tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-45568892270004634342024-03-12T21:30:13.830-04:00Thankful.Grateful.Blessed.Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08217568104137152554noreply@blogger.comBlogger120125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4556889227000463434.post-403062463098832952012-10-22T15:49:00.001-04:002012-10-22T15:49:45.306-04:00Life happensIts been on my heart a lot lately to start blogging again - strictly for myself. I blogged for myself in the beginning, then I blogged about being pregnant, then about Brooke. And, then life happened and I ran out of time to sit down and write. Wait - that's a lie. I ran out of time after I did all the <i>other</i> things that <i><b>I</b></i> wanted to do.<br />
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Earlier this year I made a "Growing Brooke" book from my blog. It's something I'm really proud of and I spent a lot of time on it, but it will probably get shoved in drawer or closet and no one will look at it. But, I did it for Brooke. And, partially for me. We aren't sure what the future of our family looks like - whether we will or will not have another baby - but I wanted to make sure that that's a time that I never ever ever forget.<br />
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During Brooke's first year, I tried my best to keep milestones and monthly posts/pictures up to date. I've got those most of those posts drafted but they never got through the 'final editing' phase to make it to be published. But, at least I have the big stuff there...because we all know without it, I would have forgotten all those small important things.<br />
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And, at the beginning of this year, I committed myself to taking a picture of Brooke every day - project 365. I've really surprised myself and done a pretty good job of keeping up with that. I wonder how long it will take me to actually translate all those pictures into a book?<br />
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I guess, now I'm to the point where I'm finally accepting just how fast life is happening. And I want to soak in every single minute of every single day. I feel silly saying this and I don't want to sound boastful - but my life is just so incredibly amazing. I get all emotional just thinking about it. I think it's just from the overwhelming amount of love I have.<br />
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Life is happening and I feel like I'm missing out on documenting these sweet times with my family. I've found myself being 100% in the moment and thinking, "I <i>need</i> to blog about <u>this</u>. I don't want to forget <b>THIS</b> moment." And then life happens. We get home, dinners are done, Brooke is bathed and put to bed, and I do selfish things like read other blogs, tweet with 'strangers' and stalk people from my past on facebook. Its stupid and I hate that I've missed all these days.<br />
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Here's to acknowledging what I want to do - and hoping that I stick with it.<br />
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"We are as lucky as we can be...to have such a wonderful family!"Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08217568104137152554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4556889227000463434.post-87483938175439972182012-04-16T21:39:00.002-04:002012-04-16T21:39:45.687-04:00One Year AgoIt was one year ago. It was a Friday night and I couldn't sleep. I woke up Mike and told him I was going downstairs to lay on the couch. That's where I was the most comfortable and I could watch tv without keeping Mike awake too. I slept off and on but had some cramps that kept me tossing and turning.<br />
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Saturday morning sunlight filled the house and Mike came downstairs. He asked how I was feeling and if I had slept. "I feel ok. I've been having some cramps - I think they might be contractions, but I'm not sure. It feels kind of like a charlie horse." How was I supposed to know what contractions felt like? I'd never had them before. I had expressed my concern to my midwife, doctor and lots of my friends - they all replied with the same response "You'll know." Well, since I wasn't sure, I just kind of brushed it off as being part of the uncomfortable part of the end of pregnancy.<br />
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Mike started timing my charlie horses and they ended up being pretty consistent. We decided to call the midwife and ask her what she thought. We had the midwife, Jennifer, on speaker phone when one hit. And that's when she said "Yeah, you definitely sound like you're in labor. And given that you are past your due date, I'd say that this is more than likely NOT false labor. Why don't you go ahead and head to the hospital and I'll meet you there." Believe it or not, I actually asked if it were ok if I took a shower. She agreed and said to give her a call back when we were on our way.<br />
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I took my shower and then went tee-tee for the 360th time that morning. As I was sitting on the toilet, my water broke. Mike stuck his head around the door - "What was THAT?!?!" "Uh...I think my water just broke!" At that point I was so thankful it had broken while I was in the bathroom - I had some serious anxiety about cleaning up a mess. Now, my anxiety was on the fact that we were definitely going to become parents very very soon.<br />
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We finished getting ready and snapped one last picture before we headed out the door. Once we were in the car, I made a few phone calls and shared the news that I was in labor and we were headed to the hospital. Once we made it to the hospital, we were checked in and put in a room. At this point I was 100% sure that this was labor. I wasn't able to speak or walk during a contraction.<br />
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We got in our hospital room and I changed into the gown, climbed up on the bed and tried to relax. Jennifer came in the room and checked me. I was 7 cm. Everything was going perfectly in line with the birth plan I wanted.<br />
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Well, after 20 hours of unmedicated labor, flipping positions, pushing and then a c-section - our beautiful baby girl was born at 11:57 pm. It was that very exact minute, 11:57 on April 16th 2011 that our lives changed forever. I was a Mom and Mike was a Dad.<br />
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Brooke was born and she was perfect. She had beautiful blue eyes, beautiful blondish-brown hair. She was the most perfect 6 lbs 15 ozs I'd ever seen. Becoming a parent is the most life changing event and I am so so thankful that God chose us to be Brooke's parents. What a wonderful gift he gave us!<br />
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And here we are...one year later. We were warned that the first year would go by so fast, and I tried my very best to slow it down. But - it went by FAST! Blink your eye and she grew an inch, fast. It's exciting and yet sad all at the same time.<br />
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It's been a whole year and Brooke is completely different now. I spent quite a bit of time just watching her today (eating cheese eggs at Waffle House, playing at Toys-R-Us, swinging at the park and demolishing a big cupcake) and I'm just fascinated with her. She is independent and soaking up life like a sponge. Our house has toys scattered throughout the living room floor. There are crumbs from Ritz Crackers and goldfish everywhere. My car is messy and cluttered with baby toys, books and a really big stroller. I have puffs in the bottom of my purse. Our perspective on life is different and our priorities are different. Even my clothes fit different. Everything is just, different. Wonderful different. Beautiful different. Good different.<br />
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Tonight as I put my baby girl to bed, I hugged her a little tighter. Because, tomorrow we will start a whole new year - and I can't help but wonder how things will be different. I just hope she has the best second year. And I hope she knows how much she is loved.<br />
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Happy First Birthday, Brooke!Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08217568104137152554noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4556889227000463434.post-26066692779051849662011-11-25T20:20:00.001-05:002011-12-29T20:15:05.847-05:00Happy Seven Months, Brooke!Brooke, you are SEVEN months! I can't believe it. I just can't!<br />
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<b>What are you up to this month?</b></div>
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<li>You weighed 14.35 lbs at your 7 month visit! I am SO happy to see you gaining some weight. Your little legs are definitely getting plump! </li>
<li>You still wear a size 2 diaper and your eating habits are pretty much the same (nursing every 3-4 hours and you get 6 ozs if you have a bottle).</li>
</ul>
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<ul>
<li>You have really gotten the whole eating solids thing down. You are a very neat eater, no messes, which makes Momma happy. You've had oatmeal, bananas, avocado, peaches, sweet potatoes, squash, pears, and rice cereal with apples. You did NOT like bananas - you gagged and refused to swallow and I had to scrape the food out of your mouth...but with a little persistence you have learned that you do in fact like bananas. </li>
<li style="text-align: left;">This month you got your first cold with a cough. It was the most pitiful little cough and it just broke our hearts. You would cough during the night and it would wake you up and I would rush to you...well, that started bad habits. Now, you wake around 2am for a 'snack' but then go right back to sleep and it seems as though you hear when Daddy's feet hit the floor at 5am, because you wake up AGAIN. We usually get up and start our day around 8 though.</li>
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<li>You are wearing 3-6 months and a few 6 month outfits. You can still wear your size 3 month pajamas...but I think its because we've just stretched them out. </li>
<li>You are very close to crawling! If a toy is just out of your reach you will roll, twist and spin to get to it. You are such a determined little girl.</li>
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<li>You got an exersaucer this month and it is has changed our life. You will play for a very long time by yourself in it, but once you've had enough - you will YELL to get our attention and make it very clear you are ready to get out.</li>
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<li>You L-O-V-E books. It makes me so happy that you like to sit in our lap and read books. You get very excited when we turn the pages.</li>
<li>You also love to be outside. You love when the wind blows and you take a big breath in like it took your breath away. You also love to watch the leaves fall from the trees.</li>
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<li>We have been working on waving and giving kisses. Some times you will wave without our help and you've started leaning in with an open mouth to give us 'sugar'.</li>
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<ul>
<li>You learned Pat-a-Cake at school and you really enjoy doing the hand motions when we sing it. You also love to sing The Itsy Bitsy Spider. I'm just thankful you aren't critical of my singing.</li>
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Brooke, you are loved so very much. I wish I had a penny for every time I kiss your sweet head...your college would already be paid for!</div>
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<br /></div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08217568104137152554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4556889227000463434.post-15748240977736086842011-10-25T22:30:00.000-04:002011-10-25T22:30:39.106-04:00Happy Six Months, Brooke!<br />
I can hardly believe we are already to Brooke's half birthday! This month has been so much fun! You have really kicked your little personality into over drive and its so neat to watch you take the world in.<br />
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<b>What are you up to this month?</b></div>
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<ul><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpQQm6sx7dKpDYW852UtxWKQ3M6-Gmvtvq3rp4_5YYYNx31cq8MfoovrzBVQQ0NEM4MSJRoLKHrv_ZN00RUHFaJGR3Nwrzo2WQhFl4P4Dgkgo6rUuPv0FCUAf0Q0C1yYk0vc6wYjL2XRKm/s1600/IMG_0794.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a>
<li>You are still a very petite little thing. At your six month well check up you weighted 12 lbs 11 ozs (2%) and were 24 inches long (2%).</li>
<li>You are wearing a size 2 diaper.</li>
<li>You wear size 3 month and 3-6 month clothes...but there are still a few 0-3 month clothes that you can squeeze into.</li>
</ul>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguAO0Aq5b4MtUXJuiIHPgGWQN23bsGP2lAKyyZLU7seLN7jNNcfYs0F3GiX1aP8LGIuE5LfeGGcKvYGY-urMHjh1AiF5J79dLOZ2xuPmphtYVQZEyiOcadjtBUB4yBrDO5oOreGhGGPQq9/s1600/IMG_0818.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguAO0Aq5b4MtUXJuiIHPgGWQN23bsGP2lAKyyZLU7seLN7jNNcfYs0F3GiX1aP8LGIuE5LfeGGcKvYGY-urMHjh1AiF5J79dLOZ2xuPmphtYVQZEyiOcadjtBUB4yBrDO5oOreGhGGPQq9/s320/IMG_0818.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="239" /></a></div>
<ul>
<li>You started solids a little over a week ago and you seem to enjoy the rice cereal. We will move to oatmeal very soon. You were developmentally ready to start eating. You don't even spit the food out...you gobble it right up. I think you are going to be a great eater.</li>
</ul>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ4XfU2zmLWG-LRCQimKPb223SU6im5Do8MZEU45rkqIzgXzE9BSD0v6iFKq6rteIva1hE8k8EQGxMGdKiS9kkIluY_VxBGT6D7WqZ5pNP4pM9MqLDSbiSOQFhRN88rr6q5Il6hZ5m-xs4/s1600/IMG_0833.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ4XfU2zmLWG-LRCQimKPb223SU6im5Do8MZEU45rkqIzgXzE9BSD0v6iFKq6rteIva1hE8k8EQGxMGdKiS9kkIluY_VxBGT6D7WqZ5pNP4pM9MqLDSbiSOQFhRN88rr6q5Il6hZ5m-xs4/s320/IMG_0833.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="239" /></a></div>
<ul>
<li>You are still nursing 4-5 times a day or every 3-4 hours. Right now since we just started solids you get rice cereal once a day, usually either in the morning or at lunch. We'll add in another meal pretty soon. When you take a bottle you get 6 ounces.</li>
</ul>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3yWDgHokIJypt6bDByS_F-56TaCqW0e8-z1LhkvgMMZ8kd0A3-N8DoaHwdzMTIVKZGU55ngPNvIEgJEFPE02UuXIbjYrF0D6mv1C11YlEtwypnO2CaNL7Uj-LJaL4OuudLP2mr6r7GG3Z/s1600/IMG_0769.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3yWDgHokIJypt6bDByS_F-56TaCqW0e8-z1LhkvgMMZ8kd0A3-N8DoaHwdzMTIVKZGU55ngPNvIEgJEFPE02UuXIbjYrF0D6mv1C11YlEtwypnO2CaNL7Uj-LJaL4OuudLP2mr6r7GG3Z/s320/IMG_0769.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="239" /></a></div>
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<li>You are still a GREAT sleeper. Your bedtime is somewhere between 7:30 and 8 and you will normally sleep until 7-7:30 the next morning. Every once in a while you wake up around 6 but you typically go right back to sleep once you have a little morning 'snack'. You also take 2 naps. Although some days you revolt and take only 1 nap.</li>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpQQm6sx7dKpDYW852UtxWKQ3M6-Gmvtvq3rp4_5YYYNx31cq8MfoovrzBVQQ0NEM4MSJRoLKHrv_ZN00RUHFaJGR3Nwrzo2WQhFl4P4Dgkgo6rUuPv0FCUAf0Q0C1yYk0vc6wYjL2XRKm/s1600/IMG_0794.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpQQm6sx7dKpDYW852UtxWKQ3M6-Gmvtvq3rp4_5YYYNx31cq8MfoovrzBVQQ0NEM4MSJRoLKHrv_ZN00RUHFaJGR3Nwrzo2WQhFl4P4Dgkgo6rUuPv0FCUAf0Q0C1yYk0vc6wYjL2XRKm/s320/IMG_0794.JPG" width="203" /></a></div>
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<li>You have taken rolling to a new level. You will barrel roll across the room and changing your diaper has become a work out.</li>
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<li style="text-align: left;">Still no teeth but surely they aren't too far away. You chew on everything. I call you my Billy Goat because you will 'eat' just about anything. Socks. Shirts. Dresses. Paci. Toys. Blankets. My clothes. My hair. The sofa. Everything is a slobbery mess around these parts now days.</li>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq7t46usQj6vO_MJ0HP1lWZalevRcGVQtYE1aNcAbJKkLXBJqQuX_pnB7QlygM7VjMbt_AbA8qM3i8hURX-DzXWvuS6BXmR0-EuHwjxBozuind0g1TAEzgTj_bb-zbgOeTGAIdUyHGeHiE/s1600/IMG_0810.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq7t46usQj6vO_MJ0HP1lWZalevRcGVQtYE1aNcAbJKkLXBJqQuX_pnB7QlygM7VjMbt_AbA8qM3i8hURX-DzXWvuS6BXmR0-EuHwjxBozuind0g1TAEzgTj_bb-zbgOeTGAIdUyHGeHiE/s320/IMG_0810.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="239" /></a></div>
<ul>
<li>You are so close to pulling yourself up to a sitting position. You can do it all by yourself if you have the Boppy or pillow behind you. You also have started 'lunging' forward while sitting up. A few times you have face planted but I think its a great start in you learning how to crawl. You also love to bounce and rock while sitting.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguBeIOSjoxYZwNTp1dKjsIgwcfHSgroxmXptSg9Qro4H3waHPqgOyrPW6DMmGtDnyFtUhTNz9XyZy0sLUvGvT2F7nVMqr-sfu5iLnH4G7f0ah8ZUgsUO-SKm0DVhQ8XXO8CwfXG9d5yUV9/s1600/IMG_0859.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5667602632912564226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguBeIOSjoxYZwNTp1dKjsIgwcfHSgroxmXptSg9Qro4H3waHPqgOyrPW6DMmGtDnyFtUhTNz9XyZy0sLUvGvT2F7nVMqr-sfu5iLnH4G7f0ah8ZUgsUO-SKm0DVhQ8XXO8CwfXG9d5yUV9/s320/IMG_0859.jpg" style="cursor: move; display: block; height: 320px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 239px;" /></a></li>
