Stomach Flu, You're A Jerk Face.

Oh, there's nothing like a lot of barf to make life interesting while on vacation.

My Babe's parents graciously rented this AMAZING home, 7 Star Ranch, in Wimberley for a few days for us to be together as a family. All summer long I've been looking forward to meeting my new baby niece, spending time with the grandparents, relaxing by the river, and working on making this pale skin semi-tan without becoming fried chicken.

Unfortunately, the stomach flu had different ideas for a fun vacation. My Babe, Kallie, my mom, my sis-in-law, and I all had the pleasure of spending lots of time lovin' on the toilet and sleeping in the bed. We're finally on the mend, but a little bummed about missing out on some of the fun. However, we did get to enjoy the river and pool a little bit prior to the sick festivities, and certainly had fun just being together. In sickness and in health.


Snuggling with Kallie's cousin.


I need me one of these here swangs.


Float you cheap thing.


There's nothing like a grandpa.


One good looking daddy and one good looking baby girl.


Ready at a moment's notice: Lifeguard Grandma C & Lifeguard GiGi

My Strongest Weakness.

This, my friends, is the ultimate challenge for me. My paper towel holder is empty and has been for five days. Five! Days! Five, I say! I guarantee you it is wondering what the heck is up. My OCD shows itself something fierce when it comes to germs, cooking, cross-contamination, and clean countertops. I use paper towels like mad while cooking, eating, washing my hands (a BUNCH), breathing, etc. Considering we are a relatively environmentally friendly and conservation-wise household, this poses a little bit of hypocrisy now doesn't it? Never fear. I'm going to lick this bad habit and maybe even my fingers too. I bought cloth napkins and fully intend to strictly use dish towels for cleaning the countertops and drying my hands. {Insert deep breath here.} Ready. Set. Go.

Sooo Big!

Soak Him All Up.

My Babe is the hardest working person I know. He currently works 3 jobs and never complains, despite the fact that he only gets a few hours of sleep at the fire station and that his other jobs take time away from his family at night and sometimes weekends. So, when he is home we soak in every bit of him that we can. Thank you, Babe, for everything you do for us. You are an amazing inspiration to me.

And So It Begins.

I picked up the key to my classroom today. I did not enter the classroom because that would just be way too ambitious, now wouldn't it? This time of year is something that I dread. Getting back into the swing of school after being off for so long is no easy task, and this year will most likely be one of the most difficult starts yet. I am more than ecstatic that My Babe and my mom will be the caretakers for Kallie while I am off teaching young minds about the alphabet, but in my heart of hearts I'd much rather be at home. I've prepared myself for this moment of continuous work for years now, but I still can't find it in my body to be completely okay with it. I want desperately to be okay with it, because quite frankly, there is nothing I can do about it right now. Someday we will be in a better financial position to rethink this working thing, or at least to find something that will give me a little more flexibility. But, the reality of today is that school will start and I will be there for it. I must begin setting up my classroom already. It's gone so fast and I feel her little babyhood already slipping away. I'm so happy to have had the summer to spend all day long with this



and this



and this.

Simplify.

I've cleaned out most of the cabinets and closets in an effort to simplify. However, I never seem to get there. There's always something to accomplish after the little one hits the crib. I need to eliminate things from my To Do list. I need to try not to run so many errands. Are they really all necessary? I need to prepare ahead of time for meals so I'm not spending so much time cooking or giving in and going out to eat. I need to be okay with not taking so much stuff everywhere with me. I need to limit my time on the internet. I need to simplify.

Do Nothing Monday.

Last night we joined the rest of Austin in seeing "Beauty and the Beast" at the Zilker Hillside Theatre. We met up with CT from the fire station and had a yummy picnic while enjoying the play.

Summer tends to be our busy time of the year. I thought having a baby this summer would slow us down but it hasn't. So, it's nice to relax a bit. Today was a day for lounging in bed until noon, leaving the blinds closed, skipping the shower, catching up on TiVo, tummy time, letting the clothes stay unfolded a little while longer, reading books, lots of smiles, making homemade pizzas for lunch, fish tacos and raspberry tea for supper, and spending time outside on a blanket with GiGi. My goal this week is to have more days like this!

Clueless.

