Monday, December 14, 2015
Meeting Santa for the 1st Time (2015)
On Sunday we drove down to Stone Harbor to enjoy Brunch with Santa at the venue where Randy and I got married. The day was exactly how I pictured my wedding to be with indoor/outdoor seating overlooking the bay and the doors wide open to enjoy the 60 degree temps. However, my wedding day it poured like hell in March with freezing temps. Anyway, even though it does not feel like Christmas in the Northeast, we are happily enjoying the weather while it lasts. Here are some pics of Liv meeting Santa for the 1st time. I was honestly surprised when the first official meet and greet went so well. No tears. A little uncertainty and awe of the man in the big red suit. But when it came time for her to sit on Santa's lap was a different story.
Friday, December 4, 2015
Christmas Card Photo Shoot 2015
Monday, November 16, 2015
Happy 8 Months...A Little Late
Liv: 8 Month Update
Normally she wouldn't have had an 8 month doctor's appointment but we needed to get the flu booster and have her eye checked out. So, I can confirm Liv weighs 19 lbs 9 oz.
Diapers: She is wearing size 3 diapers but I just recently bought size 4, so when we run out we are moving on up.
Clothes: Most of her closet is comprised of Carter's outfits which are currently 9 months. But she also wears Circo from Target in 12 months. Circo has such adorable outfits and for cheap just make sure you size up.
Food: Apparently this weekend Liv decided she was done with baby food after having real table food. She turns her head away from me each time I try baby teething wafers, which she use to love, or any pureed food. So she has been eating bite-sized portions of whatever we are eating for breakfast, lunch and dinner. In addition, she is still taking a bottle throughout the day.
Words: Mom & Ba are her only decipherable words as of now. She babbles alot all day long too.
Movement: She is getting very efficient at walking with her walker. Constantly standing. Prior to 8 months, she would kneel on one knee and put her hands up to be picked up like a prairie dog. Now, she will climb up your legs to stand. She will wave at family in response to a wave or when you say hello or goodbye. The crab crawl seems to be phasing out b/c she can crawl normally much faster. She will clap her hands when happy, music is playing or is excited about something she did and just started blowing kisses.
Play: Anything musical still excites her. We keep toddler tunes on the TV all day long. She is fascinated with baby faces. Anything she should not have, seems to have a magnetic attraction for her. Who needs toys when you have empty boxes, shoes, belts & exercise rollers?
Teeth: I would say 2.5 teeth. The top tooth has poked through but not dropped yet. I can only see a small white portion sticking out of her gum.
Sleep: Ever since I started putting one of my worn t-shirts in her crib, she has begun sleeping again. Some nights she wakes up for a 4:30am feeding and others she will sleep until 7am. Either way I am a happy mama yet again. Anything is better than up 4x a night. Nap time is either one 2H+ nap or a morning & afternoon 45 min snooze.
Normally she wouldn't have had an 8 month doctor's appointment but we needed to get the flu booster and have her eye checked out. So, I can confirm Liv weighs 19 lbs 9 oz.
Diapers: She is wearing size 3 diapers but I just recently bought size 4, so when we run out we are moving on up.
Clothes: Most of her closet is comprised of Carter's outfits which are currently 9 months. But she also wears Circo from Target in 12 months. Circo has such adorable outfits and for cheap just make sure you size up.
Food: Apparently this weekend Liv decided she was done with baby food after having real table food. She turns her head away from me each time I try baby teething wafers, which she use to love, or any pureed food. So she has been eating bite-sized portions of whatever we are eating for breakfast, lunch and dinner. In addition, she is still taking a bottle throughout the day.
Words: Mom & Ba are her only decipherable words as of now. She babbles alot all day long too.
Movement: She is getting very efficient at walking with her walker. Constantly standing. Prior to 8 months, she would kneel on one knee and put her hands up to be picked up like a prairie dog. Now, she will climb up your legs to stand. She will wave at family in response to a wave or when you say hello or goodbye. The crab crawl seems to be phasing out b/c she can crawl normally much faster. She will clap her hands when happy, music is playing or is excited about something she did and just started blowing kisses.