<li>You sat in a highchair at a restaurant for the first time this month. You had a really great time trying to pull everything off the table. I don't think I've ever eaten so fast in my life.</li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSJWK73-RTiekIuIAZfoTBxdHXra0GPmHZz6x1KYlShKX5G5IFBD_MCZ2dScd8icWcyZVrepzmdehXnbtPTzgHASfAfavYyTaOFFO7i3t2y0BYZWGdsLG-TRbsaivfbNXcBjKgaMbDX8Cc/s1600/IMG_0905.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSJWK73-RTiekIuIAZfoTBxdHXra0GPmHZz6x1KYlShKX5G5IFBD_MCZ2dScd8icWcyZVrepzmdehXnbtPTzgHASfAfavYyTaOFFO7i3t2y0BYZWGdsLG-TRbsaivfbNXcBjKgaMbDX8Cc/s320/IMG_0905.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="240" /></a></div>
<ul>
<li>You are into everything! You are constantly reaching for my phone, the remote to the tv or pretty much anything you're NOT supposed to have. You are quite a determined little girl to get whatever you want.</li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKlnrWwUkqSxtrU1-hbR5OhA1SsL32YUroehDkGt17Jtei1dvsrWj8QoShLY7KIzQgU7YpBTDQq45rBoh19pFq70p6WQ-Vu8u_nC7jyiZ22ktarSqeBlel4Q3SpvXM5KkS8Qpv1j77kjqV/s1600/IMG_0797.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKlnrWwUkqSxtrU1-hbR5OhA1SsL32YUroehDkGt17Jtei1dvsrWj8QoShLY7KIzQgU7YpBTDQq45rBoh19pFq70p6WQ-Vu8u_nC7jyiZ22ktarSqeBlel4Q3SpvXM5KkS8Qpv1j77kjqV/s320/IMG_0797.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="239" /></a></div>
<ul>
<li>You smile alot but this month you started doing a new thing...scowling. You can be so happy and smiling and then you turn very serious. You usually dish out flirty smiles but here recently you just scowl. Its funny to me because I know you're a happy baby.</li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3l26BMUd8AgH4fa8r8urKjSYB81r85nk0sk8VFteWNY6TTnqRbnbbBiiUH88PFu2_OqOQkOKGc4C_yHgd2nUKzINWGKla5_GBCx5zoJuv-0xTAeDVGfP-MCywAKN-sz7NC6EtclcSVTPc/s1600/IMG_0857.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3l26BMUd8AgH4fa8r8urKjSYB81r85nk0sk8VFteWNY6TTnqRbnbbBiiUH88PFu2_OqOQkOKGc4C_yHgd2nUKzINWGKla5_GBCx5zoJuv-0xTAeDVGfP-MCywAKN-sz7NC6EtclcSVTPc/s320/IMG_0857.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="240" /></a></div>
<ul>
<li>You love to play peek-a-boo and you always laugh when something pops out and it surprises you. </li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhplouLdVJJ84217cZLHVboW7Nle3GYGghQYOiiCZ6_0hZIkQ51o13Z9c3I9t2-3f5VhWzZIdHfGBFOpvLBPpYF5c9itstuwljqYeHXrVu5jHDDCk1r_hKiFBL2swyyoNw7_VRsXGRE8-sr/s1600/IMG_0807.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhplouLdVJJ84217cZLHVboW7Nle3GYGghQYOiiCZ6_0hZIkQ51o13Z9c3I9t2-3f5VhWzZIdHfGBFOpvLBPpYF5c9itstuwljqYeHXrVu5jHDDCk1r_hKiFBL2swyyoNw7_VRsXGRE8-sr/s320/IMG_0807.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="239" /></a></div>
<ul>
<li>You are such a happy baby! It seems that you get compliments almost everywhere we go. </li>
</ul>
<div>
Brooke, you are perfect in every way and I feel so blessed that God picked me to be your Momma. Some days I am overwhelmed with all this LOVE! </div>
</div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08217568104137152554noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4556889227000463434.post-65552443488484006252011-10-24T21:29:00.004-04:002011-10-24T21:31:33.416-04:00Whoops!The other day while I was picking up some of Brooke's toys while she was playing on the floor, I accidentally dropped one and said "Whoops!" Well, sweet girl thought it was the funniest thing in the world and laughed her head off for several minutes. I love her little laugh but I REALLY love her belly laughs. They are music to my ears!<div><br /></div><div><iframe width="425" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/o9ryl9Asslc?hl=en&fs=1" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08217568104137152554noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4556889227000463434.post-258528510196302972011-09-17T17:07:00.000-04:002011-10-28T17:08:01.698-04:00Happy Five Months, Brooke!Brooke is FIVE months old! Time is flying by at warp speed. It will be her half birthday before we know it! And then Momma will cry big fat ugly tears because our little girl is growing up so fast.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWq_KQZgspvpBIL7myu_NzC3lYUuk5CWP50141qBxi9w3vU3hYcUgZ_IBY3mqy6KoHp3Z77XL3CAujbF60SQr2uLZl0FdTlb9_HqWZ8MJB8GA1yyEsz6f4X8l0vFtVcwqLXuEY3ssHy6Ds/s1600/IMG_0728.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWq_KQZgspvpBIL7myu_NzC3lYUuk5CWP50141qBxi9w3vU3hYcUgZ_IBY3mqy6KoHp3Z77XL3CAujbF60SQr2uLZl0FdTlb9_HqWZ8MJB8GA1yyEsz6f4X8l0vFtVcwqLXuEY3ssHy6Ds/s320/IMG_0728.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>What are you up to this month?</b></div>
<br />
<ul>
<li>You didn't have a well check up this month so I don't know how much you weigh. Although I would guess about 12 lbs.</li>
<li>You are in a size 1 diaper but I think you'll be out of them in about another week. </li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiW6RXn-xf5QKGEOBbC2s1ijvHJoO_jLRQd4r3fN28Fd9lR-IKCQ-39Hax5r62ie-t5ZSj8mUBEd2T20dT4GUrW__IRJBV-FrxcVGEaGkSxYIQ06hsV1vTbuPUAH9ALdDNplMLhhoy9FAM/s1600/IMG_0660.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiW6RXn-xf5QKGEOBbC2s1ijvHJoO_jLRQd4r3fN28Fd9lR-IKCQ-39Hax5r62ie-t5ZSj8mUBEd2T20dT4GUrW__IRJBV-FrxcVGEaGkSxYIQ06hsV1vTbuPUAH9ALdDNplMLhhoy9FAM/s320/IMG_0660.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="239" /></a></div>
<ul>
<li>You are wearing size 0-3 months and size 3 month clothes.</li>
<li>You are still nursing every 3-4 hours. </li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoQEtHQF3THgoExJSL50gdXWGfKBdylcs3ViDFRogZ3OZGR_1mMYLFGyneKpS1461qSE_IKJeRWdnxCavb5kkRWjVABUdUwX6yP-QpapBOiJ2qjygtb7yrUVnFMNN0T8i4UciJZn1JRQp5/s1600/IMG_0697.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoQEtHQF3THgoExJSL50gdXWGfKBdylcs3ViDFRogZ3OZGR_1mMYLFGyneKpS1461qSE_IKJeRWdnxCavb5kkRWjVABUdUwX6yP-QpapBOiJ2qjygtb7yrUVnFMNN0T8i4UciJZn1JRQp5/s320/IMG_0697.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="240" /></a></div>
<ul>
<li>When you take a bottle its usually 5 or 5.5 ounces of breast milk.</li>
<li>You are sleeping 10-12 hours at night and we try to get you to take 2 naps a day (you fight your afternoon nap). You LOVE your bed. When you're tired you won't fight sleep if you're in your bed. As soon as we lay you down you will roll on your side with your back to us. </li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Z5hNyNloIAwA7v_GcitD5gAxDiWDy8zueosUHsY1lL1gfne8MlbCGEj7HSjkiCcBtPlRRsjtO32VC49LVLIaOoWcbjMIXAXs71zT2QcMn3kbS-nkdOZhUabcsKpQfcFx4WL0lJxFUGUj/s1600/IMG_0639.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7Z5hNyNloIAwA7v_GcitD5gAxDiWDy8zueosUHsY1lL1gfne8MlbCGEj7HSjkiCcBtPlRRsjtO32VC49LVLIaOoWcbjMIXAXs71zT2QcMn3kbS-nkdOZhUabcsKpQfcFx4WL0lJxFUGUj/s320/IMG_0639.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="239" /></a></div>
<ul>
<li>You love to look at yourself in the mirror.</li>
<li>You will take a paci but you don't seem to be too dependent on it. You have taught yourself how to put the paci back in your mouth now...which we like! However, you don't always do it on your own because you know we will come in and put it back in your mouth. And you have also learned how to THROW the paci. When you are mad you quickly take it out of you mouth and toss it to the ground. And there has been a few times I find it in the middle of you room from when you throw it out of your bed. You're a sassy little thing!</li>
<li>You are SITTING UP! You are such a big girl.</li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXd0opuozOrtUrtS1wxDzDcCMtdRy9FFHsYtLxf30oBvxz3rrnQoXq7QLmljOP-l7mb0lmXJL9gKXXgSvH97lbJQvu4hThIstxPyW826Khr-oJpy3Z9HiHfkx0ElD2mVOQq1X0Vt0CgnJa/s1600/IMG_0718.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXd0opuozOrtUrtS1wxDzDcCMtdRy9FFHsYtLxf30oBvxz3rrnQoXq7QLmljOP-l7mb0lmXJL9gKXXgSvH97lbJQvu4hThIstxPyW826Khr-oJpy3Z9HiHfkx0ElD2mVOQq1X0Vt0CgnJa/s320/IMG_0718.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div>
<ul>
<li>You LOVE your Daddy. You give the biggest smiles of the day when Daddy gets home from work.</li>
<li>You are reaching for everything. You seem to think that if its within your reach, its fair game. Your favorite things to reach for are our phones, the tv remote, cups, plates and food if we're eating something.</li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_R50jeYnf5LA6M3GioE8JegiSkIKK5TQg-2EfSZdal_WtWMmRW6BV05XszAVZ-H8gTfA2SErPf7QzRrpgKrs9Z4m1WMWjtq21VSlWzgDZZ6yaoFyPfjiJBACtK5MJgNVNTL-x6A9gM76t/s1600/IMG_0715.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_R50jeYnf5LA6M3GioE8JegiSkIKK5TQg-2EfSZdal_WtWMmRW6BV05XszAVZ-H8gTfA2SErPf7QzRrpgKrs9Z4m1WMWjtq21VSlWzgDZZ6yaoFyPfjiJBACtK5MJgNVNTL-x6A9gM76t/s320/IMG_0715.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="239" /></a></div>
<ul>
<li>You love love love to swing at the park. You love the feeling of the wind and you love to watch the leaves fall and the trees sway.</li>
</ul>
<div>
Five months has been so much fun and I can't wait to see what six months is like. We love you so much, Brooke!</div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08217568104137152554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4556889227000463434.post-33827548499090900782011-09-03T21:31:00.003-04:002011-09-03T21:41:20.392-04:0050 Rules for Dads of DaughtersI stumbled across the sweetest set of 'rules for Dads of daughters'. It made me cry and I wanted to document them on here for quick reference (or really for Mike's quick reference). :) There were so many of these rules that reminded me of my days spent with my Dad when I was a little girl. <div>
<br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Verdana; font-size: 12px; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 18px; "><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; text-align: center; "><img class="aligncenter" src="http://30.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lnwzjojqK11qmxqgxo1_500.jpg" alt="" width="400" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; " /></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; ">1. Love her mom. Treat her mother with respect, honor, and a big heaping spoonful of public displays of affection. When she grows up, the odds are good she’ll fall in love with and marry someone who treats her much like you treated her mother. Good or bad, that’s just the way it is. I’d prefer good.</p><hr style="border-bottom-width: 1px; border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-top-style: none; border-top-width: initial; border-top-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: initial; border-left-color: initial; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: initial; border-right-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 0px; clear: both; "><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; ">2. Always be there. Quality time doesn’t happen without quantity time. Hang out together for no other reason than just to be in each other’s presence. Be genuinely interested in the things that interest her. She needs her dad to be involved in her life at every stage. Don’t just sit idly by while she add years to her… add life to her years.</p><hr style="border-bottom-width: 1px; border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-top-style: none; border-top-width: initial; border-top-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: initial; border-left-color: initial; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: initial; border-right-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 0px; clear: both; "><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; text-align: center; "><img class="aligncenter" src="http://28.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lnwzsvB5cN1qmxqgxo1_500.jpg" alt="" width="400" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; " /></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; ">3. Save the day. She’ll grow up looking for a hero. It might as well be you. She’ll need you to come through for her over and over again throughout her life. Rise to the occasion. Red cape and blue tights optional.</p><hr style="border-bottom-width: 1px; border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-top-style: none; border-top-width: initial; border-top-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: initial; border-left-color: initial; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: initial; border-right-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 0px; clear: both; "><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; text-align: center; "><img class="aligncenter" src="http://26.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lnwzvjJB1P1qmxqgxo1_500.jpg" alt="" width="400" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; " /></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; ">4. Savor every moment you have together. Today she’s crawling around the house in diapers, tomorrow you’re handing her the keys to the car, and before you know it, you’re walking her down the aisle. Some day soon, hanging out with her old man won’t be the bees knees anymore. Life happens pretty fast. You better cherish it while you can.</p><hr style="border-bottom-width: 1px; border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-top-style: none; border-top-width: initial; border-top-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: initial; border-left-color: initial; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: initial; border-right-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 0px; clear: both; "><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; ">5. Pray for her. Regularly. Passionately. Continually.</p><hr style="border-bottom-width: 1px; border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-top-style: none; border-top-width: initial; border-top-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: initial; border-left-color: initial; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: initial; border-right-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 0px; clear: both; "><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; text-align: center; "><img class="aligncenter" src="http://28.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lnxkib15IC1qmxqgxo1_r2_500.png" alt="" width="400" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; " /></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; ">6. Buy her a glove and teach her to throw a baseball. Make her proud to throw like a girl… a girl with a wicked slider.</p><hr style="border-bottom-width: 1px; border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-top-style: none; border-top-width: initial; border-top-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: initial; border-left-color: initial; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: initial; border-right-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 0px; clear: both; "><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; text-align: center; "><img class="aligncenter" src="http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lnz6f3yL7S1qmxqgxo1_500.jpg" alt="" width="400" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; " /></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; ">7. She will fight with her mother. Choose sides wisely.</p><hr style="border-bottom-width: 1px; border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-top-style: none; border-top-width: initial; border-top-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: initial; border-left-color: initial; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: initial; border-right-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 0px; clear: both; "><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; text-align: center; "><img class="aligncenter" src="http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lnzjbl830p1qmxqgxo1_r1_500.jpg" alt="" width="400" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; " /></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; ">8. Go ahead. Buy her those pearls.</p><hr style="border-bottom-width: 1px; border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-top-style: none; border-top-width: initial; border-top-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: initial; border-left-color: initial; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: initial; border-right-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 0px; clear: both; "><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; ">9. Of course you look silly playing peek-a-boo. You should play anyway.</p><hr style="border-bottom-width: 1px; border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-top-style: none; border-top-width: initial; border-top-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: initial; border-left-color: initial; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: initial; border-right-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 0px; clear: both; "><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; text-align: center; "><img class="aligncenter" src="http://30.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lnxl33nIlr1qmxqgxo1_500.jpg" alt="" width="400" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; " /></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; ">10. Enjoy the wonder of bath time.