Really? Wasn't Miss Aoife born Last week? Or even yesterday? I cannot believe she's already three months old. Here are her newest highlights:
She no longer resembles a monkey and looks like a little human.
She loves to smile.
She's starting to talk a little more. We love hearing her cute little voice.
She loves to be awake and participate in the action around her. She loves to take everything in with her big bug eyes.
While she is very bossy, she is so sweet. (just like her big sister.)
She's starting to not like to cuddle as much.
And some things never change:
She hates tummy time.
I still don't know what it feels like to sleep.
She is a tough girl and can handle the occasional hits from her big sister.
She loves when the kitten cuddles on top of her.
She has a lot to say and often expresses herself by route of facial expressions.
We just adore this little girl even through frustrating nights. I can't believe how fast time has gone by. I'm trying to enjoy her newbornness (sleepless nights and all) while I have it, though I'm so excited to see her grow and discover her personality. I'm especially excited to see how she'll interact with Claire and watch them grow as friends. 2 is a lot more work, but a lot more fun than 1. And we sure love Miss Aoife.
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
At It Again.
A couple weeks ago I cancelled my gym membership and decided to start up P90X. Again. I even took pictures, did all of the measurements, and have the calendar hanging on my fridge. (While I do fill it in, its main purpose is to stand between me and the fro-yo.)
I'll spare everyone the before pictures until I have the afters to compare them to. So far it's been great. I can see the muscle shapes in my arms now and can tell I'm getting stronger. Some days I'm feeling so good I even try to toss in an extra workout. Yesterday after my workout, I sat on the coffee table to take off my shoes. When I stood, I had left a butt mark on the table I was so sweaty. My shirt was sticking to my skin, and I was one hot mess. And it was incredibly satisfying.
This is my third time beginning the program. The last two times I found out I was pregnant half-way through. (Proof that it does work to slim and tone?) I absolutely do NOT want another bundle of joy any time soon so send all birth control thoughts and vibes my direction. I'd appreciate it.
I'll spare everyone the before pictures until I have the afters to compare them to. So far it's been great. I can see the muscle shapes in my arms now and can tell I'm getting stronger. Some days I'm feeling so good I even try to toss in an extra workout. Yesterday after my workout, I sat on the coffee table to take off my shoes. When I stood, I had left a butt mark on the table I was so sweaty. My shirt was sticking to my skin, and I was one hot mess. And it was incredibly satisfying.
This is my third time beginning the program. The last two times I found out I was pregnant half-way through. (Proof that it does work to slim and tone?) I absolutely do NOT want another bundle of joy any time soon so send all birth control thoughts and vibes my direction. I'd appreciate it.
Thursday, June 7, 2012
EASY Finger Paint.
Can you believe it's already a week into June?! This year has been going by SO fast and we're loving summer. I've been trying to come up with fun things I can do with the girls and today I decided to try finger paint.
Here's what you'll need:
2 C. water
1 C. flour
1/2 t salt
3 T sugar
food coloring
Mix everything in a medium saucepan. I actually beat mine together in the mixer for fear it'd all turn out lumpy. Looking back, it probably wasn't necessary.
Heat over medium heat, stirring continually. It WILL stick to the bottom of the pan and burn if you aren't careful. The mixture will be thin and runny. Remove from heat IMMEDIATELY once the mixture becomes thick.
Here, I threw the mixture in the mixer again and beat it until it was smooth. If your mixture came out too thick, you can add water while you beat it until you have the consistency you want.
Place in small bowls and add food coloring to make desired colors.
I was surprised at how much it made! If I had baby food jars or containers, I would have put the leftovers in the jars for storage.
I was surprised at how easy it was. And I'm grateful I only used things I'd find in my kitchen because at first Claire was only interested in eating it. It was really hard to watch. Eventually she figured out how to do it and had a BLAST! And I now have some beautiful masterpieces for my fridge.
Here's what you'll need:
2 C. water
1 C. flour
1/2 t salt
3 T sugar
food coloring
Mix everything in a medium saucepan. I actually beat mine together in the mixer for fear it'd all turn out lumpy. Looking back, it probably wasn't necessary.
Heat over medium heat, stirring continually. It WILL stick to the bottom of the pan and burn if you aren't careful. The mixture will be thin and runny. Remove from heat IMMEDIATELY once the mixture becomes thick.
