Hadley Rose {FIVE Months Old}

Our sweet Hadley Rose is FIVE months old!
(5.18.2013)

This month has been a bit more of a challenge with miss "Sass A Frass". It's honestly not really even fair to say that because she still is such a good little girl! Happy, easy going, go with the flow kind of lady. We have just had a few issues that I will elaborate on in a bit. 

This face makes me laugh because it so perfectly sums up this month.

"What mom? You know I'm cute. You can't be mad at me!" 

Miss H has found a few new friends. It's a good thing they go everywhere with her because she loves those tootsies! 

She has also mastered the skill of being a roly poly and she's fast! She can roll both from back to belly and belly to back. The playmat is about to be retired because you put her down and she rolls right off! 

She still loves watching her big brother. Meyer was "helping" me with this month's photo shoot, which made things a bit more difficult. Her eyes follow him everywhere! 

She no doubt thinks he's the funniest thing EVER! 

Little miss has officially found her voice and it usually comes out "screaming banshee" style!

Ok...let's discuss the issue at hand. 

Sleeping

As of about two weeks ago, our champion sleeper has tarnished her perfect sleeping record. She has been very consistently sleeping through the night since 5 weeks. No more my friends...no more. She now is up at least once every night and if she's not up in the middle of the night, her waking time is about 4:45 am....for the day! I'm still trying to figure out what's up with her. She's not hungry...just awake. Sometimes she doesn't even open her eyes...just lays there and fusses with the paci in her mouth. It almost makes her more mad to pick her up. We usually just go up and make sure she has her paci and then let her fuss it out until she falls back asleep. Problem is, this could be 2 hours sometimes. Feeding her doesn't make a difference, she still won't go back to sleep right away. I'm out of ideas. She was sick for a few days but this has continued so I can't really blame it on that. She has definitely started drooling and chewing more and I guess it could be teething, but I don't feel anything yet and her gums don't look like teething gums. I'm lost...and tired. We are totally not used to this up all night behavior. Help me Rhonda! 

Her napping is still very inconsistent too. She will only nap for about 20-30 minute increments in the morning and then takes a longer nap in the afternoon. She's still sleeping downstairs on the couch, in my bed or in her carseat. She wakes up occasionally and if I'm not right there, the nap is ruined. Again...so not used to this sleeping pattern. I want so badly to get her napping in her crib but it's not worth it if she is only going to sleep for 30 minutes. She will nap for 3 hours downstairs so I hate to mess with it. I so hope to have a better sleeping update by next month because it's wearing this momma...OUT! 

The Car

Issue #2 continues to be the car. I have never in my life seen or heard a child so upset every.single.time.  riding in a car. It's awful. I feel so bad going anywhere because it upsets her so much...real tears people! I realize we can't just stay home all the time but what can I do?!?! I hope every month to be able to give you an improvement update on this matter...no such luck. 

It's a good thing she is cute! 

Eating

Hadley continues to be exclusively breastfed and still struggles with the bottle. Although she did go one whole day without me and took the bottle fine for daddy all day. It's really hit or miss which makes it SO hard to ever leave her with anyone. She is nursing every 3-4 hours (definitely more like 3 most of the time) and will occasionally "snack" around 2 hours depending on our schedule. I usually try and make sure she is fed right before we are going to leave for an extended period or right before her big nap and bed. We have not started any solids yet. I have decided to probably wait until 6 months with her. She really doesn't seem ready quite yet. 

Our little peanut is weighing in at 13.5 lbs at 5 months old. She is wearing mostly 3-6 months and 6 months. It's all a little big but 3 month stuff is a little small. It all varies by brand anyways so who knows!

We just used our last size 1 diaper a few days ago, so she has graduated to size 2. 

Lots of people have been saying how much H looks like her momma lately. Still looking very different from brother though!

Happy 5 Months beautiful girl!

Mommy & Daddy LOVE YOU SO MUCH!!!

{Mother's Day}

Mother's Day. A day I feel extraordinarily blessed... Blessed to be a mother. Blessed to have a mother. Blessed to know so many amazing mothers. When I think about Mother's Day, these are the faces that immediately come to mind.

