This House, Part 2

Shortly before Hannah's first birthday Andrew and I had been talking about finding a larger house for our family. Hannah was crawling all over and we were bursting at the seems with stuff. I am not a hoarder. I go through most of our belongings at least once or twice a year to purge things we don't use regularly or have little use of in the future. I donate clothes and household items fairly regularly. Even so we had closets filled top to bottom, things stored under beds, just everywhere. Hannah is a small person but she has a lot of stuff!! We (probably) want another child down the road so we can't get rid of all her baby gear, but it takes up a lot of space. After packing up her beloved jumperoo and realizing I had no where to put it away we decided it was time to find a larger house.

I spoke to Paula who decided she would sell the trailer instead of renting it out again. We started looking for rental houses and she started looking for a buyer. (We don't know if we will stay in Alabama long term, so we are not ready to commit to buying a house here. Hence the rental).

I mentioned to Jan, my dance teacher, friend and step-sisters' mother, that we were looking for a rental at this price point and wanted to move in at the end of October. She said she'd keep her eyes open for us. Literally the next day her neighbor and good friend, Jolynn, mentioned that they would be doing some traveling and wanted to rent out the main floor of their 2 level house. It happened to be exactly the budget we were looking for and open at the exact same time we wanted to move in. Fate brought us together with Rick & Jolynn and this house. 

We waited excitedly for 2 months when suddenly the trailer sold sooner than expected, the buyers wanted in and asked if we were able to move out 2 weeks before we'd planned! Our new landlords were fantastic and worked their butts off to finish their portion of the move faster than anticipated and worked up to the literal last hour. We're thankful to them and can already tell we've lucked out once again with awesome landlords!

We've been in this house 2 weeks as of today and it is awesome. We have gotten most everything unpacked and put away. We hung our art and pictures, put our clothes in the closet. This house is becoming our home. 

 Hannah has found a quick exit strategy from each room, learned the loop that goes around the kitchen, dining room and den. She knows the door stopper behind her bed room door makes a funny noise and wiggles every time she touches it. This house has already made us happy. 

We are filling the rooms with our memories and our hopes for the future. This house will see our daughter walk, our love grow deeper and hopefully many, many moments of laughter and happiness.

 

Our wedding letters/guest book hung over centerpieces Andrew & I made for the wedding <3

We now live next door to my sister Ashland and our niece, Harlee. Jan and Michael Jay live next door to lend a hand, give a hug or share a cup of coffee. This house is situated at the end of a cul de sac where we can watch Hannah ride in her cozy coupe car and run around with her cousin.

Our very own custom art in 3D chalk by neighbor and artist Janis Sherwood!

This house has the exact kitchen Andrew and I have dreamed about cooking in, preparing food to nourish our bellies and our souls.

A dining room to act as my office, but also help host family meals. A sun room to sit and visit, talk and laugh.

Loving the closet space in Hannah's room!!

Hannah's original piece by JJ and MJ

This was the first thing I made for her room when I found out I was pregnant and we had a name chosen!

We haven't finished our room yet. Those pieces on the wall will move to over the bed

Guest room / holding space for unfinished/unpacked stuff

The first piece of art or furniture I bought for the trailer when I first moved in has found it's way to the new house

This house is just what we wanted, more than we needed and so full of potential and joy.

Hannah: 5 Months

Approx 16 or 17 pounds

Maybe 24 or 25 inches

Sweet Hannah Bear,

I'm going to ignore the fact that you are almost a half year old. It's too soon. I can't wrap my mind around how quickly and slowly time has passed. Days and ages all at once. This month was one of growth for our entire family. Mommy started working part time at The Cheesecake Factory and had lots of training to do. You got to spend lots of time with Daddy while I studied, crammed and trained to learn the massive menu. You spent a couple of shifts with Grandma, Nana kept you for a few hours one evening, you had your first hang out with a non-relative (thanks Aunt Shelly!!). Thankfully you are a beautiful, happy, smiley girl and people are usually eager to watch you! We have a few sweet friends that have kindly put their names on our baby-watch list for the future too. So thankful for everyone who loves you, and is willing to help support our decision in me starting this new job. Everything went well and I finished training, but I sure did miss you all those hours I was gone!