My Babe's parents surprised us with a new camera that is WAY awesome and over my head...for the moment at least. I am determined to learn the ins and outs of an SLR and I can't wait to overcome my clueless status when it comes to photography. Thank you Grandpa and GC!

Tonight we ventured to Rebulic Square Park downtown for a movie on a giant blowup screen. Kallie hung out in her carseat while we enjoyed greasy hamburgers from Hut's. And, appropriately, the movie we watched was "Clueless."

Tiny Feet.

Cute and cuddly...just put her in her giraffes and she's out for 8-10 hours, sometimes more. I don't think we'll ever get this lucky again.

We Big Puffy Heart Outdoor Concerts.

One of our favorite restaurants, Shady Grove, has live music each Thursday during the spring and summer months. We enjoyed a relaxing evening on the blanket focusing on some much needed tummy time and lots of toys.







We had a great time and thought a lot about baby girl, MAC, that just entered the world today. Happy Birthday little one - we can't wait to meet you!

Not Exactly What I Planned

Yesterday was spectacular. After 8 power-packed hours of sleep, I arose with the sun promptly at 6:00am. I happily swung my feet to the ground and stretched to welcome in the day. A faint aroma of coffee tickled my nose and I realized the nanny must have gotten up early.

I reached for my Bible and bounced down the stairs to continue my Bible study homework for two weeks from now. While on my way out to the covered deck in the backyard, I waved to the nanny who was busily preparing a breakfast packed with my daily requirement of protein and fiber.

After completing three days worth of homework, I moseyed back into the house and heard a faint giggle coming from the handset of the baby monitor. I entered Kallie's room and was greeted with a big smile as I plucked her from her crib. Being that it was 8am and she had slept for 10 hours, I quickly changed her diaper and clothes as she was most certainly starving. I nursed her for 45 quick minutes and we headed down to join My Babe for breakfast.

Feeling satisfied, we changed for our morning jog and placed a smiling Kallie into her jogging stroller. Deciding to take it easy, we ran a few 8 minute miles and ended at the neighborhood pool to cool down with a few laps. Kallie's nap was quickly approaching, so we ran race pace back to the house for a quick session of tummy time. After the daily 20 minute requirement, tummy time ended pleasantly and our next nursing session was successful.

By this time it was 10:45am and time for Kallie's nap. With a kiss on the forehead, she smiled and closed her eyes, already in REM sleep. My Babe got ready for his shift at the firestation while I did a little yoga to clear my mind from the busy morning and prepare for our daily trip to the library. Just as he was walking out the door admiring the rainbow majestically spanning in the east, the station called and gave him the shift off as they didn't anticipate any medical or fire calls within the next 24 hours. While Kallie was napping for three solid hours, I was able to take a nap, return emails, organize closets, soak in the bath, remind the nanny to vacuum and mop, and take a ride on my unicorn through fields of hearts and flowers.

Ha.

In all actuality, as I'm sure you've figured out by now, the day stunk. Our exercise plans were unsuccessful since we woke up too late and My Babe had to leave for his shift, we were out of my favorite bagels and milk, and I never made it to the library as planned or completed any of my (non-mandatory) Bible study homework that I am behind on. I put Kallie down for her nap at 10:45am and at 2:00pm I stopped trying to fight her on it, put her in her papasan chair and took a shower, at which time she fell into a deep sleep. At 2:30pm I was forced to wake her in order to nurse and pump before leaving the house at 3:30pm. The rest of the afternoon was not too bad, although I wasted 1.5 hours at the mall waiting to get my new glasses only to discover they wouldn't be able to have them ready until next week. After putting Kallie to bed at 9:45pm, I started this here post and promptly fell asleep old school, pre-baby style with all lights and clothes on, teeth unbrushed and face unwashed until 4:45am. I didn't even feed the dog (first time in 13 years) or finish my cookies and cream milkshake. Now, that makes for a bad day.

Good news? I still love every single bit of motherhood. And, today was a much better day.

So.Very.Tired.

I Know You.

I know you like to be moving at all times. I know the ceiling fan will entertain your little mind for a long time. I know you love to stretch. I know you don't like stop signs, stoplights, or going below 45 mph in the car. I know you hear the sound of your daddy's voice and smile from ear to ear. I know the papasan chair is your favorite little spot. I know you don't like your swing. Or tummy time. I know you like to sleep with your legs crossed and that lights fascinate you. I know you love to be outside. I know trees are your favorite thing to look at (besides your daddy.) I know you don't like the wind. I know you love to have your head upside down, your Brown Bear book, and warm water. I know you love to nurse. I know you are starting to find your voice. I know you love your hands on your chest near your chin. I know you love to cuddle and love your nighttime routine.