</p><hr style="border-bottom-width: 1px; border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-top-style: none; border-top-width: initial; border-top-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: initial; border-left-color: initial; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: initial; border-right-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 0px; clear: both; "><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; ">11. There will come a day when she asks for a puppy. Don’t over think it. At least one time in her life, just say, “Yes.”</p><hr style="border-bottom-width: 1px; border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-top-style: none; border-top-width: initial; border-top-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: initial; border-left-color: initial; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: initial; border-right-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 0px; clear: both; "><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; ">12. It’s never too early to start teaching her about money. She will still probably suck you dry as a teenager… and on her wedding day.</p><hr style="border-bottom-width: 1px; border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-top-style: none; border-top-width: initial; border-top-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: initial; border-left-color: initial; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: initial; border-right-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 0px; clear: both; "><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; text-align: center; "><img class="aligncenter" src="http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lnxn9ldtLu1qmxqgxo1_r2_500.jpg" alt="" width="400" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; " /></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; ">13. Make pancakes in the shape of her age for breakfast on her birthday. In a pinch, donuts with pink sprinkles and a candle will suffice.</p><hr style="border-bottom-width: 1px; border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-top-style: none; border-top-width: initial; border-top-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: initial; border-left-color: initial; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: initial; border-right-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 0px; clear: both; "><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; text-align: center; "><img class="aligncenter" src="http://26.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lnyye5Y5h31qmxqgxo1_r1_500.jpg" alt="" width="400" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; " /></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; ">14. Buy her a pair of Chucks as soon as she starts walking. She won’t always want to wear matching shoes with her old man.</p><hr style="border-bottom-width: 1px; border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-top-style: none; border-top-width: initial; border-top-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: initial; border-left-color: initial; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: initial; border-right-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 0px; clear: both; "><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; text-align: center; "><img class="aligncenter" src="http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lnzxzd0yD51qiibtoo1_500.jpg" alt="" width="400" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; " /></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; ">15. Dance with her. Start when she’s a little girl or even when she’s a baby. Don’t wait ‘til her wedding day.</p><hr style="border-bottom-width: 1px; border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-top-style: none; border-top-width: initial; border-top-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: initial; border-left-color: initial; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: initial; border-right-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 0px; clear: both; "><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; text-align: center; "><img class="aligncenter" src="http://27.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lnyzexj37r1qmxqgxo1_r1_500.jpg" alt="" width="400" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; " /></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; ">16. Take her fishing. She will probably squirm more than the worm on your hook. That’s OK.</p><hr style="border-bottom-width: 1px; border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-top-style: none; border-top-width: initial; border-top-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: initial; border-left-color: initial; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: initial; border-right-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 0px; clear: both; "><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; ">17. Learn to say no. She may pitch a fit today, but someday you’ll both be glad you stuck to your guns.</p><hr style="border-bottom-width: 1px; border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-top-style: none; border-top-width: initial; border-top-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: initial; border-left-color: initial; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: initial; border-right-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 0px; clear: both; "><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; ">18. Tell her she’s beautiful. Say it over and over again. Someday an animated movie or “beauty” magazine will try to convince her otherwise.</p><hr style="border-bottom-width: 1px; border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-top-style: none; border-top-width: initial; border-top-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: initial; border-left-color: initial; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: initial; border-right-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 0px; clear: both; "><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; text-align: center; "><img class="aligncenter" src="http://26.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lnz6slnO4M1qmxqgxo1_500.jpg" alt="" width="400" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; " /></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; ">19. Teach her to change a flat. A tire without air need not be a major panic inducing event in her life. She’ll still call you crying the first time it happens.</p><hr style="border-bottom-width: 1px; border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-top-style: none; border-top-width: initial; border-top-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: initial; border-left-color: initial; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: initial; border-right-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 0px; clear: both; "><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; text-align: center; "><img class="aligncenter" src="http://24.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lnz81nWjjI1qmxqgxo1_r3_500.png" alt="" width="400" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; " /></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; ">20. Take her camping. Immerse her in the great outdoors. Watch her eyes fill with wonder the first time she sees the beauty of wide open spaces. Leave the iPod at home.</p><hr style="border-bottom-width: 1px; border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-top-style: none; border-top-width: initial; border-top-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: initial; border-left-color: initial; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: initial; border-right-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 0px; clear: both; "><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; text-align: center; "><img class="aligncenter" src="http://29.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lo3kdocCgb1qmxqgxo1_500.jpg" alt="" width="400" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; " /></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; ">21. Let her hold the wheel. She will always remember when daddy let her drive.</p><hr style="border-bottom-width: 1px; border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-top-style: none; border-top-width: initial; border-top-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: initial; border-left-color: initial; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: initial; border-right-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 0px; clear: both; "><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; ">22. She’s as smart as any boy. Make sure she knows that.</p><hr style="border-bottom-width: 1px; border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-top-style: none; border-top-width: initial; border-top-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: initial; border-left-color: initial; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: initial; border-right-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 0px; clear: both; "><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; ">23. When she learns to give kisses, she will want to plant them all over your face. Encourage this practice.</p><hr style="border-bottom-width: 1px; border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-top-style: none; border-top-width: initial; border-top-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: initial; border-left-color: initial; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: initial; border-right-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 0px; clear: both; "><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; text-align: center; "><img class="aligncenter" src="http://27.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lo0pulkEBB1qmxqgxo1_r1_500.jpg" alt="" width="400" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; " /></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; ">24. Knowing how to eat sunflower seeds correctly will not help her get into a good college. Teach her anyway.</p><hr style="border-bottom-width: 1px; border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-top-style: none; border-top-width: initial; border-top-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: initial; border-left-color: initial; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: initial; border-right-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 0px; clear: both; "><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; ">25. Letting her ride on your shoulders is pure magic. Do it now while you have a strong back and she’s still tiny.</p><hr style="border-bottom-width: 1px; border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-top-style: none; border-top-width: initial; border-top-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: initial; border-left-color: initial; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: initial; border-right-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 0px; clear: both; "><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; text-align: center; "><img class="aligncenter" src="http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lo6cv5iXTL1qmxqgxo1_500.jpg" alt="" width="400" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; " /></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; ">26. It is in her nature to make music. It’s up to you to introduce her to the joy of socks on a wooden floor.</p><hr style="border-bottom-width: 1px; border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-top-style: none; border-top-width: initial; border-top-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: initial; border-left-color: initial; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: initial; border-right-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 0px; clear: both; "><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; text-align: center; "><img class="aligncenter" src="http://27.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lo5gav5xQE1qmxqgxo1_500.jpg" alt="" width="400" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; " /></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; ">27. If there’s a splash park near your home, take her there often. She will be drawn to the water like a duck to a puddle.</p><hr style="border-bottom-width: 1px; border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-top-style: none; border-top-width: initial; border-top-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: initial; border-left-color: initial; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: initial; border-right-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 0px; clear: both; "><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; text-align: center; "><img class="aligncenter" src="http://30.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lo6uzmX8H71qmxqgxo1_500.jpg" alt="" width="400" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; " /></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; ">28. She will eagerly await your return home from work in the evenings. Don’t be late.</p><hr style="border-bottom-width: 1px; border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-top-style: none; border-top-width: initial; border-top-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: initial; border-left-color: initial; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: initial; border-right-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 0px; clear: both; "><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; text-align: center; "><img class="aligncenter" src="http://30.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lo5fwmJN4o1qmxqgxo1_r1_500.png" alt="" width="400" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; " /></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; ">29. If her mom enrolls her in swim lessons, make sure you get in the pool too. Don’t be intimidated if there are no other dads there. It’s their loss.</p><hr style="border-bottom-width: 1px; border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-top-style: none; border-top-width: initial; border-top-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: initial; border-left-color: initial; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: initial; border-right-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 0px; clear: both; "><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; ">30. Never miss her birthday. In ten years she won’t remember the present you gave her. She will remember if you weren’t there.</p><hr style="border-bottom-width: 1px; border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-top-style: none; border-top-width: initial; border-top-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: initial; border-left-color: initial; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: initial; border-right-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 0px; clear: both; "><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; text-align: center; "><img class="aligncenter" src="http://28.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lo0vcsxOnV1qmxqgxo1_500.jpg" alt="" width="400" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; " /></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; ">31. Teach her to roller skate. Watch her confidence soar.</p><hr style="border-bottom-width: 1px; border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-top-style: none; border-top-width: initial; border-top-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: initial; border-left-color: initial; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: initial; border-right-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 0px; clear: both; "><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; text-align: center; "><img class="aligncenter" src="http://28.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lo126gGGDQ1qmxqgxo1_r1_500.jpg" alt="" width="400" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; " /></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; ">32. Let her roll around in the grass. It’s good for her soul. It’s not bad for yours either.</p><hr style="border-bottom-width: 1px; border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-top-style: none; border-top-width: initial; border-top-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: initial; border-left-color: initial; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: initial; border-right-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 0px; clear: both; "><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; ">33. Take her swimsuit shopping. Don’t be afraid to veto some of her choices, but resist the urge to buy her full-body beach pajamas.</p><hr style="border-bottom-width: 1px; border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-top-style: none; border-top-width: initial; border-top-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: initial; border-left-color: initial; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: initial; border-right-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 0px; clear: both; "><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; text-align: center; "><img class="aligncenter" src="http://29.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lo8gtl8qGX1qmxqgxo1_r2_500.png" alt="" width="400" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; " /></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; ">34. Somewhere between the time she turns three and her sixth birthday, the odds are good that she will ask you to marry her. Let her down gently.