Work and babysitting are becoming easier and easier each day. I think I am actually getting lazy about it sometimes. I am still breastfeeding (well exclusively pumping in our case) but Charlotte is getting bigger and healthier for this effort so I will continue. We had our 4 month checkup on the 12th of September and we got a perfect score. This was the first appointment daddy couldn’t attend (he was in Boston) but we quickly called to check up with him when we left. She was 16.5lbs and 26.5 inches long. Off the charts in height and weight we were at 95%. Growing strong and healthy is the way to go. Favorites this month are Bruce the Moose, Monkey blanket and Sophie the giraffe. We are wearing 6 mos clothing and moving on to size three diapers soon. We started solids (peas were the first food attempted) and you love them. So far you have had peas, banana, oatmeal, rice, avocado – not a favorite, and pears. First real time mommy and daddy went out (since we left you with aunt Kat to see Steely Dan and you cried for 3 hours straight) and you were PERFECT! Aunt Kat and Zak watched you and you were great. You played and ate well and went to bed for them with no problem. It was nice for mom and dad to celebrate their anniversary and for you to spend time with Aunt Kat!
0 3 months young...
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Labels:
3 mos
| Month Three recap: August is a busy month at the Lee Household. Birthdays, farming and general life gets the best of us. We had big changes this year and it was big for Charlotte as well. Babysitting started on the 3rd of August. I was a mess both the 1st and 2nd just trying to hold her as much as possible. I didn’t want to put her down. It was VERY hot out so that didn’t help my need to just snuggle and stay home with her. We did take a trip out to teach swimming lessons on the 2nd but were quick to head back home and get some more snuggle time in. Mark stayed home from Boston that week to help me with the transition. Thank the Lord he did. Charlotte did wonderful. Mommy- only cried two times during the day which is a win in our book. Charlotte did great. We checked in about 3 times to see how she was doing and we realized our worries went out the door. Jessica was doing a wonderful job watching her and Charlotte loved the entertainment of Lainey. She was worn out by the time we picked her up at 4:30, but it was nice to see she had fun. She has made the transition easily to Mrs. Jessica and I am glad she likes her so much. Birthdays are plenty in our household in August. Mark’s birthday is on the 4th and mine is on the 14th (yes 10 years and 10 days apart) so we celebrated the big 40 and the big 30 this year. We had a party with lots of friends and family to celebrate the occasion and to show off the new house. All in all it turned out very well. The month flew by- Charlotte loved going to play with Lainey and Mrs Jessica every day and mommy is getting used to dropping her off. Big changes for our family, but welcomed as she gets bigger. | |
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0 First day with the nanny!
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Labels:
firsts
Charlotte Jane-
As I sit here at my desk on the first day I return to work I realize how special and great you are! You decided to wake up when mommy was getting ready which made me even more nervous about you taking good naps. You played on the bed while I put my makeup on and dried my hair and I listened to you talk to your toys and to daddy when he was in the room. You had the biggest smiles on your face which helped me get ready even more to be home. As I sit here looking at your pictures and thinking about what we did all day every day for the last 12 weeks I realize how special that time was. I came back to work to make our lives better, to show you that we can do anything we set our minds to and that we love you enough to give you the best we can at all times.
I only cried a little before I put you in your car seat, smelling you and kissing you before I put you down. You slept the entire trip over to Acacia’s house and didn’t wake up before we left. Mrs. Jessica was ready for you and was excited to have you. I probably spent a little too much time walking out the door, however, I know you’re in good hands. I checked on you 2 hours after dropping you off and you were having a great time. You were playing and cooing and were eating VERY well. When I checked a few hours later you had such a great nap it almost made me nervous. Mrs. Jessica sent a picture to show us how happy you were which did make mommy cry, but I also realize how much I miss your cute little face. I will be there in just two hours to pick you up and I can’t wait to snuggle you when I return home. Thank you for making mommy’s return to work that much easier… as I always tell you- if you could eat ice cream, I would totally give you some! This picture is what Mrs. Jessica sent mommy and daddy when you woke up from your nap. You love that little monkey... hopefully these faces will continue!
0 Two Months already?!? How you have changed.
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Labels:
monthly update
Charlotte Jane-
you are our little Jane girl. You have really learned to use your smiles and have started to coo and talk to us when we talk to you. I love when you stare into my eyes when you are happy or sad and I love the way when you are sad you want your mommy. It brings tears to my eyes to know that I mean so much to one little person. You are getting SO big and are learning to entertain yourself. You, just like your mama, like to sing and dance. You sit wherever you are and kick your feet and move your arms and do your own version of singing. You have a song in your heart and I cant wait to hear what that song brings you.
