Friday, March 25, 2011
Remembering the funny things!
I was just thinking back to when Brynnlee was a newborn. It was such a stressful, busy and fun time! I remember diaper changes during the first two weeks of her life. There were many times that either Jeff or I, or both, were either pooped, peed or puked on during a diaper change. When we were changing her diaper she would begin pooping, or peeing on us. One day we were lucky and got all three! It was a process that seemed to take forever, now we are both pros at diaper changes. We are also getting pretty good at changing clothes too! Things get easier at time goes on!
First wedding, reflections on the past and updates…
I will start this blog with the present and work through to the past. On Saturday, March 19th, Brynnlee and I attending my cousin Tommy’s wedding. Jeff had to work and was unable to make the wedding, so my sister came in his place to help me. I am so thankful she came, without her my arms would have gone numb! I’m glad that we were able to make it to the wedding, but I wish that Jeff could have made it. We were planning on staying in a hotel, but to save money I drove home that night. It was tiring, and I didn’t make it home until 3…but Brynnlee and I were able to sleep in our own beds. Plus the dogs were able to go outside and we saved the carpet from being peed on. Of course the next night Remington peed on the carpet! Katie, Brynnlee and I made it to the wedding just in time to see Kelli walk down the aisle. We slipped to the back row and enjoyed the ceremony. Brynnlee laughed, giggled and even screamed throughout the ceremony. It was so funny, and slightly embarrassing. After the ceremony we headed to the reception. Brynnlee met her aunts Karen, Karla, and Kelly. She also met her cousins Chelsea, Jared and Amy. Kris, Larry, Jamie, Ruben and the kids also visited with Brynnlee. It was a lot of fun to watch Brynnlee interact with family and to the setting. She enjoyed the music and loved watching the other kids on the dance floor. Uncle Larry took her on the dance floor and danced with her for a few minutes. She laughed and laughed watching him dance and be crazy. Brynnlee wore a cute spring dress. It was white satin material with pink and green dots and a green bow in the back. Through the night Brynnlee was amazing! She slept part of the car ride there, but was wide awake until we left at 8:30. When she started to rub her eyes and get fussy we left. About 2 minutes into the car ride she was asleep and slept until we dropped Katie off at the cabin. Brynnlee visited with my parents and Nick. The she had a wardrobe change, a bottle and we were back on the road. The trip home was long, boring and very tiring! Brynnlee slept through the entire trip. I had to stop a few times to gather my thoughts and wake up a little more, but overall I did really well. While driving through St Johns the car in front of me hit a deer. I saw the car slow down and instantly I knew what had happened. I slowed down and kept on eye on the wounded deer. As I passed the poor thing looked me straight in the eye as it struggled to try to stand. Unfortunately I don’t think the little guy made it, he looked wounded. We continued on our path, we had another slight encounter with deer and almost hit a raccoon. Other then that the ride was filled with phone calls to Jeff and constantly changing the radio stations!
I’m glad that some of the family was able to meet Brynnlee. Although I know they will never be a part of her life like they were in mine, I was glad they met her. Sadly some days I wish the family could reconcile the past and move on. Grandma Bonnie would be so upset at how the family has acted and the way things have turned out. Brynnlee doesn’t need to know specifics. All she needs to know is that they are family, but we are not close and will never be close again. I remember a lot of good times with my aunts, uncle and cousins, but these memories are in the past. Brynnlee will have our immediate families, and that’s about it. I hope as she gets older she understand the reason why we are sheltering her from the majority of our families.
Today Brynnlee is 26 weeks and 6 days old. I continue to be amazed by her growth. She loves to stand and play with her toys. Everyday she gets tummy time, and each day she continues to rock and get on her knees. It’s getting closer every minute. Her hair is continuing to grow, in fact it starting to touch her ears again! I think she is going to be fair haired like her mommy, I just hope she doesn’t get the crazy curls that I had. She loves to play with a finger puppet that we have. She laughs and giggles when I hide it and pop it back up to scare her. It’s so funny to watch her expressions! She is also starting to understand when toys fall. If she is in her exasaucer and drops a toy over the edge, she will lean over to look. Brynnlee has a slight case of separation anxiety. She fusses when one of us is holding her and she sees the other one leave the room. It’s much worse when we are home alone with her and leave the room. She gets very upset until I return; even then sometimes I have to pick her up to calm her down.
