It's Been Awhile

With a toddler who has time to write?

Things have been busy in Gab's world, cause let's be honest, it's her world, I am just living in it! Gab made it to one year just wonderfully. She is walking, talking, amazing in every way. She was thrilled with her birthday celebration clapping each time she took a bite of cake. It's amazing how quickly my baby girl has turned into a little kid.

Each day is an adventure with her. This week I am so blessed to have time off with her and although she's miserable and cutting 6 teeth (yes 6 all at once including molars) I love that she needs her mommy so much. When I have to put her down, she just sits there miserable and says "mamamama." When the Tylenol kicks in she's in a great mood and we are reading stories and playing with her Christmas toys. Gabs makes me feel so content even when I think I can't take her pulling the dogs tail again, or throwing her food across the room.

In the new year I'll be better about blogging. This journey of motherhood is amazing and I want to be able to remember as much of her younger years as I can so I'll be able to share them with her someday.

Halloween

Gab's first Halloween this weekend. Since she can't eat candy we didn't go trick or treating. We "trick or treated" at her grand parent's homes and her God mother's house. It was enough for her (and us for that matter).

Overall I'd say mu little duck was a success. We were all exhausted last night and it was straight to bed for everyone. We've had a wonderful fall so far, and are enjoying a much of it as we can before the snow arrives...

The Countdown Begins...

November is here- how did that happen?! Only 17 days until Gab's birthday. How is that possible? Where did the last 348 days go???

There is lots of emotion with her birthday approaching. Sadness at the passing of her babyhood, happiness and pride in her increasing independence and abilities. It's a roller coaster of emotion for sure and my husband just doesn't understand it. He thought I was just being dramatic until I burst into tears at the mall the other day over a onesie.

I am so proud of the little girl Gabs has become. Here we go entering into the next phase of her life, toddlerhood. Our world will NOT be the same!

My so grown up baby

I am so thankful that we have today off together my little darling. I cannot get over how grown up you are though. All at once I am both proud, and a little tearful of the time gone by. Right now as I blog, and make you a bottle I can hear you playing in your crib above me. You and playing with Sheldon, your pacis, and standing up and cooing right over my head. You've tried all your clever noises- cooing, calling "hi dada", growling, and even your precious fake cough. I love you so much and am looking forward to a day of adventure with you....

Happy 3/4ths!

My little baby is 3/4ths today. She has now been an outside baby the same amount of time she was an inside baby. Time sure does fly when you have an amazing Gab! I am watching her play with her ear right now while she bounces in her jumparoo and think back to 9 months ago how this moment was so far away, yet here we are.

My little Gabs is absolutely amazing. She is crawling, walking while holding on to our hands or her train walker, she is discovering interesting things about herself each and every day. She claps, waves, blows kisses, and plays peekaboo back. She smiles, looks surprised when you pop out at her (even if she was expecting it) and knows that I know what she's up to when I ask her "really?"(then she giggles and goes back to being a rule follower!) She feeds herself (and the dogs, and the floor, and her clothes), she has a fantastic sense of humor and she is absolutely utterly amazing and has stolen my heart. I cannot believe 3/4th of a year has gone by since our little miracle. I am so looking forward to all she has in store for the remainder of her first year and beyond.

13

So I am superstitious but not in the traditional way, 13 is actually a lucky number for my husband and I. Our first apartment together was #13, we found out we were pregnant on Friday the 13th of March, my due dates averaged out to be Friday the 13th of November, our house numbers add up to be 13... 13 just seems to be a number that always pops up in our life but in a positive way.... enter my superstition.

I was called for an interview on 8/5. Immediately I knew my chances of getting the job were doubled since that added up to 13!! I did get the job and today I went in to start and I am in room #13.... a coincidence or fate?? I know triskaidekaphobia is the fear of the number 13 but I wonder what optimism and excitement about the number 13 is called?

VACATION

This week I am on vacation. I said I wanted to have nothing to do with work but day 1 of vacation I got 2 calls from work, yesterday I got one call, and Thursday I am going in for a meeting now. Hopefully today can be truly work free? (I say that but I just finished writing a paper for class I am taking...)

