So many smiles

Charlotte is the smilest baby I've ever been around.  I feel like we are so blessed to have such an easy, happy baby.  These days she is trying to pull her self into a sitting position (while being held), smiles, smiles, and more smiles, she often sleeps through the night, loves her jungle playmat, oh did I mention smiling...she's sort of like Buddy the Elf smiling is probably her favorite thing to do.  She does not like being in her carseat if she is not sleeping...makes car trips oh so fun :)  She is starting to enjoy her bathtime more and more, she used to just seem indifferent about it but now she kicks around and smiles (shocking!).  She also has started recogizing other people's voice and where they are coming from, she's really in tune to her daddy's voice and loves watching Izzy.

I've been more tired than I had the past 2 months because S is dealing with back issues, praying no surgery.  I'm pretty much having to take care of Charlotte by myself since he is barely able to hold her for long periods of time.  Thankfully I have help nearby if needed just have to remember to ask.

2 months & Christmas

On 12/22/12 we not only celebrated our 5 year anniversary but Charlotte's 2 month birthday :)  how on earth is she 2 months old already?!  I cannot even begin to imagine this time next year with a 14 month old running around at Christmas...actually I cannot wait! 

We decided to take Charlotte to see Santa.  We actually had to wake her up so she wasn't overly smilely like we hoped but still as cute as ever.

Christmas started on 12/23 with celebrating with the Balke, Smith, Ostrenga families at Dude and Gigi's house.  It was a wonderful relaxing day with lots of hugs, kisses, and cuddles for Charlotte.  Santa made a special visit to our house on the night of the 23rd and we (mom, dad, Charlotte, and Izzy) opened presents on the morning of 12/24 hung out at home until we went to Great Grandma Barb and Great Buddy's house.  On 12/25 we went to Papa and Nana's house for our last Christmas celebration.  Charlotte slept through 3 of the 4 Christmases...not surprising it was a bit overwhelming  but fun. 

Charlotte you received a lot of clothes, bath toys, a piggy bank, books, and your favorite a musical light up toy for your crib...thank you Dudie and Gigi!

Bittersweet

Today is one of those days that I miss my babies.  I miss them everyday but somedays are a little bit harder than others.  So today I will hold Charlotte a little bit longer and tighter.

OH MY GOSH!

I couldn't believe it myself!  Charlotte slept through the night!  We put her down at 9:30 and she woke up just after 10, I thought we were in for another loooong night (the previous night she was up until 1:30am), she at and was back to bed by 11pm and slept til wait for it...5:50am!!!  One would think I would feel amazing and well rested that was not the case at all.  I do not sleep well at all these days I basically feel like I sleep with one eye open all night long.  Oh well it's more than worth it.

In other news I've been cleared to start working out again and jump back on the baby making band wagon j/k not quite yet :)  I did find out my midwife has left the OBGYN practice I go to, super sad about that but at least I like the other two midwives and nurse practioner.

It's amazing how quickly Charlotte has changed, she's actually smiling at us these days it makes my heart so big!  She also is very aware of things she does like if she kicks her feet it makes the hanging toys on her chair move...she loves doing this, makes her laugh.

One month and Thanksgiving

Happy One Month and Thanksgiving my beautiful girl!  You are what I'm most thankful for.  I waited for almost four years for you and could not feel more blessed to call you my daughter.  I love you more than all the stars in the sky.

Where has the time gone???

I know everyone tells you when you have kids time flys and they grow up so fast.  I knew it would happen but until I was in the moment it was hard to understand.  Here I sit at home today but four weeks ago I had just given birth to our beautiful daughter.  It's soooooo crazy how quickly time passes.  I constantly feel like I've missed out on something with her or I won't remember these days when she was so tiny.  I told myself I would write everything down but of course that hasn't happened.  SO what have we done...

First visit to Dr. Pikna on 10/26/12.  Many trips to Target (of course) your first one being on 10/28/12 with mommy and daddy.  First visit to Gigi and Dudie's house on 11/3/12.  First walk outside in the stroller on 11/4/12.  Second visit to Dr. Pikna on 11/7/12/.  Coffee/playdate with Aunt Brwynnie and Teagan and Tatum on 11/9/12.  First visit to Grandma Barb and GrandBuddy's house so daddy and Dudie could hang Christmas lights on 11/9/12.  First sleepover at Gigi and Dudie's house on 11/10/12.  First trip to Hobby Lobby with Gigi on 11/10/12, we spent 2 hours there (you slept the whole time).  Met Aunt Christina on 11/15/12.  First night at home alone with mommy while daddy went hunting on 11/16/12.  Lunch date at Noodles with Aunt Christina on 11/17/12.  First night of screaming and crying ALL night long (5 hours +) on 11/17/12.

Most days we (you, mommy, and Izzy) hang out at home.  You sleep most of the day so does Izzy and mommy trys to get work done or relax.  We try to have playtime on your jungle play mat and tummy time throughout the day but that doesn't always happen.

Letting go

Over the past week I have a sinus headache everyday up until today I thought it was from the pressure system coming from Hurricane Sandy.  I am now starting to believe it's from lack of sleep and stress.  I try really hard to sleep when Charlotte is sleeping but she's a nosy sleeper and Izzy likes to snuggle with me but barks at every little thing she hears.  I also have been letting Steve sleep during the night as much as possible since he has to go to work so I continue to get less sleep and I'm pumping after Charlotte wakes up to eat so that keeps me awake for an extra 10-15 minutes.  I think I haven't been willing to admit that I'm stressed about not pumping anymore, things not getting done around the house, having to start work again and being out of the loop with what's going on with the property, missing out on Charlotte growing up (I know she's only 13 days old).  I know I have to let go of the control of these things and trust that everything will be ok and work out as planned (not by me of course).  I feel like I'm doing a good job of not letting these things bother me but in all reality I'm not.  I need to remember one day at a time and Charlotte does not care if the house is messy, the dishes are not done, work will get done and to enjoy every minute of my little girl as I possibly can.