I've been hearing a lot about regifting this holiday season and I thought it would be a good time to tell a funny (and horribly mortifying) regifting story. As far as I know, the people involved in this story are not readers of the blog.
I am a big regifter. I like to think it comes from how much I love giving gifts. Of course it is nice to receive presents, but if I can think of someone who would enjoy it more, or if something I receive would make a perfect gift for a friend of mine, I give it right over.
When we were getting married we had many weddings that summer, there was a constant stream of showers, engagement parties and celebrations. Almost immediately after our wedding we were throwing a "stock the bar" shower for some close friends. As a wedding gift, we received this fabulous package with coasters, glasses, a drink recipe book, stirrers, etc. and I immediately put it all back in the bag to give as a gift for our friends at their party that we were throwing. The party was great and the gift was exceptional for the theme of the party.
It was about two months later as I was driving in the car that it hit me. I had never checked to see if there was writing in the book that we regifted. This happened to be during a time when our friends were on their honeymoon and I was picking up their mail and watering plants. I drove right over there and searched the house for the book. It was like a scene from the movie, me going from room to room trying to find the book. Finally, I found it inside their liquor cabinet. I opened the book and sure enough there was the note:
Dear Dave and Carly,
Congrats on your wedding, we are so happy for you! Enjoy all these things for your bar. Here's a toast to you!
My gut instinct set in and I ripped that page right out of the book!! Then I called Dave frantic and explained what had happened. We decided that rather than leave the book that their crazy friend ripped out the proof that she regifted it, it would be best if I removed all evidence completely. I took the book, threw it away and I have never had the nerve to confront our friends about how I was caught in the act.
I am still SO embarrassed but it hasn't kept me from regifting!
Christmas Trees, Dreidels and the Holidays
I'm not going to lie, the first year Dave and I lived together about 8 years ago, it was a difficult holiday season. Working out the logistics of whether we would have a Christmas tree, if we should have stockings, where we would put the gifts, when we would exchange gifts, if we would light the candles together, etc. was an argument.Over the years, I must say that we have worked through it all and instead of making the holidays a competition of our respective holidays, we have instead started to embrace and really enjoy them all. We light the candles together every night of Hanukkah and decorate the Christmas tree together while listening to holiday tunes.
I'm always hearing horror stories from friends about having to race from one house to another to do Christmas with both families or missing out on family traditions they have enjoyed all their lives because they are spending the holidays with another family. Lately I have felt very grateful that instead of having to share, we both get to indulge and learn to love a new holiday. It is also a healthy and happy place for Samantha as she celebrates all of these holidays and we begin family traditions of our own. Check out more pics of our holidays thus far, here.
Smarty Pants
For awhile Samantha has been pointing out her body parts. I finally caught it on video. After doing this for Grandma Carol, she was deemed the "smartest grandchild she has EVER had." Too bad for Molly and Dave, at least Dave is still the considerate one.
My mom and Samantha have been watching sign language videos lately as well and they are both catching on very quickly. Samantha does signs for: more, eat, water, please and all done. A few weeks ago, we were at a birthday party where we were playing cats, Samantha was following the cats and doing the sign for cat. I had to verify later that she was doing it correctly and of course she was. Now, I guess it's time to start with the Spanish and see what I can remember.
My mom and Samantha have been watching sign language videos lately as well and they are both catching on very quickly. Samantha does signs for: more, eat, water, please and all done. A few weeks ago, we were at a birthday party where we were playing cats, Samantha was following the cats and doing the sign for cat. I had to verify later that she was doing it correctly and of course she was. Now, I guess it's time to start with the Spanish and see what I can remember.
Thanksgiving in Oklahoma
We had a great trip to Oklahoma for Thanksgiving. It was so much fun to catch up with everyone and introduce Samantha to the entire family. We had two different Thanksgivings (one on Wednesday at my Grandma's and the other on Thursday at my Papa's house) with over 30 people at each.Samantha loved meeting everyone but seemed to be a bit overwhelmed by all the kids and activity. At multiple times throughout the trip, she would point at her crib asking to be put in there. Then she would sit quietly playing, happy to have some alone time. She
sure is my daughter.My husband had the best time. As we were driving to the airport he sighed and said "I wish we had a few more days here". By the end of the week I started to worry as he began using his new found Southern accent. Every time I turned around he was fixin' to do things and saying y'all.
We got my Grandma a Thanksgiving plate with all of her 14 girls listed. You can see a photo of her with the new plate and then one with all of those girls together. The complete album of our trip can be seen here.
Every Little Thing Is Gonna Be Alright
Thank you to everyone who helped me put things in perspective this past week. After my blog post I had great talks with my parents, my husband, my mother in law, and many good friends. Anyway, everything is just fine and I'm feeling much better. I also received a gratitude journal in the mail from a dear friend. I may have cried a little bit and it has been a good way to get ready for Thanksgiving and focus on how fortunate I am.
Through the week I also decided that I am going to begin working full time again. For a variety of reasons, going back to work on Fridays is the best choice for me and my family right now. Plus, my mom is such a trooper and is willing to take on Samantha all five days of the week. Talk about blessings!
