T minus 10 days

In just 10 short days, my little baby will be ONE! When did that happen?

She will celebrate her second Easter before her first birthday! How quirky is that?

THEN

NOW

Look what else I learned to do...

RSVPs are in. Cake ordered. Venue confirmed. Balloons ordered. Camera was just cleared to make room for all the new pictures. Wow. Just wow.

Hershey's Better Basket Blog Hop!

I LOVE Hershey's chocolate. What better gift to give and receive? OK...so this is a virtual gift. But a gift nonetheless. By giving these virtual baskets you can help raise money for the Children's Miracle Network.

HERSHEY's BETTER BASKET BLOG HOP RULES:

• Copy and paste these rules to your blog post


• Create a blog post giving a virtual Easter Basket to another blogger - you can give as many Virtual Baskets as you want.


• Link back to the person who gave you an Easter Basket


• Let each person you are giving a Virtual Easter Basket know you have given them a Basket


• Leave your link at BetterBasket.info/BlogHop comment section. You can also find the official rules of this betterbasket blog hop, and more information about Better Basket with Hershey's there.


• This started as a meme of Hershey donating $10 per each blog participating to the Better Basket Blog Hop to Children's Miracle Network up to $5000 - but after so many blogger participating, Hershey decided to donate a total of $7000 honoring the kindness of the blogger community.

So I'm leaving a Basket for:

Kimbosue

Photogrl

Jen

Rotten (private)

And YOU!

Lexi's First "Kids" Party

Lexi's cousin invited her to her 7th birthday party today...at an indoor playground. Lexi had a GREAT time, though she really couldn't partake in all the fun the jungle gyms had to offer since she can't climb them yet. Here are a few pictures from the day.

Just chillin in her highchair after the party

WHAT??!!

Sliding down the slides.

She REALLY liked the slide.

Filed

I finally filed our taxes this morning. They were done early in February, but I never got around to efiling them until this morning. We're getting a nice amount back...though not nearly what I thought we would now that Lexi is a dependent. But we made less last year...no bonuses and no overtime. We paid less in mortgage interest due to the refi we did in March...and I changed my W4 from 0 to 1. So taking that all into consideration, it makes sense. It's just disheartening when I hear people who are getting back double digits and I have to wonder how in the world they managed that.

On another note, my cell phone is "broken". I have an LG Rhythm and it SUCKS. The buttons on the front are "stuck" so they don't work. So basically, I can only use my phone for calls and nothing else. I couldn't even hit the snooze on the alarm this morning. When I took it into US Cellular last night, the guy rudely told me that I have a virus and have to get a software upgrade on it...but they can't do it there, I have to take it to a location that has a technician. So I'll be doing that this evening. What a fun way to spend my Thursday night.

Wordless Wednesday

11 months - posted one day early.

Dear Alexis,

You are 11 months old today.  11 months!  I know I say this every month, but where has the time gone?  You're growing up before my eyes and seem to learn something new almost everyday!

Gone are the days of being able to put you in your swing and let you "hang out" while mommy cooks dinner, or uses the potty.  You want to be part of everything we do, and rightly so.  You are an important part of this family.

You are so close to walking.  SO CLOSE!  You will walk along with us, holding just one finger on one of our hands, while your other hand waves proudly at anyone you see.  You are left foot dominant when you walk...stepping forward with your left foot, then bringing up your right.  For that reason, Auntie calls you "Peg Leg".  LOL.

This next month is going to be so fun.  Not only is it a countdown to your first birthday, but you also have some fun things going on. 

You got a spot in swim class again, that starts this Saturday and goes for 8 weeks.  You love the class, and you love being in the water.  We're so happy about that, since Daddy and I love swimming as well. 

On the 20th, you will attend your first ever kids birthday party.  Your cousins, Emily and Sam, invited you!  Such fun!  Emily turns 7 this month, and Sam will be 4, guess when?  That's right!  You and Sam share a birthday! 

On the 27th, you are having breakfast with someone VERY special.  Can you guess who it is?  It's the Easter Bunny!  Mommy and Daddy will take you to the Bird Haven so that we can all have breakfast with this special "friend".  I can't wait.  I hope you are excited and not frightened.  It's hard to believe you will celebrate your second Easter before your first birthday!

I can never tell you enough how much I love you, Peanut.  You make me smile each and every time I see you.  I love how you flap your arms like a bird when you see me, your way of telling me to pick you up.  I love how your face lights up when you look my way.  I love that you started giving kisses, even if they are open mouthed!  I love how you pull on your hair when you're tired.  Or how you rub your whole face, just like mommy does when she's tired.  I love how you snuggle into the corner of your crib, with your head right against the bumper pad, almost as if you're trying to burrow into it.  I love walking into your room, and seeing you standing in your crib, waiting to be picked up.  I love how you love to love on your Tigger.

