And while most people are really nice, and share kind words of congratulations, it does get quite old.<br />
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This week has been a totally different ballgame, and a million times more annoying. If I would have been done on Friday (as I had expected/hoped), it would have been AWESOME. It was our "quarter end" (our new quarter started on Monday), and my work load was finished up - wrapped up in a nice little bow.<br />
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But now...a weird place. The quarter has started. I had told all my student I wouldn't be here...but yet I am. My colleague who is taking over my workload while I'm gone has reached out to most of them...but yet I need to find something to stay busy. I'm (obviously) super distracted. That, and my very kind co-workers are swinging by to say hi, check on me, wish me well, etc. This is very kind, but I have a big team. Needless to say, not much is getting done.<br />
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I'm tempted to just say I'm done...but when I don't know how long it could be before baby comes, I don't want to start my maternity leave without a baby, as it would just cause me to lose time on the back end. So I continue to work.<br />
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Okay, enough complaining. It's really not so bad. I'm only 2 days past. People have been very nice, and I'm SO blessed to have a healthy pregnancy, a stable job with supportive co-workers, and an amazing group of family and friends who are supporting us.<br />
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Here's a more formal update, as I've been doing...let's hope that I've got a baby post soon!!!<br />
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<b>Maternity Clothes: </b>Oh yes. I am measuring bigger than I did with Linnea, so it's definitely mostly maternity clothes. Although I had mentioned in several posts on here that I hoped to buy a few more pieces, I never did. So now, I'm pretty limited in what I'm wearing.<br />
<br />
I actually have a good handful of non-maternity shirts I can still wear. I'm quite short-waisted, and wear things a bit baggier usually, so it's nice to have those I can still wear.<br />
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Additionally, my work place does "casual summer," meaning we can wear jeans, and knee-length shorts all days of the week. This works quite nicely for summer pregnancies!!<br />
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<b>Sleep: </b>Sleep is touch and go. I've gotten through a lot of the really bad pregnancy insomnia that I mentioned last time. I'm still up generally about once a night - usually to go to the bathroom, sometimes just awake. But those are generally more short lived.<br />
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In these last few days I find it harder to make myself go to sleep - that's sort of silly...I guess it's kind of like a kid on Christmas Eve...just excited, and hard to settle down.<br />
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Rolling over is a bit ridiculous these days - it's crazy how much energy it takes me! Sometimes I'm a bit winded after getting situated. Uff.<br />
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<b>Best Moment of the Week: </b>Ha! This post is SO overdue, I'm needing to cover the best moments of the last couple months!<br />
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I have enjoyed continuing to feel better (for the most part). Especially since this may be my last pregnancy, I'm savoring all the kicks and movement from Baby Sister. Being pregnant is SUCH a unique, odd, amazing gift. I'm really trying to fully embrace and enjoy that (even in these last few days, which is much harder).<br />
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I've also enjoyed seeing Linnea's excitement grow. She talks/yells/sings to my belly quite regularly. Recently, she's been trying (quite hard) to convince her sister to come out - she makes up songs, talks kindly, and in one instance yelled, "Baby Sister, get out! You are SO big!!"<br />
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It will be SO fun to watch her become a big sister.<br />
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I've also enjoyed finally getting stuff "ready." We were so slow to get the rooms painted, furniture set up, clothes washed, etc. All of that is done now, and it makes me feel a lot more ready and relaxed (again...not so much in the last few days...but whatever.).<br />
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<b>Movement: </b>Overall, lots of movement. As I've said before, this babe is quite a mover. Big movement. Still sort of shy, in that it's hard to get her to move for other people. Jeromy has felt her a decent amount of times...usually as we're going to bed and are laying quietly for a bit.<br />
<br />
In the last week or so, it seems like she's been moving less. It has made me a bit paranoid. I actually called the triage line earlier this week because I was a little nervous. They said everything sounded good, but just to be sure had me check kick counts. The nurse I talked to said I should feel 10 kicks in an hour or two at minimum. Well...I got 10 kicks in about 15 minutes. So I think we're good. I'm getting a little bit crazier each day that I go over...<br />
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<b>Food Cravings: </b>As I said last post, these have definitely leveled off. I've actually noticed that I have less of an appetite. I assume that's because I have less space in there for food. :-P<br />
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I'm still loving summery drinks - lemonade, iced tea/lemonade, etc.<br />
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<b>Food Aversions: </b>Nada, really. I've been eating pretty normally...just eating a little less.<br />
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<b>Morning Sickness: </b>Thank goodness this is far behind me! No sickness. If anything, I just need to be sure that I don't eat too much...because that can make my stomach hurt a bit.<br />
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<b>Gender: </b>Girl! So excited to have sisters! She's definitely been referred to almost exclusively as Baby Sister, though I'm pretty sure we've decided on a name for her. I can't wait to call her by her name!!<br />
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<b>Symptoms: </b>Do crabbiness and irritability count?? Physically, I actually continue to be okay. I feel big, of course, and a little sore/awkward, but nothing awful.<br />
<br />
I've had bad swelling in my feet and ankles on and off. Usually my ankles and feet are awkwardly slender, but they have (at times) tripled their size...no joke. It comes and goes, but when it's bad, it's bad enough to cause me to get tingly/start to lose feeling.<br />
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I've had a little bit of acid reflux/heartburn, but not anything too offensive.<br />
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Thankfully, Baby Sister has dropped enough that I'm not dealing with the numbness under my boobs anymore.<br />
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<b>What I miss: </b>Ease of mobility, plain and simple. Especially with the heat this week, everything is harder...walking, stairs, taking care of Linnea, etc.<br />
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Also, the things mentioned previously..running/being active, a summery adult beverage, sleeping on my stomach, having clothes fit.<br />
