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

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!