Play: Anything musical still excites her. We keep toddler tunes on the TV all day long. She is fascinated with baby faces. Anything she should not have, seems to have a magnetic attraction for her. Who needs toys when you have empty boxes, shoes, belts & exercise rollers?
Teeth: I would say 2.5 teeth. The top tooth has poked through but not dropped yet. I can only see a small white portion sticking out of her gum.
Sleep: Ever since I started putting one of my worn t-shirts in her crib, she has begun sleeping again. Some nights she wakes up for a 4:30am feeding and others she will sleep until 7am. Either way I am a happy mama yet again. Anything is better than up 4x a night. Nap time is either one 2H+ nap or a morning & afternoon 45 min snooze.
Friday, November 13, 2015
Baby Sleep Tricks
In comparison to my last post, finally we have a better sleeping baby. Notice I used the word better b/c honestly it changes from night to night . But overall in the grand scheme of things, we made light-years worth of progress all thanks to a t-shirt. I think my father could tell I was hitting rock bottom with both my patience and overall outlook due to sleep exhaustion, so he got on the computer and googled some tricks of the trade. He suggested I put an unwashed t-shirt in the crib at night to provide a sense of comfort from my scent. Well don't you know, it worked like a charm. That first night she only woke up at 4:30am to nurse. I don't know why I didn't think of this myself b/c previously she would immediately go right back to sleep the minute I picked her up and brought her to my chest. Obviously, she associated my smell with a sense of security.
Not only is she sleeping better at night, she has begun to transition to one nap a day. It seems her morning and afternoon naps are phasing out and being replaced with approximately a two hour nap right around noon. I am hoping this continues as it will greatly free up our schedule.
So far, eight months old is pretty fantastic.
Not only is she sleeping better at night, she has begun to transition to one nap a day. It seems her morning and afternoon naps are phasing out and being replaced with approximately a two hour nap right around noon. I am hoping this continues as it will greatly free up our schedule.
So far, eight months old is pretty fantastic.
Monday, October 26, 2015
Sleep Regression
Well there hasn't been much sleeping going on in our house for about a month now. Being that it is the week of Halloween, I feel like my husband and I could play the part of zombies perfectly. Sleep regression has hit us hard. Liv is clingy and cries every time I put her down unless a toy distracts her. Her nap schedule is unpredictable or non-existent entirely. A few days last week she gave up her morning nap but took a long 2.5 hour nap in the afternoon. But more times than not, she just fights me on napping. One would think if they aren't sleeping during the day, they will pass out and sleep through the night. But that is not the case either. My girlfriend was up every hour last night from 1:30am on.
As I sit here yawning writing this post, I can only pray that we are almost done with this not so fun phase. Everything I have read says sleep regression last about 4-6 weeks. I feel like it has already been an eternity but that is probably b/c I am so sleep deprived and surviving on caffeine. While I am thrilled she is practicing her new skills such as standing and taking steps or saying new words, this tired mama needs a good nights rest.
As I sit here yawning writing this post, I can only pray that we are almost done with this not so fun phase. Everything I have read says sleep regression last about 4-6 weeks. I feel like it has already been an eternity but that is probably b/c I am so sleep deprived and surviving on caffeine. While I am thrilled she is practicing her new skills such as standing and taking steps or saying new words, this tired mama needs a good nights rest.
Friday, September 11, 2015
Where did half a year go?
6 Month Stats
Weight: 18.2 lbs = 86%
Length: 26.5 in = 76%
Head Circumference: 17.2 in = 82%
Teeth: 2
Movement: Crawling like crazy and sitting without any support. She does not like to sit still!
Words: None yet, just a lot of babbling
Clothing: 9 months with the exception of some 6 month shirts
Diapers: Size 3
Eating: Approx 4 oz bottle at 7 when she wakes up, a bottle before her morning nap, some form of solid food such as pureed green beans or sweet potatoes for lunch, a bottle before and after her afternoon nap, more solids for dinner and then a final bottle before bed.
