A perfect moment

Have you ever had one of those perfect moments in life?

A moment that regardless of how much time passes, you'll never, ever forget?

A moment that is so right, when looking back, you almost cannot believe it really happened?

A moment that is so perfect, you couldn't have made it up?

On that last night of Olivia not sleeping well, when she woke up crying at 2am, I decided to give her a bottle. When I finished feeding her, like all moms, I sat there a few extra minutes rocking her even though she had already falling back to sleep. Like so many times before, I leaned down and kissed her on the forehead and whispered to her "I love you." At that exact moment, she half opened her eyes and the biggest smile came across her face. Not her usual dreaming baby grin, but her big ol' kool-aid smile. She then closed her eyes and went right back to sleep.

It was a perfect moment in my life.

When she's 70 with grandchildren of her own and I'm 97, I will still remember that moment. It's one that makes it all worth it.

(Almost) Wordless Wednesday

If you can't tell, that's my child rolling all the way over for the first time!

Acceptance

This afternoon Meme (my grandmother) came over so we could make our traditional Christmas Eve dinner of homemade spaghetti and meatballs. When she walked in I'm sure she was taken aback to find Olivia screaming in her crib and me on the verge of tears. Like any grandmother, she immediately took me into her arms, gave me a big hug, told me it was going to be alright, and then she asked me what was wrong?

Of course I had already broken down at that point. I was going on about how Olivia still wasn't on a schedule and was a pain in the butt to put down for a nap. I went on and on about how after eight days, she wasn't following anything the book said and how the book said it only takes three to five days to get a baby on a sleeping schedule and she was on day eight and still refusing to sleep and I'm completely frustrated (sorry to the English teachers, that sentence is completely jacked up).

Meme started laughing and then told me to throw away my book. She reminded me that every child is different (I've heard it a thousand times already) and mine is a child that doesn't like to sleep. Meme raised three very different babies back in the day when they didn't have all these instructional books for babies, they just had to wing it. My aunt she said was a good baby, my dad was just like Olivia, and my uncle...well, she said he couldn't even be explained. Some babies are difficult and others just aren't. Some babies easily adapt to a schedule and others like to do things their way. She reminded me again that this too will pass. I need to quit worrying about my house not being clean or my laundry not getting done. She told me to enjoy the time I have with her and quit worrying about her being on a schedule because the time will fly quickly. Before I know it she'll be spending majority of her days in school and not with me.

So, I've decided to accept now that my child is not a sleeper and not a fan of schedules. She has better days and is happier when she's on the go and setting her own schedule. She lets me know when she's tired and easily goes down when she wants to and needs to. She is who she is and I don't want to change that for the world. The funny thing is that she's really just like her momma. No, she's not sleeping through the night yet, but to be honest, I cherish that time of night when it's only her and I awake and she lets me hold her like a baby and cuddle her. I don't think I'm ready to give up those 3am feedings yet. It's the only time my baby lets me treat her like a baby.

So, screw the schedule...she'll sleep when she's ready.

Baby Shaq

Y'all are going to think I'm completely crazy for asking this, but I'm being completely honest...

Do they make belts for babies?

Not toddlers, but two month old babies?

Since my child is the Shaquille O'Neal of babies, she has to wear 6month pants to fit her length. But she's as skinny as a rail so, of course all her pants are too big in the waist. When you pick her up they fall off. She only has about four pairs of pants that fit her in both the waist and length. That's why you seem to always see her in the same outfit.

I've looked all my usual hangouts like Target, Wal-mart, & Old Navy, but I can only find belts for toddlers.

And yes, I have a couple of times tied a ribbon threw (is that how you spell it?) her belt loops, but that looks kinda cheesy at times.

Does anyone know where I can find a baby belt or if they even make them?

I wonder what Shaquille's mommy used when he was a baby?

Two Months

Today I took OK for her two month check up. Someone should have warned me that I would loose it when they gave her the first go round of vaccinations. We both cried. I knew it was gonna happen and I tried to prep myself for it, but it's still hard to watch your baby get pricked with needles. The only plus side of it is that she's been pretty knocked out the majority of the afternoon and she's been very cuddly which she usually never is, so I've been soaking it up rocking and cuddling her all afternoon.