This blog, this online journal, was started as a means to vent my feelings about our trouble conceiving a baby.  It morphed into a pregnancy journal, and now into a journal of sorts for you, Lexi, my darling daughter.  If I should be gone tomorrow, I can only hope that you can read these words when you're older, and say with 100% certainty, Yes, My mom...she loved me.

I love you Peanut.

Love,

Mommy

Got it

We picked up the playground for Lexi last night!  Woo Hoo!  She's going to LOVE it...well, she will as soon as all the snow melts, we pick up the 500 lbs of dog poop that's in the yard, and we set it up.  For now, it resides in the garage.

After we picked up the set, we went out to dinner.  We were in the neighborhood of a restaurant that I really like...so we went.  Had good food and great conversation.  It was a wonderful impromptu date with the hubs.  We need to do it more often.

Excited

I'm so excited.  And you're going to think I'm nutso when I tell you why.  I believe we are getting Lexi an 8-in-1 climber/playground.

I say "believe" because I'm still waiting on confirmation from the seller that we can pick it up tonight.  I found this on craigs.list for $225.  These things are $500 in the stores!  We've been looking for one for Lexi's birthday and had seen some others being sold on the list but they were already sold.  Keep your fingers crossed that we can get this one!

These are a few of my favorite things...

I've been meaning to do a post about my favorite things that I use daily for Lexi...as in meaning to do it for the last 6 months.  I have a small list of things that I liked and disliked over the last 10.5 months.  So I guess I'll start at the beginning with 2 products.  One that I wanted to love, but didn't love me; and the other that we still use every single day.

When Lexi first came home from the hospital, I had planned on breastfeeding exclusively.  Well, that tanked because she came so early, but we still gave breastfeeding the ole college try.  In preparation for the hours I would spend with her attached to my breast, we purchased a My Breast Friend nursing pillow:

Now, I've not been shy about saying I'm a plus sized momma...while I really thought the concept of this pillow is awesome (allowing mom to move around while baby is nursing, providing almost "hands free" nursing etc), it didn't fit me.  Literally.  I could not get the pillow to comfortably fit around me without feeling like I had a too small ring around my waist.  I tried adjusting it and just couldn't get a comfortable fit.  I was very disappointed to not be able to use it.  I found a regular old pillow from our bed worked to support her, but didn't give me the freedom to really move around. 

Since breastfeeding didn't really work out for me, bottles were, are still are, important to me.  We originally thought we wanted glass bottles...but found that they were heavy to hold, especially at 3am when we were nodding off while feeding her.  Lexi also had issues with reflux, so we didn't want her swallowing more air than she needed to be.  We tried numerous bottles, from Dr Brown's to Avent before finally settling on the Platex Ventaire. 

I loved the curved design of the bottle as well as the venting system, which helps prevent air from mixing in with the milk.  We could actually hear the air escaping from the bottom of the bottle as she drank.  I also liked that they are super easy to clean, and that they are easy to assemble.  I had a problem figuring out the Dr Browns, but these were a snap.  The downfall?  The markings on the outside of the bottles (for the ozs) faded over time with each washing.  We had to take a permanent marker and mark the outside so we would know where the oz markings were.  Now that Lexi is older, she has a very easy time holding these as well.

I have some more favorite things...but I have to save them for another post.  I actually should do some work now!

I should state that I am putting this information out there because it might be useful to someone, NOT because the manufacturer sent me anything or asked me to.

Temper, temper

DH and I got our first look at Lexi's temper this past weekend.  Let me preface this by saying that Lexi is a good natured kid.  She doesn't cry or fuss often and when she does, it's usually because something is wrong, ie...she doesn't feel good, is overtired etc.  Well, the overtiredness played a small role in her display of her temper yesterday.  She had her morning nap...about 2 hours...waking at about 11:15am.  DH and I went to a friend's house to watch the USA v. Canada gold metal hockey game after she got up.  Well, she wouldn't nap at our friend's house.  There was too much going on and being in a strange place, she just didn't want to sleep.  But still, she was good natured.  Only slightly fussy.  We left around 4pm and Lexi was in her crib asleep by 4:15.  She slept until 5:30.  I thought that would have been enough of a nap...apparently, it wasn't. 

DH gives Lexi our remote control to play with on occassion...after removing the batteries.  Well, yesterday, she took it off the table to play with it.  DH took it away from her to remove the batteries...and that's when we got a glimpse of the temper.  Lexi proceeded to flop down on her butt from a kneeling position and started kicking her legs and "yelling".  I won't say crying, because there were no tears.  This was more of a scream/yell.  She did this until DH gave her the remote back.  Then all was peaceful.

