A Day in the Life

I 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.

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."

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.

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).

So without further ado, here's my day...

4:22 AM
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.

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.

I lay in bed for a while, seeing if she'll quiet down and settle back to sleep...

4:34 AM
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).

4:53 AM

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.

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.



6:00 AM

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...

6:13 AM

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...



Luther (our chocolate lab) is underfoot, as it's Linnea's job to feed him. He's ready for her to get up too!

6:19 AM

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.

6:22 AM

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.

6:27 AM

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).

Linnea didn't want her picture taken at first, but was willing to do silly faces with me...

6:30 AM

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!)

6:42 AM

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!

6:51 AM

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!

(This is super picture heavy already...I had a lot of fun taking pictures. I love pictures!)

7:20 AM

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.)

7:25 AM

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.)

7:31 AM

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!

7:33 AM

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!

7:34 AM

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.

7:52 AM

I'm off the train, and walking in to my building downtown. Isn't it pretty?

8:00 AM

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.



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.

8:28 AM

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.

8:43 AM

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!



9:24 AM

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.

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?

10:19 AM

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.

11:30 AM

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...

12:43 PM 

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.

Is anyone still reading? Gold star if you are! I'm realizing how long winded I'm being...

1:09 PM
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!)

1:55 PM
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.

3:25 PM
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!

4:09 PM
One last pumping session for the day...thinking about my babies...so ready to head home!

4:45 PM
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.)

4:52 PM
I'm two for two in terms of catching trains today. I arrive to the platform just in time to catch my train home!

4:53 PM
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.)

5:15 PM
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.

5:28 PM
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...

One for me...

And one for my homies...

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).

5:34 PM
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.

5:37 PM

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).

5:46 PM

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.

 5:47 PM
Britta is still happy at her piano. Gah! This girl. Such a sweetie.

5:55 PM
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.

6:03 PM
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.

6:29 PM 
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!).

6:32 PM
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.

6:42 PM
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.

6:55 PM 
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.

6:58 PM
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!

I get Britta into her pajamas and sleep sack, and take her out to the living room to say goodnight.

7:14 PM
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.

7:25 PM
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).

7:33 PM
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.

7:47 PM
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.

8:17 PM
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.

8:20 PM
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.

8:38 PM 
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.

9:19 PM
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.

9:31 PM 
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.

9:48 PM
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.

9:57 PM
Time to wash pump parts. Ugh. Such a pain, but again...it's all part of the process.

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.

9:59 PM 
Old Man Luther says it's time for bed by standing at the door upstairs, waiting for us to let him up.

10:01 PM
I brush my teeth and use the bathroom, then head up for bed.

10:10 PM
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.

10:34 PM
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!

10:35 PM 
One more peek at the monitor. Yup, she's out. Goodnight!

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.

Seven Months!

Once again, I'm behind. Britta turned 7 months on February 17th. Better late than never, right?

Britta,
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!

We've had another great month!

You got your first tooth...
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.

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).

You MASTERED sitting up...
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.

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.

You showed zero interest  in solid food...
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.

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?

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.

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!

You switched into a big girl carseat...
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.

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.

You seem to enjoy your new seat - you seem to like the extra space. Riding in style now, girlie!

You've grown and changed a lot too...
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.

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.

You are in size 3 diapers, and they seem to be fitting you pretty well (and probably will for a bit yet).

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.

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.

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!).

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!

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?!

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.

We love you to the moon and back, Britta Boo!
Mama (and Daddy & Linnea too)

Six 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...

Britta,
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!

It's been another exciting month...

You celebrated Christmas...
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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

You started sitting up...
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.

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!

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!

We will continue to practice, and work those muscles. You'll be a pro in no time!

You tried your first solid food...
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.

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.

You fell in love with bouncing...
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.

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.

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!

You've grown and changed a lot too...
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?).

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.

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.

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.

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).

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!

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.

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!

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...

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.

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!

We love you!
Mama (and Daddy & Linnea too)

Five 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.

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.

Britta Alice,
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.

We've had a good month...

You celebrated Thanksgiving...
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.

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.

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!

You became a rolling pro!
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.

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.

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!

You saw Santa...TWICE! (among other holiday festivities) 
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.

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.

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!

I'm looking forward to more Christmas fun with you!

You've grown and changed a lot too...
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!

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!

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.

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.

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.

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!).

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.

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!

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... :-)

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...

Love you so much,
Mama (and Daddy & Linnea too)

Four 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!)!

Britta Alice,
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!

It's been another big month...

You were baptized!
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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

You celebrated your first major holiday...Halloween!
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.

You were so cute in your costume. We called you "BumbleBritta." You got to partake in a few celebrations.
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.

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!

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.

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!

You scared us with a fall...
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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

You started rolling (with consistency)...
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.

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!!

You've grown and changed a lot too...
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!).

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!

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!

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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).

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.

I love being your mama, sweet Britta Boo.

We love you,
Mama (and Daddy & Linnea too)