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<b>What I'm looking forward to: </b>Meeting this baby!!!! Hopefully very, very soon!<br />
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And now, some random bump shots...<br />
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38 weeks...<br />
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39ish weeks...how did she grow so much in just over a week??!<br />
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At a 4th of July parade...8 days away from due date<br />
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Approaching 40 weeks...<br />
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40 weeks, 1 day. SO READY!!!<br />
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<br />Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04198099912956330460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2495648259867602737.post-2018950064935907992015-07-07T19:00:00.001-07:002015-07-07T19:00:14.428-07:00Beginning of 2015 (January, February, March)I am in complete disbelief that we are halfway through 2015 - much less DAYS (days...not months...not even weeks) away from meeting our baby! To say the year has flown by is a complete understatement.<br />
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Also an understatement is to say I've fallen off the blogging wagon. I thought it had maybe been early June...perhaps mid-May since my last post. But no...April?! Good grief.<br />
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So here's my attempt to get back on track...at least to a certain degree...<br />
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<u>January</u><br />
<ul>
<li>January was an up and down month in terms of "morning sickness" (aka all day sickness for me), so we sort of took the month one day at a time. Like my pregnancy with Linnea, the sickness just lingered...forrrrreeever. Unlike with Linnea, I ended up on medication, which helped a bit- although I think time was the biggest help. I'm sort of grateful that I felt this way in January - my least favorite month of the year. It was a decent time to just lay low.</li>
<li>We managed some good outings... most notable being a trip to the Science Museum (Linnea's first time). </li>
<li>I obsessed a bit about a preschool decision for Linnea (and we managed to make a decision that we feel really good about - woo hoo!!). </li>
<li>The last weekend of the month we took a second annual retreat with our faith group from church. Last year was a little rough - sleep didn't go well. But this year was WONDERFUL! Linnea did so much better with sleep. We all had a great time. It was a great mix of play time, time with friends, and couple time. We needed that weekend - it was very refreshing. I'm kicking myself that I didn't get more pictures, but I thought this one was pretty sweet...</li>
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Random photos from the month...<br />
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<div>
<u>February</u></div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>We hosted our annual Super Bowl party. We did it a bit differently this year - adults only. It was a hard decision, but our house just isn't big enough to effectively hold our friends and their growing families. We had a much smaller group, but we had a great time and it was a super entertaining game. </li>
<li>I took a day trip down to Rochester with my besties Kirstyn and Jackie to meet up with other bestie Bethany. We had such a fun day shopping and catching up. I love these girls more than I could ever say! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</li>
<li>We had a great Valentine's Day. Jeromy and I are not huge fans of a "traditional" Valentine's Day, so we've really enjoyed making our own traditions as a family. This year we hosted a pancake breakfast at church for our faith group. Super fun! We also had a family date to Pizza Luce, and then Jeromy and I had a movie date in our pajamas. It was perfect! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</li>
<li>At the end of the month we found out that Baby Carlson #2 is another girl! I am so excited to have two girls!! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Random photos from the month...<br />
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<u>March</u></div>
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<ul>
<li>Early in March we spent the weekend down in Decorah, IA (home of our dear alma mater, Luther College). I'm serving on the 10-year reunion committee, and we had a meeting down there. We had such a good time! We stayed at one of the nicer hotels (had a suite, no less!). Linnea enjoyed the pool in the hotel. What a little fish! We enjoyed a couple of our favorite restaurants in town, and a bit of time on campus. We're super excited to go back down there for our reunion in October!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj83oVdb_ID-kiFJeTAYzuPnBxyAXZGy71sLWWoMTFLmT1U-qLVu0HeHct5nhxAbX7ZnYbHSpbpetK7BBXmAHroEzVNkbFZbulmWGnnbQsLBfpMZVK62J5cNVOkC4x7TRgyFxBAr7KkfWk/s1600/10377439_10153255549025039_2226379175514662527_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj83oVdb_ID-kiFJeTAYzuPnBxyAXZGy71sLWWoMTFLmT1U-qLVu0HeHct5nhxAbX7ZnYbHSpbpetK7BBXmAHroEzVNkbFZbulmWGnnbQsLBfpMZVK62J5cNVOkC4x7TRgyFxBAr7KkfWk/s400/10377439_10153255549025039_2226379175514662527_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
</li>
<li>Mid-March we took a day trip down to Eau Claire. Pretty much Jeromy's whole family lives down there. We were much overdue for a visit. We had a really great visit. We started the day off with a geocaching event (it was pi day!) at Perkins with Jeromy's Uncle Jeff. Following that event, we did some geocaching by Jeff's place. We then visited Jeromy's grandparents for a couple hours, then spent the rest of the day (including dinner) with Jeromy's aunt, uncle, and cousin. Jeromy's cousin has been battling leukemia. Although they've ceased treatment, he's doing quite well. It was great to see everyone. The weather was wonderful, and Linnea was very cooperative the whole day.</li>
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Linnea and Uncle Jeff at the Pi Day geocaching event..<br />
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Geocaching by Uncle Jeff's house...it was such a gorgeous day! (Can you find Jeromy in the below picture? LOL...)<br />
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Linnea with her Great-Grandma and Great-Grandpa Carlson<br />
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Reading with Great-Grandpa... </div>
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Linnea and cousin Tom</div>
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<ul>
<li>The week after our visit to Eau Claire, my dear friend Rachel came into
town with her new baby Andrew AND my other friend Kirstyn had her new
baby Jack, So we had a major baby weekend! Linnea and I went to
Ellsworth, WI for the day (with our friends Jackie and Gavin, and Sarah) to visit,
and then Linnea and I stopped on the way home to meet Jack. Hooray! I love
watching my friends become mamas. Awesome mamas at that. </li>
</ul>
Meeting Andrew for the first time (this was actually at a WOWZA dinner out, prior to our weekend visit...)<br />
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Ellsworth (where Rachel is from) is the Cheese Curd Capital of WI...so a trip to the creamery was definitely in order! <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiELpTjMcrHGY_ViIkkrw3qiRCsztBqyVkki7kPoD3Adcp0eyhUg1UFQQPozdeKctMKeGf-FiOkGiMa2B9ycRCXJS57Pl_WIHKfnTE-v-cZmPqR81jh78x-A6-MhHgOIdaI0tQgd_fYny0/s1600/10155043_10153294795055039_8486452967887408513_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiELpTjMcrHGY_ViIkkrw3qiRCsztBqyVkki7kPoD3Adcp0eyhUg1UFQQPozdeKctMKeGf-FiOkGiMa2B9ycRCXJS57Pl_WIHKfnTE-v-cZmPqR81jh78x-A6-MhHgOIdaI0tQgd_fYny0/s640/10155043_10153294795055039_8486452967887408513_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Gavin and Linnea at the creamery</div>