We are off to Oklahoma on Sunday for a visit with my extended family. Many have not met Samantha yet so I'm excited to introduce everyone to my sweet girl.
Through the week I also decided that I am going to begin working full time again. For a variety of reasons, going back to work on Fridays is the best choice for me and my family right now. Plus, my mom is such a trooper and is willing to take on Samantha all five days of the week. Talk about blessings!
We are off to Oklahoma on Sunday for a visit with my extended family. Many have not met Samantha yet so I'm excited to introduce everyone to my sweet girl.
Debbie Downer
I have had a rough couple of weeks. I'm in a funk that I can't quite shake and generally feeling sorry for myself about a wide range of things that I don't need to get into here. Just yesterday I was driving out of Boulder...heading to the dentist and feeling grouchy about that when I got pulled over for speeding and was given a $100 ticket. Talk about the law of attraction.
I know, I know, there are a lot of wonderful things around me to be grateful for. I need to work on my gratitude. I think I'll buy a journal and start writing down things I am thankful for. The first thing I will write is that during the past few weeks, as I have felt down in the dumps, Samantha has become incredibly comforting and has taken to snuggling up close. When I leave for work she gives me long hugs and pats my back. I think she knows I need a little extra love lately.
I know, I know, there are a lot of wonderful things around me to be grateful for. I need to work on my gratitude. I think I'll buy a journal and start writing down things I am thankful for. The first thing I will write is that during the past few weeks, as I have felt down in the dumps, Samantha has become incredibly comforting and has taken to snuggling up close. When I leave for work she gives me long hugs and pats my back. I think she knows I need a little extra love lately.
Halloween
I survived my work trip and was dying to see Samantha. She, however, did not give me the same warm welcome as Javier the pug did. Samantha gave me a look like "And, just where do you think you have been for the past four days?". I think she forgave me later that evening and we had a fun Halloween weekend. We don't even get a single trick or treater in our neighborhood so most of our neighbors were thrown off when Samantha hit the streets in her Unicorn costume. The first didn't have candy, the next two weren't home but finally she hit the jackpot. She loves being outside so she didn't seem to mind the costume as long as she got to tromp around outside.
The latest pics can be seen here.
Work Trip
On Tuesday I leave for Philadelphia where I will be attending a conference for work for the week. This isn't the first time I have been away from Samantha but it is the longest stretch and it is the first time that Dave is in charge. I know he will do great but the control freak side of me has laid out her outfits, gone over bedtime instructions and driven Dave a little crazy for the past week. I think it will be a nice bonding time for them and I'll be anxious to get back to both of them.
Samantha was sick last week and because the only time she has been sick she had the flu, I was convinced that is what she had. Turns out it was a nasty cold that she is just about over. My mom and I took Samantha to Cottonwood Farm on Friday where they have animals and a pumpkin patch. From early on she has been very drawn to animals and it was a riot to see her with the cow, horses, chickens and kittens. She loved it. You can see the whole adventure here.
A Great Aunt
Poor Samantha, she has so many relatives to keep track of. Both Dave and I have a large extended family but Dave definitely has me beat. Mainly because on their side of the family they stay in touch with third cousins and people who aren't even really related. They are all called cousins, I think I'm the only one who has kept track of how they are related. One relationship that is very special is the one my mother in law Judy has with her sister Patty. They lost their parents many years ago and the two are not just close sisters but they also sub in for parents and grandparents for the other in many ways.
Patty came to visit shortly after Samantha was born, we spent Thanksgiving with her last year in Omaha, she came to babysit for Samantha while we were in Kansas City AND she just came to Boulder to accompany Grandma Carol. Samantha loves her Great Aunt Patty. And, even though she has grand kids of her own, Patty manages to make Samantha feel very special. Aunt Patty is my top reason so far to have another baby, I want Samantha to have a sister like her Grammy does.
Four Generations
Samantha's Great Grandma Carol Brantz was in town this weekend. She is funny lady, reminds me a lot of my own Great Grandma (GG). A lot of hilarious one liners come out of a good visit with her. She took her time with Samantha and around the second day of her visit, Samantha warmed up to her and was sharing her babies and toys.
We got this fabulous four generation photo of Dave, his Dad Jim, Great Grandma Carol and Samantha. What a good looking bunch!
Charitable Giving
I probably should not admit to this here but for the most part, if you ask me for money for a charitable cause, I will give it to you. There are so many causes and so many people involved that if you are someone I care about and there is a cause that you care about, I will usually support it. For the past 4 years I have done fundraising for MS but that certainly isn't the only area that needs support.
Which brings me to another side story that I haven't told very many people. Early on in my pregnancy with Samantha, after that first appointment where you go get your blood work done and you answer a bunch of questions from your doctor, I got a worrisome phone call back from the nurse. According to my blood work, I carry the gene for Cystic Fibrosis.
I didn't ever tell anyone about this because after telling my parents there was a bit of hysteria going on. They definitely did not calm me down. It only took a small amount of internet research to find that Cystic Fibrosis leads to life-threatening lung infections, horrible symptoms and a much lower life expectancy. The idea of bringing a baby into the world that would have to face that was heartbreaking.