This month you have learned to hold your head up even more and are getting closer to sitting up in your stroller and your bouncy seat. You are putting weight on your legs and pushing up when we hold you. You are a very strong girl and we cant wait to watch you continue to grow.
You just witnessed fireworks for the first time and couldnt care less- you slept right through them. We cant wait to see you with them next year,
you are our little Jane girl. You have really learned to use your smiles and have started to coo and talk to us when we talk to you. I love when you stare into my eyes when you are happy or sad and I love the way when you are sad you want your mommy. It brings tears to my eyes to know that I mean so much to one little person. You are getting SO big and are learning to entertain yourself. You, just like your mama, like to sing and dance. You sit wherever you are and kick your feet and move your arms and do your own version of singing. You have a song in your heart and I cant wait to hear what that song brings you.
This month you have learned to hold your head up even more and are getting closer to sitting up in your stroller and your bouncy seat. You are putting weight on your legs and pushing up when we hold you. You are a very strong girl and we cant wait to watch you continue to grow.
You just witnessed fireworks for the first time and couldnt care less- you slept right through them. We cant wait to see you with them next year,
0 Charlottes Trips to the Farm
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Labels:
farm
Little Miss Lee - This is a note to you.
So in order to keep track of things going on in your life little Charlotte I decided to keep track of different events that go on in your life. Your first trips to the farm were pretty eventful with lots of people and hands to help take care of you. This weekend was the first time we had you at the farm with just your grammy and grampy. This is what we are calling Grandma and Grandpa right now and it seems to work for you. I am sure you will change it as it goes. We have your own stuff out there so we dont have to take so much time to pack to leave.
You love to lay on the porch in your pack in play. The breeze always pushes through and you love it. Your favorite thing to do is to lay without your clothes on like a true hillbilly in only your diaper. You entertain the dogs - especially Addie, Aunt Kat's dog. She doesn't like it when you cry and doesn't love to share the attention. Your grampy is always getting in trouble for picking you up with dirty hands, but its alright- soon enough you will get into the dirt alone. You like to look around and dont mind the heat or the bugs. Soon you will be big and be able to understand all of the things that the farm means to us. Its our place for family and relaxation. I love going out there to get away from it all- even if its really hectic there and we have to work. One day you will understand.
So in order to keep track of things going on in your life little Charlotte I decided to keep track of different events that go on in your life. Your first trips to the farm were pretty eventful with lots of people and hands to help take care of you. This weekend was the first time we had you at the farm with just your grammy and grampy. This is what we are calling Grandma and Grandpa right now and it seems to work for you. I am sure you will change it as it goes. We have your own stuff out there so we dont have to take so much time to pack to leave.
You love to lay on the porch in your pack in play. The breeze always pushes through and you love it. Your favorite thing to do is to lay without your clothes on like a true hillbilly in only your diaper. You entertain the dogs - especially Addie, Aunt Kat's dog. She doesn't like it when you cry and doesn't love to share the attention. Your grampy is always getting in trouble for picking you up with dirty hands, but its alright- soon enough you will get into the dirt alone. You like to look around and dont mind the heat or the bugs. Soon you will be big and be able to understand all of the things that the farm means to us. Its our place for family and relaxation. I love going out there to get away from it all- even if its really hectic there and we have to work. One day you will understand.
0 More posts on things I cant live without!
Friday, June 24, 2011
Labels:
must have items
I promised to keep updating this as I go - so here goes...
The beloved bouncy seat. When Charlotte was a few weeks old I thought this was a huge waste of money. She hated it and was actually too small to enjoy it. I put it in the corner and actually got it out last week and what do we know she fits much better. I purchased the Carters Cuddle Me Bouncer - we picked it due to the vibrating seat and the ability to bounce. The toy bar is removable and its easily washable. This helps when we go places or when we go outside. Much easier to carry than the swing. I would say most people think you can live without this... however its easier to take a shower with her sitting in this.
Boppy Pillow - I will admit- I hated this at first. I felt fat since it didn't fit around my waist to use to breast feed. I wanted to throw it away. Now that she is bigger- I use it more to let her sit on the ground and I also now can use it to breast feed since the belly has slimmed down again. I think if you plan to only use this to breast feed, then you might want to look at my Breast Friend pillow. I just used a regular pillow until she was big enough and I was small enough to use it for feedings.
