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.

Happy New Year

Even though I received the greatest gift of my life in 2010, I must say that I am looking forward to a new year and all that it brings. I'm praying that my life will become more settled and am praying for the wisdom to make some big decisions.

Our Christmas was wonderful. Christmas Eve, Joey, Karaline, and I were Joseph, Mary, and Baby Jesus in our church's service. When we were asked to do it, Joey and I of course said yes, but I had no idea how authentic our costumes would be. Joey was sooo funny as he dressed...he was super sweaty before we even began. I felt sorry for the Joseph of the next service :}

We woke up around 8ish on Christmas day. I let Joey sleep in a little because I'm sure this may be the last one where we have that luxury. Once Joey woke up, we exchanged gifts and as usual, Joey overdid himself. I was very spoiled. We then went to church. After church we decided to go home to visit family. Initially we stayed in Lakeland because I am worried about traveling 3 hours in a car with Karaline. However, the trip went well. Everyone was very excited to see us - as were we.

My parents got Karaline the cutest little rocking horse. Of course she can't ride it yet, but my mom said she couldn't pass it up :} Karaline has been enjoying her swing that Joey and I got her. She will swing and swing just watching the mobile.

In other news, today was Karaline's shot visit. I have been dreading it for weeks. Overall {so far}, she's been fine. Of course we both cried when she got the shots and Joey hid his face, but with a little extra love and cuddles she calmed down. She slept for 3 hours after and is now back in her swing. I pray that she continues to feel okay.

Next Monday I start back to work. I LOVE my job...every part of it...however, each time I think about leaving Karaline, I get a sick, sick feeling. We are more than fortunate to have a nice lady who will be keeping her and I know she will be more than fine but I don't want to be away from her. Please keep us in your prayers.

I pray that your Christmas and New Year will be blessed. Here's to 2011~

This and That...

I still can't believe how quickly time goes. We've settled nicely into our daily routines, and I'm loving every minute that I have with Karaline. It hit me the other day that I'm going to have to go back to work in less than a month, and while I love my job, I must admit that I am dreading that day. I am going to be a total wreck when it's time to leave her. I can easily spend the entire day holding her, looking at her, and playing with her. It's going to be tough. I keep telling myself that lots of people do this each and every day and it's going to be fine. I know that it will be a good experience for Karaline to get used to someone besides me caring for her. She's going to be well taken care of and loved I know.

We're getting ready for Christmas...kind of...I've only bought one gift so far. Major slacker this year but I think I have a good excuse :} Our church asked us to be Joseph, Mary, and baby Jesus on Christmas Eve. Joey is excited because he was baby Jesus, too. Pictures to come.

I'll leave you with 2 pictures that I took on her 1 month birthday...tear...

Growing Like a Weed

Karaline is growing like a weed. I took her to the doctor today {because I was a worried mommy- but Karaline is perfectly fine}, and she weighed 11 lbs, 3 oz. I couldn't believe it. I knew her newborn clothes were getting too small, but part of me didn't want to face the reality...she's growing up. It's super sad for me.

I also can't believe she'll be 1 month old on Thursday. Time is really flying by. When I think back to the labor, it seems soooo long ago; but, when I think of how quickly she's growing, it seems soooo fast. Weird.

Off to clean out her closet and shed a few tears...

Karaline's Baptism

Yesterday was another special day for us. Karaline was Baptized. We were blessed to have many family and friends in attendance. In fact, we had over 15 people come to celebrate for her special day. Here are a few pictures from the day.