tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-56679537393149062762024-03-05T09:03:19.875-05:00Ruby Red SlippersThere's No Place Like HomeMrs. Rubyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09670296086240817606noreply@blogger.comBlogger722125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5667953739314906276.post-75598986526384429052016-01-17T15:59:00.001-05:002016-01-17T15:59:34.448-05:00Lately : The Girls<div style="text-align: left;">
So the chaos and the ridiculously overflowing plate has carried over into 2016. I had a feeling it might, and that's exactly why I set personal intentions instead of resolutions this year. So I don't set myself up for failure. </div>
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But I am committed, as much as humanly possible, to document these sweet babes of mine and these precious and lightening-speed little years.<br />
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<b>LYLA LATELY (3 years) :</b></div>
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Lyla is such an oldest child in every way, always taking care of her little sis while at the same time wearing her favorite pair of bossy pants. And it has been so fun to watch her develop and grow into 50% me and 50% Gabe. She's particular, can't stand when things are out of order, and is the biggest rule follower I've ever met (besides myself and my mom). We get a lot of correction lately, "<i>Hey Dad, did you wash that apple</i>? and "<i>No, I'm not cute, I'm Lyla Green</i>" and "<i>NO! I can't have a banana until after I poop because it will hurt my tummy</i>." But then on the flip side, she's never in a rush (at a painful measure), can't stand mornings, and often asks for quiet time or "<i>a little rest</i>".<br />
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Just like her dad.<br />
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And though two years was quite difficult with potty training and a new baby, three years has its own sets of challenges. (Though I much prefer over age two). But the tantrums, the constant negotiations, the emotions - all sky high, and I often find myself asking if this is real life. While at the same exact time, she says the sweetest things, and I want to bottle every ounce of her up.<br />
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Some recent Lyla-isms include :</div>
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<i>- I'm the wine weader</i>. - while putting her hands on her back and walking around the house, pushing Addie (and everyone else) out of the way to move to "the front of the line". Even on the way to the kitchen or bathroom. </div>
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<i>- Ok, I'll snuggle myself. - </i>overheard after GiGi told her that her extra long period of snuggle time was over and it was time for her nap.<br />
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<i>- Mom. What are you eating? Oh! I like pancakes/ketchup/(whatever it is I'm eating)</i>. Literally, anything I'm eating, she is quite enthusiastic over. </div>
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- *yells from bathroom* <i>HEY MOM. Can you come get Addie and shut the door? I need my private seat</i> (privacy)." Already prepping us all for the teenage years. </div>
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<i>- I dropped my candy cane yesterday. Actually, I dropped it...hmm...two weeks ago</i>. (it was actually earlier that day). Her little concept of time is so hilariously cute. Everything is either before or after nap or before or after lunch. </div>
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<i>- Can I wear my "Ballet : Tuesdays and Thursdays" shirt</i>? referencing her favorite shirt that actually says "Ballet : All Day Everyday."</div>
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- She and Gabe have a new ritual after dinner - cracking and eating nuts. She can name every one. </div>
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- *While making the "shh" face* <i>Mom! I'm on the phone with my work</i>. (HA! I guess she gets this a lot). </div>
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<b>ADALINE LATELY (14 Months) : </b><br />
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Sweet Addie Bug is at that sweet, attached to mom, learning-explosion stage, but she complains a lot, has been really fussy and is desperate to be held all day. I think a lot of it comes from the fact that she's had 4 molars coming in for the last month, and she can't figure out how to tell us what she wants which INFURIATES her.<br />
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But there are so many fun things I want to remember about this stage : </div>
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- She's *sort of* walking! A whole month earlier than her big sis, but she's still wobbly and tends to drop to her knees to crawl to get where she needs to go much faster. </div>
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- This kid practically has a full set of teeth. And they have been making her miserable. Hoping we get a break from these nasty molars soon. </div>
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- Praise JESUS I have a snuggler. She gives the sweetest cuddles and dives right into your face when you ask for "nuzzles". And she loves rubbing foreheads and lays her head on the shoulder of anyone who holds her. I mean, I'm dead.<br />
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- This little lady is our dare devil who is curious about everything and has the bruises all over her body to prove it. And there is nothing she refuses to climb - chairs, the couch, the window sill - anything that she can climb on, she does and will. </div>
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- This socialite butterfly loves to show off her huge grin while saying <i>Hi </i>to everyone she sees. Then she waves "bye" when it's time for bed, or all done, or we're leaving.<br />
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- She knows how to whine and complain and throw tantrums already. She has quite the temper and gets so angry when she points to something and we don't get it for her RIGHTNOW. But then she's happy as can be when you finally give her what she wants - like her toothbrush, so she can brush like mom and big sis. </div>
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- She's obsessed with playing with my eyelashes.</div>
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- She loves to clap, sing, and dance - pretty much loves all things music. And she swings her legs back and forth when Gabe dances with her.<br />
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- She L-O-V-E-S putting things away like "the big kids" and claps for herself.</div>
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- She has a signature high pitched "mmm" (with an inflection like she's asking a question) and points to anything she wants - books or food or things she wants us to name or get for her.<br />
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No matter how nuts life is, these times are the absolute best! Now if only I could slow down for 3 seconds to savor them.</div>
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<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D5667953739314906276%23editor%2Ftarget%3Dpost%3BpostID%3D7559898652638442905%3BonPublishedMenu%3Dposts%3BonClosedMenu%3Dposts%3BpostNum%3D0%3Bsrc%3Dpostname&media=https%3A%2F%2F3.bp.blogspot.com%2F-EvVH395gCyg%2FVpv_L1IKtyI%2FAAAAAAAANWc%2FUVgjlVgqCBk%2Fs640%2FIMG_8053.jpg&xm=h&xv=sa1.37.01&xuid=FZ5MFLzkdc4u&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 42px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 3606px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D5667953739314906276%23editor%2Ftarget%3Dpost%3BpostID%3D7559898652638442905%3BonPublishedMenu%3Dposts%3BonClosedMenu%3Dposts%3BpostNum%3D0%3Bsrc%3Dpostname&media=https%3A%2F%2F3.bp.blogspot.com%2F-EvVH395gCyg%2FVpv_L1IKtyI%2FAAAAAAAANWc%2FUVgjlVgqCBk%2Fs640%2FIMG_8053.jpg&xm=h&xv=sa1.37.01&xuid=FZ5MFLzkdc4u&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 42px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 3606px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a>Mrs. Rubyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09670296086240817606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5667953739314906276.post-80392989854403679722016-01-02T09:15:00.002-05:002016-07-31T15:21:59.746-04:00Christmas + 2015 MadnessHang on.<br />
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Let me catch my breath.<br />
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Ok. So, 2015 was a shit show.<br />
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Yes. I just swore for the first time ever on this sweet and horribly neglected family blog (hi mom). But you know something? There is no more appropriate way to describe this past year. It was fast, furious, overwhelming, exciting, intense, sad, rewarding, the biggest learning curve of my life, and an all around blurry hurricane.<br />
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Without sounding ungrateful, I'm very ready to be done with 2015. I love the start of a new year, mostly because of the lazy power-down period between Christmas and New Years, but also because it forces me to hit the reset button.<br />
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Well, most years.<br />
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To be honest, I'm still buried deep in the game of catch up in just about every area of life, so my clean slate isn't so clean this year. But I'm sure going to make the best of the chaos and maybe even make some time for goal setting before Monday morning, when real life stings with its rude awakening.<br />
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A few things I'm hoping to implement to help get my life back in control is to start waking up at 5 am, setting clear work boundaries (working from home with two little ones is far from the walk in the park it seems), letting go of my pride (and frugal ways) by pulling the trigger on hired help in various areas, and making more time for me. That last one is a must. This past week, I used a massage gift card from MOTHER'S DAY for Pete's sake, and the massage therapist told me it was like Fight Club with all the toxins and knots in my neck and back.<br />
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But the last two weeks have been so lovely. I completely unplugged for Christmas Eve and Day for the first time since January, and it was dreamy.<br />
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The holiday festivities were more fun and rewarding than they've ever been because, children. The joy is so contagious! Some of this year's favorites were cocoa and carriage rides at Bradley Fair, our annual watching a movie and "spending the night" by the Christmas tree, and hopping in The Green Fam Polar Express (aka Honda CRV) for a Christmas light tour around Wichita.<br />
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Lyla talked about "the dancing lights" for weeks.<br />
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The holidays were kicked off with Lyla's first preschool Christmas program, and I'm absolutely positive there is nothing cuter in the world than a bunch of 3 year old's singing "Go Tell it on the Mountain". We got off to a rough start though. Lyla walked in as the "line leader", waving and <i>beaming</i> - she was so proud and excited to see us. But, she lost her shoe in the shuffle and started crying while all the kids filed up on stage. She was so embarrassed.<br />
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Thank goodness for her sweet preschool director who told her another girl lost her shoe too. Lyla immediately stopped crying and proudly went up to the stage. Break my dang heart.<br />
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She also felt pretty special for her fancy date night with Mom and Dad to go see The Nutcracker. We were skeptical a three year old could sit through a ballet, but she loved it. She asked questions throughout the entire show - <i>Who is that? The mouse king isn't scary? Where are their tap shoes?</i><br />
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Both girls loved the holiday carriage rides, despite the 2 hour wait in the FREEZING cold. Lyla felt pretty rad that she got her own special almond milk cocoa and was so excited to pet the horse. And Addie thought she was big stuff getting to stay up late to watch a movie in her big kid chair.<br />
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After three Christmases with children, I've finally caught on to PLAN AHEAD. Sort of. We're usually left scrambling at the last minute for gifts, tools, batteries, and butter. But this year, I *tried* to plan as much as possible. I still saved all my grocery shopping until the day before Christmas Eve - which left me with a bunch of baking substitutes and fat free cheese.<br />
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We went to our church's Christmas Eve service, and Lyla was so excited to hold the candle. I only had to intervene once. Then we went to GiGi and Bots for our tradition of shrimp, mushroom soup, and dessert by the fire.<br />
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And we actually had our Christmas brunch prepped and gifts assembled all before 11:00. Success!<br />
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Christmas morning is always my favorite - those brief moments we have together as a family of four before the continued holiday rush. The girls thought their new tee-pee from Santa was the bees knees, and they giggled and squealed as they went through their stockings. </div>
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Gabe and I decided to exchange stocking stuffers only this year because we're saving up for our big 10 year this year. 10 years - Holy moly.</div>
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And he did good. Because let me tell you, nothing screams sexy like an ergonomically correct keyboard. But it was my favorite gift, and my pre-arthritic hands are grateful.</div>
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So here's to a full-from-the-holidays heart and hope for a less-stress kind of a year!</div>
<br />Mrs. Rubyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09670296086240817606noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5667953739314906276.post-58461705193159377542015-11-12T07:45:00.000-05:002016-07-31T15:21:47.889-04:00Adaline's FIRST Birthday Celebration!October was a whirlwind. A totally-nuts, jam-packed, weekends-full-of-fun month with birthdays out the wazoo, weddings, and Halloween.<br />
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Of course one of those birthdays was a little special someone's FIRST birthday.<br />
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And though Addie had one heck of a party - which included pumpkin painting, caramel apples, chili, and a bounce house - I admittedly did not put in the time that I would have liked into all the little details. Because I had no time. And I didn't take as many pictures as I normally would. Because I was too busy celebrating, having fun and loving on the birthday girl!<br />
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But of course our little Sweets had the time of her life eating her first cupcake, playing with her friends (who are really her big sister's friends), and getting a ridiculous amount of love and attention on her big day. I'm positive she didn't notice that I didn't cut out cupcake toppers or come up with special birthday dish names or pull an all nighter making birthday banners. #secondchildproblems<br />
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The morning of her birthday, Lyla couldn't contain her excitement. So, she barged right in and gave Addie a traditional Green birthday balloon celebration ceremony. And since Addie thinks Lyla walks on water, it was pretty much the best morning of her life. Because then we had PANCAKES, complete with a gold sparkly one candle. That I spray painted in the garage, and Gabe thought was ridiculous and toxic to our breakfast pancakes. But Addie loved that gold, sparkly one.<br />
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And she really loved all her new toys that she could climb on.<br />
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And then, birthday party day. You know how those are. So much running around, a laundry list of errands and things to pick up, prepping and making food, frosting cupcakes, last-minute vacuuming, adding some decor touches, telling children to stop touching the caramel apples and then the white couch.<br />
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It's pure madness.<br />
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However, with Addie's party this year, I truly did not have the time to go birthday party detail crazy like I normally do. Life handed us some heavy LIFE things to deal with this fall, and it just wasn't possible.<br />
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And you know something? Everyone still had a great time - especially Adaline. Which isn't that the point? She thought it was fantastic that so many people were in her house to play with. She loved watching the big kids jump in the bounce house, "learning to share" her new car with her friend Carson, the act of ripping into and opening presents, and she loved the happy birthday song (unlike her sister), and she LOVED the CAKE!<br />
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Oh, how she loved her homemade pumpkin cupcake with cream cheese frosting - topped with an adorable birthday sparkler.<br />
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Never mind the fact that I forgot to have Addie paint a pumpkin at her pumpkin-painting party or to throw her gold and white birthday confetti that I was SO excited about. And I'm a bit bummed I didn't get more pictures of the going-ons at the birthday, but I'm just telling myself that's the sign of a really good party. Too busy having fun to remember to do anything else.<br />
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Addie, it was fun. Happy Birthday, Little One!<br />
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<i>I like to call this "Accurate Portrayal of Marriage" </i></div>
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<br />Mrs. Rubyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09670296086240817606noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5667953739314906276.post-71239474293923884362015-11-08T08:04:00.000-05:002016-07-31T15:21:33.597-04:00Annual Trip to the Patch + Our Little Halloween Stinkers Oh, this poor rusty little blog of mine.<br />
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Truth be told, I'm sad that it's taken the back burner for the last <i>year</i>. I wish I had the time and creative energy to write and create and document life with the littles. But I simply don't. Life has not paused for even one second since sweet Adaline was born and had my "third baby"/started a business shortly thereafter, and I don't see it slowing anytime soon.<br />
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But, my hope is to still share when I can (<i>note to self : NO PRESSURE. Keep up when you are able!</i>)<br />
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It has been a jam-packed fall, so crammed to the brim, that sometimes even the fun stuff has been overwhelming. But fun, nevertheless.<br />
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We made our annual trip to the Pumpkin Patch with the girls, and it didn't go quite as planned. And actually, it never really does. Lyla is usually sick or not feeling up to all the incessant pictures I feel are necessary.<br />
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We were completely unprepared for the weather - it was the first <i>really</i> cold day this fall with some intense Kansas-style wind. I forgot blankets for the girls, no one had jackets, and we made the mistake of getting to the patch a bit too close to lunch and nap time. Oh, and I didn't remember a bow for Addie. HOW was I going to get some good pictures with no BOW at the pumpkin patch??<br />
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We ended up running out of time for a family photo anyway, the girls got really cranky and we forgot to pick a pumpkin. #reallife But, Lyla did get to pick out a "patch" pumpkin at the gift shop for both her an Addie. For her, she picked the smallest little green gourd and named him Gordon (and slept with him every night for a week) and a little white pumpkin for Addie.<br />
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But we made some great memories, and even got a few pics anyway (thanks to Lauren who let us borrow Baby Isla's bow!)<br />
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Oh, but the Halloween festivities this year! The kiddos had a BALL and loved every bit of dressing up in their little homemade skunk costumes, and they sure didn't complain about all the extra attention. They wore their costumes FOUR times this year between dance class, trunk-or-treat at church, a friend's birthdayween, and trick or treating.<br />
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I'm still catching up from the excitement (and still sneaking candy from Ly's Halloween stash).<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">photo via : <a href="http://sallycphotographyblog.com/">sally cavanaugh photography</a></span></div>
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I've found that my "homemade" costumes get simpler and simpler every year. This year, I pieced together some outfits (and used Lyla's one year birthday party outfit for Addie), glued on some faux white fur to headbands and tails, and made Lyla a tutu. I made the mistake of putting fur on cat ears - everyone thought the girls were the cutest little black and white kitties. I corrected everyone before they could even finish their sentence. Skunk costume fail.<br />