</p><hr style="border-bottom-width: 1px; border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-top-style: none; border-top-width: initial; border-top-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: initial; border-left-color: initial; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: initial; border-right-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 0px; clear: both; "><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; text-align: center; "><img class="aligncenter" src="http://28.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lo6gbh8bdG1qmxqgxo1_500.jpg" alt="" width="400" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; " /></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; ">35. She’ll probably want to crawl in bed with you after a nightmare. This is a good thing.</p><hr style="border-bottom-width: 1px; border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-top-style: none; border-top-width: initial; border-top-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: initial; border-left-color: initial; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: initial; border-right-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 0px; clear: both; "><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; text-align: center; "><img class="aligncenter" src="http://29.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lo8bzg0q0E1qmxqgxo1_500.jpg" alt="" width="400" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; " /></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; ">36. Few things in life are more comforting to a crying little girl than her father’s hand. Never forget this.</p><hr style="border-bottom-width: 1px; border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-top-style: none; border-top-width: initial; border-top-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: initial; border-left-color: initial; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: initial; border-right-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 0px; clear: both; "><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; ">37. Introduce her to the swings at your local park. She’ll squeal for you to push her higher and faster. Her definition of “higher and faster” is probably not the same as yours. Keep that in mind.</p><hr style="border-bottom-width: 1px; border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-top-style: none; border-top-width: initial; border-top-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: initial; border-left-color: initial; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: initial; border-right-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 0px; clear: both; "><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; ">38. When she’s a bit older, your definition of higher and faster will be a lot closer to hers. When that day comes, go ahead… give it all you’ve got.</p><hr style="border-bottom-width: 1px; border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-top-style: none; border-top-width: initial; border-top-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: initial; border-left-color: initial; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: initial; border-right-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 0px; clear: both; "><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; text-align: center; "><img class="aligncenter" src="http://30.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_loajwjphlz1qmxqgxo1_500.jpg" alt="" width="400" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; " /></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; ">39. Holding her upside down by the legs while she giggles and screams uncontrollably is great for your biceps. WARNING: She has no concept of muscle fatigue.</p><hr style="border-bottom-width: 1px; border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-top-style: none; border-top-width: initial; border-top-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: initial; border-left-color: initial; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: initial; border-right-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 0px; clear: both; "><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; ">40. She might ask you to buy her a pony on her birthday. Unless you live on a farm, do not buy her a pony on her birthday. It’s OK to rent one though.</p><hr style="border-bottom-width: 1px; border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-top-style: none; border-top-width: initial; border-top-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: initial; border-left-color: initial; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: initial; border-right-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 0px; clear: both; "><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; ">41. Take it easy on the presents for her birthday and Christmas. Instead, give her the gift of experiences you can share together.</p><hr style="border-bottom-width: 1px; border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-top-style: none; border-top-width: initial; border-top-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: initial; border-left-color: initial; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: initial; border-right-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 0px; clear: both; "><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; text-align: center; "><img class="aligncenter" src="http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lnzfj2wpYt1qmxqgxo1_500.jpg" alt="" width="400" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; " /></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; ">42. Let her know she can always come home. No matter what.</p><hr style="border-bottom-width: 1px; border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-top-style: none; border-top-width: initial; border-top-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: initial; border-left-color: initial; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: initial; border-right-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 0px; clear: both; "><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; text-align: center; "><img class="aligncenter" src="http://27.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lobvs8Xses1qehcfxo1_500.jpg" alt="" width="400" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; " /></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; ">43. Remember, just like a butterfly, she too will spread her wings and fly some day. Enjoy her caterpillar years.</p><hr style="border-bottom-width: 1px; border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-top-style: none; border-top-width: initial; border-top-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: initial; border-left-color: initial; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: initial; border-right-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 0px; clear: both; "><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; ">44. Write her a handwritten letter every year on her birthday. Give them to her when she goes off to college, becomes a mother herself, or when you think she needs them most.</p><hr style="border-bottom-width: 1px; border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-top-style: none; border-top-width: initial; border-top-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: initial; border-left-color: initial; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: initial; border-right-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 0px; clear: both; "><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; text-align: center; "><img class="aligncenter" src="http://30.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_loahveJA3q1qmxqgxo1_500.jpg" alt="" width="400" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; " /></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; ">45. Learn to trust her. Gradually give her more freedom as she gets older. She will rise to the expectations you set for her.</p><hr style="border-bottom-width: 1px; border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-top-style: none; border-top-width: initial; border-top-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: initial; border-left-color: initial; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: initial; border-right-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 0px; clear: both; "><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; ">46. When in doubt, trust your heart. She already does.</p><hr style="border-bottom-width: 1px; border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-top-style: none; border-top-width: initial; border-top-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: initial; border-left-color: initial; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: initial; border-right-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 0px; clear: both; "><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; text-align: center; "><img class="aligncenter" src="http://27.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lo14riiBY81qmxqgxo1_500.jpg" alt="" width="400" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; " /></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; ">47. When your teenage daughter is upset, learning when to engage and when to back off will add years to YOUR life. If you succeed in doing this, tell me how.</p><hr style="border-bottom-width: 1px; border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-top-style: none; border-top-width: initial; border-top-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: initial; border-left-color: initial; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: initial; border-right-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 0px; clear: both; "><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; ">48. Ice cream covers over a multitude of sins. Know her favorite flavor.</p><hr style="border-bottom-width: 1px; border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-top-style: none; border-top-width: initial; border-top-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: initial; border-left-color: initial; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: initial; border-right-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 0px; clear: both; "><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; text-align: center; "><img class="aligncenter" src="http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lo0s7vjez51qmxqgxo1_500.jpg" alt="" width="400" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; " /></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; ">49. This day is coming soon. There’s nothing you can do to be ready for it. The sooner you accept this fact, the easier it will be.</p><hr style="border-bottom-width: 1px; border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-color: rgb(170, 170, 170); border-top-style: none; border-top-width: initial; border-top-color: initial; border-left-style: none; border-left-width: initial; border-left-color: initial; border-right-style: none; border-right-width: initial; border-right-color: initial; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 0px; clear: both; "><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; text-align: center; "><img class="aligncenter" src="http://28.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lo8ha0WD631qmxqgxo1_500.jpg" alt="" width="400" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; " /></p><p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 15px; padding-left: 0px; ">50. Today she’s walking down the driveway to get on the school bus. Tomorrow she’s going off to college. Don’t blink.</p></span></div><div>The article/rules were written by Michael Mitchell and the link to the original site is: <a href="http://www.fromdatestodiapers.com/50-rules-for-dads-of-daughters">http://www.fromdatestodiapers.com/50-rules-for-dads-of-daughters</a></div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08217568104137152554noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4556889227000463434.post-14844109555770659432011-08-16T12:04:00.000-04:002011-10-03T12:06:03.610-04:00Happy Four Month, Brooke!Brooke is 4 months old! It's hard to believe she's only been here for four months...some days it seems like she was just born and then other days it's hard to remember life without her. <br />
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What are you up to this month?</div>
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<ul>
<li>You are mostly in 0-3 months clothes but fitting more and more into your 3 month clothes.</li>
<li>You are still in a size 1 diaper. </li>
<li>You weighted 11.4 lbs at your 4 month check up. You are in the 3rd percentile for weight...I was a little concerned but Dr. Jackson assured me that you are perfect and that since you've always been on the petite side that you will probably just be a petite little girl.</li>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2TBWiKNlTy98tEJJWxDXm7C51e_IH0J8zh2nliygW7XMkNj70EqJ7mrYvxm5QLkFUHXsQQVBXoER0qvRFxdN5n5216wH8-Yk6tVhB1iSGFH4RZ4LuxequYfZeDiPEUtmaX6fTJG8FIbb3/s1600/IMG_0479.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2TBWiKNlTy98tEJJWxDXm7C51e_IH0J8zh2nliygW7XMkNj70EqJ7mrYvxm5QLkFUHXsQQVBXoER0qvRFxdN5n5216wH8-Yk6tVhB1iSGFH4RZ4LuxequYfZeDiPEUtmaX6fTJG8FIbb3/s320/IMG_0479.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
<ul>
<li>You are nursing 4-5 times a day. Ususally every 3 hours.</li>
<li>When you take a bottle you take 5 ounces of breastmilk.</li>
<li>You have been consistently sleeping 8-10 hours a night. It is wonderful! We had a few rough nights when we decided to kick the swaddle habit. You were breaking out of it every night.</li>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOJo_8VSC_8mMt0CrjTHmgDIkVZSWgWmM3ZpHb6Cfv318khlieBdIbNwUUVL3cJQU7gvJmwuAoRAp3k42XOoYu7kypRZCeEt7HvpusH2sl1_Tq36V_5m0daSCGc7Ts4BMG7LL8eHj816j8/s1600/IMG_0536.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOJo_8VSC_8mMt0CrjTHmgDIkVZSWgWmM3ZpHb6Cfv318khlieBdIbNwUUVL3cJQU7gvJmwuAoRAp3k42XOoYu7kypRZCeEt7HvpusH2sl1_Tq36V_5m0daSCGc7Ts4BMG7LL8eHj816j8/s320/IMG_0536.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="239" /></a></div>
<ul>
<li>You still are not a huge fan of taking naps when I tell you it's nap time. You like to fight me and cry. You eventually give in and when you wake up from your nap you are soooo happy. See! Momma knows best! You have a very hard time taking a nap at daycare...I think you're just afraid you're going to miss out on something fun. </li>
<li>You are rolling over! Both, back to tummy and tummy to back.</li>
</ul>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7G94PhYW29cft4AjsiIFYn6jj4EPbm6jP_ttmdJug7paBr5RPAep2R8Y6Cq74gHJfADIi67RFLhd7teLBH6_CvhIOADYAfMHPfOS8wdluvxxGm0PiR6oalXkyAYblq8tLgHeVGmF31Zcu/s1600/IMG_0593.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7G94PhYW29cft4AjsiIFYn6jj4EPbm6jP_ttmdJug7paBr5RPAep2R8Y6Cq74gHJfADIi67RFLhd7teLBH6_CvhIOADYAfMHPfOS8wdluvxxGm0PiR6oalXkyAYblq8tLgHeVGmF31Zcu/s320/IMG_0593.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="239" /></a></div>
<ul>
<li>You are the definition of a wiggle worm. You can NOT sit still!</li>
<li>You really enjoy laying on the floor and playing with your activity mat - and I think its a little more fun to you since you can now roll around under the toys.</li>
<li>You have started trying to sit up. Its funny to watch you try to use your little abs. It won't be long!</li>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPok9wqRSUg1BzPkqzfTuWkNFYPsy9_XLPJ807xrCgKyQSVH63X38jiOL-p68hEbXQex3-Pj_pgrPCO8zCgUoSLQWnbNWrUi-fbiXvFBBV9uO4LmXUICdPm34euNlr2DKk-FoUFLGtZrAr/s1600/IMG_0534.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPok9wqRSUg1BzPkqzfTuWkNFYPsy9_XLPJ807xrCgKyQSVH63X38jiOL-p68hEbXQex3-Pj_pgrPCO8zCgUoSLQWnbNWrUi-fbiXvFBBV9uO4LmXUICdPm34euNlr2DKk-FoUFLGtZrAr/s320/IMG_0534.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div>
<ul>
<li>You love to chew on your hands and you are a drooling machine. We like to call your drool 'liquid sugar'. </li>
<li style="text-align: left;">You started daycare mid-July. You seem to really like your teachers which makes me happy. Your first day of school you were SO happy to be awake so early. You gave us the biggest smiles that morning. I think you were excited.</li>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTtH9YpdHlUbJrm6GvoTknieT8M9ghf6l4IyIYfJueqIGCmCAZew2OG4mwu28udOhz6ed_v4R878cgE7KtP9_6ZpuKnWOBAazrJtI181F80bAWqwS_AIEI0TfIkCWNBbNKpSaPgxUAaTFT/s1600/1st+day+of+school+combo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTtH9YpdHlUbJrm6GvoTknieT8M9ghf6l4IyIYfJueqIGCmCAZew2OG4mwu28udOhz6ed_v4R878cgE7KtP9_6ZpuKnWOBAazrJtI181F80bAWqwS_AIEI0TfIkCWNBbNKpSaPgxUAaTFT/s400/1st+day+of+school+combo.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<ul>
<li>You also love to watch your hands - opening and closing your fists. And those little hands are quite powerful - you love to get a big handful of my hair and yank!</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Your personality is coming out more and more - you love to 'talk' to us. I have already warned your Dad that we will most likely get notes from your teachers saying that you talk to much in class. Your favorite time to talk is in the car. You just babble all the way to Church. I tell you that you better get it out of your system because you have to be quiet during Mass.</li>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7SbsDQ9R5MqnDQEXs0uYPqnsVyX0mGUOUEVbRBW8fzCxIs9UZ0IvardvTdUUiGbNV91SlmlbZMjt4YE0s2bwUP7kEG8oKfQ4Hq1fnooFuDeU6ZQuD3w_UfneVLu-Qy1pq4JwqA6-mX78O/s1600/IMG_0585.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7SbsDQ9R5MqnDQEXs0uYPqnsVyX0mGUOUEVbRBW8fzCxIs9UZ0IvardvTdUUiGbNV91SlmlbZMjt4YE0s2bwUP7kEG8oKfQ4Hq1fnooFuDeU6ZQuD3w_UfneVLu-Qy1pq4JwqA6-mX78O/s320/IMG_0585.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