Despite not being able to completely leave work behind, I am having a great time. DH's best friend is home this week and he's wonderful. We are enjoying spending time with him and his family and it's nice to relax. I am LOVING the extra time I have with Gabs! She is such a little person now, she has opinions, a stubborn streak that rivals her father's, she has a sense of humor, and is truly the most amazing person I know.

Although this is my only full week off, I still have lots of free time over the next couple of weeks to be with her. We will be going to story time at the library, playing at the park, swimming in pools, playing at the indoor baby gym, and maybe even a trip to the beach! It made me sad last night when I was recounting to Gab's Daddy that it feels like I am getting to know her. I should know her, she's my daughter, but there is lots that I miss being at work all day... I am just so thankful that I have this time with her. I hear my little giggle monster stirring from her nap (she didn't sleep much last night, darn tooth!) so off I go to see what adventure she'll take me on today!

Three days done and I am still standing!

I've finished the first week of my 5K training!! I feel good but have no idea how on Earth I am going to be able to run a 5 K in 9 more weeks?! My coach assures me that it will be no problem but I am doubtful, I am still getting winded running the 60 seconds and tomorrow we are increasing our running increments to 90 seconds at a time. I'll do it, I am just not sure how. Of course when I began this program I didn't think I'd do more than 1 day of it and here I am beginning week 2. Having a running buddy helps immensely!

As far as my body goes, I have not noticed any changes yet, it probably doesn't help that DH's best friend is home from Afghanistan for two weeks and we've been out to eat with them 3 of the last 4 nights.... Good thing I am running, at least I am not putting ON any weight!

A letter to my 8 month old

Dear Gabby,

You are 8 months and 2 1/2 weeks old. You are 255 days old today and there are 110 days until you are one. Each and every day you amaze me however today is different. I've known it's been coming for quite some time now but today you showed me that you are a grown up baby with a mind of your own thankyouverymuch mommy!

The last couple of days you've decided that you can make your own decisions when it comes to sleeping, eating, playing and being cuddled. While I am glad you are growing up and are so clever, I am sad to see my little baby being so big.

Right now we are playing in your room and when something is out of reach and you do not wish to roll or crawl to it you emit a screech then look from me to the object and back again. This morning in the middle of feeding you in your highchair I got up to get something off a counter and you threw a fit to rival a 2 year old! I couldn't believe it. Although I question your methods, I am amazed at how well you communicate and make your needs known. You my dear are amazing.

I love you my little Gab and am impressed at how quickly and well you're growing up. Everyone says you look just like me but we both know who this new attitude is from! ;-)

Love,

Mommy

Operation Hot Mommy Day 2

Today was my second work out and it went great!! The 90 seconds of walking was really short but the good news is, so was the 60 seconds of jogging. Today I had Gab with me and pushing her stroller was a whole new dynamic. Thankfully my running buddy took her for half the time. It was really great and we have a schedule now- running in the mornings for the next 3 weeks then back to evenings when I go back to work.

I am going to feel so good- wait, I feel so good already! Now looking ahead to a fabulous weekend with an 80th birthday party for one of our friends, our best man is coming home on leave from Afghanistan, and DH will be around lots!! Looking forward to a weekend of family, friends, and fun, and now fitness!! :-)

Worst Enemy

What would you do if you saw your husband's worst enemy. This other man didn't know who you were but you knew exactly who he was. Not only that but what if he talked with your baby and even reached out to touch her? I have nothing personally against this man but DH would have FLIPPED if he had been with us. I am trying to decide if I tell Gab's Daddy but I think no. It would only get him riled up. Ahhhh the drama of living in a small town!

I Didn't Die!

That's the good news from my work out yesterday. The bad news is, there was one minute I really struggled. My coach was great though and pushed me through it and I was almost disappointed when the work out was done. It was nice to do something challenging physically.

My "coach" also brought me two race forms and told me to pick which race we'd sign up for the weekend after my birthday. I picked and we're going to send in our money next week and be committed.

Today is a day of rest, although Gab and I will take a walk this afternoon. Tomorrow will be a training day... Let's hope I last!

Operation Hot Mommy

This week begins my quest to become physically fit. I have not exercised consistently over the last 16 months since I found out I was pregnant for Gabs. I did prenatal yoga and all that but not really anything too cardiovascular.