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Linnea loved helping Auntie Rachel with Andrew...</div>
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Reading with Auntie Sarah<br />
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Linnea became seriously smitten...<br />
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Meeting Baby Jack! This made me quite excited to have a new baby at our house! Linnea was so excited...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2GUAquKbYYhyphenhyphenjnnNXRsgxRkNmPa6JUU0PbgDwQkVWbvuu-K5kB5X9XIPLTTn8FCN7mRRTschLAbG7cCBJYHS4-uVH05Yb7TODkSyPibtXbYE3yVINHzkPhlQL8D6RsqI_e3m4_ndSV98/s1600/11129552_10153329427280039_2508442126483947778_n.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a>
<li>Linnea got a big girl bike! After having learned how to ride a two-wheel bike (with training wheels, that is) at our Faith Group retreat, we decided it was time for Linnea to have a bike of her own. The bike we got is a bit big, but she's really enjoyed cruising around the neighborhood like a big girl! </li>
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Random photos from the month...</div>
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Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04198099912956330460noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2495648259867602737.post-55912538745435642062015-04-29T16:19:00.000-07:002015-04-29T16:19:00.886-07:003rd Trimester!!<span style="font-family: Thread-00001758-Id-00000007;">As I type, I'm in total disbelief that I've actually entered into my 3rd trimester of this pregnancy! But indeed, at 29 weeks (and a few days at this point), that's the reality.</span><br />
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I am SUCH a mess of emotions as of late. Earlier this month marked the year anniversary of finding out I was pregnant with the baby we ended up losing. In just a week or so it will be the anniversary of finding that out, going through the D&C, etc. We've come so far in this year, but those emotions are still fresh and affect me. <br />
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I also find myself a little sad. As silly as it sounds, I'm mourning a bit the loss of our little family of three. We've been this way for almost four years, and it seems odd (albeit super exciting) to add another person to the mix. I also am sad recognizing that this may be my last pregnancy. At this point, I would still like another baby, but Jeromy is pretty set on two - and this process and pregnancy has been very hard on me...on us...so I'm not sure that we'll take it on again.<br />
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And of course there's excitement and anticipation! It's hard to believe that in less than 3 months we'll have another baby - start over with all those firsts, and learn to love another little being, and become a family of four. Man, oh, man!<br />
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So here's a little glimpse of where things are at since my last update.<br />
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<strong>Maternity Clothes: </strong>Yup, definitely. Pretty much all my pants are maternity. There's one pair that I managed to wear recently that isn't, but the button was undone, and it wasn't the most comfortable. I'm wearing regular, non-maternity leggings, and I have some dresses and skirts that aren't maternity, but that's about it.<br />
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For tops, it's a bit of a mixed bag. I don't have a ton of maternity shirts. I did start pulling out some more in the last few weeks, but for the most part, my tops are non-maternity. When I'm not pregnant I wear my tops loose enough, or in a style that lends itself well to wearing when pregnant. I keep meaning to go out and get a couple new tops and maybe a new pair of jeans, but I haven't gotten around to it yet.<br />
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<strong>Sleep: </strong>Ahhh...sleep. I have been having some major pregnancy insomnia. I'll wake up in the middle of the night (sometimes because Linnea makes noise or is up, sometimes for apparently no reason), and I CANNOT get back to sleep. I'm exhausted, and want to sleep, but can't get there. It's not even that my mind is racing (which is weird because my mind does that a lot). I just lay there. It's been as long as an hour and half at times. I know it's probably just preparing me for less sleep when the baby comes, but I would really like to sleep well when I can!<br />
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Like I mentioned in my last post, I'm usually a stomach sleeper, so it's been hard on my body to not be able to do that. Using the body pillow helps, but a lot of times I wake up pretty sore, and I think that's why. <br />
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<strong>Best Moment of the Week: </strong>Again, I'm covering several weeks here... however, we've gotten into the stage where there are not as many firsts. I appreciate continuing to feel better. Jeromy has gotten to feel a lot more movement out of baby. It's fun to have those big, regular movements again - it's one of my favorite parts of pregnancy. It makes things feel a lot more real. I've enjoyed continuing to feel more like myself - having more energy and appetite. I (knock on wood) haven't had any bad waves of nausea recently. I'm also glad that the weather has been improving (with the exception of a good portion of last week) so I can be out and active more. <br />
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<strong>Movement: </strong>Yup, this baby is quite a mover. Lots of big movements. She's a little shy, in that I've had a bit of a hard time getting others to feel her. Linnea likes to try a lot, but I don't think she's really felt any big movements. I've had a couple other friends try without any luck. And a lot of times when I have Jeromy feel her, she'll stop (though he has caught several good kicks). <br />
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I've been surprised at how high she feels already. I'm getting some ribcage pain and kicks, which I definitely remember with Linnea - I just thought they came a bit later.<br />
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<strong>Food Cravings: </strong>Lately, not as many. Thankfully, my appetite has come back for the most part, so the peaks and valleys of cravings and aversions have leveled off.<br />
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I still have a bit of a sweet tooth. I was seriously concerned that this would cause me to fail the infamous glucose test, but I passed with flying colors this past Friday! Woot! Now pass me that bag of Skittles!<br />
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I'm loving lemonade - specifically of the pink, strawberry/raspberry variety. Jeromy bought some Simply Lemonade on sale last week and I had to stop myself from drinking the jug of mango lemonade in one sitting.<br />
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Confession. One day recently (after a doctor's appointment no less) I wanted McDonald's french fries so bad that I couldn't resist a trip through the drive thru to get some. I usually have WAY more willpower than that.<br />