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But it was so cute seeing how excited both girls got this year. Lyla rode the wagon with her little buddy Jack, and she proudly said "trick-or-treat" AFTER getting her candy in her trick or treat bag. And Addie jabbered and kicked and squealed and clapped her hands at every house we went to.<br />
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One of the craziest, but most FUN days of the year in the books!<br />
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<br />Mrs. Rubyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09670296086240817606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5667953739314906276.post-72288030347774061712015-10-23T09:33:00.000-04:002016-07-31T15:21:17.818-04:00Adaline is O-N-E<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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To My Baby Bug,</div>
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One year ago, you entered the world.</div>
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A day I will never forget and a day I have replayed in my mind over and over again this past week. </div>
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I typically do this on birthdays. I get lost in my dreamlike "Birth Day Zone", thinking about those first few days and ever so poignant moments.</div>
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But this particular birthday milestone has caught me off guard. I feel a bit sad <i>deep</i> in my gut, like the wind has been knocked out of me.</div>
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I suppose it's because I'm not quite sure how one year went by so quickly. I wish I could start over and remember to stop every now and again. I want to beg and plead to my one year ago self to slow down and scream THIS WILL ALL GO BY PAINFULLY TOO FAST. I probably wouldn't have listened anyway.</div>
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I could have sworn I was just in that delivery room dozing off to Law and Order SVU with your dad, exhausted from hours of intense contractions. When all of a sudden the nurse came in and said, <i>Ok, time to push</i>! </div>
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I can still feel the intense adrenaline and dancing butterflies, so excited and ready to meet you. All I could think about was getting you out of my belly and into my arms, so ready to cozy up next to you and get lost in newborn land.</div>
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Before I knew it, both grandmas' gleeful squeals of <i>Oh my goodness</i>! <i>Oh my goodness</i>! were filling the room, and your dad calmly and matter-of-factly saying, <i>Well, I won. (</i>Which was his way of announcing that you were a girl.)</div>
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I couldn't get your naked warm body on my chest fast enough, and I was surprised as a heap load of emotions suddenly took over my entire being and forced me to bawl like a baby. Because you were here and more beautiful than I imagined. And a <i>girl</i>. Meeting you was overwhelming as you completed our family puzzle.</div>
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My heart had a mind of its own as it grew and expanded and smiled so hard, it hurt.</div>
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I really can't believe a year has passed since you graced us with your sweet spirit, calm demeanor and playful curiosity. The baby year with you has been so fulfilling and has brought me such joy.</div>
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I am thankful that you're a cuddler, easy going, and extra forgiving - even when I make you skip your morning nap or I forget your snacks/blanket/stroller/pacifier. You roll with the punches kid, and I have loved everyday since you've been born.</div>
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You have been my little buddy this year, happily going with me everywhere I go. You've been my coffee date tag-a-long, my co-worker in meetings, my partner in grocery shopping and errand-running, and even my travel side kick.</div>
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There are so many things I love about you and this moment in time.</div>
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You have the cutest evenly-spaced gaps in between your 8 teeth (I think?) right now.</div>
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You practically dive to give the most aggressive, slobbery, open mouth kisses.</div>
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You are finally starting to sign <i>more</i>. Thank goodness. Because meal time is the only time you are a major drama queen. Your teachers at school had to tell us to pack more food because you yell (loudly) when your food is gone.</div>
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You follow your sister everywhere, and she's not (always) the biggest fan.</div>
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You are busy. So busy that GiGi and Bots have to take a nap when you leave their house. And so busy that you can't stand even one second of changing your diaper.</div>
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You love peeking out the window. But you <i>really</i> love it when one of us is outside the window and waves at you. The giggles and happy screams are absolute music to my ears.</div>
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You still love to curl in a ball and lay on my chest before you go to sleep.</div>
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You love the dog water bowls, and we often find you soaked from head to toe.</div>
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Oh how we love you so, baby bug. I'm so thankful to be your mom and happy to be along for the ride of your little life.</div>
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Happy birthday, sweet girl.</div>
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XOXO<br />
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<i>"I hope you don't mind that I put down in words how wonderful life is now that you're in the world."</i></div>
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<br />Mrs. Rubyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09670296086240817606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5667953739314906276.post-15695570973321270352015-09-23T23:24:00.004-04:002016-07-31T15:20:58.953-04:00Adaline Mae : 10 & 11 Months Good grief.<br />
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How is it almost October? How is my BABY one month away from being one?<br />
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I seriously can't.<br />
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The past couple of months have been a blur, mostly due to demanding and completely overrated busy schedules, but also due to unavoidable life "stuff". So my apologies to my second born. If I sit down and think too long on the fact that all of this is going really quickly, I start to cry.<br />
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Because it really is going too fast.<br />
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Adaline, most recently called Lady A, is curious and feisty these days. She loves outlets and cords and getting into cabinets and drawers. This is all new to us. Well, not so new anymore, because Addie has broken us into the world of curious babies rather quickly.<br />
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She talks a lot, loves making loud noises with anything she can get her hands on, and barrels through the house like a wild animal. Quite the stark difference from her big sister who loves spending her mornings quietly reading in her room.<br />
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She loves cuddling and rocking to sleep. No matter how chaotic our days may be, I know I can always count on slowing down, turning my brain off and cuddling with Addie-Bug.<br />
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We are working really, really hard on signing "more" and "all done". Addie s-c-r-e-a-m-s for more. Screams. There is absolutely no patience when waiting for the next bite of food. This kid is 100% like her big sister in this fact.<br />
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My word, does she love the swing. Mostly because big sis loves the swing and Addie has to do everything Lyla does. But she smiles and giggles and kicks her feet back and forth, begging to be pushed.<br />
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Lady A is saying actual words. I can't remember for the life of me when Lyla started talking, but something tells me Addie will be the chatterbox. She says mama, dada, bye-bye, hi and lala (Lyla, her favorite person in the entire universe).<br />
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This sweet kiddo waves <i>hi</i> and <i>bye-bye</i> to everyone. When Grams comes over, when dad leaves for work in the morning, when we drop Lyla off at school. It's the cutest thing I've ever seen. <br />
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Actually, I think Addie standing up and staring out the window is the cutest thing I've ever seen.<br />
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We took both babes on a lake trip with friends last month. It was so good for my soul on every account. I don't think I've ever heard a baby laugh as hard as Addie while riding the boat. She loved it. She did not, however, love the life jacket. Can't say I blame her.<br />
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She's going through this sharing phase. It's so darn sweet, I feel like my heart my rip in half. She picks things up and immediately holds them up for Gabe or I to see. She does this over and over again, looking up at us for approval.<br />
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This one is my littlest buddy. She happily totes along with me wherever I go - preschool drop-off, coffee with (adult) friends, work meetings, underwear shopping. And she loves it. Most of the time. Except when she skips her morning nap 3 days in a row. Then, she lets us know she's had enough of the running around all over town business.<br />
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Sigh. It is so strange that next month's post is O-N-E. I really can't quite grasp that.<br />
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So instead, I'm just going to focus on the fact that I have an 11 month old for now.<br />
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<br />Mrs. Rubyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09670296086240817606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5667953739314906276.post-76642677791692808722015-08-30T19:16:00.000-04:002016-07-31T15:57:52.373-04:00Big Week for a Big KidI'd say it's been a pretty big week for Kiddo.<br />
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Which Kiddo, by the way, is the most recent nickname for our Miss Beans, formerly known as Chunkin. It's funny how kids naturally outgrow certain nicknames, and sad all at the same time.<br />
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Lyla turned three, had a birthday party with her little friends and started preschool all within a week. I'm not quite sure how all of that happened. But it sure happened quickly, and life has been pulling in so many directions, I haven't really digested all of this growing up just yet.<br />
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Yet, alas. Here we are. With a three year old preschooler.<br />
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I've heard over and over to watch out for the year of the threenager. But quite honestly, I really like three so far. It can't be that much harder than two. It just can't. Ly has never really been "easily adaptable", and there were a lot of life changes that took her nearly a year of adjusting. And this adjustment period was complete with a lot of tears, public tantrums and melt-downs (both Lyla and myself).<br />
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Needless to say, we've noticed a huge change in Ly recently. She has really matured, gained confidence, developed stronger coping skills and is learning to better adapt to new situations. <b>Case in point :</b> At last year's birthday party, Ly cried opening every present and through the entire happy birthday song. This year, she only cried once, and it's because she had her first potty accident in over 6 months - she was having too much fun to go inside!<br />
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Or last year when she started Kids Day Out, the teachers didn't think she knew how to talk for the first few months. Until one day she was finally comfortable and started speaking like an adult in full sentences. This year, she couldn't wait to start school and talked about "Big Kid School" for weeks. At Meet the Teacher Night, when her teacher asked her name, she put her hand on her chest and confidently said "<i>My name is Wywa</i>."<br />
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As a mom, it makes me teary and so <b>proud</b> to see her confidence grow!<br />
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And it was so much fun celebrating her birthday this year. She'd been talking about August 19th for so long, so we made sure the day lived up to her excitement. First on the agenda was to wake her with balloons and streamers, a breakfast picnic of eggs and chocolate chip pancakes and opening presents!<br />
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And to burn off that breakfast energy, the birthday princess took a ride in her birthday chariot. </div>
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Her best little buddy Callaway came over for lunch, followed by a big kid nap and lots of post-nap mother-daughter(s) birthday fun. We got some birthday "coffee", got fitted for dance shoes and leotards, visited a local book store and met dad for dinner. <br />
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And then we finally went home for cake. Which is all she talked about all month long. "<i>I'll be fwee on August 19th, and I'll get cake</i>."<br />
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And then we celebrated some more a few days later with her Backyard Splash Bash birthday party. We have never seen Ly so excited, so confident and so in her element. She talked about her friends coming over all day and couldn't wait to go outside to splash about. Her favorite part of the day though was probably her big 3 balloon, in fact, she's still talking about it. "<i>Moooommm. I want to watch a movie/take a nap/eat lunch with my big fwee</i>." Oh, and her strawberry cupcakes with cream cheese frosting from <a href="https://www.facebook.com/brownsugarbakeryks">Brown Sugar Bakery</a>.<br />
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Oh. But the fun was just getting started. Because then, we started preschool 4 days later.<br />
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Which, once again. Ly blew us away with the confidence. We talked a lot about preschool leading up to the first day, trying to prep her as we know how she tends to handle new situations. But she woke that morning and said, "<i>I'm ready for preschool today</i>! <i>I'm going to meet new friends</i>" and there was no whining, no struggle to put on clothes and no tears!<br />
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We got to school, she actually wanted to hold our hands and was excited to have Addie along for the ride to show her big kid school. It was so comforting and reassuring to see her in her element - happy to be at school, and proud to march into her classroom, hang her backpack and wash her hands.<br />
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We all got hugs and kisses from our new preschooler, and she even *happily* let us take pictures.<br />
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It was such a memorable day, and my mom-heart is exploding with joy and anticipation for the year ahead.<br />
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<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D5667953739314906276%23editor%2Fsrc%3Dsidebar&media=https%3A%2F%2F4.bp.blogspot.com%2F-dV92YXvWZUY%2FVeNzOKCKNFI%2FAAAAAAAANIA%2FC60NM3RHMug%2Fs640%2FIMG_5681.jpg&xm=h&xv=sa1.37.01&xuid=FZ5MFLzkdc4u&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 114px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 4776px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D5667953739314906276%23editor%2Fsrc%3Dsidebar&media=https%3A%2F%2F4.bp.blogspot.com%2F-dV92YXvWZUY%2FVeNzOKCKNFI%2FAAAAAAAANIA%2FC60NM3RHMug%2Fs640%2FIMG_5681.jpg&xm=h&xv=sa1.37.01&xuid=FZ5MFLzkdc4u&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 114px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 4776px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a>Mrs. Rubyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09670296086240817606noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5667953739314906276.post-52730941926763858002015-08-18T18:11:00.001-04:002016-07-31T15:57:26.772-04:00Happy 3rd Birthday, Lyla Beans!<br />
Dear Lyla,<br />
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I have so many thoughts on the eve of your third birthday.<br />
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I guess I'll start by saying HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Sweet Girl! We've heard, "<i>I'll be fwee on August 19th</i>" for the last six months, and that day is finally here.<br />
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Three years, and I can still remember every vivid detail of your <a href="http://ksrubyredslippers.blogspot.com/2012/08/our-birth-story.html"><i>birth</i> day</a>. The moment you were first placed on my chest, the way I stayed up all night that first night putting my finger under your nostrils to make sure you were still breathing, the comfort I felt as I cradled you in my arms, how <i>proud</i> I was to be your mom.<br />
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This is why I adore birthdays. I love the thought of celebrating everything about you, and I love reflecting on the year.<br />
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This past year in our house can most accurately be described as, <i>it was the best of times, it was the worst of times</i>. There was laughing and joy and exploring and moments so sweet I nearly melted into a mommy puddle of mush. But there were just as many tears, melt-downs, time-outs and power-struggles. Who knew such a tiny human could elicit such strong feelings of anger? Luckily those feelings are fleeting (for both of us), but I guess that's why they call it the terrible twos (now is not the time to tell me the year of the threenager is worse).<br />
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To be fair, this was also the year of change. We started potty training the week you turned two, (WHAT WERE WE THINKING), brought home a new baby, and mom started a business. It took most of the year for you to adjust to potty training, and some days, I think you're still adjusting to your sister. You love her more than anything in the world, but you don't love change (or sharing).<br />
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Both good days and bad, I love everything about you. From your physical features - like your pudgy toes to your protruding belly (that gets smaller by the day and makes me sad) to your amazing curly hair that you get compliments on everywhere we go. And I love seeing your personality develop, still resembling the same characteristics from when you were a baby - cautious, thoughtful, playful, sensitive and <i>very</i> independent. You've never been much of a cuddler, but some days, you act out until I finally figure out that you just need to be held. I love those moments. And every night you demand (we're working on this) "<i>snuggle me, mom/dad</i>." The day those requests end is the day my mommy heart will shrivel up.<br />
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<b>I do not want to forget who you are on your third birthday. </b>You are such a delight and our pride and joy!<br />
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- You are just like your dad in so many ways. You are a processor and I can see the wheels turning, as you take time to really think about things. Like upon the mention of any of your little friends, you like to talk about their moms and dads. Or anything Addie does, you point to yourself and say "<i>I did that when I was a baby?</i>" Or how you always want to know if our activity for the day will be before or after your nap - "<i>I'm going to swimming after my nap, mom</i>?" It's your point of reference for everything. Well, nap and lunch of course.<br />
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- Also like your dad, you love to have a good time. But you have your limits and hit a point when you immediately need some alone time to recharge. This is something that taken me three years to finally figure out, and I always want to respect this need. You like to explore new places but prefer to be a homebody who enjoys reading and quiet time. And you are sure to tell me (usually after a weekend full of activities), "<i>I'm feeling grumpy today, Mom. Everybody gets grumpy sometimes</i>."<br />
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- I love how you say "<i>Wywa</i>" and "<i>Adawine</i>", "<i>Hickory</i> <i>Ickory</i> <i>Dock"</i>, "<i>skeeto bite</i>" and "<i>Addie say umph</i> *mimicking her grunting noises*.<br />
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- You are very particular with everything. The way you color, the way you eat and even how you play with your toys - it's so methodical. You do not like anything out of place. You can't stand sand on your feet, anything in your shoe, or water on your clothes. You notice if a piece of fuzz is sticking out of the carpet or if a blanket has a snag. Those things drives you crazy.<br />
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- You have become quite the negotiator. With everything. "<i>No mom. I want 3 more grapes. No, I want 2 more stories. No, I want 5 more minutes of snuggle time</i>."<br />
