Monday, December 13, 2010

A big poop

Grace has had issues with diaper rash, in fact it is so bad we have been to the dr several time and had several phone calls and will probably be going again in the next day. The poor thing has some VERY irritated fire engine red- burnt skin "down there." It is now just bright red but it must be itchy as she tries to itch every chance she gets.
We were told to leave her diaper off as often as possible...hmmm let's think about that:
#1. It's winter...her little legs and bum bum get quite cold.
#2. She is almost 10 months old...she pees A LOT.

Luckily I can USUALLY predict her pooping schedule... (she is a regular little girl). But tonight she had an off schedule poop. I had just given her her "butt bath" of water and baking soda, and was playing in the living room with her reading a book on my lap when I felt a warmth on my leg. Ugh I just got peed on I thought. Nope that wasn't a pee smell but a poop...a really big poop, inches long in fact. I could carry on and describe color, texture etc but I doubt most are as enthralled with my child's poop as I am.

Michael came in and scooped up Grace to clean her up so I could change my clothes and dispose of the poop before the dog got to us! He laughed and made a few jokes (that's crappy)...I didn't see too much humor in it, until he groaned and had it on himself as well...

It was the end to a wonderful snow day with Mommy and Daddy....oh wait she peed on me later after the poop incident...

Sunday, October 10, 2010





Today we went to the pumpkin patch! Grace loved to watch the people and the other kids. The pumpkins were quite yummy, the stems to be exact, Grace chewed on them. She even enjoyed the hay bales, as the hay was fun to pick up and thrown, and eat...

Soon my little inch worm will be crawling across the floor, but for now, I just enjoy each and every new experience with her.

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Vacation with Mimi

Grace and I spent the last week with Mimi (my mom) in Florida. Our time was spent, swimming in the pool. eating and shopping! I was worried Grace would feel out of sorts in the pool, but I think that she just felt so fashionable in her butterfly swimsuit that she had just too much fun! It really pooped her out and she slept like a champ.

Tomorrow I will awaken to my 6 mo old baby...whew, can not wait for the joy of more things to come!

Thursday, July 15, 2010

So adorable

There is nothing cuter and more endearing then hearing Michael play with Grace...some of the things that he says and laughs with her about are hilarious. The catch is that he is usually a bit shy when anyone else is around so you almost have to be a creeper and listen in on his conversations. When I do this usually means that I am NOT getting done what I am supposed to be doing, like now for instance.

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

Top 10 things I've learned from Grace

10. SOCKS....who needs them?
9. Outfit changes are really just another form of a fashion show.
8. Daddy's girls really do exist, I am one and so is Grace.
7. Rattles really are entertaining.
6. Poop...need I say more
5. Hand holding (more like finger holding) is fabulous
4. I'll do anything for a laugh!
3. Messes are fun...especially when it involves #9
2. Shrill high pitched screams CAN be hilarious.
1. A smile or laugh can make your day!

Monday, June 7, 2010

When Dad's away

Michael left Saturday am to go on a two week trip to France. It was a wonderful opportunity as the trip was almost all paid for by Akron University. At the same time...ugh, I get to play single mom while he is gone.

But that is ok, I have decided to make good use of my time while he is gone. Which means I get to do a project! I am working on the basement. It has not been of use since we moved in 2 years ago and soon it will become (think big booming announcer voice) "THE MAN CAVE." A place to send the men (and maybe children) so it can be quiet and serene in the rest of the house! So in two days my father and I have removed tile, demolished some shelves and made a fabulous mess! I can't wait to surprise Michael when he comes home from his trip to find a renovated basement with a fabulous new television and couch to complete his "MAN CAVE." That is if I survive the next few days!

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

Being your Dad

Gracie oh Gracie how you've changed my life! I sit here thinking about what my life was like a year ago today... rushing around for Prom and Graduation, working on my masters... and how that compares to today.
While I'm still senior class advisor and taking post-grad classes there is nothing that holds a torch to my commitment to you. You are what I think about as I wake, go through my day, and as I drift off to sleep.

You came into our live approximately 90 days ago and how you've changed me. I've never known how much I could love someone who can't even speak, but surely can smile and squeak! There's not a day that goes by that I don't thank God for you. You're with me everyday even when I'm away at work. Your my screen saver and all of my students love to see the new pictures of you as you grow.