Last night I was feeding her dinner when the neighbor knocked on the door asking for cupcake holders. I gave her some and returned to finish feeding Brynnlee. Instead she had a hold of the bowl and was practically licking the inside clean. Of course the dogs were next to the high chair licking the food that splattered on the floor. When I laughed she looked at me confused! Oh how I love that little girl. She still has just the two bottom teeth. I keep waiting for more to come, but it may be awhile. Until then I crack up every time I see the huge smile and her two teeth staring back at me!
Today I am struggling with work. I am frustrated with my job and my boss. I enjoy the setting and the majority of my coworkers. It makes me so mad to know that I left a job I loved and with great people to this. I feel like they take advantage of me and my position. Sadly our program might not last past September. In a way I am hoping that we don’t receive our funding and that I am laid off. That is so terrible to say because I know so many people need jobs, but I am so frustrated. I feel like I never have a life outside of work. If it’s not my fulltime job, then it’s my part-time job, or the housework, or Jeff is gone…etc. I keep waiting for life to slow down, but I have a feeling it’s going to keep up. I’m in it for the long haul! So I just keep moving along. Anytime life gets me down I just remember the smiling face that is waiting for me when I get home!
I’m glad that some of the family was able to meet Brynnlee. Although I know they will never be a part of her life like they were in mine, I was glad they met her. Sadly some days I wish the family could reconcile the past and move on. Grandma Bonnie would be so upset at how the family has acted and the way things have turned out. Brynnlee doesn’t need to know specifics. All she needs to know is that they are family, but we are not close and will never be close again. I remember a lot of good times with my aunts, uncle and cousins, but these memories are in the past. Brynnlee will have our immediate families, and that’s about it. I hope as she gets older she understand the reason why we are sheltering her from the majority of our families.
Today Brynnlee is 26 weeks and 6 days old. I continue to be amazed by her growth. She loves to stand and play with her toys. Everyday she gets tummy time, and each day she continues to rock and get on her knees. It’s getting closer every minute. Her hair is continuing to grow, in fact it starting to touch her ears again! I think she is going to be fair haired like her mommy, I just hope she doesn’t get the crazy curls that I had. She loves to play with a finger puppet that we have. She laughs and giggles when I hide it and pop it back up to scare her. It’s so funny to watch her expressions! She is also starting to understand when toys fall. If she is in her exasaucer and drops a toy over the edge, she will lean over to look. Brynnlee has a slight case of separation anxiety. She fusses when one of us is holding her and she sees the other one leave the room. It’s much worse when we are home alone with her and leave the room. She gets very upset until I return; even then sometimes I have to pick her up to calm her down.
Last night I was feeding her dinner when the neighbor knocked on the door asking for cupcake holders. I gave her some and returned to finish feeding Brynnlee. Instead she had a hold of the bowl and was practically licking the inside clean. Of course the dogs were next to the high chair licking the food that splattered on the floor. When I laughed she looked at me confused! Oh how I love that little girl. She still has just the two bottom teeth. I keep waiting for more to come, but it may be awhile. Until then I crack up every time I see the huge smile and her two teeth staring back at me!
Today I am struggling with work. I am frustrated with my job and my boss. I enjoy the setting and the majority of my coworkers. It makes me so mad to know that I left a job I loved and with great people to this. I feel like they take advantage of me and my position. Sadly our program might not last past September. In a way I am hoping that we don’t receive our funding and that I am laid off. That is so terrible to say because I know so many people need jobs, but I am so frustrated. I feel like I never have a life outside of work. If it’s not my fulltime job, then it’s my part-time job, or the housework, or Jeff is gone…etc. I keep waiting for life to slow down, but I have a feeling it’s going to keep up. I’m in it for the long haul! So I just keep moving along. Anytime life gets me down I just remember the smiling face that is waiting for me when I get home!
Friday, March 18, 2011
Happy 1/2 birthday little bug!!!!!
