9 Months... Busy, Busy, Busy!

The only reason I am up still is because I am watching Castle. Otherwise, I would typically be in bed. Life has been so busy! Work is going well... Wild season has started... And I am busy chasing Brynn around! She is quite the mover. I am sure it is just a matter of time before she is standing/ walking on her own. She walks all along the couch/ coffee table. It is so fun. She is also starting to copy things we do, and Clapping my hands when put them out. She just is so curious and learning so much. She loves Cheerios Her sleeping has been up and down... Last couple of nights have been good! Hopefully we are turning a corner.

Brynn now has 4 teeth! This is another thing that I think is affecting her sleep. Now that her top two are through and visible... I think that has helped. Hopefully the most painful part is done.

We have her 9 month Appt on Thursday, so I will have to be sure and post her stats after it.

We went to the Wild home opener on Saturday. What a fun game! They look so great. I am excited for what is to come this season.

Other than that not much is new. Looking forward to the cooler weather again. This heat has been crazy. Us Minnesotans are never happy with the weather... Also am planning a trip to the apple orchard this weekend! Forecast looks great :)

Life as a Working Mom

Whoa. I have always had an idea of what life was like for the life of a working mom... or so I thought. I have a whole new appreciation for them. There is not enough hours in the day!! Now that Brynn is no longer stationary, and pulling herself up on EVERYTHING, it is so hard to get stuff done! Not to mention when I get home from working all day, the last thing I want to do is laundry, scrub toilets, dishes, etc. All I want to do is cuddle and play with Brynn. I have been trying to do more work at home as well instead of staying longer at school, because I want to enjoy some time with Brynn before she goes to bed. I am sure we are just going through an adjustment period, and as soon as I figure out what works, something will change!

Speaking of change... I have been SO stressed lately. I think I have written about us deciding to rent out/ sell our townhome. Well, we have come to decide our best option right now is going to be renting it out. So, we will be moving in with my Grandma for a few months until we find a house we want to buy. That way we can save a bit of money, and not be in a rush to find a house. On top of that, we plan on helping out my Grandma. My Grandpa passed away in March, and my Grandma has been alone since. She hates being alone, and could use us there to do things like shovel, mow the lawn, and even help with grocery shopping, cleaning, laundry, and filling her car with gas. I know she is looking forward to the company. I am just stressing about moving Brynn from her familiar room/ house into a new space. She will have her own room there, and we will make it her own... but with me working, and all of our weekends just filling up, I just get stressed about how time consuming it all will be. Packing our house up, cleaning, cleaning out my Grandma's house... my Grandpa was quite the collector. It is going to be ahuge undertaking, and I know my Grandma is overwhelemed with it all, as am I. I just wish we could blink and it would be done. I am sure there will be more updates on that as we move forward with it all.

I am at home with Miss Brynn today. She has been doing so great with her "manny," as I like to call him. Kevin is so great with her, as is Kelsey in the afternoons when she is home. Brynn loves Sophie and Liam and I am sure enjoys playing with them everyday! However, she has come down with her first cold of the season. I am bringing her in today because she has a runny nose, was sneezing, but the big thing I have noticed is her eyes seem to be puffy and a little red. And she is rubbing them a lot, not just when she is tired. It may be nothing, but for piece of mind, I want to get her checked out. I hope she is better by Monday, today was not a great day for me to have to miss. One downfall of missing work as a teacher, it can really mess with your schedule and set you back.

Other than that... life has been hectic. Just trying to adjust to my new role as a working mom. Dan has had some late nights too working with Kolby and her training... so we haven't been able to connect as much as I would like either- since I am in bed so early now that I am back at work. Happy autumnal equinox! Have a great weekend :)

8 Months and a Rant

I am going to start with my rant. It is something that has been on my mind since right after I had Brynn, and I just needed to figure out when I wanted to voice my mind about it.

All of you moms out there know people always share their birth stories and ask about yours. Some women take pride in having a "natural" birth, other have no issues using drugs to ease their pain. Why is it that we as moms then are always judging eachother? Let me explain...