My mother and grandmothers. The women who taught me...how to be a mother.  Each one of them taught me different but equally important things.  Grandma taught me how to love babies. How to love every inch of those sweet little things. To this day, just the smell of a baby makes her the happiest woman in the world.  Grandmother taught me how to be a lady. A strong lady with a strong opinion. She taught me how to take care of myself and feel beautiful. To this day, I'm amazed by her beauty.  Mom taught me everything. We are as different as night and day, but so similar at the same time. She has been by biggest fan since day one. Not a single day goes by that I don't thank God for my mom and the lessons she has taught me...and continues to teach me. I'm the person I am today because of these women. Mother's Day has taken on a whole new meaning since becoming a mother myself. One has no idea about a mother's love until they become one. It's a powerful thing. The love I have for my children is unlike any other. Unconditional...deep to the core...heart melting love. These two and their father have my whole heart...every inch of it. 

I have dreamt about being a mother for as long as I can remember. I'm living that dream. When I look at my babies, I sometimes feel like pinching myself. Are these perfect little people really mine?  Mother's Day also makes me think about all of the other women who have influenced my life. My mother in law...a perfect fit for me. She has always treated me like a daughter...from very early on. This is a relationship I will always cherish. My aunts and few close family friends have also had motherly influences. I feel so blessed to have so many women on my side. I now think about my friends on Mother's Day. They are almost all mothers now and it's amazing to see them in this light.  I think about how badly I wanted to be a mother, which makes me think of all of the women out there longing for motherhood. I pray for them because it's not easy, but absolutely worth the wait.  So happy Mother's Day...to all moms, moms-to-be and all waiting on the blessing of motherhood.  Being a mom...it's an amazing thing.

Friday Letters

Dear Stupid Virus, leave my kids alone! NOW...or else.

We went from this...

To this...

In a matter of minutes. 

Bathed and ready for bed...and BAM...vomit. 

Dear Jillian Michaels, I appreciate your 20 minute workouts. They don't require me to get up extra early and I can occasionally squeeze one in during Hadley's 20 minute morning power nap.

Speaking of Hadley...Dear daughter, Why are you all of a sudden waking up in the middle of the night? It's not party time at 3am nor is it acceptable to wake up in the 5 o'clock hour and not go back to sleep. Get it together sister. Also, why must you hate the car with such passion? We seriously never drive anywhere further than 5 minutes away. Again...get it together sister. It's a good thing you're stinking CUTE!

Dear Hair, while I feel like pulling you out sometimes due to the above "situations", I do not appreciate this post pregnancy shedding. I am not an animal and I'm tired of picking up mounds of hair every 30 seconds.

Dear Mirena, I hate you already. We may be breaking up soon.

Dear Allergies, what is happening? We were doing so great. Now all of sudden you are causing me to use my inhaler several times a day...not cool. I'm trying not to take any medication due to the risk of decreased milk supply. Off to the allergy doc on Monday.

Dear Cat, I think you are the culprit of these allergy flair ups. I'm not your biggest fan to begin with, but this is really causing a strain in our relationship. Shape up or ship out.

Dear Meyer and Hadley, you two have been exceptionally great about your afternoon naps lately and for this, I thank you. By 1:00 I'm so ready for the nice long 3 hour break you have been giving me consistently...day after day! Please don't stop this...ever.

Dear Husband, I love you. You are such a wonderful man. Thank you for taking over with the kids in the evenings so I can get a few things done (or go get a pedicure). You have no idea how helpful you are. It amazes me that after a full day of work, you selflessly take both kiddos with no complaints.

Have a great weekend! 

Learning...to let things go...

{Learning} is the key word here. 

Lately, I've been feeling overwhelmed...with life. There are SO many things I want (another key word) to be doing...

{1} I want to get back to blogging on a more regular basis.
Blogging has definitely been put on the back burner. I usually don't blog during nap time because I'm busy doing other things around the house. Then there is the guilt about sitting at my computer in the evenings after the kids go to bed...when I should be spending time with Andy. I will absolutely NOT blog when my kids are awake.

{2} I want to organize my life...my home...every single inch of it.
One thing leads to another. I have the intention of organizing my house one room at a time. Well I start organizing one room and it leads me to another...then I start on a project in that room...and the cycle continues. Guess how many rooms I have done? ZERO. 