Today our little girl turned six months!!! She is amazing and I am so excited for many more celebrations and birthdays to come. Jeff had to work tonight but he talked to her on the phone before bed. I took her on a walk and then read her a story. It was amazing because she didn't fight her sleep and she fell asleep curled up with me. I miss my cuddly newborn.
Thursday, March 17, 2011
St. Patrick's Day
It's been a long time since I have posted a picture! So here is one from the brief photo shoot that I did on my lunch break!
Ok, so I had to put more then one! I just adore this little girl. She lights up my entire world when she smiles!
Today is her first St. Patricks day! Although we aren't Irish I had to buy her a onesie to celebrate the day! My plan is to keep all my favorite onesies, and all the holiday ones, and have someone make a small quilt or quilted book out of them. This weekend we are moving her 3-6 month clothing back upstairs and bringing her 6-9 month clothing dowstairs. Its sad when I have to change her sizes, but I can't wait till the warm weather when she can wear cute little dresses :)
Ok, so I had to put more then one! I just adore this little girl. She lights up my entire world when she smiles!
Today is her first St. Patricks day! Although we aren't Irish I had to buy her a onesie to celebrate the day! My plan is to keep all my favorite onesies, and all the holiday ones, and have someone make a small quilt or quilted book out of them. This weekend we are moving her 3-6 month clothing back upstairs and bringing her 6-9 month clothing dowstairs. Its sad when I have to change her sizes, but I can't wait till the warm weather when she can wear cute little dresses :)
Monday, March 14, 2011
Learning as we go
Although I know no one reads the blog I still try to write often. Between the blog, the journal and the calendars I will have things to show/tell Brynnlee about her past.
The past six months have been a blessing. It has been filled with both smiles and tears; which I am thankful for both. In the beginning mom and dad were stretched to the max. There were times where nothing would soothe Brynnlee, and we would give up. The tears would flow, but in the end we learned that sometimes there isn't anything we can do but there for her. We learned to be patient, understanding and flexible. There are times where we are frustrated, but all we have to do is make her smile and it melts all of the other problems away. Though there have been tough times/days, there have been many more amazing days with Brynnlee. We enjoy showing her new things and taking her new places. Many families these days don't have the ability to vacation with their family, we consider ourselves lucky. We haven't always been this way, but we make sure to provide a good life for our family. Anything Bug needs, she will get!
Everyday we learn something new. Sometimes its about Brynnlee, sometimes its new tips or tricks and other days we learn something new about each other. It's amazing! In the beginning I was confident, I knew having a baby around would be different, but I didn't really how much! Jeff leaned on me often because I have more experience with little ones. It felt awesome to be needed, but after awhile I realized that I didn't have all the answers. A lot of the time my answers were just guesses. It took me a few months to break down and just say I don't know, your guess is as good as mine. I felt like a failure, but I simply learned that I just don't know it all...in fact no one knows it all. Its all trial and error when it comes to children. They make their own schedule, they let you know when they aren't happy...you can't do these things for them.
Parenting styles...oh boy. There isn't a definition to our parenting style. I guess you could say we are pretty go with the flow. We are laid back, but at the same time we will expect a lot from her. Of course now its too soon to lay down the law, but we are trying to use the word no when she is doing something we know we won't like in the future. For example; when we change her diaper we tell her no when she tosses and turns. Although it doesn't help, we are trying to introduce her to the word now. We want Brynnlee to be the child that others are jealous of. I don't want her to be the crazy children running insanly through the stores :)
So long story short, we are learning as we go. We try our best, but we know that we aren't always right and there will be times were we are completely wrong...but that is ok with me because we try our best.
The past six months have been a blessing. It has been filled with both smiles and tears; which I am thankful for both. In the beginning mom and dad were stretched to the max. There were times where nothing would soothe Brynnlee, and we would give up. The tears would flow, but in the end we learned that sometimes there isn't anything we can do but there for her. We learned to be patient, understanding and flexible. There are times where we are frustrated, but all we have to do is make her smile and it melts all of the other problems away. Though there have been tough times/days, there have been many more amazing days with Brynnlee. We enjoy showing her new things and taking her new places. Many families these days don't have the ability to vacation with their family, we consider ourselves lucky. We haven't always been this way, but we make sure to provide a good life for our family. Anything Bug needs, she will get!
