Tuesday, November 27, 2012

The BEST Dad

So, I always knew that Ryan would be an awesome Dad. I mean, he is a kid magnet. This is the guy that got the nickname "Jungle Gym" at VBS. And the one all the cheer parents just gush over. He is so good with kids that when we were in the peak of our issues, I had to ask him to tone it down, as it was just too painful.

But now that Ellie is here, I am constantly amazed by how awesome he is.

Those two have had a lovefest from day one. I was totally jealous of their bond at first, as he was her primary caretaker in the hospital and the first couple days home, while I was recovering from the c-section. I didn't change a single diaper in the hospital, and nor did I bathe her until she was 2 weeks old.

She still smiles for him like no other. They have their bonding time getting ready for bed and then getting the morning diaper change too. And half the time I have to spend extra time calming her down because she is just shrieking in delight.

But last night, his Super-Daddy-ness hit a new high. The bean was impossible. He was on Daddy duty for a couple hours with an extremely fussy baby, and by the time I got done doing some work, she was in full hysterical meltdown, so we bought some time by giving her a bath. As he is bringing her into me, after dealing with Ellie Crabbypants for hours (and trying to calm down the screaming baby for at least a half hour!) he looks at me, and in all seriousness without one ounce of sarcasm, says "she is so amazing!" Any Dad that can put up with what he did and still spontaneously call his daughter amazing is pretty darn awesome himself.

Unfortunately, her meltdown continued, to the point where she didn't want to even nurse. I'm upset, she's upset, and again, Super-Dad to the rescue. Not 2 minutes after he gets her to walk her around from the worst meltdown I've EVER seen her have, and she is zonked out in his arms.

I'm awfully lucky to have him as a husband, but I think Ellie is even luckier to have him as a Dad!

Saturday, November 24, 2012

12 weeks!

Dear Ellie,

Today marks 12 weeks since you were born, baby bird! You are growing up SO fast. I cannot believe how much you are changing every day. The really cool thing is that you seem to get more and more fun every single day. You are so alert and curious, and into EVERYTHING these days...I just love it!

So, your week...well Sunday Grandma and Grandpa Mason came over to see you for a bit. Last time they were over you were VERY cranky, so I am happy to report that you were in a much better mood this time, according to Daddy, and gave lots of sweet Ellie cuddles. Then you came to the gym, as usual, for Aunt Lori cuddles. What a good day!

Monday during the day, we stayed around the house. We were both so exhausted from the weekend! I don't mind at all, there is nothing I like better than cuddling with my baby girl! I was a little worried about you, as you were spitting up a lot. It didn't really seem to bother you, though, so I will just keep an eye on it. That night, though, we went to pick up Grandma and Grandpa Zaher from the airport. They were very happy to see you after being in Florida for a couple weeks!

Tuesday, Grandma Zaher came over to bring you some of the presents they got you when they were in Florida. I didn't think your wardrobe could get better, but surprise...it can! You make everything you wear look so adorable, little princess! We went grocery shopping with Daddy that night in preparation for Thanksgiving on Thursday. You are getting to be so good at being out and about. You LOVE being on the go!

Wednesday we ran a couple more errands and stopped by Grandma and Grandpa Zaher's to let Grandpa cuddle you a bit. You were absolutely mezmerized by their fan! You just giggled away at it! You also just stared at the light they had on a dimmer and had fun with Grandpa "blowing it out." Then it was off to the gym for awhile. Of course, when we come out, there you are in Aunt Andrea's arms, zonked out. I told Andrea she needs to come over every night to get you to take your evening nap since you fight that SO hard. She loves you so much, I think she would!

Thursday was your very first Thanksgiving, and it was crazy emotional for both your Daddy and I. We spent a lot of the day just wondering out of all the kiddos in the world, how did we get the best two? We love you and your brother so very much and are so incredibly thankful for both of you. We thought back to Thanksgiving last year, which was really hard for me and Daddy, and were truly amazed at the difference a year makes. The last couple years the holidays have been really sad for us, and last year especially we weren't sure that little Truffle would ever get to be a big brother. Little did we know a year later we have the most awesome daughter ever in our arms. We are so, so blessed to have you, little one!

We went up to Grandma and Grandpa Mason's house for dinner. Great Grandpa was there too! Dinner was yummy, and Grandma and Grandpa LOVED playing with you. You were showing them how strong you are by practicing standing up. I love that you are so strong, but I wish you wouldn't grow so fast. Thinking about you standing is just too much for me! You fought naps hard, as usual, and got into meltdown mode later in the day. We finally got you down to bed and you were zonked.