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- Two has been so fun because you get excited about the smallest things : You jump up and down and squeal to watch the TRASH TRUCK every Thursday. You light up when you get new socks/underwear/cup (anything new) and talk about it for the rest of the day. Or like, when Dad and I decided to take you and Addie to KC for the night just to get away, you found everything amazing : the hotel bed, the indoor swimming pool, the elevator. That was a parent win for sure.<br />
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- Your grandparents are everything to you. And the feeling is most definitely mutual. You love to pray for your Grams and Papa and GiGi and Bots. And you like to tell me, "<i>I'm my Bots' Lyla.</i>"<br />
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- You constantly blow my mind with the things you remember. Like the other day when dad was wearing his argyle socks and you told him, "<i>Dad, you got your new socks from Uncle Zac's wedding</i>." (which was six months ago). Or how every time we go to the zoo and the hippos blow water out of their noses and you say, "<i>The hippos get the bees out</i>" because of the time months ago when Grams and Papa took you, and there were bees flying around. Or how you say things like, "<i>where'd my little back owie go? Is it in the trash? Or in the sky with my balloon</i>? (in reference to a balloon that flew away almost a year ago now). It's absolutely amazing (and slightly terrifying) the things you remember, kid.<br />
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- You LOVE food. This is both a good and bad thing. Good because you will eat absolutely anything. Well, anything except pizza. (I know, what kid doesn't like pizza?) Bad because food is the cause of all fights/tantrums/melt-downs. You don't have an off-switch and make yourself sick if we don't stop you. Which you do not appreciate.<br />
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- You are so innocent and sweet, and I want to preserve that as long as possible. You say things like, "<i>I feel sad today, Mom</i>" (usually because I won't give you cookies or something) or "<i>Mom, will you fix my balloon? It doesn't feel very good </i>(when the helium came out). And I often find you helping Addie when she can't reach something or "nursing" your babies or rocking your Teddy Berry and saying "<i>shh-shh-shh</i>" like I did with Addie when she was a newbie.<br />
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- You absolutely love all things girl right now. Like putting on my makeup, trying on my shoes and dressing up in play clothes. But, I absolutely love that you also play with trucks and trains and tools. And you love playing with all your little boy friends.<br />
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- One of the things your dad and I have noticed over anything else this year is your newfound confidence. You've never been much of a risk-taker (it's quite alright, neither is your mom) and are definitely not the first to try something new. But since we started swim class last winter, you have all kinds of confidence and love to tell us all about "<i>stream line</i>" and "<i>I go back to the wall!"</i> The first time I saw you confidently jump in the water, roll to your back and swim to the wall - my eyes welled up with tears. I was so proud and you had no fear! Swimming has helped you grow up and face your fears. (So much, in fact, that you try to jump in the water without floaties and without mom and dad present).<br />
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Oh my sweet Lyla Girl. What a wonderful year it has been. I feel a bit weepy as this year has gone so fast. And I presume the years will only continue to go faster. That's life, I suppose. But, I am so thankful to be home with you and spending quality time with you every day! I have completely and finally found my place and my comfort, and you are the one who helped me find it.<br />
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I love you more than I can even put into words. Happy Birthday to my best girl!<br />
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<br />Mrs. Rubyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09670296086240817606noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5667953739314906276.post-1557975099347611782015-07-31T07:57:00.000-04:002016-07-31T15:20:22.692-04:00Adaline Mae : 9 MonthsLate to the party.<br />
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Which is par for the course around these parts.<br />
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But here we are, celebrating my sweet baby Bug's nine month birthday. Because after enduring the torture of losing and then paying a lot of money to try to recover thousands of pictures off of an external hard drive, I am dedicated now more than ever to keep on keeping on with this little blog of mine.<br />
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- At Miss Bug's 9 month wellness check, she weighed in at 20.6 lbs (83%) and 28.5 in (84%). Big girl with some delicious rolls. And those little rubber band hands and chompable cheeks. I die.<br />
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- Littlest lady has developed quite the personality. She's the sweetest little thing with a side of dramatic flare. (Where did she ever get that trait?) She sure let's us know when she's feeling left out, wants more food or doesn't feel like sleeping. Oh, and she definitely puts up a fight when big sis takes her toys. (We love these little-big personalities SO much and love how different they are!!) She's feisty & determined and still the sweetest little cuddle bug. And the thing she has most in common with big sis? A strong-willed nature. It was the first thing Dr. Reddy commented on, "<i>Well Angela, you've been blessed with two VERY strong willed little ones</i>." (sigh)<br />
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- Addie (sort of) started clapping and waving this month. She gets so excited when people wave and say "Bye Addie". She starts waving her hands and flapping her arms and drooling and gurgling about. It's quite cute. And she thinks clapping is almost as cool as her big sister.<br />
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- Adaline Mae started officially crawling the day after 9 month birthday! After weeks of rocking back and forth, she's finally on the go. She is everywhere and happy as a clam now that she is on the move.<br />
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- From birth, Addie has been the easiest baby. So easy, that I've felt like I could have 5 more children. She slept through the night from the get-go, rarely cried and has always been super easy going and flexible. But this month? Girlfriend decided to give us some trouble. It all started with refusing to take a bottle. To the point that after trying for an hour each time, every single day for weeks, it was finally time to give up. The bottle wasn't happening. (Which, by the way, she used to take a bottle. Until I didn't bottle feed her for a good month or so. Now, she's too old and knows what she wants. And it's not the bottle.) I swear I've bought every brand of bottle, sippie and nipple ever invented. And since she's not drinking from a sippie much (something we work on all day long), she's developed quite the bowel issues. I'm that mom on the phone with the nurse every other day asking questions about poop. Let's just say we're up to our ears in prunes and pear juice, and we're experts at giving suppositories.<br />
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- She LOVES swimming so much. She splashes and squeals about. And I love it too because she sleeps hard and well after a day at the pool!<br />
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- Addie and Lyla are completely developing this incredible sister relationship that I always wished I'd had. It's a love-hate as they play and fight. Just like sisters do. And I love it!<br />
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- This child is into everything. Everything. I can no longer take a shower while she's awake, and I most definitely cannot leave her in a room by herself. We found pennies in her mouth 3 different times, she wrapped herself in a lamp cord, dove out of a baby pool onto concrete, and Gabe had to dislodge a ball of plastic wrap from her throat. Needless to say, we were (obviously) completely unprepared for the whole baby proofing thing. We've since covered all the outlets, put up cords, and lowered her mattress. (All of which, we never did ANY of with Lyla). And we still rack up an average of 3 or 4 injuries per day.<br />
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- I'm such a believer in teaching children to sleep. And I am quite confident all children, regardless of how much they fight sleep, can be taught to sleep well. Well Addie-Babe is going through a phase where she is fighting sleep really really hard. So hard, that I usually give in and let her stay up and play. She crawls all about for a good hour or two, destroys a few things and then (maybe) gets tired enough to finally go to sleep. It's maddening. And I'll let you know when I figure it out.<br />
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One thing's for sure. This stage is SO MUCH FUN!<br />
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<br />Mrs. Rubyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09670296086240817606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5667953739314906276.post-78357439100365417922015-06-23T11:15:00.002-04:002016-07-31T15:20:11.197-04:00Adaline Mae : 7 & 8 Months (The Fun Begins!)It's getting more and more difficult to blog in this precious space of mine.<br />
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For me, it's by far the most important and meaningful piece of my motherhood duties - to share the happenings of life with my littles. But when life is moving so quickly and being enjoyed so deeply, and when I spend the majority of my creative energy on my business, there is little left for me to pour into my personal blogging like I prefer. And to my sweet Addie, who is in the midst of her first year of life, I'm so very sorry for that.<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">6 Months</span></div>
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Much has happened in the last two months, and I so desperately want to document each moment because it's going far too quickly for my liking. There has been an amazing amount of growth in all areas, especially in the personality department. Adaline is our sweet cuddle-bug, but she's also developed a little sass. Particularly when it comes to impatience for food (de ja vu?) and the latest refusal in going to bed. From day one this girl has not liked to be left alone when she knows socializing is going on somewhere without her. Lately, she's developed a proclivity to playtime instead of sleep time because gilfriend loves to party. Her dad and I have finally caved and usually give her toys to play with or get her up altogether to play and tucker her out (terrible habit, I'm aware.)<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">7 months</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">7 months</span></div>
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Here are a few more things that have happened in the last two months - I just have to say, I LOVE this age. It really is when the fun begins!!<br />
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- Baby Bug is in love with three things these days : <b>1. <i>My red hospital cup</i></b> - yes. I'm still drinking from that infamous take-home-souvenier from the hospital. And Addie-Bug gets so excited when she sees it - she jabbers on and on as if to tell it a story, chews on it and nearly leaps from her high chair to play with it. <b>2. </b><i><b>Beards </b>- </i>she especially loves Papa's beard and likes to bite it. <b>3. <i>Flying backwards</i> </b>- this kid laughs in the face of danger and loves being flung backward. Just like her big sis at this age.<br />
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- Adaline is the sweetest little thing, and the bond we have is unreal. So much, that the kid <i>refuses</i> to take a bottle. (Bottle training shall be a post for another day). But she reaches her little arms out when she sees me, which makes me want to scoop her up all the time. And she reaches out to touch faces, carefully stroking and staring intently into the eyes of the person holding her. And she's got "the gaze" while I'm nursing her - that sweet, bonding gaze that I don't want to forget. Ever.<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">7 months</span></div>
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- Lyla and Addie got into their first "fight" this month. It was over a toy that Addie was playing with, when Lyla decided she wanted to play with it instead. So she fulfilled her toddler duty and took it away from the baby of course. I watched all of this unfold and was so happy Addie stood her ground with a lot of kicking and screaming (literally.) The two carried on for a bit and both ended up crying and I finally had to intervene. <i>And</i> Lyla is already tattling on her younger sister letting me know in her whiniest voice that Addie pulled her hairs. #sisters<br />
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- Our Bug has been nothing but easy in every aspect...until we introduced solid food. We started at the 6 month mark, and it gave us a bit more trouble than we anticipated. Her first bite was mashed avocado, which she seemed to enjoy, but the rest went downhill from there. We experienced a lot of gagging, which got sort of scary at times. She didn't seem to know what to DO with the food. Teaching a 6 month old to chew and swallow isn't quite as easy as it sounds. But after a lot of persistence and a lot of different textures, she's finally at a point where she grunts and squeals for "more". Her palette has included peas, carrots, sweet potatoes, squash, kiwi, spinach, prunes and pears. But her favorite is gnawing on an apple slice while her big sister eats lunch.<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">6 months:: (First Food - Avocado!)</span></div>
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- I'd be lying if I said I didn't look forward to our alone time on Tuesdays while Lyla is at Kid's Day Out. Of course I adore our afternoon adventures with the three of us before dad gets home, but I miss one on one time like I got with Ly when she was a babe. Of course I utilize every ounce of Tuesdays to work, but it's also nice to have that special time with Addie.<br />
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- She's finally reached the point where it's difficult to take her 1. anywhere during her morning nap (as she no longer sleeps in her carseat) and 2. to any sort of work meeting. It has been so fun having her as my little "co-worker" where she'd nap on the couch next to me or go with me to a coffee meeting. But, we're officially at the point where we have to be home for nap time, and I have to get a babysitter for meetings. Except when we are invited by friends to fun things...then naps are out the window. Second kid has to learn to be flexible. Right?<br />
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- We've reached the stranger danger phase. This child rarely cries, but when she does, it's pretty much the same as taking my heart straight from my chest and running it through a blender. It's quite sad. And lately, when she's around others (mostly men) she doesn't know, she looks around in a panic and bursts into tears. It is <i>so</i> sad. Until mom or dad swoops in to the rescue!<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">7 months</span></div>
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- Everyone everywhere we go comments on how "huge the baby is". I mean everyone. Today, some lady walking into the same building as our swim lessons went on and on about "oh my gosh your baby is so big" and "how much does your baby weigh" and "how do you carry her carseat". Sure, she's a roly poly and has cheeks for weeks, but she's not <i>that</i> big. And yes, I do try to eat her cheeks and delicious rolls. All day.<br />
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- I nearly die from all the sleepy cuteness when it's time to wake up in the morning. Seriously, why did we never have a sleep sack with Lyla? I just might keep Addie in hers until she's 7 because of the sweetness. Oh and then there's that sweet baby breath smell - yes, she still has it. And I'm not afraid to get up in there and smell all day long. *swoon*<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">7 months</span></div>
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- Can we talk about physical gross motor movement for a second? We are <i>not</i> used to a mobile baby. Sweet Baby Ly was happy sitting all the livelong day until she crawled at 12 months. TWELVE MONTHS. I mean, we never baby proofed our house with Lyla. Oh, but Addie Babe is a different story. This one has been scooting backwards for about a month now and often gets stuck under chairs and tables. And she most definitely is not content just "sitting" like her big sis was. She wants to go! and move! and be in on action! Our little party animal.<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">7 months</span></div>
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- Addie is our more outgoing babe, and girlfriend loves to chatter. I'm desperately trying to get her to say mama, instead she just says "gee-gee-gee-gee" all day, everyday. Lyla thinks it's pretty much the most hilarious thing on earth and loves trying to teach her new "words".<br />
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Have I mentioned I love having sisters?<br />
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Have I also mentioned I love this phase. Let the fun continue!<br />
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">8 months</span></div>
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<br />Mrs. Rubyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09670296086240817606noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5667953739314906276.post-73200743399889315542015-05-08T08:22:00.001-04:002016-07-31T15:19:56.183-04:00The Sweet Life.Life.<br />
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So sweet. Sometimes bitter.<br />
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So emotionally scattered. And so completely wonderful.<br />
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I'm sad for my absence on this personal little blog of my mine, really since Adaline's birth. Or actually, more since I hopped on the entrepreneur train and started a business with a two year old and a two month old at home. There have been so many times I've desperately wanted to listen to my begging spirit and write about all that's going on. But instead, I pour my energy and creativity into the rest of my day, leaving my brain vacant and incoherent after the girls go to bed.<br />
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Life has been busy. And exciting. And incredibly sweet. And hard. But I'm not even sure I could begin to explain all that's gone on in the last six months. SIX MONTHS. I just can't even believe how quickly the span of <i>months</i> flies by.<br />
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The few times I have <i>stopped</i>, if even for a moment, I've felt such raw sadness at the passing of time. Like I haven't fully captured every adorably mispronounced word spoken by Lyla or the way Adaline gazes intently and reaches out for our faces. I can't help but feel that I'm living to check off the to-dos, lost in the whirlwind of schedules and meetings and laundry and feedings. But life keeps going, regardless of the fact that I'd like it to pause. It's busy for us, and everyone else I know, and doesn't appear to be slowing down anytime soon.<br />
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But this time period has also been so very sweet. I've never in my life been so sure of a decision, with me getting to stay home with the girls. I'm living a dream I never knew existed in my heart - so grateful to be home, while also building a business and relationships in a community I've grown to love so much. <br />
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I'm thankful for so many things that staying home has given me.<br />
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Our slow-to-rise mornings, that ironically begin before 6 am. Lyla's eagerness for breakfast immediately upon waking. Her desire to help make my morning coffee {but only after demanding to sit on the counter, while checking her and Adaline's seedlings we planted in pots on the windowsill.} Staring at Adaline while she takes her morning nap, kissing her and taking in that sweet baby scent that I never want to forget. Listening to the girls play while Lyla talks in her best "mommy voice", telling Addie to <i>be careful</i> and <i>good job rolling over</i>. Getting the out of nowhere <i>I wuv you, Mommy</i> and <i>Hug me Mommy. </i>Receiving the reassuring baby smiles that let me know I am everything to my babes. Toting my baby buddy with me to meetings and coffee dates and bible study.<br />
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I try to remember those moments over the 20 minute maddening where's-your-other-shoe hunts when we're running 20 minutes late. Or the dead-weight, drop to the floor like a wet noodle tantrums. Or when both girls are crying hysterically, which then makes me cry hysterically (at least on the inside).<br />
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Another something that has made my heart so full lately is the time spent with my mom, the girls' Grams. This quality time has been so precious as it's something we rarely got when I was growing up, due to never-ending work demands. But, we've been making up for lost time, and it's been so special to see the bond forming between my mom and the girls. Lyla runs around in circles, and yells throughout the house "GRAMS IS HERE" the moment she sees her car pulling up in the driveway, knowing that it's time for Monday morning story time. They run errands together, eat lunch together and Lyla always comes home to tell me all the people she prayed for with Grams.<br />