She officially turned two months this past Monday and nine weeks this past Wednesday, but much to my mother's dismay, I wanted to wait till after her two month checkup to post.

After a not so pleasant experience at her original pediatricians a couple of weeks ago, I decided to find a new one. Nicole recommended her pediatrician and I was much happier with this one. It makes such a difference. To you soon-to-be first time moms...your going to be spending a lot of time at your pediatricians the next 18 years, find a pediatrician that your happy with and that you trust. I've learned it's okay to go through a couple till you find one you like. Luckily, I think for us the second time is a charm and I'm so far loving her new pediatrician.

I'm happy to report that OK is doing great and developing well. I'm always hearing remarks about how long she is and today that statement was proven. She's measuring in at 24 & 3/4 inches long. She is in the 99.7% for height at her age. The nurses were hilarious when they looked at my shorty self (I'm 5'3) and asked "is her daddy tall?" Yes, her daddy is 6'1, two of her grandpa's are 6'2, and David's brother is around 6'4. So I'm hoping she keeps the tall and skinny thing going. Surprisingly, she only weighs 12 lbs. 7oz. The fattest part of her body is her cheeks, which of course, I'm constantly squeezing.

I know y'all have already seen this picture, but it's too cute to not re-post.

• She's smiling & cooing all the time. Every morning when I go to get her out of her crib, she's got a big ol' smile on her face. Seeing her smile melts my heart every time. I could never get tired of seeing her smile.
• We think she's finally past the colic stage. She's been a little irritable the past week or so, but we learned it was due to a type of medicine the original pediatrician prescribed for her cold (no, I'm not bitter about it).
• She mostly wears 3-6months clothes. They are always too big in the waist, but fit her long legs.
• She usually goes to bed around 9:30 0r 10pm and sleeps till 4:30 0r 5am and then sleeps to 8:30 or 9am. So, usually I'm only getting up once a night now.
  
• She's what the pediatrician calls a "snacker." During the day she only eats about a ounce or two every two and half hours, but usually sucks down her bottles at night. The pediatrician isn't too concerned right now since she is growing like she should and thinks she'll grow out of it in the next month or two.
• She loves playing on her playmat and the toys on her bouncy seat.
  
• She still loves riding in the car. She is a great traveler and that I'm so thankful for since we're always on the go.
• She can hold her head up great already. Unless she's being fed, she hates being held like a baby. She only likes to be held looking out. She's very alert and always wanting to know what's going on.
• Her favorite person is still her daddy. If he doesn't pick her up within five minutes of being home, she goes ballistic. It's adorable how wrapped around her finger he is.
  

It's crazy because it's hard to believe she's already two months old, but at the same time it feels like she's been here forever. I'm excited about the next two months since she's moving out of this newborn stage in about month.

I'm sure you all don't care for a monthly up-to-date on my child, but I promised a few family members I would follow this trend. If you made it this far in the post, you deserve a pat on the back!

If walls could talk...

Earlier this week, Tara from Ball Family Ramblings left me a sweet & encouraging comment in reference to my Sunday blog post about my child who never sleeps.

I'm sorry, but I had to laugh at part of her comment...

" Okay so don't think I'm crazy for letting my daughter swing all night but it really did save my sanity."

HAHA....Tara, I'm the last one to be judging you on the swing thing.

I will admit that my child probably spends a good part of her day in the bouncy seat. I'll even admit that there have been several times that you could walk into her nursery at 2am and find her in the bouncy in the crib. I completely understand and I can promise we're not the only ones, but I'm not going to spill anyone else's secrets.

Is it just me?

Am I the only one who has a eight week old who only sleeps thirty minutes at a time?

Just wondering if I'm the only cursed one.

"My baby can eat your baby for breakfast..."

I would like to introduce the newest member of our crew & Olivia's future boyfriend....

Cruz
11/10/09
6lbs. 11oz. & 18 inches long

Sheena gave birth to baby Cruz on Tuesday and he is tiny & so so cute!!!

