Friday, December 23, 2011
Thursday, December 22, 2011
Christmastime
It's Christmastime and Maddie's first Christmas. Although she won't remember it, we sure will...we've enjoyed dressing her in adorable Christmas outfits and going to Christmas parties and showing her off. She is talking a lot now, which is hilarious. She makes very funny noises that sound like "glinggggg" and she drools too. Like all over drools. And blows bubbles. Mommy and Daddy just laugh and laugh at the funny sounds that come out of her mouth. We think she is starting to teethe, or at least at the early stages of it. She's woken up in the middle of the night several times in lots of pain. Hopefully this phase doesn't last long. Maddie sleeps pretty well at night normally; still doesn't like to turn in before 9:30, but then sleeps straight through until about 7:30. Wahoo...Mommy and Daddy LOVE those nights! She is also almost rolling over - gets about 3/4 of the way and then rolls back onto her back. Tummy time is still not her favorite thing to do, even though she can hold her head up and rest on her forearms; the problem is that she wiggles and kicks and tries to move...and then gets very frustrated when she cannot move. This is a scary thing, as it means she is very anxious to crawl and will likely be ALL OVER THE PLACE once she is fully mobile :) Note to self: get ready...
We had a nice family picture taken and some Maddie close-ups taken to commemorate the season:
We decided not to take Madelyn to see Santa this year (the lines were just a bit too long for Mommy's patience). But we will definitely go next year when she's walkin' and talkin' and will truly appreciate the jolly ole St. Nick. We also decided that Santa will visit her in limited amounts this year - no need to spoil her too much :) The rule was, Mommy buys one present for Moo (without Daddy) and Daddy buys one present for Moo (without Mommy). That way, it will be a surprise for the parents when we get to open the presents for her! Ha, totally lame, I know.
The month of December has been one to remember. VERY HECTIC. No one ever said that having a baby and working full-time was easy. It's exhausting. Major props to all of you out there who do/did it. I tip my hat to you. We are still trying to figure out a rhythm with our mornings and evenings. Thankfully, our parents have been incredibly helpful. Thank you, thank you, thank you. We've had some wonderful little 'elves' (read: parents) around our house helping out with laundry, cooking, cleaning, grocery shopping, oh, and taking care of Madelyn. It's made the transition back to the working world a little bit easier for us, although, I still really have a tough time leaving her all day long. We will work on it ;)
Wishing everyone a joyous Christmas and best wishes in 2012. We hope you take a moment to reflect on the true meaning of the season - faith, family, and love.
We had a nice family picture taken and some Maddie close-ups taken to commemorate the season:
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| In front of our Christmas tree at home |
We decided not to take Madelyn to see Santa this year (the lines were just a bit too long for Mommy's patience). But we will definitely go next year when she's walkin' and talkin' and will truly appreciate the jolly ole St. Nick. We also decided that Santa will visit her in limited amounts this year - no need to spoil her too much :) The rule was, Mommy buys one present for Moo (without Daddy) and Daddy buys one present for Moo (without Mommy). That way, it will be a surprise for the parents when we get to open the presents for her! Ha, totally lame, I know.
The month of December has been one to remember. VERY HECTIC. No one ever said that having a baby and working full-time was easy. It's exhausting. Major props to all of you out there who do/did it. I tip my hat to you. We are still trying to figure out a rhythm with our mornings and evenings. Thankfully, our parents have been incredibly helpful. Thank you, thank you, thank you. We've had some wonderful little 'elves' (read: parents) around our house helping out with laundry, cooking, cleaning, grocery shopping, oh, and taking care of Madelyn. It's made the transition back to the working world a little bit easier for us, although, I still really have a tough time leaving her all day long. We will work on it ;)
Wishing everyone a joyous Christmas and best wishes in 2012. We hope you take a moment to reflect on the true meaning of the season - faith, family, and love.
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Last day
It's my last day of being home with Madelyn before heading back to work tomorrow. So this is my last morning of a semi slow pace before absolute chaos ensues - when we try to get ourselves fed, showered and exercised, Maddie fed and dressed, Jake walked and fed, bags packed for mommy and for Maddie, and out of the house by 8:15 am....everyday. Whew, I'm exhausted just thinking about it.