Here, I threw the mixture in the mixer again and beat it until it was smooth. If your mixture came out too thick, you can add water while you beat it until you have the consistency you want.
Place in small bowls and add food coloring to make desired colors.
I was surprised at how much it made! If I had baby food jars or containers, I would have put the leftovers in the jars for storage.
I was surprised at how easy it was. And I'm grateful I only used things I'd find in my kitchen because at first Claire was only interested in eating it. It was really hard to watch. Eventually she figured out how to do it and had a BLAST! And I now have some beautiful masterpieces for my fridge.
Saturday, June 2, 2012
Zombie Mom.
I get a lot of comments like, "Isn't being a mom the BEST?!" I always want to respond, "Sure, when the sun's up." Come nighttime I'm perfectly ok with the idea of letting a pack of wolves or gorillas raise my kids." I actually talked to Ross about the idea one night. Hey, Tarzan turned out ok, right?
Aoife was six weeks early. Not a huge deal, but she was in the NICU for two weeks. At first it was hard. I cried a lot. I felt guilty. And I was torn between my life at home and my daughter in the hospital. After the first week, I loved having Aoife in the hospital. I was still a little sad, but I was able to get two extra weeks of glorious sleep and had some quality time with Claire. She was able to take the big sister transition slowly and I think that was great for her The first week after Aoife was home was better than expected. She woke only a couple times to feed and would go right back to sleep. And she never cried. I mean never. Then she got sick.
She's had a few minor developmental issues. Nothing serious, but still things to deal with. I thought it'd be kind of fun to have a premie. The thought of keeping my baby tiny a little while longer than most was wonderful. I quickly learned the extra cute factor of a tiny baby isn't worth the minor issues of having a premie.
Aoife will be three months old on the fourth. By the time Claire was three months, she was sleeping a sound thirteen hours through the night. Last night, Aoife got up five times. Needless to say, I'm going a little crazy over here. I find myself counting down to 5:00 when Ross is usually done with work. I live for Saturdays and sometimes Sundays where Ross so lovingly gets up with the girls in the morning so I can sleep a few extra hours.
I love my girls and I love being a mom, but I am anxiously awaiting the day when Aoife can sleep more than a couple hours a night, Claire doesn't fall out of the bed or drop her lamb on the floor, and I can feel like a real person who has interests and a life outside of the mom pants rather than just a zombie mom with dirty floors and a sink full of dishes.
Aoife was six weeks early. Not a huge deal, but she was in the NICU for two weeks. At first it was hard. I cried a lot. I felt guilty. And I was torn between my life at home and my daughter in the hospital. After the first week, I loved having Aoife in the hospital. I was still a little sad, but I was able to get two extra weeks of glorious sleep and had some quality time with Claire. She was able to take the big sister transition slowly and I think that was great for her The first week after Aoife was home was better than expected. She woke only a couple times to feed and would go right back to sleep. And she never cried. I mean never. Then she got sick.
She's had a few minor developmental issues. Nothing serious, but still things to deal with. I thought it'd be kind of fun to have a premie. The thought of keeping my baby tiny a little while longer than most was wonderful. I quickly learned the extra cute factor of a tiny baby isn't worth the minor issues of having a premie.
Aoife will be three months old on the fourth. By the time Claire was three months, she was sleeping a sound thirteen hours through the night. Last night, Aoife got up five times. Needless to say, I'm going a little crazy over here. I find myself counting down to 5:00 when Ross is usually done with work. I live for Saturdays and sometimes Sundays where Ross so lovingly gets up with the girls in the morning so I can sleep a few extra hours.
I love my girls and I love being a mom, but I am anxiously awaiting the day when Aoife can sleep more than a couple hours a night, Claire doesn't fall out of the bed or drop her lamb on the floor, and I can feel like a real person who has interests and a life outside of the mom pants rather than just a zombie mom with dirty floors and a sink full of dishes.
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
Bragging RIghts.
I've had four birthdays since Ross and I have been together, each better than the last.
The first, I turned 19. We had only gotten engaged a few days before. I was still in school and he was working in California, but he had my roommate, who was majoring in horticulture, throw together a beautiful bouquet of flowers with a little note. He also sent me a t-shirt of his. (Honestly, what girl doesn't love walking around in your man's big comfy T?) But the sweetest surprise of all was a poem he had written for me.