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So getting the completely unexpected and heartbreaking call that my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer last week shook me to my core. Gabe was out of town, and the only other person I wanted to talk to was my mom. Which didn't seem quite right, so I really just held myself together during the day, only to surrender to my emotions at night after the girls were asleep.<br />
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My mom has cancer. And we're in that incredibly frustrating phase of tests and waiting for results. Weighing pros and cons of all options and praying for guidance and strength. Hopeful for a strong, healthy life with family and grandkids.<br />
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But that doesn't make it any less scary. It's been hard. And an unwelcome interruption in this sweet time of life.<br />
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But life is life. And it has a mind of its own.<br />
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So here we are, juggling and balancing, leaning on faith and each other, and enjoying all of our moments.<br />
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Because every moment with the people I love is a treasure. And this life is sweet and one I'm so very thankful to be living.<br />
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=5667953739314906276" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=5667953739314906276" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a>Mrs. Rubyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09670296086240817606noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5667953739314906276.post-91373903904684218312015-04-27T09:20:00.002-04:002016-07-31T15:19:45.152-04:00Adaline Mae : 6 Months (I'm Sorry. Come Again?)I can't believe it either.<br />
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Halfway to the year mark. I remember Lyla's first year going fast. But <i>nothing</i> like this first year with my sweet baby bug.<br />
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It honestly stings. Hard.<br />
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But this age. Oh, this age is oh so sweet. Just like every other age and stage that I adore so much. Adaline is 100% smiles for miles and cheeks for weeks. I don't think she's ever <i>not</i> smiling. Or talking. Or flailing her chubby baby legs in excitement. I have a feeling she may just be our vibrant wild child.<br />
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And it's so fun seeing the differences between her and her big sister. Both such unique personalities and equally fun and special in their own way. But there is one thing they definitely have in common - they <i>adore</i> each other. It's so touching to see their sister bond starting at such a young age. I love it more than anything.<br />
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This has been a significant month all around. Several firsts, so many changes, so much FUN!<br />
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- This little gal has her social pants on all day everyday. Big sis Lyla was smiley and talkative with those she knew well, but Adaline jabbers and squeals and makes happy yells all the livelong day! She loves all living things and likes to party. My mom tells me all the time that Adaline is so similar to how I was as a baby. I think we may have a mini-me on our hands.<br />
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- She loves listening to music and her sister's silly songs. She mimics by singing <i>da-da-da-da </i>all day long<i>. </i>I'm pretty sure "dad" will be her first word.<i> </i>And that's ok. Because Lyla said <i>ma-ma </i>first<i>. </i>;)<br />
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<i>- </i>I flew solo for the first time with baby to go meet up with Gabe while he traveled for work. Even with a suitcase, a duffle bag and a really chunky baby, I honestly wasn't nervous one bit. She did outstanding. Much better than our <a href="http://ksrubyredslippers.blogspot.com/2015/03/first-family-of-four-vacation.html">trip to San Francisco</a> because sweet babe wasn't sick this time around. I nursed her at takeoff and landing, she napped the entire flight and I read my chapter for bible study AND got some work done. I was seriously more productive than in a two week span at home.<br />
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- I'm so happy we had some one on one time with Adaline in Atlanta while Lyla "vacationed" at BOTH sets of grandparents'. It was such a treat to give her undivided attention. Plus, she got to play with her newest little buddy, Liam while mom and dad had adult time. {HOW did I ever think having one child was hard? It was such a breeze.}<br />
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<i>- </i>Addie-babe sprouted her FIRST TOOTH this month. I noticed it after she bit down on my finger. And honestly, I had a hunch the week before because she had a super fussy day, which is completely unlike her. I had a moment of panic because I sort of forgot how to handle fussy babies. So, I gave her some baby Tylenol, Hyland teething tablets and Lyla's old amber teething necklace. Didn't really think about it again. Until a few days later, that little sucker broke through. Then, just before our trip to Atlanta, I noticed her SECOND TOOTH. I may have shed a tear. I'm not quite ready for all these changes.<br />
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- I can't believe I haven't mentioned this yet. Girlfriend sleeps with her eyes OPEN. Did you know that's a thing? I googled it. We're talking wide-open. And it is terrifying. One afternoon as I was checking on her during nap time, she was "looking" right at me with glazed over eyes. I ran over to the crib and shook her and started yelling like a crazy woman, and she woke up. She had been in a deep sleep! GiGi and Bots witnessed it too one night when they were babysitting. Super creepy.<br />
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- Little miss personality loves to bend backwards. She does this for two reasons 1. to try to get out of whatever seated position she's in and 2. To make eye contact with you if she's faced outward. I'm not quite sure how she does it exactly. But she twists and bends into the most uncomfortable looking position so that she's upside-down looking you straight in the eye. It's hilarious and adorable.<br />
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- I was caught completely off guard this month when our little Bug started rolling over. I left her on her playmat, went into the kitchen for something, and came back to find her on her belly. Now, she does it in her crib all the time and sometimes gets stuck. So we obviously stopped swaddling. It was just so surprising because Lyla didn't roll until super late, and even when she did, it was only a handful of times. Addie is a lot more...motivated than her big sis. She scoots all over her crib and tries to get out of every seat we put her in, making it so we have to belt her in to everything. I don't think we buckled Lyla EVER (except for the carseat). We'll probably also have to baby proof the house with this one.<br />
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- Last month, she was all about the hands. This month is, what big sis likes to call, "<i>her little feets</i>". Oh how she LOVES those feet sweet baby toes.<br />
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- Nursing is still going great. I try to pump every now and again to stock up on bottles so mama can have some time away. But just like I did with Lyla, I don't respond well to pumping and get a very sad little amount. Which makes me so thankful to not have to be working full time and stressed about pumping. But she is entering the distracted phase which means she'll only focus when it's dark and quiet - too many other exciting things going on to eat!<br />
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- I remember Lyla doing this exact same catch-you-off-guard move. Addie sneak attacks by grabbing nearby body parts and gnawing on whatever is in front of her. I'll be cuddling with her and think she's asleep and BOOM. She starts eating my face or chomping my arm. She also grabs hair and cheeks really hard. I'll hear Lyla saying from the other room "<i>Oww!</i> <i>Please stop. PLEASE STOP</i>."<br />
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- Sleeping is going great too. Aside from when she's sick {and wakes every.single.hour.}Addie goes down around 7 and wakes up around 7 or 7:30. She's never really been a rockstar napper though. This could be due to the fact that we're out and about a lot, and she's not given the princess sleep treatment like Lyla received. Poor second baby. :( I do always try to make sure we're home for at least two really solid naps though. And she doesn't seem to complain. About anything. Ever.<br />
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Happy six months, sweet Bug. Goodness, this little ol' heart of mine is full to the brim.<br />
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I've been slacking in many areas of life since Adaline has been born, especially when it comes to documenting big milestones and firsts. But I've also cut myself some slack as it's been a rather busy and stressful season of life. And to my credit, although not blogging as much, I've still been keeping track of every smile, giggle, coo and first on my <a href="http://www.thelenslab.com/collect-photo-journal">collect</a> photo journal app on my phone. So technically, I've been doing my job as resident historian. It's just looked different than it did with Lyla.<br />
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However. I got a new phone last week. And unbeknownst to me, this app's data and information is connected to each individual <i>phone</i>, not the app itself (unlike just about every other app the world uses that's connected to the app, not the phone.) So I lost <i>everything</i>. Every note, every exact moment I tracked when Adaline reached a new milestone or a new first. All gone.<br />
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I seriously felt like I got sucker punched in the gut.<br />
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But I also learned a huge lesson that day: <i>Read the fine print</i> (this app TELLS you that you have to do some special downloading and blah blah blah before you wipe your phone...for a price, of course).<br />
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Not only did I lose all information on our Bug's first 5 months of life, but this past month and a half really was such a blur. We had two *really* sick kids, an unexpected hospital visit, Gabe drove through one of the worst ice storms of all time to Nashville, I launched a website and hosted a launch party for my new business, and we flew out for a family wedding in San Francisco...all in a two week span.<br />
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Talk about worst timing ever.<br />
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Anyway. Life is finally starting to feel a little more normal, and I am re-committed to blogging about my sweet second baby's first year. We're over illnesses, everyone is sleeping through the night again and Lyla is completely potty trained (<i>even</i> #2 after seven brutal months and <i>even</i> wakes us in the middle of the night to go potty).<br />
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So, I'm back on track, Sweet Baby Bug!<br />
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And believe it or not, I did still manage to take a few notes of happenings over the last month.<br />
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- Addie does two *adorable* things that I vividly remember Lyla doing at this age. Without a moment's notice, she "sneak attacks" and starts chomping on fingers, hair, shoulders or anything within reach. This kid loves to aggressively chew on everything. She also started scratching the nursery chair while I nurse her. She loves to hear the sound it makes. And her big sister used to do the exact same thing.<br />
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- This kid has the best deep-from-the-gut belly laugh. Getting her to laugh is probably the funnest thing in the whole wide world at the moment. Lyla loves it too, and she can get Adaline to laugh harder than anyone else can by blowing on her belly. Those laughs. I just can't.<br />
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- She found her hands this month! There is just something about those hands that she can't get enough of. She sucks on them, stares at them, plays with them, and talks to them. Hands all the livelong day.<br />
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- Girlfriend also found her tongue and is pretty adamant about showing it off!<br />
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- It's so cute and miraculous when babies start doing something new. We've really noticed over the past month or two how much she loves playing. Playing with Samson and Lyla is her jam, and she has a new awareness for all her toys. It's so cute to see her look at a toy, reach for it and go to town playing. Wasn't she just a newborn who could barely make eye contact?<br />
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- The death grip has arrived and has a special hankering for hair. Ouch! Poor sweet Lyla loves to get on the floor and play with Addie, but then I'll hear a panicked "<i>MOMMYYY Adawine has my hair</i>!"<br />
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- Baby girl went on her first airplane ride and family vacation this month. Despite being pretty sick, she was a fabulous traveler to and from San Fran. She did a lot of nursing, snuggling, sleeping...and some crying too. But all around, we were pretty impressed. And though she wasn't a huge fan of the Ergo Baby Carrier at first, she became a believer by the end of the trip. It was so fun toting her around the city, and she adored that it made her nice and cozy up against our chests. Goodness, I love this snuggle bug.<br />
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- It was also baby's first time being away from mama AND first time for dad alone with both girls. It was a little nerve-racking because the night before I was supposed to leave for a quick weekend trip, we found out both girls were exposed to Influenza A. We had our first real parental "big decision" to make because our doctor wanted us to give both girls the Tamiflu as a preventative measure. But after finding out the side affects can be much worse than the flu itself, we decided last-minute not to give the meds to them. Everything turned out okay in the end, but I was so nervous to leave my babies. But I also really needed this getaway more than anything. So, I left the girls with Gabe and went on a quick trip to Manhattan to celebrate my sorority's 100 year anniversary. {<i>Things I thought I'd never do : pump with sorority sisters in the parking lot of our alumni center</i>.} Mama got just the rejuvenation she needed...and the girls remained flu free!<br />
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- This little lady is quite the sleeper and has been from day one. Her last feeding is around 7, and I put her right down until she wakes around 7 or 7:30 the next morning. However, this month we hit a big regression due to illness and travel. So she was waking every hour. Oh my heavenly stars, you don't remember how miserable that is until you get used to a superstar sleeper! But we're finally back on track and sleeping through the night again. Naps are pretty hit or miss as she's never been an amazing napper. She'd just much rather be socializing than snoozing and truly can't stand when she hears Lyla and I having fun without her. But when she does nap, she's out cold. And I find myself staring at her for a good 20 minutes.<br />
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- This sweet little angel is quite the talker. {I have no idea who on earth she would get that from}. She talks in her bed to put herself to sleep, she squeaks and squawks and can make all kinds of loud noises in the most quiet of places...like church. And she's started saying <i>da-da-da-da</i>. But it's ok because Lyla said mom first...so I guess I'll let Dad have his turn. ;)<br />
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- Adaline is second child through and through. She's incredibly laid back, doesn't get the luxury of a quiet house, has gotten somewhat used to napping on-the-go, and is exposed to things I never would have dreamed of with Lyla. For instance, I catch her staring at the TV if Lyla is watching a show while I respond to a few emails...something I would have had a heart attack over with Lyla. But on the flip side, she also has a much more relaxed mom who doesn't google absurd things, isn't worried that she's not rolling over yet, and is much more mentally present. You win some, you lose some.<br />
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- I'd have to say my most favorite thing at the moment is how excited sweet baby bug gets when someone shows her attention. She loses all control of arm, leg and smile muscles. Those arms and legs get to flapping about, letting us know she can barely contain the excitement. {Once again, no clue who she gets her enthusiasm from}.<br />
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I promise to do better in the coming months, sweet Bug. We love you dearly and want to capture every little thing you do!<br />
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Happy Five Months!<br />
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Mrs. Rubyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09670296086240817606noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5667953739314906276.post-73709313856832594152015-03-23T08:11:00.000-04:002016-07-31T15:19:17.389-04:00First Family of Four "Vacation"Well, we survived.<br />
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And by "survived", I mean that we all made it back home in one piece with all limbs in tact.<br />
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That may sound a tad melodramatic. But, if I had to sum up our first trip as a family of four in two words, they would be <i>whirlwind</i> and <i>exhausting</i>.<br />
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We flew to San Francisco, which is one of our favorite cities. But when you add in two *very* sick kids, wedding festivities and packing your entire house for a four day trip which really only ends up being two days due to two full travel days, it tends to take the romanticism out of the idea of a "family vacation".<br />
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Aside from Lyla throwing up in the middle of the night our first night there and Addie waking every hour all three nights, we really did make the best of the little time we had to explore. We got to spend some quality time with family, and my brother-in-law's wedding was an exquisite affair complete with an oyster bar, orange grove-lined aisles and Lady GaGa's hairstylist.<br />
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Leading up to the event, I had been prepping Lyla for her very important role as flower girl. All she talked about for weeks was "<i>riding the airplane to go to Uncle Zac's wedding</i>". And she was so excited to wear and twirl in "<i>Lyla's pretty sparkle dress</i>"and couldn't wait to walk down that aisle with Bots (Gabe's dad, who was the only person allowed to look at or hold her on the day of the big event).<br />
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After all the prepping and excitement of getting her ready to walk down the aisle, I was pretty devastated when the wedding coordinator forgot about me, and I missed her big entrance. It still makes me tear up when I think about it. And because she was so crabby from being sick and being pushed a bit too much with all the hustle and bustle of travel, I don't really have any good pictures of her as flower girl. :(<br />
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But all things considered, the girls did a fantastic job overall. Poor Lyla girl has never been able to sleep in cars or planes, so that always gets interesting at the end of flights. But, she really did great. I imagine it wouldn't have been so great had we not had grandparents on our flights. Especially Bots.<br />
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They sure are lifesavers, those grandparents. My mom and stepdad really came through and helped prevent a nervous breakdown the day of the wedding. I was by myself tending to two terribly fussy kiddos. They both woke from their naps screaming, and I wasn't exactly sure how I was going to get the three of us ready and to the wedding venue on time. My mom came in and saved the day, rocking the baby, calming and dressing the toddler, and assuring me that it would all work out. And it did.<br />
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And my in-laws? They gave us the best gift we could have ever been given. They watched the girls the night we arrived in San Fran so we could have a date night and go out with my brother-in-law and his bride to be! This much needed treat couldn't have come at a better time, after two very long months of not leaving the house due to sick kids. We had so much fun getting to know their old hood in North Beach, including their pals and my bro's sweet coffee shop. Such a San Francisco treat.<br />
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The day we <i>were</i> able to get out a bit was so delightful. It made me remember how much I love city life - the walking, the sights (the smells? not so much), the energy. I love it. Unfortunately, due to crankiness and the mad-rush to get back to our hotel so the kids could squeeze in a nap before the rehearsal, we weren't able to get to the Golden Gate OR ride a trolley (momtographer devastation). But you know what? This trip only reassured me that it's really not wise to have expectations in parenthood, and by goodness, you better learn to be flexible. Especially when it comes to travel.<br />