<ul>
<li>You have the sweetest little giggle. Its not very often that we get a good big belly laugh, but you do think something is funny it usually comes in the form of an inhaled shriek. Its really cute.</li>
<li>Your favorite toy is Ellie the pink elephant. Then Sofie or your Crinkle Book. </li>
</ul>
Brooke - you are loved and adored more than you'll ever know. We just love you SO much!Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08217568104137152554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4556889227000463434.post-620850150827913812011-07-30T23:29:00.003-04:002011-07-30T23:42:38.983-04:00I'm baaaack!Towards the end of my pregnancy I had high expectations that I would have tons of free time on my hands once the baby was born. You know, new babies sleep ALL day, right? Well, my 12 weeks of maternity leave flew by and I barely got a chance to document anything. We are now 3.5 months into this whole 'being parents' thing and I feel like I've finally caught my stride. It was rough at times but I am so incredibly happy right now with life. <div><br /></div><div>I fell off the blogging wagon a few months ago...well maybe more like a year ago. I basically stopped blogging about our life and only blogged my weekly pregnancy updates. I never got around to blogging about the wonderful baby showers, Brooke's birth or even my pregnancy wrap up post. I started several posts and they're saved as drafts so if you're interested in reading those, look back at the previous months over the next couple of weeks...I hope I'll get them posted soon. I also have Brooke's two and three month posts as well....I just need to add the pictures to those posts. Arranging pictures in a post is the most annoying thing with blogger...does anyone have a work around for this? </div><div><br /></div><div>Anyways, I have lots of things to share like an update on our house situation, my job situation and other random stuff I just wanted journaled. I've been wanting to get back to the ole blog so here goes........</div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08217568104137152554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4556889227000463434.post-37818677315110492352011-07-16T23:05:00.008-04:002011-09-15T21:33:03.314-04:00Happy Three Month, Brooke!<div style="text-align: left;">Brooke is 3 months old! Time is flying by and I can't believe she's already been here for a quarter of a year! The months are just zooming by. I feel she grows an inch every time I blink.</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLuksP_b3dRQ_N8YZgDNmpF1Nqr2tv3OJdsgk4wcF0MH8sxTv5uZfV81hBKj3hJAwuME1-11qXMqoqgLTT1p3liwzk6R05MtsAnfU4azPOSNxg705algLpN9pr4V_D3FtomaZaIlsJMa72/s320/IMG_1807.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5652762127317013490" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 214px; height: 320px; " /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>What are you up to this month?</b></div><div><ul><li>You are wearing size 0-3 month and 3 month clothes.</li><li>You are still wearing a size 1 diaper and I think you will be in them for the next month or so...or at least I hope you will because we have two boxes of size 1 diapers in the closet!</li><li>I don't know exactly how much you weigh but I'm pretty sure you're about 10 lbs. You are a petite little thing.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8PcltDeSwO4F8bk3lao4R3fGsED7PJaBOQvTJDDr1q-ZaMUkRsuKqMhpwqWK1cJC6qVBL2NsU4Q-II0u9-VewrQzlDMM7muwPuaJAEDt4VkVeiQLY1OePwleRahx9aq8ztrYjkGqrwAym/s320/IMG_0407.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647950382201230450" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 320px; " /></span></li><li>You eat every 3 hours. And, this month we had a break thru in nursing. You are a nursing champ now! I am so glad I didn't throw in the towel early on. Thankfully, you will still take a bottle so we shouldn't have any issues when you start daycare in a few weeks.</li><li>When you take a bottle you usually eat about 4-5 ozs.</li><li>The Monday after your two month birthday, you moved to your crib. You now LOVE your bed, which makes me so happy!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMr9hhX4187iTxOlpwk9op90aecE0qsnNX-DhCZAgNeXnvtIDzTg87Qu5vczXiFrreosgXy-dWYW5u3sa-ENyrdkRqbgSW2IF5GLMR4XnxCWusOL5RhN1V_4dfajAVGgeK_SKMUjtlfUVo/s320/IMG_0394.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647950378332492866" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 320px; " /></span></li><li>You are sleeping anywhere from 8-10 hours a night. And you LOVE to be swaddled!</li><li>You had your first 'sick' visit to the doctor this month. When you woke up one morning your poor little eye was all goopey with eye junk. You were your happy, smiley self and seemed fine but I freaked and immediately called the doctor. Turns out it was just a clogged tear duct...no biggie! It was all clear within a day or so.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPAowhwAa9ugEri_9mjhMeiGdN2w7-99_VFK_2XTx8vWwSz5CGeJhjS-Tv5t40XiKBuxYIArCazaj8vtcqnCdGqnqQaaTMZw0nsRZXwJW6FaIdjcYd6tfDLjzmj-eCQn9ueFuTrEup15ee/s320/IMG_0371.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647950371838483042" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 320px; " /></span></li><li>You still are not a big fan of tummy time but we are working on rolling over...you are sooooo close!</li><li>You love to kick your legs and arms...especially when I'm trying to change your diaper. This is very cute, except when you kick your feet into a poopy diaper! Yuck!</li><li>You love the pink elephant toy...Ellie. She can always get a smile out of you.</li><li>You are such a happy baby! When we were doing your 3 month photo session in your chair in your room you started to fall over a little bit...but you were still just throwing out the BIG smiles.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvbxqXXxCQaUzaXaVMTgOzMgmpZQZHaUGLvjMyW41sFO02vJOnFfZ-_cLbSztwjPUVxWnd14siezfi5n8y8Z9ToeMVprlQ5Kgfo0BZmsOawYfoax4fWiPI4EAsL4GRUl8n31SL7wj07HBI/s320/IMG_0357.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647950363040278514" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 239px; height: 320px; " /></span></li><li>You are spending less time in the swing and more time on your activity mat and sitting in the Bumbo. You also really like your bouncy seat now...you finally figured out that when you kick your legs it makes you bounce. </li><li>You really love it when we whisper to you and you do NOT like sudden loud noises or when people talk loud while holding you. Your scared cry is just pitiful.</li><li>People comment on how cute you are all the time...I don't blame them. You are pretty cute!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnQ2vpzPdpBAKZdKkW8AsQdmyQGZ-jh6fpN8DF0I5k8zlyZ-qtkWsrZhtDzJahNShlSsWMGCQRzwqI94yZq5H44eU9U24g-E7D3Qvu2uHSxV69Ps3nJQnqxz77WV2onpEL6obnUUR1cW3g/s320/IMG_0366.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647950368702934082" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 320px; " /></span></li><li>Your 3 month birthday was spent with lots of family and friends...you were baptized on July 16th!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRgKpX0lFsr45dnCNQBMUBENH8ZxSj48FJ5PSO9ModY0N86BMy3lNjAPZps2sO86FFYy6_N8NNwd76vOpW1lv-FP1gTtXIg_-K6cdfaqfaSlx6hlbOBA-puQZwRq9AvZvDANJwtaFgJ5DR/s320/IMG_1763.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5652763968923741330" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 246px; " /></span></li></ul><div>Brookie baby, you are the light of our lives and we love you so much sweet girl!</div></div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08217568104137152554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4556889227000463434.post-86858300071036018862011-06-16T18:47:00.006-04:002011-09-02T22:10:01.673-04:00Happy Two Month, Brooke!<div style="text-align: left;">Brooke is two months old! I can't believe how fast the second month went. Brooke's little personality has just taken off this month and its so fun to watch her grow. I swear, every time I blink she grows. I take a lot of pictures of her, mostly on my iPhone because its so handy.</div><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 239px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggjE-VGUMoKaXfBOR0KefWXmdkilEdTzN33ug-IWOcQ_jwZohSn20aeMGZtIgUG7VDwcKC07mu22UlhKIkW9FiR0j2ffeO_gNZP-HVKFOfEFPkAkW_HlmuzL3HOrJH5w3ZLoQf9xJ5TQWw/s320/IMG_0323.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5623842177610519826" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>What are you up to this month?</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><ul><li style="text-align: left;">You are wearing size 1 diapers and size 0-3 months clothes. You can still wear a few of your newborn outfits but not many. The other night I put you in a newborn footed <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">pj</span> and you started crying...I quickly figured out it was because you were cramped in there and couldn't stretch out! Poor thing!</li><li style="text-align: left;">You weighed 9 lb. 5 oz (19<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">th</span> percentile) at your doctor appointment and you measured 21.5 inches long (20<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">th</span> percentile). Your head circumference was 38 inches (31st percentile).I can't believe you've grown a whole inch right before my eyes. It's amazing how fast you are growing!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpc_ZNMKdlJpSIa9pk-VUbwu0U6Ibl15uWIvcnb54jOmzsBeuXBgjKZ5iWD-GblXTpyVhe5PvF9i3fDb83deOa1usQsOD4QmQDcjzmnaV0cMapziotr-Iv3-rT88yMdHWDVyZWe7Fws5xD/s320/IMG_0244.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635358557230487426" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 239px; height: 320px; " /></span></li><li style="text-align: left;">You eat 4 <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">oz's</span> every 3 hours and we've made some progress with nursing. We went to see an occupational therapist and they gave us some more exercises to do and I think you're doing better. You usually nurse your first feeding of the day and then you get a bottle for all your other feedings.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-y6_YWOAnADnNv_a3cD3yUBFgZDzgvIXduT_HKJoiwBL8iY9fvjb9CzSBpLr3qNeJjPptr04zrHG-YO1g0MTmKzJ3TJAQX1-SCVWrFJN7Q_6pqScmlG3HaQMP49pUcgxlwfJNgFLPkk3V/s1600/IMG_0190.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-y6_YWOAnADnNv_a3cD3yUBFgZDzgvIXduT_HKJoiwBL8iY9fvjb9CzSBpLr3qNeJjPptr04zrHG-YO1g0MTmKzJ3TJAQX1-SCVWrFJN7Q_6pqScmlG3HaQMP49pUcgxlwfJNgFLPkk3V/s320/IMG_0190.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5623849870446980642" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 239px; height: 320px; " /></a></li><li style="text-align: left;">You're really starting to sleep for longer stretches at night. It's not uncommon for you to go 7 or 8 hours. This makes Mom & Dad super happy! :)</li><li style="text-align: left;">You are still sleeping in your pack in play in our bedroom. I had anticipated that you would be in your crib by now...but I'm <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">ok</span> with having you so close. You have started taking naps in your crib without fussing too much now and I think you sleep better in your room once you finally fall asleep.</li></ul><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpJ-s44CMFr6648Q8bE66Zv-rLVRoKrRfFaewZZOmm_1z94YzXLM-YeTx8h1tbE29JDshxWrcC0Ntuu0AmWw_mAddthgHpmzPgdXJOyW7fMi8ZO5bMoCsaQ59XSapggwkP6C2VmgVv3S3X/s320/IMG_0189.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5623849861761163442" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 239px; height: 320px; " /></span><ul><li style="text-align: left;">We swaddle you at night and for naps. When you wake up you usually kick your legs and grunt until someone comes in and <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">un</span>-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">velco's</span> the swaddle. Then as soon as your arms are free you will <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">strreeeetch</span> really big then flash a big gummy grin. I love that you wake up so happy (definitely get that from your Daddy). </li><li style="text-align: left;">You are most content in the swing (unless someone is holding you) but the bouncy seat has grown on you. You sit in the bouncy seat while I take a shower some days and you just coo and kick your legs.<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuFVA8H26wegO-3HULCt_jhSMVzw9slehj_B13Oob8DMtnfNyMm_iq0M6xIgV93WHzo29c0niuXhmU8PWmRLa7q04V4phaEQ7J7gduLI1xnFWJs_wfLXw6fC8tCMybGsVCEQIXZKLdhoGL/s320/IMG_0290.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5635358550129952930" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 239px; height: 320px; " /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU2fLjMELGW_YjgS3Y8Z6dJjGGIZ-CjYCBsZB6vf0tUnLFmu0fK7_pS-2i_5fA5MPwC7y_eFFgCM4KZXyuka1OSqCeaKGvi2fKc6CDOrg_9cUlRB_MNzq9fPE36WfUUpHeic33dL0ahFEd/s1600/IMG_0211.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU2fLjMELGW_YjgS3Y8Z6dJjGGIZ-CjYCBsZB6vf0tUnLFmu0fK7_pS-2i_5fA5MPwC7y_eFFgCM4KZXyuka1OSqCeaKGvi2fKc6CDOrg_9cUlRB_MNzq9fPE36WfUUpHeic33dL0ahFEd/s1600/IMG_0211.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU2fLjMELGW_YjgS3Y8Z6dJjGGIZ-CjYCBsZB6vf0tUnLFmu0fK7_pS-2i_5fA5MPwC7y_eFFgCM4KZXyuka1OSqCeaKGvi2fKc6CDOrg_9cUlRB_MNzq9fPE36WfUUpHeic33dL0ahFEd/s1600/IMG_0211.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"></a></li><div>
<br /></div><li style="text-align: left;">You started using your activity mat this month although I think you get scared sometimes. You don't move much and when you do move your arms and knock the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">dangly</span> things it scares you and you cry.</li><li style="text-align: left;">You do NOT like tummy time. I think it is safe to say that you hate it. </li><li style="text-align: left;">You have recently found your voice and you love to hear your self talk. The first time you squealed, you surprised yourself and got real still and looked around like "did I do that?"<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXTr8xWPOacC4diNpzSfOIHM2OMpjW4dzU0eabs8j-JXsmukloHsLXsvF7sY7i-skn3BSH1X2bCCbwuIMAIxCxGS-GlX1zIKgJfLo4PYu286lWcU-Rveu0cdvKbJqC8FAAivDf_lbe9B46/s1600/IMG_0202.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXTr8xWPOacC4diNpzSfOIHM2OMpjW4dzU0eabs8j-JXsmukloHsLXsvF7sY7i-skn3BSH1X2bCCbwuIMAIxCxGS-GlX1zIKgJfLo4PYu286lWcU-Rveu0cdvKbJqC8FAAivDf_lbe9B46/s320/IMG_0202.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5623849881477462274" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 239px; height: 320px; " /></a></li><li style="text-align: left;">You smile ALL the time! I'm pretty sure if you keep up these smiles you'll get just about whatever you want. I say the silliest things and make the funniest faces just to get you to smile. </li><li style="text-align: left;">Your have the most beautiful blue eyes.</li><li style="text-align: left;">You have mastered the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">pouty</span> face and it's absolutely pitiful. As soon as that little lower lip sticks out my heart melts.<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 238); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: underline; "><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU2fLjMELGW_YjgS3Y8Z6dJjGGIZ-CjYCBsZB6vf0tUnLFmu0fK7_pS-2i_5fA5MPwC7y_eFFgCM4KZXyuka1OSqCeaKGvi2fKc6CDOrg_9cUlRB_MNzq9fPE36WfUUpHeic33dL0ahFEd/s320/IMG_0211.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5623849889249391506" style="display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 239px; height: 320px; " /></span></li></ul><div style="text-align: left;">Brooke, we love you more than we knew our hearts were capable of. It's an amazing love and every night I go to bed thinking I can't possibly love you any more than I already do; then morning comes and my heart has grown over night and I love you even more! You are the best thing that has ever happened to us!</div></div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08217568104137152554noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4556889227000463434.post-9205326053797916872011-05-16T16:37:00.005-04:002011-06-23T16:03:36.462-04:00Happy One Month, Brooke!<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Brooke is one month old! It seems like this has been the fastest, yet slowest month ever. Some pictures of our sweet girl during her first month of life...<div><br /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 239px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo2jJMRSNIpHqT6icQC53MYrbf9kEATtZjXNFR-gJTtOY1ZIBd9Lg5NOI_t8eH3WEYKqZufbcqaYTk7wfWDgfYNoBD5QoBqOIohIDSgWGFtiTYhO5B0rV4IP6Y6Z5ChD-0166xgVvleVf4/s320/IMG_0156.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621506285083372866" /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>What are you up to this month?</b></div><div><div style="text-align: left;"><ul><li>You are wearing newborn diapers and wear size newborn clothes. You're a skinny little thing! I actually had to pick up a few items from Target so you wouldn't have to repeat the same 3 outfits every few days.</li><li>You weighed 8 lbs 2 ozs at your one month doctor's appointment (20% percentile). You measured right at 20.5 inches (26% percentile), which is how long you were at birth...but the nurse assured me that your length at birth was probably a little off since babies tend to be extra wiggly then. And your head circumference was 36 inches (24% percentile).