If you have been following my blog, you know I ended up with an emergency C-section with Brynn. It wasn't planned. It wasn't wanted. It was necessary. Why is it then when I say I had a c-section when I am asked about her birth, I feel like I need to explain and defend myself? I get this look from some moms like "oh... that is too bad." Almost like I am less of a mother for it. I should not feel like I have to explain that my c-section was an emergency. I am THANKFUL for the technology that is in place that allowed my doctor to determine a c-section was necessary. If our modern day technology had not existed, Brynn would not be here today. If I had not trusted in my doctors and refused a c-section like so many mothers say to do, I would have been putting Brynn's life at risk and again, she wouldn't have survived delivery with her cord wrapped around her neck four times.

I usually don't use my blog as a space to preach... but this was something that just had really irked me. Having a home birth or natural birth for some moms is what they want to do. Is it something I would choose to do? No. But I don't judge them for it. I am and was happy giving birth in a hospital. I was in a place that I felt comfortable, and could quickly be helped in the case of an emergency. I went into labor hoping and praying for a healthy baby most importantly, and also wanting the experience of a vaginal birth. No, I didn't get the delivery I wanted, but Brynn was healthy, perfect, and beautiful, and in the end... isn't that what matters?

OK. Switching gears :) Brynn is a big 8 month old tomorrow! No major milestones since last entry... just crawling like crazy and trying to pull herself up on everything... so she has a huge bruise right now on her forehead from that! She and I both survived her first week of daycare. School went great, and I have some amazing kids this year. I think it is going to be a really good year.

I need to upload some pics to the computer. I haven't been takinng as many since I have been back at work the last 2 weeks. I finally get a pay check this week so that is exciting, too! I will try to get some up tomorrow or early this week.

With tomorrow being 9.11, please remember our fallen heros and our men and women who are overseas protecting us, as well as the ones right here on our own land protecting us from hatred. God bless them and all their families.

Back to Work!

So, a lot has happened in the last week! I started back at work, and Brynnie has met some milestones!

Work of course was fine, I knew it would be. I was worried about how Brynn would handle being at daycare. How would she sleep and eat? Those were the 2 things I worried most about. And guess what? She did fine at both! She is taking the bottle just fine and eating her sweet potatoes :) She also napped well. Whew. It makes this going back to work thing a whole lot easier when I know she is getting what she needs! Kevin and Kelsey's kiddos seem to just love her, too. One of the days I showed up to pick her up, Sophie was singing to her. So sweet.

Being at work means I have to pump. Something I hate. I already have seen my supply take a hit... and it is so tempting to just not pump at work. I am going to give it this week and see how it goes. If I can make it one more week, then that means I made it until Brynn was 8 months, and that I am proud of. I would still breastfeed her at night and morning as much as I can, just cut out the daytime when I am at work. She is going to start eating more solids now anyway. This weekend, we gave her crackers which she loved. I also got her some puffs and stuff to try with her. It is so fun!

As far as milestones... holy buckets! Pulling to stand??! How did that happen? She still prefers to crawl with her belly on the ground, she can move fastest that way, but will crawl with her belly off the floor. She now is trying to pull herself to stand off everything since she figured out she could, so here come the bumps and bruises! She has crash landed a few times, but luckily hasn't hit anything sharp or anything. I am loving our coffee table right now since it is leather and not wood. She wont hurt herself on that! She also is screaming when she gets mad/ frustrated/ happy. Piercing screams. Luckily it is just a shriek and not constant... but it is loud!

Not sure what we are going to do today... think we may head to the zoo. It is going to be a beautiful day so we might as well take advantage of it! Hope it isn't too crazy. I am sure I will have a lot to update after my first week with the kids! I am really excited to meet them!!

Here is a little look into Brynn's world :)

Milestones and Changes

Well it is amazing how much has changed in just the last couple of weeks. Brynn was at the Beyer's (they are who will be watching her when I go to work) about 2 weeks ago... and just in that little of time, I feel like they are getting a much different baby! Brynn now can go from laying down to sitting herself up. It is so cute, but also causing some problems at nap time/ bed time. If she isn't super tired, or asleep in my arms, it has been a battle. She keeps sitting up in her crib... because she can. She is also mobile now... so if she gets bored with her toys, watch out. She is most likely wanting something she shouldn't have.