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Another confession is that I haven't been great about resisting the temptation of pop. I guess there are worse things, and I don't go crazy with it, but I have a few pops within the week. <br />
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Other than that, nothing super strong... <br />
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<strong>Food Aversions: </strong>As alluded to above, this has been much better. Overall, I don't quite have the appetite that I usually do. Foods rarely "sound good" to me, though at least they don't "sound bad." Mostly, everything is fair game, though meats and seafood are sometimes touchy. <br />
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I'm really glad to be past the point of being nauseated by anything and everything!<br />
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<strong>Morning Sickness: </strong>Glad to have this behind me! Occasionally when I get up I'll just have a teeny tiny level of quesiness in my stomach. Maybe this sounds gross or odd, but a little scoop of peanut butter usually does the trick to get it to go away. I can definitely deal with that - so much better than what it was.<br />
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<strong>Gender: </strong>Another girl. I'm a little sad we don't have a fun nickname for her like we did for Linnea (Sweet Pea). She is most commonly referred to as simply "baby sister." <br />
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<strong>Symptoms: </strong>Like I said in my last post, I've been a little surprised by how early some of the other symptoms of pregnancy have presented themselves. I've been a lot more tired and sore this time around at this point. I try to cut myself a break because I know it's hard work growing a person (and chasing a 3-year-old), but it's frustrating. I'm not used to feeling so tired and sore.<br />
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I also have a numb spot right along my bra line, under my boobs. It's so weird. I thought it was caused by my bras, so I switched to nursing bras (no underwire). It's gotten a little better, but is still a bit bothersome. I feel like baby sister is sitting quite a bit higher than Linnea did, as most of her movement and my soreness is in the rib area. <br />
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Also the sleep issues I referenced above. <br />
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<strong>What I miss: </strong>I still am really missing running. I didn't help that I totally geeked out over Boston Marathon a week or so ago. Between my 2nd pregnancy, my miscarriage, and this pregnancy, I haven't been running regularly in a very long time. Running (and generally being active) is an important part of my health and well-being for me, so it's really hard to feel SO far behind from where I usually I am.<br />
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I'm not much of a drinker, but I found myself missing cold beverages this past week or so. We had our neighbors over for a BBQ last week, and I was wishing I could have a beer too. Oh well. <br />
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I miss sleeping on my stomach.<br />
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I miss having clothes fit right. I don't have a lot of maternity clothes, and nothing that fits great, so it just kinda feels like nothing fits right/looks good. I'm such a cheapskate, that I really resist buying new clothes, especially ones that I'll just wear for a couple months.<br />
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<strong>What I'm looking forward to: </strong>When I started writing this post, I wrote that Jeromy and I were going on a little babymoon. I didn't get a chance to post this before we left, so that's behind us already. We had a great time - post to come (I hope!).<br />
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I'm looking forward to taking steps towards getting things ready room-wise (we have hardly done ANYTHING yet - poor second baby). And just generally feeling more prepared. I'm SUCH a planner, that it's quite alarming that I have hardly done anything in terms of getting things ready for this little one!<br />
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Here are some bumps pictures recently. I am just not good with weekly bump shots - I wasn't with Linnea either, so I can't even say that's just a second baby thing. <br />
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26 1/2 weeks <br />
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27 1/2 weeks<br />
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A collage of bumps at 28 1/2 weeks (apparently I'm not on top of it enough to take pictures at the week mark, and hit the 1/2 week mark?) <br />
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July is coming fast!! Eeeeee!!!<br />
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Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04198099912956330460noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2495648259867602737.post-34340340546150956152015-04-02T11:56:00.001-07:002015-04-02T11:57:44.179-07:00Spring Blogger Exchange<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I readily admit that I'm not really what I consider a "real" blogger. I have never had a sponsored post (I don't even know how one would go about doing that). I've never done a "link up" (nor do I really understand what that is). No one designed my blog (it's the best I could manage with my limited computer skills). Despite my best efforts, my plans to blog regularly with interesting and insightful posts have failed miserably.</div>
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But never the less, I try. I was initially motivated to try by some friends whose blogs I enjoyed reading. I wanted to blog to keep a record of my life. I like taking pictures, and I like remembering the big and little milestones. In my mind, it would be a bonus if I made some new friends or connections.<br />
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Although I haven't managed to be a "real" blogger with regular posts, I have managed to make some new friends and establish new connections. Woo hoo! WIN!<br />
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Two new connections I've made through blogging are <a href="http://lukeandamysmith.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Amy</a> and <a href="http://kesslerkraziness.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Jess</a>, whose blogs I started following thanks to the suggestion of other blogging friends. It's been especially fun to connect with people like them - young mamas who are in a very similar stage as me.<br />
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So when I got an e-mail from Amy saying that she and Jess were organizing a Spring Blogger Exchange, I was instantly intrigued. But then the doubt creeped in... compared to these awesome bloggers, my blog seemed totally amateur. I have actually worried about writing this post because I wanted it to be "just right."<br />
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But after a couple e-mails back and forth with Amy I was convinced that I should put those feelings behind me, and go for it! I'm so glad I did.<br />
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Amy and Jess had invited a few other young mama bloggers to participate. The basic gist is that each blogger would be matched with someone, and exchange a fun little Spring care package for their kids. Once Amy gathered the names, we were all paired up - and set out to create our care packages!<br />