You also need to know how hard your Mommy works. She's up at all hours of the day working so very hard to feed, bathe, hold, and comfort you. We love you so very much!

Saturday, May 15, 2010

90 DAYS

Dear Grace,

Ninety days ago, I was given the most precious joy in the world, YOU. I got to see you and hold you for the first time. I cannot believe how quickly these 3 months have gone by.
You have gotten so big and grown so much in these past months. You can hold your own head up and love to be on your belly so you can show off. When Daddy and I put you on your belly you giggle and coo. You talk in almost any position though. But your belly is a favorite. You like to be independent and get irritated when Daddy holds you too much. You want to be free to kick and throw your arms around.
There is really not anything that I would not do for you, and I enjoy each and every minute of the day that I get to spend with you. I look forward to your smile that spreads across your face when I wake you up or before I pick you up from your crib. And the smile that comes right before you drift off to sleep. It is one of the best parts of my day.
My precious little girl, I love you very much, more than I ever thought I would or even could. I am so very deeply in love with you!

Yours Truly,
Mom

Thursday, May 6, 2010

Sleepy BABY!

It has been a quick 10 weeks! Miss Gracie is finally packing on some weight and we are starting to see those adorable baby fat rolls that are ONLY cute on babies! In fact she has gotten so long we had to transition her out of the pack n play and into her crib! I think the transition was more for Mom and Dad rather than her, it didn't seem to phase her one bit.

We are so grateful for her sleeping habits! She is sleeping through the night and takes multiple naps each day. In fact, I just snuck in and took this picture of her! This is usually how she ends up sleeping. But she will sleep anywhere! She slept through Uncle Josh's entire wedding! And most of the reception.

But sometimes the little stinker does not want to sleep and when Mommy goes into check on her, Grace's eyes POP open and the smile instantly shines. . It is amazing how quickly she is growing. The first and last pictures in this post are only 10 days apart!

Monday, May 3, 2010

Growing Big

Grace spent 8 days with Mom and Gi-Gi in Florida. She loved to watch the palm trees sway in the wind and listen to the bird chirp. As a traveler is is fabulous, she likes to watch people and when the plane gets too noisy she shuts her eyes and falls fast asleep.

She has FINALLY begun to grow and at 9 weeks she weighed 9.5 pounds. She put on a pound and a half in one week after we began to give her formula after each feeding. So this means she is finally beginning to grow out of her newborn sized clothes and we can try out lots of other new outfits and looks!

Tuesday, March 16, 2010










Getting the poo off her back! Yuck!
Today was Grace's first bath! Michael had asked me a few days ago when we should start bathing her. I calmly responded that there was no rush, she's not really getting dirty. That was until, I went upstairs this evening to change her diaper before a feeding and WOWZER! The poor baby had poop up to her bubbies and all the way up her back!
Oddly enough Michael and I celebrated this as she have been worried about her lack of poo! And Michael was VERY happy I was changing her as he has gotten almost all of the poo diapers.


All clean, getting dried off Wide awake and not quite ready for her diaper
Grace was a champ and seemed to enjoy her bath, until I washed her hair, she didn't like getting her head wet. She seemed to like the sense of freedom of being without clothes and diapers. I have noticed that she loves for me to leave her diaper off for a while when I change her, I think her love of "freedom" must come from her Daddy.

All warm, snuggly and clean!

Thursday, March 11, 2010

Spring has Sprung!

With the windows open and the sun shining! Today is a great day! We took a family walk around the block to get some fresh air! Grace did such a wonderful job, she slept the entire time! Oscar works hard to ensure that he is in front of the stroller, as he needs to be first in line! Can't wait to get more endurance to go farther and farther! My goal is to try and start running with the hopes of doing a 1/2 marathon in July with friends. Another goal of mine was to lose 30 lbs before I went back to work in August. I'm almost there, I went the the DR the other day and I am 16 pounds less than I was when I got pregnant! That still doesn't mean I am back in my jeans, though I have worn "regualr" pants a few times! Slowly but surely!

Thursday, March 4, 2010

"All right Gracie, what did we win?"

