It's just a phase

Hey Blog... it's been a really long time. I've been pretty busy with little Miss Isabel. Somehow, I'm surprised that she is kind of demanding, stubborn, and very vocal. (I should have seen this coming.) I don't really know what to say. She is amazing and makes us work really hard. I'm really enjoying my time at home with her and don't want to think about returning to work just yet. Luckily, I don't go back until the 2nd week in January. I'm not really in a place where I can write very well so I'm going to give you some lists.

Things Isabel has taught us:
- The hairdryer calms her down. It's her favorite white nose followed by running water.
- She's a fan of big bounces and bath time.
- A ride in her ergo calms her down and puts her to sleep.
- She hates being burped.
- She also strongly dislikes car rides.
- Once we get her down for the night, we're good. We just have to get her down first.
- Ceiling fans and lights are magical to her.
- She likes listening to her dad play the guitar.
- Don't swaddle her. She loves to suck on her hands. (I'm not going to fight this battle yet)

Getting ride from Dad in her Ergo.

Highlights of being a mom:
- I love nursing her. It's one of the few times she snuggles me. I strongly encourage everyone to try breast feeding. It's so good for baby and you.

Post nursing snuggles with Izzy - 1 week old - so tiny

- Her smile in the morning is AMAZING!
- When I can sooth her, it feels better good.
- Did I mention her smile? I think she pretty darn cute too.

I love her huge smile! It just makes me laugh.

- She can have little conversations now by cooing. I can't wait for her to laugh... she's trying.
- Holding a sleeping baby is one of the best feelings in the world.

Sleeping pumpkin

- It's really exciting to see how quickly she is growing and learning new things.
- You learn to get by with little sleep.
- Some days I feel like I know what I'm doing.
- The demanding baby diet is amazing! Lost all the baby weight within 6 weeks. Now I'm losing pre-baby weight. (Don't worry I eat all the time. I also don't sit down and bounce most of the day.  Oh and the breast feeding helps too and rarely drinking helps as well.)

Less glamorous side of motherhood:
- What's makeup? Paint my nails...HA!
- My getting ready to go some place routine is less than 5 minutes.
- I'm usually covered in breast milk, vomit, or other bodily fluids.
- I've already stopped wearing a necklaces because she grabs them.
- I'm exhausted.
- Some days I feel like I suck at being a mom. It's not easy.

This is the post blow out photo at Barnes and Nobles. She was hungry and I had just used the last diaper. UGH! Bad one Mom... so she had to wait 10 minutes to get home to eat. Don't worry she eats ALL THE TIME! She was upset but ok.

Proof she was ok waiting 10 minutes for a feeding. (Nap after eating) I still felt horribly guilty. 

- I never know how much sleep I will get so I have to go to bed early.
- Leaking :( can be a little embarrassing.

Life has definitely changed for the better and will continue to get more exciting/fun. Everything is just a phase and it will pass. I'm trying to enjoy each phase or parts of a phase. I'm so thankful to have Isabel - our healthy little lady. She's teaching us a lot of things everyday. Sure things could be easier if she was a little more mellow or didn't fight sleep, but she wouldn't be our Izzy. One thing is for sure, our little lady has a strong personality. That makes me really happy. I think she will be a leader and not a follower.

She makes so many faces.

I also want to give a huge thank you to my sister and all my friends who are moms.  Especially my mommy friends that also have demanding kiddos - you know who you are. Your tips and our conversations have meant so much to me. If you have a easy baby, it's hard to get it. I'm so thankful for all the support and encouragement we have received.

A little advise to my friends who will have kids someday. Join a moms group or a breastfeeding support group!(ours is free through the hospital) I have made some amazing friends that have babies just a few weeks older than Izzy. We go to class with the kids once a week and get together for lunch or mall walking. We also exchange messages regularly. They are the best cheerleaders! We can pick each other up when we are feeling frustrated.  I'm so thankful to have their support.

Isabel's friends from our mom's/breast feeding support group.