Everyday we learn something new. Sometimes its about Brynnlee, sometimes its new tips or tricks and other days we learn something new about each other. It's amazing! In the beginning I was confident, I knew having a baby around would be different, but I didn't really how much! Jeff leaned on me often because I have more experience with little ones. It felt awesome to be needed, but after awhile I realized that I didn't have all the answers. A lot of the time my answers were just guesses. It took me a few months to break down and just say I don't know, your guess is as good as mine. I felt like a failure, but I simply learned that I just don't know it all...in fact no one knows it all. Its all trial and error when it comes to children. They make their own schedule, they let you know when they aren't happy...you can't do these things for them.
Parenting styles...oh boy. There isn't a definition to our parenting style. I guess you could say we are pretty go with the flow. We are laid back, but at the same time we will expect a lot from her. Of course now its too soon to lay down the law, but we are trying to use the word no when she is doing something we know we won't like in the future. For example; when we change her diaper we tell her no when she tosses and turns. Although it doesn't help, we are trying to introduce her to the word now. We want Brynnlee to be the child that others are jealous of. I don't want her to be the crazy children running insanly through the stores :)
So long story short, we are learning as we go. We try our best, but we know that we aren't always right and there will be times were we are completely wrong...but that is ok with me because we try our best.
Things I love...
Here is a list of some things I love about Brynnlee:
1. Her smile, even when its a partial smile
2. Making her smile
3. Watching her grow
4. Watching her laugh and play
5. Her amazement with her hands and feet
6. Her amazement with our hands and feet
7. Seeing her sit on her own
8. Watching her hair grow and change colors
9. Hiccups, sneezing and yawning (I LOVE the yawns)
10. Watching Baby Einstein with her
11. Seeing her face light up when I walk in the room
12. Seeing her face light up when Jeff comes home from work
13. Feeding her a new food
14. Watching her gag and shudder when a new food is introduced (I know it sounds mean, but it is so cute)
15. Getting compliments on how cute she is
16. Putting bows in her hair
17. Taking pictures of her
18. Watching her roll around the floor
19. Watching her start to tuck her knees under her body, which means she is getting ready to crawl
20. Playing in the pool with Brynnlee
21. Watching Jeff's amazement, he stares at her with the most content and loving look
22. Waking up with Brynnlee next to me. Jeff is working nights right now, the other night she woke up in the middle of the night. I laid her next to me to drink her bottle. She fell asleep on her boppy pillow and I fell asleep next to her. It was great to see her smile first thing in the morning.
23. Listening to her coo in the morning. She lays in her pack and play and makes tons of funny noises...in fact most days I want to pick her up, but just sit and listen to her babble.
24. Watching Brynnlee bounce up and down in her exasaucer
25. Playing with Brynnlee and her activity table. I help her stand up and she is able to push the buttons and listen to the music. She loves to bounce up and down, it looks like she is trying to dance. I purchased the table at a second hand sale because I wasn't sure if she would like it, but the $10 was well spent! I also bought her a leap frog playstation that grows with her. It sits two ways, so she can sit and play with it, or stand and play with it. Its not quite as interesting as the table, but she still loves it.
26. Showing Brynnlee "Ellie", when she is upset Ellie can help her to feel better.
27. Watching Brynnlee show off in front of others.
28. Showing Brynnlee off to others :)
29. When she watches someone and the laughs hysterically as though they did something funny.
30. I love her laugh.
31. I love when she laughs at nothing!
32. Watching her reach for and pet the animals.
This list is not all inclusive, and I will continue to add to it as time goes on. There are so many things I love about Brynnlee and my family!
