Hadley: 2 months

On Saturday, Hadley turned two months old. I cannot believe how fast time went! She is growing and changing so much every day. I actually have dreams that she's growing faster than what she actually is--like talking at only 3 months! That needs to stop!

All about Hadley

Height/Weight

We still haven't been to the doctor for your two month checkup. Your pediatrician is amazing but books up fast. We have an appointment scheduled very soon though. Daddy weighed himself then weighed himself holding you and we are guessing you're around 14 pounds. We also measured you at about 24 inches! Oh my!! You are definitely making me nervous about this. I'm hoping everything evens out in the end and you're not 6'4" like your dad! Overall, we are so thankful you are healthy and able to grow as you should.

Diapers

You are currently in size one diaper. They work great, but you've been leaking at night sometimes. I read that going up a size at night sometimes works better so we will try that soon.

Clothes

You are definitely in three month clothes now. There are a few items that are a little big on you, but after we wash them, they fit fine. I'm hoping you don't get another growth spurt for a while so you can enjoy these outfits. You actually have two Christmas outfits that are three months. It would be nice if you could wear them!

Feeding

You are still doing wonderfully with nursing and eating from a bottle. I was really against you taking a bottle from me at the beginning but I had to slowly give that up. So I give you one every once in a while. At the end of November we need to practice taking a bottle at every feeding for about a week so you know what it will be like at the sitters. I'm hoping to practice over Thanksgiving so family and feed you and you don't rely on me completely.

Sleep

Oh sleep! You do very well once you are down and usually get a good 5-6 hour strech at first. Then you wake up between 3am and 4am to eat. Sometimes you will go back down and sleep until 8am, other times you will wake up around 7am, eat, then want to sleep until 10am! I try to wake you up earlier though. We are still working at getting a good nap schedule down. As far as bedtime, I gave up on putting you down at 7pm. You just were not having it. If we put you down around 9pm you do so much better! I'd rather have you happy and going down later than screaming for hours trying to get you down at 7pm. I read so many books, watched DVDs, and talked to friends. I don't know what else to do except work with you instead of trying to make you work with me. It will all work out. You still hate swaddling but we continue to use it because you sleep a lot better! We put you in the Halo Sleep Sack Swaddle but you can still get out of it!


Other Changes

You are so happy in the mornings. I just LOVE it. I love waking you up and seeing you smile!

You've been "talking" so much more lately. You will coo and make all kinds of noises when you get excited. Daddy always says, "use your words" and you always reply back with something.

You are SO incredibly nosey. You have to know what is going on at ALL times. You love to walk around with me when I'm doing stuff around the house. I have used the Ergo a little more lately but really need to put it to good use.

You have been loving bath time. Well, I think you do. You just sit there and are so relaxed. You never make a peep.

You are definitely a night owl and not a morning person. Your daddy and I are both this way, so we're not really surprised.

You're watching Oliver and Wembley so much more. They are both very jealous but they love you. Wembley will just stare at you and Oliver likes to give you kisses. They both hate when you cry and worry about you.

Daddy has watched you two times for over an hour in the past week. Once when I went to lunch with Glammy for my birthday and another time when I went to get my hair cut. You were pretty good for him both times. He also watches you every Sunday evening during piano. He might have come home crying a few weeks ago because he took you on a car ride and you had a major meltdown. He had one too because he felt so bad for you. He has such a loving heart for you!

We love you little pumpkin and so thankful to have you every day!

So What?!

So what if...

• Some days my house is clean, other days it's a disaster. More disaster days than clean days.
• I'm dreading going back to work already...and I have until the end of November.
• I cried on my birthday. H had a really rough night and her tummy was hurting her. I just wanted her to go to sleep!
• I'm almost done with Christmas shopping!
• We've run a million errands the past two days and H has slept in her car seat. Not ideal for trying to get down a nap schedule.
• I'm so excited to see a good friend in November, who is currently living in SC. While that day cannot get here quick enough, I want it to take it's time because that will mean November is half way over.
• I'm always looking at houses online. We really want/need to move.
• I'm behind on blogging. Still trying to find time to get everything done during the day!

Five on Friday!

