Dear Daddy

I love my hands!

Over the past few days, I've been playing with my hands more and more. Today I couldn't them out of my mouth. I would even squeal in frustration if I kept trying to get them up to my mouth but missed. Mommy tried to get me to use the pacifier, but I would have none of it. I only wanted to chew on my hands.

Mommy and Nana went through all the infant/toddler toys to see what I have to play with as I get older, and what I should add to my Christmas wish list. I sure do have a lot already and won't need much!

Love you and miss you.

- your baby girl

Dear Daddy

I had a very eventful day, tagging along with Mommy to the store, getting to FaceTime with you, eating, naps, and watching Uncle D's dog get shocked with his new obedience collar. That was funny!

Mommy has been packing up most of my newborn clothes. At first she was sad, but once I showed her how cute I look in my 3 month onesies, Mommy was excited about me having a whole new "batch" of clothes to wear.

I christened one of them already with a blow out diaper! It was a good one. Mommy had to wash my swing because it got dirty too. I know...I have awesome skills.

Love you Daddy. Hope you keep on getting better.

- your baby girl

Dear Daddy

Sorry I haven't written you in the last few days. I've been keeping Mommy very busy. Last night Mommy got a break and was able to sleep about 9 hours while Nana took care of me all night and into the morning. Mommy almost slept in till noon! 

I am getting bigger every day, and fit into one of my 3 month outfits for the first time.

Can't wait to talk to you tomorrow on FaceTime. 

Love you!

- your baby girl

Dear Daddy

I received my 2 month shots today. Mommy couldn't handle it, so Nana came with us and held me. I screamed real loud, but it only lasted for a few minutes and then Nana calmed me down.

Afterwards, Mommy and Nana treated themselves to pizza and Hawaii 5-0 while I slept, cuddled up in Nana's arms. After Nana left, I fell back asleep in Mommy's arms, and slept through the whole Cardinals game.

Mommy's been having a hard time of it lately. She hates the thought of us being away from you now while you are down for the count with your leg, and then with the holidays coming up. I do my best to cheer Mommy up by smiling and talking my baby talk.

Oh, I almost forgot to tell you, at the doctor's office today, I weighed 10 lbs and 4 oz.! I'm in the 50th percentile for height and weight. And I was cooing and smiling for the doctor too...that is before I got my shots. :0(

Love you Daddy!

- your baby girl

Dear Daddy

Mommy and I were up at the crack of cracks this morning to go shopping with the girls. Mommy found me the cutest summer outfit and a Christmas shirt for next year. Guess what? They both have "Daddy" on them!

Everyone and their brother fussed over me, and Mommy repeated, "7 weeks" about a thousand times because they all kept asking how old I was. I thought it wasn't polite to ask a girl's age?! :0)

Had our first poop explosion worthy of a hose down. You should have seen the faces Mommy made. I thought it was funny although I don't think Mommy felt the same way.

Hope your leg feels better! Love you!!!

- your baby girl

Dear Daddy

Today was our first "do as Abby wants" day. On a scale of 1 - 5 binkies (1 being bad and 5 being the best), I'd say this day rates at 5 binks!

Mommy went to the dentist this morning and she did such a great job of rocking me to sleep, that I slept through her whole appointment. All the ladies said I was so cute.

Then Mommy took me to friend J's house where me and baby C. had a play date. It was fun. We hope to have another play date next week!

I've been lifting my head up more, and talking baby talk. Mommy hopes my first word is "Daddy!"

Sorry to hear that you hurt your ankle today. Mommy and I wish we could be there with you to take care of you and cheer you up!

Mommy and I love and miss you.

- your baby girl

Dear Daddy

Mommy and I have decided to scrap the whole "crying it out" idea. She said my supreme vocal chords were about to make her jump ship, and since she can't do that because she has to take care of me...then we are just going to stick to doing things in whatever way keeps me happy and Mommy sane. At least until we get to Italy and then you, Daddy dear, get to deal with me. :0)

Today Nan came over and took care of me so Mommy could have a break. And for lunch, the three of us went to a park with Aunt M.. I loved watching the waves at the lake.

I've enjoyed playing on my Baby Einstein play mat. And today while riding in the car, I figured out how to press the buttons that make noise on one of my toys.

Gotta go! It's time for a diaper change.

Love you!

- your baby girl

Hanging in there: Mom 101

Motherhood has a very humanizing effect.  Everything gets reduced to essentials.  ~Meryl Streep

Little miss had a bad night which made for an equally bad night for me. But 5 hrs later, we finally met with the sweet success of peaceful sleep. 

Hubby is so wonderful. When I reach my breaking point, Hubby let's me vent. There is no judging or telling me what to do. He simply shows his support and encourages me to hang in there. 

Thank you Love. 

