Blue Ridge Splendor

This cabin, Blue Ridge Splendor, has been the site of many exciting events and firsts for Andrew and myself. We came here for our first vacation as a couple, this is where Andrew proposed to me, and now we've enjoyed our first vacation as a family of 3. To say this cabin holds special memories would be an understatement. My kind and gracious in-laws have let us use the family cabin to get away from the day to day grind, replenish our minds and hearts, and for that we are so grateful.

Our weekend away has been lovely, semi-relaxing, a touch stressful, but overall great. Hannah has been cutting teeth all weekend and has been pretty miserable unless being held or entertained. She is usually content with some alone time to play on her mat with toys while we cook dinner or relax, but not this weekend. She also hasn't been napping well, which we assume is a combination of teething and being in an unfamiliar environment. Thankfully she's slept great at night, but we figure since it's dark it seems more like home, whereas during the day when the room is still fairly well lit she can tell she isn't in her normal place.

We drove up to north Georgia on Friday and will return Monday afternoon, so it hasn't been a long trip. We've enjoyed perfect weather all weekend. We took our time Friday and were blessed with a sleepy baby. We stopped for lunch at Chili's, let Hannah sit in a high chair for the first time (she did awesome and loved it!!), then continued on. The initial drive up the mountain didn't go all that smoothly, but we made it and settled in.

Saturday I enjoyed a mid-morning nap while Hannah slept (the one good nap she's taken all weekend), we went into town for a quick trip (desperately needed oragel and Tylenol!), then back home to relax. Hannah did quite a bit of crying and nap skipping, until we put her down a bit early so we could regain our sanity. We cooked dinner, played some pool, sat in the hot tub and ate a few too many cookies! (I realize by the looks of her pictures you'd never know she was fussy, but trust me, it happened. we just know how to make her smile!).

Sunday was another perfect weather day so after Han's first nap (too short, but enough to get her through the morning) we took some family photos before heading out to explore a bit. I invested in a tripod after Christmas and it has been such a wonderful addition. We got some beautiful pictures, although it took about 20 takes to get a handful of good ones. Once into downtown Blue Ridge we had lunch at a little cafe, then did a little souvenier shopping. We made it back up the mountain smoothly and settled in for another fussy evening. After only a 25 minute cat nap all afternoon she finally went down and has allowed us some quiet time! Andrew is cooking his signature salmon while I upload pictures and write this post, then we'll settle in for another few games of pool before calling it a night.

We'll head out tomorrow morning sometime and hopefully be lucky enough to have a quiet/sleepy baby. I'm not counting on getting lucky twice, but I can hope! There's a good chance we'll run into traffic from the race in Talladega, so fingers crossed we don't have a fussy baby and terrible traffic!!

Although it would have been nice to not have a teething baby fussing all weekend, we still were blessed enough to be able to enjoy this beautiful trip. We have loving family that allowed us the use of their beautiful house, hard earned money to be able to take the time off to enjoy the trip, and most importantly, a wonderful family in the three of us. Despite painful gums, crocodile tears and a few "I need to tag out" situations, this weekend has been successful and much needed. (I told Andrew we need to come back in September for my 30th birthday and leave baby at home with family for a truly relaxing getaway!!) ;)

As with all vacations, I hate to leave, but I look forward to home. Our cozy house, felines that will be happy to get head scratches, the relief Hannah will have of being back in familiar surroundings, and the all around pretty great life we've built for ourselves will be a welcome sight. Vacations are awesome, but the important part is that we'll still be happy to return home. Although a few less hours worked and more time together would be nice!

Solid Foods!

Solids! I thought this topic deserved it's own post. We started feeding pureed solids on Hannah's 6 month birthday. Feeding guidelines* say you can begin solids from 4-6 months of age, and after a few milestones have been reached (sitting upright, loss of tongue reflex to automatically push food out and interest in adults eating). While Hannah can't quite sit up on her own, she does support herself pretty well and when strapped into the high chair she's as good as gold.