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I was assigned to send a package to <a href="http://runninglawyer.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Sara</a>, and her kiddos Mac and Mim. As much as I love buying gifts for people I know, it's almost more fun to buy gifts for people I don't know. I suppose to me it's less pressure... I'm less hindered by what I know about them, and just excited about finding things I think they might like. It's like a little puzzle.<br />
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Sara's blog wasn't one that I followed at the start of the exchange, so I did a little bit of reading to get a feel of things they might like. Sara's cutie pie Mac is a little younger than my Linnea, and Mim is an adorable little 7 month old.<br />
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Armed with a little insight I got from her blog, I set off to Target to put my care package together. It was super fun! I had no problem finding lots of things to include - if anything it was hard to narrow it down!<br />
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I brought home the gifts, and talked with Linnea about the exchange. Though she was a bit bummed that she didn't get to keep the things I bought, she was excited that she was going to get gifts in the mail!<br />
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We wrapped up the gifts, and tucked them carefully in a box to be mailed. I added a little note to each one to help Sara know what I was thinking with each gift. It looked like this...<br />
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Linnea LOVES coloring (all the rainbows, all the time) lately, so I enlisted her to make a couple colorful notes to include in our package.<br />
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Once it was all wrapped up and set to go, off to the post office we went to mail it off. I was down right giddy (is that weird?) thinking about them receiving it...hoping they liked what we chose...hoping that they got as much joy in getting it as we did giving it. Linnea seemed pretty excited too.<br />
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A few days later, we received our package in the mail from our partner <a href="http://lukeandamysmith.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Amy</a>. Her and her son Cash put our package together, and we were both super excited to see what they sent.<br />
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Yup. Linnea was just a bit excited... :-)<br />
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Opening the package, it was hard to believe that we've never met Amy or Cash - they made such good and fun choices for us!<br />
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We ooed and ahhed over all of things inside. Full disclosure: one of my downfalls as a blogger is that I don't have a fantastic camera, and I often forget to take pictures in the moment, so we don't have pictures of opening the package. You'll have to take my word for it - lots of excitement!<br />
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Here's a shot of what we got... a cute little book (a feel and read - with soft down for the chick), a fun spring-y note pad, chocolate, an adorable onesie for baby sister, a pair of sunglasses for Linnea, spring window cling/gels, a coloring book, some cute paper straws, and a nice note from Amy (I'm hoping I'm not forgetting anything - the package got opened and scattered by my dear Linnea). <br />
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We got the package in the still-gloomy days of March, so even the brightness and sunshiny-ness of the presents made it feel like spring! <br />
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I love this shot with a little handsy Linnea...you can tell what one of her favorite items is! :-)<br />
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Like I said, Linnea was probably most excited for the coloring book. Girlfriend is SO into coloring right now (heard at least once a day in our house: "Mama, I'm going to color this RAINBOW colors!"<br />
She didn't hesistate a bit to dig in!<br />
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So excited for her new bunny coloring book!<br />
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Another Linnea favorite was the sunglasses (or sunnies as we call them in our house). She loves sunnies, and we always have to have a pair nearby in case she needs 'em.<br />
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3 going on 13 much? She was giving me a little attitude with this one...<br />
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Ready for some spring-time SUN!!<br />
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Linnea also liked the book...she is SUCH a bookworm. This one earned the trifecta ultimate compliment from Linnea... A) she wanted to read it right away, B) she wanted to read it at bed time and C) she wanted to take it to bed with her (while other kids fill their beds with stuffed animals, Linnea fills hers with books - she is allowed to take 3 books to sleep with her, and it's the ultimate compliment for a book when it's chosen as one of the three!). <br />
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I think this will also be a great book to have when baby sister comes. I couldn't help by smile imagining Linnea reading it to her come July!<br />
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One of my favorite items was the onesie. Amy, how did you know that I LOVE owls?! It's still such a shock to see teeny baby clothes again. I can't imagine Linnea was once small enough to fit into clothes that small, but I know she was...and our new Little Miss will look SO cute in this little owl onesie.<br />
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(Funny side story, as I was taking the picture below Linnea said, "Uhhhh, mama? I don't think this will fit me!" I had to remind her that it's for baby sister, which made it very excited.) :-)<br />
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A mutual favorite item of ours was the chocolate. Again, Amy, how did you know that me and Linnea's ultimate love language is "chocolate?" :-) Needless to say, we didn't hesitate to tackle this bar together. <br />
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Amy, thank you so much for inviting us to take part, and for encouraging me to give it a go. And a HUGE thank you for putting together such an awesome spring package for us. <br />
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In case you are curious, here's a full list of the mamas who participated in this exchange:<br />
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Jamie from <a href="http://cocktailsandcarseats.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Cocktails and Carseats</a><br />
Jessica from <a href="http://the-newly.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">The Newly</a><br />
Sara from <a href="http://runninglawyer.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Running from the Law</a><br />
Alisha from <a href="http://www.simpleluxuryblog.com/" target="_blank">Simple Luxury</a><br />
Jessica from <a href="http://kesslerkraziness.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Kessler Kraziness</a><br />
Amy from <a href="http://lukeandamysmith.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Keepin' Up with the Smiths</a><br />
Becky (me) from B Happy in Today<br />
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Thanks, Amy and Jess, for organizing such a fun exchange!! </div>
