Miss Brooke had her 5 year well visit today. It was an especially great appointment because she didn't have to have any shots. That always makes doctor visits much more tolerable!
My little peanut weighed in at 34 pounds and she was 39 inches tall. These numbers landed her in the 15th percentile for both categories. I knew that she was tiny compared to her classmates but this just confirmed it.
Everything else checked out great with my oldest girl and I feel very blessed to have such a healthy, vibrant 5-year-old on my hands:-)
Thursday, March 22, 2012
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Exciting News!!!
I am pleased to announce that as of April 1st, my husband will be (Drum roll, please!)... On the day shift!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And no, this is no April Fool's Day joke:-) After 6 years of him working nights and/or evenings, this should be a pretty amazing treat!
I could go on and on about the things that I'm excited about. I'm most looking forward to having the hours after the girls go to bed to unwind together. Right now John uses that time to catch a nap before work because he doesn't sleep very well during the days. I can't even imagine how it will feel to go to bed together, either. That's just not something we're used to! It will be wonderful for John's exhausted body to get some normal rest, too, because he pretty much runs on fumes all the time. I feel awful for the poor guy.
We're not really sure how long this whole day shift fantasy will last... His department bids shifts so that means that someone with seniority over him could out bid him next time. This bid was for April through June so we know he'll at least have this luxury for three months. There are like 3 or 4 people that could bid days and get it before he would but they haven't bid days in years. You never know when someone will change their minds, though, so we're not getting too excited or thinking long term... That way we won't be too discouraged if he gets bumped off in July.
Oddly enough, I think this new shift, as wonderful as it seems, will be a bit of an adjustment. Right now I'm spoiled because John gets home in the mornings just in time to sit with the little girls while I run Brooke to school. I'll have to bring them with me every morning, which will make mornings that much more stressful. He'll also get home around 3:30 or so in the afternoons (which is early, compared to most of my friend's husbands) but I'm used to him being up between 2-2:30. These changes will be MORE than worth it, for sure!
It's so ironic that just a few weeks ago I posted about my frustrations and challenges with John's schedule. I am so thankful that God has answered our prayers in regards to John's exhaustion and that he's getting a much needed reprieve. I am so looking forward to some more normalcy for our family. Now, if he could only get holidays and weekends off... Haha. I'm not naive enough to believe that would happen!
I could go on and on about the things that I'm excited about. I'm most looking forward to having the hours after the girls go to bed to unwind together. Right now John uses that time to catch a nap before work because he doesn't sleep very well during the days. I can't even imagine how it will feel to go to bed together, either. That's just not something we're used to! It will be wonderful for John's exhausted body to get some normal rest, too, because he pretty much runs on fumes all the time. I feel awful for the poor guy.
We're not really sure how long this whole day shift fantasy will last... His department bids shifts so that means that someone with seniority over him could out bid him next time. This bid was for April through June so we know he'll at least have this luxury for three months. There are like 3 or 4 people that could bid days and get it before he would but they haven't bid days in years. You never know when someone will change their minds, though, so we're not getting too excited or thinking long term... That way we won't be too discouraged if he gets bumped off in July.
Oddly enough, I think this new shift, as wonderful as it seems, will be a bit of an adjustment. Right now I'm spoiled because John gets home in the mornings just in time to sit with the little girls while I run Brooke to school. I'll have to bring them with me every morning, which will make mornings that much more stressful. He'll also get home around 3:30 or so in the afternoons (which is early, compared to most of my friend's husbands) but I'm used to him being up between 2-2:30. These changes will be MORE than worth it, for sure!
It's so ironic that just a few weeks ago I posted about my frustrations and challenges with John's schedule. I am so thankful that God has answered our prayers in regards to John's exhaustion and that he's getting a much needed reprieve. I am so looking forward to some more normalcy for our family. Now, if he could only get holidays and weekends off... Haha. I'm not naive enough to believe that would happen!
Monday, March 19, 2012
Bath Time Terror
What do you do with a baby who is terrified of the bathtub?? I'm running out of tricks here and Bailey is not budging... Which is pretty typical for her personality. Lol.
I'm not really sure what went wrong. She was always content in the bath when she was tiny and she even liked it when she graduated into the duck tub (an inflatable tub that works well for when they want to sit up but can't quite sit well on their own). Now she'll just stand there and cry and if you try to make her sit, she flips out and it results in her screaming hysterically.