The first, I turned 19. We had only gotten engaged a few days before. I was still in school and he was working in California, but he had my roommate, who was majoring in horticulture, throw together a beautiful bouquet of flowers with a little note. He also sent me a t-shirt of his. (Honestly, what girl doesn't love walking around in your man's big comfy T?) But the sweetest surprise of all was a poem he had written for me.
The hardest thing I've ever done,
has also been the best.
Lots of missing, but lots of fun,
My heart throbs within my chest.
Words can NEVER portray,
the feelings I have for you.
You fill my thoughts, both night and day,
A love so very true!
Like a fat kid with his cake,
Maybe a model and her pills?
Anyone but you's a fake,
The thought give's me the chills.
Katie Ries, I love you so!!
More than I can say.
I should prob'ly let you go,
But Happy, Happy Birthday!!!
The next year was my first married birthday and we spent the weekend partying in Vegas. It was wonderful to get away and have fun in the sunshine.
Last year Ross surprised me with a weekend away sans child. He arranged for our friends to take Claire overnight while we whisked away to the beautiful Hines Mansion. It was really, really romantic.
This year, I told Ross I only wanted to go shopping for my birthday. I have dropped a few sizes and am officially the smallest I've ever been. I can't think of a better reward for all of the sweat and tears than a new wardrobe. We took off to Park City to head to the outlets. It was Memorial Day and there were some amazing sales going on. After Claire had gone to bed, Ross had another surprise for me. Another sweet poem!
There once was a queen so strong and so sweet,
She could go the whole night without sleeping a wink.
Her loyal king boldly fought off their foes, charging into the fray,
But both knew who really ruled the castle each day.
Pepper and Bells, Aoife and Claire,
The queen led her subjects with the greatest of care.
Her people loved her, they cheered at her sight,
For she was pretty and kind and her smile was so bright.
Oh, what joy she brought to the realm of Loveland,
The kingdom without her wouldn't be nearly so grand.
And so every year, the citizens gather and praise
Their beautiful queen on her special birthday!
And none was so happy, lucky, or blessed,
Than the king who without her, would sure be depressed!
Now on this day apart from routine,
We just want to shout, 'Long live the queen!'.
I loved the poem so much and just felt so special, I had to brag. I am so lucky to have such a wonderful, loving, creative husband who does so much to make me feel special. He even took Aoife a couple times the night before my birthday so I could catch a little extra sleep and let me nap as much as I wanted all weekend. It was the perfect weekend and I had so much fun spending time together as a family, sneaking in a date, and just having fun.
The next year was my first married birthday and we spent the weekend partying in Vegas. It was wonderful to get away and have fun in the sunshine.
Last year Ross surprised me with a weekend away sans child. He arranged for our friends to take Claire overnight while we whisked away to the beautiful Hines Mansion. It was really, really romantic.
This year, I told Ross I only wanted to go shopping for my birthday. I have dropped a few sizes and am officially the smallest I've ever been. I can't think of a better reward for all of the sweat and tears than a new wardrobe. We took off to Park City to head to the outlets. It was Memorial Day and there were some amazing sales going on. After Claire had gone to bed, Ross had another surprise for me. Another sweet poem!
There once was a queen so strong and so sweet,
She could go the whole night without sleeping a wink.
Her loyal king boldly fought off their foes, charging into the fray,
But both knew who really ruled the castle each day.
Pepper and Bells, Aoife and Claire,
The queen led her subjects with the greatest of care.
Her people loved her, they cheered at her sight,
For she was pretty and kind and her smile was so bright.
Oh, what joy she brought to the realm of Loveland,
The kingdom without her wouldn't be nearly so grand.
And so every year, the citizens gather and praise
Their beautiful queen on her special birthday!
And none was so happy, lucky, or blessed,
Than the king who without her, would sure be depressed!
Now on this day apart from routine,
We just want to shout, 'Long live the queen!'.
I loved the poem so much and just felt so special, I had to brag. I am so lucky to have such a wonderful, loving, creative husband who does so much to make me feel special. He even took Aoife a couple times the night before my birthday so I could catch a little extra sleep and let me nap as much as I wanted all weekend. It was the perfect weekend and I had so much fun spending time together as a family, sneaking in a date, and just having fun.