Dear Daddy

Today I tortured Mommy by refusing to sleep at all between the hours of 7am and 1:30pm. Mommy spent a good portion of that time sitting outside because she just couldn't take my endless crying (aka. screaming). At that point Mommy finally gave up any hope of me sleeping and so we went and returned the one lousy "womb" bear that was barely audible, and bought a different one that is a lot louder.

Then we went to Grandma and Grandpa's house to visit. I drank part of my bottle and promptly feel asleep and all of Grandma and Grandpa's attempts to wake me up we're in vain. I had finally wore myself out from all the crying earlier.

Mommy and I watched the Cards game tonight. I got so bummed over the other team's runs that I decided to fall asleep (again).

We put the new "womb" bear to the test tonight and it worked with great success. Mommy laid me down in my own bed, wide awake, and I fell asleep on my own without so much as a peep squeak! Mommy hopes we have multiple repeats of this miraculous occurrence.

Sorry I missed you during FaceTime today. I'll do my best to be awake for you tomorrow!

Love you Daddy.

- your baby girl

Dear Daddy

Mommy has been working very hard at trying to get me to fall asleep on my own. It's so hard for her when I cry, but we are doing good. I'm eating more and even slept for 3 hr periods the last two nights.

Mommy and Nana worked on my holiday dress and finished the zipper today. Now Mommy just has to hand stitch the last bit of lace trim on and then it's done! I'm going to look so cute.

I'm napping during the RAMS game so I can stay awake for the Cards game tonight. Mommy is wearing the bright pink jersey that you bought her, and I'm wearing one of my favorite "Daddy" onesies. We'll take a picture of us send it to you.

Going to visit our friends, M & M tonight. It will be the first time I get to meet them in person. Can't wait!

Love you Daddy.

- your baby girl

Dear Daddy

Mommy and I were very busy today! Aunt M. came over to Nana's to spend time with me and we hung out together. We went for a walk, made spicey spaghetti sauce, I got a bath, watched Hallmark movies, spent time with Uncle D. when he came over after drill, played with Nana, and watched Mommy sew my dress.

Mommy was sad this afternoon. All she could think about was Baby K.'s memorial service. Although we couldn't be there, it was still hard for Mommy as she thought about what our friends are going through as they miss their baby.

I was especially good this afternoon so as to help cheer Mommy up. It made our day being able to Skype with you! I love hearing your voice, Daddy.

Hugs and kisses.

- your baby girl

Dear Daddy

Mommy and I had a rough night last night. We slept for 1 hr...until this morning at 9:30am and then we finally got a little more sleep, although it made Mommy late to girl's lunch with Aunt M.E., Aunt J. and cousin K..

We had lots of fun at lunch. I was high maintenance and enjoyed being held and fussed over. At one point when nobody could get me to stop crying, Mommy played your story book recording. I calmed down for a few minutes and it made the aunts and cousin K. teary-eyed. They said it was really sweet.

Now Mommy and I are with Nana and I get to sleep in my very own room tonight! Mommy is a little nervous, but it's okay. Mommy bought me a "Womb bear" that supposedly really calms babies down. We shall see if I like it. We'll let you know!

Uncle J. and cousin K. came over around dinner time so Mommy could learn ways to massage my back and stuff and help me with the horrid colic.

We miss you Daddy! Be safe traveling. Can't wait to FaceTime or talk with you soon. Love you!

- your baby girl

Dear Daddy

Mommy dressed me up all cute and pretty for FaceTime with you, until she forgot you were traveling.  I was really bummed! 

We went and had lunch with Aunt C. at the mall and I loved the lights and bright colors everywhere. 

Mommy wore her lucky Freese jersey for the Cards game, but it didn't pull any luck for us today. The Cards just have to win tomorrow!

Love you Daddy!

- your baby girl

What I Wish I Knew: Mommy 101

This is a rambling post of  how things have worked for me.  Nothing is in order of priority.  I'm just numbering them to look organized.  Haha.

Note: I am a stay at home "single" mom and not breastfeeding.

#1 Get a cosleeper.  Who cares if you aren't going to be THAT mom.  Get one anyways.  You can always take it back.  For us, the Baby Delight Snuggle Nest (NOT the surround one) was a life saver.  It allows your baby to sleep in bed with you safely.  It also allows you to attend to the baby without having to get up every five seconds.  HUGE sanity preserver.  Of course we didn't get this until three weeks after little miss was born and we were ready to pawn our precious baby off to the first bidder.

#2 Forget the changing table.  Unless you can find a changing table where your baby's butt FACES you, don't even waste your money.  It's to difficult to try and change a squirming baby sideways.  Instead, have a couple of changing pads on hand everywhere.  Because that's just where you'll be changing your baby.  Everywhere. 

