5 months the ups and downs

My beautiful girl turned 5 months old on Sunday.  She has changed so much in 5 months and it doesn't seem possible that she hasn't been with us longer than that.  Since she came into my life I've learned things I never even thought about before having a baby. I didn't know about infant reflux, torticollis, plagiocephaly or MSPI.  Having Emily has opened my eyes and made me learn- a lot.  I am blessed to have this baby girl, my life is so much more than it was 5 months ago and it's all because of her.

It's up and down around my house.  Some days Emily is smiling, laughing, happy, napping, and sleeping at night.  Other days Emily is unhappy, crying, napping for 30 minutes at a time, and waking up multiple times a night.

I'm tired, beat up, worn out.  My body feels like what I can only imagine a 70 year old might feel like.  My knees are killing me and my back is screwed.  I feel inadequate.  I wonder how it's possible that my house hasn't been cleaned for over a month, how I can't have dinner ready for Steve when he gets home, how most days I don't even get a shower or get dressed.  

Instead of cleaning, cooking, or taking care of myself I am stretching Emily's neck and doing everything I can to keep her out of a helmet, trying to get her to nap, timing her medicine with her feedings, and most of all trying to keep her happy and healthy.  I know a lot of mom's who are much more laid back than I am and sometimes I wish I could be more like that.  But I've seen Emily without scheduled naps, I've seen what happens when she doesn't get her medicine 30 minutes before she eats, I've seen what laid back looks like with Emily and it just doesn't work for her. I'm trying not to compare myself to other moms because I'm learning that every mom is just doing what they can to get through the day.  

So my mantra is one day at a time. I'm learning what I can and taking the ups with the downs.  Everyday is different and even on the rough days I am so thankful to have this baby in my life.  Her smile is my whole world. She has opened my eyes in a way I never thought possible and changed me for the better.

I love you baby girl, happy 5 month birthday!

life is good.

I've been a terrible blogger lately. But aaahhhh spring is here and it is beautiful.  I'm spending all the time I can outside with my girl or inside playing with the breeze blowing in the windows. Magic I tell ya.

We are getting out for walks twice a day when we can.  It's so fun to watch Emily looking around at all the big things in the world around her.  She stares at things, amazed and I stare at her, in love.

Emily is finding her voice.  She lays on her blanket yelling and squeaking, seeing how high her voice will go.  And then there are the giggle fits that leave me laughing harder than she is...beyond good.

Her legs and feet are in constant motion with arms stretched as far out as they can go.  It looks like she's tap dancing and it takes me back to that feeling in my belly not that long ago.

I think she is working on teeth.  She has her hands, feet, and toys in her mouth at all times.  We got her a teething necklace and I think it works...or maybe I'm crazy.  Either way, we like it.

She loves...blankets over her face, kisses on her tummy, being only in her diaper, bath time, petting the cats, and my favorite thing she loves....her daddy. You should see her face when he walks in the room, it kills me every time.  She is a daddy's girl through and through.

Life is good.

4 month wellness check

Today was Emily's 4 month check up and we all know what that means...shots.  Oh I hate the shots as much as she does. But my tough little girl did great as usual.

The good news:  she is 17.8 pounds, 27 inches long with a head circumference of 42 cm.  The nurse even measured her length twice because she thought she made a mistake, Emily is so long! She's a big, healthy girl and we love it! The Dr. said she is growing well and her development is right on track. 

The not so good news:  her plagiocephaly (flat spot) isn't getting better and her face is beginning to show signs of asymmetry.  We were referred to the craniofacial specialist to see what they think about getting her a helmet.  While this isn't the news we had hoped for, we are happy that we caught it early and that it can be fixed. 

If any of you have helmet experience please let me know!!

wow where have I been?

Long time no blog, right?

I've been busy with my favorite gal and guy...

We took a 10 hour drive to Illinois for my grandpa's 90th birthday over the weekend.  We had a wonderful time celebrating an amazing man, seeing my family (and having a few beers), playing with other babies, and we even fit in a quick visit with friends.

In 4 days we went from eastern time to central time, and daylight savings time in IL and PA.  Poor Emily has no idea what is going on - she has been such a trooper!

all smiles in the car

my grandparents and my siblings

all the babies, their daddies & great grandpa

the babies and their mamas

TVT

*  Tomorrow is my 33rd birthday, my first birthday with Emily.  Last year on my birthday was the first time we saw Emily and her heartbeat on an u/s- full circle moment.

*  I'm reading a book called The Wonder Weeks right now, it's crazy accurate.  It basically tells you what is happening with your baby developmentally and explains why all babies are more tearful, troublesome, demanding and clingy at the same ages.  I give it two thumbs up.

*  Emily is officially sleeping and napping in her crib full time and she is doing so great!  We got the tucker sling so that the crib mattress can be propped and she doesn't slide down to the bottom.

*  I'm beyond excited for my friend Danielle at Journey through IF, she will be having her baby girl on March 6th.  I know she's nervous about having a c-section, so stop over and show her some love. I can't to meet her little miracle!

*  A big thank you to Elphaba for creating the PAIL blogroll.  What a great way to connect in this community!  If you are pregnant or parenting after IF, go over and sign up!

*  I'm looking for a good yoga DVD.  Something easy to follow but a good toning workout. If anyone has any suggestions let me know!

Happy Thursday!