Cystic Fibrosis occurs in roughly one in every 3,000 live births and is genetic. A child must inherit a defective copy of the gene from each parent. I am incredibly grateful to report that while I have the gene, Dave does not which meant that Samantha was in the clear.
Now, back to the charitable giving piece: My coworker Ken is running a marathon for the Boomer Esiason Foundation which provides financial support to research aimed at finding a cure for cystic fibrosis as well as improving the quality of life for those affected by it. If you can, please donate to this cause at: http://www.firstgiving.com/ktakahashi for all the people who were not as fortunate as Samantha and for the families who are committed to finding a cure to this horrible disease.
Which brings me to another side story that I haven't told very many people. Early on in my pregnancy with Samantha, after that first appointment where you go get your blood work done and you answer a bunch of questions from your doctor, I got a worrisome phone call back from the nurse. According to my blood work, I carry the gene for Cystic Fibrosis.
I didn't ever tell anyone about this because after telling my parents there was a bit of hysteria going on. They definitely did not calm me down. It only took a small amount of internet research to find that Cystic Fibrosis leads to life-threatening lung infections, horrible symptoms and a much lower life expectancy. The idea of bringing a baby into the world that would have to face that was heartbreaking.
Cystic Fibrosis occurs in roughly one in every 3,000 live births and is genetic. A child must inherit a defective copy of the gene from each parent. I am incredibly grateful to report that while I have the gene, Dave does not which meant that Samantha was in the clear.
Now, back to the charitable giving piece: My coworker Ken is running a marathon for the Boomer Esiason Foundation which provides financial support to research aimed at finding a cure for cystic fibrosis as well as improving the quality of life for those affected by it. If you can, please donate to this cause at: http://www.firstgiving.com/ktakahashi for all the people who were not as fortunate as Samantha and for the families who are committed to finding a cure to this horrible disease.
At Least She's Normal
During my pregnancy, I signed up to get weekly updates from the Baby Center web site. They send you an email telling you what is new with your baby, what is happening and what to expect. Then, after the baby is born you also get weekly updates about new developments and what is normal for your baby. For whatever reason, mine have not been arriving to my inbox but after my last blog post my mom sent me the newest one.
Your 15 Month Old: Week One
Doing errands around town is harder than ever with a pint-size explorer in tow. Being strapped down in a car seat or stroller is the last place your toddler wants to be: Expect an earful — usually accompanied by an arched back and flailing arms and legs — when it's time to buckle up. This is partly because about 90 percent of all toddlers are walking by now (late walkers will catch up in the next month or two), which means they'd much rather be practicing their footwork than sitting still.
Good thing she's cute! You can see her latest photos here, she is really on the move now!
Your 15 Month Old: Week One
Doing errands around town is harder than ever with a pint-size explorer in tow. Being strapped down in a car seat or stroller is the last place your toddler wants to be: Expect an earful — usually accompanied by an arched back and flailing arms and legs — when it's time to buckle up. This is partly because about 90 percent of all toddlers are walking by now (late walkers will catch up in the next month or two), which means they'd much rather be practicing their footwork than sitting still.
Good thing she's cute! You can see her latest photos here, she is really on the move now!
Patience IS a Virtue
Today I had my first real embarrassing moment with Samantha as far as behavior is concerned. I'm not going to dissect the experience too much, we have had a tough couple of days and we all have our moments.
I'll start by saying that on Thursday evening as I was driving home, I was stopped at a light with Samantha in the car when we were rear ended. It was a decent hit and Samantha was screaming. I turned on my signal assuming that the car who hit us would pull over as well but by the time I had turned into a parking lot and called the police, the person who hit us was long gone.
Samantha and I both seem to be alright, just shook up. My car has a good amount of damage and it is frustrating to have to pay the $500 deductible to have it fixed but that's life.
Today we went to meet my friends Sara and Autumn for lunch to celebrate Autumn's birthday. Not sure what the problem was but Samantha was unhappy there from the start. She started out by dumping her water on the table. This progressed into her throwing most things off the table, crying, retching around, refusing to eat anything and pushing me. Luckily I was with friends! I've never seen anything like it from her and once we were home she seemed happy to lay down and have some time to regroup. After that, I needed nap time too!
I'll start by saying that on Thursday evening as I was driving home, I was stopped at a light with Samantha in the car when we were rear ended. It was a decent hit and Samantha was screaming. I turned on my signal assuming that the car who hit us would pull over as well but by the time I had turned into a parking lot and called the police, the person who hit us was long gone.
Samantha and I both seem to be alright, just shook up. My car has a good amount of damage and it is frustrating to have to pay the $500 deductible to have it fixed but that's life.
Today we went to meet my friends Sara and Autumn for lunch to celebrate Autumn's birthday. Not sure what the problem was but Samantha was unhappy there from the start. She started out by dumping her water on the table. This progressed into her throwing most things off the table, crying, retching around, refusing to eat anything and pushing me. Luckily I was with friends! I've never seen anything like it from her and once we were home she seemed happy to lay down and have some time to regroup. After that, I needed nap time too!
When is the Next One Coming?
Everyone told me it would happen, right after you get married everyone is swarming around asking "When are you having a baby?" and then just as soon as you have your first, they get going asking "When are you having another baby?"