1. Her smile, even when its a partial smile
2. Making her smile
3. Watching her grow
4. Watching her laugh and play
5. Her amazement with her hands and feet
6. Her amazement with our hands and feet
7. Seeing her sit on her own
8. Watching her hair grow and change colors
9. Hiccups, sneezing and yawning (I LOVE the yawns)
10. Watching Baby Einstein with her
11. Seeing her face light up when I walk in the room
12. Seeing her face light up when Jeff comes home from work
13. Feeding her a new food
14. Watching her gag and shudder when a new food is introduced (I know it sounds mean, but it is so cute)
15. Getting compliments on how cute she is
16. Putting bows in her hair
17. Taking pictures of her
18. Watching her roll around the floor
19. Watching her start to tuck her knees under her body, which means she is getting ready to crawl
20. Playing in the pool with Brynnlee
21. Watching Jeff's amazement, he stares at her with the most content and loving look
22. Waking up with Brynnlee next to me. Jeff is working nights right now, the other night she woke up in the middle of the night. I laid her next to me to drink her bottle. She fell asleep on her boppy pillow and I fell asleep next to her. It was great to see her smile first thing in the morning.
23. Listening to her coo in the morning. She lays in her pack and play and makes tons of funny noises...in fact most days I want to pick her up, but just sit and listen to her babble.
24. Watching Brynnlee bounce up and down in her exasaucer
25. Playing with Brynnlee and her activity table. I help her stand up and she is able to push the buttons and listen to the music. She loves to bounce up and down, it looks like she is trying to dance. I purchased the table at a second hand sale because I wasn't sure if she would like it, but the $10 was well spent! I also bought her a leap frog playstation that grows with her. It sits two ways, so she can sit and play with it, or stand and play with it. Its not quite as interesting as the table, but she still loves it.
26. Showing Brynnlee "Ellie", when she is upset Ellie can help her to feel better.
27. Watching Brynnlee show off in front of others.
28. Showing Brynnlee off to others :)
29. When she watches someone and the laughs hysterically as though they did something funny.
30. I love her laugh.
31. I love when she laughs at nothing!
32. Watching her reach for and pet the animals.
This list is not all inclusive, and I will continue to add to it as time goes on. There are so many things I love about Brynnlee and my family!
Friday, March 11, 2011
25 Weeks tomorrow
Tomorrow Brynnlee is 25 weeks old. She is growing, sitting up, playing, and eating great! Soon she will be crawling, talking and walking. Currently she will start flailing her legs and arms when on her belly. She wants to start moving, but she can't figure it out. Every now and then she starts to draw up her legs and does a slight rock on her knees. Its coming...and much sooner then I expected. One week from today Brynnlee will be 6 months old. I remember bringing her home from the hospital, celebrating her turning one month and now I am realized that her first birthday is right around the corner. Which reminds me, I have started to think of themes :) Since we call her bug, I am thinking of a ladybug theme. Nothing too crazy, probably just a bbq at our house (or maybe my parents because they have more space). Though it may be much for a first birthday, I am excited to look at invites and plan a cake!
This weekend Jeff went up north with Derek DeCatur and Janice. The boys are planning on doing some snowmobiling and prepping Papa's golf cart for the summer. Janice is planning on staying at a hotel to relax by the pool. Nana will be receiving recognition at church this weekend for all her years of service. I wish Brynnlee and I could be there to celebrate with her, but unfortunately my schedule wouldn't allow for time off. Instead Brynnlee and I are relaxing at home tonight and heading to a mom 2 mom sale tomorrow morning. We are in search of a hiking backpack (which finding a used one is rare) and a jogging stroller. Then relaxing the rest of tomorrow and cleaning house tomorrow night. Then sunday we will be ordering pizza and waiting for Jeff to get home.
Since we are nearing Brynnlee's 6 month mark we will need to get her pictures done again. I am trying to get them done every 2 months. She will also have a doctors appointment on the 28th. More shots will be coming at this appointment.
Last night she tried chicken, and she actually ate it well. My mom had her all day yesterday due to Jeff leaving and a meeting I had to attend. She dislikes turkey, so I assumed she wouldn't like chicken. I was proved wrong! Tonight she will have chicken again and probably some carrots. I am looking forward to spending all day
with her tomorrow, but it will be tricky with the sale and feeding her tomorrow.