I'm in love with him
&
Olivia could eat him for breakfast...

It's hard to believe they are only five weeks and six days apart in age. My baby girl looks like a monster next to Cruz.
Let's hope Cruz likes girls bigger than him!

Congrats again to Sheena & Aaron!!!

Believe it or not, this is the first time in like three years that someone in our group hasn't been pregnant. We've had four babies in one year. We need to stop drinking the water!

(Almost) Wordless Wednesday

She definitely takes after her daddy!

Update on Olivia Kate

Hi! Things are finally starting to settle down a bit around here. I figured I would stop in and let you guys know how we're doing.

Obviously, Miss Olivia finally decided to make her debut. While we all had decided that she would be an October baby, she decided to prove us wrong and show up in September. Save the best for last, right?

Here is a quick run down on the facts...She was born by c-section on Wednesday September 30 at 7:44pm. She weighed 9lbs. 2oz., was 20.5 inches long, and came out fighting. She is long and lean and built just like her daddy. The pediatrician gave us the report that she was a perfect, healthy baby girl. Since I was doing so well, Friday morning we were giving the option to go home or stay one more night. Even though staying at the hospital is so fun, we decided to go home and have had her home since a little before lunch time on Friday.

I am doing quite well after the c-section. I was given the advice by a good friend that the best thing to do after a c-section is to get up and move. I can tell you that I have took that advice to heart and the next morning, I was up walking around. I can tell you it has made the world of difference. I honestly feel 100 times better than I expected I ever would (of course with the help of some pain medications). My doctor told me Friday, I was doing better than most of her vaginal patients. Don't worry, I am getting my rest, but I feel better when I am up and moving.

Olivia is (so far) a great baby. She only cry's when she is wet or hungry. I usually only have to get up with her twice throughout the night. Knock on wood...I honestly thought it would be harder than it has been. She is making it very easy for us. Of course, she is already spoiled rotten. We're still trying to decide who she looks like and laughing at the little quirks that she gets from either David or I. Of course to us, she is absolutely perfect and we're madly in love with her. I can say that I now get it and people are right, you truly don't understand until you have one of your own. Oh, and of course like expected, she already has her daddy wrapped around her finger.

I'll post within the next few days the "birth story" and what all lead to her arrival that night. Thanks for all the well wishes! I am collecting pictures from the hospital stay from others. Here are a few that we've taken since being home.

A Little More Olivia!

Hey y'all! It's Nicole again!

Just wanted to give another quick update.

Mama and Baby are doing great. Amber is starting to feel better and was even up walking around when we went up to visit.

Olivia Kate is so so stunningly gorgeous!

She has a perfect little button nose and a head full of dark hair, just perfect for big ole bows!

Amber should be heading home tomorrow and I know she will be giving all the details.

Here are a couple more pictures to tide you over until Amber gets back:

Here She Comes!!

Hello to all Amber's Bloggy Friends!

It's Nicole, which can only mean one thing, Amber is at the hospital getting ready to welcome Little Miss Olivia Kate into the World!

I don't have all the details yet, but Amber sent me a message this evening letting us know that she had been in labor all day and was going in to have the c-section tonight!!!

I am sure that Olivia Kate is either born or very close to it by now!

Either way, I'm sure that your thoughts and prayers would be appreciated now.

Hopefully I will be able to update tomorrow with pictures of the 10 pound beauty!

Love Happens & Baby Socks

David's weekend falls on today and Tuesday so, our weekend is just beginning. Hopefully this will be our last weekend without a baby. I know I say that every weekend now, so keep your fingers crossed! : )

This past weekend, Aubry and I decided to get in one last girls day, since it might be a little while before we can have one. We did our usual, lunch, a little shopping, and a movie.
We decided to go see the new one with Jennifer Aniston, Love Happens. Let's just say, we were both highly disappointed with it. We love Jennifer Aniston. We were both big Friends fans and usually, her movies are pretty good. This one however was not too impressive. I don't want to give it all away in case there are some of you who are just dying to see it. I think the best thing to say is that the movie title is a little misleading. The movie mainly focuses on his getting over his wife's death. There is a little bit of love happening, but I wouldn't consider this one a romantic movie and it is definitely not a romantic comedy (yahoo movies puts it in the romantic comedy genre). It definitely wasn't about what we thought it would be. If your still dying to see it, wait till it comes to red box and only cost you a $1.