Nighttime: Liv goes to bed around 7pm but is still waking up around 3:30 or 4am, at which time I breastfeed her, then she goes back to sleep until 7am. Most nights we do have to go in her room and replace her pacifier 1-2x.
Day Sleeping: Typically we get 45 mins to 1 hour of a morning nap and anywhere from 1.5 -2.5 hours in the afternoon.
Likes: Solid foods, puffs, the stroller, planking (see below), standing with assistance, swimming in the pool or splashing in the tub, jumper or exersaucer, chewing on toys
Dislikes: Getting diaper changed, going to sleep
New: Waving, trying to pull herself up, biting on toys and letting them hang out of her mouth like a dog
How can it be that my baby is six months old already? The doctor on Monday said her motorskills are excellent. I'm scared to think how quickly the next six will fly by.
Weight: 18.2 lbs = 86%
Length: 26.5 in = 76%
Head Circumference: 17.2 in = 82%
Teeth: 2
Movement: Crawling like crazy and sitting without any support. She does not like to sit still!
Words: None yet, just a lot of babbling
Clothing: 9 months with the exception of some 6 month shirts
Diapers: Size 3
Eating: Approx 4 oz bottle at 7 when she wakes up, a bottle before her morning nap, some form of solid food such as pureed green beans or sweet potatoes for lunch, a bottle before and after her afternoon nap, more solids for dinner and then a final bottle before bed.
Nighttime: Liv goes to bed around 7pm but is still waking up around 3:30 or 4am, at which time I breastfeed her, then she goes back to sleep until 7am. Most nights we do have to go in her room and replace her pacifier 1-2x.
Day Sleeping: Typically we get 45 mins to 1 hour of a morning nap and anywhere from 1.5 -2.5 hours in the afternoon.
Likes: Solid foods, puffs, the stroller, planking (see below), standing with assistance, swimming in the pool or splashing in the tub, jumper or exersaucer, chewing on toys
Dislikes: Getting diaper changed, going to sleep
New: Waving, trying to pull herself up, biting on toys and letting them hang out of her mouth like a dog
How can it be that my baby is six months old already? The doctor on Monday said her motorskills are excellent. I'm scared to think how quickly the next six will fly by.
Wednesday, September 2, 2015
Falling in love with Fall
Hello September! This is one happy momma that we are entering my favorite season, Fall. There are so many aspects to love about this time of the year that it is hard to narrow it down but here it goes:
Weather - In NJ the summers are hot and really humid, the spring is typically rainy and unpredictable and the winter is bitterly cold. However, fall is just perfect. We still get amazing beach days in September and early October without the hectic chaos Summer brings to our tourist town. The autumn breeze allows for windows to once again be opened for perfect sleeping conditions at night. The crisp air is refreshing and invigorating and certainly welcomed on my part.
Halloween - I have always enjoyed this holiday for the additional perks it brings such as hayrides, pumpkin picking and of course pumpkin carving. This year is extra special since it will be Liv's first Halloween. Her costume has already been purchased. She will be the most adorable kitten you have ever seen thanks to Potterybarn.
Carmel Apples - I already have my eye out in the food store for when they stock the shelves with this delicious treat.
Fireplaces - The smell of a fire is warm and comforting since I grew up with a wood burning fireplace in my childhood home. Also, fall marks the return of bonfires. Who doesn't enjoy roasting marshmallows to create s'mores?
Boots/Clothing - There is nothing I love more than throwing on a comfy sweater/cardigan, leggings and a pair of boots. I have already purchased some new sweaters for the season in anticipation.
Added Bonus - Plus I will be going part time beginning after Labor Day, so sayonara Summer.
Weather - In NJ the summers are hot and really humid, the spring is typically rainy and unpredictable and the winter is bitterly cold. However, fall is just perfect. We still get amazing beach days in September and early October without the hectic chaos Summer brings to our tourist town. The autumn breeze allows for windows to once again be opened for perfect sleeping conditions at night. The crisp air is refreshing and invigorating and certainly welcomed on my part.
Halloween - I have always enjoyed this holiday for the additional perks it brings such as hayrides, pumpkin picking and of course pumpkin carving. This year is extra special since it will be Liv's first Halloween. Her costume has already been purchased. She will be the most adorable kitten you have ever seen thanks to Potterybarn.