I love food!! (most of them)

The two ways to introduce baby food are purees (which we are doing) or Baby Led Weaning (BLW), where the foods are cooked soft but prepared in fry-like shapes that babies can easily grab and feed themselves. Andrew and I discussed it and decided that we would rather not worry about the choking hazard that can come with BLW. Once she is sitting unassisted and has a few teeth we will try to let her do it on your own, but for now it's spoon fed mush for our little girl!

The safest way to introduce foods is one at a time, each for 3-4 days.* Neither Andrew nor I have any food allergies so Hannah isn't necessarily at risk, but better safe than sorry, right? We've stuck with these guidelines and so far they've worked for us.

We are getting to a point now where baby has tried 8 different foods, some of which were made fresh, some of them made fresh by Gerber. We've started doing 2 feedings a day, and when she is interested and hungry it goes great. But if she don't like the food or is too tired it's just a mess!

First time eating and totally unsure

Maybe this eating thing isn't so bad!!

So far we've tried: sweet potatoes, bananas, green beans, carrots, pears, peas, squash and apples. She likes everything except carrots. She really, really hate carrots. She didn't like bananas until I made them fresh, then was all over it. The absolute favorites are green beans, for sure. She's so funny to watch as she tries new foods. A face of trepidation, contemplation, then either excitement or displeasure. When she likes a food she kicks her legs out and gets excited. She opens her mouth when we say 'bite.' If she isn't into it then it's hard to get her attention so we have to call it.

Hannah,

It's been a fun and messy adventure so far! Sometimes you try to grab the spoon, sometimes you reach for the container. We can usually block it but you've gotten in a few swipes. We haven't had a truly dirty meal just yet. We have just started doing combination flavors and girlfriend, you are a carnivore! You love the Chicken & Apples combo and Turkey & Rice. You gobble those up faster than everything else. This morning you had a new combo - apples, bananas & prunes. You thought it was ok. But you obviously prefer mixed flavors over single flavor foods. We look forward to trying new foods, combinations and textures.

*Disclaimer: These points are from the research I've done and info I've gotten from our pediatrician. In no way to I think I know it all or know enough to advise others. This is just what I've learned and how we have chosen to do things.

Foods so far have been a fun but slightly nerve wracking adventure! Will she be allergic, will she throw the food towards my laptop, will she barf up the food instead of regular spit up, etc etc. However, I wouldn't change anything as long as I can see those silly, food-faced smiles!!

Hannah: 7 Months

Approximately 20 pounds

no idea in length!

Sweet Girl,

You turned 7 months old last week but I'm just finding time to write about it. Time goes so quickly these days that I can hardly keep up. I jot down key points on a dry erase board so I know what to write on each of these posts, otherwise I would just draw a blank staring at the computer screen!! Every month you become more fun, smiley, interactive and a joy to be around. You make long days worth it and quick days hurt some times, knowing that each day flies through my fingers. 

This month we enjoyed eating solids! We've tried 8 flavors and you enjoyed about 6 of them. Feeding times are interesting. If you like the food you get really into it, if you don't like it then you are more interested in the buckle on the high chair or watching the nearest cat.

Another fun thing that happened this month was the arrival of our Tula. Tula is a brand of soft structured carrier that allows me to wear you when we go out instead of pushing a stroller. It's comfortable, easy to use and fast. I strap you in, clip the buckle and off we go! It allows me to have my hands free and keep you close by. So far it's been a win for both of us.

 

Kickball season started so we've spent a few evenings down at the kickball fields at George Ward watching Daddy play. It's been rained out a few times but the nights we have been able to go have been nice. Everyone on the team loves you and you really enjoy being outside and seeing the action. I wear you in the Tula but have to make sure I turn to angle you so you can see what's going on.

We've been making great use of the zoo membership Grandma got for us. We have made more than one trip with different groups of people. We enjoyed one trip with Daddy, then another with a group of moms I've met through a local babywearing group (plus one or two trips with just the two of us). The cats are always asleep, go figure. You really like to people watch while we are there. I'm not sure how well you can see the animals but you always have fun and usually conk out for a little nap. I know, it's exhausting!