I've tried everything to help her get over this fear... Heck, I've even gotten in the tub with her and she was equally as upset. I've questioned if her baths were too hot, too cold, etc.. I can't think of anything like that that would be a factor, though. She takes a bath with her sisters, too, so you would thinks she would want join in on their fun. I don't know.. I just don't get it. It's almost impossible to bathe a baby who is standing up screaming!!
Do any of you baby experts have any advice? This one has me perplexed. to say the least! Bath time used to be a time for me to "refuel" while they played. Back in the day, I used to read a magazine and sit still for a few minutes while they played... Things are just a tad bit different now. Lol
I'm not really sure what went wrong. She was always content in the bath when she was tiny and she even liked it when she graduated into the duck tub (an inflatable tub that works well for when they want to sit up but can't quite sit well on their own). Now she'll just stand there and cry and if you try to make her sit, she flips out and it results in her screaming hysterically.
I've tried everything to help her get over this fear... Heck, I've even gotten in the tub with her and she was equally as upset. I've questioned if her baths were too hot, too cold, etc.. I can't think of anything like that that would be a factor, though. She takes a bath with her sisters, too, so you would thinks she would want join in on their fun. I don't know.. I just don't get it. It's almost impossible to bathe a baby who is standing up screaming!!
Do any of you baby experts have any advice? This one has me perplexed. to say the least! Bath time used to be a time for me to "refuel" while they played. Back in the day, I used to read a magazine and sit still for a few minutes while they played... Things are just a tad bit different now. Lol
Monday, March 12, 2012
Hodge Podge
I was just remembering how I used to blog nearly everyday when Brooke was a baby. How funny is that? I techinally had a 2/3 less to talk about but now I guess I just have 2/3 less time. Boy, isn't that the truth. I don't know how I find time to breathe anymore!
Bailey has been walking everywhere. She has turned into a fulltime walker over the past few weeks and she's getting a little bit quicker than I would prefer. She keeps me on my toes! She's terrified of shoes so that makes things more difficult. We're working on it, though! She's also learned to say new things like "Ugh oh," "All done," and "Bye bye." I love her sweet little voice... It's raspy like her older sisters' voices were. So cute!
We just got home from the ENT, only to find that Bailey has her second ear infection since getting the tubes a little over a month ago. Her ears have been leaking green stuff non-stop and sure enough, another nasty infection is the culprit. Now we're on drops for 14 days. I tell ya... Does it ever end with this child? I feel so bad for all of her problems.
Today was also an exciting day because Adrienne had her first haircut. She'll be three in a few months and it just now needed cutting. It was getting so long and ratty and now it looks a lot fuller and it's very pretty. She was so excited and so very proud to be a big girl... Or as she says, a "biggle." Lol. I love that spunky little girl!
Brookie just started T-Ball and did great at her first practice. Her daddy has been working with her and I'm pretty sure he's determined to make her a pro:-) Haha. She's so excited about having an actual game but that won't actually start until early May. I can't believe how big she's getting.
Adrienne and I had a HORRIBLE stomach bug last Friday that landed me on my butt for a couple of days. I'm absolutely exhuasted trying to get caught up on rest and housework. John's been amazing and helpful... I seriously couldn't even begin to think about doing it with him. He's just incredible! It's been 3 days and I still feel weak and worn down. I wish I could take an entire 24 hour period to just lay in bed and rest but I HIGHLY doubt that's happening anytime remotely soon! Lol
So that's the lastest. Now you have it and now I'm caught up:-) I would love to update more often... I love having this documentation of our daily ins and outs. I hate taking pictures so I blog. Without that, I'm not much of a memory keeper for my kiddos.
It's beautiful out so we're off to the park. I intend on soaking up the sunshine anytime it decides it wants to come out and play!
Bailey has been walking everywhere. She has turned into a fulltime walker over the past few weeks and she's getting a little bit quicker than I would prefer. She keeps me on my toes! She's terrified of shoes so that makes things more difficult. We're working on it, though! She's also learned to say new things like "Ugh oh," "All done," and "Bye bye." I love her sweet little voice... It's raspy like her older sisters' voices were. So cute!
We just got home from the ENT, only to find that Bailey has her second ear infection since getting the tubes a little over a month ago. Her ears have been leaking green stuff non-stop and sure enough, another nasty infection is the culprit. Now we're on drops for 14 days. I tell ya... Does it ever end with this child? I feel so bad for all of her problems.