After last weekend Jeff and I have been thinking about how much Brynnlee is growing and how we want to spend time with her. It has made me reflect on a few things. Many days it brings tears to my eyes to think about the fact that Brynnlee will never know my Grandma Bonnie and Jeff's Grandpa Bernie. It breaks my heart that two wonderful people will not be able to meet the most important person in our lives. My Grandma Bonnie would have loved to meet and hold Brynnlee. She would have been at the hospital loving on her, unfortunately the majority of my dad's side of the family didn't bother to come meet Brynnlee. In some ways it bothers me, but its their own choice. They will never get to know the amazing little girl that I love. The same stays true for Jeff's dad's side of the family. Grandma Meyer is the only one who we see frequently, but we do also see his aunt and cousin often. Other then those family members she won't know the Meyer side of the family. Like I said, some days this really bothers me. I remember back when I was little how "happy" my family was, the main reason it seemed happy was because I was young and naive. But I wish our families were all truly happy and healthy, sadly that is not the case though. It makes me grateful for the family that we do have. I know that Brynnlee has people who love her and will always be there for her. It makes me so proud to know that Brynnlee has loving people surrounding her in life. However I can hear Grandma Bonnie telling me how proud she is. There is one day that always sticks in my head. It is when grandma told me how proud she was of me. I was the only grandchild who reached their full potential. I was working, marrying a wonderful man, planning on a career and excited (but waiting) for a child. Its the lifestyle she wished for all of us, but few of us planned our life that way. I'm glad that we did, because we are providing an amazing life for our little girl.
Ok enough reflecting, I'm at work and can't cry! On a funny note Brynnlee popped a spring out of her exasaucer the other day! I was able to put it back in, which i'm so happy because if she couldn't sit in it I would go insane! She is always on the move and I would get so exhausted if I held her the entire time!
Well I better get back to work! The only time I find time (and motivation) to update is when I am at work. I;m thinking sometime in late April or early May will be a good day for a bbq and meet and greet for Brynnlee! Hopefully I can start planning a day soon.
This weekend Jeff went up north with Derek DeCatur and Janice. The boys are planning on doing some snowmobiling and prepping Papa's golf cart for the summer. Janice is planning on staying at a hotel to relax by the pool. Nana will be receiving recognition at church this weekend for all her years of service. I wish Brynnlee and I could be there to celebrate with her, but unfortunately my schedule wouldn't allow for time off. Instead Brynnlee and I are relaxing at home tonight and heading to a mom 2 mom sale tomorrow morning. We are in search of a hiking backpack (which finding a used one is rare) and a jogging stroller. Then relaxing the rest of tomorrow and cleaning house tomorrow night. Then sunday we will be ordering pizza and waiting for Jeff to get home.
Since we are nearing Brynnlee's 6 month mark we will need to get her pictures done again. I am trying to get them done every 2 months. She will also have a doctors appointment on the 28th. More shots will be coming at this appointment.
Last night she tried chicken, and she actually ate it well. My mom had her all day yesterday due to Jeff leaving and a meeting I had to attend. She dislikes turkey, so I assumed she wouldn't like chicken. I was proved wrong! Tonight she will have chicken again and probably some carrots. I am looking forward to spending all day
with her tomorrow, but it will be tricky with the sale and feeding her tomorrow.
After last weekend Jeff and I have been thinking about how much Brynnlee is growing and how we want to spend time with her. It has made me reflect on a few things. Many days it brings tears to my eyes to think about the fact that Brynnlee will never know my Grandma Bonnie and Jeff's Grandpa Bernie. It breaks my heart that two wonderful people will not be able to meet the most important person in our lives. My Grandma Bonnie would have loved to meet and hold Brynnlee. She would have been at the hospital loving on her, unfortunately the majority of my dad's side of the family didn't bother to come meet Brynnlee. In some ways it bothers me, but its their own choice. They will never get to know the amazing little girl that I love. The same stays true for Jeff's dad's side of the family. Grandma Meyer is the only one who we see frequently, but we do also see his aunt and cousin often. Other then those family members she won't know the Meyer side of the family. Like I said, some days this really bothers me. I remember back when I was little how "happy" my family was, the main reason it seemed happy was because I was young and naive. But I wish our families were all truly happy and healthy, sadly that is not the case though. It makes me grateful for the family that we do have. I know that Brynnlee has people who love her and will always be there for her. It makes me so proud to know that Brynnlee has loving people surrounding her in life. However I can hear Grandma Bonnie telling me how proud she is. There is one day that always sticks in my head. It is when grandma told me how proud she was of me. I was the only grandchild who reached their full potential. I was working, marrying a wonderful man, planning on a career and excited (but waiting) for a child. Its the lifestyle she wished for all of us, but few of us planned our life that way. I'm glad that we did, because we are providing an amazing life for our little girl.