{3} I want to get into a regular workout routine that I can stick with.

We were doing awesome getting up early to get our workout done. What happened? Well...sleep...and our kids. I'm not blaming this on them, but it's seriously what has been happening. On the days we do get out of bed and get all ready to workout...it never fails, one child starts to peep! 

{4} I want to start meal planning and cooking more...and healthier options.
This is a big problem. I'm not crazy about being in the kitchen and am even less crazy about going grocery shopping (especially with 2 kiddos). I wish I loved it more. I lack motivation for things I don't love. Simple as that. 

{5} I want to spend more one and one time with Meyer....teaching...playing...crafting.
This one makes me sad. I want desperately to have more time with my boy. He spends alone time with his grandmas and his daddy but I rarely get quality time with just him. It's difficult when I have a another little one that needs my attention just as much, if not more than he does. I feel like I'm constantly abandoning him because "I'm sorry buddy but I have to feed your sister" or "Just a minute Meyer, sissy is crying." They nap at the same time, which is great for me, but another missed opportunity to hang with my little guy!

{6} I want to initiate a date night every single week to spend more time with Andy.
Oh the guilt. I have a serious problem when it comes to asking people to watch my kids. I know we need it as a couple, but the grandmas help out so much during the week when I have meetings or appointments. They also have designated times that they spend with Meyer each week. I feel like that's enough...they don't need another commitment to watching our kids every week! 

{7} I want to work, but I want to stay home. (What?)
I honestly miss work. I miss the adult interaction. I miss being a nurse. I miss working with those sweet babes and their families. I'm so torn on this one. I would love to work part time in a doctor's office and still spend the majority of my time home with the kids, but these jobs don't come available too often...especially when I'm pretty picky about where I want to work. We would also have the issue with childcare. This topic is a post in itself. 

I want, I want, I want...I'm starting to sound like spoiled child...I know! I'm beginning to realize that what I NEED is to stop....to focus on more important things, like being in the moment with my kids. Being present...playing...laughing...soaking in every single second. 

"They" say it goes by in the blink of an eye...and you better believe it that it really does! So I'm learning...learning to let things go...

Go away "things"...I'M BUSY!

Snuggling...

...and giving airplane rides!

Because my kids don't care...

If I blog everyday

or

If the house is perfectly in order

or

If mommy hasn't lost all the baby weight

or

If they eat mac and cheese every night

or

If we don't have "school" time each day

or

If mommy and daddy go on a date each week

or

If mommy gets adult interaction 

So why should I? If my kids are happy...then I'm happy too!

God Bless Hadley Rose...

Hadley received her first Sacrament a couple of Sundays ago. She was welcomed into the church with her Baptism. It was a beautiful day for a Baptism! 

We were honored to have my older brother Oliver and his wife Kristen as her Godparents.  

H was the perfect little lady even with Mass before the Baptism. She took a nice little nap in her carseat and was ready for her big moment. She didn't as much as bat an eye when Fr. Bernie poured the water over her. 

She was very attentive during the entire thing and didn't take her eyes off of the priest. Fr. Bernie married us and baptized Meyer, so we were so happy he was able to do the same for Hadley. 

It was a wonderful ceremony that we celebrated with our extended family and a few close friends. 

We had a little brunch and cake at our house afterwards. 

The cake turned out SO great and was delicious too!

Piece of Cake
Flavor: Chocolate Chip

Our little angel was all smiles on her big day. Soaking in all the attention she could!

We decided with Meyer that we would buy our children their own christening gowns to be passed down from here. We have the same hopes for our cradle. Traditions have to begin somewhere! So I splurged a bit (ok a lot) on her gown in anticipation of it getting lots and lots of wear over the next 100 years. I wasn't sure what it would be like because I ordered online, but when it arrived I was blown away! Absolutely LOVED it. 

Our little lady had recently discovered her tongue and it was out in full force for the big day! I'm surprised it wasn't captured more in the actual ceremony pictures because I'm not exaggerating...it was like this....

...all day! 

It was the perfect day for our sweet girl! 

Thank you to everyone who was able to attend. It means so much to have had so many friends and family surrounding Hadley on her special day! 

God Bless you Hadley Rose! 