Black Friday was a lot different from last year too! No going to Michigan City at 3am for Daddy and I this year! Instead we all cuddled up in bed until 9am. The best part about it being after Thanksgiving is that you can now wear your Christmas clothes which are so, so cute on you, baby bean! See? Love those reindeer!



You zonked out on me last night while nursing. So I got LOTS of Ellie snuggles. I love that. For about the first half hour you would pop your eyes open to see if I was still there, then get a sweet sleepy smile and drift back to sleep. Talk about my favorite thing ever!!! I think I'd be okay if I just never put you down. I am as amazed with you as I was 12 weeks ago. You are such a special little girl, and I love you so, so much. I did share with Daddy last night, so he got some cuddles from the sleepy princess too. 



You really are our world, little one. We are so, so blessed that you've come into our lives. We can't imagine life without you. Your little smiles just melt our hearts. And your giggles? They really do make our day. Daddy and I love you so much. And although we feel like you are growing WAY too fast, we feel very lucky to have a front row seat to that. 

I love you, my little baby bird!
Mommy

Sunday, November 18, 2012

11 weeks

Dear Ellie,

Well it is Sunday morning instead of Saturday, so technically you are 11 weeks and 1 day. Yesterday was a LITTTTLE too crazy to write (more on that later!)

Last Saturday we had a "down" day. We stayed around the house and chilled out for the most part. Daddy built a pen for Truffle outside and we stayed inside, did laundry and watched the ND game.

Sunday, we were off to church as usual. You wore one of my favorite dresses! And you were so smiley. I love that you are smiling more. That grin can turn a bad day around for me so quickly.



Then it was to the gym, a bit early, so you could have snuggles with Aunt Bridgette. She requested to see you. You have SO many people that love you, baby bean!

Monday we went to the breastfeeding group. You are getting so big! You were up to 10 pounds on the nose! And all the nurses were commenting on how alert you are! Yeah, I could have told you that...you are so alert that getting you down for naps is HARD sometimes! You are still loving your activity mat too. You giggle at yourself in the mirror and love kicking the keyboard. You, Truff and Daddy all have fun playing on it. See?


Tuesday we stayed around the house too, and had a fashion show day in order to see how your Christmas dresses were going to fit. You look gorgeous in them, baby Bean! You are SUCH a beautiful little girl! Now I have to figure out what Daddy and I are going to wear in our Christmas pictures. I feel like I need to dress better since I have such stunning little daughter!


Wednesday we went to have lunch with Daddy. He loved getting a visit from his princess in the middle of the day. And then he took you back to work and walked all around the shop showing you off. He was very cute, he was just BEAMING, getting to show off his little princess. Everyone, of course, told us how adorable you are. 


Thursday and Friday we stuck around here for the most part, with just a couple errands here and there. You did have a bad night Wednesday night where you DID NOT sleep, which made for a sleepy Mommy on Thursday! 

We have been taking Truff for some nice long walks. But since it has been colder, we've had you in your snowsuit, and then in the beco. You LOVE your snowsuit and try to eat it. Anything fuzzy against your face makes you a very happy girl!!!


Then, yesterday...ROAD TRIP number 2! You went with us and the Black team to Dayton to do a stunt clinic. You were a very good girl. Minimal fussiness in the car, and you had very good snuggles with Aunt Andrea when you were there. She wrapped you up in her magic blanket, and you were VERY happy!


You also survived your first Steak and Shake experience. Fun! AND you cheered ND on to another victory. 11-0! That makes you very happy, see?


You are so amazing, little bean. Every single day, you just get more and more fun. Your smiles and giggles, and little coos are adorable. When you are asleep, you will coo sometimes and Daddy and I just giggle back at you. We haven't gotten over the fact that we have such an awesome little girl, and I hope we NEVER EVER forget that (even when you only let Mommy get an hour and a half of sleep!). I love every little thing about you and am so lucky that I get to be your Mommy. You're the best, baby birdie, and I love you SO much.

I love you!
Mommy




Saturday, November 10, 2012

10 weeks!

Dear Baby Bean,

You are 10 weeks old today! Double digits! Yay baby bean! You are growing so much and so fast, I cannot stand it.