Carmel Apples - I already have my eye out in the food store for when they stock the shelves with this delicious treat.
Fireplaces - The smell of a fire is warm and comforting since I grew up with a wood burning fireplace in my childhood home. Also, fall marks the return of bonfires. Who doesn't enjoy roasting marshmallows to create s'mores?
Boots/Clothing - There is nothing I love more than throwing on a comfy sweater/cardigan, leggings and a pair of boots. I have already purchased some new sweaters for the season in anticipation.
Added Bonus - Plus I will be going part time beginning after Labor Day, so sayonara Summer.
Tuesday, August 25, 2015
First Night Away from the Baby
It is funny how much as parents we stress about our first night away from the baby. As a mom you worry/prep for hours on end leading up to the big day to discover the only one traumatized by the whole event was you. So our first night away occurred last weekend when my husband and I had a wedding to attend in Philly. Liv is five and a half months old and stayed with my sister who watches her two days a week anyways. So, I am pretty sure Liv thought is was just another day at Aunt Bean's. And honestly the days she is there are absolutely amazing b/c the kids entertain her and she naps 2x as long as anywhere else including our own home. Lately Liv has regressed in sleeping. She use to sleep through the night but now she has been getting up 2-3x. But don't you know she slept through the night for her Aunt Bean during our getaway.
Anyways, we hit the road like two carefree adults. During our drive I didn't have to continuously climb in the backseat to find a bink or feed a baby a baba. Added bonus we were finally using our gift card to stay at The Rittenhouse. I doubt many first time parents get to spend their first night away at a five star hotel. Needless to say, I could get very use to the luxurious accommodations. Not only that, I don't remember the last time I was able to leisurely shower, do my hair and makeup and get dressed without stopping to tend to Liv.
Our wedding was simply divine. The food was impeccable and I danced the night away. I can't lie though, we spent a good time looking at pictures and videos sent to us of Liv. The night however did not go off without a hitch. Unbeknownst to him, my husband lost his license, credit card and our room key getting out of the cab at chruch. Thank goodness there are still nice people in this world. A kind soul found all his belongings on the street corner and called our hotel to notify someone. He even went the extra mile to drive them to us at the reception venue.
Being a nursing mom can be difficult when you have events to attend sans baby. I had planned on taking my pump to the wedding with me but it was just to much to carry. Plus I didn't want to be the woman awkwardly sitting in a stall pumping at the reception. So I pumped right before walking out the door for the church and then held out as long as possible before calling it a night to go back to the hotel and pump before bed. We had a wonderful uninterrupted nights sleep and woke up nice and early to get on the road home to pick up our girl. Could not have asked for a better first night away.
Anyways, we hit the road like two carefree adults. During our drive I didn't have to continuously climb in the backseat to find a bink or feed a baby a baba. Added bonus we were finally using our gift card to stay at The Rittenhouse. I doubt many first time parents get to spend their first night away at a five star hotel. Needless to say, I could get very use to the luxurious accommodations. Not only that, I don't remember the last time I was able to leisurely shower, do my hair and makeup and get dressed without stopping to tend to Liv.
Our wedding was simply divine. The food was impeccable and I danced the night away. I can't lie though, we spent a good time looking at pictures and videos sent to us of Liv. The night however did not go off without a hitch. Unbeknownst to him, my husband lost his license, credit card and our room key getting out of the cab at chruch. Thank goodness there are still nice people in this world. A kind soul found all his belongings on the street corner and called our hotel to notify someone. He even went the extra mile to drive them to us at the reception venue.
Being a nursing mom can be difficult when you have events to attend sans baby. I had planned on taking my pump to the wedding with me but it was just to much to carry. Plus I didn't want to be the woman awkwardly sitting in a stall pumping at the reception. So I pumped right before walking out the door for the church and then held out as long as possible before calling it a night to go back to the hotel and pump before bed. We had a wonderful uninterrupted nights sleep and woke up nice and early to get on the road home to pick up our girl. Could not have asked for a better first night away.
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