<br />Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04198099912956330460noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2495648259867602737.post-7567132932406259682015-03-15T19:46:00.002-07:002015-03-15T19:46:59.465-07:00"Half Baked" - a 20(+) week updateHello, blogging world.<br />
<br />
Man, I have been just horrible with posting on here. I'm not sure quite what it's been... a lot going on, I guess...still a lot of emotions...still having some "under the weather days."<br />
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Never the less, I wanted to try to keep up with updates...mostly for myself, to be able to look back on, but also just for the sake of blogging (I'm still really trying to be a "real" blogger). <br />
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It's a little crazy, but I'm already more than halfway through this pregnancy! In some ways the time has gone by SO. SLOWLY, but on the other hand, I can't believe that I'm over the halfway mark. July will be here before I know it! This very well could be my last pregnancy, which makes me sad... I'm trying not to "wish away the days," and savor every bit of this experience.<br />
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A lot of people have been asking how I've been feeling. Thankfully, I am feeling MUCH better overall. For the last 3-4 weeks or so I've seen an increase in energy, decrease in overall nausea, and a bit of an increased appetite. I've been reminded how gradual this is (at least for me). I don't notice the change right away., But then I have a string of days that I don't need a nap at work (seriously, at it's worst I was depended on a work nap every. single. day), don't crash on the couch after work, and/or can actually eat somewhat normally, and I realize...it's better!! <br />
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Now, at 23 weeks, good days are (thankfully) the norm! Waves of nausea still creep up on me, and I still sometimes need to crash on the couch after work, but it's maybe 1-2 times a week instead of 6 or 7 times a week. Whew! <br />
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It's good timing too, as Winter in Minnesota seems to be (knock on wood) coming to an end. I know, I know...we could still get another storm or cold snap or two, but now that we've seen weather in the 60s, I gotta believe we're in the home stretch. This is one thing I've really enjoyed about being pregnant on this timeline. I feel crummy for a good stretch, but it's when the weather is crummy, and I don't really want to be doing anything anyways. Win!<br />
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I don't think I've EVER done one of the "standard" pregnancy updates, but since I've sort of slacked with blogging - in general and with this pregnancy - I thought I'd give it a whirl. <br />
<br />
Here we go...<br />
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<strong>Maternity Clothes: </strong>I, like most 2nd time mamas I've talked with, found myself in maternity clothes a lot earlier this time around. Partly because I've gotten bigger faster, but particularly because I remember how darn comfy they are!<br />
<br />
I remember "fighting" maternity clothes for a while with Linnea, in denial I suppose that I was ready for them. This time around...no shame. I'm exclusively in maternity pants (and have been since about week 18 I think). I have some maternity shirts, but mostly I'm wearing my normal tops. <br />
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I am discovering that I'm in need of some more basic pieces...that's on my to-do list. Any good places I should check out?<br />
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<strong>Sleep: </strong>Sleep is still good. If anything wakes me up at night, it's usually Linnea (thankfully, nothing extended...usually just a bad dream or needs covers or lost a stuffed animal or something). When she wakes me up, I have to go to the bathroom, but I don't wake up for that exclusively. <br />
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I'm getting a lot more uncomfortable sooner...I'm a stomach sleeper usually, which obviously doesn't really work. I always (pregnant or not) sleep with a body pillow, which helps a lot.<br />
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<strong>Best Moment of the Week: </strong>Well, since I haven't posted any sort of update in a while, I've got several weeks to cover. <br />
<br />
Best moments lately:<br />
<ul>
<li>Feeling better overall</li>
<li>Feeling baby move (definitively around 17 week)</li>
<li>Having Jeromy, Linnea, and my mother-in-law feel baby move shortly after</li>
<li>Finding out baby's gender (more on that in a bit)</li>
<li>Ultrasounds - the big one during week 20...one this week as follow-up because they couldn't get all the measurements they needed (my mom got to come to that one)</li>
</ul>
<strong>Movement: </strong>As mentioned above - yes! And a lot earlier and stronger than I felt with Linnea. If I recall correctly, it wasn't until around week 20 or so with Linnea that I for sure felt movement. And probably another 4-5 weeks after that before Jeromy felt her.<br />
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This time around, I was pretty sure I was feeling the baby around week 16 or 17...and definitively around the 17 or 18 week mark. This baby is SUPER SUPER active. <br />
<br />
During our routine heartbeat checks, the doppler picks up LOTS of movement. Both my doctor and nurse practitioner- as well as the ultrasound techs have mentioned how active the baby is.<br />
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I was SHOCKED to find out that the placenta is anterior (in front), which usually means movements can be dampened a bit. I seriously can't IMAGINE how crazy the movement would be otherwise. It'll be interesting as the baby gets stronger...it's going to be crazy.<br />
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<strong>Food Craving: </strong>It's been more aversions for most of the pregnancy, although some cravings have snuck in. Earlier on, cravings were all things sweet and fruity...gummy candies, Skittles, Froot Loops. Crazy sugar overload! </div>
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<br />
Lately, the cravings have been a bit more random...but still generally in the "sweet" category. Rice Krispie bars, ice cream, milkshakes.<br />
<br />
Bagels are also something I've been eating a lot - not necessarily craving, but really enjoying. Jeromy was joking with me yesterday that the baby is going to come out circular, with a little hole in the middle. Hopefully that's not the case! But man, this baby does like bagels! (There are worse things, right?)</div>
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<strong>Food Aversions: </strong>Oh man, yes. It's gotten a lot better, but this was the reality for the first 20 weeks for sure! Like my pregnancy with Linnea, the biggest aversion is meat. I basically become a vegetarian for the first half of my pregnancy. Chicken is usually the first meat that I can eat again. Beef is the last. I'm happy to say that I'm back to eating beef!<br />
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Smells are also bad. At the worst, I would have to hide upstairs after work while Jeromy cooked dinner or him and Linnea, with my nose covered by my blanket or shirt.<br />
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Let's be honest, I was so sick for the first bit of this pregnancy, that I had aversions to everything but bagels, cereal, saltines, and...that's about it. I'm so glad to be eating regularly now!<br />