Today was also an exciting day because Adrienne had her first haircut. She'll be three in a few months and it just now needed cutting. It was getting so long and ratty and now it looks a lot fuller and it's very pretty. She was so excited and so very proud to be a big girl... Or as she says, a "biggle." Lol. I love that spunky little girl!
Brookie just started T-Ball and did great at her first practice. Her daddy has been working with her and I'm pretty sure he's determined to make her a pro:-) Haha. She's so excited about having an actual game but that won't actually start until early May. I can't believe how big she's getting.
Adrienne and I had a HORRIBLE stomach bug last Friday that landed me on my butt for a couple of days. I'm absolutely exhuasted trying to get caught up on rest and housework. John's been amazing and helpful... I seriously couldn't even begin to think about doing it with him. He's just incredible! It's been 3 days and I still feel weak and worn down. I wish I could take an entire 24 hour period to just lay in bed and rest but I HIGHLY doubt that's happening anytime remotely soon! Lol
So that's the lastest. Now you have it and now I'm caught up:-) I would love to update more often... I love having this documentation of our daily ins and outs. I hate taking pictures so I blog. Without that, I'm not much of a memory keeper for my kiddos.
It's beautiful out so we're off to the park. I intend on soaking up the sunshine anytime it decides it wants to come out and play!
Friday, March 2, 2012
Shift Envy
I am so thankful for a husband that works so hard to support his family. Even while the rest of the world is sleeping, he's hard at work protecting his community. Despite the exhaustion that comes with working nights, he still goes into work each night and never complains. It's pretty amazing... I think I complain more than he does!
Six years ago we set out on this journey of becoming a law enforcement family. When I married John, I knew that it would always be like this. Being a cop was his dream long before we were together and I knew that I kind of had to throw away having a "traditional" family life. I would have absolutely married him again, all things considered, but before we got married, the challenging schedule of a cop didn't really sound like a big deal at all to me.
Now that Brooke's in school and all, it's getting harder. John working nights isn't really such a huge deal with her school schedule but his nontraditional days make it a little bit more difficult. He works 4 days on, 2 days off so that means he only gets every 6th and 7th Saturday off. Though I love my life and am completely content, sometimes I can't help but wish that we had those "normal" Saturdays off where we all stay in, eat pancakes and relax together. The girls and I do that, but there's something missing without daddy.
John should soon be able to get on days.. He has enough seniority now but it depends on what the people over him bid. That will be amazing because at least we'll be able to sleep in the same bed and he won't be so physically worn down from not sleeping at night. However, that won't fix these weird days off.. Nothing will.
Sometimes the 9-5, Monday-Friday job with holidays, nights and weekends off sounds so enticing to me. You people out there that have that really have no clue how lucky you are! That lifestyle is so far from what I'm used to that I can hardly picture what that would be like.
There are advantages to John's schedule, though. For instance, when you only work 4 days in a row, it goes by super, super quick. Before you know it, John's off again! Also, it's kind of nice having days off during the week because the malls, restaurants and movie theaters are virtually empty so we don't have to be bombarded with tons and tons of people. On top of that, I always get pleasure when the rest of the world is going back to work on Monday and it's John's "Friday." It feels good to know that at that moment his schedule is better. Lol
I wouldn't trade my life for anything. I know that Johns is doing what he loves and that makes me feel so happy! Sure, the schedule isn't great but he's living his dream and doing what he was called to do and he's so good at it. I would never want him to give that up... Not for anything!
Six years ago we set out on this journey of becoming a law enforcement family. When I married John, I knew that it would always be like this. Being a cop was his dream long before we were together and I knew that I kind of had to throw away having a "traditional" family life. I would have absolutely married him again, all things considered, but before we got married, the challenging schedule of a cop didn't really sound like a big deal at all to me.
Now that Brooke's in school and all, it's getting harder. John working nights isn't really such a huge deal with her school schedule but his nontraditional days make it a little bit more difficult. He works 4 days on, 2 days off so that means he only gets every 6th and 7th Saturday off. Though I love my life and am completely content, sometimes I can't help but wish that we had those "normal" Saturdays off where we all stay in, eat pancakes and relax together. The girls and I do that, but there's something missing without daddy.