We celebrated your first Easter this month! We did the annual Easter egg hunt at Nana & Papa Chip's, then a casual feast at Grandma's. We had a great time at both places and loved being able to celebrate with family. You were too cute in your Easter dresses (even though one of them said 12 months but was actually around 6 month size. Don't get me started on that one!). You definitely stole the show at Grandma's!! 

You mastered a cool trick this month-- rolling over from your back to your belly! You'd been trying for a while but couldn't quite firgure out what to do with your arm. Well you got it down and now you can't stop. We put you in the center of your mat and you roll all over. I was washing dishes and came back into the room a minute later to find you under the coffee table. Apparently it's your means of transportation these days! You do pretty well, except in your crib. You roll over in the mornings and get stuck on your belly, even though you know how to roll. You seem to forget once you are in the crib. 

Speaking of the crib, you sleep really well for the most part. Your (semi) new thing is to wake up around 7 am, lay there and talk to yourself, stare at your hands, and then roll over. I can flip you to your back and put your paci in and you'll rest/fall asleep for a few minutes, then roll back over to your belly. I flip you another time or two before you go to sleep for good for another hour or two. You wake up around 9 am, nap every 2-3 hours, and go to bed at 9 pm. I'm happy to say that for the most part you're a great sleeper. We've been battling teething this month so sleep has been a little disrupted. 

We are still waiting for teeth to pop through, but we are seeing the start of some white caps! I can't imagine how grown up you'll look with teeth. You change so much each month it's crazy. I think you are starting to grow into your cheeks some, which is almost sad! You still have prominent, kissable chubby cheeks, but they aren't so defining these days. Now your most commented on feature are your baby blues. Those big ole blue eyes are just beautiful. I tell people I'm not going to admit they'll stay blue just yet because I feel like as soon as I acknowledge it they'll turn brown. I hope they stay blue but you'll be gorgeous no matter what!!

You are such a ham and love to smile. You love Daddy and me and your cats. We are your favorites but you don't reserve smiles just for us. If someone makes a funny face and you feel comfortable then that person gets the sweetest smile. Sometimes people with heavy eyeliner scare you though. You'll do a full on pout, look at me and then just let it rip. Something about the eye liner gets  you. It's kind of funny, except when the person takes it personally. 

As usual, you are so sweet, happy and a pure joy in our lives. We thank our lucky stars for you every day. We love you baby!!!

love,

Mommy

Hannah: 6 Months

18 pounds 4 ounces

25.5 inches long

44 centimeter head circumference

Dear Baby,

Happy 1/2 year birthday, Hannah!! Woohoo!! We applaud you many times a day for various accomplishments like doing well on exercises or tummy time, giving big burps, big jumps in the jumperoo, etc etc. We say "yayyyy Hannah!!" and clap our hands together. You always give us a big smile, usually inhale deeply and kind of bobble around with excitement. You are just too cute, and seriously the happiest little girl. You give away smiles for free and light up the room. Everyone compliments your eyes, smile, cheeriness and most of them also comment on your perfect chubby cheeks. I glow with pride every time. You are too sweet for words and I am so very proud to be your mommy! Pretty sure Dad feels the same way!

those eyes

those cheeks!