Ok enough reflecting, I'm at work and can't cry! On a funny note Brynnlee popped a spring out of her exasaucer the other day! I was able to put it back in, which i'm so happy because if she couldn't sit in it I would go insane! She is always on the move and I would get so exhausted if I held her the entire time!
Well I better get back to work! The only time I find time (and motivation) to update is when I am at work. I;m thinking sometime in late April or early May will be a good day for a bbq and meet and greet for Brynnlee! Hopefully I can start planning a day soon.
Monday, March 7, 2011
Snorting, vacations and other fun times!
This weekend we took Brynnlee to Traverse City. It has been a long time since mom or dad have been to Traverse City and the trip was quick. We headed out mid morning on Saturday (the 5th) for a friend's birthday. We checked into our gorgeous hotel and immediately went swimming. It was a lot of fun to see Brynnlee play and splash around. Jeff and I had a blast holding onto her and playing, but I think before our next trip to the pool we will buy a small raft for her to sit in. After we spent some time at the birthday party we went back to the pool. This time Brynnlee had more fun and splashed even more! After the pool we headed back to the room and spent some family time together. Brynnlee fell asleep after her bottle and slept part of the night on the pull out couch. After a few hours she was unhappy and Jeff put her in bed with us. She enjoyed sleeping in the king size bed and without the dogs. In the morning we all enjoyed breakfast in bed, Jeff and I enjoyed waffles (mine had an amazing cherry sauce) while Brynnlee had her bottle. After breakfast we lounged on the couch and played with Brynnlee. She started laughing so hard that she snorted! After family time it was a rush to clean up and pack. Check out was at 11, but we finally made it at 11:10! Our hotel was amazing and I would gladly go back! Jeff reserved us a room on the 3rd floor with a king size bed, pull out sofa and private balcony. The bathroom had tiled floors and walls, and the counter tops were granite. The view was breathtaking, and I can't wait to take the drive in the summer. We are planning to go back to visit for a few days. The drive was gorgeous, and the night before we ventured up it had snowed. The pine trees were covered in snow, it was picture perfect.
On our way home we made a stop in Grand Rapids, it was out of the way...but worth it! Jeff surprised me by setting up lunch with an old college friend and his girlfriend. We spent a few hours at the diner catching up with them. I wish they lived closer to us! They loved holding and playing with Brynnlee.
We were blessed to be able to introduce Brynnlee to different sets of friends. Both enjoyed seeing her and it was comforting to be able to have a social life that included Brynnlee. Of course we gave up going out for drinks after the party, but spending time with Brynnlee and Jeff in the pool was more then worth it. This weekend was short, but so much fun. On our way home we stopped at Stu and Janice's to pick up the dogs, who we wish could have gone with us.
Once we were home we grabbed Applebee's car side to go for dinner. After we had dinner and did some basic cleaning we spent the rest of the evening on the couch waiting for Desperate Housewives to come on.
Poor Brynnlee didn't sleep well last night, she usually has trouble the first night back at home. Hopefully tonight we will be back on track.
Brynnlee has another doctor appointment later this month. I am excited to see how much she has grown. She is eating solids 3 times a day; cereal for breakfast, fruit for lunch and veggie for dinner. We are starting to feed her meat with her veggies at night. She is not a fan of turkey. She shudders and gags when I feed it to her. I have to remember that it takes 40 tries before a child decides they like a food or not. So I have to stick with it. She loves butternut squash, peas, sweet potatoes, pears and applesauce. She has also tried; peaches, bananas, carrots and green beans. She despises green beans. My mom bought mango to try, when they sliced it up I let Brynnlee suck on part of it. She loved mango, those are next on the list to make for baby food. I also bought plums and avocados to make. She had a little taste of avocados, they were alright.