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
The Loveland Girls Are Tipping The Charts At Both Ends.
I am so grateful for irreplaceable doctors. The first couple weeks Aoife was home, she never cried. I thought I was so blessed to have such a content baby. It was short lived. Once Aoife learned how to cry, she never stopped. She loves to be held ALL the time and will wake up the second we set her down. I was getting anywhere from 1-3 hours of sleep a night and naps were nonexistent. This little gal is awake all the time and cries most of the time.
Yesterday I took both girls to the doctor for their well child visits. Claire is still a monster and coming in at the 99.98 percentiles. He said she's the size of a three year old and looks great. He is always impressed by her. Aoife is tipping the charts in the other direction. When we first brought her to the doctor, she was in the 0.15th percentile. Didn't even make it to a whole percent. She's been below 1% until this last check up where she came in at 7% Finally on the charts! She is 9 pounds 10 ounces and I was shocked to see she weighed that much! She's doing great and making wonderful progress, though still wearing newborn clothes.
Everyone tells me how tiny she is, though she seems huge to me. She's almost twice her birth weight now and I can't believe how quickly she's growing.
I love how the girls' doctor is not only concerned with the girls' health, but he always is sure to check on how I'm doing. My health is always just as important to him as my kids. About this point, Claire was sleeping in her own room and it was just a couple weeks until she was sleeping thirteen hours a night. Aoife is no where near that and it's overwhelming to realize I'm going to be a zombie for a few more months. After spending the weekend with Aoife, Ross completely understands why I spend the entire day on my rear and why the house is rarely clean when he gets home.
I was talking to Dr. Later about how fussy Aoife was and her sleeping habits. (Or rather, lack thereof.) He told me a story about a couple who showed up at his house in the middle of the night with their baby, saying they couldn't handle it anymore. And what did he do? He actually took the child for the night and took care of her. He monitored the baby to make sure nothing was actually wrong with her. At the end of every appointment he always tells me to call him immediately if I'm struggling or need help. He didn't seem alarmed or disturbed when I asked if I could start leaving Aoife in another room and ignoring her to get her to sleep or if I absolutely had to feed her every time she wanted it.
He determined that Aoife is probably having really bad heartburn and put her on some medication. He thinks she's probably crying all the time because she's uncomfortable and eating so often just to comfort feed, which actually makes it worse. She was a champ with her shots. With the help of some tylenol and the new medication, I only had to get up with Aoife twice last night. we're giving the medication ten days to see an improvement before we try something else, but so far I think it's helping.
I am so grateful to have two healthy girls, even with all of the crying and tantrums. I'm incredibly grateful to Ross who handles my breakdown when I'm feeling overwhelmed. And I'm so grateful for dedicated doctors who really care about their patients.
Yesterday I took both girls to the doctor for their well child visits. Claire is still a monster and coming in at the 99.98 percentiles. He said she's the size of a three year old and looks great. He is always impressed by her. Aoife is tipping the charts in the other direction. When we first brought her to the doctor, she was in the 0.15th percentile. Didn't even make it to a whole percent. She's been below 1% until this last check up where she came in at 7% Finally on the charts! She is 9 pounds 10 ounces and I was shocked to see she weighed that much! She's doing great and making wonderful progress, though still wearing newborn clothes.
Everyone tells me how tiny she is, though she seems huge to me. She's almost twice her birth weight now and I can't believe how quickly she's growing.
I love how the girls' doctor is not only concerned with the girls' health, but he always is sure to check on how I'm doing. My health is always just as important to him as my kids. About this point, Claire was sleeping in her own room and it was just a couple weeks until she was sleeping thirteen hours a night. Aoife is no where near that and it's overwhelming to realize I'm going to be a zombie for a few more months. After spending the weekend with Aoife, Ross completely understands why I spend the entire day on my rear and why the house is rarely clean when he gets home.
I was talking to Dr. Later about how fussy Aoife was and her sleeping habits. (Or rather, lack thereof.) He told me a story about a couple who showed up at his house in the middle of the night with their baby, saying they couldn't handle it anymore. And what did he do? He actually took the child for the night and took care of her. He monitored the baby to make sure nothing was actually wrong with her. At the end of every appointment he always tells me to call him immediately if I'm struggling or need help. He didn't seem alarmed or disturbed when I asked if I could start leaving Aoife in another room and ignoring her to get her to sleep or if I absolutely had to feed her every time she wanted it.