This month we moved you to your room and you have handled it like a pro. Since I come home from work needing to shower and clean up late at night, it was getting to hard to sneak around our bedroom and bathroom with you in there, so we bit the bullet two weeks ago and moved the cradle, humidifier and sound machine to the nursery. I don't think you even noticed. We had to invest in some black out curtains to keep you sleeping peacefully, but they look great and you sleep better. We finally finished painting your crib and Dad put it together last night, so you are starting month 5 in your big girl bed. You slept perfectly! I'm still waiting for the 4 month sleep regression (it's likely that it will hit any time now since you are technically 5 weeks younger than your actual age). It's been such a relief to not have to tip toe through the house at night, but I do miss having you right next to me in the bedroom. I probably check the video monitor a little too frequently, but I can't help it. You generally sleep like a rock from about 10:30 pm to about 7 am. You start stirring a little and while you were in our room we could just put the paci in your mouth and you'd fall back asleep, but it's a little harder since you're on the other side of the house. I usually bring you into our room when you start wiggling and let you sleep in the bed with me for another 2 hours or so. Most of the time you'll sleep until about 9 or 9:30 in bed with me, and I love it. Some might consider it a bad habit, but I think it's a much better habit than being fully awake at 7:00 am every morning!!

Since I'm now working a few nights a week at CCF you are getting plenty of one-on-one time with Daddy. Most nights that I work you are either already in bed by the time I get home or in the middle of the bedtime routine. Sometimes I come in while you're having your night bottle and when I come to say hi you give me the biggest, sweetest smile. My heart feels like it might explode every time.

You had a physical therapy appointment this month to be evaluated for some stiffness in your neck which has contributed to the flat head syndrome. Thankfully both the doctor and therapist said it is very very mild and nothing to worry about. We have a few exercises that we do each day and I can already tell a difference. You are turning your head to the left more easily and more often. We've upped your tummy time per day and it's definitely making you stronger. You love to sit up in our laps and look around. You've also started standing up while being held. You won't hold it for long but you seem pretty pleased to be able to look around.

We attended our second meeting with the local babywearing group and checked out a carrier called the Beco Gemini. It's a soft structured buckle carrier, similar to the one we had last month. I'd intended on trying on a few but once you were strapped in to this carrier you immediately settled in and seemed extremely content, so we kept it. We did our first family zoo trip last weekend and you were in the carrier instead of the stroller and you loved it. I'm very excited about this carrier and there's a good chance I'll end up buying one for us to keep full time. We did a walk with you in it yesterday while Dad tried out the new disc golf course near the house and you were happy as a clam. It was pretty windy but you were snuggled up close and barely made a peep the hour plus we were out there.

You're really starting to enjoy toys and will swat and bat at them and your grasp is getting kind of good. You don't always hit or grab the toy on the first try, but you are very intentional and keep trying for it. You'll happily play on your own for a while, but you definitely let us know when you're tired of playing by yourself. Dad and I both feel pretty strongly that you need to be able entertain yourself and play alone sometimes, so we are very glad you agree. Of course you get plenty of play time with us too!

You're not much of a cuddler these days, and really never have been. Every now and then you'll fall asleep in our arms after a bottle, but for the most part you really prefer sitting in your bouncy seat, pack n play or sitting in our laps over being hugged and cuddled. Maybe it's because we didn't breast feed for long and you didn't get used to it, or maybe you'd rather see what's going on, but that's just you. You tend to nap about 2 hours after you've last woken and are fairly consistent with that. You nap either in your bouncy seat or your swing, or the car seat if we are out and about. You almost always wake after 30 minutes on the dot. We started trying a few tricks to extend these cat naps, and sometimes they work, sometimes they don't. Depends on the nap I guess.

In the last 2 weeks or so people have started asking us when we are going to give you a little brother or sister, and it just makes my brain hurt. haha. No worries sweet girl, you are the only baby on our mind for now and the next year or two. All of our time, love, (and money) is going to you! I guess you don't look like a newborn anymore (probably the cheeks!!) so people think it's time to ask about other kids. Slow it down guys!!