Give me a breather people, what exactly is the rush?
Dave has been quite adamant that he only wants one child. I know there are a lot of practical reasons for this like not having to deal with a hormonal wife post pregnancy, college tuition, family vacations and paying for those weddings (remember there are only girls in our family). We also lucked out with a pretty easy baby and Dave is convinced with another one our luck would surely run out.
I have been surprised at the very strong reactions to the idea of only having one child. Many seem downright offended. I was an only child for nearly 16 years, my little sister was born just when I really needed a distraction for my parents. Growing up, I sometimes wished I had a sibling, but I truly don't feel like I missed out.
At this point I am undecided. I read an article the other day that said there is actually no proof that adults with siblings are better adjusted or happier later in life. Actually it pointed out that only children are more likely to be successful, do well in business, and feel confident in their adult years than those with siblings. Really, the point of the article was that when kids are loved and supported by their parents they do just fine with or without siblings.
The more people harass me about it, the more I want to have just one (must be the selfish only child side of me). If we do end up having another, I want to wait awhile. I want to really enjoy and experience each phase Samantha goes through - I'm having fun being a family of 3 for now. Plus, it always made me nervous when friends and their siblings would fight. I'm not sure I would know what to do with two. And, there is that whole concept of favorites, I can't figure out how you truthfully don't have them. Seems to me that it is natural to relate, get along with or have more in common with one or the other.
Give me a breather people, what exactly is the rush?
Dave has been quite adamant that he only wants one child. I know there are a lot of practical reasons for this like not having to deal with a hormonal wife post pregnancy, college tuition, family vacations and paying for those weddings (remember there are only girls in our family). We also lucked out with a pretty easy baby and Dave is convinced with another one our luck would surely run out.
I have been surprised at the very strong reactions to the idea of only having one child. Many seem downright offended. I was an only child for nearly 16 years, my little sister was born just when I really needed a distraction for my parents. Growing up, I sometimes wished I had a sibling, but I truly don't feel like I missed out.
At this point I am undecided. I read an article the other day that said there is actually no proof that adults with siblings are better adjusted or happier later in life. Actually it pointed out that only children are more likely to be successful, do well in business, and feel confident in their adult years than those with siblings. Really, the point of the article was that when kids are loved and supported by their parents they do just fine with or without siblings.
The more people harass me about it, the more I want to have just one (must be the selfish only child side of me). If we do end up having another, I want to wait awhile. I want to really enjoy and experience each phase Samantha goes through - I'm having fun being a family of 3 for now. Plus, it always made me nervous when friends and their siblings would fight. I'm not sure I would know what to do with two. And, there is that whole concept of favorites, I can't figure out how you truthfully don't have them. Seems to me that it is natural to relate, get along with or have more in common with one or the other.
Something Clicked
After Samantha debuted her first steps about a month ago, there really hasn't been a whole lot of activity on the walking front. A few steps here or there but mainly she has kept to crawling. Then, this Saturday with a crowd of supporters cheering her on, she took about 12 steps. I'm not sure what happened, but something clicked in that moment and she has been walking ever since. This video is of her walking in her Broncos cheerleader outfit, she is already much more steady! She favors the hall way, I think she is preparing for her walk down the aisle as flower girl in Brian and Molly's wedding.
First Haircut
I have struggled with Samantha's hair for awhile now. From an early age, she had this natural mohawk, her hair was longer on the very top of her head. This meant that her hair was either hanging in her face, combed over like Donald Trump or pulled into a ponytail or barrette. In recent weeks she had been pulling out the barrette and ponytails leaving it always hanging in her face. So, we took her to Silver and Gold Barbershop where Dave has gone since he was a kid. Samantha didn't love the experience but she now has
bangs and her little rat tail in the back has been removed. Since her cut, her hair seems to be curlier and I love it. My camera was on a weird setting for awhile so the pics aren't great, but you get an idea of the before and after. You can see more of the latest photos we have taken here.
Nick Nolte?
Dave calls the photo of Samantha her "Nick Nolte" shot. I have to say, I can see the resemblance.
Keeping it Clean
I was not raised in a particularly tidy house. In fact, there is a framed plaque hanging up at my parent's house that reads: A Clean House is a Sign of a Wasted Life. Dave on the other hand is quite a neat freak. Not necessarily scrubbing things to keep clean, he is more of the making piles and picking up kind of clean. Over the years I have made the adjustment and our house is usually clean and I would say that both of us like having things clean and in working order. The baby has become a whole different story. I started out being very particular with her cleanliness but babies are messy! For awhile I got frustrated with how dirty Samantha would be when I picked her up after work. But, the more time that goes on, the less I fight her mess and the more comfortable I am having a little pig pen daughter. Don't get me wrong, she gets a bath and scrub down every night. But dinners sometime have a way of turning into a royal mess like the photo shown here. I love this photo - it really captures the stage she is in right now.
She loves beans and that also includes putting beans in her hair, all over her face and on her clothes. I'm hoping that when she is done crawling and is walking full time, she won't get her hands or her clothes quite as dirty.