All the ladies...oldest to youngest (right to left) All within 3 or 4 weeks of each other

Baby Valley's Arrival

So it's been a while. Life has changed a great deal  and our priorities have been shifted. There have been so many things I have wanted to share, but I haven't had the opportunity. Isabel is sleeping in her crib next to me so I better type quickly because I have no clue when she will wake up.

Here is the last belly photo we took:

We made it to 39 weeks and a few days before Isabel arrived a few days early. 

I want to share some highlights from her birth story - not the whole thing. If you think it's TMI, I figured you would stop reading. The reason I want to share some of the highlights are for my friends who are expecting. It's nice to know what's ahead of you. If you want more details, call me.

- My first contraction happened as the bell rang for school to start. Of course, I thought it was a false alarm so I stayed at work. 3 hours later I had my next contraction, which I also thought was a false alarm. An hour later I had another one. I finally started to think something was going on. Once my contractions were 30 minutes apart, I knew I had to leave. There were only 20 minutes left in the school day when I left. 

- I wanted to drive home, but my principal wouldn't let me so she drove me home. On the ride home, I called Chris to tell him to come home. At that time Chris was on a microscope in a room with poor cell phone reception. When I couldn't reach Chris, I called his lab. His coworkers were very concerned and sounded more panicked than me. They got the word to Chris and he was home shortly after I arrived. 

- The first this I did when I got home was shower and shave my legs. This was great advice my friend gave me.

- We labored at home for 3-4 hours. I waited as long as I could before going to the hospital. 

- When we got to hospital, I was already 5cm dilated, 100% effaced, and baby dropped. It was NOT a false alarm.

- Then started the 12 hours of natural labor. I wasn't super sure about going natural, but I am glad I did. Around 8 cm, I wasn't a happy camper to say the least. I really had nothing nice to say to Chris - sorry.  Here are the things that made labor bearable: 

- The tub ~ I spent hours in the tub.

- Our L&D nurse ~ she was more of a doula ~ we would have been lost without her!

- yoga ball

- Chris opening alcohol wipes so I could smell them ~ helps with nauseous - SERIOUSLY

- Chris

- ice chips

- relaxing music 

- I totally lost track of time. It hurt... really hurt, but you do forgot about the pain quickly. Isabel arrived and she was perfect. I got to hold her for a really short period of time. Then started the worst part, my placenta didn't detach so they had to manually remove it. OWwww! That really hurt and I couldn't hold Isabel again until after they were done ~30min. 

- I have been fortunate to recover quickly. We are even more blessed that Isabel is healthy and we think she is BEAUTIFUL!  We are doing really well, are so in love, and can't remember life without our peanut. 

Heading home as a family of 3!

Hopefully another solid nap time will happen again soon and I will have had "enough" sleep that night so I can try to write.

And It's already September

Where did the time go?  So much for shorter more regular posts - sorry blog.  August was a busy month for us. It's a month with a new focus of keeping my feet up too, which makes stilling in front of the desktop more challenging.  Here are some of our highlights from August:

- We celebrated our 5 year wedding anniversary with a fancy dinner out at great steak place in Old Town.

Aug 2008

- I went back to work, that was adjustment from summer.  Chris and I joke that one pregnant day (at this stage) at work is like 3 normal days. My energy is still pretty good, but not what it was. Our Open House Night, when I was at work until 7pm, was ridiculously hard for me. I kept trying to sit as I was talking to parents. Hopefully, I put on a happy face and they couldn't see I was ready for bed.  I started the year with 21 students and now I have 26 - low numbers made us create a combo class. I'm just thankful I'm not teaching a combo and I'm still teamed with Amy, she's basically the best thing that happened to me in ABQ (this quoting Amy) - amazing friend and great coworker. 