Last night we tried to get Madelyn through the night without a feeding; her 4 am wake up times are killer on the ole sleep schedule! Per usual, she woke up almost on the dot at 3:58 am. But this time, instead of hopping out of bed to feed her, I rocked her and patted her tummy (per Chelsea's suggestion) to get her to fall back asleep. It worked! She was back to sleep within 30 minutes. Now, if only mommy and daddy could fall back asleep right away. Both Martin and I lied wide awake in bed for another hour. UGH!!! We'll work on it :) Anyway, Maddie didn't wake up again until 6:30 am - perfect!!
Wish us luck tomorrow...
Here are some photos from the past couple weeks I've taken on my phone:
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| Her little Ralph Lauren outfit |
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| This shirt is actually a lime green and royal blue, NOT maize and blue. (do not worry Spartan fans) |
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| Mama's first beer in, oh, about a year! |
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| Our first baby-free night...and Daddy was asleep by 8:15 pm! (in his clothes, too!) |
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| "Oh, you want to take my picture?!" |
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| This one is my favorite :) |
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Post-Thanksgiving and pre-back to work
Last week we enjoyed a lovely Thanksgiving celebration with some of my family and some of Martin's family. What a great way for both families to come together, eat good food, and enjoy each other's company. It was also great to enjoy some last minute quality time at home, as this week marks my journey back to the office full-time. I will truly miss being home with Madelyn all day and I hope that this new transition will be easy on both of us.
Madelyn is smiling a lot now, which is so much fun for Mommy and Daddy. Although every time she smiles, I am not able to get the camera and capture a great photo quick enough, so I have very few smiling photos. We will keep trying!
The newest photos of Maddie:
Madelyn is smiling a lot now, which is so much fun for Mommy and Daddy. Although every time she smiles, I am not able to get the camera and capture a great photo quick enough, so I have very few smiling photos. We will keep trying!
The newest photos of Maddie:
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| A cute outfit (this is also her "I'm hungry" face) |
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| A little grin, and rolled up pants |
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| Thinking about smiling... |
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| ..."Nope, I'm not going to smile for you, Mom." |
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| Still not going to do it... |
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| This is what happens when Daddy gives her a bath! |
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| I think she knows that she looks ridiculous! |
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| Thanksgiving Eve - I asked Martin to help me prepare the stuffing. He insisted on cutting the bread into perfect cubes instead of tearing it. |
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| Cubes so perfect they could be in a Stouffer's box! |
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| Some of the family at Thanksgiving and a slight glimpse at our table |
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| Sound asleep on Grandpa's shoulder |
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| Asleep in her chair. Her Thanksgiving outfit :) |
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| Daddy taking a break |
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| Using the Baby Bjorn! |
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| A little smile and feet in the air |
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| Kicking away |
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| Daddy decided to lay on the floor too |
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| Jake is protecting Madelyn |
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| Finally, I got a picture of a smile! |
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| And another one! |
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Two month check-up
Madelyn went to the doctor this morning for her two month check-up. She did great! She has grown 2 inches in length since her last appointment - she's now 23 inches long, which is in the 75th percentile. She's also grown about 3 lbs. since birth and now weighs 10 lbs. 2 oz.! I said to Martin as we were leaving the doctor's office, "Can you believe that some people GIVE BIRTH to children who are 10 lbs. 2 oz.?!?!" Oh my goodness, no. She's sleeping (and snoring) like a champ right now. All the activity of the doctor's office and three shots have totally worn her out!
In addition to this morning's trip being successful for Maddie, it was also great practice for Mommy and Daddy. This was the first time we were all ready and out of the house by 8:10 am! We'll have to get used to this routine as I go back to work in just 3 short weeks.
Last weekend we enjoyed a lovely Saturday morning/afternoon picnic at the park with Martin's MBA classmates and their families. We brought our whole family to play - Martin, Megan, Madelyn, AND Jake. That's right, it was like the circus had come to town when we got out of the car. Even though we were only gone for 4 hours, the entire car and trunk was packed. Ridiculous and hilarious. I never could have imagined how much stuff you have to travel with when you have a baby.