First Steps
On Sunday, Samantha took her first steps! She has been standing on her own and cruising around holding on to furniture for awhile but she is hesitant to go anywhere on her own. Dave gave her Javier's leash as we were heading out for a walk and I think she had a false sense that she was holding on to something and took some steps two different times. Since then, she hasn't done it again but I am confident she is at the beginning of her long walking career. I found that the average person takes 216,262,500 steps in their lifetime so she is just getting going!You can see her walking with Gramps here. There are more pictures from a fun summer posted here.
B is for Baby and Bossy!
In the past few months, Samantha has been displaying signs of a serious attitude. She shakes her head adamantly when she does not approve or doesn't want something (including most food). In fact, she throws the food she does not want right on the floor. This is fine at home because Javier the pug is grateful for everything she throws his way but in restaurants it can be quite embarrassing. She also has a very high pitched shriek when there is something that she does want that is out of reach.
When you tell her no,or she is frustrated, she has been known to put her head down on the floor and cry in an extremely dramatic fashion. Is this the terrible twos already?
Now, when I tell people about these personality traits, or explain her attitude, every single time they say "Well, I wonder where she gets that?" and that is followed by a sarcastic chuckle. What's that all about??
Then, depending on the day I respond with a "Must be from Dave", or a "Definitely from Molly, my sister in law" or every once in awhile, "Maybe from my mother in law Judy". I'm attaching a short video of what happens when you decide you are done pushing her on her little car, I finally figured out how to flip it around but then it wouldn't load so you will have to watch with your head titled! It will give you a feel of how she runs the show around here!
When you tell her no,or she is frustrated, she has been known to put her head down on the floor and cry in an extremely dramatic fashion. Is this the terrible twos already?
Now, when I tell people about these personality traits, or explain her attitude, every single time they say "Well, I wonder where she gets that?" and that is followed by a sarcastic chuckle. What's that all about??
Then, depending on the day I respond with a "Must be from Dave", or a "Definitely from Molly, my sister in law" or every once in awhile, "Maybe from my mother in law Judy". I'm attaching a short video of what happens when you decide you are done pushing her on her little car, I finally figured out how to flip it around but then it wouldn't load so you will have to watch with your head titled! It will give you a feel of how she runs the show around here!
Happy Birthday Mom!
Aside from writing about breast feeding, I think the second topic I most frequently write about it my mom. Today is her birthday and I want to say again how much I love and appreciate her. Not only is she my best friend, someone who I tell everything to and who listens to me, supports me and loves me no matter what, she is also a fabulous, loving Grandma to Samantha. We are all lucky to have her.
Happy Birthday Mom!!
Feedback is a Gift?
Anita, who is the VP of Sales and Marketing at Return Path where I work, has been telling me for ages that feedback is a gift. We have a very thorough 360 review process every year at Return Path and while I believe it has helped me develop both personally and professionally, I absolutely hate it. I promise myself every year (and fail to keep the promise) that I will not cry when I read through my review.
It is natural to focus on the comments that are negative or areas where I need to improve while skipping right past the complimentary comments. And, I don't know why I am surprised by this each year, but the things that come up that I need to work on are things that I am working on in my personal life as well. Examples of this are: over committing, not being assertive enough, being too sensitive, trying to please everyone and avoiding conflict. My CEO once told me that you aren't a different person when you walk into the office, and boy is that true for me.
This year was the first of 5 that I did just fine going through the review process. Primarily, I think that motherhood has made me much more humble, realistic and calm. I've said it a million times, but the main lesson I've had after having Samantha is not to be so hard on everyone, and that means on myself too. So, of course I have got some things that I can improve upon, everyone does. I'm not perfect and can even begin to see the gift in receiving feedback. After all, I'm a work in progress, at home and in the office.
It is natural to focus on the comments that are negative or areas where I need to improve while skipping right past the complimentary comments. And, I don't know why I am surprised by this each year, but the things that come up that I need to work on are things that I am working on in my personal life as well. Examples of this are: over committing, not being assertive enough, being too sensitive, trying to please everyone and avoiding conflict. My CEO once told me that you aren't a different person when you walk into the office, and boy is that true for me.
This year was the first of 5 that I did just fine going through the review process. Primarily, I think that motherhood has made me much more humble, realistic and calm. I've said it a million times, but the main lesson I've had after having Samantha is not to be so hard on everyone, and that means on myself too. So, of course I have got some things that I can improve upon, everyone does. I'm not perfect and can even begin to see the gift in receiving feedback. After all, I'm a work in progress, at home and in the office.
Summer Lovin
Without my Grandma or Kevin Passer commenting on the blog these days, I have to admit it has gotten a bit boring for me. And I gave up on Brian (who was commenting on behalf of Molly) about a year ago. Is anyone out there?As I said before, we have had a busy summer, we just got back from Kansas City and our 6th wedding this summer. One more to go, but the last one is just outside of Boulder. We had a great time in Kansas City, we stayed at Dave's grandparents' house and Dave's Aunt Patty and her friend Beth came from Omaha to babysit. I had so much fun staying up and chatting with Patty and Beth the first night, I was considering skipping the wedding to hang out with them again but the wedding was a blast and Samantha did great.