This week changes all that. It's long been a goal of mine to learn how to run. Growing up I always had friends who did track and I just could never see the point of it. After Gabs was born, I had a friend who runs marathons who offered to run with me and train me to run a 5K. It was my goal to run this race before Gab turns 1. I am going one better than that, I am training for a race on the day I turn 30. I've had two work outs this week and today marks my 3rd for the week, my first with my unofficial trainer. I called her earlier to see if we'd still be on since it is 90* and humid and she wouldn't let me waiver. It's good for me, and I will feel good after our workout....

So over the next 10 weeks I will track my progress as I work towards learning how to run. I am so looking forward to getting back not only my prebaby body, but a body that is much better than that one.

On my mark, get set, GO!

Waiting....

Right now I am waiting to hear about a job interview. I had one yesterday, they asked to see the top two candidates again and they said they'd let us know today.... I am currently waiting for my call- either way- and am anxious. Yesterday's interview I did not feel went well. I felt like I didn't portray who I am as a professional and was just too nervous to make a coherent sentence. Obviously they disagreed since I got a second chance today. Today's interview went much better for me. I was less nervous, and thankful for a second chance to show who I am and why I'd be the best candidate but there were a couple of very pointed questions specific to what they had reservations about yesterday and I am sure they still have those reservations today since I was unable to answer the questions directly at that moment, I got there but it was after lots of talking. I do feel like they saw me more professional today and I am just sorry I couldn't do that yesterday and wrap it all up... Oh well. Hopefully my phone rings soon!! .....

Picture Post- Fourth of July

Not so much a fan of bare toes on grass...

YET!

Mmmmm Custard

FINALLY caught that tooth on camera!

Happy Fourth Everyone! Love, Gab and Gab's Mommy!

Pampers Village = Rewards for You!

Pampers Village is an online community of real parents like you. Membership enrolls you into our Gifts to Grow program--the Pampers you buy earn you points towards great rewards. Plus, you can earn points when your friends (new to Pampers) sign up.

View >>

Fabulous Fridays!

I know I always said when I had children I'd be done working multiple jobs-especially summer school. However, one day of summer school (which is only a half day 8-12) pays for daycare for the whole week so one week of summer school will pay for one whole month of daycare. How can I possibly give up 5 months of daycare money?!

I did however make sure that I have Fridays with the Gabster! They are FABULOUS by the way. Totally loving having my girl all to myself one day a week. This week was extra exciting, she cut a tooth AND started to say "Dadadada." This Friday we went to the park where Gab tried out a big girl swing for the first time and LOVED It!! Now a walk to the park will be part of our afternoon fun (weather permitting)!

Houston, we have a tooth!!

And I greeted it with mixed emotion. It broke through today and Gab took it like a champ. At first I was so excited about it, but then the full meaning of the tooth set in. My baby is gone. In her place is this tiny little girl who is eating solids, sleeping through the night, becoming increasingly mobile and growing teeth.

Boy, this mommy stuff is emotional business. I spent the last 3 months hoping for a tooth and 10 minutes after the discovery, I want it to go away!! I am so proud of my little girl and how is she growing up and turning into such a happy, healthy, amazing little girl, but can't I mourn the speed of her babyhood?? Next thing you know, she'll be driving!

Music To My Ears

The sweetest music to my ears is the sound of Gab laughing. She has the best giggle, and now full out laugh.

She on the other hand loves music in general. In the mornings on our way to day care, she sometimes gets fussy and bored in the car but if I just pop in The Beatles, she calms right down and dances away. Right now we're learning the songs on the Sgt Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band album!

Yesterday we went and bought a Sign, Sing, and Play! set that has songs full of signs. We are going to start playing with this kit today once she's up from her am nap. Should be pretty fun! Oh, she heard we were going to have a good time and I hear her stirring upstairs. Think good thoughts- I hope we can learn the signs to The Beatles! ;-)

Fevers

We've been battling fevers for the last 2 months. In the evenings Gab seems to be running these low grade fevers. The Doctors keep telling me not to worry- but it's been so long now that I AM worried! Yesterday when I picked her up from daycare I thought she felt warm and it was confirmed when I took her temp 102.5!! Called Dr and he said to bring her in today.

This morning her temp was 100.9 and at the Dr.'s office 100.2. Again, they looked at her happy demeanor and said they couldn't figure it out. They did collect some urine and said no UTI but to watch her fevers. If she goes over 102 again this weekend call back and we will schedule further testing but what could it be?!