We've had a pretty laid-back week this week. Saturday, we chilled at home to see how you were doing from your shots. Luckily, they didn't seem to be bothering you at all, and you were back to your happy, smiley self.

Sunday, we went to church and you were a crab again. You always sleep through the songs and then wake up when the sermon starts. So you sleep when it is loud and are up when it is quiet. Silly bean! Of course your schedule was off then, and when we got home, you fought naps hard again, which made you pretty crabby for Dad and when you came to the gym that night. You gave Mommy some good snuggles before I left for the gym, though. Ellie snuggles are the best thing EVER!



Monday, as usual, was our recovery day from Sunday. You were up earlier than normal due to the time change, but you were still smiley and happy for the most part. We ran to Hobby Lobby to get some stuff for bow making later in the week. Other than that, we stayed close to home, as you seemed a bit "off" to me.


Tuesday you were seriously crabby again. Growth spurt? Wonder week? Potentially. Either way you are tiring Mommy out! You are still the cutest thing EVER in the morning. Seriously. Your morning stretches make. my. day. See? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yHp6KyNFE4A

We ended up doing some errands to get us both out of the house. I think that was a good thing, and you zonked when we were walking around the mall, which was very good for both of us! You also took a bath with me in the big girl tub. You loved it! It calmed you down and you loved splashing around and kicking those little legs!

Wednesday was another somewhat rough day. We went over to Aunt Lori's to make bows. 


For the most part you did awesome. But you hadn't pooped in a couple days, and when we were at Aunt Lori's you decided to let it all out! You were COVERED! So much so, that I took you home in your car seat in just a diaper. So then we had to do another bath. You are fighting naps so much and that makes it so hard for me, little baby bird! We tried an earlier bed time, which seemed to work a little. That night was REALLY rough for me, but that wasn't your fault. You actually nursed and went down really easy! Even when you have fussy times you are SUCH a good girl and I love you so much!

Thursday we stayed home again, since I was still not feeling well from the night before. You napped like a champ, which made you less fussy (and I really appreciated it!). Daddy had to work late, but when he got home, we went to get you an early Christmas present: a play mat! You LOVE it! We got you one where you can kick your legs and play the piano, and you think that is the best thing ever! That, and looking at yourself in the mirror that hangs from the arch. You are grabbing and batting at the toys too. Definitely a good investment for us! 


We also tried out your big girl carrier on a walk with your brother. We both loved it! It is so much easier to take you for walks in that than in your stroller!

Friday was a good day too. Good naps, minimal fussiness. You are spitting up a bit more than you have in the past which I want to keep an eye on. It was a nice day so we ended up taking a couple walks. Truffle LOVED that. And then we all went to bed by 8:30. Man, you wear us out baby birdy!

I love you so, so much Ellie-bean. There are so many times when you, me, Daddy and Truffle are all snuggling in bed and I just think about how blessed I am and how we really do have the perfect little family. You and Truffle both were just hand picked for your Daddy and I and we could not ask for more perfect kiddos for us. Even though you can both drive us crazy at times, we love you more than you could ever know! I love being your Mommy and I am so blessed that I get to have such an amazing daughter!

I love you,
Mommy


Thursday, November 8, 2012

So you had a bad day...

Yup, yesterday was a BAD day. And usually I don't vent on here. But honestly, I need to get this out.

Here is what I don't understand, and what quite honestly DRIVES ME CRAZY. Why in the world do people not seem to understand that newborns cry sometimes? I'll tell you, I'm with E almost 24 hours a day. You want to know why she typically cries? She is hungry, or she is fighting a nap. Most likely fighting a nap. I really don't need everyone to tell me what is wrong with my kid. I feel like I know her pretty darn well. For once I'm fairly confident in this sort of thing. But instead, I've had people suggest to me that:
-She has colic
-My milk has gone bad
-I'm overfeeding her
-I'm underfeeding her
-She's cold
-She's hot
-She has reflux
-She has gas problems
Some people might find others' input in this area helpful. I do not. I know my kid. Want to know why she's crabby? She usually takes an hour nap in the afternoon and she refused to be put down and snoozed on my chest for 10 minutes. And now she's in an environment that would overstimulate ANYONE. She's going to cry. Borrowing trouble by suggesting all these problems that don't exist simply makes me feel like you don't think I know my kid, or how to properly take care of her.

And we wonder why new moms are so susceptible to anxiety and depression?

