Milestones

Well, Brynn now loves to roll from her back to her tummy. She has done it so many times now, I lost count. The problem is... she doesn't like her tummy, and hasn't figured out rolling from her tummy to her back. So, her new game is rolling to her tummy, then crying for me to flip her over. It is cute :)

Here is a picture of her not looking so happy after her accomplishment

17 day diet is going all right. I am down 2 pounds, but did cheat a bit this weekend. Starting on a Friday made it tough... because I have a feeling weekends will be hard. Today I was back on track though! I hope this week goes well.

Here was my dinner tonight: Sesame Salmon, Aspargus, and an amazing salad.

Dan and I took Brynn to Afton State Park yesterday. We hadn't been there before... and we really liked it. The St. Croix River is so high. The beach and some paths by the water were underwater. We hope to make it there again for a picnic and some fishing/ swimming with family.

This upcoming weekend we will be going up to the Nisswa area to stay at his moms time share. I am really looking forward to it, and the weather is suppose to finally be nice! We just bought Brynn a life jacket today, it is so cute. I will be sure to take a lot of pictures so I can post some when we get home.

I can't believe Brynn is almost 5 months old. Yikes. She is so much fun and I just love spending my days with her. We are coming up on June 5, which was my due date with Elizabeth. I can't believe she would be a year old this weekend had all gone perfectly. Last year I knew I was pregnant with Brynn on the 5th, but it was still a tough day. I pampered myself with getting my hair done. This year we will be up north, and I will have Brynn to cuddle. I will definitly be thinking about her though.

Where is Spring?

I have not been very good in the last couple of weeks updating my blog. I guess because I feel like there isn't really anything interesting happening in my life, which I guess you can look at as a good thing.

OK. I know we are Minnesotans and are never happy with our weather... but seriously. After the winter we had, and the lack of spring... this is getting rediculous. Last night Dan and I went on a walk with Brynn and the dogs, and I had Brynn in fleece pjs, a blanket, and a hat. May 25. That is just pathetic. Yes, the sun is out today which is nice, but it is cold. I have all of these cute summer outfits for Brynn she isn't going to be able to wear before she outgrowns them!

This last weekend I survived with just me and no Dan. It was me taking care of the dogs and Brynn. I feel like it's a bigger deal being in a townhome since I can't just let the dogs out the door. I have to put them on their leashes and walk them outside so being here alone with them in Brynn all weekend gives me no break.

Friday night I ended up just watching a movie off Netflix. I knew Saturday was going to be a busy day. Saturday we had Shannon's wedding shower and her Bachelorette Party. Brynn was super cranky during her shower because it was her nap time, but we survived. My mom watched Brynn during Shannon's Bachelorette Party. I get so nervous since she wont take a bottle! Plus I just felt like sitting on my couch and cuddling with her that night. Needless to say, as Shannon's Matron of Honor, I sucked it up and headed off to Chatterbox Pub. I decorated before the whole group came. I think it turned out pretty well. We had drinks, dinner, opened gifts, and then headed off to Billy's. I stayed out until about 10:30 and then headed to my mom's to get Brynn. She was so cranky, I felt bad. I think she is just getting used to her bedtime routine and her own bed. And of course needing her momma :) It felt good to get out for a while, but it's hard because I just wish I could completely relax when being away from her. I am sure it will be a while before that happens.

Sunday morning Brynn let me sleep until 7:40am... better than the typical 6 or 6:30 afte a late night! We just hung around home Sunday and waited for Dan to get home.

Monday and Tuesday of this week were my cleaning days. Got the laundry done and all of that fun stuff. However, today it looks like the house hasn't been cleaned all week. I don't get how that happens.

So I am beginning the 17 Day Diet tomorrow. My fridge is stocked full of fruit, veggies, eggs, and chicken. If you watch Dr. Phil or Dr. Oz, they featured this diet on there. I have never been a dieter, or needed to, but I really want this last 20-25 pounds of baby weight off. I really like the way this diet is layed out, because you gradually get to add stuff into your diet and eat things you like. I really am only going to follow it strictly until I get to my goal weight. Then I should be fine managing it. We will see how it goes. I really, really want to stick to it since people get such good results. I have nothing to lose I guess!

I also just made an appointment to begin physical therapy. I had such bad pelvic pain when I was pregnant with Brynn. SO BAD. I couldn't wait to not be pregnant for it to go away. Well...I am still dealing with it. I wanted to play soccer SO BAD this summer, but I can't even run it hurts so bad. My first appointment is June 13th. I wish I could get in sooner, but that is a start. I really hope it helps because I really miss soccer, and believe it or not, running.

No big plans for Memorial Weekend. We will be in town, and go figure, it is supposed to rain. Hopefully we figure out something fun to do. We may go hiking or try geocaching. I am really glad Dan has an extra day off. Hope everyone has a safe holiday weekend!