I am glad they're no worried since she seems to be fine, just really hot, but at the same time, what if something is wrong and we're missing it???

Vote for Gab Again...

I know you've done this in the past but I need your help again.... this is a MUCH bigger deal. Gab has a chance to be on the cover of Parents Magazine!!! You can vote for her here. You can vote once a day until Saturday!! :-)

http://photos.parents.com/category/vote/id/7/w/23/y/2010?page=598&

The Mystery of Baby Socks

It seems the more pairs I purchase, the less matches I can find in Gab's drawers. For the third day in a row I spent 10+ minutes searching for any two socks that match! Seriously, I have one of each sock I've puchased but two of none. I actually put the only matching pair of socks I could find on Gab on Thursday. When I picked her up at daycare that day she was sockless. I asked about it and they said "oh they didn't match her outfit so we took them off." If they knew how long it took me to find two that looked the same they may have appreciated it more. Ahhh the mystery of baby socks.

Oh BTW did any of you read the article about the mom who went to Burger King and was asked to leave since her 6 month old had no socks or shoes on?? http://www.kmbc.com/news/20301884/detail.html Here it is. I don't know what I'll do if I get a hankering for a whopper!! ;-)

Sad kisses

I KNOW it's been a busy week and I've not gotten to spend time with my Gab like usual. We had Dr appointments on Tuesday and Wednesday nights and got home and straight to bed. Yesterday we spent a little more time together but Gab was asleep by 6:30. ANYWAY...

This morning at day care I handed Gab to M (our utterly FAB day care provider) and M said "Give mommy a smooch good bye." And Gab opened her mouth and leaned into M. I took my smooches but was a little sad. So glad she loves M but sad at the same time. Only 9 1/2 more days of school. I will be teaching summer school (and a college course starting in July) but I will have all afternoons with my Gab. And THEN she will know who her smooches belong to. :-)

Doctor Appointments

I LOVE our doctor's office but I sure am sick of going there! This week brought a well baby check for the Gab and a sick mommy visit for me.

First the well baby check up. Gab is well! She is growing nicely, sticking straight to the 5oth% in height, weight and head circumference. Dr said she was still very strong, and doing well. He is not worried about her in the least. I asked about how she's waking up at night and wondering if I should feed her at nighttime feedings (She was sleeping straight but has just begun waking again). He told me, no, she can go all night and then quite seriously told her, "Gab, you go to bed at 7 and get up at 6, what you do in your crib between those hours is your business, don't bother your mom and dad." I laughed and was glad to know we're on the right track with sleep training.

Fast forward to my mommy visit today. I think I have a clogged duct. Feeders, don't fail me now, we're more than halfway to Gab's first birthday! I have a red spot that is really hot on one of my breasts and the Dr thinks it's an infection. Hopefully it will all work out over the next week because this pain SUCKS. I've been so close to quitting breastfeeding but I want to fulfill my promise to Gab, but this is tough.

Hopefully no more Dr appointments this week....

Northward!

That was our Memorial Weekend destination. PHEW What a drive! 7 hours one way. Gab was a trooper!

Friday night we left from work and Gab played until dinner. At the restaurant she got out and played, back in the car, and off to dream land where she slept soundly until we arrived at 12:30. Then she fussed and played for about an hour before going back to sleep. Was up early at 5 am ready to go!!!!!

Saturday we spent the day with my grandmother and LOTS of relatives! We were there from 9am-6pm then out to dinner. Boy were we wiped out! But it meant a lot to my memere to meet the baby and spend some time with her.

Sunday, up early again and the return trip home. Although it was an impossibly long day, we got home and slept in our own beds last night. Ahhhhh It was a busy, but family filled Memorial Day weekend!

Back to work

Today I was back to work and Gab was back to daycare. The head injury is just a scratch on the top of her head, it took her primary daycare teacher awhile to find it. So glad she's feeling better.

Today for me was a marathon, catching up on what I had missed at work, teaching all day and then my drama show tonight (I teach not act). PHEW! But it was great to be back to our routine. 2 nights of routine then off to visit my Memere who hasn't met Gab yet. Cannot wait!! :-)

And the award for worst mommy ever goes to...