John should soon be able to get on days.. He has enough seniority now but it depends on what the people over him bid. That will be amazing because at least we'll be able to sleep in the same bed and he won't be so physically worn down from not sleeping at night. However, that won't fix these weird days off.. Nothing will.
Sometimes the 9-5, Monday-Friday job with holidays, nights and weekends off sounds so enticing to me. You people out there that have that really have no clue how lucky you are! That lifestyle is so far from what I'm used to that I can hardly picture what that would be like.
There are advantages to John's schedule, though. For instance, when you only work 4 days in a row, it goes by super, super quick. Before you know it, John's off again! Also, it's kind of nice having days off during the week because the malls, restaurants and movie theaters are virtually empty so we don't have to be bombarded with tons and tons of people. On top of that, I always get pleasure when the rest of the world is going back to work on Monday and it's John's "Friday." It feels good to know that at that moment his schedule is better. Lol
I wouldn't trade my life for anything. I know that Johns is doing what he loves and that makes me feel so happy! Sure, the schedule isn't great but he's living his dream and doing what he was called to do and he's so good at it. I would never want him to give that up... Not for anything!
Monday, February 20, 2012
Bittersweet
Bailey's first birthday is only a little more than month away! As this special day approaches, I find myself feeling a little sad. Whenever one of my daughters has a birthday it's always a little emotional for me anyways, but this particular date holds further significance... It will be the official end to our baby days in this household. Sure, Bailey will always be my baby (all of my girls will be), but we'll never again have an infant living under our roof... Unless, of course, by divine intervention. And trust me, it would take one!
Throughout the past months we have slowly rid ourselves of baby apparatuses galore.. Things like the baby swing, play mat, bouncy seat, bassinet, infant tub, etc... We have let go of almost all of our baby clothes and disposed of burp cloths. At first it was a little sad, but now it's a little freeing to have the extra space.
I find myself feeling very content over the fact that we're done having babies. I've loved these past five years that have been packed with welcoming three new lives into our home. There is nothing more precious to me than hearing a newborn's first cries or nursing one of my babies for the first time. It's all so special and sentimental and there is nothing else on the planet that is quite as wonderful. Even so, with each person around me that pops up pregnant, whether it be someone that I "know" on Facebook or in my daily interactions, my first reaction is a tiny tinge of jealousy. There... I said it! It doesn't take away from my happiness for them and it doesn't even mean that I want another baby. I think that it simply means that no matter how happy I am with my own situation, I'm going to still mourn the time that has passed by me so quickly.
It's very weird to be 26 years old and completely done having babies. When I go to school functions for Brooke. I'm the youngest mom there, by far. Most people these days aren't having babies so young and here I am, several years from even being 30, and I'm completely finished with such a significant portion of my life.
If I could change anything. I really wouldn't. There is something to be said for knowing what you want in life and going and getting it. I guess it's just a little weird to sit back and realize that what I always worked for and wanted is here and partially gone. I wish that I had enjoyed being big and pregnant more and that I hadn't wished away some of the more difficult weeks and months.
On a more positive side, however, I love knowing that my current little family of 5 is it. I love that we're complete and that we'll never again have to add to what we're building here.. Our routine, our family structure, etc.. Even though I'm content, though, I don't think that it's wrong to miss the times that are gone!
Throughout the past months we have slowly rid ourselves of baby apparatuses galore.. Things like the baby swing, play mat, bouncy seat, bassinet, infant tub, etc... We have let go of almost all of our baby clothes and disposed of burp cloths. At first it was a little sad, but now it's a little freeing to have the extra space.
I find myself feeling very content over the fact that we're done having babies. I've loved these past five years that have been packed with welcoming three new lives into our home. There is nothing more precious to me than hearing a newborn's first cries or nursing one of my babies for the first time. It's all so special and sentimental and there is nothing else on the planet that is quite as wonderful. Even so, with each person around me that pops up pregnant, whether it be someone that I "know" on Facebook or in my daily interactions, my first reaction is a tiny tinge of jealousy. There... I said it! It doesn't take away from my happiness for them and it doesn't even mean that I want another baby. I think that it simply means that no matter how happy I am with my own situation, I'm going to still mourn the time that has passed by me so quickly.
It's very weird to be 26 years old and completely done having babies. When I go to school functions for Brooke. I'm the youngest mom there, by far. Most people these days aren't having babies so young and here I am, several years from even being 30, and I'm completely finished with such a significant portion of my life.