He determined that Aoife is probably having really bad heartburn and put her on some medication. He thinks she's probably crying all the time because she's uncomfortable and eating so often just to comfort feed, which actually makes it worse. She was a champ with her shots. With the help of some tylenol and the new medication, I only had to get up with Aoife twice last night. we're giving the medication ten days to see an improvement before we try something else, but so far I think it's helping.
I am so grateful to have two healthy girls, even with all of the crying and tantrums. I'm incredibly grateful to Ross who handles my breakdown when I'm feeling overwhelmed. And I'm so grateful for dedicated doctors who really care about their patients.
Monday, May 14, 2012
18 Months.
I know this is getting obnoxious, what with this being my third post of the morning. I haven't been able to stay on top of blogging and want to do better at recording our family happenings. Since Claire is in a time-out nap, I'm using all the time I can get without her banging on the keyboard.
Yesterday was Claire's 18 month birthday. Which means it was also her first day in nursery! Happy Mother's Day to MEEEE!! I actually took the camera to church to take pictures of my big girl. (Yes, I'm one of THOSE moms.) Ross and I both walked her down the hall to nursery and stayed with her just a couple minutes to show her the toys and friends. She didn't even see us leave.
She did wonderfully for the first half hour or so, but then I guess she freaked out when she noticed mom and dad had left. Ross got to spend the rest of church in nursery with her. (Honestly, I was a bit jealous. What could be funner than playing with toys and having snacks with your daughter?!)
I think it'll only take a couple weeks of us spending a few minutes with her in nursery before she'll be happy by herself.
My sweet little baby is now a full fledged toddler. She's learned how to say no, loves to get into everything, and has started throwing tantrums when she doesn't get to do what she wants. Recently she's also started hitting. I'm not really sure what to do about the tantrums, whining, and hitting yet. But she also loves to sing along to a few songs, play games, pop bubbles, chase the poor cat, and laugh. She is absolutely OBSESSED with Elmo and loves anything and everything Elmo.
In the morning we do a workout together and she actually does it with me. It's a lot more fun doing squats, jumping jacks, and push ups with her by my side. And it just cracks me up. She has a wonderful sense of humor and makes us laugh all the time.
The girls have a Dr. appointment this afternoon so we'll find out just how giant Claire is and how much of a pipsqueak Aoife is. Claire has always been off the charts and I'm amazed at how big she is. Right now she's in 3T/4T clothes. Mind blowing. I can't believe it's already been a year and a half. She's growing up so fast. Too fast. We absolutely adore our sweet Claire.
Yesterday was Claire's 18 month birthday. Which means it was also her first day in nursery! Happy Mother's Day to MEEEE!! I actually took the camera to church to take pictures of my big girl. (Yes, I'm one of THOSE moms.) Ross and I both walked her down the hall to nursery and stayed with her just a couple minutes to show her the toys and friends. She didn't even see us leave.
She did wonderfully for the first half hour or so, but then I guess she freaked out when she noticed mom and dad had left. Ross got to spend the rest of church in nursery with her. (Honestly, I was a bit jealous. What could be funner than playing with toys and having snacks with your daughter?!)
I think it'll only take a couple weeks of us spending a few minutes with her in nursery before she'll be happy by herself.
My sweet little baby is now a full fledged toddler. She's learned how to say no, loves to get into everything, and has started throwing tantrums when she doesn't get to do what she wants. Recently she's also started hitting. I'm not really sure what to do about the tantrums, whining, and hitting yet. But she also loves to sing along to a few songs, play games, pop bubbles, chase the poor cat, and laugh. She is absolutely OBSESSED with Elmo and loves anything and everything Elmo.
In the morning we do a workout together and she actually does it with me. It's a lot more fun doing squats, jumping jacks, and push ups with her by my side. And it just cracks me up. She has a wonderful sense of humor and makes us laugh all the time.
The girls have a Dr. appointment this afternoon so we'll find out just how giant Claire is and how much of a pipsqueak Aoife is. Claire has always been off the charts and I'm amazed at how big she is. Right now she's in 3T/4T clothes. Mind blowing. I can't believe it's already been a year and a half. She's growing up so fast. Too fast. We absolutely adore our sweet Claire.
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