- I dyed my hair, which was a little shocking to me and Chris. I told my stylist to dye my hair to match my roots. She checked the color and consulted with 2 other stylists because she was surprised it was so dark.  I was there for over 2 hours. They had to dye my hair red first because it was so blonde then back to brunette.  I had been highlighting my hair for 12 years. I had no idea it was so dark. It has faded a little now and I'm more use to it.  You can actually tell my eyes are hazel now and not brown.

- We've enjoyed spending a lot of time with our friends. 

- We went ballooning. We joined a balloon crew last year, which was an awesome way to experience Fiesta. We won't be helping as much this year, but a few weeks ago we went to help.  Chris even got to go for his first ride!  Don't worry I stayed on the ground and didn't even help much. 

The new balloon. 

They practiced a landing so Chris could hop in. Chris is getting the safety talk from the pilot.

Chris taking off!

- We have had a lot of doctor appointments for Baby Valley.  Everything is going well and she is still growing. I'm sure this won't surprise you, we are going to have a big baby. It's all just guessing right now, but I think it is safe to say she will weigh at least 8 lbs.  I'll be surprised if she doesn't. The nursery is pretty set.  We still don't have a name, but we're working on it. Now it's just waiting time. My hope is that she comes on a weekend so I'm not in labor at school.  I would also love it if she would wait until next weekend or later. I would really like to teach one more week. Yes, I'm aware that I can't control this and I am crazy, but I like teaching so if I can squeeze in a few more days working, perfect! I hate thinking at the end of each school day that I hope to see my students tomorrow or after the weekend. 

Baby girl has received lots of love from WISCONSIN! She owns zero Vikings/Gopher items. She does have an adorable MN state onesie. 

The grandparent wall. The photos to the right are of Chris' parents, my parents, and us.

The thrifty storage solution. Do you like the green storage boxes? Would you like them better if I told you they were free? They are paper boxes from the copy room at my school. We covered them in contact paper that I've had for years.

Currently we are at 38 weeks, 39 weeks as of tomorrow, which reminds me we need to take another belly photo. She's due in 9 days! Any bets on when she will actually come? Our next appointment is on Tuesday.  I'm trying my best to stay calm and not get too scared. I'm so thankful for my sister and mom friends that have been listening to me panic about "THE EXIT." They have been really helpful and understanding. We can't wait to meet her, hold her, and see who she looks like.  

34 weeks just before school started (it was probably 35 weeks knowing our Valley time issue) - Light hair and still rocking the summer glow

I think we actually took this photo at 37 weeks, but oh well - Dark hair and losing my tan

Testing out the new gliding rocker

Chris documenting one of my new daily challenges, getting up! It's so hard!

33 Weeks

I was looking at my past blog posts and I realized that I haven't given a Baby V update since early June.  So here is an update on the kiddo.

- I'm currently 33 weeks along
- I'm feeling better good. Just a little achy when I first start moving.
- I'm still swimming and doing prenatal yoga.
- My doctor appointments are really boring, which is great!  Everything is going smoothly. We feel very fortunate.
- After our next appointment, we will see the doctor weekly.
- We have an appointment to meet a possible pediatrician, which is exciting.
- I'm measuring a week further along still.
- My belly button is basically gone now. I have been reassured it will return someday.
- She is a mover! She must take after Chris because she loves to kick.
- She's very talented at hitting me under my right ribs.
- Her room is looking pretty ready.  Nesting has started!
- She has been thoroughly showered with love from our friends and family. :) Thank you!

The biggest adjustment we have coming up is the start of the school year. I go back officially on Tuesday. Of course, I will have my largest class ever this year. I'm ready for the excitement and challenges. The plan is to work up until she arrives. We're still debating how long I will take off, but luckily I have some flexibility with my school district.

She will be here before we know it! Can't wait to meet her.

I guess we should move her dresser into her room now.

End of Summer - Summer Reflection

I only have 5 more days of Summer Break! (We have the same amount of school days as MN, we just start earlier/end earlier.) I already went back to my classroom to work today! So it's time to reflect a little on my break...