{one}

 Hadley turned eight weeks old on Monday. Crazy times!! Tomorrow she turns two months (because it's the 26th). I'm sad that the newborn stage is slowly ending but we love watching her grow and experience new things. I'm so excited for her to have Christmas this year but at the same time, it will be much more fun next year when she gets it. I know four months will be different than two but she still won't understand what is going on. I really want to get pictures with Santa this year but J thinks she's too young. What age do you think Santa pictures should start? I've totally seen babies with Santa!

{two}

  

It snowed this week. SNOW! In October!! This rarely happens. In fact I only remember it snowing once before my birthday and that is when I lived two hours north of Columbus while in college. I'm totally not ready for snow. And I'm pretty sure my flowers are officially dead.

 

We busted out this little Halloween onesie that one of my sweet piano students gave H. It definitely kept her warm, but girl is a little toaster so by the time we got home from running a few errands she was sweating! It's just too cute though!

{three}

Speaking of my birthday (see above), I turned 29 yesterday. Scary!! We had a very low key day but I was so thankful to spend it at home with this girl. I told Josh not to get me anything this year since I'm taking a (unpaid) leave of absence at work until December to be home with our girl. That is present enough! He did bring me home some beautiful flowers though. Also, my crockpot is now longer heating up. SAD DAY! It's only two years old. Anyone experience this before?

{four}

I definitely wanted to get out of the house on my birthday so we headed over to Target. I decided I would treat myself to a Salted Caramel Mocha at the Starbucks. To my surprise, I got my drink for free because they were out of salt! Happy birthday to me!

While we were there I wanted to look at flat irons. I've probably had mine since 2004. No lie. And before that my sister used it for about a year. It's OLD. I don't use a straighten every day so I don't want an expensive one. I usually have great luck with Conair products and found this one. Does anyone use this Infiniti Pro straightener? How do you like it?

{five}

My parents came over for a birthday dinner last night. We were going to go out but by the time they got off work it would have been too late. I made Pioneer Woman Lasagna over the summer, so I decided to have that with salad and garlic bread. OH MY GOSH. You have to make this lasagna. It is SO good and it freezes so easily!

To end the night, H and I were both in tears. She has been on a pretty strict sleep schedule lately. She gets a bath around 530, eats, and goes to sleep. Well, last night she fell asleep while my mom was holding her around 6:30. Pretty typical. Stupid me told my mom to put her in her bouncy seat while we ate. Bad decision. She woke up 30 minutes later in a fit, which continued until about 9:30 pm. She finally fell asleep around 10 pm. Thankfully, for the both of us, she slept 6 hours. She ate again and then slept 3 more. When I woke her up at 9 am (she usually gets up at 8), she was in a fantastic mood and has been happy ever sense. Girlfriend needs her schedule desperately!!! We will never make that mistake again!

What would we do without video monitors? I feel so spoiled by them but I am so very thankful for them!

Hello 29!

The past year has without a doubt been the best year of my life. There were many ups and downs, like every year, but the most amazing little thing came into our lives during my 28th year and that would be Miss Hadley.

Even birthdays have always been good to me. When I was 24, I married the best husband and father, Josh. Then on December 14, 2012 our lives changed forever at the age of 28 when we found out I was pregnant. These two events are so different but they're also so amazing and life changing they are in their own ways.

I really don't have any feelings towards 29. I'm mean really it's nothing too special. Yes, it the last year in my 20s but I'm okay with that. While I'm not looking forward to anything age wise for myself, I am looking forward to all the days ahead with my sweet little family. It's crazy how when you turn a certain age you look forward to things that involve yourself--driving, rated R movies, voting (was I the only one excited about this?), buying alcohol, graduating college, or even getting married (not that has to happen at any certain age). But now that I am married and have my sweet Hadley, everything is different. My age is just another year I get to remember with my husband, daughter, family and sweet friends.

So this year while I hope not to stress as much or worry about silly things (pshhh, like that will happen), I want to focus on spending time with my new family and making traditions of our own.

Cheers to 29!

So what?!

This week I'm saying SO WHAT if...

• It's snowing in October. Just kidding. {not about the snow--it's for real--just the so what part}

• I'm still obsessed with Duck Dynasty and Downton Abbey. Sad DD's season finale is tonight. But ready for DA to start back in January!

• I already have my parents and inlaws Christmas gifts done. Now just need to think of what to get all of the siblings. They're the most difficult.

• Christmas pictures are in a few weeks and I have no idea what we are wearing. J is the hardest to get into clothes that are not polo shirts.