ME!

Yup, I did my Gab wrong last night and I feel terrible!!

I took a personal day Monday and Gab and I played all day long. Had a wonderful day with my girl, we just stayed home and enjoyed each other. It was much needed.

5pm We went to my parents house for dinner, and the trouble began. When we arrived I unbuckled Gab from her car seat so I could just carry her in in my arms. C disagreed with me about it, I got distracted and unsnapped the whole car seat from the car instead and she tumbled out onto the ground. I cannot get the image of her tumbling and landing, face down of course, out of my mind. Thankfully she screamed immediately. We took her straight to the hospital and she was discharged with only scratches.

Bed time for everyone!

11:30pm Gab wakes up SCREAMING. I stumble in to give her a paci but that's not doing it. I pick her up to feed her and she immediately vomits. She vomited 4 times in 40 minutes... we left for the ER. They did a CT scan- everything normal!! We got discharged again at 4:30am. Home by 5... it was a super long night but I am beyond relieved that she's ok. They think the vomiting was a reaction to amoxicillian (sp?) so we have discontinued it and Gab was back to her normal self today- thankfully. However, I will soon begin writing my speech for the worst mommy in the world award.

LOST *Spoilers*

Quick break from mommy posting to have LOST post.

As pretty much everyone knows, last night was the LOST finale....

I loved it and hated it at the same time. I LOVE that everyone was reunited. I was particularly satisfied by the reunion of Sawyer and Juliet and surprised about Saiyd and Shannon (I thought Nadia was his love and somehow they'd connect....). I hated that I didn't feel resolution or a real answer about what the island was... and what's going to happen now? So they're all dead? What about Ben? How about Hurley? Of course I predicted at the beginning of this season that Hurley would be new Jacob... you can ask my LOST buddy she'll vouch for me, but it didn't have that good feeling like I thought it would. I dunno, mixed feelings about the finale big time.

Now I am waiting for DH to get home and Gab to take afternoon nap so we can watch Jimmy Kimmel from the DVR and see the cast's reaction. I will also rewatch the episode tonight and fast forward through all the commercials and see if I get it a little bit more. Holy commercials Batman!

Crazy Mommy

Yes, I fear that is the reputation I am getting at my pedi's office. My mother also works there so I am afraid they feel like they HAVE to talk to me, but maybe that's just all pedis?!

I called again today. For the last 4 weeks Gab has been running a low grade fever in the evenings of 99.6-100.5. The first time it came up I took her to the doc's and they said it was nothing, she was fine. Took her in last week again because I was worried that this was STILL going on... hello 3 weeks of a small fever is NORMAL?! plus this time her eye was really runny and they told me that was fine, call if fever reaches 101. REALLY?! Well a terrible cold set in and I called again Sunday afternoon. That Dr told me to come in the next day if she didn't seem on the mend. She seemed better and I was tired of being told she was fine all the time so we did not go in Monday.

Tonight I picked her up at day care and she was fussy. Felt her forehead and she was at 101.1. SO I called the Dr..... The on call was great and told me it was probably nothing but he wants to see her in the morning. This will be the third time I've gone in (5th call) and I am annoyed that they are not seeming to take me seriously. I KNOW I am a first time mommy but what if something is really wrong and they're missing it because they think I do not know what I am talking about?

My little Gab is sleeping like a log right now and looks so peaceful, until she lets out a huge snore and has a coughing fit from the congestion they say is "normal."

I didn't realize

Before I had a baby I didn't realize that I was as worried about things being all natural as I am. I've vowed to nurse my baby not only for the health benefits but because I don't know what's in formula. I am now making my own solid foods because I am against adding vitamins and preservatives to fresh foods. I shop and buy organic now and buy primarily fresh fruits and veggies as opposed to processed food. Things I never realized about myself until I became a mom.

Teething BITES!

Seriously why aren't these stinking teeth through yet? Gab is double fisting and cannot chew on enough things. I hate seeing my baby in pain and I want it over with.... come on teeth stop torturing my Gabster!

Teeth??

Dear Teeth,

Please stop torturing my daughter. She is miserable and has been for 2 weeks now. If you could please kindly make your appearance I'd really appreciate it. And tell the rest of your friends festering under my Gab's gums to get the heck out and stop bugging her.