<img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 239px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE085YvmckOYv0EB_unwdsVeySMVasqf9v0k8y-ABICrXzOlvSsJ8mPkQZ9ZKBgqaDeI3JcGrU4FPe9VfejDMjnJIklt9Xj6_9evuj74uNWX7-f317uAJiIrOp8wu9zaPGHaImTbe5Vd0r/s320/IMG_0081.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5617165019909554434" /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></li><li>You eat every 3 hours. We have had some troubles with nursing and went to see a lactation consultant, where she diagnosed you as having 'lazy mouth syndrome'.We were given some exercises to do and they've helped some...so we're working on that. In the mean time I am pumping around the clock so you canhave breast milk. It's a lot of work but it's definitely worth it!</li><li>Since your tummy reminds youthat you are supposed to eat every 3 hours you typically wake up to eat during the night. Although there have been a few nights you had a 4 hour stretch. You are still sleeping in your pack-n-play in our room. Your pediatrician recommended that you sleep in our room for the first month. Maybe you'll move to your room by your 2 month check up.<img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 239px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia4p_NAo47OwC69nCUOxi0yzhsnE5QyyuhMXk4rrT2mlJwSJuByIYMjEw4eA7NyYONMsHCorV8Z1KJDNUoFhevgvsyu9PIZ4JB3RAxj5Gon8Xm3-Y3F28qSTCPIZgBqyTw_PHo9JJzqBn-/s320/IMG_0089.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5617165032233150498" /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></li><li>You are doing great with the eat, play, sleep cycle during the day so I hope you will follow the Babywise trend and transition to be a great night sleeper.</li><li>We started working on taking naps in your crib, but you don't really like that idea just yet. You will be so sleepy with droopy eyes and as soon as I go to lay you down in your crib your eyes pop WIDE open. If you could talk I'm pretty sure you would say "Oh heck no, crazy lady! You are NOT going to lay me down in this bed!" So, for now, you take the majority of your naps in your swing.<img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 239px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO4hxXCEEHuudMTocI9i7-kDUJuDi0AaqTGIpr4oCMNsOj7_UU01Q1_Pfq1K6ulxoTjPnA3DX__UE3c872v9EWqvVIqsWNXDXjLSfPrwHT62Xx9BZd7XSwtG-uCIzZDF16OueUYMA6OYrb/s320/IMG_0078.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5617165015806252994" /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></li><li>Speaking of swing, you LOVE your swing. However, you do not love the bouncy seat, but I think it will grow on you.</li><li>You are a pretty easy baby, you only fuss when you're hungry, need a diaper change or are sleepy. Most of the time when you're fussy your paci helps calm you down.<img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 239px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkgvkUOjtLlsqD9MbdpVlkGXhVmCiq373rYnn6SxnxvxpzGPkZSHD6i44b9cLWZhBBwq7c-3S3DE7sg6YAH2X7UN5vnxwCXfYQLPftxoyXhsEq7g27Esy6xcmeroG2xpPx9ryLhtdh8fOH/s320/IMG_0130.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5617165048054777170" /></li><li>You are a very alert baby. Everyone always is impressed with how alert you are. But then again, you were very alert when you were born too. I suppose you're just taking everything in.</li><li>You don't seem to like tummy time very much...unless its on someone's chest or on the Boppy. It hasn't seem to hinder your growing neck muscles since you're doing a great job holding your head up. Some days you're really strong and others more bobble-head-ish.</li></ul><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 239px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKvN7njO2dF7THf5af46wgKwCDN5AOSeGjAjV0zr5Rur3zRJfKXu3ytYyiKGyie6x2QT32SDb__6MNNPKkOVJWzhYKVSHTZcUMDigH6o1PgVAOiR_LohDUttll-O6sqIgZIGd5iCSft_aj/s320/IMG_0105.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621506720604527682" />Brooke, we think you are the most beautiful baby and we love you so much we think our hearts might explode. You are so wonderful! </div></div></div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08217568104137152554noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4556889227000463434.post-72047118244559613212011-04-16T22:03:00.000-04:002011-10-28T22:12:27.962-04:00April 16, 2011<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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April 16, 2011 our lives changed forever. Brooke decided that was the day she wanted to see what life was like outside the womb. Here are a few pictures from the best day of our life...the day we became parents.</div>
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Our immediate family, patiently waiting. Everyone was excited to become a grandparent or aunt/uncle that day! Looking back on it, they were real troopers. They waiting 12+ hours in that waiting room (something I would change if I could go back...I later learned that the nurses said they weren't able to disclose any information to them so they had NO idea what was going on or any progress we were making. I felt so bad that they were in the dark all day).</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7FFd_OuDp59vAmen6PtzqZxTvf4xKINEn3eFXrIRirzLv7y_xagxC9gYAZPsABpw3eF6DqjQDiEFpFOdhVgSjCrhg7f53YKwqDDJ36RErWDe3LWXKprUashMUcvQ2Nzmi9-vlqB8JNqIE/s1600/221867_10150234458853804_606218803_8469450_4694928_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621509574892172162" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7FFd_OuDp59vAmen6PtzqZxTvf4xKINEn3eFXrIRirzLv7y_xagxC9gYAZPsABpw3eF6DqjQDiEFpFOdhVgSjCrhg7f53YKwqDDJ36RErWDe3LWXKprUashMUcvQ2Nzmi9-vlqB8JNqIE/s320/221867_10150234458853804_606218803_8469450_4694928_n.jpg" style="display: block; height: 240px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
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After 20+ hours of unmedicated natural labor it was determined that Brooke was tired and her heart rate wasn't bouncing back after the contractions...so an OR was booked and I was prepped for a c-section.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9afOTgTyWsByVE6wyyyE3GtgmspGpfedkUKD2Sbr4C9Qi4Yi_NsQ27z1X-Z0WZJgcfrL3xsaYe2CXnpEH8tkgUw9QCwlL6kiQWDwM2UOTzJbXJ7DfrRqvH7uSIU6L6Q8PG2hHgnI0ti0f/s1600/IMG_1568.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647954515084400306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9afOTgTyWsByVE6wyyyE3GtgmspGpfedkUKD2Sbr4C9Qi4Yi_NsQ27z1X-Z0WZJgcfrL3xsaYe2CXnpEH8tkgUw9QCwlL6kiQWDwM2UOTzJbXJ7DfrRqvH7uSIU6L6Q8PG2hHgnI0ti0f/s320/IMG_1568.JPG" style="cursor: move; display: block; height: 214px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhngO75hoCeCa6CwhzYf2Ig_wm7a4E_zLuf0xW-bFm9YNax9Ih9THJ40vhMSSIejC-A7txysf1DtbHBwW5Nxbllb8wgYvXB96Bsmv9-vXiKREt9IKFjbHlzNutW_wzg5f9ExgomUluyXL_l/s1600/IMG_1576.JPG"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5647954524927771666" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhngO75hoCeCa6CwhzYf2Ig_wm7a4E_zLuf0xW-bFm9YNax9Ih9THJ40vhMSSIejC-A7txysf1DtbHBwW5Nxbllb8wgYvXB96Bsmv9-vXiKREt9IKFjbHlzNutW_wzg5f9ExgomUluyXL_l/s320/IMG_1576.JPG" style="cursor: move; display: block; height: 214px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center; width: 320px;" /></a></div>
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Meeting the family!<br />
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It was the longest shortest day. The BEST day of our lives!</div>
</div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08217568104137152554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4556889227000463434.post-16787380549644238752011-04-15T20:39:00.001-04:002011-06-09T20:39:50.480-04:0041 Weeks<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5yWdYR6DUc2fa1MykE0mi5XngDbz3BCSA3mp2qz86nsQj8qcA1Q6tINE1kklp_Uu1SVYKYhEckGUHPCT1agZ8ASH1xWyETEiYnvKwa1acJ0H1LCb4u7vVJ5HfnfNeuwN6ZwyB4LnKmxhL/s1600/IMG_1566.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5yWdYR6DUc2fa1MykE0mi5XngDbz3BCSA3mp2qz86nsQj8qcA1Q6tINE1kklp_Uu1SVYKYhEckGUHPCT1agZ8ASH1xWyETEiYnvKwa1acJ0H1LCb4u7vVJ5HfnfNeuwN6ZwyB4LnKmxhL/s320/IMG_1566.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5616383461809605522" /></a><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style=" color: rgb(51, 51, 51); line-height: 21px; font-family:Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif;font-size:14px;"><span style="font-weight: bold; "><div style="text-align: center; ">Pregnancy Highlights:</div></span><div style="text-align: center; ">How Far Along: 41 Weeks</div><div style="text-align: center; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: center; ">Size of baby: Unfortunately, neither Babycenter nor The Bump delivers a '41 Week' email stating how big baby is...because she should have come by now!</div><div style="text-align: center; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: center; ">Total Weight Gain/Loss: 45 lbs. Yikes!</div><div style="text-align: center; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: center; ">Maternity Clothes: Thankfully, I have been able to work from home every day this week...so I have been super comfy in pajamas. It's gotten a bit warmer lately so I've been rotating between my two short sleeve maternity shirts when I have to leave the house.</div><div style="text-align: center; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: center; ">Gender: It's a GIRL! Brooke Henley Femiano!</div><div style="text-align: center; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: center; ">Movement: Our little girl doesn't move nearly as much as she used to...I'm pretty sure its because she's run out of room in there. Time to come out!</div><div style="text-align: center; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: center; ">Sleep: Who can sleep when they're a whole week overdue???? I think I'm afraid my water is going to break in the bed and then I'll have a huge mess to clean up. </div><div style="text-align: center; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: center; ">What I miss: Nothing really comes to mind this week. I think I'm too anxious to miss anything.</div><div style="text-align: center; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: center; ">Cravings: I haven't had many cravings this week. Although I have eaten my fair share of eggplant parmesan...trying to induce labor.</div><div style="text-align: center; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: center; ">Symptoms: Swelling and just being a BIG ole pregnant girl.</div><div style="text-align: center; "><br /></div><div style="text-align: center; ">Best Moment this week: We got to see our little girl on the ultrasound again this week. They said that my placenta is looking 'tired'...which hopefully will signal my body to get this baby out! Other than that they said that she looks good and we'll go back next week if she doesn't come on her own this weekend.</div></span>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08217568104137152554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4556889227000463434.post-59420072785326798872011-04-08T10:54:00.003-04:002011-05-20T13:30:30.086-04:0040 Weeks<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWYgltw5_okDacxh6ZHDjRIGtVb2YV2STulAdb2YBCO7k4eR4_MGfdnRsG5VhaeEF7KAmPO3xUMh3iFCTEEdLdhrzZ07K13C-nsfa2bwZJIYpQIjf7nq7Z2jSxUj6YlzxfzwSbchatld0-/s1600/IMG_1553.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWYgltw5_okDacxh6ZHDjRIGtVb2YV2STulAdb2YBCO7k4eR4_MGfdnRsG5VhaeEF7KAmPO3xUMh3iFCTEEdLdhrzZ07K13C-nsfa2bwZJIYpQIjf7nq7Z2jSxUj6YlzxfzwSbchatld0-/s320/IMG_1553.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608851483046172850" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-weight:bold;"><div style="text-align: center;">Pregnancy Highlights: </div></span><div style="text-align: center;">How Far Along: 40 Weeks </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Size of baby: Turtle is about the size of a small pumpkin. She weighs about 7.5 pounds and is about 20 inches long.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Total Weight Gain/Loss: 45 lbs. Yikes!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Maternity Clothes: Thankfully, I have been able to work from home a few days this week...so on those days I've been sleeping, working and living in Mike's pajama pants (mine haven't fit for a very long time). When I absolutely have to go out in public, then I put on my favorite maternity jeans...even though they're a little tight in the thighs now.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Gender: It's a GIRL! Brooke Henley Femiano! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Movement: Our little girl doesn't move nearly as much as she used to...I'm pretty sure its because she's run out of room in there. Time to come out!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Sleep: Sleep has been hit or miss. I'm still waking up at 3am but it's not every night.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">What I miss: Nothing really comes to mind this week. I think I'm too anxious to miss anything. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Cravings: I haven't had many cravings this week. Maybe the Zaxby's House Zalad with ranch? Yummy! Pringles are still super addicting, but when are they not?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Symptoms: Swelling and just being a BIG ole pregnant girl.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Best Moment this week: This week I reached my official due date of April 8th. It came and went and I was so disappointed that Brooke had not graced us with her presence outside the womb. The doctor said that they typically do not like for you to go too far past your due date and for that they wanted me to come in with two dates picked out to induce labor. I was NOT happy about that. I was very clear that I did not want to pick Brooke's birthday and that I wanted to give her every chance to come on her own. I am only comfortable inducing if there is a major risk to her health. But as for now, she's healthy and snug as a bug in there...so I'm going to let her stay there as long as she likes. The perk to going past my due date is that they want to closely monitor her progress...which means ultrasounds! So, this week we got to see our little Turtle for hopefully the last time via ultrasound. The ultrasound tech said that she appears to be on the smaller side, but since Mike and I aren't large people she said that was perfectly fine. They estimated her to be about 6 lbs 5 ozs...we'll see just how close their prediction is.</div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08217568104137152554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4556889227000463434.post-35181713406662364392011-04-01T22:15:00.007-04:002011-04-08T23:24:56.395-04:0039 Weeks<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7gPYmN97IY0-3QXlZ0qAWiPCZ9V8_9mKBHuuRzj5XVxFIXuPJYZEvx4rmgTOK9lu8rjIezhjJ9gfKa_vILumycnwnN74Ynd1jYgCT1GdCpqn3oDaK1sIKO0UiCPqjuINmnti5b-JllzI8/s1600/IMG_1539.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5593402297340913314" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7gPYmN97IY0-3QXlZ0qAWiPCZ9V8_9mKBHuuRzj5XVxFIXuPJYZEvx4rmgTOK9lu8rjIezhjJ9gfKa_vILumycnwnN74Ynd1jYgCT1GdCpqn3oDaK1sIKO0UiCPqjuINmnti5b-JllzI8/s320/IMG_1539.JPG" /></a> <strong>Pregnancy Highlights:</strong> <br /><div align="center">How Far Along: 39 Weeks <br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center">Size of baby: Turtle is about the size of a mini watermelon. She weighs about 7 pounds and is about 20 inches long.</div><br /><div align="center">Total Weight Gain/Loss: 41 lbs. although it feels like I've gained 100 lbs.</div><br /><div align="center">Maternity Clothes: I'm probably pushing the envelope on some of my work pants now. I'm down to 2 pairs of pants that I would consider appropriate and my maternity shirts are definitely getting shorter in the front. <br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center">Gender: It's a GIRL! Brooke Henley Femiano! <br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center">Movement: Some days she moves non-stop and other days I'm in a frenzy and pushing my stomach every few hours because I haven't felt her move as much. I'm pretty sure she's in her final position because her foot feels like a little knob. <br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center">Sleep: Dare I say it for fear of jinxing myself, but sleep this week has been pretty good all things considered. Still utilizing the 4 pillow, pillow wedge and the insomnia hours have gotten a tad bit better. I still wake up around 3 am but I'm able to fall back asleep pretty soon after, thank goodness! <br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center">What I miss: Nothing really comes to mind this week. I think I'm too anxious to miss anything. <br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center">Cravings: I've still been craving Pringles. One day this week I was standing in the living room with a can of Pringles...before I knew it I looked in the can and realized that I had eaten probably 3/4 of the can of chips. Oops! <br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center">Symptoms: The swelling has gone to a whole new level. One of the midwifes predicted that it would get worse before it got better (aka when the baby is born) and she was spot on. The swelling has traveled up my legs now to my knees. Also, I forgot to post my stats in the last week post regarding progress...at my 38 week appointment I was 1 cm dilated, 50% effaced and -2 station. This week I was 2 cm, 60% and -2...so it wasn't BIG news but progress is progress. <br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center">Best Moment this week: The best moment this week was the surprise date night Mike planned. Saturday night he told me to get ready because he was taking me out. He surprised me and took me to the famous Scalini's to get their 'labor inducing' eggplant parmesan. It was delicious but unfortunately did not put me into labor. It sure was nice to go on a date...might be our last date for a while! </div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU19x9UFa7KF-odZ1ZuU9AsgSbQs70VSx6ZTA_j4RCWsuUtGePqr_RBuA2brC81UFyq24YhyqXo0exRX8cCiqbEQT0CVTBWgZi83TL0rLlnH1yfeyvqNOB9JG6a5VilgX4hQPmoK4DTVAo/s1600/Scalini%2527s.