We also stopped by our favorite, Target. I know there are several of you are expecting soon and Target's dollar section had a bunch of cute Halloween socks and tights for only a $1. I know the sizes went 0-12 months, but I didn't notice if they went over that. I only bought OK one pair of black tights and a pair of socks. I wish now, I would have gotten a couple more pair of tights. The socks though are pretty darn cute! So run to your Target before they sell out!


Hope everyone had a wonderful weekend!

Auntie Aubry's Onesie

I figured I should post something.

I didn't want y'all to think I've gone and done something crazy like have a baby.

My cousin/BFF Aubry stopped by this afternoon to see me and of course every time I see her now she has to bring me something for OK. She made OK a special gift and I thought it's pretty cute.

Here's a close up...


David now wants to make a t-shirt for Aubs that says "I love my Cousin David."

Thank you Auntie Aubry!!!

She's being cut off

Meet Olivia's BFF Miss. Matalie. Isn't she the cutest!


In our little group, they are the only two girls close in age and Miss. Matalie is a sweetie who shares her clothes with her soon-to-be here BFF Olivia.

Last week, Amy called and said she had another load of clothes to pass on to Olivia. I headed over to her house for lunch and to pick up Olivia's new loot. It's good to have friends that have such good taste. Matalie is always dressed so cute.

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you Amy!!!

Olivia is being cut off from clothes. She seriously will need no more clothes till next fall. I didn't realize just how much she had. I've been buying stuff for next summer because of course it's all on sale and I never being one to turn down anything, have taken all the donations given to my baby girl.

Also, I didn't share that I had went to the sweet repeats consignment sale a couple of weeks ago and racked up on a bunch of fall stuff. Remember how I was searching for baby jeans? Well, she now has nine pairs for this fall alone. And remember how I was a sucker and paid $9 for a pair at JcPenny's? I got the same exact pair at the consignment sale for $1. I'm a sucker, I know.

The other night when I was going through and sorting Amy's last batch, David gave me that look. With his serious look, he told me she couldn't have anything else for the fall, it needed to stop.

I'll try honey, promise.

Oh, I'm currently taking applications for a fashionable BFF that is the same size as me and wants to pass down their clothes to me every season. Let me know if your interested.

Thrift Store Love

More reasons to love thrifting...one of our local thrift stores has book day on Tuesdays and Thursdays. On those days you can get 12 books for $5.99 or 25 books for $6.99. Today I got 52 books for $14. The nice young guy at the checkout gave me the extra two books.
One of my favorite blogs is Darby:Fly through my window. A few post back she talked about her love of the Little Golden books. I had completely forgotten about them. Growing up, I had a ton of the Little Golden Books and even still have a few that I've kept over the years. I didn't realize that they were still around. When I went today to look for children's books to add to my already large collection, I started scoping out all the little gold binders. As you can see, I hit the jack pot. I even got several I had as a child growing up.

Plus, I got this one for myself. I know it will be here before I know it.
I'm going to try to limit myself to going only every other week.

A Milestone, A Movie, & New Shoes

I can post a weekend update because for once, we actually did something this past weekend! Don't get too excited...we have no plans for the upcoming weekend.

Friday night wasn't too exciting since David had to work a double. All multi-unit managers have to work one double a week and it is usually Friday nights. He has a few hour break in between shifts so he always comes home and takes me to an early dinner. He was in the mood for Bar-B-Que, so we headed to our favorite Bar-B-Que joint Southern Pit. My family has been eating here for as long as I can remember. For the longest time, I thought it was the only kind of Bar-B-Que there is. After dinner, I ended up getting a headache and went to bed early while he went back to work. Wild and crazy Friday nights!