It's been a very relaxing summer. It's my first summer where I haven't worked a 2nd, 3rd, or 4th job. We figured with our travel schedule and baby, it would be better to have some down time.  Here is how I have spent my summer in ABQ...

~ Pool

I have spent many days at the pool reading or with some of my finest ABQ friends. I have also been really good about swimming laps. I do one set of 10 100s - 2 free, 1  breast (repeat), which is nothing compared to what I used to do, but I figure it's better than nothing. I'm that pregnant lady swimming and lounging in my bikini proudly.

I forgot how much I enjoy swimming. I have had a love hate relationship with it for a very long time. This is the first time in about 15 years I have chosen to enter a pool and swim laps for fun. To me I feel more zen or calm swimming laps than doing yoga. It's also the only activity I do now where I can't tell I'm pregnant. Nothing hurts and I'm still somewhat fast. 

swimming flash back!

I'm the one in blue on the block.  Looks like a relay race for the Gators.

Junior year with EHS swim mates. 

~ Nesting

- Crib - check

- Changing table - check

- Car seat - check

- Stroller - check

- Bassinet - check

- Clothes 0 - 6 months washes and put away - check

- Dresser redo project - complete

- Sheets, blankets, burp clothes washed - check

- Hanging decor on walls - in progress

- Daycare - check

- Leave paper work - in progress

- Found long term sub - check

- Thank you notes - on going

- Forgetting things - all the time!

- Cleaning - on going

- Finding a pediatrician - close

Dresser Project

Before - Chris' dresser from college that his old roommate Aaron gave to him

Chris did most of the sanding by hand. I helped out, but he did a much better job.

After - I did the priming, painting, and put on the hardware.

~ Cards from Baby Showers ~

Cute, affordable, and sentimental way to add something to the walls.

I ran low on ribbon and saw an idea for this on pinterest.  These are the cards from my ABQ friends/coworkers. 

We'll share more photos of baby's room later

~ Reading 

Funny! 

Informative, but a little overwhelming

My favorite!

I keep pushing this book to the side...sorry.

~ Netflix 

~ Pinterest inspired project

Chris doesn't like clutter on the fridge door. I was spending some time on pinterest and found this.

I made this

Those are just some of the highlights from my summer break. I really need to start doing shorter posts more regularly. We'll see if that happens.

Minnesota

We have had a busy summer and were away for most of July so here's an update for you. We were really lucky and got to visit home! Chris had to return earlier than me for work. Aww, the joys of having the summer off. Here are some of the highlights from our trip home.

1. Valley Family Cabin

Well, I think we have officially out grown the 2 bedroom 1 bath place with 8 adults and two dogs, it was still fun. It may be one of out last over night trips to the cabin. Chris and I talked about what next summer will look like and we have no idea how baby girl and all her things would fit in the cabin on a busy weekend. If there's a will, there is a way. Who knows...I'm sure we could make something work.

Other highlights of the cabin include a trip to the St. Joe's Meat Market, St. Joe's Carnival, visits from James, Pam, Mimi, and Grandma, Reese's smores, and the mosquitoes didn't eat me alive.

No luck with the Ring Toss this year.

Action shot of enjoy mini donuts

Chris' Aunt Mimi stopped by to say hi. It was great to see her and get an update on her daughters.

Chris and his Grandma. She quilted a beautiful quilt for our little lady.

Grandma Carlin and all of her Valley grandkids 

2. BBQ

My sister and her family were in town from CT. Her in-laws invited us over for a delicious BBQ. (They seriously are the best cooks!)  We got to spend some time with our niece and nephews.

Teaching them how to use silly string

It's blurry, but look at how much fun he is having!

Uncle Chris help A get me.  Thanks! She is so proud.

O and Chris have a lot in common like playing video games. They were very happy playing together.

This little man was sick. :( All he wanted to do was cuddle! Poor guy.