This summer, Samantha has been having a fabulous time every Wednesday spending her days with Grammy. My mother-in-law has been watching her on Wednesdays since she has the summer off of school. They have been going for walks, hanging out at the pool and having fun. It has also been great for me because I work from home and don't have to drive anywhere!
The summer is flying by, we are doing great and Samantha is into everything. She has just started standing up on her own in the middle of the room - no hands Ma! I have a feeling that walking is just around the corner. And...finally she says Mama, mostly when she is upset but I'll take what I can get. Some summer photos can be seen here.
One Year Stats
We went in for Samantha's one year check up and she continues to look great....but where did she get that giant head? Every time I think about it I start hearing these quotes from the movie "So I Married an Axe Murderer". If you haven't seen the movie it is hilarious, here is a little piece of it:
Stuart Mackenzie: Look at the size of that boy's heed.
Tony Giardino: Shhh!
Stuart Mackenzie: I'm not kidding, it's like an orange on a toothpick.
Tony Giardino: Shhh, you're going to give the boy a complex.
Stuart Mackenzie: Well, that's a huge noggin. That's a virtual planetoid.
Tony Giardino: Shh!
Stuart Mackenzie: Has it's own weather system.
Tony Giardino: Sh, sh, shh.
Stuart Mackenzie: HEAD! MOVE!
Stuart Mackenzie: I'm not kidding, that boy's head is like Sputnik; spherical but quite pointy at parts! Now that was offside, wasn't it? He'll be crying himself to sleep tonight, on his huge pillow.
You can see the You Tube clip here.
Ha! But, all kidding aside, here are Samantha's latest stats:
Height: 28 3/4 inches - 35%
Weight: 20 pounds 14.5 ounces - 45%
Head Circ: 18 3/4 inches - 97%
Stuart Mackenzie: Look at the size of that boy's heed.
Tony Giardino: Shhh!
Stuart Mackenzie: I'm not kidding, it's like an orange on a toothpick.
Tony Giardino: Shhh, you're going to give the boy a complex.
Stuart Mackenzie: Well, that's a huge noggin. That's a virtual planetoid.
Tony Giardino: Shh!
Stuart Mackenzie: Has it's own weather system.
Tony Giardino: Sh, sh, shh.
Stuart Mackenzie: HEAD! MOVE!
Stuart Mackenzie: I'm not kidding, that boy's head is like Sputnik; spherical but quite pointy at parts! Now that was offside, wasn't it? He'll be crying himself to sleep tonight, on his huge pillow.
You can see the You Tube clip here.
Ha! But, all kidding aside, here are Samantha's latest stats:
Height: 28 3/4 inches - 35%
Weight: 20 pounds 14.5 ounces - 45%
Head Circ: 18 3/4 inches - 97%
A Letter from Dad
We all know that Dave is a bit scared of this blog and sharing too much information. However, he has given me permission to share this with you. There are two pages in Samantha's baby book that say "A Letter from Mom" and "A Letter from Dad". Somehow in the excitement of preparing for her arrival last year we never did get around to writing our letters to her. But Dave completed his letter on her first birthday.
July 3, 2009
Dear Samantha:
I’m writing to you about the power of free will.
I meant to write this letter to you on November 3, 2008 when you turned 4 months old. That was the day that I saw you make your first choice. We were sitting on the couch and you were playing with a small cardboard box. It was one of those alphabet stacking boxes that came in a set (you loved to play with those boxes when you were a baby). Anyway, you were playing with the box, turning it over in your hands and looking at it intently. Then you saw that I also had a box in my hand; one from the same set, only mine was slightly bigger. You looked at my box, looked back to your box, and then raised yours up to me offering a trade. We made the trade and then you went about smiling and playing with your newly acquired (and bigger) box.
That was a small choice, but it was the first choice I had ever seen you make and I was very proud of you. You were starting to become your own little person right there in front of me. That also happened to be the day before the 2008 election when millions of Americans would choose Barack Obama to become the first black man to be President of the United States.
Life is full of choices Samantha. Some choices will be easy or trivial, while others will be hard and life‑altering. Just remember, in each case, the choices you make will define who you are as a person and affect those around you. Also, remember that you don’t have to make the right choice every time. Some of your choices will inevitably end up being wrong decisions, but that is okay – you’ll learn from your mistakes.
I realized I had to write this letter when you turned 1 year old and I hadn’t started writing it yet. Time flies by Samantha, and you have to make the most of it. Life is too precious – you can’t always linger trying to find the most rational answer. Instead sometimes you have to make ecstatic, spontaneous, and boisterous choices (the way Zorba would).
I am so excited to see what choices you’ll make and what kind of person you will become in the years ahead.
I love you,
DAD
July 3, 2009
Dear Samantha:
I’m writing to you about the power of free will.
I meant to write this letter to you on November 3, 2008 when you turned 4 months old. That was the day that I saw you make your first choice. We were sitting on the couch and you were playing with a small cardboard box. It was one of those alphabet stacking boxes that came in a set (you loved to play with those boxes when you were a baby). Anyway, you were playing with the box, turning it over in your hands and looking at it intently. Then you saw that I also had a box in my hand; one from the same set, only mine was slightly bigger. You looked at my box, looked back to your box, and then raised yours up to me offering a trade. We made the trade and then you went about smiling and playing with your newly acquired (and bigger) box.