Hanny, you are such a joy to us and everyone around you. Every day you open up a little bit more. New sounds, screams, mini giggles. We've gotten a handful of small laughs but are still holding out for the full on laugh. A few days ago you started trying to buzz your lips together like mommy. You think it's hilarious when I do it and you try so hard, but really you're just spitting everywhere. You're already a major bubble/drool factory. No signs of teeth yet but plenty of drool!! Oh, and we've realized you love Ed Sheeran. I listened to him a lot when I was pregnant so maybe it sounds familiar to you, or maybe you just appreciate his music. Either way, he is usually a safe choice when you are starting to feel fussy. You also have really started enjoying the jumper Aunt Teresa got you. We caught you reaching for the toys on it the first time a couple of days ago.

This stage of your life is full of blossoming abilities and your personality just keeps getting bigger and sweeter and makes our hearts melt even more. We love you so so much big girl!!

love,
Mommy

Hannah: 4 Months

15 pounds 9 ounces

23.5 inches long

42 centimeter head circumference

My dear chubby cheeks,

Sweet Hannah, you are 4 months old! I can't believe you have completed 1/3 of a year! You had a doctors appointment today and you are a healthy girl! You are in the 75th percentile for weight and 25th percentile for height, and these are for your actual age, not adjusted age! We were worried the doctor would say something about your flat head but she said it was nothing to worry about, totally common and should round out now that you can hold your head up and spend more time upright. Yay! We are being referred to a physical therapist to work on your neck stiffness and get you loosened up a little. This will help since you will be more willing to turn your head to both sides equally instead of always turning to the right. Your motor development seems to fall more in line with your adjusted age of 3 months rather than your actual age of 4 months. But no worries, you have until about 2 years old to catch up and be considered totally normal and healthy. We have full confidence you are doing just fine.

I heard your first laugh today and it was the sweetest noise I've ever heard. You were on the changing table just kicking away having a grand ole time, and I said in a rapid, high pitched voice, "I love workouts!!" You did a little giggle for me so I repeated myself and I got a small chuckle, then you clammed up and wouldn't do it again. I think we have many more laughs in our future because you are so smiley and sweet. You truly are a happy natured baby. Dr. Irons said you are right on track with your social development. You give smiles to most anyone who smiles at you or makes a funny face. Sometimes you'll do a big smile, then it'll turn into a full on pout with your bottom lip turned out so perfectly. You will hold the pout for a minute then go into a big cry. Once you get worked up it takes some time to calm you back down, but that's mainly just when you are too tired.

You eat 5 ounces of formula about every 3 hours during the day. You'll sleep from 10 or 10:30 to about 6 or 6:30 in the morning. Some nights you stretch it a bit longer, but that's about your average. After you have a 4 ounce bottle you go back to sleep for about 2 hours. You're up around 9 most mornings. You are definitely more of a cat napper during the day but they are becoming more predictable. Naps are a work in progress.

You've started batting at toys recently but you're still very jerky. It sometimes looks like an accident since your movements are so awkward, but I can see the determination on your face. You stick your tongue out (like me and your great gran'dad) and focus really intently on whatever you are trying to hit. We've got a prescription for extra tummy time to help build up your neck muscles and arm/core tone so we should be seeing more swinging arms soon.

You celebrated your first Christmas and you were so good. You slept through some stuff, sat semi-quietly through others, we even got to eat without you unhappily interrupting (like you decided on Thanksgiving that you were starving right after I made my plate and sat down). You got all sorts of cool stuff, but I'm most excited about the zoo membership Grandma got us. I forsee a lot of nice days checking out the animals! You love the swing Santa brought and it has made naps a little more manageable. You also welcomed your first New Year! Dad had to work late so you were in bed well before he got home. But we got lots of extra kisses when you woke up.

You gained good control over your head this month so we can finally sit you in our laps and trust you to hold your head up. When you're being carried around we have to be careful because too much motion can make you a little bobbly, but for the most part you've got it. You are also a professional bubble maker. The doctor said you don't seem to be teething yet (despite some signs that we thought might point toward teething) so I guess you just love drooling and spitting every where! Your hair on top is really starting to fill in and we are very excited about that!