First photo of Sladky Cousins! (kind of)

3. Couples Shower

My parents and my sister threw us an amazing couples shower at Chris' parents' house. It was so much fun. It was also very humid! Sadly, I was too busy talking to take photos. I really wish I had a photo of my sister and me.  We were both wearing practically matching outfits plus we have been told a few times that we look a like. It was so great to see so many of our friends! We miss them so much.  Baby Valley was spoiled and is loved by many.  Thank you!

My sister made these cookies while on vacation with 3 kids. Oh and one of those kids was really sick.  She is super mom and wonder sister!  Thank you Claire! Not to mention they tasted so good!

Thanks Mom and Dad for bringing all the WI beer to the shower.  Even MN natives will admit that WI makes some pretty good beer. I can't wait to have a Spotted Cow! :)

4. Lots of visits with friends :)

- Happy Hours

- Supper Trucks with Movies

- Kickball

- Ladies Night at Pig Ate My Pizza - An absolute blast! 

- Walk around Lake Nokomis

- Lunch dates

- Pedicures

- Coffee dates
- Valley Cousins visit

You all kept me/us busy! I really need to learn to take more photos.  I don't have a single photo from all of these fun events. The photos I do have are thanks to my friends taking photos. I feel so lucky to have so many great friends. We miss you all so much!

Lauren - Thanks for taking photos! One of my most favorite dogs, Marty! 

Miss you!

Sweet little lady! This was taken second before a massive blowout diaper. 

Valley Cousin Photo - I promise the next time we get these two girls together the photo will be way cuter.

Valley Cousins- Chris and Nick are about 10 month apart - Our girls will be closer in age than these two about 4 months apart.

5. Juernes (jueves + viernes = juernes) and MTKA friends Shower

I have written about my Juernes friends before aka other white girls that speak Spanish too. We all taught together and started the Spanish Immersion Program in our district. We made a really great support group for work issues and for life.  Juernes has changed a lot over the years. I think there are almost as many babies now as adults. 3 of us have moved away too. We have been there for each other through good times and bad. I feel truly blessed to have these ladies as friends and colleagues too.  Thank you for an amazing shower! Next time we have to play Mexican Dominoes.

¡Gracias guapas!

6. Visits with students

I stopped by to see the family I babysat for last summer.  We had a great time hanging out! The 3 year old was obsessed with my tummy. She kept asking if they baby was still there and what would happen if the baby came out right now. Ha!

I also went to a big play date at a park with a bunch of my former students from over the past 5 years. It was amazing to see so many of them.  I loved having conversations in Spanish with the older kids.  They have learned so much since first grade!  I got so many hugs, even from the boys! It was great to see their families too. I taught so many siblings that I felt like I really knew their family after the 2nd or 3rd child. 

Needless to say, I drove away in tears. I felt so loved and missed all of them so much. I had it so so good - great school, excellent community, involved parents, and sweet students. I started teaching at that school when I was 22 years old! Talk about landing a great job right out of college!  ( Don't get me wrong, I really like my current school too. It's just still new and I'm still the new teacher.) 

I actually have lots of photos of this play date, but I don't want to post any photos of students without parental approval.

7.  Maternity Photo Shoot

One of my AZD sorority sisters lives in the Twins Cities area and is also a very talented photographer.  She was renting a cool lens for the weekend and asked to take photos of me. I said of course. It was great to see her and catch up with her. I loved watching her smile behind the camera.  Here are a few of my favorites. The only thing I would change about the photos would be to add Chris.

If you're in the Twin Cities and need a photographer, check her out at https://www.facebook.com/RebeccahParksPhotography. 

8. Connie's Wedding!

My coworker, mentor, and close friend, Connie, got married! And I was there to celebrate it!  She was at our wedding 5 years ago. She means so much to me and has done so much for me.  Sadly, Chris couldn't stay in MN long enough for her wedding, he had to go back to work. I'm so very happy for Connie and her new hubby Kurt! 

Sealed with a kiss! Congrats! 

Another amazing coworker, mentor, and close friend, Janelle!  I've learned so much from her. :) Miss her!

I got this great photo with the beautiful bride!  

Next stop Wisconsin!