Things are going great, we are fixing up my car and trying to save some money to buy his grandparents house in December. We are working hard, and it will pay off. The fate of my job will be decided shortly. I am anticipating a layoff, but not quite sure at this point. We have heard that Head Start has received their funding, but we have not heard about Early Head Start. I am anticipating the worst; which means they can put me into another position, or lay me off. I would be content with a layoff :) I would continue to look for a teaching position, but would love the time at home with Brynnlee. I never imagined that I would want to be a stay at home mom, but part of me wishes that I could be. We may know more information tonight because the Head Start budget is being proposed to the Adrian School board. I am riding the tide because I need the income, whether its from working or unemployment. There are a million different outcomes and I am just trying to be patient and not be upset when the decision is made. Until then I am just trying to be polite and do my job. I'm hoping that they don't give me more duties for the same amount of money! Some days its hard enough to fit everything in the day.
Jeff is heading back to the u.p. this weekend, next weekend is my cousins wedding, then I think we are taking a break for a few weeks. We have been running around a lot, and its starting to catch up on us and our house! We need to dedicate some time to clean and paint Brynnlee's room. Other then that life is as crazy as ever!
On our way home we made a stop in Grand Rapids, it was out of the way...but worth it! Jeff surprised me by setting up lunch with an old college friend and his girlfriend. We spent a few hours at the diner catching up with them. I wish they lived closer to us! They loved holding and playing with Brynnlee.
We were blessed to be able to introduce Brynnlee to different sets of friends. Both enjoyed seeing her and it was comforting to be able to have a social life that included Brynnlee. Of course we gave up going out for drinks after the party, but spending time with Brynnlee and Jeff in the pool was more then worth it. This weekend was short, but so much fun. On our way home we stopped at Stu and Janice's to pick up the dogs, who we wish could have gone with us.
Once we were home we grabbed Applebee's car side to go for dinner. After we had dinner and did some basic cleaning we spent the rest of the evening on the couch waiting for Desperate Housewives to come on.
Poor Brynnlee didn't sleep well last night, she usually has trouble the first night back at home. Hopefully tonight we will be back on track.
Brynnlee has another doctor appointment later this month. I am excited to see how much she has grown. She is eating solids 3 times a day; cereal for breakfast, fruit for lunch and veggie for dinner. We are starting to feed her meat with her veggies at night. She is not a fan of turkey. She shudders and gags when I feed it to her. I have to remember that it takes 40 tries before a child decides they like a food or not. So I have to stick with it. She loves butternut squash, peas, sweet potatoes, pears and applesauce. She has also tried; peaches, bananas, carrots and green beans. She despises green beans. My mom bought mango to try, when they sliced it up I let Brynnlee suck on part of it. She loved mango, those are next on the list to make for baby food. I also bought plums and avocados to make. She had a little taste of avocados, they were alright.
Things are going great, we are fixing up my car and trying to save some money to buy his grandparents house in December. We are working hard, and it will pay off. The fate of my job will be decided shortly. I am anticipating a layoff, but not quite sure at this point. We have heard that Head Start has received their funding, but we have not heard about Early Head Start. I am anticipating the worst; which means they can put me into another position, or lay me off. I would be content with a layoff :) I would continue to look for a teaching position, but would love the time at home with Brynnlee. I never imagined that I would want to be a stay at home mom, but part of me wishes that I could be. We may know more information tonight because the Head Start budget is being proposed to the Adrian School board. I am riding the tide because I need the income, whether its from working or unemployment. There are a million different outcomes and I am just trying to be patient and not be upset when the decision is made. Until then I am just trying to be polite and do my job. I'm hoping that they don't give me more duties for the same amount of money! Some days its hard enough to fit everything in the day.
Jeff is heading back to the u.p. this weekend, next weekend is my cousins wedding, then I think we are taking a break for a few weeks. We have been running around a lot, and its starting to catch up on us and our house! We need to dedicate some time to clean and paint Brynnlee's room. Other then that life is as crazy as ever!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)