Catching Up

So, it's been a while since I've last updated. I am steadily learning my new daily routine. Thankfully, the days seem to go by quickly. Sadly, the evenings do too. That's the part of the day that I'd love to pause for a while. Most afternoons, Karaline takes a pretty long nap. It's nice because I'm able to get everything ready for the next day, but when we get home, I just want to cuddle with her.

She's growing so fast. We went to the doctor today and she weighs 15 lbs., 11 oz. Last night we bought her some new outfits (all 6 months) and one pair of the 6 month pants are too little!!!!

Everyday she is doing something new and different. I cannot begin to express the amount of joy she brings to our lives. Her sweet coos and smiles melt my heart. Before having her, I was that person who would make comments about parents. I never understood why parents did or didn't do specific things. I am beginning to completely understand and am kicking myself for being judgmental. In fact, one of my friends on Facebook has the perfect status and suggestion: "Before you have kids, you should make a list of things you'll "never do" as a parent. It'll be good for a laugh later on."

I'll try and be better about posting, but with working and trying to do the "to dos" at home, I haven't had much time that I feel like blogging!

Survival

I survived my first week without Karaline and back at work. Monday was a difficult day but I made it through with lots of prayers, encouraging calls and texts from family and friends, and hugs.

Linda, Karaline's sitter, loves her. This is a huge blessing to me. Not that I thought anyone could not love Karaline, but I'm her mom...Karaline has done wonderfully with her bottle and is on a pretty good routine with eating and napping. PRAISE THE LORD!!!

I'm thankful to have the job that I have. It's been an adjustment being back- not just being away from Karaline but actually being back at work since I've been out since September. My kids were very excited to see me. I've loved seeing how much they've learned and how much they've changed since I've been gone. I'm still working on getting back into all of the everyday routines but so far we're making it.

Thank you all for your prayers and support. I feel lots of comfort so I know the prayers are working. God is so good.

Too Soon

The day has come waaaaaaaaayyyyyyyyyy too soon...I go back to work tomorrow and Karaline goes to her sitter's. We are very fortunate to have a lady, Linda, who has kept kids for over 25 years at her house to watch Karaline. She's got 2 other kids who are 2 and 3 {I think...}. I know Karaline will get lots of love from both Linda and the kids. Even though I know this, this past week has been horrible for me~lots of crying at random times, very emotional, and tons of mood swings. I've had plenty that I should do to prepare but the only thing that I've wanted to do is hold my sweet baby-so that's just what I did.

Not only have I had the sickest feeling ever about leaving her, but we've been struggling with Karaline taking her bottle. Back in early December, Karaline took a bottle wonderfully. I was relieved because I've heard of babies who do not do well with this transition. Joey and I decided that we'd try and put her on the baby sitter schedule 2 weeks before I go back. Well, 2 weeks ago, I tried feeding her during the day as planned and it was horrific...traumatic for both me and Karaline. She cried the entire time. I read on the La Leche League website that some breast fed babies will not take a bottle from their mom. So I decided that I would pump for Joey. It was a little struggle, but she ended up taking it from him with minimal fussing. Unfortunately, this did not last. These last 3 days have been major fights...this has only added to my stress. However, the most amazing thing happened. During one of our crying bottle feedings, I decided to say a prayer aloud. Immediately after I said, "amen," Karaline took the bottle like a pro. Of course I believe in the power of prayer, but I have never seen the immediate result.

The Lord has surely heard my prayers. Today after church I went to Target by myself to kind of prepare myself for tomorrow. When I got home, Joey was feeding Karaline a bottle without a fight. ~YAY~ AND, the best part is that she took the bottle from me without a fight, too. Thank you Lord for hearing and answering prayers. It makes me feel a million times better knowing that she will eat. I know she will not starve...believe me, I'm not blind, and I know that my child who is now in the 99 percentile of weight for her age {13 lb. 9oz} will not allow herself to be hungry for long; but I worry about her being a stress on Linda.

A side note about my chunky monkey...Yesterday, we went to Lakeside Village for an outing. While walking through the Belk shoe department, I walked past an older lady who of course looks in the stroller and compliments/insults my sweet baby. Here's what she said, "Oh, what a beautiful baby. She's precious. Looks like she's about to bust. " HA~ Seriously? I said, "She keeps growing." I just love her cheeks, chins, and fat rolls...each and every one.

Well, since I'm going back to school, I can't promise that I'll be blogging as often. I hope to take the time, but we'll just have to see. It has been a loooooooooonnnnnnnnnnggggg time since I've worked...remember bed rest in September? PHEW...what an adjustment. I'm excited to get reacquainted with my kids and other teachers.