I thought about telling DH that he shouldn't have given her the remote at that point, since it was rewarding her behavior, but I think he was as shocked as I was that she did what she did, that he didn't even think about it. 

I hope this doesn't become a regular thing for her.  She's never minded when we've taken something away from her...she usually moves on to something else. 

Any suggestions out there for how to handle this should it occur again?  Who am I kidding, I know it will happen again, it's just a matter of when?!

It's over :(

Lexi had her last swim class today...we were the only ones to show up!  Really?  Do people have that kind of expendable cash that they can pay for a class and not come?  Seriously, Lexi was the only one that was there EVERY week!

She didn't "pass" the class though to go on to Water Babies II...but her teacher, Angela, said that it was only because of her age.  Water Babies II starts them swimming away from their parents...and Lexi is in that "clingy" stage and doesn't want to be away from me.  But Angela said she'd be happy to have Lexi in her class again next session...well, when I tried to sign her up, they said the class was full!  Angela said she can take up to 10 kids, but the system was set at 5.  So we're on a wait list.  I can't tell you how bummed I am about it.  I didn't realize how much I look forward to spending that time with her, just us, until it was over.  I know we'll still have our Saturday mornings together...but it's amazing how much that swim class meant to me.

Oh well, let's hope someone cancels.

Last class

Lexi's last swim class is tomorrow morning.  I'm thinking of signing her up for another session...but I have to talk to her teacher and see if she should repeat the same class (Water Babies I) or take the next one (Water Babies II).  I want to know what the next class does different than this one.  I'm happy to repeat the same class, just to give her more exposure in the water...though DH and I were thinking of just taking her during the pool's open swim time.  I hesitate a little though because there is no structure then.  It's open to everyone and I'm afraid kids will be rough housing and splashing and will scare the beejesus out of her.  During class, it's her class and a few others, but they are structured.  No roughhousing.  Something to think about.

UGH

Conversation just overheard in my workplace:

Girl #1 ....yea, I'm actually expecting too

Girl #2 (presently 9 months along) Wow congratulations!  When are you due?

Girl #1  October.  We tried for a really long time and were actually supposed to start IVF in March, but it just happened on it's own!


OMG!  I think I just threw up in my mouth.  What is she...like 8 weeks along?  Makes me ill.

I was thinking about something the other day and a recent post by a fellow blogger really got me thinking about it. 

I've been blogging for 2 1/2 years. Which means I've been reading some blogs for AT LEAST that amount of time.  It blows my mind that I've been "following" the lives of people for that long.  People that I've never met face to face...yet care for as much as I would care for any of my IRL friends. 

There are numerous first birthdays coming up...and some just recently past.  And to think, that I "knew" these women before their babies were ever conceived really makes me think about how quickly time passes.  And now that Lexi is here, and herself almost a year old, I've ever cognizant about just how fast the time goes. 

She's no longer the helpless little baby that we brought home from the hospital.  She's developing a personality all her own and gaining more and more independence every day.  She is growing up before my eyes...and I'm both sad and happy about that.  Sad to see the "baby" year go, and happy that she's here to begin with.

************************************

On another note, Lexi broke my heart last night.  She was crying because we had woken her up from her nap (it was almost 7pm and she needed to be up so that she'd go to bed "on time") and reached for my mom while I was holding her.  I knew the time would come that she would seek comfort from my mom, her primary caregiver while we are working, but I wasn't prepared for the emotion that came with seeing that gesture.  I wanted to cry myself.  It cut to my core.  And while I know she doesn't mean to hurt my feelings, and that it's a normal thing, it was still the worst feeling.  My mom, seeing the situation, thankfully, left the room and I was able to comfort Lexi and she stopped crying.  We then enjoyed an extended bath and some extra cuddle time before bed.  She may not have needed it, but I did.  And I'm glad I was able to get my "Lexi fix".

Oh, and to answer Kimbosue's question...Lexi currently has 6 teeth completely in, and 2 more that just cut through.  She has 4 fully on top and 2 on the bottom...and 2 more on the bottom just cut through.  Yes, she has a mouthful of teeth!

Misc Photos

Lexi on Valentine's Day

A beautiful girl.

It had been awhile since we took pics with her bunny...this was on the 10th...her 10 month birthday. I like how she's looking at the bunny, almost as if to say "Hey, I haven't seen you in awhile!"

Love this picture.

But I love this one more.

Gimme the camera MOM!

I'm going to eat it!