And even though I knew you before you were born, I am so happy to know you, really know you, now that you are here.

Guess What Mommy's Reading?

Of course, not my usual summer reading material, but it helped me quickly rack up minutes for my own library reading log! Thanks to a sweet friend, KK, for the recommendation. It has definitely shed light on some of Kallie's symptoms and has helped us advocate better for her care with the pediatricians. A must read if you are the proud parent of a fussy one!

Now, your turn. What book's got you hanging on every word this summer?

There's Work To Be Done.

Kallie is a member of the local library reading program. She's on her second reading log to score a total of 50 books! We make frequent trips to the library to refuel since the check-out limit is next to nothing. She really loves to read and focuses on each page with such intensity. Too bad for her that both of her parents are teachers. She has no choice but to enjoy it.

By Goodness...Swimming Cures Colic! (At Least For Tonight)

Kallie's reflux has been challenging for the last month, but tonight we managed a non-screaming evening and it was a nice change. I've tried all kinds of things to keep her busy at night, but I think we've found the trick. She was calm and relaxed the whole time and quite worn out from all the swim strokes she practiced. We're going to swim rain or shine until this cure wears out its welcome. Thanks to the C family for a nice evening...and thanks, Aunt T, for Kallie's swimsuit!

I Have A Problem.

I love to sabotage myself - I just can't figure out why. It is one of my strongest downfalls. Whether it is going to bed on time, getting up early, cleaning the house, writing thank you notes, or leaving the house on time for an appointment, I will find something else to do, I'll refuse to get out of bed, I'll find a "good reason" to put something off for a later time. Then, guilt abounds and I vow to do better tomorrow. However, tomorrow comes and we rinse and repeat. Here I sit, 40minutes past the time I gave myself for bed with things still left to do. I must find some type of satisfaction in it given I continue to do this each and every single day. Something has got to give.

We're Big Time!

Tonight is the first night Kallie will spend in her crib. Trial runs during naps have worked well, so we're moving on up. We've got the video monitor, the Angelcare monitor, her big brother and sister in Heaven to watch over her, and the good Lord on our side.

Sweet dreams baby girl.

A Little Piece of Heaven

We are sleepers around here, and it seems that our offspring has inherited the trait as well. She sleeps through the night and doesn't seem to be in the best of moods if you wake her up and dress for the day before 11am. She's getting a little better about it, but definitely takes after her mother...NOT a morning person!

Baby Boot Camp

Sometimes when Kallie has a hard time following directions around here, we have to resort to extreme measures.

Seriously though, Slacklining, is My Babe's latest exercise, and I fully intend to become much better at it than he is. Rock climbers use this to strengthen their core muscles and improve balance. We used to rock climb quite frequently before I was restricted from exercise and I miss it and know My Babe does too. I really hope to return to rock climbing soon, but I have a lot of making up to do from this past year. It's been 10 weeks since the c-section so I have no more excuses. If Kallie willingly attends Baby Boot Camp, her mother should certainly get with the program too.

I Must Get Better At This

I have so much to write, but it never leaves my head. Writing intimidates me. Especially when I read 30 blogs per day that have educated, humorous, well-written posts. I always want to sit down and plan what I type because the writer freak in me feels it must be the slightest bit worthy of sharing. As you can see, for awhile I haven't felt as if anything has been worthy. And, good grief, how could that be the case considering I have the sweetest little baby? A baby that is starting to interact, talk, smile, and just be down right cute on a daily basis? And honestly, I find it hard to write sometimes because of just that - oh, and I'm lazy too. I am happy. I have a wonderful marriage. However, not everyone does. Not everyone has a baby. People are struggling, but for once, I am not. I'm going to make it a personal goal to start writing daily (did I really just write that?) regardless. Oh Heaven help me...and thank goodness this counts for today.

How Else Do You Handle Summer In Texas?

All Smiles And Lovin' Life

Time.

Time to enjoy the artistry of our favorite anniversary hideout, Trois Estate.