So last night was a disaster for me. E was fine. Well, except for the fact that she went to bed 2 hours earlier than normal because she was so stinking tired. And slept until her normal wake-up time this morning. And even today, I'm still feeling the aftershocks of a simply horrible evening for me.

It is times like this where I would just like to never leave the house so I would never have to deal with other people "fixing" my kid who doesn't need fixing. She just needs a nap. Just like her Mom.

Saturday, November 3, 2012

9 weeks!

Dear Ellie-bean;

It has been nine weeks today since I met you! And you get more and more fun every single week! This week has been a busy one. Last Saturday was VERY tough for me. I was away from you for the longest time ever. You went with Daddy to get a new tire on my car, and then up to Grandma and Grandpa Mason's house. Grandma got lots of snuggle time with you while Dad and Grandpa pulled the pontoon boat out of the water. You were SO good, and slept most of the time, I was told. In the mean time, I went to a shower for Lilly! I think Lilly is going to love the NE onesie we made for her.

Then, I had to go to the gym, because Aunt Mandy's teams were coming down for a stunt clinic. You stopped by the gym for awhile, and Aunt Mandy got to snuggle you up! But I was missing you TERRIBLY this entire time, and was learning how much pumping while I'm away from you really stinks. I would gladly do it to make sure that you get the best food possible, but I like our cuddles when you're eating so much better!

Then we went back to the house just in time for the Notre Dame game. They won again, thanks to the best little cheerleader EVER. Both you and I zonked out before the game was finished. These night games are killing us!


Sunday, we paid for the fact that you had been sleeping all day Saturday. You were a crab! You didn't even let Daddy stay in church and listen to the message. At least you looked cute, though!

Monday, both you and Mommy were happy to get back to "normal." You're pretty well set into a routine where you wake up around 9am, go back down for your morning nap from about 10:30-noon, and then another afternoon nap around 2. That schedule keeps you happy and smiley during the day. You've been smiling SO much more these days, and those gummy grins just make my day!


Wednesday was your first Halloween! We actually had to go out Trick-or-treating both Tuesday and Wednesday to hit all the houses we needed to! We went to the Black's, Troyer's, King's, Trujillo's (Schopbachs were there too!) Reabe's, and Grandma and Grandpa Zaher's. I think our costumes were a hit, excpet for the fact that your brother was NOT happy about having that hood on his. He was going down the stairs at Grandma and Grandpa's and froze on the stairs because the hood fell over his head. Silly puppy!

Thursday marked your 2 month birthday, so it was photo time! You were a ham, and gave us lots of giggles. Your Daddy can make you giggle more than anyone else in the world. You two are so cute together. We got some great pictures, though, and it is so cool to see how much you've changed in just a month. 




Yesterday we had to go to the doctor. And you had to get your first set of shots. What? Shots?

Yes, shots. Ick. Daddy came to the appointment too, for moral support for me, and I wore my waterproof mascara in case I cried too. You were in such a good mood and played with Daddy the whole time we were waiting for the doctor. He LOVED that. He had you giggling up a storm. The good news is that you are doing GREAT. You're up to 9lbs 9oz (18th percentile! We're gaining!) and 22.5 inches long (55th percentile). The doctor said you looked perfect! Of course, I could have told him that! You were a champ for your shots...three pokes and one that you had to drink. You cried, but then you settled down pretty quick. I was so proud of how brave you were, baby bean! No more doctors and no more shots for 2 more months. I did give you some tylenol for the first time, to help your little legs stop hurting. 

We also had to take Grandma and Grandpa Zaher to the airport. I think they are going to be going through Ellie withdrawal since they will be gone for a couple weeks. You gave them some good snuggles before you left, though, and even played the "mimic" game with Grandpa at dinner, with your your face and your arm! The arm thing was brand new...he reached his arm to you and you reached back. You're such a smart girl. 

The tylenol started wearing off and you started getting crabby. We nursed when we got home and you were kicking your little legs, which made you even more upset. So we spent the night with you swaddled up, just snuggling and nursing in bed. You seemed to like that, and gave sweet smiles before you fell asleep. 

You seem to be doing better this morning, although my entire plans today are to snuggle you and make you comfortable. Yesterday was traumatic for me too! But cuddle time with you is the BEST! I love it when you just need cuddles with Mommy to make you feel better, and nothing else will do. I love you more than I ever thought possible and am so lucky that I've gotten to spend so much time with you. 

I love you Baby Bean!
Mommy