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But we sure soaked up every little moment of that refreshing coastal breeze and sunshine.<br />
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We had fabulous food and drink at the rehearsal, and Lyla got THE coolest flower girl gift. She felt pretty proud.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">The first time the sibs have been together since OUR WEDDING...in 2006!</span></div>
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The night of the actual wedding was a blur. I remember thinking I had never seen more beautiful flower arrangements, and that my steak was phenomenal. The bride was stunning, the venue was incredible. I drank some wine, danced with my sister in law, and felt so proud when Gabe gave his best man speech. Oh. And I had to take my entire dress completely off to nurse Adaline in the women's restroom. And the bench was nailed to the ground, so I had to sit in front of the door. So, that was awkward. And I was sure hoping Lyla would cut a rug on the dance floor, but she was more than done by that point of the night. Understandably so since it was really midnight "her time" by the time the dance started. So, I took the kiddos back to the hotel. And we somehow made it up the next morning to catch our flight. </div>
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Blur, I tell you. </div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">This. This is the lone picture we got as a family of four at the wedding we had been prepping for for months. In the back dressing room. After I missed Lyla's grand entrance. After Adaline pooped all the way up her neck. #parenthood</span></div>
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It was a whirlwind of a trip, and I do wish we would have been able to stay longer. </div>
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But, we survived. And the first thing I said when we got home was "I need a vacation." </div>
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<br />Mrs. Rubyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09670296086240817606noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5667953739314906276.post-11385242128794592342015-02-20T14:30:00.000-05:002016-07-31T16:01:39.080-04:00Lyla Isabell: 2.5 YearsMiss Lyla Isabell Beans, Queen of the Green Household, is 2.5 years old.<br />
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Motherhood is such a strange thing. Because, I sit here a bit misty eyed thinking how quickly time is going, pleading for it to slow down. Better yet, stop, so I can catch a breath. Yet, I also find myself nudging time to go ahead and get a move on, thinking, "<i>this too shall pass</i>" {usually right in the midst of a train-wreck temper tantrum}.</div>
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But mostly, I'd like time to stand still.<br />
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Since that won't happen, here is my best attempt to accurately describe Lyla Beans at this exact moment in time.<br />
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As of today, at her 2.5 year wellness check, she is 35 inches (32%) and 30 lb 2 oz (66%). She went from hanging out in the 80 percentile range for weight her whole life to 60th in the last six months. Want to know what also happened in the last six months? She stopped going to day care and GiGi and Bots house on a daily basis. Coincidence? We'll let the halt of mac&cheese and crackers do the talking.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLlbgdUuAHXILI7H8aS25jGfuFAOHcXCHyJqbmHzCxIo12VovrfXd3EKclSVgT_hUz96AqspUEfdWpIgJk-SflQFa2jQJODFTxWWChbIsofL067EhLd6cgUPWUwzK7RJ3XNtZzxDiYLYTb/s1600/IMG_0370.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLlbgdUuAHXILI7H8aS25jGfuFAOHcXCHyJqbmHzCxIo12VovrfXd3EKclSVgT_hUz96AqspUEfdWpIgJk-SflQFa2jQJODFTxWWChbIsofL067EhLd6cgUPWUwzK7RJ3XNtZzxDiYLYTb/s1600/IMG_0370.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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<b>Personality</b><br />
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- To be completely honest, we are often perplexed by our Sweet Beans' personality. Mostly because it's double-sided. There is the sweet, quiet, well-behaved, independent, good-listening Lyla. {Fortunately, this is the side that most everyone sees. Especially school and friends.}<br />
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- And then there is the needy, whiny, tantrum-throwing, sister-hitting, hysterical-crying Lyla. This Lyla is usually saved for Mom and Dad. And I suppose these qualities are evidence that she is indeed a two year old. Plus, there are really only two culprits that bring out "the dark side": tiredness and illness. Or an experience of discomfort of any kind, really. Fair enough.<br />
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- I find it so sweet that Lyla exhibits the same defining characteristics that we noticed way back when she was a baby, maybe 9 or 10 months old. A few words to describe her: cautious, aware, intentional, thoughtful, easy-going, and <i>very</i> low maintenance. She is definitely slow to warm up to new situations, but once she does, she's the life of the party. And she absolutely under no circumstance likes to be the center of attention. It took her a solid 3 months before she opened up in her Kids Day Out program - the teachers thought she couldn't talk...until she wouldn't stop!<br />
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- I am most certainly confident that Lyla will be our introvert. This is a beautiful quality that I plan to nourish and nurture as her mother and something I am learning to work with day by day {said the extreme extrovert}. She is easily over-stimulated, prefers one-on-one activities over large groups, desperately needs her alone time, and enjoys quiet activities like reading over vigorous and physical play.<br />
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- There's also this incredibly sweet and silly side to Lyla. She loves to laugh and loves making others laugh even more. If she's in a room full of adults who are laughing, she immediately chimes in and says "<i>Lyla's funny</i>!" And then there is this mischievous side to her, a side where she tries her absolute hardest not to smile and instead has the cutest little smirk on her face.<br />
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<b>The Big Adjustment: Bringing Home Baby Sister</b><br />
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- Sweet Beans had to master the skill of being adaptable when we brought home Baby Adaline in October. She was used to being the center of everyone's world, as she's the only grandchild on both sides. Oh dear heavens did we go through an adjustment period. In fact, I think we're still going through it most days.<br />
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- I think Lyla gets confused by her emotions on this one. She adores Adaline - loves to share her snacks with her, shows her craft projects she's working on, talks to her, bosses her around, and covers her with blankets. But then she also gets enraged when I'm nursing the baby or when someone like Bots or Dad is holding Adaline. Enraged. Typical sister stuff, I suppose.<br />
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- Oh how my heart skips a beat with this whole sister bond thing is happening right before my eyes. They totally adore each other, adjustment period and all. Lyla likes to show Adaline the ropes and Adaline thinks her big sister hung the moon. Even when Lyla sits on her face or "burps" her a bit too hard.<br />
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- We've finally gotten into a routine with the whole paying attention to the toddler while Mama nurses the baby. For the longest time, Lyla would burst into tears, cause destruction, or decide she needed to go potty right when I would sit down to nurse. Now, she likes to join us by sitting in the rocker while I feed the babe and read her favorite stories.<br />
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<b>Lyla-isms</b><br />
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Oh the tiny, soft, girly voice of Miss Beans - I don't think I've ever heard anything sweeter. And she's says the cutest things.<br />
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- I love how she remembers and can recall things. We'll ask what she did at GiGi's house or at school or at church, and she can tell us exactly what it was that she did. "<i>At church, I play airplane</i> (no clue what that even means), <i>I see fwiends, I eat snack, I sing Jesus loves me.</i>"<br />
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- For the longest time after I had Adaline, Lyla would go around the house saying, "<i>Mommy belly bye bye. Where is it</i>?"<br />
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- Her favorite sayings: "<i>there's bubbles on it</i>"(referring to anything she sees that has bubbles: milk, bathtub, juice, pee in the toilet) and "<i>at's a BIG boogie/bite/sandwich" (</i>everything is HUGE to her).<br />
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- She has become such a little mommy lately. She'll nurse her babies and say "<i>shh. shh. shh. Right there</i>." or "<i>Froggy, go to timeout. We do not hit mom</i>." (hmm. I wonder where she's heard this?)<br />
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- She went through a phase where she was having frequent nightmares. Gabe would go in and she would say over and over again in her super cute toddler groggy state, "<i>that's a big tiger, Dad. </i>or "<i>A big gorilla, Dad."</i> Finally, after months of reassuring her, this has changed to, "<i>Tiger can't get you. Gorilla can't get you</i>."<br />
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- The only way to get her to brush her teeth is by telling her all the food we see in her mouth. She loves it. She'll open really wide and say, "<i>I see a chip. I seeeeee green beans. I seeeee pizza</i>".<br />
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- "<i>Hold you</i>". We hear this all day everyday.<br />
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- Favorite mispronunciations: "<i>tankles</i>" (tangles), "<i>chichen</i>" (kitchen) and <i>sparsles</i> (sparkles). Oh and of course "<i>Adawine</i>". ;)<br />
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- It absolutely amazes me that she knows all of our adult friends' names. The other day, she saw a picture of a bunch of our friends and named every person in the photo. Even people she's only met a few times. And she knows the names of all of her friends' parents. I have no idea how.<br />
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- Lately, she's been saying to me, "<i>You're so pretty, Mama</i>." I mean, I can't.<br />
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- Our little observer loves to tell us where things are. "<i>MOM! The moon's waaaaay up there</i>." "<i>DAD! Samson's over there. What's he doin</i>?"<br />
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- When she's trying to make a decision, she'll think for a moment and say, "<i>How bout</i>..."<br />
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<b>Lyla Loves</b><br />
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- putting on makeup with Mom. (where I pretend to dip my makeup brushes in actual makeup and let her brush it on her face)<br />
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- cooking/baking/coffee making. Oh this excites me so much. Maybe there is hope for someone in this family to be domestic! But this kid could be in the middle of a hurricane temper-tantrum, and she immediately stops if we offer to let her help us make breakfast where she helps to "<i>stir, stir, stir</i>" or uses the French press to make our coffee where she helps to "<i>Lyla</i> <i>pour in beans</i>".<br />
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- helping with chores. SCORE on this one. She loves to "help" fold the laundry, feed the dogs, vacuum, dust and any other daily chore. Of course she ends up making more of a mess, which takes everything in my control freak nature to let go, but she sure loves to help.<br />
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- reading. She probably reads as much as she sleeps. Which is a lot. She goes through phases where she wants to read the same books over and over. For awhile it was "Brown Bear, Brown Bear" - she could recite every word to that book. Now, it's "The Places You Go" and a nursery rhyme book that she calls "<i>The Cow Jump Over the Moon</i>".<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLFxLfMOMtfXzJPjllK91319Q2qh2YBeC1T2WrjzakB0QAVEP7rvRpENSIvOGM_OhIklLT5TVGtiDj9UXzDxRXpzNZdD1aObVdMtsE1_DqMXlk4uDTUZqfCgutWr1hzXafKfuxZchMrP-g/s1600/IMG_0483.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLFxLfMOMtfXzJPjllK91319Q2qh2YBeC1T2WrjzakB0QAVEP7rvRpENSIvOGM_OhIklLT5TVGtiDj9UXzDxRXpzNZdD1aObVdMtsE1_DqMXlk4uDTUZqfCgutWr1hzXafKfuxZchMrP-g/s1600/IMG_0483.jpg" width="640" /></a>- outside. Man, winter time is so unfortunate. This kid lo-o-o-oves to be outside. If it's above 40 degrees, we typically find a way to make it outside. She is an overall happier kid when she can play!<br />
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- music. Oh my word, does Miss Beans love music. She loves music class, begs for us to turn up the "<i>shoo-sic</i>" in the car, and asks at least 4 times a week to have a dance party in the living room. And she stalls for a good 30 minutes every night at bedtime because she loves songs so much. The best is when she asks for a song, like ABC's, and then she belts out Jesus Loves Me while I sing ABC's. Her favorites are: "<i>Up Above the World so High</i>" (Twinkle Twinkle), "<i>Children</i>" (Jesus Loves the Little Children), "<i>Let it Shine</i>" (This Little Light of Mine), and "<i>Do the Right Thing</i>" (that is the actual title! Dad sings this one). But her all-time favorite is Jingle Bells.<br />
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- "<i>more teekle</i>". This kid would be tickled 24 hours a day if we had the energy.<br />
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Oh, life with a two year old. It's so sweet and sour, and I completely understand why someone coined the term "terrible twos".<br />
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There's never a dull moment, that's for sure.<br />
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Below are some of my most favorite pictures of all time, captured by my sweet friend, <a href="http://alisonmoorephotography.com/">Ali</a>. These were taken when Lyla was brand new to the big sis role - 9 days after Adaline was born. And they are treasures.<br />
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<br />Mrs. Rubyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09670296086240817606noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5667953739314906276.post-8307377810878974612015-02-09T07:55:00.002-05:002016-07-31T15:18:47.793-04:00The Little YearsLife has really picked up speed lately.<br />
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Much of the day is chaotic and abuzz, but it really is a welcomed change of pace. And although I'm still trying to get the hang of working from home with a toddler and a baby, I really like it. I'm in my element - home with my babies while still flexing my brain muscles and social skills. <br />
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But I must admit, I've lost my patience more than usual. I'm constantly going. And many days, it feels like Gabe and I are passing ships in the night. Sometimes, it's 2:00 in the afternoon, and I truly have to think hard to remember if I ate or not that day. And I have had to completely let go of the fact that the house always has at least one layer of dog hair and dinner is more often than not something that requires less than 3 ingredients and a crock pot. {Oh. and the fact that the chalkboard in our living room still says "have a holly jolly christmas"}. I bring that up not to say, "look how <i>busy</i> I am", but to remind myself that I've come so far in my journey to slow down and be more intentional. And I do believe it's possible to be fulfilled by working and having a full schedule from time to time, while still being intentional with my time and focusing on my family.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Addie's lovely Sip and See thrown by special friends</span></div>
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And that is exactly why it is so important for me to continue documenting these "little years". But man is it hard to have enough creative energy to sit down at the end of the day to pump out a blog post. However, it is a priority for me because we so quickly forget the everyday.<br />
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Have you read <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/shelley-emling/things-empty-nesters-want-parents-of-little-kids-to-know_b_6526292.html">this post</a> that's been circulating lately? I loved it. Great advice from empty-nesters. I especially loved that they talked about recording the ordinary, the mundane. Because those really are the things we forget too quickly.<br />
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I never want to forget...<br />
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- the way Lyla says "<i>eh</i>" before every sentence. "<i>eh, that's dad's oatmeal. eh, there are bubbles on it. eh strawberries in my yogurt</i>."<br />
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- how the girls already seem to have a secret language. Lyla sweetly tells Adaline, "<i>Ok. Don't drop it</i>" when referring to the pile of toys she sat on top of her. And Adaline adoringly looks up at her big sister, cooing and gurgling.<br />
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- the way Lyla exerts her independence by putting her palm up and saying "N<i>o MOM, leave. I'm playing." </i>Or how she tells me "<i>leave mommy</i>" every morning so she can finish reading her books in bed.<br />
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- how Addie has been dishing out deep, belly laughs. They make the entire room light up with laughter - big sis included.<br />
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- how Lyla wants everyone to be happy. If I say, "<i>you're making mom sad</i>", she quickly responds with "<i>NO. Mom is HAPPY</i>."<br />
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- the moment anyone makes eye contact with Addie, she breaks out into a smile that makes <i>my</i> cheeks hurt.<br />
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- when i ask lyla how school was, she always responds with the simple word, very confidently: "<i>fwiends</i>."<br />
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- how Lyla asks us to sing Jingle Bells every single night before bed. {Maybe she's taking cues from our overdue chalkboard?}<br />
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- and begs us every night to "<i>snuggle, Dad. snuggle, Mom.</i>"<br />
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- how peanut butter crackers and vitamins are Lyla's most favorite things on the planet right now.<br />
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- how Lyla loves to cover Adaline with any material she can find, mostly fabric squares and bubble wrap<br />
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- how the world stops when I sit in bed and read with my girls, both of them warmly snuggled on both sides of me<br />
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These little moments are why I exist. And I'm going to document them, even if it means I lose more sleep than I already am.<br />
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<i>c'est la vie</i>.<br />
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<br />Mrs. Rubyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09670296086240817606noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5667953739314906276.post-67699476626640406602015-01-23T08:37:00.000-05:002016-07-31T15:18:34.827-04:00Adaline Mae: 3 MonthsMy baby bug is three months old.<br />
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And I've already broken one of my 2015 goals for the year. {I do not create new year resolutions, but instead set casual and achievable goals or "try's" for the year.}<br />
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One of my "try's" was to live in the present. More specifically, I don't want to dwell on the fact that each passing day means that Adaline is one day older than the last. A day I'll never have again.<br />
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I can't help it. I love my babies as babies. But I've also learned, I love every other phase too.<br />
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Regardless. Call it the breastfeeding hormones, but I've been so <i>sad</i> and feeling extraordinarily sentimental lately. Maybe because Addie is no longer a helpless little newborn. She's getting stronger! And more socially aware! And she talks! Of course all of these things are what we want because they mean she's growing. But they also mean time is completely out of my control as the sand in the hourglass seems to be dropping much faster than it did with Lyla.<br />
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But then I always come back to Lyla's favorite book we gave her on her first birthday. {So favorite that we've had to tape it back together again several times}. <i>If I Could Keep You Little.</i> You've read this, no? Never mind the fact that I hold back the tears every.single.time. we read it, which is a lot, but it's such a good reminder to me. I often wish I could keep my babies little, but even more, I want them to grow and thrive and get older to experience life!<br />