• I made a brownie/cookie mix last night. I needed chocolate and it got me at a weak moment.

• We turned the heat on last night. It snowed people!!

• We are done with cell phone contracts. We are now using Ting service. SO much cheaper and just as great (so far). I love that they only charge you for what you use. 

What are you saying so what to??

Ricart Automotive Event

A few weeks ago I had the great pleasure of attending a lunch event at Ricart Automotive "Mega Mall" in Columbus. Being a Columbus native myself, I had grown up hearing the, "we're dealin'" saying on tv and radio commercials. So this was a very exciting opportunity for me.

Our day started out by learning some great car organization tips from Lisa at Organize 365. We were even told about a mom who serves her kids dinner one night a week from a crockpot in her car. The love for crockpots side of me was very much impressed. Not only does that take organization but definitely patience!

We were then introduced to the king of cars himself, Rick Ricart. I definitely think first impressions say a lot and believe me when I tell you that Mr. Ricart, and all of his staff were a absolute delight. I loved hearing and learning about the history of Ricart. But my favorite part had to be Mr. Ricart talking about his staff as part of his family and how many of them had been there from day one. Not many large companies can say that.

I could truly see the kindness in this Columbus Ohio Dealership with my own experience. At this time I had planned to take Hadley with me (she was very much welcomed) in her stroller. However when I arrived I found out the lunch took place on a second floor in a building without an elevator. I was in a bit of a panic because I still was unable to use the steps well myself, let alone carry her up in the car seat with me. A man who worked there, who I sadly did not get the name of, help me by parking my car and carrying the car seat up for me while I, ever so slowly, carried Hadley. This was absolutely not necessary but the fact that he volunteered to help in what was a huge challenge for me at the time, showed how this company was run.

Later we took a tour of the free car wash (for those who have purchased a car from them), online staging area, and the Ricart Dealership Pre-Owned Cars. I loved how you could walk through the lots and didn't see signs and balloons everywhere. That's not how they do things at Ricart in Columbus, Ohio. You don't feel the pressure to buy a car. The sales men and woman are there to help you with your needs and not to force you into the latest and greatest deal.

We ended the time at Ricart eating a delicious lunch and watching their new Revive Your Drive commercial that is currently airing. You can view it here.

I am so happy to have had this opportunity and excited to share it with you. To be honest, I was a little hesitant about attending this event because I was worried I would be pushed into buying or looking at a car. But I'm happy to say that this did not happen once. There wasn't even the talk of looking at specific cars for ourselves. I learned about the company and the people working there. I was shown how they work as a large family, dog and all, and how they truly appreciate their customers and each other. Those were the exciting facts I wanted to share with Josh, my family, and my friends.

If you go to a place that respects their employees, then you're going to have a great experience as a customer. This is a place I'd want to give my business to.

Contact Info: 
Ricart Automotive Group 
4255 S. Hamilton Road Columbus, Ohio 43125 
Sales: 1-888-225-6783 
Facebook
Twitter

So what...

So what if...

• I haven't blogged in a week. I seriously am doing a million things at home. I tell myself to sit down and blog and capture these memories but before I know it it is 8:00pm and I'm ready for bed!
• H sleeps 5-6 hours in our room and wakes up every hour in her crib. Dang it! We will get this! At least I'm getting some sleep.
• We have gnats in our kitchen. Actually this shouldn't be a "so what" it should be an "OH MY GOSH THEY'RE DRIVING ME NUTS". I have vinegar traps out and have poured everything known to mankind down my sink. Now go away you stupid bugs!!
• The thought of ever having a first floor laundry room makes me jump with joy! One day...
• I've printed of 923780923 pics of Hadley and dated them and have them in order to put in her photo album. 
• So what if the mentioned above only happens this one time.
• I crave a good coffee from our local coffee shop daily. I have only had one this month.
• We have no fall decor outside. Hopefully J will bring up Henry, our pumpkin, from the basement today!
• We name our pumpkins
• I'm still obsessed with Duck Dynasty
• My newest obsession is Downton Abbey

Hadley: Four Weeks

Hadley turned 4 weeks old on September 23rd.
(I'm really late on this post)

Okay, stupid question...if she's 4 weeks on September 23rd, but her birthday is August 26th, does she turn one month on the 26th of September or on the 23rd? Get all that?