Time to be outdoors.


Time to think about swimming in the cold grotto.


Time for two grandmas and a great grandma to get in their "Kallie time."




Time to reconnect.


Time to relax, put our feet up, and read.


Thank you, Babe, for a fabulous time together, just the two of us. Happy 4th Anniversary - I love you more each day.

And, thank you GiGi, GC, and GY for keeping Kallie for us!

El Viaje del Camino a San Antonio

Road trips are so much more fun with a baby...even if that baby sleeps the whole time. We spent Father's Day on the riverwalk enjoying the food, people watching, and the heat. We had to do something special to celebrate the best husband and daddy we could ever ask for.

In Which I Discuss My Mammary Glands

Because I always have the interests of my reader in mind, ya know.

I've had a revelation.

I've discovered that for 32 years I have had the wrong definition of the word "hurt". The online dictionary describes "hurt" as the following: to damage or decrease the efficiency of (a material object) by striking, rough use, improper care, etc. OR to feel or suffer bodily or mental pain or distress.

Somehow, I thought I understood what that meant, and breastfeeding seems to fall under that category. However, six weeks into breastfeeding leads me to believe that I don't. I often hear, "Oh, it takes 2 weeks...3 weeks...6 weeks for it to not 'hurt'." What, pray tell, does the word "hurt" mean to these people? Because, obviously, we have differing opinions on the subject.

I'm far from quitting this thing, though. You see, I'm just a little bit stubborn - I like to call it determined. And, my body is thinking of this as a full blown challenge, like a Triple Dog Dare, in which I won't go down without a fight. I've endured countless blisters (STILL.), cracks, bleeds, creases, pinches, plugged ducts, and fought off mastitis. I pump and feed regularly and have since she was born, I've used every cream possible over the counter and prescription, given bottles to give myself a break and time to heal, and I've tried those darn shields. I've seen and talked with the best lactation consultant numerous times. In fact, each time I see her I have the overwhelming urge to kiss her when I leave because I always feel so much better. I assure you, Kallie has a good latch. She isn't picky about breast or bottle (she weighs 10 pounds now!), she just wants to eat, by goodness. The lactation consultant says she has never seen a baby pinch like Kallie does. Awesome.

If it weren't for My Babe's overwhelming support, I would have quit this thing long ago. So, pray for my mammary glands and that they make it out alive because this war is just beginning. I won't go down easy. I'm stubborn determined. Did you forget?

Normal.

6 weeks is a beautiful age. I feel like we haven't even skipped a beat in our lives. Sure, the first few weeks were challenging (to say the least!), but things are back to normal...just at a little slower pace...which is more than welcomed around here.

We're pretty "on the go", so it's nice to be home more. However, Kallie is quickly becoming a World Class Austin Traveler. She's been on walks through Zilker Park, to stores and restaurants, to her first outdoor concert, and she has sat along the shores of Town Lake. We can't wait to start taking her in the bike trailer, to Barton Springs, and to as many outdoor activities as possible. Thanks to my amazing Babe, mother and mother-in-law, I've been able to go to lunch and dinner with friends, to get a pedicure, to run errands with just My Babe, as well as go on a pizza date with him. To me, showing your children that you have a life outside of them is one of the best gifts you can give. My next challenge is to hit the gym to my beloved Body Flow class.

And, remember all that talk about being afraid of how parenting would change my marriage? It did change. For the better, in fact. Of course, I can only speak for my marriage, but it was nothing like I thought. The transition was so surprisingly smooth and only made it stronger. I think there is something to be said for marriages that struggle through loss after loss, hope, pray, and wish for a baby for so many years. It's a lot easier to not take things for granted.

It's so nice to feel and be normal again.

Slow Down

My sweet baby girl...You are already growing too fast. Your little legs reach the end of the papasan chair. You've already outgrown many clothes and are in the next stage of diapers. You are sleeping so well at night and adjusting to this big world easily. I just want to freeze every moment and keep you as little as you are today. If only I could make the hands of time slow down.

Kallie's Stompin' Grounds

We still plan to add finishing touches to the walls and to incorporate The 12 Gifts of Birth. However, we had to fire the painter so we're on our own, which is a scary thought. But, this is proof positive that My Babe is an excellent husband, daddy, and carpenter!