Hadley Rose {FOUR Months Old}

Yes I'm ALREADY back again...another month flew right by me! 

Our sweet Hadley Rose is FOUR months old!
(4.18.2013)

Every single month I attempt to take these pictures during the day when daddy isn't home...and every single month we have to retake them when he is so H will smile! She will smile at mommy too but it magically vanishes when I have the camera out.

Hadley still remains a wonderful baby, but she is definitely starting to make her opinions known a little more! If you give her what she wants then she's a dream. Hungry...feed her. Tired...give her paci and blankie. Bored...move her to next "station". Really bored...carry her around forward facing or put her in the bjorn. She has earned a new nickname..."Nosy Rosey" because she has to know what's going on at all times. Try holding her like and baby and she flips!

She has no doubt found her tongue this month!

She loves watching her brother. If he's within her sight, she's a happy girl! We tried out the Bumbo seat this month and it's a new favorite...IF brother is visible!

Speaking of sitting...she wants to...SO bad! This is constant. She's going to have abs of steel at this rate.

Sleep
All night...every night!
7:30 pm - 6:00 or 6:30 am
Occasionally needing a paci between 4 and 5 am (Daddy's really good at this job).
Still swaddled because she has yet to make an attempt to roll over (ok maybe once to her side but nothing consistent). I'm scared for the day she does because this means no more swaddle which may mean no more sleeping. Let's talk naps...nothing as consistent as I would like, but I'm hoping it works itself out soon. Right now she is still taking lots of cat naps. First nap around 8-8:30 for an average of 45 minutes...another short nap around lunchtime maybe 20-30 minutes....and then a LONG afternoon nap usually about 2.5-3 hours. She usually sneaks in another cat nap in the evening for a few minutes right before bedtime.

Little miss is a bit spoiled when it comes to napping. I've gotten into a bad habit of letting her nap downstairs on the couch or in our bed. It's the only way she will take those long naps. It's working out because I can get stuff done while still being close by if she starts to stir to give her a paci before she wakes her self completely. This also allows her to sleep on her side which she seems to LOVE (just like her momma). The spot on the couch she loves just happens to be the same spot I sat during my months of bed rest.
R.O.T.T.E.N.

Eating
Exclusively breastfed and eats every 3-4 hours during the day. Little miss is taking this exclusively breastfed thing a little to literally. She doesn't  understand that what I mean is...you only eat breastmilk. It CAN be from a bottle. At the current time she is still refusing a bottle...sometimes. It's so strange...she  will occasionally take it without a problem (usually first feeding) but she ALWAYS refuses it the last feeding before bed. My parents had to bring her downtown the other night after Andy's 30th birthday party so I could feed her since she was spending the night. Seriously sis? Get it together! I'm leaving her all day this weekend to go shopping so we shall see what she does. Pray for daddy!

Let's talk about sister's likes/dislikes...she's very opinionated on certain topics.

Dislikes extensively long photo sessions...

LOVES her bath!

LOVES her new car seat toy!
(as long as we are still inside the house and not moving)

But HATES (pure hatred) riding in the car (unless she is sleeping)...screams...carries on like someone is chopping off her limbs. Refuses a paci. Nothing will soothe her. So if you see me driving and hear my radio from the outside of the car (you can also peek in and see Meyer with his headphones turned up to the loudest volume) you will understand why!

When she's not screaming in the car, little miss H is a very quiet little girl! I have people tell me that all the time. They just can't believe how quiet she is. She does "talk" when she's playing or when someone is talking to her, but overall she is silent...just taking it all in. Very opposite from her brother!

 We had the big 4 month checkup and immunizations today...

Despite these chunky thighs...

Our girl is still pretty teeny...

4 Month Stats

12lbs. 13oz (17th percentile)

25 inches (75th percentile)

Long skinny little thing!

Size 1 Diapers

She's mostly still in 3 month clothing. We have gotten out the 6 month jammies because poor girl couldn't straighten her legs in the others. I've also washed the 3-6 month spring/summer stuff because we have had some glorious days around here. She's still swimming in that stuff but I know she'll grow into it in no time! 

Here are a few of my favorite instagrams from month 4...

...and of course the brother/sister comparison! 

Happy 4 Months baby girl!
Mommy & Daddy LOVE you!