All about Hadley

Height/Weight

We haven't been to the doctor since August 30th and at that time she weighed 8lbs 3 oz. This made Mommy so happy since she left the hospital at 7lbs 15oz. She was still 20 inches long, like at birth. I'm excited to go back at the beginning of November to see how you've grown but that just means you're older!

Diapers

You were out of the newborn diapers around week 3. You are currently in size one. Thankfully we were able to use all of the newborn diapers! I have a feeling you'll be in size one for a while.

Clothes

I never thought you would wear newborn clothes but you worn them through week four and a little in to week five. We only had a few outfits for you but it worked! Now you're wearing 0-3 months or just 3 months. They're a little big but it really depends on the brand. I think you're going to be built like your Daddy with long legs, but I hope you have more of my height so you can wear pretty heels.

Feeding

You have been nursing like a champ from day one. I'm so happy and proud of you! Daddy has been giving you a bottle about once a day to make sure we are prepared when going to the sitters. You've been doing excellent with it. I still make sure we nurse most of the time, especially when we're out and about because honestly, it's easier! I'm so thankful nursing has gone well. For us it's really important that you get these nutrients to help you grow big and strong (and it's free)! I also love our time together...even at 3am :)


Sleep

Sleep has been an interesting topic around the house. You slept like a champ up every 3 hours at night the first month. The past week (week 5 going in to 6) have been rough. You're still up every three hours at night, which isn't bad, but you don't want to nap during the day. It's also been really hard to get you down at night. Glammy thinks it's gas related and rubbed your tummy a lot the other day when you were screaming. Mommy is going to watch what she eats just to make sure but it doesn't seem like that would be the problem. We have been giving you tummy drops and really need to make sure you're burping like a champ! Other than that sleep is good. Hoping you start making it to every 4 hours at night...or at least when I go back to work in December.


Other Changes

Hadders I'm worried about your hair. You're quite the bald baby, especially at the top. And your widows peak...omg. I hope that changes otherwise half of your hair is going to be bangs! I'm sure you will have beautiful long locks and we will look back and laugh at this.

I love that you're starting to smile at us and recognize us. It's such a great feeling. You think we're quite funny too.

You love your swing but not a huge fan of your bouncy seat.

You also love to look outside. I can put you in front of the window and you're good for at least 30 minutes. You also love Sesame Street. I'm sure it's just because of the colors and sounds but you are entranced by it. I do want to limit your tv as you get older, but we are all for educational shows and Sesame has come even more educational from when your daddy and I used to watch it.


Since you've been born you've gone to Target a few times, attended two weddings and skyped with your family in Arizona

You're changing every day our sweet girl and as much as I want you to stay little forever, we are so very excited to watch you grow and see you change. I know daddy cannot wait to take you on daddy-daughter dates and I can't wait until we can have lunch at my favorite tea room. Until then I'm going to take in every minute with you because even when I need a short break, I miss you.

We are so thankful you are in our lives and we couldn't imagine living without you!

Five on Friday: First time mom

I've decided to devote this Five on Friday to being a first time mom because I learn something(s) every single day.

{one}

TIME! I have zero time. My cousin came over today and I finally finished unpacking my hospital bag (gasp!) and put my laundry away that has been piling up. I do get small things done during the day but it all depends on Hadley's mood. Sometimes I get 20 minutes; sometimes an hour or two. I will never take my time for granite again.

{two}

Hadley turned five weeks on Monday. I still haven't done her one month post. Note number one above and time. I'm quickly typing this while she is sleeping in her swing. I also was able to unload the dishwasher. Score!!

{three}

I've decided that if I tell too many people about one thing it will bite me in the behind. For example, so far H has been a really calm baby. She fusses sometimes but never had any meltdowns. That chapter has ended. On Tuesday night she screamed (very loudly) for two hours. She chilled out for about 20 minutes, to watch the colors on Dancing with the Stars, then started screaming again. Wednesday night was a little better but there was still some screaming. I will never talk about her being a calm, mellow child because I don't want to jinx it. No matter what she's still a wonderful baby and we are very thankful for her and her health.

{four}

It's amazing how the days fly by but the weeks are so slow. I'll never figure this out. But I'm enjoying every minute with my sweet girl.

{five}

Hadley has started to smile for us. She's the happiest in the mornings. It's the sweetest thing! I took her five week picture and she looks so silly. This isn't her normal smile but it just cracks me up!