Bottles and solids are still something she isn't extremely interested in... bottles she will need to learn fast that she needs to be ok with them. As far as solids go, it will happen. She loves her sweet potatoes. LOVES them. I made a huge batch of them for her. I just made some apples so we will have to try those soon. Solids don't have a ton of nutritional value before the age of 1, so I feel ok about that. She gets them typically 1-2 times a day, or I should say we attempt them :) But some days, when we will be out all day, I just nurse her. Speaking of that... I decided I am going to pump at least 1x a day while at work. I am not quite sure of the logistics of it yet... but as much as I hate pumping, I am going to give it a shot.

Brynn also had her first trip to Eveleth and Lake Vermillion. The weather was fabulous and she had a good time. She even went mini golfing with us and she hung out in my Beco on my back! It wwas so cute. She went to Grandma Babich's house for the first time as well. Grandma was so excited to see her.

Were heading to the fair today. SO pumped for that, but not so pumped for having to battle the crowds with a stroller. I would just wear her in my Beco, but being there all day, I know that will be hot/ tiring/ and she will nap a lot better in her stroller. Hopefully it goes ok. I can't wait to eat- although last year was amazing being pregnant and being able to eat. I am pretty sure I blogged about that last year :)

Tomorrow is my first day back to work. I am not going to lie, I am excited. Of course I am sad to leave Brynn, I will worry about whether or not she is eating, or sleeping, but I am looking forward to some "me" time. Some time to catch up with friends from work.. and time away from the house. I am ready for a new school year and excited for what the year will bring. It will be a fun ride adjusting to working full time while having a baby. I am preparing myself for exhaustion and lots of sleep deprevation.

Here is a video of Brynnie in her jumper!



Pictures of Brynnie from the lake!

7 Months!!

Well, Brynnie is officially 7 months. She is so close to crawling... it has to happen in the next week. She is definitely mobile-- rolling and scooting to what she wants. I know it is just a matter of time.

Next week is the start of preseason for high school soccer. I can't believe it is here already! I am going to stop down at the field I think on Wednesday or Thursday during the scrimmages. I then may head over to school and get some stuff done in my classroom. I am actually getting really excited for the year to start. I do love teaching... and love the kids, so I am looking forward to that. I am not looking forward to my massive class sizes, but that is just the reality of education right now, unfortunatly. Of course I will miss Brynnie, but based on the first couple days of her being with Kevin and Kelsey, I know it will be great. They are so good with her.

I know anxiety is something I have been open about it posts before... I just know it is something I am going to battle with the rest of my life. I just wish it could be consistent! It is so up and down. I have an appt. with my doctor on Monday about my meds and have a feeling it would be a good idea to up the dosage because it has been pretty bad lately... and I am on a minumum dosage right now. I just have a feeling it might get worse once work starts. Yes, I am excited to be back, but that doesn't take away the stress of being away from Brynn. Plus, I am getting back in the routine of worrying about dumb little stuff, and that is usually a signal that it is getting worse. Believe it or not, I am not anxious/ worried about Brynn as much as I thought I would be. I think the biggest hurdle for me with her was just getting her here! Once I had her in my arms, that was all I needed. Obviously as she gets older, I know worries will come and go, but for right now, it is so nice just being able to enjoy her.

Last night we went to Brew at the Zoo with my friend Katie and Eric. It was SO fun. It was a beautiful night, lots of great beer, food, and music. Our friend Alex was in town working at it, and he was so awesome and was able to get us in with free tickets. He works for Capital Brewery out in Madison, WI. GREAT beer :o) We then went to Sweeneys after and met up with Sara, John, and Kelsey. We drank some more beer (and soda), had some wings, and had some good laughs. And, to top it off... guess how late I stayed out?? Until midnight! It was the latest I have been out since Brynn was born, and she was sleeping like a baby when I got to my mom and dads. I also texted my mom a lot less throughout the night, so it is becoming a little bit easier to go out and enjoy myself. Heck, my mom raised 4 kids so she is more of a pro at stuff than I am! :)

Today we are heading up to Dan's moms to visit, and to get Kolby some training. She is staying up there right now and we are getting her trained on the electric fence, and some behavior training. I hope it goes well and she has success. I miss her and hope we get out of this townhome so we can have her again and in our OWN backyard. We are really trying to figure out what exactly we want to do-- rent or try selling our house. We know we will take a loss on our house, that is just the reality if we sell. I just hope we get it figured out soon. We are outgrowing this house fast.