Baptism and Graduation

Brynn's baptism went well. It didn't last too long, and we headed off to my parents house for a little get together. It was so nice to have the sun out finally. We had pulled beef, a bunch of salads, fruit, veggies, and a yummy chocolate cake from Byerly's.

Brynn got some fabulous gifts from relatives. Necklaces, outfits, money, but my favorite would have to be a bonnet my sister gave her. Shannon got the same gift at her baptism from my Aunt Monica and Uncle Larry (her godparents). It is an Irish tradition... the baby wears the bonnet at her baptism, and then it becomes a hanky to use for her wedding. Shannon just found out about it as she and my mom have been getting ready for her wedding... so what a perfect gift for her to get Brynn as her godmother. It made me tear up :) And even more so thinking about her getting married. So crazy to think of that.

Here she is in her bonnet with Grandma :)

Monday morning Dan had his graduation ceremony. Brynn slept through the entire thing. It was a nice ceremony... and I was really glad Brynn was content so I was able to watch it.

This week Brynn's sleep pattern has changed. I know I have been so spoiled so I shouldn't complain... but after being so spoiled it is hard :) Brynn has been needing to nurse in order for her to calm down and go to sleep. She has never been like this. She was able to self soothe herself and just be put into her crib and fall asleep on her own. After talking to some people about it, I am thinking it has something to do with her being so much more alert and aware of her surroundings. It is harder for her to calm down and relax, because she is so overstimulated since she is so curious about her surroundings. I am hoping it is a phase... but we shall see.

Dan is fishing this weekend...and I have Shannon's Bachelorette Party. Another night of being away from Brynn, and me worrying about her not eating. Now with this whole needing to nurse thing in order for her to fall asleep, I will have that on my mind as well. I am sure it will be fine. My mom has a lot of experience :)

A Little of This... a Little of That.

This morning will probably be a short post... just a couple of things I felt like writing about. Brynn's 4 month stats: She is 13.9 lbs. (50th %), her head is in the 60th %, and she is 25 in. long (80th %). I call her my little string bean :) Long and skinny. She looked healthy and was a rockstar while getting her shots! Feeding her right after has seemed to help.

Last night we had Dan's graduation dinner at Jensen's Supper Club. Their food is amazing. I had Alaskan King Crab Legs! It was interesting though... Brynn got super cranky right when the food came out, and I ended up taking her out to the car until I got her calmed down. I eventually got to eat :) He actually finished school in December (right after I was put on bedrest), but his graduation ceremony is Monday. His grandparents are in town for Brynn's baptism, so it worked out well to have his dinner last night. Since this weekend is fishing opener, it does feel weird having him home (I don't think he likes that he is too much). I think he is ok with it though... he is going up to Leech lake with my Dad and the Murphy side of the family and friends. I know he looks forward to that and has a good time.

This morning I put Brynn on her playmat. She spun herself in a full circle in the course of her laying and playing! It was so funny watching her move herself by swinging her legs. She is just too cute.

Well, today is her big day. I will have pics to post next entry. I hope she does well and isn't cranky during church :)

On a last note... as a huge Minnesota Wild fan, the passing of Derek Boogaard is such a huge loss. I still have a hard time believing he is gone. Thoughts and prayers go out to his family. So sad.

4 Months

Brynn is 4 months old today! How did that happen? She is so fun to be around... so smiley and interacts with me :)

Well last weekend was busy. We had my high school reunion, which was a lot of fun. A suprise birthday party for my mom, and Mother's Day. Last year Mother's Day was not as wonderful as this year's. Last Mother's Day I was a mother with no child to hold/ kiss. My baby was in heaven... and I had found out I had another baby in my belly. Like I posted last year right after I announced I was pregnant again, I was scared to death... so needless to say Mother's Day last year was not so great.

This Mother's Day was wonderful! We went to Dan's aunts for brunch. All of the grandkids were in town for Mother's Day which made Dan's grandma very happy. It was a big deal because Dan's cousin Alex had to fly in from Boston and his cousin Tague had to fly in from Utah. It had been a very long time since all of them (there are 6 of them) had been together. We then went to my Grandma's in the afternoon. Brynn got me a painting that I have wanted for the last 3 years! It was a painting that we first saw when we went to Duluth. Each year when we went up there, I would go look at it, and think about buying it, but didn't. This last year I said if it was there, I would buy it to hang in Brynn's room. Well, it wasn't. So, Dan suprised me with it! He had to order it and it hasn't come yet... but can't wait until it gets here.