Being silly

Cuteness

A Newborn's Conversation with God

Someone sent this to me today...and while I'm not a deeply religious person...this still resonated with me and made me well up with tears. Enjoy.

A baby asked God, "They tell me you are sending me to earth tomorrow, but how am I going to live there being so small and helpless?"

God said, "Your angel will be waiting for you and will take care of you."

The child further inquired, "But tell me, here in heaven I don't have to do anything but sing and smile to be happy.."

God said, "Your angel will sing for you and will also smile for you. And you will feel your angel's love and be very happy."

Again the small child asked, "And how am I going to be able to understand when people talk to me if I don't know the language?"

God said, "Your angel will tell you the most beautiful and sweet words you will ever hear, and with much patience and care, your angel will teach you how to speak." "

And what am I going to do when I want to talk to you?"

God said, "Your angel will place your hands together and will teach you how to pray."

"Who will protect me?"

God said, "Your angel will defend you even if it means risking its life."

"But I will always be sad because I will not see you anymore."

God said, "Your angel will always talk to you about Me and will teach you the way to come back to Me, even though I will always be next to you."

At that moment there was much peace in Heaven, but voices from Earth could be heard and the child hurriedly asked, "God, if I am to leave now, please tell me my angel's name."

God said, "You will simply call her, Mom ."

Been sick

Sorry I haven't posted...I've been sick for the last few days. Stomach issues, sore throat...you name it, I've got it. Today is the only day I made it in to work...and I only worked a half day from home yesterday before I passed out in bed.

So that's the story...hope to be back full swing next week.

Did she say what I think she did?

So last night, after her bath, I was getting Lexi ready for bed. We have a little "ritual" after her bath where I give her the diaper to hold while I put her onesie over her head and we "talk". So I'm saying "mom mom mom mom" over and over and it sounds like "mumumumumumum"...all of a sudden Lexi looked me dead in the eye and said "mum". So I said "mom" and she said "mum" back and forth. Part of me thinks she was just imitating me, but part of me thinks that she actually said "mom" and knew what she was saying. It warmed my heart to hear it.

She then proceeded to throw up her entire bottle all over me. Seriously, it was in my hair, down my front, down my back...everywhere. Gross. So as my hubby cleaned the carpet, and my mom cleaned up Lexi...I took a shower, all while I had the warm fuzzies from hearing my daughter say "mum"...whether she meant it or not.

10 months

Dear Alexis,

It's been 10 months since your birth.
10 months since you entered this world with the most amazing cry.
10 months since I held you in my arms for the very first time.
10 months since I cried hot happy tears of joy.

It seems like a lifetime ago. I can't remember what life was like before you came to us. Nor do I want to. You are my sunshine. My only sunshine. You make me happy, when sky's are grey. You'll never know, dear, how much I love you. We sing that song everynight just before you go to sleep. Mommy couldn't bear to sing the ABCs anymore, and this little diddy is so spot on.

You've mastered crawling this past month and are pulling up on everything and everyone. We've "taught" you how to get down safely off the couch (feet first) and you love climbing down and then raising your arms to get back up.

You're doing really well in swim class, I'm so proud of you. You don't cry in the water like some of the other babies and will willingly float on your back...something your teacher says most babies your age don't like to do.

Table foods remain a challenge...I think more for mommy than you. I'm so afraid you will choke on something that I don't offer you anything bigger than your windpipe...though I know I need to so that you learn to bite off small pieces. I know grandma works with you on that. I hope I won't become an overprotective momma...I want you to be able to explore and experience things for yourself...but I also want you safe. Daddy and I worked too hard to bring you into this world to see you harm yourself. I know bumps and bruises will happen, but if I can keep you safe, while still giving you your freedom, then that's the goal.

Your first birthday party is booked. It's so hard to comprehend that I only have one more "month" letter to write to you before you are a year. Where did the time go? I love you more than words can ever express.

Love,

Mommy

Birthdays and Shoes

Lexi got her first pair of walkers yesterday. She's been wearing baby Chucks, but those don't have any real support and they were more for keeping her feet warm and looks than anything. But her auntie had taken her to get sized and fitted for shoes about a week ago, and they came in yesterday...

Very cute I think. Much nicer than the baby walkers I remember. Anyway, she LOVES her new shoes and will lift her pant leg up to show them to you. I'm thinking 4 more weeks and she'll be running around the house.

We've also booked Lexi's first birthday party. We're having it at a local restaurant to avoid having to clean the house before and after...and really, I don't have room for 30+ people IN my house. Every party we've hosted has been held in the backyard under tents...but April is just too unpredictable to have it outside. So restaurant it is. Plus, then, I don't have to worry about cooking...now I just need to order her cake!