You outgrew 3 month clothes, so we are now in 6 month. You also outgrew the changing pad that was on top of the pack n play, so we now use the actual changing table in your room. You LOVE the mobile that hangs over it. This purple butterfly mobile probably makes you happier than anything else in life. It definitely makes you smile the most. You barely fit in the Bumbo because your little thighs are so chunky. We put together the Jumperoo Aunt Teresa got for you and you seem to love it. We've only tested it for a few minutes twice but I think it'll be a fan favorite before long.

You had your first one-on-one time with Nana and Papa Chip while Daddy and I celebrated his birthday. We went to dinner and saw a movie so you got a few hours to do some bonding with them. We both attended our first Babywearing International meeting at the Hoover Library. We checked out a Pikkolo buckle carrier that is pretty comfy. I can't tell if you like it or not though. The first time we used it you fell asleep and napped for 45 minutes (which is long for our 30 min cat napper!) but the next 2 times you cried when we got you in. I may not have had you sitting properly or something. You were pretty upset so I didn't try to problem solve for long. I hope we can get it worked out so you have a comfy position. It would be a big help for both of us!

We've completely given up on weekly pictures with the bear. I take a million pictures of you every day so it's not like we aren't documenting you growing up! But we will reserve the bear comparison pics for your monthly updates now. You were a great sport for our little photo session with my new camera lens, and with such an adorable subject it was hard to stop snapping away! (photos below)

Hannah, we loved seeing you light up this month. Every morning when you wake up you lay in your cradle and talk to yourself. You coo and gurgle (yea, that's new) and kick around. When we pick you up and say good morning you give the biggest smiles. It's probably my favorite moment of the day, every day. It's so refreshing to see so much happiness and purity every morning. We love you big girl, and can't wait to see more smiles and hear that laugh develop!!

love,
Mommy

2014 in Review

2014 was a pretty spectacular year overall. It definitely had it's share of ups and downs, but what year doesn't? The last few years of my life have been amazing -- 2012 Andrew and I started dating and got engaged, 2013 we got married and went on an awesome honeymoon, but 2014 -- probably sits at the tops of that list despite the negatives.

I lost my great grandmother, grandmother and a great uncle. My dog got cancer and we had to have her put to sleep. Andrew and I thankfully conceived quickly and didn't have to deal with the roller coaster of trying to get pregnant. I developed gestational hypertension which turned into severe pre-eclampsia and required an induction which then turned into a c-section and ended with a 5 week premature birth of the most beautiful little girl. She spent 10 days recovering in the NICU but left healthy. Although I lost my grandmother I got to share with her the news of my pregnancy and that the baby was a little girl. She was SO excited and happy for us. Although I lost my Sidney she got to bring Hannah into our pack and get more than a few good head licks in. For every down there was an up. Life really does keep on going, and this year, more than any other, taught me to relish in each day and be thankful for everyone in my life. Despite the losses, I gained the most beautiful girl I could ever imagine, my relationship with Andrew deepened and my little family of two became the sweetest family of 3. A year for the books, for sure.

So for posterity I'd like to do a run down of major events that happened in 2014. Let's take a look back! (I had originally planned on adding commentary to these pictures, but after uploading and realizing how many there were I've decided to let the pictures speak for themselves. They are not in order within each month).

January 2014

I pulled for FSU against Auburn, but Bama is back in the running this year! ;)

 February 2014

 

March 2014

  

April 2014

May 2014

 

June 2014

July 2014

 

August 2014

 

September 2014

Hannah Claire Boggan ~ 9/10/14 ~ 6:24 pm ~ 6 lb 5 oz ~ 18 inches

1st family photo!!

Going home!!

Halloween elf

1 year anniversary

1st family selfie

Hannah's first Thanksgiving

Work at home Mom!

cousins <3

 

December 2014

Hannah's 1st Christmas

I'm thankful for this year with all of it's highs and lows and surprises and shocks. I can't wait to see what 2015 has in store for us!