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So. Adaline is three months old. And we're going to focus on all the exciting growth that's occurred.<br />
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Babies' first years are absolutely miraculous, I tell you.<br />
<ul>
<li>I wish I knew how much Miss Addie-Mae weighed or how tall she is. The last check up we had was when she was 6 weeks old, and we don't have another until 4 months. Something tells me that appointment is going to be a shocker. </li>
</ul>
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<li>This kid watches and observes everything. I swear I can see the wheels turning as she holds stare-downs with the pups, or as she carefully watches her big sister. She stared and smiled at her baby-buddy Carson for a solid 20 minutes this past weekend. </li>
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<li>I think the baby of the family may be the social one. Too early to tell? Wishful thinking? We still witness the saddest little bottom pout if we leave her alone in a room. I mean saddest. She lights up when she's around a big group of people, something Lyla-Bell never quite enjoyed.</li>
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<li>We started music class again! Not only is Lyla thriving, but Adaline just loves it! She listens, watches all the big kids, kicks her legs with each song, and SMILES the entire class. </li>
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<li>Everyday she gets stronger. She may grunt and groan the whole way through and dislike it just like big sis, but she works hard during tummy time. Which, if I'm honest, tummy time is totally a check on the old to-do list. Mostly because she screams like a banshee the moment we put her down. My kids hate being on their bellies. </li>
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<li>Poor baby has cradle cap, which makes her look like a lizard, and she's got a glamorous bald spot on the back of her head where she sleeps. Quick. Where's the baby beauty pageant sign up? ;)</li>
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<li>Baby girl is a TALKER. She just chats with everyone she meets. Lyla loves it too and gets so excited, runs into the room where I am and squeals "She's talking to me, Mama!" We've even gotten a few small giggles out of her. And by we, I mean Lyla. Because big sis is the funniest. </li>
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<li>That smile. This one smiles so big, all day long. Sometimes I worry it's going to extend out past her face. And unlike big sis was, she's generous with her smiles and gives them out to everyone she sees. *Lyla saved those big ones for family.*</li>
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<li>Her favorite position is still the fetal. Just on the crook between my neck and shoulder. Oh that smell and warm skin when she's that close to my face. {Quick. I'm getting baby fever over here}.</li>
</ul>
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<li>She completely fills out 3-6 month clothes. And everyone who sees her says "She's so BIG" - first thing out of their mouths. Wrench my heart why don't ya?</li>
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<li>When I go into her room in the morning, you'd think I was Santa Claus. The excitement is so palpable. She looks like she might explode with happiness. She sure lights up when Daddy shows her some attention too. </li>
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These girls. They sure know how to wrap their dad around their fingers so tightly, he'll never be free. </div>
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What joy the past 3 months have brought. We love you, sweet baby Bug!</div>
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<br />Mrs. Rubyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09670296086240817606noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5667953739314906276.post-27674200773542071812015-01-15T20:07:00.001-05:002016-07-31T15:18:18.008-04:0012 Weeks: Only the BeginningTwelve weeks is such a pivotal baby landmark in my mind.<br />
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Lyla turning 12 weeks old stands out vividly, as it brings up a heap of emotions. It was that moment when I walked into her room and suddenly realized I no longer had a newborn. She had graduated from newbie to baby overnight.<br />
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The fourth trimester, as difficult as it was, was over in an instant.<br />
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That, and my maternity leave of course.<br />
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Oh to go back and read my thoughts from <a href="http://ksrubyredslippers.blogspot.com/2012/11/andscene.html">my last day of maternity leave</a> two years ago. What a painful moment in time.<br />
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And now I'm experiencing some of those same emotions with Adaline. How is it that we brought our sweet baby girl into the world 12 weeks ago already?<br />
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Time is cruel and has a heart of ice.<br />
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However. This time around, I'm no longer looking at it as saying goodbye to my most-favorite-of-all-time newborn phase. Instead, I'm excited to be welcoming the next phase. The babbling, the endless smiles, and the eagerness to soak in the world. Oh the joy that comes with entering each phase!<br />
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The past twelve weeks have been some of the most high-quality, beautiful, and heart-expanding of my life.<br />
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And like that precious time with Lyla, my sweet "maternity leave" with Adaline is now complete. It is time to move onto the next phase. And I am ready. I welcome it with open arms, lots of excitement-nerves, and plenty of coffee to compensate for the late nights. {and now an annoying cold, that I somehow managed to avoid until this point}.<br />
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But I am abundantly thankful. Because this time, as I say goodbye to maternity leave, I do not have to say goodbye to my babies. I get to be home with them. And live up and savor these years that pass too quickly.<br />
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So dear friends, here I am... entering the realm of entrepreneurship. That's right, I'm a mamapreneur.<br />
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I am fast and furiously working away to prepare for the launch of a new resource for our community: <a href="http://citymomsblog.com/wichita/">Wichita Moms Blog</a>!<br />
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<span style="text-align: left;">I am incredibly excited to be part of a </span><a href="http://citymomsblog.com/" style="text-align: left;">larger network</a><span style="text-align: left;"> and bring this resource to Wichita. I'm currently in the process of taking in all the information I can, while figuring out behind-the-scenes technology stuff {where I am horribly illiterate}, while networking, while building my site, while searching for other mamas to contribute as writers for the blog. </span></div>
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It's a smidgen overwhelming, but also THRILLING.</div>
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I look forward to seeing where this journey takes me, and my hope is that I'm still able to find time to hang out in this little corner of the internet to document life and post plenty of pictures of my babes. For me. For my girls. </div>
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So, Miss Adaline Mae. Happy twelve weeks, my darling. Although I'm a bit sad this chapter of ours is coming to an end, there are no tears this time. Because I still get to pursue dreams and show you what it's like to work hard for those dreams, all with you swaddled right next to me. </div>
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<br />Mrs. Rubyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09670296086240817606noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5667953739314906276.post-49746814684701617162015-01-07T09:25:00.000-05:002015-01-07T09:25:44.679-05:00SeasonsMost of the time, blogging is my heart.<br />
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Usually it's a much needed, stress-releasing form of therapy and a really important memory-capturing creative outlet.<br />
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But sometimes I get in a rut, sometimes I put pressure on myself to blog even when I really don't feel like it, and sometimes I feel inadequate.<br />
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<a href="http://ksrubyredslippers.blogspot.com/2013/10/transparency.html">I've talked about it often.</a> But blogging, and social media in general, can create this horribly false sense of who someone really is. Worse yet, it paints this picture that someone has the perfect life. With perfect children. Who dress in perfect outfits. Who live in a perfectly styled home.<br />
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Oh my goodness, it drives me CRAZY.<br />
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Of course like most normal people do, it's so easy for me to get caught up in this desire and portrayal of perfection. It can leave me wanting and wishing for more. But all it takes is a quick glance around to realize that my life has everything I could possibly ever want or need.<br />
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Besides, I find perfect quite boring really. {Ironic coming from the queen of perfectionism - a quality that is simply a defense mechanism I use as a crutch when feeling insecure, I suppose.} But I tend to seek out and connect with others who embrace imperfection. Not because it makes me feel better about myself. But because we put others at ease when we share who we really are. And I like that. I strive for that.<br />
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While being conscious of my family's privacy, I try really, really hard to portray reality here on my blog. In fact, anyone who knows me will tell you that it's near impossible for me to hide what I'm feeling. I'm the poster child for wearing my heart on my sleeve. And I thoroughly enjoy tracking, writing, and sharing what I am truly going through in every season of life.<br />
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It's just that this particular season, specifically after <a href="http://ksrubyredslippers.blogspot.com/2013/07/end-of-really-good-chapter.html">leaving teaching</a>, <a href="http://ksrubyredslippers.blogspot.com/2013/08/remember-that-time-i-had-five-jobs.html">starting a new job</a>, and then <a href="http://ksrubyredslippers.blogspot.com/2014/10/permanent-maternity-leave.html">deciding on permanent maternity leave</a> after having baby#2,<b> </b>has been a really fabulous one. So my blog posts for the last year and a half have really been about how lovely life is. How much I'm obsessed with my babies. How I'm sickeningly happy.<br />
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But I must say, although many of my recent posts have only focused on the blissful, I too have experienced quite the opposite. I've gone through my share of darker seasons. I can think of periods when I would wake up, praying for that particular season of life to be over. More recently, I look back at the time I <a href="http://ksrubyredslippers.blogspot.com/2013/03/working-mom-update.html">returned to work</a> after having Lyla, and I don't even recognize that person. For quite a many reasons, that was a very trying year. But it is only through these difficult seasons where we are shaped, become stronger, and walk out on the other side with a lot more confidence.<br />
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Because, after all, without darkness, there would be no light.<br />
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{And suddenly this post got a whole lot deeper than I ever intended it to be. Refer back to earlier paragraph re: my inability to hide emotions}.<br />
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I only bring all of this up to explain that my most upbeat and restful season has been desperately needed as it followed a much darker one. I have done a lot of reflecting, catching up, spending quality time with those who really matter, and detoxing things that created stress in my life. I have learned to say no. I have stopped over scheduling and focused more on my family. I have infused peace and simplicity into our home. I have thought about my role as a mom and what that means for my girls. I have realized that maintaining my personal identity is equally as important.<br />
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Then, we had Adaline. And while bringing home a new baby presents its own set of challenges, it also helps us to remember to slow down and breathe in the everyday. That it's okay to pick up takeout and leave the vacuuming of the dog hair for another day. And it's okay to stay in the same sweatpants two days in a row because you are too busy building a lego tower with your two year old in between nursing sessions with your newborn. That it's okay to hibernate and do not much of anything else but snuggle under blankets. {There are some definite advantages to having a baby in the winter}. And most importantly, it's okay to not focus on accomplishing but to focus on being. Being with these little people who will no longer be little much sooner than I'd like.<br />
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And that's exactly what I've done these blessed 10 weeks.<br />
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But, my friends, the seasons are about to change yet again.<br />
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The newborn haze has begun to lift, and it's time to hop back in the saddle. Admittedly a teensy bit nervous, I'm ready to begin a new venture and enter a season of a little bit more...productivity. One that will boost my need to create and build connections with others, while still focusing on what matters most. One that will require being strategic and intentional with my time. One that will motivate me to get out of my yoga pants and out of the house. I'm ready and very excited to get started on my next project. {I'll share specifics soon soon!!}<br />
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I truly feel that I've taken the time I needed to start with a fresh slate. I have a positive outlook, have had much needed quality time with my girls, and am ready to bring on some new challenges. Because in all reality, we only grow when we step out of our safety zone and face challenges head on. There will be plenty of hectic moments I'm sure, but my hope is to always return back to this exact moment where things are clearer than they've ever been.<br />
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That family is my number one.<br />
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More info on this exciting life change to come soon...<br />
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<br />Mrs. Rubyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09670296086240817606noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5667953739314906276.post-34044079244260136012014-12-30T10:14:00.001-05:002016-07-31T15:17:47.425-04:00Merry Little Christmas<i>Phew</i>. The holidays always leave me feeling a bit like I just ran a marathon. Or gave birth. Or both.<br />
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Simultaneously.<br />
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It could be the fact that we go from one family event to the next for four days straight. Or it could be that we typically have company stay with us for a few days. Or that we have friends in town from all over the world whom we make every effort to spend quality time with. Or that we throw an annual Christmas party, inviting just about everyone we've ever gone to school with and beyond.<br />
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Even though all of the hustle and bustle still took place {minus the Christmas party - we settled for a very casual Wine Wednesday with a close group of friends since many would not be in town this year}, there wasn't a bit of frazzle in me this holiday season.<br />
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It only took 8 years of "Adult Christmases" {counting since I've gotten married} to finally get the hang of this whole holiday thing.<br />
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...to where I finally have the right mindset and have learned to not sweat the small stuff.<br />
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...to prep Christmas brunch the day before, instead of the morning of.<br />
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...to be in search of great sales for gifts year-round, rather than wait until Black Friday when everything from my "saved carts" gets emptied. Only to begin back at square one in figuring out what to gift people.<br />
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...to realistically accept the fact that we won't get to everything on our holiday bucket list.<br />
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...to be okay with a dollar limit and find more creative ways to give.<br />
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...to appreciate the fact that Gabe and I tend to give the gift of experiences over material things to one another.<br />
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...to eliminate stress {as much as possible} and to embrace the sentiment of the holidays.<br />
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...to stop creating memories, and let the memories create themselves.<br />
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That's right. Memories create themselves. Who knew?<br />
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I just can't help it. I'm a sucker for sentiment. I love all things that generate something special to look back on. And I especially like to capture those memories so I can go back and remember, relive even.<br />
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But I think I can, at times, get obsessed with sentiment. And quite possibly even try to create it. And when you try to create what's pictured in your mind as perfect memories with children, it more often then not backfires. Because children, if you haven't heard, are unpredictable. Especially during the overstimulating blur of the holidays.<br />
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So, I guess after a lot of practice and self-motivating talks, I've simply learned to plan ahead for the details that can cause stress if left until the last minute. And I've also learned to let memory-making details unfold naturally.<br />
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I've also tried my best to avoid stress and embrace simple. Not that we didn't do gifts or introduce Santa or decide last-minute the week before to sand/paint/and put together a new play room for the kids. Ha! I guess embracing simple, for me, was more of a mental shift. To focus on what really matters.<br />
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And let me tell you. It may have been simpler than years past, but this was the best Christmas I can remember. {Next to the Christmas where I woke up to find Malibu Ken, a set of Pound Puppies, and a pair of "high heels" under the tree, of course}. <br />
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This year sort of felt like a first. Maybe because it was Adaline's first Christmas. But also because Lyla was just so excited and really got into the holiday spirit. She couldn't <i>wait</i> to wake up Christmas morning to see if Santa did in fact put "lunch" under the Christmas tree like she asked. <br />
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We hear it over and over again, but it's just so true. Experiencing the holidays through your child's eyes is even better than when you were a child yourself.<br />
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And this year was so wonderfully special.<br />
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Even though Gabe and I didn't account for the fact that Lyla and Adaline's kitchen would take 4 hours to put together. Or that Miss A blew out her sister-coordinating Christmas jammies first thing when she woke up Christmas morning...and I didn't get a single picture of her in them. Or that Lyla wanted to open every single present's plastic packaging instead of opening the remaining presents under the tree. Or that we forgot to buy coffee for Christmas brunch, and so we had to use my stocking-stuffer.<br />
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It was still perfect.<br />
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The holiday started with Lyla and I baking and decorating Christmas cookies to take to our neighbors on Christmas Eve Eve. This recipe was extra special too - one of my sorority sister's lost her mom years ago, and to honor her, my friend sent out her mom's famous sugar cookie recipe. They were delicious, and I kept thinking how special it was to be part of the fun memories that were created year after year with this recipe. I can't wait to bake them again next year! #cookiesforpaula<br />
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While the girls napped on Christmas Eve, I prepped for the Christmas brunch we host each year. I was super bummed because we had to skip Christmas Eve service this year as Gabe had to work. Bah Humbug. But I still dressed the girls up before we headed to GiGi and Bots' house for our traditional chow-down on shrimp, cheese, mushroom soup, and fudge.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"> Lyla is going through a new {hopefully} phase where she is nervous around the camera</span></div>
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GiGi and Bots sure know how to make a Christmas Eve spread. If only I had a picture of it. Luckily, I did get a picture of Lyla trying ginger beer for the first time. She felt sooo big because we were all drinking Moscow Mules and she got to drink ginger beer out of a fancy Fostoria glass. She has been saying "more ginger beer" ever since.<br />