That was a small choice, but it was the first choice I had ever seen you make and I was very proud of you. You were starting to become your own little person right there in front of me. That also happened to be the day before the 2008 election when millions of Americans would choose Barack Obama to become the first black man to be President of the United States.
Life is full of choices Samantha. Some choices will be easy or trivial, while others will be hard and life‑altering. Just remember, in each case, the choices you make will define who you are as a person and affect those around you. Also, remember that you don’t have to make the right choice every time. Some of your choices will inevitably end up being wrong decisions, but that is okay – you’ll learn from your mistakes.
I realized I had to write this letter when you turned 1 year old and I hadn’t started writing it yet. Time flies by Samantha, and you have to make the most of it. Life is too precious – you can’t always linger trying to find the most rational answer. Instead sometimes you have to make ecstatic, spontaneous, and boisterous choices (the way Zorba would).
I am so excited to see what choices you’ll make and what kind of person you will become in the years ahead.
I love you,
DAD
Our Other Baby
My grandma is in town and helped scan some pictures for me, so I wanted to share another funny one. This is Dave and I with our first baby.
Okay, really it is Dave and I with my little sister Madeline, circa 1994. I know what you are thinking -- once this gets out, people all over will be rushing to their hair dressers asking them for the "Carly hair do". I promise that, when I was 16, it was cool when I scrunched my hair to pretend that it was curly.
No, Dave and I were not dating but we were very good friends and he came along when Madeline and I were getting our picture taken. After a few shots, Madeline insisted that Dave be in the picture, and who is really going to say no to a two year old?
We had this out during Samantha's birthday party and it caused quite a bit of confusion.
Okay, really it is Dave and I with my little sister Madeline, circa 1994. I know what you are thinking -- once this gets out, people all over will be rushing to their hair dressers asking them for the "Carly hair do". I promise that, when I was 16, it was cool when I scrunched my hair to pretend that it was curly.No, Dave and I were not dating but we were very good friends and he came along when Madeline and I were getting our picture taken. After a few shots, Madeline insisted that Dave be in the picture, and who is really going to say no to a two year old?
We had this out during Samantha's birthday party and it caused quite a bit of confusion.
One Year Resemblences
I had an idea to dig up photographs of both me and Dave on our first birthday for an age appropriate comparison to what Samantha looks like today on her first birthday. When I found the photographs of me, holding my number one candle, with my party hat on, I thought Samantha looks exactly like I did at her age. Only with darker hair and eyes.
But then, I found the photos of Dave on his first birthday, holding his number one candle and I thought the same, that Samantha looks exactly like Dave did on his first birthday only he had darker skin and those adorable dimples.
Judge for yourself and let me know, I think it is fair to say Samantha is a pretty good mix of us both. Oh, and one more thing - how hot does Judy look?!
But then, I found the photos of Dave on his first birthday, holding his number one candle and I thought the same, that Samantha looks exactly like Dave did on his first birthday only he had darker skin and those adorable dimples.
Judge for yourself and let me know, I think it is fair to say Samantha is a pretty good mix of us both. Oh, and one more thing - how hot does Judy look?!
Who Would Have Thought?
As we approach Samantha's first birthday I have realized that one thing is clear - I have been obsessed with breastfeeding. From early anxiety here before she was born, to trouble getting started here, and then to how much I loved it here, the topic of breastfeeding has come up more than anything else.
Also in these blog posts I have promised a few things that I have faltered on. For example, I condemned mothers breastfeeding in public but then just a few short weeks after giving birth I was doing the same myself. I even said I wouldn't write blog posts about breastfeeding anymore which is obviously not the case and I swore that I would not continue breastfeeding past the year mark. But, here I am, days before her first birthday and I am still nursing away and writing a blog about it.
So today I'm not going to make any grand promises, I have "started" the weaning process but while feeling the need to connect with my baby who is almost a year old, I snuck in some extra feedings over the weekend - yikes! I am much more of a Boulder mom than I ever imagined. Maybe I should see if La Leche League needs volunteers.
Also in these blog posts I have promised a few things that I have faltered on. For example, I condemned mothers breastfeeding in public but then just a few short weeks after giving birth I was doing the same myself. I even said I wouldn't write blog posts about breastfeeding anymore which is obviously not the case and I swore that I would not continue breastfeeding past the year mark. But, here I am, days before her first birthday and I am still nursing away and writing a blog about it.
So today I'm not going to make any grand promises, I have "started" the weaning process but while feeling the need to connect with my baby who is almost a year old, I snuck in some extra feedings over the weekend - yikes! I am much more of a Boulder mom than I ever imagined. Maybe I should see if La Leche League needs volunteers.
Busy
We have been busy to say the least and I feel like I am just getting a chance to breathe. We have been gone for 4 weekends in a row! After Hawaii we went up to the mountains for Dave's family reunion. Molly and Brian were in town for the reunion and the Rays/Rockies match up so Samantha went to her first baseball game seen here. In other exciting news, Molly and Brian got engaged! Then last weekend Dave and I went to different weddings - I went to Houston to watch my best friend get married and Dave went to Oregon for our good college friend Karen's wedding. Samantha is into everything and very active. I have very mixed feelings about her upcoming birthday. What an incredible year it has been but I'm sad that it's already over! I just moved her into the next size of car seats and she really seems like a big girl lately.