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<b>Morning Sickness: </b>I joke that whoever made up the name "morning sickness" was likely someone who has never been pregnant. I get "all day sickness." It was all day, every day. Worse in the morning, and at night...but also bad if I got too hungry, or got a whiff of a strong smell. We had a couple really rough months. I'm so thankful to have it behind me!<br />
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<b>Gender: </b>We had our big ultrasound at the end of February, which confirmed that we are having another baby girl! I'm excited that Linnea gets a little sister.<br />
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<b>Symptoms: </b>In addition to the nausea, I've been very very tired. It's getting better, as with the nausea, but I need to be a little careful to not overdo it. I've had some ligament pain and back aches, which seems really early, but I've heard that's normal when it's not your first pregnancy.</div>
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<b>What I miss: </b>Lately, I've really been missing running. I know a lot of women run through their pregnancy, but I just am not comfortable running...it doesn't feel good, and just becomes frustrating. That mostly it. I guess I miss feeling 100%. I'm feeling so much better overall, but just not quite myself. I tire easier, and physically am not quite where I usually am. But other than that, I'm just thankful to be feeling well overall!<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>What I'm looking forward to: </b>Continued nice weather so I can be active again! Continuing to feel better and more like myself.<br />
<br />
I leave you with some bump shots...<br />
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About 18 weeks.</div>
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20 weeks... (half baked)<br />
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<br />Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04198099912956330460noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2495648259867602737.post-79943209853399648372015-01-23T14:56:00.003-08:002015-01-23T14:56:31.316-08:00Five on Friday (Baby #2 Edition)As I said in my previous post, after an up and down year in the world of pregnancy and loss, Baby #2 is on its way. It's been a nerve wracking experience this time... just waiting for something to go wrong (that just sounds awful, but it's true). But each milestone, ultrasound, and successful appointment helps us breath a little easier, and start to be more excited than nervous.<br />
<br />
Since I haven't posted here lately, I thought I'd devote this Five on Friday post to catch-up on Baby #2/the common questions people seem to want to know...<br />
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<strong>**ONE**</strong><br />
<strong>How far along are you/when are you due?</strong><br />
As of Sunday, I will be 16 weeks - so early in the 2nd trimester. Our official due date is July 12th (interesting factoid - my due dates have all been on the 12th of the month. Linnea was due August 12th (born on the 13th). The baby we lost was due on December 12th. This baby is due on July 12th). How's that for consistency??<br />
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<strong>**TWO**</strong><br />
<strong>When did you find out?</strong><br />
This part of the story makes me smile, and will always serve as a reminder for me to hold on to hope in what feels like hopeless situations. For those of you who have gone through pregnancy loss and/or waiting a long time to get pregnant, you will understand that you get to the point where your monthly cycle, timing of everything, and waiting game is just excruciating. (I fully acknowledge that my waiting game is NOTHING compared to others...but I fully believe that each person is on their own journey and has their own experience. I don't mean to offend). <br />
<br />
I had definitely gotten to that excruciating point. The months were just a ongoing cycle of having my period, waiting for the right time, hoping we timed things right, and then waiting. I became obsessed with dates and timing and all of that.<br />
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I was so sick of waiting and then being disappointed. I got my hopes up every month, sometimes even being late for almost a week, and then being let down. I was so over it. <br />
<br />
I also had a dream about taking a pregnancy test. No a whole lot of details that I remember...but there was definitely a pregnancy test involved. So on Halloween morning I woke up and decided I was just going to take a test. It was almost a week and a half before I would usually even test. I didn't tell Jeromy. I just took it. We had a fun weekend planned and I decided that I'd rather just know, and not be disappointed and sad in the midst of our weekend. <br />
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So I did my business, and then putzed on my phone a bit before I hopped in the shower, not even worrying about 3 minute wait, since I assumed it'd be negative. I glanced at the test as I got in the shower. "Positive" it read. And we're taking a digital test...so no trying to decipher the pink lines. Holy crap. A wave of excitement and fear came over me. <em>Don't get your hopes up. Don't get your hopes up...but how can you not? It's positive. But what if it happens again?</em><br />
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I took a shower, mind completely racing. <br />
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When I got out of the shower Jeromy was just getting up and coming downstairs. All I could manage to do was hold out the test and say, "So, this happened..." He got a huge smile on his face and gave me a big hug. I love this man. He's always so chill, "in the moment," and "take each thing in stride," that fear wasn't even an emotion he was experiencing in that moment. He was just excited.<br />
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Over the next couple weeks I took several more tests. I had started getting the digital ones that predict how many weeks along you are, which helped to boost my confidence and make me feel more reassured, because I'd see the number of weeks along go up. We also got to see the doctor early this time (in the 6th week) to confirm everything looked good. It was nice not to have to wait so long.<br />
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As I said before, each test, each ultrasound, each little milestone helps to feel more reassured. I think I will be a bit more on edge this time around because of what we've been through, but I suppose that's to be expected.<br />
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<strong>**THREE**</strong><br />
<strong>How have you been feeling?</strong><br />
I'm not going to lie. It's been rough. This pregnancy has been very similar to the early parts of my pregnancy with Linnea. Around week 7 the symptoms started - bad nausea (though no vomiting, thankfully), extreme lack of appetite, and terrible fatigue. Similar to Linnea, I've finally started to get some relief within the last couple weeks. <br />
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This time around, I did resort to medication. It's hard to know if it got to that point because it was that much worse, or because it was harder to deal with due to having to mama to a 3-year-old as well. For a couple months I literally could not make it through my work day without a nap over my lunch break. I left work/took PTO a couple times because I was too sick to be productive in my job. Although I prayed for months to be pregnant again, I'd be lying if I said that all of it was totally welcomed and easy. I don't know. It's an odd mix of emotion.<br />