We're looking forward to this weekend as well - Martin and I will have a 'baby free' day and night on Friday, as Auntie Jo has volunteered to babysit! We are excited to be able to get one full night of uninterrupted sleep, but I know we'll miss Maddie tons and be so excited to pick her up the next morning. And Saturday morning is a big game day too...MSU plays Iowa...house divided! Madelyn will certainly be rooting for Michigan State and wearing one of her many Michigan State outfits of course.
Some more recent photos:
In addition to this morning's trip being successful for Maddie, it was also great practice for Mommy and Daddy. This was the first time we were all ready and out of the house by 8:10 am! We'll have to get used to this routine as I go back to work in just 3 short weeks.
Last weekend we enjoyed a lovely Saturday morning/afternoon picnic at the park with Martin's MBA classmates and their families. We brought our whole family to play - Martin, Megan, Madelyn, AND Jake. That's right, it was like the circus had come to town when we got out of the car. Even though we were only gone for 4 hours, the entire car and trunk was packed. Ridiculous and hilarious. I never could have imagined how much stuff you have to travel with when you have a baby.
We're looking forward to this weekend as well - Martin and I will have a 'baby free' day and night on Friday, as Auntie Jo has volunteered to babysit! We are excited to be able to get one full night of uninterrupted sleep, but I know we'll miss Maddie tons and be so excited to pick her up the next morning. And Saturday morning is a big game day too...MSU plays Iowa...house divided! Madelyn will certainly be rooting for Michigan State and wearing one of her many Michigan State outfits of course.
Some more recent photos:
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| Her warm outfit for a chilly day in the park |
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| Passed out on Mommy and Daddy's bed |
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| Breakfast date with Ruby! |
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| Sleeping on Cousin Aemelia |
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| And now sleeping on Daddy |
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| Family picture |
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| Her first Halloween! |
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| And again... |
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| Close-up of her 'costume' |
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| Feeding time |
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| Holding her head up by herself! |
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| With both grandmothers on Halloween |
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| Cuddles with Auntie Jo |
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| Smiles after a night out trick-or-treating |
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| A little grin :) |
Monday, October 31, 2011
Happy Halloween!
Madelyn is almost 2 months old already! We go to the doctor next week and I'm very anxious to see how big she's gotten...but not so anxious about more shots :/
She is doing really well and we've noticed lots of changes. She sleeps pretty well at night (on average only wakes up once for a feeding), she is very alert and has recently started enjoying her play mat a lot. She likes some 'alone time' to just kick and look around! I've also downloaded some kid friendly stations on Pandora that really seem to soothe her - the more upbeat songs for daytime and lullaby songs for nighttime.
I've recently connected with some other new moms and I've become involved with MOPS (Mothers of Pre-Schoolers) at church. It's been really great to share stories and learn new things.
This week, Madelyn's grandma is in town to visit and make sure she gets all her cuddle time. We are going trick-or-treating tonight with Cousin Aemelia, Auntie Jo, Nanny, Granddad, and Grandma while Daddy is at school. Maddie isn't dressing up this year for Halloween, as Mommy couldn't find a costume that was small enough for her. She does, however, have a onesie that says 'My First Halloween'. And because we've been having some blow-outs in our outfits recently, she will not wear this outfit until right before we leave the house :) Therefore, I don't have pictures of her said outfit yet.
Here are some recent pictures:
She is doing really well and we've noticed lots of changes. She sleeps pretty well at night (on average only wakes up once for a feeding), she is very alert and has recently started enjoying her play mat a lot. She likes some 'alone time' to just kick and look around! I've also downloaded some kid friendly stations on Pandora that really seem to soothe her - the more upbeat songs for daytime and lullaby songs for nighttime.
I've recently connected with some other new moms and I've become involved with MOPS (Mothers of Pre-Schoolers) at church. It's been really great to share stories and learn new things.
This week, Madelyn's grandma is in town to visit and make sure she gets all her cuddle time. We are going trick-or-treating tonight with Cousin Aemelia, Auntie Jo, Nanny, Granddad, and Grandma while Daddy is at school. Maddie isn't dressing up this year for Halloween, as Mommy couldn't find a costume that was small enough for her. She does, however, have a onesie that says 'My First Halloween'. And because we've been having some blow-outs in our outfits recently, she will not wear this outfit until right before we leave the house :) Therefore, I don't have pictures of her said outfit yet.
Here are some recent pictures:
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