Sincerely,

*Gab's Mommy*

Low Grade Fever

So Gab has had a low grade fever in the afternoons and evenings for the last 2 weeks. I called the Dr the first day and he said it was "viral" (which I think is code for paranoid mommy). He said to call back if the fever spiked or she seemed uncomfortable and inconsolable. Well when it too much of 99.4-100.3 too much?!

When I called the first time I suggested it may be teething but then was told I didn't know what I was talking about. Funny, when I called today again THEY said it was probably teething and to keep watching her.... I just hope we're not over looking something else. The good news is, Gab is happy, eating well, making plenty of diapers, and has good energy, but the fever thing is weird... isn't it?

Vote For Gab!

Today G was chosen by the editors of thebump.com and shutterfly.com as one of the top five finalists out of more than 600 in the baby's first smile contest.You can go here and see the finalists and vote. I am so proud of my baby! I always knew she was cute :-)

No Ear Infection

Gab started tugging on her right ear Monday night. No big deal, babies tug their ears when teething. It kept up all day yesterday and she had a small fever of 99.8*. I called Dr and they said to watch her and call back in the morning. Temp today was 100.0 so we called dr and had an appointment. He announced that as of 10:46 and 30 seconds Gab does NOT have an ear infection. He did caution us that it could happen at any time and to call back if her fever goes up.

My poor Gab seems to be so uncomfortable with this teething business. She is napping (finally) right now and has her fingers in her mouth still. Poor baby. I keep hoping these dang teeth will come through but then there will be more on the way! The thing is, the end is no where near in sight. I teach first grade and most of those kids are teething too. Poor baby. But the good news is, no ear infection... at least not as of 10:46 am.

Baby Food Day 2

I would say making baby food has been a SUCCESS! I am LOVING it, and it is SO pretty! My freezer is full of pizzaz and color now. Can't wait to try feeding Gab some of these pretty foods... I think we will start a little bit of peas tomorrow and see how she likes it. She's doing fine with the rice cereal- opening up wide when I bring the spoon to her mouth, even trying to feed herself a little bit- she actually got the spoon into her own mouth last night. Peas though will be a whole new adventure!

Baby Food

Gab turned 5 months old yesterday. AMAZING how fast time flies. That means it is time to start thinking about solids and getting my plan ready for that whole catastrophe. I feel like I JUST got down pumping and working and now she needs to start thinking about being on solids? Can't this kid stay in a pattern for a little while for me?

I've been thinking about solids for a couple of months now and decided I want to make my own baby food for Gab. It's less expensive but better than cost, I know what's going into my baby. It's funny but you would think that a jar of baby carrots would just have carrots on the ingredient list but sadly, it does not, there are often added vitamins and such. The debate is still raging about if that is a good idea or not. I want to just feed Gab straight from the carrot, carrots... think happy, no big mess thoughts, we will see how it goes!

5 Months

Ahhhh 5 months ago I was having contractions every 4 minutes beginning at 1 am and still was not dialated. It would be that evening around 4pm when things started happening and my baby girl was finally born at 8:50 PM!



Her first photo. I remember C announcing "It's a boy! No wait.... it's a girl?!" I sat up so fast and sure enough it was a baby girl. I was so sure it was a boy, everyone thought she'd be a boy. She surprised us that day and hasn't stopped since. Happy 5 month birthday my little girl. It's been 5 wonderful and amazing months with you. I truly am the luckiest mommy around.

Napping Strike

My child has apparently gone on a napping strike today. She's been up since 7 and has only taken about 1 hour worth of naps total today (on the way to and from her auntie's house). I am trying to convince her that napping is a good idea but she isn't buying it. She's going to crash hard here in a little while but it won't be without a fight. As I type (I can't look at her or she gets excited and wants to play) she is fooling around with her hands and pulling her paci in and out of her mouth and passing it back and forth between hands (her newest trick). Ahhhhh little Gab, you need your rest!!

What Am I Doing Here?

I have been beyond blessed to have been given the gift of Gab, and I don't mean talking, I mean...Seriously?! Look at that face??? How am I NOT the luckiest mommy in the world? This blog is intended to be filled with all things Gabby and about being a new mom. Who knew I'd have so many questions (and opinions) about raising my little pickle?