Let's see... tomorrow will probably be church and maybe going to my parents house. If it is nice we like to go over there to swim/ let the dogs play in the back yard/ eat/ just visit!

At night time, we play Jewels Lullaby CD for Brynn, and there is one song on it that I just LOVE. The lyrics just have so much meaning to me, so I am going to leave you with them.

The song is called "Forever and a Day"
The other day you asked me to
Tell you how much I love you.
Oh but words so often fail,
To describe the depth and scale,
and even though it may sound cliche,
I'll tell you now in my simple way.

My love is as true as the oceans are blue,
and I always feel this way.
Just listen to the beating that keeps repeating
My heart wants to say
Like Gala and Dali, it's you and me,
Forever and a day.

How is it August??

Ok. I have been pathetic this last month updating my blog. I just don't know where the time goes. I am so nervous about going back to work... I can't believe I only have 3 weeks. Considering I have been off since December 10, it isn't going to be easy. On top of that, I am going to have to leave Brynn... I have a feeling it isn't going to be pretty. Bring on the stress and anxiety :-/

Brynn will be testing it out with Kevin and Kelsey on Monday while I go to work for the day... to say I am nervous is an understatment. After spending the last 7 months with her, she has a strong dependance on me, (and me on her!) and I of course just know all the little tricks to get her to sleep. That is my biggest concern. I worry about her being a stinker and not wanting to nap. I will sit and rock her and can nurse her...until she falls asleep if I need to, but I wont be there for her. It actually breaks my heart when I think about it. I know Kevin and Kels will great, but I am just so worried about it. I am also having a hard time deciding if I want to supplement during the day while I am at work, or pump. I still definitly want to nurse her in the morning and after work/ evening... but have no idea how my supply will be affected if I dont pump at work, so I don't know what to do...

The last month has been busy. We had our family vacation to Door County which was so nice. It went way too fast. While we were out there we then had one of my best friend's from college wedding, Amber Jean :o) It was so good to see her and Erica! I miss them both so much. I lived with Amber for 3 years and Erica for 2... and on top of that we all played soccer together, and Amber and I had all our education classes together! So say I miss them is an understatement. Amber looked beautiful and I am so, so, so happy for her and Scott!

While in Door County we did a lot. We putted around all the little harbors, had breakfast at Al Johnson's (retaurant with goats on the roof), toured a winery, walked around a cherry orchard, took a boat cruis on Lake Michigan, explored a state park, ate a lot of great food, and of course walked around a few marinas to look at the boats. We also did a lot of swimming at our resort since Miss Brynn LOVES the water. We had a great trip!

As far as updates on Brynnie, she has 2 teeth! They broke through at the same time! They are her bottom center teeth. She also is moving all over. not quite crawling yet, but almost. She is scooting, but ends up pushing herself backwards. She gets up on her hands and knees, and rocks, but hasn't figured out how to move from there. She is sitting up really well independantly, too. Oh, and apparently, she only likes sweet potatoes right now! I have tried apple, banana, prunes, pears... nothing. But she LOVES sweet potatoes. I don't blame her, they are delicious! She is still taking a bottle really well and will drink out of her sippy cup, too!

Brynn has not been sleeping as well anymore. I don't know if it is teething or what-- but she wakes up a lot, especially between the time we put her down (between 7:30-8) until about midnight. She then has been waking up at least once if not twice after that ... I am not used to it. It started when we got home from vacation... so hopefully it is a little phase.

We just put up one gate, and attempted another but it is too narrow so we need to return it. We also took down her swing since she doesn't use it anymore! I can't believe how fast this is all going. Time to babyproof big time around the house.

Tomorrow Brynn will be going to her first Twins game. I hope the weather cooperates... if not we are sitting in the Legends Club so we should be ok. This week are are finishing up week 2 of swimming lessons! So fun to see Brynn in the water. We signed her up for them again this fall in hopes that she doesn't lose her love of water over the winter.

I guess that is it for now. Hopefully I will be better about updating more this month. One last thought, since I am not coaching this fall, it is going to be weird not being at tryouts and stuff beginning in a week. It will be the first time I am not coaching in the fall since 2005. Crazy.

Here are some pictures from our trip!!

II took this video in mid July of Brynnie making one of her silly noises. She does this when she has her links all the time. Too funny :)