<br />
Anyways, in terms of medication, I started first with a mix of unisom and B6 vitamins (which apparently is a fairly well known over the counter remedy for morning sickness). That worked really well for a few weeks (as in I could survive the day, and actually eat a bit more than saltines or dry cereal), and then suddenly didn't (not sure if I build up some sort of immunity or if the symptoms themselves got that much worse). Either way, at that point I resorted to Zofran, which is a commonly prescribed medication for morning sickness (more traditionally used for patients with cancer, but found to provide relief in these circumstances as well). I've been taking all three for the last couple weeks, and am feeling better.<br />
<br />
Again, it's hard to know if the little bit of relief I started to feel was because of the medicine, or because I was starting to lose symptoms. If this pregnancy is true to mine with Linnea it will be until about 18 weeks before I fully am back to myself - appetite-wise, energy wise, etc. <br />
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I would say I'm about 70%-80% most days. I'm not needing a nap in the same way that I have. While I can tell my appetite is still limited, it is starting to come back. I (knock on wood) have not had the really bad waves of nausea in a couple weeks. I'm getting a bit more energy back so that I do more than work and sleep. <br />
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My dear husband has been a saint. I know it's not easy for him. He's had to shoulder most of the Linnea care, all of the cooking, and most of the house work. Not only that, but it's a bit like he's lost his wife as well - at my worst I would go straight to bed when I got home, and only resurface to put Linnea to bed (if that). I know it's been hard, and I'm so thankful for how well he's managed to hold things together. Wasn't always pretty, but we made it.<br />
<strong></strong><br />
<strong>**FOUR**</strong><br />
<strong>What's Linnea's reaction been?</strong><br />
Seeing the pregnancy through Linnea's eyes, and watching her take on the role of big sister is something I've been REALLY excited about.<br />
<br />
Before we told her about the baby, it was really hard. She didn't understand why I was eating, playing, or why I had to spend so much time on the couch or in bed. I know it worried her, but also probably just plain annoyed her.<br />
<br />
We finally broke the news when I was around 11 weeks, which is earlier than I had planned (mostly because she's so talkative that I didn't trust her to keep the secret). Jeromy suggested we just tell her on one night when I was feeling cruddy (because she was so worried about me). <br />
<br />
She seemed to at least sort of understand. She giggled with excitement, and asked some questions. I don't know if she REALLY understands the full extent of what's going on, but she does know mama has a baby in her belly and that she is going to be a big sister.<br />
<br />
One really funny thing since we told her is that she has been convinced that she has a baby in her tummy too. It's a girl baby, and her name is Laura. She's even gone as far as telling me that I can have a boy baby (even though if you ask her if she wants a brother or sister she'll always answer sister) because she is having a girl baby. Fairly regularly she'll talk about Laura. Too funny. <br />
<br />
Another thing that's been making me laugh... as I've started to show a little bit, Linnea will regularly greet me with, "Whoa, Mama! Look how big your baby has gotten." Oh honey, you have no idea! Just you wait.<br />
<br />
She's been very sweet though. She asks to talk to the baby, and see the baby. She seems genuinely excited about the baby. I'm so excited to watch her become a big sister.<br />
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<strong>**FIVE**</strong><br />
<strong>Pregnancy after miscarriage?</strong><br />
So admittedly, not really a question that people ask, but something I think people wonder about, and something that's played a big part in the experience this time around. <br />
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As I mentioned a bit above, it's been such a nerve wracking experience. With the first two pregnancies, I never assumed anything would go wrong. Sure, you always worry. You wonder if everything is okay. But you don't really think that it's not going to end well.<br />
<br />This time around it's been really different. The first several weeks I was more nervous than excited. I went to the doctor fairly regularly, just to make sure the baby was still doing okay. And I think if I'm honest with myself, each time part of me assumed that I would find out I miscarried again. <br />
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It's been just recently that the bulk of that worry has subsided. Now that the news is out, and that I'm in the second trimester, excitement is starting to take over.<br />
<br />
I really can't fully explain the mix and mess of emotions. I've thought a lot about this. After I miscarried, I hated seeing anything pregnancy related. Any announcements on Facebook, conversation in passing, even seeing people pregnant. It felt (completely irrationally, I might add) like the world was mocking me. I vowed at that time that I would not complain at all about anything pregnancy related, I would cut way back on posting anything about my pregnancy, etc.<br />
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But then I got pregnant again. And started to let myself get excited. And I wanted to talk to people about it. I wanted to post a cute Facebook announcement. I wanted to reach out on social media to get advice about my pregnancy woes. Because that's what I was living. And I was - am - excited. <br />
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I hate knowing the other side of it. I hate knowing that my posts (including this one probably) make people mad, sad, or otherwise. I hate the self-loathing that sneaks up on me when I feel I posted too much..or maybe worded something poorly. <br />
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It's a hard road to navigate, friends. I'm not sure I have much more to say that will truly express the mix and mess of emotions.<br />
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Happy Friday, everyone! Thank you for reading.<br />
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<strong></strong><br />Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04198099912956330460noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2495648259867602737.post-40295572021732946962015-01-16T07:15:00.000-08:002015-01-16T07:15:23.741-08:00Why I've been MIA...So I've sucked with a capital S at blogging as of late. I've tried to keep at it, but I just haven't had the energy or capacity to do it (or at least do it well).<br />
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Those of you who follow me on Facebook and/or Instagram know the main reason why this has been the case, but in case there's anyone reading who doesn't (which is doubtful, because I think I have like 5 readers, but whatevs)...<br />
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Yup. After a very bumpy road this year in terms of pregnancy and loss, I am pregnant again. This time around has been very different...lots of different emotions being pregnant after miscarriage. But things are going well, and looking good. <br />
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Lots more on this to come, I'm sure...Beckyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04198099912956330460noreply@blogger.com0