#3 Skip all the cute clothes for the first few weeks and just make sure you have plenty of short sleeve and long sleeve onsies.  You never know if your baby is going to be warm or cold blooded.  And make sure they are all front openers.  Back openers are just not worth it.  Zippers versus snaps don't matter.  You'll find what you like after you change a million diapers.

#4 Your baby may or may not like to be swaddled.  Just go with the flow.  Our little miss loved to be swaddled the first few days and then suddenly HATED it with a passion. She likes to sleep with her arms above her head and will kick and scream her way out of the entire velcro'd swaddling blanket...arms, feet and all.  

#5 Get plenty of burp clothes and receiving blankets.  At first little miss wasn't a spitter, but now we soak the burp cloths at each feeding...and poop explosions up the back are a regular thing around here.  So having plenty of clean blankets on hand so you can place one on your lap so you aren't wearing poop...or spit...or whatever else comes spewing out of your precious baby.

#6 For cleaning bottles, get yourself a large mixing bowl, a 16 bottle drying rack (at Target), and a bottle of Dawn soap and call it a day.  Who has time to hand wash all the bottles?!?!  I rinse mine in HOT water immediately after feeding and then let them soak in (usually cold) soapy water for a couple of hours and then rinse again with HOT water. That's my bottle washing routine.  (At six weeks of age, I have 5 - 9 oz. bottles and 3 - 4 oz. bottles on hand with size 1 nipples).  But I have 6 more bottles still in their boxes in case I need more.)

#7 During the first few weeks when you are getting use to being sleep deprived, put a small basket at the head of the cosleeper with about 3 bottles filled with water, formula already measure out and in the cool little powder formula dispenser things, about 5 diapers, some wipes, 2-3 burp clothes, and a few doggy poop bags.  This allows you to care for your baby in the middle of the night without having to even get out of bed if you don't want to.  Doggy poop bags are for the diapers (seal and toss in the direction of the nearest trashcan and pick up off the floor in the morning when you are actually a little more alert and awake, and not a total sleep waking zombie). 

Sounds gross...but wait until you find dirty diapers in remote places because you were so out of it from lack of sleep that you misplaced them.  Like in the fridge...where I mistakenly put a dirty diaper instead of the half-drunk bottle...and found the bottle in the trashcan.

#8 Get a baby carrier.  The Baby Bjorn (breathable mesh kind) is what is working best for us right now.  It's quick to put on and off.  Literally takes me seconds. Very much worth the money spent.  Sometimes it's much easier to "wear" your baby instead of lugging around the carseat and/or stroller.

That's all I have for now.  As little miss continues to grow and as new things come along, I'll be sure to add them!

Dear Daddy

Mommy had her postpartum follow-up doctor's appointment today while Nana watched me.  Mommy was so tired that she fell asleep in the exam room and the doctor got a kick out of it...sympathetically that is. But it was a good appointment overall and Mommy got cleared to go back to everything, including exercising.  Mommy is so excited!  She says this will be good and give her endorphines which will makes things alot less stressful.

Daddy, thank you for being so nice to Mommy and encouraging her.  I give Mommy a very difficult time with all my crying, although I don't purposely mean too.  But I just wanted to say that you are the best daddy in the world! 

Today I smiled at Nana while she was talking to and feeding me.  I made her cry happy tears.  What's with all these happy tears?  When I cry they certainly aren't happy tears.

We stopped by to say hello to my Aunt M. this afternoon, although I was in a cranky mood and it made Aunt M. a little sad.  Mommy tried to tell her that it's just me and my fussiness, and not Aunt M.  I really do love Aunt M.!

Mommy is going to go shopping for my halloween outfit soon.  What would you like me to be for halloween?  Something cute...or something funny?  You get to choose Daddy.

Love you!

- your baby girl

Dear Daddy

Mommy swears I am in the purple crying phase. We had a total of about two non-consecutive hours where I wasn't fussy or crying.

Despite near insanity on Mommy's part, we are doing good. I'm 9 lbs now and have moved out of newborn diapers, although still wearing mostly newborn clothes. 

Today Mommy and I made the the fastest Target trip (probably the fastest in the world!) for diapers. She says that shopping trip was NOT retail therapy. 

I read your recorded story book at least five times today. While your voice is talking, I get real quiet and listen intently. 

Mommy and I are going to snuggle now for a little while. Love you Daddy. Can't wait to see you again. 

- your baby girl

Dear Daddy

I'm six weeks old today! Mommy has been reading alot of baby development stuff online and she is really excited about how everyone says it all gets easier from here. But you know me...I don't normally follow what the experts say! I like to make up my own rules.

My cousin was over here today and I had fun playing with him. He talked to me, made silly faces, and entertained me.

I follow people with my eyes now and respond to them by smiling. Mommy is my favorite and I always jerk my head around trying to find her when I hear her voice.

Other than playing with my cousin, Mommy and I didn't do much. I was good this morning and slept in my swing for a while, allowing Mommy to grab an hour of sleep.