If I could change anything. I really wouldn't. There is something to be said for knowing what you want in life and going and getting it. I guess it's just a little weird to sit back and realize that what I always worked for and wanted is here and partially gone. I wish that I had enjoyed being big and pregnant more and that I hadn't wished away some of the more difficult weeks and months.
On a more positive side, however, I love knowing that my current little family of 5 is it. I love that we're complete and that we'll never again have to add to what we're building here.. Our routine, our family structure, etc.. Even though I'm content, though, I don't think that it's wrong to miss the times that are gone!
Friday, February 17, 2012
Happy 5th Birthday, Brooke!
Dear Brooke,
This past Wednesday you turned 5! I'm still in disbelief over how fast these first years of your life have come and gone. When I think about it, it makes me realize that I better hold on tight to each day because before I know it, you'll be grown.
This year has been a big year for you, my sweet girl! You became a big sister again and I have loved watching you grow into the nurturer that you are. If one of your sisters has a runny nose you take it upon yourself to get them a tissue. If you sense that one of them is in danger you come and get me right away. You also speak to your sisters with such love and gentleness. The way you treat them is so precious to me and your heart of kindness and compassion truly amazes me!
Another major milestone for you this year was that you started school for the first time. I have to be honest with you, those first few weeks of Pre-K were hard for mommy. I used to take you to school and slowly walk away from your classroom. I would secretly wait outside the door and make sure that you were adjusting okay and well received by your classmates. I would then pry myself from the door, only to walk outside and peer into the window of your classroom to check on you once more before heading back home. Then I would go home and cry and sense the emptiness of you being away from me. Now that you're adjusted and thriving in school, I feel much better leaving you each day. When you walk in all of the kids shout your name and they're always happy to see you. Not to mention, you're learning so much and growing my leaps and bounds. I still miss you but our new schedule seems a little bit more normal now.
I hope you now that there is not a day that passes where I don't just stop and stare at you in amazement over your beauty. Each day I am blown away by how much I love you and how incredibly blessed I am to be your mommy. Everyday you make me laugh and smile at least a dozen times and I love the way your crinkle your nose when you laugh. It's evident that your life makes mine so much better!
I'm so thankful for another year that we've had together! I'm so excited for the challenges and adventures that we will explore together in this coming year. I know that my heart will only grow to love you more through each step of the way.
Happy Birthday, princess!! I love you more than I could ever begin to tell you.
With All My Heart,
Mommy
This past Wednesday you turned 5! I'm still in disbelief over how fast these first years of your life have come and gone. When I think about it, it makes me realize that I better hold on tight to each day because before I know it, you'll be grown.
This year has been a big year for you, my sweet girl! You became a big sister again and I have loved watching you grow into the nurturer that you are. If one of your sisters has a runny nose you take it upon yourself to get them a tissue. If you sense that one of them is in danger you come and get me right away. You also speak to your sisters with such love and gentleness. The way you treat them is so precious to me and your heart of kindness and compassion truly amazes me!
Another major milestone for you this year was that you started school for the first time. I have to be honest with you, those first few weeks of Pre-K were hard for mommy. I used to take you to school and slowly walk away from your classroom. I would secretly wait outside the door and make sure that you were adjusting okay and well received by your classmates. I would then pry myself from the door, only to walk outside and peer into the window of your classroom to check on you once more before heading back home. Then I would go home and cry and sense the emptiness of you being away from me. Now that you're adjusted and thriving in school, I feel much better leaving you each day. When you walk in all of the kids shout your name and they're always happy to see you. Not to mention, you're learning so much and growing my leaps and bounds. I still miss you but our new schedule seems a little bit more normal now.
I hope you now that there is not a day that passes where I don't just stop and stare at you in amazement over your beauty. Each day I am blown away by how much I love you and how incredibly blessed I am to be your mommy. Everyday you make me laugh and smile at least a dozen times and I love the way your crinkle your nose when you laugh. It's evident that your life makes mine so much better!
I'm so thankful for another year that we've had together! I'm so excited for the challenges and adventures that we will explore together in this coming year. I know that my heart will only grow to love you more through each step of the way.
Happy Birthday, princess!! I love you more than I could ever begin to tell you.
With All My Heart,
Mommy
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