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After rushing home to tuck in the kiddos, we got started on Operation Kitchen Project. It was 9:30, mind you. Four hours later, and thanks to the best husband and daddy of all time, we had a play kitchen! The girls slept until 8:30 Christmas morning, which was the best gift of all because I still had some dish-prepping to do. And even though it totally takes away from the romanticism of Lyla waking up and running out of bed to see what Santa put under the tree, we went in to get her {because she doesn't get out of her bed} and fed her pre-brunch breakfast first. I mean, she's two and wanted "lunch" for Christmas. Girlfriend has to eat. So after breakfast, we dug into the stockings and presents under the tree.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Wearing Mama's old holiday dress</span></div>
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And then the BIG REVEAL. Santa's Elves decided to <i>finally</i> complete the last room in our house. It only took 4 years. The trim and walls were painted and shelves were stocked with current toys to make a play room. {One that is not yet complete. Like, it has exposed outlets. But that's neither here nor there. Because I'm avoiding stress...remember?} And of course the four hour kitchen was revealed as well.<br />
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Then we topped off the rest of our four-day-Christmas-extravaganza with more family, food, and merriment.<br />
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And that is what I like to call a merry little Christmas.<br />
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**Oh. And I just want to give a special shout-out to my saint of a mother-in-law. Who spent her entire day-after-Christmas rummaging through bags upon bags of garbage to find an ornament we misplaced. Only to find it in the very last place she looked: the garbage bin at the curb ready to be picked up in the morning.<br />
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That, my friends, is what we call the Christmas spirit.<br />
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<br />Mrs. Rubyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09670296086240817606noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5667953739314906276.post-32055761711102809112014-12-23T13:16:00.000-05:002016-07-31T15:17:14.622-04:00A Post for the Littlest: 2 MonthsMy poor second child.<br />
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Every blog post I've written and many of the pictures I've taken since she's been born also includes her big sis.<br />
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{Word on the street is that's just the way the cookie crumbles.}<br />
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Your first gets everything: the attention, the royal treatment, obscene amounts of new clothes, and really worried parents who spend a large percentage of their days googling things like "does baby tylenol cause autism?".<br />
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The second time around, the kiddo is lucky to get a new outfit and at least one good solo picture...without big sibling highjacking.<br />
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Go ahead take a gander back at this ol' blog's archives for example: "Lyla firsts", "Lyla monthly updates", "Lyla <i>weekly</i> updates"{seriously?}.<br />
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It's just embarrassing.<br />
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When I got pregnant again, I wasn't naive. I knew I wouldn't have the time or energy for the upkeep of monthly, let alone weekly posts of my poor second babe. I couldn't even keep up before she got here! But before you go and feel too bad for my sweet Adaline, I am taking pictures of her {and just her} daily, tracking her firsts and stats using <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/collect-photo-journal-everyday/id580393108?mt=8">this photo journal app</a>, and spending quite a bit more time cuddling with her than I did with Lyla. She's not lacking in the quality of life department.<br />
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Promise.<br />
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But I do feel bad she isn't getting posts just about her. After all, that's one of the main reasons I blog. So my kiddos have something special to go back and read one day. So, I'm going to start {or at least try my very best} to write posts that highlight the goings on with my little bug. I'm not going to commit to monthly updates - because that creates a lot of unnecessary pressure that I'm so over. But I am making an effort to track special memories with Adaline. {Many of which, include her big sis. Again. That's the way the cookie crumbles.}<br />
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Here are some notable things that have happened this month...<br />
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... As of December 5th, girlfriend was 11.7 pounds, 24 inches {in the 99% for height!}. And that was 3 weeks ago - I can only imagine how much she's grown since then. Because seriously, she grows like a weed. A really cute weed, but still. But all of this growing so quickly has caught me off guard. She's already outgrown 0-3 month clothes and wearing things that Lyla wore at 4 or 5 months old. My mother-in-law told me Gabe was her biggest {and tallest} baby. She advised me to really hold onto this baby phase because Gabe seemed to grow up much quicker than the rest of her kiddos. Adaline is already doing the same. {you can find me in a puddle of tears in the corner}<br />
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<br />
... The only redeeming thing about the fact that my last baby grows at some genetically modified sci-fi speed, is that she is a cuddler. Thank you Jesus that my last baby likes to snuggle. I really needed that.<br />
<br />
... She started making those adorable baby gurgles and coos this month. Sometimes, she lets out a funny little high-pitched "<i>aahh</i>" squeal. Lyla thinks it's hilarious and does her best to imitate it.<br />
<br />
... This kid is the most laid back, happy-go-lucky little creature I've ever known. I mean, I really didn't know babies like this existed. It could be the fact that Lyla was the <b>exact opposite</b>, but the juxtaposition of the two is complete black and white. Oh. And she's been a naturally good sleeper from the first night we brought her home.<br />
<br />
I'm sorry, come again?<br />
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<br />
... Awake time is so much fun now. I seriously love when babies start staying awake longer. Especially when that baby isn't screaming for hours at a time. She just looks at things so wide-eyed, shows interest in toys and the dogs, and is obsessed with watching her big sister. It's the most magnificent thing I've ever seen. She immediately stops crying or gets intently quiet when Lyla walks into the room. Adaline just watches everything she does and smiles. {insert heart burst}<br />
<br />
... Speaking of smiles, I can't get over how social this kid is. She's just so happy and smiles all the time. Except for when she suddenly realizes that everyone else in the family is in another room...without her. Then the saddest little cries and lip puckers come out. But all we have to do is move her to where we are, and poof. Insta-happy.<br />
<br />
... I'm breaking all kinds of rules this time around, and it feels rebelliously wonderful. And it seriously makes me want to go back and shake my first-time-around-new-mom-self. I mean yes, I had a difficult baby then. But was it really necessary to set alarms for feedings and always put my child down "when sleepy but not asleep"? I mean yes, we are in a routine with Adaline, but we are by no means following a rigid schedule. <i>And</i> I hold her all the livelong day. And I nurse her to sleep at night. And what do you know? She's still a happy, healthy baby.<br />
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<br />
... Miss A does have a little bit of tummy issues just like big sis did. They're not nearly as severe. Either that, or she just doesn't complain like poor Lyla did. But this kid can spit up. And by spit up I mean spew chunks. We still go through about 10 burp cloths a day. And she gets pretty sad when she's gassy. Just like most babies. But with all of those darn tummy bubbles, she's still smiling through it all.<br />
<br />
... Two month shots really sucked. I had forgotten how awful they are. First of all, we went in for a 6 week weight-check, and as I was getting her dressed to leave, I was told she was getting shots. I didn't even have time to process. She did fine at the appointment, just a few tears. But then, she woke up a few hours later crying really hard. In fact, this was the first time we'd <i>really</i> heard her cry. Girlfriend rarely cries, but when she does, she sticks out her bottom lip into a pout and streams <i>real tears</i>. She's had those since the day she was born. The nurses all said she'd break our hearts with those tears. They were right.<br />
<br />
... I love watching and hearing her paci. It's so cute how it bounces up and down and sucks in and out. And then when she stops sucking so she can listen when I talk to her? I die.<br />
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<br />
... We decided to have Adaline in our room when we brought her home instead of sleeping in the crib right away like we did with Lyla. Mostly because I was sleep-deprived and it was easier. But, if I'm honest, it's also because I felt this desperate need to be close to her. But. We did put her in her crib at around 5 weeks. I just felt like trying it one night to see how she'd do. She slept beautifully. Although sometimes I miss having her really close while she sleeps. So, I just make up for it during the day. :)<br />
<br />
... She's tracking things this month. Her eyes shift and follow things, and she can turn her head to watch. Especially faces.<br />
<br />
... Oh how I love when she kicks those legs. It's sort of like a dog wagging its tail. It's her way of telling us she's so happy she can barely contain herself.<br />
<br />
... She started taking a bottle this month. I try to pump every now and then just so we have some milk for bottles. But, oh my word, but it's so much easier to nurse. However, the last thing I want is to not be able to go anywhere for the next 6 months+ because my baby's gotta eat. So practice with the bottle will continue.<br />
<br />
... My previous Lyla-mom self hates what I'm about to say. But this kid is sleeping through the night. And when she doesn't, she only wakes once. Which, really, she's been doing since she was a few weeks old. Again, I had no idea babies like this existed. But I like it.<br />
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<br />
... You know the infamous scene in the How the Grinch Stole Christmas? The one where his heart triples in size. I walk around feeling self conscious of my heart for fear it's going to start busting through my clothes. Just so in love.<br />
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<br />Mrs. Rubyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09670296086240817606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5667953739314906276.post-20702355645987329892014-12-16T09:56:00.000-05:002016-07-31T15:16:48.544-04:00Tis the season to be simpleSometimes I surprise myself. Particularly with my reactions to things.<br />
<br />
Or under-reaction, rather.<br />
<br />
Like when things don't go as planned, and I don't hyperventilate. It surprises me. Or when I don't beat myself up for not hand-making a dozen sentimental Christmas presents for members of our family. It surprises me. Or especially when I don't have the time, energy, or creativity to construe festive holiday crafts or baked goods. It really surprises me.<br />
<br />
I've lately caught myself asking {out loud} "Who <i>are</i> you?"<br />
<br />
I just don't get rattled these days.<br />
<br />
Being a mom to two littles has taught me many things. Most importantly, I've learned to be flexible. To appreciate imperfect. To say no. To seek out simple. To stick to my strengths. To let things go. All things, mind you, that go against the very nature of who I am at my core.<br />
<br />
During one of our typical Saturday morning coffee talks, I was explaining these feelings to Gabe. How I, ironically, feel like a more relaxed person since we've had kids. {And since I began my journey of <a href="http://ksrubyredslippers.blogspot.com/2014/04/just-being.html">seeking balance</a>, <a href="http://ksrubyredslippers.blogspot.com/2014/01/the-season-of-boring.html">being okay with boring</a>, <a href="http://ksrubyredslippers.blogspot.com/2013/08/mission-accomplished-finding-me.html">finding myself</a>, and purging anxiety-inducing thoughts, activities, and <i><a href="http://ksrubyredslippers.blogspot.com/2013/07/end-of-really-good-chapter.html">jobs</a></i> from my life.} I no longer try to do it all or be it all. And most importantly, I try really hard not to want it all.<br />
<br />
And goodness, it feels so great.<br />
<br />
I can remember a time when I was striving to be the best at everything. Even things that I am not good at. Like the time I tried to take up sewing. Or the time I tried to become an expert graphic designer. Or the time I vowed to make dinner from scratch every night. HA. To all of it. Just, HA.<br />
<br />
Pinterest and Instagram just make things look so easy. But social media, as brilliant and helpful as it can be, can also spread lies by telling only half-truths; just a sliver of someone's story. And it often used to make me feel like a subpar mom/teacher/person.<br />
<br />
But these days, I stick to what I know, the things I am naturally good at. Which is not being the Martha Stewart, the creative-genius photographer, or the sous chef. Yes, I may be a stay-at-home-mom, but I'm certainly no homemaker. No really. I don't have a domestic bone in my body.<br />
<br />
And I can actually say that without one bit of shame.<br />
<br />
Because all it really comes down to for me is just one simple thing. I want to be the very best mom to my girls. A mom who is wholly and completely present in every sense of the word. And you don't have to be domestic {or perfect} to be a good mom. You just have to love your kids. A lot.<br />
<br />
But for me to get to this conclusion meant going through the painful process of letting go.<br />
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And let me tell you. Letting go of perfect can be quite excruciating.<br />
<br />
Yet oh-so exhilarating!!!<br />
<br />
The real test of my "process of letting go" has always been the holidays. Because the holidays especially bring out the need to be perfect by creating-baking-and-memory-making. Nevermind the frenzied bombardment of perfectly-crafted Pinterest Advent calendars or the ever-present reminder of how Grinch-like I am because we don't partake in elf-on-the-shelf.<br />
<br />
But I just don't have the time or energy with a new baby this year to even care.<br />
<br />
And care, I do not.<br />
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But I promise I haven't been a complete Scrooge. We've been creating plenty of fun memories and carrying out some of our favorite traditions. It's just that simple seems to be the theme this year. <br />
<br />
And, what do you know? My girls are still thriving.<br />
<br />
Imagine that. Thriving on simplicity!<br />
<br />
The fact that I haven't broken out into hives because this is Lyla's third Christmas, and she has yet to get a photo with Santa? That right there folks is a surefire sign of letting go.<br />
<br />
This past weekend was one of the best we've had since Adaline's been born. Because we spent the majority of time at home together as a family, and there was no pressure. Pressure that I typically put on our family to squeeze all the typical holiday activities in before December 25th.<br />
<br />
Admittedly, my easy breezy attitude was probably kick-started by our first night out sans baby with Gabe's company Christmas party. The evening was filled with live music, unlimited wine, a photo booth, and two party animals never wanting to leave the dance floor.<br />
<br />
Oh, wine how I've missed you.<br />
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But like I mentioned earlier, I've learned many things since becoming a parent. I forgot, however, to mention the biggest lesson of all: <i>We are old</i>. Mostly too old to stay out past 10. And definitely too old to drink more than 1 glass of wine. I'm pretty sure I stayed on the couch drinking coffee until 2 pm the day after mom and dad's big night out.<br />
<br />
Lucky for us, we had nothing on the agenda the next evening. So we decided to uphold the one tradition that I will never, ever rid of. We had our annual watch Christmas movies- drink hot cocoa-sleep by the Christmas tree extravaganza. Although this year, we made a couple minor changes. We added a pizza picnic {because we didn't have the energy to get dressed to go out to dinner.} And we didn't actually <i>sleep</i> by the tree per se. {See the aforementioned lesson of "We are old". And with old comes the deep desire burning from within to get a good night's sleep.}<br />
<br />
But oh-my-word did we have a good time. We started this tradition the very first year Gabe and I were married, when we lived in a 700 sq. foot apartment in Dallas. But this year was extra special, for two very obvious reasons. But it's the two year old who makes this whole process of traditions so much fun. Because she understands how special they are: Eating in the living room, consuming sugar that isn't usually kept in our house, and staying up way past bedtime watching movies.<br />
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Of course the perfectionist part of me wishes the photos I did catch were much better quality. But then I remember what's important. And I'm able to look past the grainy iPhone quality and terrible lighting to see the magical memories we created.<br />
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And I'm not sure who felt more spoiled: the girls or the pups!<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Someone was pretty excited about the idea of a pizza picnic. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Movie and hot cocoa time!</span></div>
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Then we rounded out our already perfectly-simple weekend with the annual Christmas Cantata at church. Complete with mother-daughter matching{ish} outfits. Which, by the way, was an accident. I know I don't have the <a href="http://ksrubyredslippers.blogspot.com/2014/10/fall-favorites-as-fam-of-three.html">best track record</a> for accidentally matching. But I'm predictable. And it happens.<br />
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Perhaps the biggest testament to a new, anti-stress me? I didn't google how to photoshop out the Stanley canteen mug out of the background of this photo. :)<br />
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<br />Mrs. Rubyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09670296086240817606noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5667953739314906276.post-87881398129660282902014-12-10T10:07:00.002-05:002016-07-31T15:15:50.143-04:00Ramblings from my Mommy BrainIt feels like so much has happened in the past six weeks since Adaline's been born. Yet if you asked me what I do on a typical day, I'd probably laugh. Because I would have no idea what to say.<br />
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Believe it or not, we've managed to stay fairly busy during my "maternity leave". That's what I'm calling it. It's the time I allow myself to relax a little more than usual and am extra forgiving of myself on the days we stay in sweats until lunch time. "<i>Because</i>", I tell myself, "<i>I have a baby. And a toddler. And it's winter. And it's my 'maternity leave</i>'."<br />
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But we really have been pleasantly busy with lots of visitors, play dates, errands (so.many.errands.), and prepping for the holidays. And I've very quickly realized that tasks that used to take me 10 minutes suddenly take me 2 or 3 days. And that's no lie.<br />
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We also follow the household rule to make it out of the house at least once a day. Even if it means simply going through the Starbucks drive through. It may take about 2 hours from start to finish, but I do everything in my power to get us out. I surprisingly have yet to throw my hands in the air and say "<i>forget it! not worth the 6 layers of winter clothing and a toddler who loves to dawdle</i>." Which brings me to a question. Will I ever be on time again? Ever? It frazzles me to the core.<br />
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And because it's my "maternity leave", I'm going to go ahead and not feel guilty about writing the rest of this post in bullet points. Because that's how my brain works lately - not complete thoughts, just bullet points.<br />
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So. Lately...<br />
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... It is no joke when they say to hang on tight and savor these years because you blink and your kids are all grown up. I thought Lyla's babyhood went quickly. But this? Oh my word, time with two little ones is scarily passing by. These pictures, for example. They were taken two and a half weeks ago. And Adaline already looks completely different. And no longer fits into this nightgown. And has an extra chin. {sniffle. sniffle.}<br />
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... Speaking of Miss A, she has been nothing but smiles. And it feels just as exciting as it did the first time around with big sis. I love when babes start smiling...it marks the beginning of "<i>This is my FAVORITE phase"</i>. I'm not sure how I'd forgotten the uncontainable joy one experiences when your baby smiles at you for the first time. I was just as much an emotional mess this time around. I mean, when she looks at me and smiles, time stops and I feel like my heart is going to burst right through my chest.<br />