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 254px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5593419185485718114" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU19x9UFa7KF-odZ1ZuU9AsgSbQs70VSx6ZTA_j4RCWsuUtGePqr_RBuA2brC81UFyq24YhyqXo0exRX8cCiqbEQT0CVTBWgZi83TL0rLlnH1yfeyvqNOB9JG6a5VilgX4hQPmoK4DTVAo/s320/Scalini%2527s.jpg" /></a>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08217568104137152554noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4556889227000463434.post-60705736625621242011-03-25T17:17:00.012-04:002011-04-08T22:14:24.288-04:0038 Weeks<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWAqpzB3tLGPpZ6AgXFZunYzw98tiomFZ7czh_3VeWRgJ-vHWK6KuPa8ifQgzVVz_TqpwTDmEdHk1zdCEYiPtrIvgl0HXTLXi0Q0oLDps7XlwJ_V9dEaZVOkumLWJMvXx9bNqf-zoKX5uF/s1600/IMG_1537.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5593401114755675186" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWAqpzB3tLGPpZ6AgXFZunYzw98tiomFZ7czh_3VeWRgJ-vHWK6KuPa8ifQgzVVz_TqpwTDmEdHk1zdCEYiPtrIvgl0HXTLXi0Q0oLDps7XlwJ_V9dEaZVOkumLWJMvXx9bNqf-zoKX5uF/s320/IMG_1537.JPG" /></a> <br /><div align="center"><strong>Pregnancy Highlights:</strong> <br /><div align="center">How Far Along: 38 Weeks </div><br /><div align="center">Size of baby: Turtle is about the size of a leek. She weighs about 6.8 pounds and is over 19.5 inches long. </div><br /><div align="center">Total Weight Gain/Loss: 39 lbs. Is it bad that I almost jumped for joy at the fact that I only gained 1 lb since last week? I know I'm over the recommended "25-35 lbs" but to be honest, I'm not going to NOT eat. If I gain, I gain...I will not deprive myself of the joys of good food. I know I'll lose the weight eventually. </div><br /><div align="center">Maternity Clothes: Still getting tighter by the week! Unfortunately my jeans are the most comfortable pants I have...wish I could wear those everyday. </div><br /><div align="center">Gender: It's a GIRL! Brooke Henley Femiano! </div><br /><div align="center">Movement: Movement has definitely slowed down. Although, when she moves it's hard not to notice my whole belly contort. The other day I was at lunch with some coworkers and the lady sitting next to me said she saw something out of the corner of her eye (she said she just thought it was me breathing) but then she saw it jump and jolt like a contortionist. And I said..."that's my girl!" </div><br /><div align="center">Sleep: I am exhausted. The only way I get a wink of sleep is if I'm sitting up. When I lay on my sides now I wake up to killer round ligament pains...so bad that I can hardly walk. I usually have to stand for a good 2 minutes before I even try to take a step towards the bathroom. As for the 2 hour stints of insomnia...those are still hanging around. I'm hoping that its just my 'nesting' instinct (when I'm awake all I can think about is what else we need to get or how I need to wash all her clothes/blankets/sheets/lovies, etc.). Now that everything is finally ready I'm hoping I'll be able to sleep a little better. </div><br /><div align="center">What I miss: I miss sleep and wondering if eating Pringles will make the swelling in my feet <em>that</em> much worse. </div><br /><div align="center">Cravings: I've been craving Reese's anything (cups, minis, jumbo cup, pieces, Easter eggs, etc.) and salty things, like popcorn and regular potato chips. </div><br /><div align="center">Symptoms: I think I have started sporting the "I'm pregnant and miserable" look. Just as I'd gotten used to the typical "Oh! Congratulations! When are you due?" now I get "Oh man! You look like you're about to POP!" My only response to <em>that</em> guy was "Yeah, next Friday." </div><br /><div align="center">Best Moment this week: The best moment this week was spending Saturday with my Mom, sister and Mauri. I dubbed it the return/exchange and final shopping trip day. We visited Babies R Us, BuyBuyBaby, Target, Pottery Barn Kids, Homegoods and Belk. I was able to get the majority of the things we still needed with the exchanges and gift cards. AND, we were able to get it all put away and organized....including organizing Brooke's clothes and I even got her stuff washed. Brooke's nursery is finally ready! </div></div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08217568104137152554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4556889227000463434.post-21560866070883483952011-03-18T20:43:00.007-04:002011-03-23T21:53:46.614-04:0037 Weeks<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFJPOVGf-Uuwc13ek2V-n0zwXrOPjRJ-zgsNmSGniKIQmQiWh5ppd0R87KgBH9m3eFmROAejWzRMl9UMRu6RgyZPYXKeJi-BA0fqj-pJkGojfey89CCbIsy44OG-kVdFTW45op7y8QuLBM/s1600/IMG_1519.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587456779518961330" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFJPOVGf-Uuwc13ek2V-n0zwXrOPjRJ-zgsNmSGniKIQmQiWh5ppd0R87KgBH9m3eFmROAejWzRMl9UMRu6RgyZPYXKeJi-BA0fqj-pJkGojfey89CCbIsy44OG-kVdFTW45op7y8QuLBM/s320/IMG_1519.JPG" /></a><br /><div align="center"><strong>Pregnancy Highlights:<br /></strong>How Far Along: 37 Weeks<br /><br />Size of baby: Turtle is about the size of a <span>stalk of Swiss chard</span>. She weighs about 6.5 pounds and is about 19 inches long.<br /><br />Total Weight Gain/Loss: 38 lbs. I think I read somewhere that towards the end of pregnancy, you stop gaining weight. That clearly is not happening to me.<br /><br />Maternity Clothes: I can definitely tell that my hips are getting wider...opening up to let that baby come down. My maternity pants are almost a struggle to get on. The other morning I could have sworn I heard my pants rip; although I wasn't able to find said rip...so I wore them anyways.<br /><br />Gender: It's a GIRL! Brooke Henley Femiano!<br /><br />Movement: She has finally settled into her final position, I believe. Last week, depending on how I was laying she would turn/twist inside my belly. This week when I turn on my right side, she likes to kick my left ribs, as if to say "No! No! Momma! I don't like that!"<br /><br />Sleep: The sleep wedge, aka my pillow fortress, has definitely made my nights a little better. Miraculously the midnight potty break has tapered. Although, I've just traded it in for 2 hour bouts of insomnia. I wake up around 3 am, wide awake and can't fall asleep until 5 am, which is right about the time Mike's alarm clock goes off. Needless to say, by that point, I'm exhausted.<br /><br />What I miss: I miss seeing my ankle bones. I can't wait to get my feet back to normal...they are a sight!<br /><br />Cravings: Can't really say that I've been craving anything in particular this week. I'm still really looking forward to my Publix deli sandwich come birth day. :)<br /><br />Symptoms: My belly is HUGE. My feet are HUGE. Everything is HUGE. I think she's dropped a little bit because it's gotten a tad bit easier to breathe and the heartburn/indigestion has gotten much better too. In addition to my feet swelling, it hit my hands. It makes me sooooo sad that I'm not wearing my wedding rings, but I was afraid that if I didn't take them off that they'd have to be cut off.<br /><br />Best Moment this week: We had our last baby shower this Saturday and we are pretty much set to go now. Brooke has a whole closet full of clothes to wear thanks to her Aunt Mallory! And another major milestone was met this week....we are officially FULL TERM! While <em>I'm</em> not ready (still need to wash her clothes, pack our hospital bags, install the car seat, etc.) it is nice to know that IF she decides to come now, her lungs are likely mature enough to function on their own. I can't believe how close we are to finally getting to meet her!</div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08217568104137152554noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4556889227000463434.post-37750488366116907422011-03-11T17:50:00.002-05:002011-03-23T21:35:31.958-04:0036 Weeks<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEfTa04uU1MP_OOT8ExFGmpodkBjktUby5Rvc5heK2IuxXHXEahs_ItCwivMxVDVKpvzhXUHVnRBkOhQ_e__xYdJEOijsqaH-zTQNtulQ-Q9_5WeXHykkq0Qtn-kAT09fLTnsOeXJoDRxy/s1600/IMG_1512.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5587440539724868562" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEfTa04uU1MP_OOT8ExFGmpodkBjktUby5Rvc5heK2IuxXHXEahs_ItCwivMxVDVKpvzhXUHVnRBkOhQ_e__xYdJEOijsqaH-zTQNtulQ-Q9_5WeXHykkq0Qtn-kAT09fLTnsOeXJoDRxy/s320/IMG_1512.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div align="center"><strong>Pregnancy Highlights:<br /></strong>How Far Along: 36 Weeks<br /><br />Size of baby: Turtle is about the size of a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">crenshaw</span> melon. She weighs about 6 pounds and is about 18.5 inches long.<br /><br />Total Weight Gain/Loss: 36 lbs. Another week of gaining 3+lbs. <em>Water weight. Water weight. Water weight.<br /><br /></em>Maternity Clothes: A friend told me that towards the end even my maternity clothes would start to get tight...well, she wasn't lying! I've had to retire one of my maternity shirts because I'm just too big for it now and I've had to retire two pairs of maternity pants.<br /><br />Gender: It's a GIRL! Brooke Henley <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Femiano</span>!<br /><br />Movement: She's definitely still moving around a lot, but I can tell she's running out of space quickly. At night, when I lay on my right side, she usually turns so that she's facing the same way as I am...and when I turn to my left side, she turns not too long after I do. But, it seems that if I get up before she can 'twist' back around, she'll stay facing that way again until I lay down again.<br /><br />Sleep: Sleep is about the same. Still dealing with the whole pillow situation. I'm definitely able to sleep more but its still rare that I sleep through the night without waking up.<br /><br />What I miss: Being able to sit up without using my elbows to push me up. I can't bend in half anymore. Still struggling with being dependent on someone else to help me...like lifting things. I want to shout "I'm not handicap! I'm pregnant!" but then I stop myself because that would be ugly and people are only being nice to me. I would look like a real witch if I acted out in an ungrateful manner...and I'd really regret it later.</div><br /><div align="center"></div><br /><div align="center">Cravings: A pan cheese pizza from Pizza Hut! Yum!<br /><br />Symptoms: No new symptoms this week. Although I guess I have gotten bigger. While I was at the chiropractor an older man asked me if I was having twins...when I said no his response was 'oh wow! so just <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">oooooooone</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">biiiiiiiiig</span> one, huh?' I was polite and answered him nicely but when I got into my car I called Mike and immediately started bawling. I'm super sensitive and emotional.<br /><br />Best Moment this week: My coworkers surprised me with a baby shower! I was supposed to be going into a meeting to discuss the transition of tasks while I'm on maternity leave and when I walked into the conference room the whole office was in there with a table full of goodies. They had 3 types of cakes, fresh fruit and cheese along with gifts. It was a fun hour for sure!</div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08217568104137152554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4556889227000463434.post-53649223758831904092011-03-04T17:48:00.009-05:002011-03-18T16:15:15.929-04:0035 Weeks<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8R7entQYb_a41jeXs52hcJUgZC2XoSd2YMIDaFkkQoEEfy457TmzO4xutWgxmKOV_-7MHXVA7oTsCY2VKklxZHRtFeN3GKe9CxkJC790XHqOJp3m-GtGuyj5zA1TkNuMaUGXvo76Qxi13/s1600/IMG_1503.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5585515256369236434" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8R7entQYb_a41jeXs52hcJUgZC2XoSd2YMIDaFkkQoEEfy457TmzO4xutWgxmKOV_-7MHXVA7oTsCY2VKklxZHRtFeN3GKe9CxkJC790XHqOJp3m-GtGuyj5zA1TkNuMaUGXvo76Qxi13/s320/IMG_1503.JPG" /></a><br /><div align="center"><strong>Pregnancy Highlights:<br /></strong>How Far Along: 35 Weeks<br /><br />Size of baby: Turtle is about the size of a honeydew. She weighs about 5.25 pounds and is more than 18 inches long.<br /><br />Total Weight Gain/Loss: 33 lbs. I don't quite understand how I'm still gaining 2+ lbs per week considering I eat cereal ALL the time. uuuuuuugh. I'm just telling myself it's all water weight...you know from my huge swollen feet (that's all water, right?).<br /><br />Maternity Clothes: What used to be comfy has now turned into a "oh crap, did I accidentally put these pants in the dryer?" I refuse to buy new maternity clothes this close to the end. I'm being stubborn, but please know if I hear of anyone making snarky comments about how my pants are too tight...I WILL cry.</div><div align="center"><br />Gender: It's a GIRL! Brooke Henley Femiano!<br /><br />Movement: Crazy amounts of movement this week. I can tell that she's running out of room because she's moving in ways that say "Ok, that's good. No wait. That's not comfortable. My foot is falling asleep. Let me twist this way. Nope, that won't work, Mom keeps pushing on my elbow. Maybe if I just stick my butt this way...." She moves all day long...I'm amazed that I'm actually able to concentrate and get things done.</div><div align="center"><br />Sleep: Not much of an update on sleep. I have tried sleeping with different pillows and rearranging them in multiple positions. I find it a little humorous that I now sleep with three of our 'decorative' pillows (2 euro pillows and 1 regular sham) AND my regular pillow. That's right, I sleep with 4 pillows as of right now. I have them all angled so that it creates a 'wedge' shape so that I can sleep on my back. It seems to help some nights...other nights I get frustrated and end up throwing some on the floor.</div><br /><div align="center">What I miss: This week I had a mini melt down because I missed my 'independence'. After work one night I was elevating my feet and I couldn't lift my upper body to throw the blanket over my feet. I kept trying and trying and ended up getting so frustrated that I just started crying. Mike came to the rescue (which I was grateful for) but at the same time I was upset that I couldn't do it myself. I'm very much an "I can do it myself" type of person and I'm struggling with learning to ask for help. I plan to ask God why he didn't give husbands mind reading powers while their wife is pregnant.</div><br /><div align="center">Cravings: I haven't necessarily been craving anything this week. So I'll just say that my days are basically cereal for breakfast, fruit for morning snack, PB&J, chips/crackers and fruit for lunch, granola bar for afternoon snack and then dinner (such as a salad w/ chicken fingers, shrimp casserole, spaghetti, fish, etc.). Although I guess I should confess that we willingly accepted the left over cake from our baby shower and treated ourselves to 'small' bites each night. :)</div><br /><div align="center">Symptoms: Typical pregnant symptoms still apply: shortness of breath, can't bend over, swollen feet, pregnant face, etc. One night this week I was sitting in bed and Mike said I sit like a panda bear. </div><div align="center"><br />Best Moment this week: We had another small shower at my Dad and Pam's house. Everyone that attended were family friends and neighbor's that live in their neighborhood. We got lots of great things. I continue to be overwhelmed by the generosity of our family and friends. Brooke is one lucky girl!</div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08217568104137152554noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4556889227000463434.post-38627606765498876222011-02-25T17:56:00.004-05:002011-03-08T18:03:17.545-05:0034 Weeks<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNSKIyEHKVaz4BIWNGF3pmamR3fyfJPFZU6qSd5fxbkUpka0E6mMCo-LTOrIPlfAqlH33f68s_LkNCTjOAhWBrBIvYeCf-cvPyhU-ynm2WscWtcbslcT1YzNbRjRAtALioWLvhVccW88ID/s1600/IMG_1493.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579669927105530722" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNSKIyEHKVaz4BIWNGF3pmamR3fyfJPFZU6qSd5fxbkUpka0E6mMCo-LTOrIPlfAqlH33f68s_LkNCTjOAhWBrBIvYeCf-cvPyhU-ynm2WscWtcbslcT1YzNbRjRAtALioWLvhVccW88ID/s320/IMG_1493.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div align="center"><strong>Pregnancy Highlights:<br /></strong>How Far Along: 34 Weeks<br /><br />Size of baby: Turtle is about the size of a cantaloupe. She weighs about 4.75 pounds and is about 18 inches. </div><br /><div align="center">Total Weight Gain/Loss: 30 lbs.<br /><br />Maternity Clothes: All I wear now. In fact, some of my maternity clothes are starting to get tight! Yikes! I had to make a quick run to Target to find a few new shirts to wear to baby showers because most of mine are just too tight now.<br /><br />Gender: It's a GIRL! Brooke Henley Femiano!<br /><br />Movement: She is still moving around in there like a wiggle worm. At our 34 week doctor's appointment our midwife confirmed that she's head down with her butt towards my ribs and her feet were towards my left side. She's gotten so big now that you can see when she arches her back...my stomach contorts and you can see it move in multiple places. It's wild!