This afternoon Mommy watched the Cards game. I tried to for a little while, but being a baby is hard work an I ended up sleeping through most of the last half.

Sending hugs and milky kisses. I love you Daddy!

- your baby girl

Dear Daddy

I had a case of "Mr. Hyde" this morning and it made Mommy so frustrated that she started throwing burp cloths at the wall.  When I finally did go to sleep...three hours later, Mommy was so wired from having lost her wits trying to put me to sleep that she decided it was time to go shopping.  Mommy called it emotional therapy. 

I was the perfect little angel until we were in the store where I got attention from everyone by screaming.  So mommy and I went and hung out in the car for a while.  Mommy listened to music while I drank milkies.

Nana met up with us and she carried me around while Mommy shopped for holiday clothes for me.  We didn't find anything, but it was still fun. 

Then we went back to Aunt and Uncle's house and Mommy worked on one of my dresses she is sewing for me while Nana and I played together.  They tried to get me to nap, but I would have none of that nonsense.

This evening while Mommy was feeding me, she watched Snow White and the Huntsman.  But the movie was so boring that she decided that making silly faces at me so I would smile was alot more entertaining.

Guess what...I'm holding my head up on my own now! 

When you told Mommy that you won't being going to be sent off to play in the sand box anytime soon, Mommy cried.  She said they were happy tears...whatever those are.  Of course I am excited too because this means we get to come back to you!  Besides, you wouldn't want to be away from me for that long anyways because I am pretty awesome.  Just saying.

Love you Daddy!

- your baby girl

Dear Daddy

Nana came over today and watched me so Mommy could have a break. I slept, ate, and did all of the normal baby things. Mommy cleaned out the car, did laundry, organized the clothes, cooked, and watched TV. We also picked out a very cool Christmas onsie that you will love! I just know you will.

I liked Face Timing with you today, Daddy! Sorry you were frustrated about the Cardinals score. But don't worry, once I'm big enough to fit into all my cool Cardinal clothes...I will wear them during all the games and bring the Cards some good luck.

Mommy was planning on renting the Snow White and the Huntsman movie tonight, but we watched M*A*S*H instead. Maybe we'll rent the movie and watch it tomorrow.

Love you Daddy!

- your baby girl

Dear Daddy

Mommy says she jinxed herself by saying that I was starting to fall sleep and self sooth without crying to much, because I was a holy terror last night.

Mommy says it's hard to get mad at me at night when I keep her up because I look at her and smile a big gummy grin and it melts her heart.

Mommy says patience is a virtue, but not one that I possess because when I want my bottle...I want it YESTERDAY. Mommy says she doesn't have this virtue either. =0)

Mommy says I'm going to kill her when I'm older and have read what she's written about me.

Mommy says she misses you alot.

We love you.

- your baby girl

Dear Daddy

Today I fell asleep on my very own, after crying for only five minutes. Mommy was so surprised that she kept coming in to check on me. And this evening, I didn't cry at all after Mommy laid me down to sleep.

Mommy took me to get my passport photo at Walgreens this afternoon and everyone was oogling over me. Of course I had to be nice and smile and coo back, which brought me even more attention. Mommy thought it was funny.

Later on we watched Pretty Woman together while I guzzled down a whole four ounces of milk. There was no snacking on one to two ounces this time. I was hungry!

While Mommy was giving me a bath this evening, I farted in the water and it made lots of bubbles and scared me. Mommy laughed but I didn't think it was funny. She says I take after you.

Time to go to sleep (for a little while). Love you and miss you Daddy.

- your baby girl

Dear Daddy

Mommy went to the doctor today because she wasn't feeling good. I was a perfect little angel while we were there and everyone said I'm so cute!

Later Nana and Great Granny came over to play with me and we went for a walk. I was a bit cranky at first, but then I fell asleep.

I spent most of the afternoon sleeping in Nana's arms while Mommy took a nap.

My tummy is feeling a lot better and I've been eating more so I can grow bigger. I have almost outgrown my going-home-from-the-hospital-"daddy"-onsie. But don't worry, I have a new one to grow into!

Mommy hopes that I sleep longer tonight because she is very tired. I don't know why... :0)

Love you Daddy!

-your baby girl

Dear Daddy

Mommy and I took today all for ourselves. We weren't feeling good so we slept, ate, and snuggled in front of the TV for most of the day. I liked watching cops with Uncle D..

I did my first voluntary smile for Mommy this evening. Mommy was talking about you and I gave the biggest grin ever. Mommy cried.

We listened and danced to your favorite song "Somewhere over the rainbow."

Mommy likes taking lots of pictures of me but I wasn't feeling very photogenic so I squinted my eyes and made faces at the camera.

Sending you milky kisses. Love you Daddy.

- your baby girl