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... Like many first-borns, Lyla has always been an observer. That girl walks into a room {with extreme caution, of course} and observes for quite awhile before she lets down her guard and participates in whatever is going on. My little observer, feverishly studying everything around her. I swear that's what she's been doing for the past two years with language. She's always had a large vocabulary, but really has only been speaking in short sentences since she turned two. But all of a sudden, she is having full-blown conversations with us. Conversations that make sense. She can remember and recall things from a month ago, she tells us what she did at school or church, and she reminds us when we forget things. It's mind-blowing.<br />
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... We're actually starting to get into a routine around here. Although it may be a loose one, it feels pretty amazing. I've learned, for example, that if I accidentally sleep past 6:45 a.m., the rest of the day is shot. Because then I don't have time to shower. And when I don't have time to shower, we seem to have more tantrums and a lot less productivity. I think it's a scientific correlation: showered mama = successful day.<br />
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... Lyla started nursing her babies. It's probably the cutest thing I've ever seen in my life. Ever. Monkey see, monkey do.<br />
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... Lyla has really developed a love for helping in the kitchen. It started out as a tactic to teach her patience while waiting on meals, but now she loves it. She loves to measure and pour and stir and taste test.<br />
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... I still can't get over how easy of a baby Adaline is. I'm not kidding when I say I can count on both hands how many times we've heard her *really* cry. I <i>would</i> feel guilty about this fact. Except Lyla was INCREDIBLY DIFFICULT as a baby. Although I didn't think it was possible to ever love something more than my first born, Adaline is a breath of fresh air. :) And I know a large part of that is that we're so much more relaxed as parents. But I also think God knew that we just really needed an easy baby after little miss scream-for-days-colic-pants.<br />
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... My mother-in-law calls Lyla "Goodnight Moon". And it's so true. Because that really is how she talks. "<i>Good night, heater</i>." "<i>Good morning big girl underwear</i>." And just today as we were leaving for school, "<i>Goodbye Lyla's slippers</i>." Hilarious observation and just so cute.<br />
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... If you still haven't started the podcast Serial, you do NOT know what you're missing. I mean, I do think my adrenaline has stepped down a notch after listening to 8 episodes straight in one weekend. But, I get SO excited for Thursdays. And it is the topic of conversation in our house for at least one hour a day. I'm not sure what I'll do exactly when it's over.<br />
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... I'm also not sure what I love more. The father-daughter relationship or the sister-sister. They both slay me.<br />
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... I don't think anything has me more confused than toddler moodswings. I kid you not. One minute I am texting Gabe telling him how incredibly sweet Lyla is and that I want this stage to last forever, and the next, she's throwing herself down in the middle of a parking lot taunting me with smirks, headshakes, and "NO!"s. Of course that is immediately followed by me thinking she snuck some sugar water somewhere because she's melting my mama heart into a puddle of sap with "I'm sorry" and "I love you Mama". Oh goodness, do toddlers sure know how to make a perfectly sane woman see red.<br />
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... We have our first date night planned this weekend. Getting all dressed up for Gabe's company Christmas party. It is time and it is necessary and I am pumped.<br />
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... This is the part of my maternity leave that I like to call "The Awakening". It's where you suddenly realize that it's time to start getting out more. It's time to start cooking again {THANK YOU to all my friends and family who have made us meals. Absolute Godsends, you are. Meals are the best gift you can ever ever ever give a new mom}. It's time to be a sociable human being who has conversations with other people besides a newborn and a toddler. And although hanging around the house in yoga pants with my girls has made me happier than I've ever been, it's time for my brain to get some exercise. And to get that exercise, I have quite the project I've finally pulled the trigger on. Very excited to share soon!!!<br />
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Although, hanging in our pjs for hours and reading books by the Christmas tree everyday has been a welcomed change of pace.<br />
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<br />Mrs. Rubyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09670296086240817606noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5667953739314906276.post-72306262243738523632014-12-02T20:46:00.000-05:002016-07-31T15:15:31.966-04:00Turkey and SheepsI'm not sure when it happened.<br />
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But somewhere along the way, Thanksgiving weekend became my favorite holiday. {yes, the entire weekend. not just the day itself}.<br />
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Or it at least tied itself with Christmas.<br />
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Oh shoot. But I sure love Halloween too.<br />
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Can we just count October 31st - January 1st as one long holiday?<br />
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Anyway. I love Thanksgiving. A lot. Every year I look forward to going to Gabe's grandpa's farm. And now that Lyla gets excited about things and even remembers them, it brings fun to a whole new level.<br />
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This year, I didn't get to enjoy all the hustle and bustle of farm animals and shooting skeet and going on a 3 mile after-dinner family walk because of the whole newborn thing. It was super-freezing out, and you know, babies eat like every 15 minutes.<br />
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But Lyla sure had a grand time.<br />
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The whole way to the farm, she kept talking about how she couldn't wait to ride the "<i>sheeps</i>"(goats) and see the "<i>titty tats</i>" and "<i>chitzens</i>"(chickens). It's amazing that she remembered them from last year. And she was so excited to eat turkey and "<i>pumpin pie"</i>.<br />
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This year, we had nearly half the crew that we normally do at Thanksgiving. Which was probably around 20 of us. And it was nice. Since I was stuck inside with babe, I got to catch up with everyone. And go back for seconds and thirds.<br />
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I don't know what it is about the Thanksgiving feast. Oh wait. Yes I do. Everyone brings their "specialty dish". Not to mention everyone in Gabe's family has quite the knack for cooking. So I obviously look forward to it 364 days of the year. And since it's only one day of the year, I tend to cram my plate to the brim. Couple that with breastfeeding, and I've got myself an excuse to go turkey-sweet potato casserole-cranberry sauce crazy. Oh. And the rolls. I go overboard on the rolls. It's an unspoken rule of mine.<br />
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So, while I stuffed my face, Lyla got to ride the goats and shoot with the boys.<br />
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And this year was extra fun on the way to and from the farm. Gabe introduced me to the #1 podcast at the moment - <a href="http://serialpodcast.org/">Serial</a>. You guys. I can't even. There is just so much for me to say about this brilliant {true} crime story. So much, that I'm not even going to say anything. Just go check it out. I will say that we listened to over 4 hours in the car and then came home, put the girls to bed, and listened to another 3 hours while sitting next to the space heater. Like olden times.<br />
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I can't wait for Thursday when the next episode airs.<br />
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Anyway. It made for a super car ride.<br />
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Then the weekend continued with Christmas decorating and sugar cookie baking with the fam.<br />
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Lyla took her decorating duties seriously. And she named every.single.ornament as she strategically placed them on the tree. She especially loved "<i>dad's drums</i>", the "<i>pickle</i>", and the "<i>dancing cow with boobies</i>".<br />
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And she took particular interest in the tree we put in her room this year. She got so excited the moment she saw it, she ran in giddily screaming and clapping "<i>THANK YOU CHRISTMAS</i>!!!" I haven't even turned the tree lights on yet. {Mostly because the cord is too short and I can't find our extension cords anywhere}.<br />
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Sure makes me excited for Christmas this year.<br />
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And I had every intention of creating a super cute advent calendar with activities for us to do everyday. But let's get real. I have a new baby. And...I don't even have time to shower on a regular basis. Let alone create some DIY project I found on Pinterest.<br />
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But I am happy to report that I've learned to let things like that go.<br />
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Because it's more about living in the moment at the moment.<br />
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Thanksgiving weekend was perfect. And although we didn't have the chance to do our traditional watch Christmas movies and sleep by the tree on the day after Thanksgiving, we're going to find a way to squeeze it in somewhere among all the Christmas goodness in the next few weeks.<br />
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And if it is even half the hit that Thanksgiving was, Christmas is sure to be a good one this year.<br />
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<br />Mrs. Rubyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09670296086240817606noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5667953739314906276.post-79277165527289899572014-11-21T09:45:00.000-05:002016-07-31T15:15:12.189-04:00Newbies are my favoriteSo here I am. Having the greatest morning with my girls - something that is either hit or miss these days - and ready to gush about the fuzzy newborn phase here on the ol' blog.<br />
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But somewhere along the way, I forgot that having a <strike>baby</strike> toddler throws all plans out the window. And makes a routine-focused, schedule-oriented, type A gal like myself want to shave my head and run around the block a few times. At least that would be something I would have complete control of. And I would get some much-needed fresh air. </div>
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Anyway, having a new baby {and a two year old} is just a roller coaster of emotions to begin with. It's all "<i>Oh my goodness you're so cute, and I want this moment to last forever and ever</i>" and "<i>Seriously? We've been trying to get out the door for an hour now, you're already on outfit #3 for the day, I just got on all 4 layers of winter gear for both of you, your sister has to go potty, and you choose now to spit up all over all three of us</i>?"<br />
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If you haven't read <a href="https://medium.com/the-cauldron/a-day-at-home-with-a-newborn-4bc53aa327d">this article</a> yet, stop what you're doing and read it now. The whole thing. And if you've ever had a newborn, you will laugh until you cry. Because it is true. Every single bit. I'm just waiting for her perspective on a day in the life with a newborn AND a toddler! :)<br />
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Anyway. Where was I? So my girls and I were having the greatest morning. I actually had the energy to make a decent breakfast for Lyla, the three of us shared some cuddles, we had our own story time, and then went for a looong walk to the park. Oh my goodness the sunshine and chilly breeze never felt so good.<br />
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Then we got home. Lyla made it very clear with some shouts and stomping that she was hungry, and I couldn't remember for the life of me when I had eaten last. Needless to say, both of us were starving. While Lyla nibbled, and I nursed the baby, she had to go potty. So, I took her back to the bathroom. {And let's be honest. It isn't nearly as simple as it sounds. Because Lyla is still having a wretched time pooing on the potty. So we go back and forth back and forth at least a dozen times with lots of tears in between. All to have her not go. The poor kid is terrified.}<br />
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When I returned from the 11th trip to the potty, I realized my plate was empty. I rubbed my eyes to make sure they weren't deceiving me. Nope. Plate still empty. The dogs had *somehow* gotten onto our dining room table and ATE MY LUNCH.<br />
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The whole thing.<br />
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They are so lucky I was having a good day with my two year old. Because all I did was yell some choice words and put them outside for a good long time. Oh. But I had thoughts of putting them up for adoption on Craigs List.<br />
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I wish I was kidding.<br />
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Then, of course, I felt guilty and was all "<i>Oh doggies, I love you. It's not your fault. I realize your'e going through changes too. But you really have to start behaving</i>."<br />
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But seriously ya'll. Do you have any idea how much energy it takes these days just to rummage through the empty cabinets and then actually make something for lunch...only to have it eaten by your dogs while your'e taking care of your toddler and newborn?!?!<br />
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But I did feel bad after my lashing. So, we kissed and made up. And I invited them on my lap.<br />
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Now that I've got that off my chest, I'm ready to talk about what was originally on my mind. Which just so happened to be newborn sweetness. Because here we are. Four weeks into life caring for a second newborn.<br />
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Ahh. The newborn phase. You either love it or you hate it. Or a little bit of both.<br />
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I mostly love it.<br />
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Ok, who am I kidding. I absolutely wish that I could go through the newborn phase at least a dozen more times before I leave this earth. Newbies make me realize the <i>why</i> behind families out there who are 19 and counting. In fact, I'd have a newborn once a year if I could skip labor, if said newborn had the super-human ability to sleep through the night on day one, and if I could skip the toddler tantrums and teenage angst.<br />
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They're just such marvelous, interesting, quirky, and hilarious little creatures.<br />
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I loved this phase with Lyla, and I love it with Adaline. Miss A, our precious little bug, has been such a delight from the moment we brought her home. She's so easy going, and just <i>easy</i> all around. Oh, and she's a cuddler. Yes - my last baby is a cuddler! Thank goodness. Because I'll be a little sad when she's no longer a newborn. Which, by the way, when are babies technically no longer newborns? Is it when they grow out of newborn-size diapers? Because we just hit that point yesterday. And I refuse to call Addie anything <i>but</i> a newborn. So if you tell me she's no longer a newborn, I'm going to find a way to squeeze her insanely long torso into a newbie diaper.<br />
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Newborns.<br />
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There's just something about their <i>smell</i>. Holy moly does the newborn smell get my pheromones going, or what. Gabe thinks it simply smells like dirty baby. I, however, would love to bottle it up and turn it into a perfume. I'm really not kidding. Call me crazy, but I think I'd make a fortune.<br />
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Oh and the little noises. Those sweet, quirky little noises that have Lyla asking if <i>Baby Adaline okay</i>? because she's never heard any other human making these noises. The tiny mouse-like squeaks, the grunts, the little sucking noise with the pacifier, and the snorts. Oh newborn snorts, how I love you.<br />
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Then, they have their distinct newborn movements. Gabe calls these movements "animatronic"- definition being "<i>robotic devices to emulate a human or animal</i>". And that's so completely accurate. Newborns have these robotic movements that seem so calculated yet so spastic at the same time. Lots of flailing limbs, head bobs, and of course the non-stop rooting. Love em' all.<br />
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They make me laugh, I tell ya. Like how they stare at the strangest things for hours - things like the couch cushion or the white wall. Or how they are so animalistic in that first latch on while nursing. Or how they have that "scare reflex" where they all of a sudden will throw their arms in the air while sleeping like something scared the bejeebies out of them. I catch myself laughing all day long.<br />
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Um. And can we stop for a moment and talk about the reality of how easy newborns really are? I mean seriously. You can put them in a chair, bouncy seat, swing, or any other nook in your house, and they will stay there and contently sleep for hours. I mean, my best friend's mom didn't come up with the term "neglect-o-matic", when referring to a baby swing, because she thought it sounded fancy. It's because you stick a newborn in any ol' spot, and they're happy. And you might unintentionally forget about them. Unless of course your newborn has colic, which my firstborn did. Then, you're screwed.<br />
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And call me crazy? But I actually get a twinge of excitement in the middle of the night when I hear those first cries before the BIG cry which means "<i>Feed me right now no really right this very instant right now</i>!" I look forward to the one-on-one time without the buzzing of a typical busy day. I mean sure, I have bags the size of golfballs, but this time period is short in the grand scheme of things. And I will sleep again. And once I do, I'll miss our middle of the night one-on-one encounters.<br />
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Oh my goodness, there's just so much cuteness. The unintentional smiles while sleeping, the little fists rolled into balls while nursing, the face perched on a hand while sleeping, the big stretches when first waking up, and the faces. Those sweet newbie faces. My personal favorites are the kissie-lip-pucker face, the catching-flies-while-i-sleep face, and the infamous scrunch face.<br />
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But my absolute favorite? The way they curl up into the fetal position, and snuggle up into that sweet spot between your shoulder and neck. Ahh. And you can feel the warm skin of their cheek on yours. Just a warm little ball of love. I could do that all day everyday for the rest of my entire life.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXSgSMdXqAJGjIooV9mhwrdiVm80_pr8c7rGZipAz9TCVniqiwMY_ISoc9fn7WCXsh8iRu6z8Te23iIp6mmFvnOCHWssAwFQj5g1sLf5Pn2ut1P1k2Uy7Q8vp7CRexyjBH7I699LgeBr3M/s1600/IMG_9568.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXSgSMdXqAJGjIooV9mhwrdiVm80_pr8c7rGZipAz9TCVniqiwMY_ISoc9fn7WCXsh8iRu6z8Te23iIp6mmFvnOCHWssAwFQj5g1sLf5Pn2ut1P1k2Uy7Q8vp7CRexyjBH7I699LgeBr3M/s1600/IMG_9568.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Oh. And fuzzy after-bath hair. That's the best.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPmqICv03GJ6GnSzkjPqPTn8h9IQg2xWxw0MlUCkrBGn2EnKkhYTBxxJ4_fayGBRhLQs7oPrZEvKqN_2OBDR6mnqf98ZM2UclmyHxfBo4fl8PPH4_zzfYPlN9J7U6bvDLQQkeuCQpqDQ4U/s1600/IMG_9556.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPmqICv03GJ6GnSzkjPqPTn8h9IQg2xWxw0MlUCkrBGn2EnKkhYTBxxJ4_fayGBRhLQs7oPrZEvKqN_2OBDR6mnqf98ZM2UclmyHxfBo4fl8PPH4_zzfYPlN9J7U6bvDLQQkeuCQpqDQ4U/s1600/IMG_9556.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Ok. I think that covers it.<br />
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But thank goodness I have a baby, you guys. Because all this talk of newborns is giving me baby fever over here.<br />
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Adaline, I just may squeeze you into newborn diapers for the next 6 months. ;)<br />
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<br />Mrs. Rubyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09670296086240817606noreply@blogger.com4