The Beloved Breast Pump - I debated this purchase and luckily was able to get a deal on a breast pump. I wasnt sure if breast feeding was going to work for me and after I learned how to use a breast pump in the hospital (this was a suggestion from a friend and I am really glad they told me to do this.) I started up the breast pump to make sure I was producing milk. It also helped me get a break from feeding on the body and get her used to a bottle. Now we pretty much pump all the time and only body feed once a day. I would have never been able to keep up with her if I was only body feeding. She eats every 2 hours and about 4 ounces. I am greatful to have my pump and its easy to tote around. I have the Medela Pump in Style Advanced. Dr. Browns bottles fit into the Medela horns so its really nice to have a bunch of extra bottles.
The stroller- I LOVE my stroller. We tried this stroller when we were asked to babysit for friends that moved back to the US from Europe. This stroller is extremely convenient. It folds easily and allows for many connection points. The Quinny stroller was a little out of our price range and I was devistated to find out that it was unobtainable. I started looking at a few other strollers and was about to give up hope. I happened to make a pit stop into the Gap Factory Outlet to get a pair of maternity jeans when I saw the Quinny Bassinet that hooks into the stroller. I asked the lady at the register why they had that and she stated they had a shipment of baby items and they had one stroller left. I almost fell over. I loved this stroller. I purchased this stroller and picked it up the next day. Note to everyone- make sure the stroller you pick fits into your vehicle. I know a couple of people who had issues fitting their stroller into their cars. Makes it hard to go out without this.
Baby Bjorn- another questionable purchase that we are glad we have now. Mark tried on the carriers in the store because I wasnt sure if I would be able to use it. We got the original carrier and are very happy with the purchase. Charlotte loves to be carted around in it and I hope it stays that way!
Boppy Pillow - I will admit- I hated this at first. I felt fat since it didn't fit around my waist to use to breast feed. I wanted to throw it away. Now that she is bigger- I use it more to let her sit on the ground and I also now can use it to breast feed since the belly has slimmed down again. I think if you plan to only use this to breast feed, then you might want to look at my Breast Friend pillow. I just used a regular pillow until she was big enough and I was small enough to use it for feedings.
The Beloved Breast Pump - I debated this purchase and luckily was able to get a deal on a breast pump. I wasnt sure if breast feeding was going to work for me and after I learned how to use a breast pump in the hospital (this was a suggestion from a friend and I am really glad they told me to do this.) I started up the breast pump to make sure I was producing milk. It also helped me get a break from feeding on the body and get her used to a bottle. Now we pretty much pump all the time and only body feed once a day. I would have never been able to keep up with her if I was only body feeding. She eats every 2 hours and about 4 ounces. I am greatful to have my pump and its easy to tote around. I have the Medela Pump in Style Advanced. Dr. Browns bottles fit into the Medela horns so its really nice to have a bunch of extra bottles.
The stroller- I LOVE my stroller. We tried this stroller when we were asked to babysit for friends that moved back to the US from Europe. This stroller is extremely convenient. It folds easily and allows for many connection points. The Quinny stroller was a little out of our price range and I was devistated to find out that it was unobtainable. I started looking at a few other strollers and was about to give up hope. I happened to make a pit stop into the Gap Factory Outlet to get a pair of maternity jeans when I saw the Quinny Bassinet that hooks into the stroller. I asked the lady at the register why they had that and she stated they had a shipment of baby items and they had one stroller left. I almost fell over. I loved this stroller. I purchased this stroller and picked it up the next day. Note to everyone- make sure the stroller you pick fits into your vehicle. I know a couple of people who had issues fitting their stroller into their cars. Makes it hard to go out without this.
Baby Bjorn- another questionable purchase that we are glad we have now. Mark tried on the carriers in the store because I wasnt sure if I would be able to use it. We got the original carrier and are very happy with the purchase. Charlotte loves to be carted around in it and I hope it stays that way!
0 One month young! The life of a month old
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Labels:
monthly update
I always hope that I can keep up with this once I go back to work because if I had some of these things from when I was young (not that we had blogs then) I would love it. I got the idea of keeping tabs on the birth from my mother. One gem that I have from her is the story of my birth. How lucky am I. Since she isnt around anymore to ask about my youth, I rely on photos and memories that my dad has. Here is my recap for Charlottes first month.
Events that have happened-
You were born on the day that Osama Bin Laden was killed- I know this sounds morbid, however, this is a big deal since your family has plenty of military members that are active and were fighting in the war during the time.
Its the month of May - the weather has been very weird- lots of tornado warnings and issues with the weather this month. Plenty of rain (actually more rain that we have ever had) and we were going from 40 degrees to 90 in a short period of time.