This month was pretty exciting and full of many firsts. You found your thumb and your index finger. You like to stick both fingers in your mouth at the same time and suck on them. You cover everything in drool. Sometimes you gag because you stick your finger too far into your mouth. You'll cough, look surprised then do it again. You have become very proficient in jumping in your jumperoo. You know how to work it now and bounce until you've worn yourself out. You interact with all of the toys now and have gotten pretty good at grabbing what you want. You rub your eyes frequently and have very good hand to eye contact. We introduced you to the high chair (thanks Aunt Teresa!!) and you love it. We don't have a dining room or large table so we move it around from the living room and kitchen, depending on where we are. The tray is covered with toys and you will happily sit in it for long periods of time just playing with your toys while I work at the desk or do dishes and laundry. You much prefer sitting up straight over your bouncy seat these days. We use the bouncy seat less and less which is strange since you spent most of your awake time there for so many months. You ran the highest fever we've experienced (102.8). I was pretty scared but Tylenol brought it down and we kept you dosed up for a few days and you were all better. You tried so hard to be happy and feel good but it wore you down some. Once it passed you were back to your happy self. Such a trooper. You learned how to grab your feet while laying down and when we practice sitting up you want to eat them, so you end up face-planting into the floor to attempt it. You get frustrated with it when I prevent you from diving down awkwardly.

fingers are the best

What may be our most exciting first is that we started solid foods on your 6 month birthday! After some research I decided to completely forgo the rice cereal and we went straight for vegetables, starting with sweet potatoes. Dad got a good video of you happily opening your mouth for bites, even though you didn't know what to do once the puree was actually in your mouth. It was super cute and entertaining. We've now done 3 days of sweet potatoes and will do bananas next. (I just asked Dad which we should do next - bananas, carrots or green beans - and he voted for the bananas). You try to put your hand in your mouth mid-feed, which is messy. You also grab for the spoon sometimes. I see messy meals in our future!!

unsure at first

but a little more agreeable after a few tastes!

Another big change that's new is how we are diapering you. After our generous stock of disposable diapers ran out (thanks Aunt Teresa [again] and Mr. Chris!!), I started researching cloth diapers and cost savings. We invested in a stash of cloth diapers that should last us until Hannah is potty trained, and possibly a while into another child down the road. Of course it could turn out differently, but I'm hopeful! We will still use disposable diapers for when we are on long outings, while someone else is keeping you and for bed time. But during the day while we are home and short trips out you're rocking some spiffy new diapers! We have different colors and two different textures (minky and PUL) and while they make your butt a little more 'fluffy,' they are way too cute.

one of the new cloth diapers

You have the cutest laugh, but we have to work for it. You think Dad's silly, fake laugh is pretty funny and airplane is probably the coolest thing ever as far as you're concerned. We love hearing that giggle and the huge grin that comes with it. I'm so thankful for how happy and at ease you are (for the most part). You love life and wake up with a smile every morning. You sleep wonderfully in your crib until about 7 am, then you start wiggling and fussing so we put you in our bed for another hour or two. Usually you'll fall back to sleep, but sometimes you just lay there an stare at your hands, or my hand when I give it to you. Many mornings you try to tickle my chin or punch me in the face. But when you're done sleeping and I look at you and say good morning and give you a kiss, you give me a huge smile, a little laugh and start babbling to me and I melt. I am not a morning person, but that sweet demeanor of yours makes it much easier to get out of bed each morning.

sweet smiley girl

zoo smiles, 1st time sitting in the stroller like a big girl

I hope you keep this love of life and happiness for all of your years. I hope you wake up on the right side of the bed every morning and greet each day with a smile and a positive attitude. You bring so much happiness to everyone around you and we are so glad to call you ours.

love,

Mommy

Valentine's Day 2015/Thoughts on Love

With Valentine's Day fresh in the review mirror, I wanted to jot down some thoughts I've had on the subject of love. Andrew and I have worked in restaurants for many years, so we never get to celebrate the day of love on the actual day. Instead, one (or both of us) work our butts off while the masses enjoy eating out on V-Day. This year Andrew worked in the evening and I was off (no baby sitter means no work, even though the money would have been great). After a relaxing morning we ran some errands together and did a lunch trip to Moe's. We went into the yard to take some family pictures to commemorate Hannah's first Valentine's Day. The individual shots turned out great, but we are pretty new to using the self timer for group shots and they weren't quite in focus.

On the deeper level of the love subject, I want to discuss these two. My heart. The best two loves I have experienced have both been a slow building kind of love. (not counting you Mom!)