Picture of the Painting

Me and Brynn on Mother's Day

The Whole Gang (Nelson Family- Dan's Mom's Side) on Mother's Day

Then there is Maia... oh Maia. There was one night about 2 months ago that Dan and I woke up to Maia at the side of the bed. Her whole body was randomnly jerking/ twitching. It would jerk and she would be fine and 30 seconds later it would happen again. We were so freaked out Dan took her to the animal hospital at 3:00 am. By time he got there she had stopped. The vet thought it could be the start of epilepsy and keep an eye on it. He wasn't too concerned. Well, on Sunday night, we woke up at 1 am to her again doing this jerking thing. Well, as many of you know, I have anxiety. Waking up at 1 am to this is not a great way to wake up. She is conscious while she does it. I get all worked up, freaked out. They are not "normal" sezures. From the research I have found it sounds like they could be Myoclonis Seizures. What Maia does sounds pretty similar to the description of them. I have no idea what has caused them... I am thinking we need to bring her into the vet again. I want to know what is wrong, so I can not just let my imagination run wild. She acts like her normal self otherwise! And while the jerking happens, she just acts super lovey and wants to cuddle. So-- each day this week I have felt better, but still anxious feeling about it.

Brynn ALMOST rolled over this morning. She is closer to rolling from her back to tummy I think than her tummy to back. She has her 4 month appointment tomorrow-- 3 shots :( I am not looking forward to that, but am excited to see how much she has grown.

We have another busy weekend. I have a wedding shower, Dan's graduation dinner, and Brynn's baptism. We also have to prepare for that so we will be busy! Pictures to come next week :)

Overwhelming feeling....

.... of being in love. Seriously. I just had to post this morning because I am sitting on my couch, watching my DVRd Bethenny Ever After, and Brynn is sitting in her swing playing with her Mr. Elephant. Sometimes I just look at her and get this overwhelmed feeling... it is hard to explain. It seriously feels almost as though I love her more and more everyday, if that is even possible. I just look at her and smile. How can you not?

Last night, we got home from my parents house a little after 9. Brynn fell asleep in the car, and I put her in her crib for the night when we got home. (She slept til 7am this morning by the way!) Anyway... I am exhausted by that time at night. However, I just can't go to bed at night after she goes down. I always stay up for an hour and a half- two hours just to have some "me" time. Dan probably doesn't understand it... but all day long, I feel as though I am taking care of her, playing with her, or cleaning. Sometimes when she is napping, I get a little bit of time, but I am always waiting for her to wake up. So, even though I am so tired, I put off sleeping for a while just to whind down.

I had to get up and put her down in the middle of writing this entry. I feel like I am really getting to know her cues and know what she needs. FINALLY after almost 4 months :) Her naps are never that long though... but usually she naps, eats, plays. She is usually only awake about 1.5-2 hours, then needs to go down for a nap again.

I just went up to check on her, I had to pull her lovey away from her face- she buries her face into soft things to self soothe herself, which I am glad she can do. Anyway, as I walked out of her room, I just broke down. I thought to myself, this is what I have been waiting for. I have my healthy baby girl sleeping in her crib. I have met her needs, and she is sleeping. I truly had been waiting for this moment since Sept. of 2009.. when we found out we were pregnant with Elizabeth.

Well... funny how this blog ended in a direction I had no idea it would. I guess that is what happens when I have to stop writing to take care of Brynn about 3 times in the course of this entry :) I started writing about a half hour ago! Haha. So worth it though.

PS. I love Bethenny Frankel.

Giggles!

As many of my facebook friends saw, I made Brynn giggle for the first time last night! Dan had made her giggle on Friday, so that was when I heard it for the first time. I was ddetermined to make her giggle myself! :) I was holding her in the air and moving her up and down above my head... and all of a sudden she let out a BIG giggle! So, of course, I kept doing it trying to make her do it again. We got it recorded on video... so guess what I will be doing all day today :) haha no. I have other things to do too... but I am sure I will fit it in!

Friday night Dan gave Brynn a bath. He had given her one with me, but I wanted him to feel comfortable doing it by himself... so I was there to guide him :) but he did just fine. Saturday we went to a craft sale out at the fairgrounds. Saturday night, I was Dan's dd while he went to St. Paul for a bachelor party. Yesterday, Brynn and I went to Shannon's wedding shower. It was so nice!

Me and Shan at her shower

Brynn really loves her Baby Einstein Jumper. She will play in it for at least a half hour at a time. I love watching her in it because it just amazes me how much she is growing and changing! She reaches for toys, grabs them, spins them... she wasn't doing much of that a month ago! I can't believe she is 9 days from being 4 months old. Yikes. This also means she will need more shots :( I hate having to see her get shots.

Oh.. and I almost forgot! Brynn has been sleeping in her crib at night since Thursday! That is 4 nights, and the transistion has been just fine for her... and I have done pretty well, too. Still sleeping through the night! I also have been putting her down for naps in her crib during the day.

This week we don't have anything planned during the week which is nice. The weather is also supposed to be "normal", whatever that means, the rest of the week. All I know this weather has been pathetic. Next weekend we have a lot going on... my 10 year class reunion and my first Mother's Day with Brynnie! It was that weekend one year ago we found out we were pregnant! :o)