</div><br /><div align="center">Sleep: I think I'm just going to give up on sleep. If I can make it through the night without waking up 13 times, I consider it a good nights sleep.</div><div align="center"><br />What I miss: Can't say I miss anything other than the standard response: sleep! Maybe not getting out of breath so fast? Who knew putting socks on could be so exhausting?<br /><br />Cravings: I haven't had any weird cravings this week. I'm pretty much always hungry and if anyone mentions something food wise, it sounds good to me. Since the indigestion has been so bad I tend to lean more towards the lighter meals (like a salad or a bowl of cereal) at night, otherwise I'll be up all night dealing with reflux. </div><br /><div align="center">Symptoms: A new typical pregnancy symptom showed up this week (well, it showed up a few weeks ago but it wasn't all that bad)...swollen feet. My feet/ankles/legs have indention's from my socks and shoes. The other day I had on argyle print socks and when I took my socks off at the end of the day, the argyle pattern was indented in my skin. I even resorted to wearing flip flops to work twice this week because my regular Keens and Dansko's wouldn't even fit on my feet in the morning (and that's when they're the smallest!). </div><div align="center"><br />Best Moment this week: The best moment this week was by far the baby shower hosted by my wonderful friends Mauri, Ashley and Miss Medra (Mauri's mom). The shower was so much fun and I got to see a ton of my favorite people all on the same day. Brooke really racked up on some big items (car seat, swing, bouncy seat), toys, clothes and diapers! She is spoiled rotten already! I can't wait to put her in some of her new sweet monogrammed items!</div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08217568104137152554noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4556889227000463434.post-52291344047517125032011-02-18T17:55:00.005-05:002011-03-02T20:58:17.196-05:0033 Weeks<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1vU3feI8Ci0hz980lQt_uLQL6ZdfVh7-gmuU3m3q0S2nyEsu7Zm2hf7oTb_OeE3hM4pbbW9CzPyMbP3mf_Hj6zB9PO_ggVPXemsp7CLqa25DsdPpghYVIRx_I-17zHkpDA4PZfLWwaWvG/s1600/IMG_1491.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5579666159495535122" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1vU3feI8Ci0hz980lQt_uLQL6ZdfVh7-gmuU3m3q0S2nyEsu7Zm2hf7oTb_OeE3hM4pbbW9CzPyMbP3mf_Hj6zB9PO_ggVPXemsp7CLqa25DsdPpghYVIRx_I-17zHkpDA4PZfLWwaWvG/s320/IMG_1491.JPG" /></a><br /><div align="center"><strong>Pregnancy Highlights:<br /></strong>How Far Along: 33 Weeks<br /><br />Size of baby: Turtle is about the size of a pineapple. She weighs over 4 pounds and has passed the 17 inch mark. She's growing like a weed!<br /><br />Total Weight Gain/Loss: 28 lbs.<br /><br />Maternity Clothes: All I wear now. Although this week I did break out one of my loose and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">flowy</span> short sleeve shirts to wear to the park...it probably was obvious that it didn't 'fit' because it wasn't loose and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">flowy</span> anymore. It was tight! But, I don't have any short sleeve maternity shirts so I had to make do with what I have.<br /><br />Gender: It's a GIRL! Brooke Henley <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Femiano</span>!<br /><br />Movement: I think she's awake more than she's asleep now because I feel her moving constantly. She moves in the morning when I'm getting ready for work, she moves all day while I'm at work (although I'm pretty sure she naps on and off) and then moves after dinner and when I'm going to bed. I hope she's an active and alert little thing, but I really hope this doesn't mean she's an insomniac!</div><div align="center"><br />Sleep: Its been a rough week of sleeping. I've officially reached the mark of where sleeping on my back makes me feel like I'm going to barf...an indicator that she's applying pressure on my <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">vena</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">cava</span> (the main artery that runs along my back). So, I toss and turn trying to get comfortable and stay comfortable on my side(s). Its been tough because turning from side to side while laying down is really painful...its takes lots of breathing exercises for me to get settled and fall back asleep again.</div><br /><div align="center">What I miss: A good nights sleep and a nice margarita on the rocks with salt.</div><div align="center"><br />Cravings: I'm still eating cereal on a regular basis...we've upped our weekly milk purchase from a half gallon to a whole gallon thanks to me. We had grilled chicken for dinner one night this week and I couldn't stomach more than 4 or 5 bites. While I can force myself to eat it, it's just not appetizing to me at all. Although, a good cheeseburger and spaghetti are still my favorite meals. </div><div align="center"><br />Symptoms: I've mastered the 'waddle' and I've been having some CRAZY heartburn and indigestion. I woke up at 3am with spaghetti indigestion problems. I was awake for a good hour and a half before I propped myself up with lots of pillows and slept the rest of the night in the upright position (which made for a killer backache the next morning). </div><div align="center"><br />Best Moment this week: Talking with my girlfriends about child birth! I spent a good time on the phone with my friend Brittney who just gave birth to her son about a month ago. And I spent a few hours with my friend <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">Rebecca</span> (walking around the park) and just chatting about her birthing experience too. I really enjoy hearing different birth stories and hearing about how different each person's experience is. I also love to get their recommendations on baby products.</div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08217568104137152554noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4556889227000463434.post-37867769160154029502011-02-11T18:03:00.004-05:002011-02-25T17:54:43.283-05:0032 Weeks<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGgsTIkqjNdzCBHoKR8gGBlvaSWjMblQSajc5bRAxO3rtQUIO9C_xi-HJBEE9ezbdQMGh8lwWiI6J_ixU4sHHlp60eJDw8oObXhOPAqOv6BybxrbuUvcyXGlGxmehcQEwWPKdA4vilicLo/s1600/IMG_1478.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5577439371272525490" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGgsTIkqjNdzCBHoKR8gGBlvaSWjMblQSajc5bRAxO3rtQUIO9C_xi-HJBEE9ezbdQMGh8lwWiI6J_ixU4sHHlp60eJDw8oObXhOPAqOv6BybxrbuUvcyXGlGxmehcQEwWPKdA4vilicLo/s320/IMG_1478.JPG" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"> ***NOTE: this is a horrible picture and it makes me look like a <strong>huge </strong>cow. It's actually a really cute sweater but I'm thinking it might find its way to the back of the closet now (even though it's a maternity sweater). Definitely NOT the most flattering shirt I own!</span><br /><br /><div align="center"><strong>Pregnancy Highlights:<br /></strong>How Far Along: 32 Weeks<br /><br />Size of baby: Turtle is about the size of a large <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">jicama</span> (which I had no idea what a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">jicama</span> was until I googled it). She weighs about 3.75 pounds and is about 16.5 inches long. She's growing like a weed!<br /><br />Total Weight Gain/Loss: 27 lbs.<br /></div><br /><div align="center">Maternity Clothes: All I wear now.<br /><br />Gender: It's a GIRL! Brooke Henley <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Femiano</span>!<br /><br />Movement: She likes to move around...a LOT!</div><div align="center"><br />Sleep: I totally jinxed myself. Last week was the calm before the storm. Sleep is the worst its ever been now. I had a chiropractor appointment on Thursday and couldn't sleep a wink that night, Friday night or Saturday night. Not only was sleep missed, but I almost broke down and risked taking a Tylenol. But I did not. I told myself that child birth is going to be much harder and much more painful than my bones coming apart...so I dealt with it.<br /><br />What I miss: SLEEP!<br /><br />Cravings: I've been eating more salads lately and I still eat my fair share of cereal on our house. I think I'm leaning more to those foods because they're not heavy and they don't irritate my reflux or heartburn. Not to mention, I think my stomach is getting squished and salads and/or cereal seem to fit much easier than a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">ribeye</span> and baked potato. I particularly like the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Zaxby's</span> House <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Zalad</span> (fried of course...still can't stand the thought of eating grilled chicken) and Taco salads from any Mexican restaurant.<br /><br />Symptoms: Still suffering from pubic <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">symphysis</span>...which is basically the pelvic/pubic bone coming apart. OUCH! The doctor said it will probably get worse the closer we get to her due date (he said that some women can't even walk it gets so bad)...oh the joys of pregnancy! I've been dealing with this since about 20 weeks and was hoping it was just 'growing pains'. Well, it's definitely a 'growing pain' but I'm not done growing yet. :(</div><div align="center"><br />Best Moment this week: Strangers have been commenting more and more on my overstuffed belly. And shockingly, its been more men than women. The other day I was at Target shopping for deodorant and a stock boy was unpacking items for the end cap. I had probably been 'sniffing' all the different scents when I finally decided on one and put it in my basket...it was at exactly that time the stock boy said "Oh! Congratulations!" At first I wasn't sure if he was mocking me because I spent 15 minutes smelling deodorants and finally made my selection but he patted his stomach (I guess I gave him a funny look that said 'huh?'). And I was ordering breakfast at work one day this week and two men were waiting on their orders...one guy turned around and wanted to know all about baby on the way. It was a game of 50 questions...how far along are you? what's your due date? is this your first? is it a boy or a girl? etc.etc.etc. It definitely makes it feel more real when men ask about questions...I guess I always assume they're oblivious to that kind of stuff.</div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08217568104137152554noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4556889227000463434.post-6783946568231119512011-02-04T18:00:00.002-05:002011-02-25T10:51:29.426-05:0031 Weeks<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNpAC5BEc9_m8Dc0iQmjxxpg1UQt4GxC7RkK8_-fo1aSrnh94ugq5z-Q9p4P2xWhKDMiKB4oPuoHQem7cG_82PA9Ba1EVHJaLXrQJRCAHwvqcXhE99Kkf3OsynWUDaIY34CdoyMnuJk7z1/s1600/IMG_1470.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5577437409787674098" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNpAC5BEc9_m8Dc0iQmjxxpg1UQt4GxC7RkK8_-fo1aSrnh94ugq5z-Q9p4P2xWhKDMiKB4oPuoHQem7cG_82PA9Ba1EVHJaLXrQJRCAHwvqcXhE99Kkf3OsynWUDaIY34CdoyMnuJk7z1/s320/IMG_1470.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div align="center"><strong>Pregnancy Highlights:<br /></strong>How Far Along: 31 Weeks<br /><br />Size of baby: Turtle is about the size of four naval oranges. She weighs just under three and a half pounds and is over 16 inches long.<br /><br />Total Weight Gain/Loss: 25 lbs. I had no problem packing on the few pounds I lost from last week. My appetite came back with a vengeance and I could get enough food in my mouth fast enough.<br /><br />Maternity Clothes: All I wear now.<br /><br />Gender: It's a GIRL! Brooke Henley Femiano!</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Movement: She's definitely moving in there. I can tell when she's growing because she moves NON-STOP those days...and then just like magic my scale jumps up another notch.</div><div align="center"> </div><div align="center">Sleep: Sleep has been A-M-A-Z-I-N-G this week. I have no idea what happened or changed but I have been sleeping through the night without waking up until the alarm goes off...which is a miracle considering my bladder is the size of a peanut now.<br /><br />What I miss: Nothing this week. Everything is honky dory! Sleep is wonderful, food is wonderful and I've even forgotten that I'm pregnant a few times.<br /><br />Cravings: I don't recall any particular cravings this week. I think I'm to the point where anything sounds good. Don't ask me what I want...because I'll just say "Oh, I don't know" but as soon as there is food placed in front of me...I will clean my plate.<br /><br />Symptoms: This week my pregnancy symptoms have been near to nothing. I mentioned my sleep issue has disappeared (although I'm sure it will reappear soon enough). There have been days where I don't feel pregnant at all...and then I walk by a window or mirror and catch a glimpse of myself and think 'Good God! How did you ever forget about that BIG stomach you're carrying around?!?!?!"<br /><br />Best Moment this week: We had our very first baby shower! Our great friends Mack and Caitlin hosted it at their house in Macon and it was so much fun. I guess you could call it a couples shower since there were guys there too. We got some great gifts and are so thankful that our friends drove from near and far to celebrate this time in our life. We are so blessed!</div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08217568104137152554noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4556889227000463434.post-85251801056576316032011-01-28T17:33:00.000-05:002011-02-25T10:28:59.236-05:0030 Weeks<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibD3_X0ZHDWPdhtfrMgbznxbtNDvb-LOPhg07PL3BjXi5RAKJk5slcGsh1hdspg9HSFcwzOkRbZtRzc39dZsoHfmRcibhgOuBXscpzT9wGPNl-16KqZmpK0gfakiiHIqq32MU9InyzL-yF/s1600/IMG_1465.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5577430357735357154" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibD3_X0ZHDWPdhtfrMgbznxbtNDvb-LOPhg07PL3BjXi5RAKJk5slcGsh1hdspg9HSFcwzOkRbZtRzc39dZsoHfmRcibhgOuBXscpzT9wGPNl-16KqZmpK0gfakiiHIqq32MU9InyzL-yF/s320/IMG_1465.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div align="center"><strong>Pregnancy Highlights:<br /></strong>How Far Along: 30 Weeks<br /><br />Size of baby: Turtle is about the size of a head of cabbage. She weighs almost three pounds and is just under 16 inches long.<br /><br />Total Weight Gain/Loss: I lost a few pounds and am now at 22 lbs. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Wowzers</span>! Who would have thought I'd LOSE a few pounds??? Well, it totally wasn't worth it...those lost pounds were due to being sick as a dog. Post nasal drip and a nasty cough really killed my appetite buzz. </div><p align="center">Maternity Clothes: All I wear now.<br /><br />Gender: It's a GIRL! Brooke Henley <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Femiano</span>!<br /><br />Movement: She's been pretty consistent with moving, but this week was definitely a little less noticeable...maybe because she's tired of being bounced around with all my coughing?</p><p align="center">Sleep: Sleep has been terrible. When I finally get comfortable I get a tickle in my throat...which makes me reach for my water...which makes me move AND seems to trigger a cough. It's been just awful.</p><p align="center">What I miss: This week I miss being able to take drugs. This stupid cold would be MUCH easier to deal with if I would allow myself some Tylenol Cold & Sinus. I did however break down and eat two Halls Naturals cough drops and 1 regular Tylenol....neither did anything and I immediately regretted it. *Yes, I know that it's 'safe' to take during pregnancy. And yes my doctor told me it was fine to take Tylenol PM to help with sleep. I just choose not to. Just in case Brooke comes out with 6 toes on one foot at least I'll know that it wasn't attributed to my lack of self will and taking acetaminophen.</p><p align="center">Cravings: Haven't been craving anything much this week since I can't taste much. My Mom did come over and make me a homemade chicken pot pie...which was amazing. And she brought me OJ and applesauce. I've eaten a lot of applesauce this week because its cold and its easy on my sore throat. I should mention that I prefer the cinnamon applesauce.....<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">mmmmmm</span>!</p><p align="center">Symptoms: Same old stuff still going on. Sore hips. I have been feeling better after visiting the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">chiropractor</span> though. AND, she did make the comment "Oh! I can tell your hips are starting to spread more." *not sure that's something you should say to a pregnant lady* Hopefully this is a good indicator that she won't have any troubles coming out of there!</p><p align="center">Best Moment this week: We did the hospital tour on Saturday which was pretty exciting. We got to see the labor and delivery room, the recovery room and the nursery. I've always heard that <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Northside</span> is supposedly like a 'hotel' and I was really skeptical. I was thinking there would be a mini-fridge or something in the room with us (perhaps for my cinnamon applesauce)...but it wasn't anything what I was expecting it to be. Not that it was bad...it was great! Even without a mini-fridge. :) At least now we have a 'oh.my.gosh. I'm in labor and we're gonna have a baby get me to the hospital right this minute plan'. I'm just secretly hoping that Mike doesn't go the wrong way on 285 come birth day. </p></div>Michellehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08217568104137152554noreply@blogger.com0