Andrew and I were friends for years before we started dating and fell in love. We grew together as friends first, and it added such a deep level to our relationship. We love each other so much, but at the end of the day what makes our relationship work so well is that we are friends, above everything else.

With Hannah, my love is a little more complicated to explain. When I was pregnant I fell in love with the idea of her. I didn't really know her yet. During labor the body releases hormones that create a deep, overwhelming love (most of the time). I did not feel that 'love hormone.' I don't know if it's due to the induction, c-section,  magnesium, or some other factor, but I didn't experience that rush of love that I've heard so many new mothers talk about. At first I felt guilty. Of course I cared for Hannah deeply, but I didn't feel in love with her yet. Was there something wrong with me? Why didn't I have this crazy love feeling I kept hearing about?! After a little googling and reading I realized that some women don't feel that powerful love right away, and that's ok! I began to really love Hannah as I got to know her, spent time with her, stared into her eyes, watched her sleep, heard her need for me. I would have walked the earth for her then because she's my daughter, but now I would walk the earth for her because I love her so much.

Even writing it all out I wonder how it sounds to other people, and wonder if I'll be criticized or misunderstood. If you feel that way, then oh well I guess because I can't [won't] justify myself to you any further, but a party of me worries how it sounds. But I like my love story. I have two people that I care for so much, that I grew to love, in my own time. My heart continues to expand with affection as our lives unfold. Each person has their own journey and love story, but this is mine.

I love you guys!!

The Cheesecake Factory

Disclaimer: This post is about why I've decided to take on a second job. Even though I don't owe anyone an explanation, I have had some questions as to why I am working another job as a new mother, and I have no problem explaining it. If you have questions beyond this, then you should probably just keep them to yourself.


A little before Christmas, Andrew and I started throwing around the idea of me taking on a part time serving job. This was my idea so we could bring in some extra money. With him already hitting over time each week and me now working from home, it seemed like the best way to make extra money. Since I now work from home, I'm with Hannah all day. This has afforded me extra time with her and I decided that working a few nights a week wouldn't take away too much from my time with her.

At 29 weeks pregnant I was diagnosed with gestational hypertension, which then turned into pre-eclampsia. Hannah was delivered via c-section at 35 weeks gestation. She spent 10 days in the NICU under the supervision of some really great doctors. Today she is a totally healthy, chunky, chubby-cheeked 5 month old. She is absolutely priceless. However, she did come with some medical bills. Despite having insurance (and yes, it was good insurance), we incurred co-pays, deductibles and high priced medical bills from twice weekly doctor visits, frequent blood draws, 3 trips to the maternity ward evaluation room, and Hannah's NICU stay. So on top of the costs of a new baby, we also racked up some lovely medical bills.

Rather than sit at home and worry about how to pay off bills, we decided that a serving job could easily make enough money to pay off the medical bills and save money for the future. And hey, what better place to serve than The Cheesecake Factory?! I already knew some people there and decided it would be my new home if they'd have me, which thankfully they did! I completed my training and am now on the floor serving glorious cheesecake and tasty food to the public. Yay!

Aside from taking the job for money, working from home and being with Hannah is fantastic, but it's a little lacking in the social interaction. I'm a people person and enjoy conversation, meeting new people and being on the go. In addition to the extra money, working for CCF has introduced me to new friends, a pretty good workout a few nights a week, and the social interaction I was desperately lacking. It's nice to get out of the house, be baby-free and work hard for a few hours then leave with some cash to show for it.

I considered going back to Outback, but after 7 years with the company it was time for a change. I make more money serving at Cheesecake than I did managing or bartending for Outback, so I'd say it was the right choice. Andrew and I work opposite schedules and play trade the baby, so we aren't really working together again, but it has given our relationship a cool bonus of being able to talk about work and really know who and what is being discussed.

I'm very happy with my new job and new coworkers, and the money coming in. Even though this post wasn't really necessary, a little clarification may be helpful. So come have some cheesecake!

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