Details about you-
You are a very awake child. You love to be around people and actually sleep well when its noisy and you calm down when I blow dry my hair or run the vacuum. You love to swing in your swing. I dont let you do it all the time, however, its a good break for mommy. You were wearing newborn clothes most of the time this month. You dont love sleepers- you find them to be a little confining when you like to kick your feet around. You love your kitty binx - if you are wondering where we came up withe name- I have no idea. Its a kitty on the end of a pacifier... this is all your father and I could come up with.
I am starting to put you on the floor more and get you to play in the floor. I think I was scared for the first week to do this. I am not sure why but hey I am a new mom and I am learning. You dont like the heat. You were fine with being bundled up, however, now that it is getting hotter- you HATE it. You typically end up half dressed to cool off.
You love the sound of the fan when you sleep. I have a feeling we will be using a noise machine when you make it to your own room soon. You like the bath tub, however, you dont like it unless we talk to you and calm you down. If we try to go too fast you scream bloody murder. Give Daddy and I time, we will pick up the best way to do things.
You are eating a ton- I was wondering why you were fussy the last few weeks but you were just working on growing. You went from 7lbs 11 ounces when you were born to 7lbs 2 ounces in a week. This is normal however, it was making me nervous. At your one month checkup you were 8lbs 10 ounces. I was shocked and happy you were growing. You are now 22inches long and making great progress.
You are starting to make eye contact and smile at me and daddy which makes us the happiest parents ever. I swear I almost cry when I see how pretty your smile is. You are a very happy baby and get plenty of attention. You have so many people that love you it makes us very happy. Your grandma and grandpa call to see how you are doing all the time and everyone is always asking for an update.
What I hope for you- I hope you are always happy. I hope you are challenged in everything you do so you learn how to adapt and become a better person. I hope you are able to love as much as you are loved and you are compassionate. I hope you grow up to ask questions, search for new things and become a strong woman. You will always have our support and guidance, however, I know we will let you learn things on your own. This is not to punish, but to help you grow. I cannot wait to watch you grow and I am constantly loving looking into your eyes and see how much you have grown and changed.
Your father and I love you very much! You have changed our world and we cannot wait to watch you grow in the next few months!
Events that have happened-
You were born on the day that Osama Bin Laden was killed- I know this sounds morbid, however, this is a big deal since your family has plenty of military members that are active and were fighting in the war during the time.
Its the month of May - the weather has been very weird- lots of tornado warnings and issues with the weather this month. Plenty of rain (actually more rain that we have ever had) and we were going from 40 degrees to 90 in a short period of time.
Details about you-
You are a very awake child. You love to be around people and actually sleep well when its noisy and you calm down when I blow dry my hair or run the vacuum. You love to swing in your swing. I dont let you do it all the time, however, its a good break for mommy. You were wearing newborn clothes most of the time this month. You dont love sleepers- you find them to be a little confining when you like to kick your feet around. You love your kitty binx - if you are wondering where we came up withe name- I have no idea. Its a kitty on the end of a pacifier... this is all your father and I could come up with.
I am starting to put you on the floor more and get you to play in the floor. I think I was scared for the first week to do this. I am not sure why but hey I am a new mom and I am learning. You dont like the heat. You were fine with being bundled up, however, now that it is getting hotter- you HATE it. You typically end up half dressed to cool off.
You love the sound of the fan when you sleep. I have a feeling we will be using a noise machine when you make it to your own room soon. You like the bath tub, however, you dont like it unless we talk to you and calm you down. If we try to go too fast you scream bloody murder. Give Daddy and I time, we will pick up the best way to do things.
You are eating a ton- I was wondering why you were fussy the last few weeks but you were just working on growing. You went from 7lbs 11 ounces when you were born to 7lbs 2 ounces in a week. This is normal however, it was making me nervous. At your one month checkup you were 8lbs 10 ounces. I was shocked and happy you were growing. You are now 22inches long and making great progress.
You are starting to make eye contact and smile at me and daddy which makes us the happiest parents ever. I swear I almost cry when I see how pretty your smile is. You are a very happy baby and get plenty of attention. You have so many people that love you it makes us very happy. Your grandma and grandpa call to see how you are doing all the time and everyone is always asking for an update.
What I hope for you- I hope you are always happy. I hope you are challenged in everything you do so you learn how to adapt and become a better person. I hope you are able to love as much as you are loved and you are compassionate. I hope you grow up to ask questions, search for new things and become a strong woman. You will always have our support and guidance, however, I know we will let you learn things on your own. This is not to punish, but to help you grow. I cannot wait to watch you grow and I am constantly loving looking into your eyes and see how much you have grown and changed.
Your father and I love you very much! You have changed our world and we cannot wait to watch you grow in the next few months!