This is Michael talking to Grace as he changes her diaper, Grace responds with a lovely scream. Oh how the conversation has changed in this house. Just three weeks ago it was of house projects, work and plans...now it is of poop, pee and mostly feedings.

Feedings have not been a source of enjoyment this past week but I am praying that today we have turned the corner. A lovely piece of silicon to help with feedings and hopefully Miss Grace will begin to put on the ounces and continue to eat.

I'm not sure what I would have done without the support system of my husband. my parents, and our friends. I don't think I have discussed my ta-tas with so many people in my life. Nor have so many people seen or manhandled them. Michael and I have lost count the number of nurses and consultants that have grabbed and moved the girls around. The poor things need a vacation, I'm sure!

Sunday, February 28, 2010

EAT, PEE, POOP


It is so amazing how much your life changes the day you hold that little one in your arms. I am still realizing the full effects of the impact it has on our life from how we talk to one another, when we "void" (the hospital term for pee pee) and what we talk about. Our life right now is titled by the chart I made "EAT,PEE, POOP" to track feedings and diaper changes so we could remember what happened when...


Grace is a blessing like no other. Friday we had a friend drop off dinner to us and he prayed with our little family. It is a blessing to have friends that are there for us in so many ways.


Friday, February 26, 2010

Yesterday was a big day, we went to the DR for our first weight check up! Everything looks great! Miss Grace was so excited to be there that when Dad took off her diaper for the weigh in she peed right on the exam table! Whoo ho!

She also got to meet Oscar for the first time! He was definitely excited at the new smells and could not figure out what was different about his house. Though he behaved himself I think he would have licked every inch of her face and hands if we would have let him. He comes back for another visit tonight and hopefully will be back at home by this weekend! I'm not sure how he will do with 2 am feedings and the constant cry when we feed (oh yes that is another story for another time), but I am hopeful, I miss my little furry child.

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

We've been home one day from the hospital! It was quite a long stay. We went in on Wed night and were hoping for the medication to bring us our baby by Thursday. But Thursday am showed no signs of progress and a new round of meds were given. By Thursday night at 8 p.m. still NOTHING...so a new approach was taken. I at this point was pretty frustrated and Michael was doing his best to talk me through everything. I was transferred to a Land D room, which is like a Suite compared to the other room I had been in, given some Morphine and had a lovely thing called a Folley Bulb inserted in an unspeakable place. The hopes was that this would work overnight and onto baby by Friday am...but sigh...Friday came and NOTHING...

The DR came Friday am and encouraged us to proceed with the process. So we continued to wait. They started me on an IV drip of Pitosin and hoped that would move things along. But at about 5 o'clock still little progress had happened. They broke my water and WOW...the contractions came! I think Michael still has the nail marks in his arm.

Later that night the nurses kept coming in to turn me, as "chicken's" heartrate kept dropping between contractions. I wasn't really sure what was going on, I was so relaxed and relived from the Epidural. At one point, I asked one of the nurses if I should be worried and she quickly dismissed my question. But then one resident dr came into see me, and a second came in with him, I figured something must be up. Chicken just wasn't tolerating the contractions and a C-section was in order. It was 7:47 p.m. when they told me that, and BOY do they move fast. They had me in the operating room and ready to go waiting for my DR to arrive and chicken born by 8:13 p.m.

I was a ride that was scary and amazing at the same time. I will never forget Michael's precious reaction as he looked across the sterile blue drape to see that we had a precious little girl. And will never forget being able to finally hold her in my arms.

One never really understands what others mean by that instant bond and true love for your child when you get to meet them for the first time until you go through it. I do understand now.

Michael and I spend most of our days, and nights, just staring at Grace Ann. She is beautiful!

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

My belly before we went into hosptial

Our Last picture as a twosome!




Today is the day! We have to be at the Hospital at 5 for the whole induction process! Though I must say I am not so happy about all the stuff that I get to do in the next few days, I am excited to meet chicken and give him/her an official name! (Though I doubt chicken will even leave as a nickname)! I took my first day of maternity leave today, and it is STRANGE...glad I will have a baby to soon keep me more than busy as I am pretty bored right now! Onto priorities...need to get my toes touched up and a manicure for my "trip" to Akron General!