Saturday morning I meet up with Aubry to have a girls day. She has been really busy with work lately, so I had not seen her in forever. I even had to leave her a facebook message asking if I was ever going to see her again? Luckily, she finally made some time for me. We started with lunch at Upscale pizza where her sister/my cousin KP works. It was KP's last day working there since she leaves for college this week. Since she'll no longer be there, I guess we'll find somewhere else to eat after movies. With her there, we always got the best service!


After lunch, we went to see the movie Julie & Julia. I loved it!!! I highly recommend you to see it. I honestly don't know what it was about it, but I just loved it. It was just a great movie. It was one of the best movies I've seen in awhile. I was a little worried about whether I would like it, because I bought the book and could not get into it. But now that I've seen the movie, I wanna try again to read the book Julie & Julia and I want to read My Life in France by Julia Child. A few of the parts that made me laugh were the ones where Julie is complaining about her blog and how no one reads it and then how excited she gets over her comments. All bloggers can relate.

Saturday night we gathered to celebrate my Meme's birthday. She has decided that she no longer celebrates birthdays, she celebrates milestones! Guess where she decided to go eat...Southern Pit! So we had round two of Bar-B-Que that night. Needless to say, I've had my fill of Bar-B-Que for awhile.

Meme & Ms. Susan

Everyone then came back to our house for cake and ice cream. Meme's best friend Ms. Susan made her a homemade chocolate cake. The thing was to die for!!! It was so good! That woman is an amazing cook! Meme was even sweet and let me keep a piece for the next day. I hid it from David so he couldn't eat it and I enjoyed every bite.


David had to work Sunday morning so I just hung out around the house. I did finally go grocery shopping. Though I didn't have much of a choice since we were out of laundry detergent and on our last roll of paper towels and toilet paper. I also got groceries for the week and I'm hoping we can get back on track on eating at home this week. We have done terrible lately.

After David got off work, we headed over to Aubry's house so David and my uncle George could go play golf. While the guys went to golf, the girls went to shop. I got these cute shoes at Target and I'm in love with them! Their on sale for $10 this week, so run to go get some. They are super comfy and they come in a few different colors/prints. I also got a bronze pair.


We then stopped at the Gap and all their clearance is 40% off this week so I picked up a few "after pregnancy" tops. I also got these little tights for OK. I cannot wait to put them on her. I'm sure though it will probably be January before it's cold enough around here.


Also, Meme's friend Ms. Susan brought me a baby gift since she could not attend the shower due to her grandson's birthday. She made OK two blankets. One for summer and one for winter. I love them since they are bigger than all the store bought blankets. Of course, it's got polka dots on it and it will always be special since it's handmade.


As for the rest of the week, we have nothing going on. David has a few late nights this week, so I won't get to see him too much. I have no other plans and you can only clean the house so many times in one week. I am trying not to go out too much because every time I do, I just end up spending money. I'm dreading tonight when David checks the online banking and sees how much I spent yesterday. So, my plans for the week are to get some rest and reading done. I am seriously now to point that I am sitting and waiting for OK now. I hope these next six weeks fly by.

Need Mommy Help!!!

I need some mommy help!!!

I have mentioned before that I am a Vera Bradley fan. Well, the new fall colors came out last month and I am getting in the mood to get a new one. My birthday happens to be at the end of this month and the store I buy them from always sends a 25% off coupon to use during the month of your birthday. I have been debating back and forth on what I want to buy. I originally planned on getting a big tote to carry as Olivia's diaper bag and using my coupon to go towards that. But the other day I received a catalog in the mail and I found a purse I like for myself.

So my question is do I buy the tote for Olivia to carry for a diaper bag or do I just get the purse and carry one of the two diapers bags I have already received? How many of you carry a purse and a diaper bag? Or do you just carry a diaper bag? Here is what I'm debating on..

Tote bag for Olivia

or

Purse for me

The purse is cheaper than the tote and no matter what I buy, I will be switching them out on a regular basis (Nesting post). So, once again my question is how many carry a purse and a diaper bag and who carries just a diaper bag?

Help please!