In addition to being on the move, she is also very vocal. She sings and blabbers away all day and according to my records she has about 8 words that she uses (none of which include Mommy!). They are: Daddy, dog, go, baby, Josh, hi, yes, kiss.
Island Baby
We had an incredible vacation to Hawaii. Samantha was a rock star. On the flight there she played, slept and ate - never cried a minute. Once we arrived to Hawaii it was quickly clear that Samantha enjoyed the island living. Her hair curled into wild ringlets, she took long naps and generally was very content the entire time. She is usually a mellow baby but it was even more of an extreme in Hawaii. We shared the same house as others with babies and with Devin and Carina who are expecting their first in August. It was great to get all the kiddos together and be around fun families. When we were around the group as a whole it was, as my friend Josh says, "parenting by village". Everyone passed the babies around and that meant Dave and I could play volleyball, swim in the pool and visit with friends. Overall I couldn't have asked for a better vacation. It was truly relaxing! Samantha finished the trip by sleeping almost the entire flight home. She is our little wonder girl.
You can see more pics of Sam in Hawaii here.
You can also view the very awesome music video that our friend Devin put together here.
Aloha!
Saturday morning we are leaving for a week vacation in Hawaii. This will be Samantha's first official vacation, her first trip to the beach and her first swim in the ocean. I'm excited to see what she thinks of the Big Island! I am also excited to dress her in the ridiculously cute Hawaiian-esque attire that I have packed for her.
We are going with about 20+ friends, some have babies and some do not. Cross your fingers that Samantha does well on the 7.5 hour flight and that we all have a relaxing time. Details to come soon, until then - Aloha nui loa!
We are going with about 20+ friends, some have babies and some do not. Cross your fingers that Samantha does well on the 7.5 hour flight and that we all have a relaxing time. Details to come soon, until then - Aloha nui loa!
And she's off!
Cousin Lola definitely gave Samantha encouragement on the crawling front. She is now officially mobile. I'm not sure why I was in such a hurry. Now, we need to get going on child proofing the house. I posted some pictures here of my first Mother's Day along with some cute ones from the first birthday party Samantha attended last weekend for Norm.
The beginning of....the beginning
I've had a number of people tell me that they remember in clear detail the week leading up to the birth of their children. I guess that would be pretty boring for me since I was on bed rest. I remember sneaking out to take a walk and watching a lot of television but I don't remember the details.
What I really remember like it was yesterday was Memorial Day weekend. Those were the days leading to bed rest and ultimately the birth of Samantha. It was a busy weekend with family and friends in town and I overdid it with way too many activities. That Tuesday after Memorial Day was my first trip to the hospital - ugh!
I have been feeling nostalgic as the weekend approaches. This year I'll be running the Boulder Bolder, but last year I was having my first early contractions while watching the race. This year I'll go to a BBQ and walk at the Creek fest like last year but hopefully this year it won't cause my feet to explode into little balloons.
Best of all, last year I was a giant pregnant person waddling around and this year I have a gorgeous little girl to show the fruits of my labor (literally!). I'm excited to show her Boulder during one of my favorite times of the year!
What I really remember like it was yesterday was Memorial Day weekend. Those were the days leading to bed rest and ultimately the birth of Samantha. It was a busy weekend with family and friends in town and I overdid it with way too many activities. That Tuesday after Memorial Day was my first trip to the hospital - ugh!
I have been feeling nostalgic as the weekend approaches. This year I'll be running the Boulder Bolder, but last year I was having my first early contractions while watching the race. This year I'll go to a BBQ and walk at the Creek fest like last year but hopefully this year it won't cause my feet to explode into little balloons.
Best of all, last year I was a giant pregnant person waddling around and this year I have a gorgeous little girl to show the fruits of my labor (literally!). I'm excited to show her Boulder during one of my favorite times of the year!
Samantha - A Playlist
While I was pregnant I made a playlist on my iPod that I titled Samantha. This playlist had songs that made me think about Samantha before I met her. I would sing the songs on my way to work and get excited about having a baby and being a mom. Lately I have been listening to it again, it makes me smile and is even more meaningful now that I have her in my life.
I created an iMix for you to sample the songs on iTunes. It is not only a great display of my feelings for Samantha but also shows my very random, eclectic taste in music. Yes I have country, The Carpenters and JoJo & K-Ci on the mix.
Samantha
1. No One by Alicia Keys
2. She's Mine by Brett Dennen
3. Top of the World by The Carpenters
4. Bubbly by Colbie Caillat
5. Landslide by Dixie Chicks
6. Your Song by Elton John
7. Power of Two by Indigo Girls
8. The Way I Am by Ingrid Michaelson
9. Your Smiling Face by James Taylor
10. I'm Yours by Jason Mraz
11. All My Life by JoJo & K-Ci
12. Always Be My Baby by Mariah Carey
13. Fill Me Up by Shawn Colvin
14. You Are the Sunshine of My Life by Stevie Wonder
15. My Little Girl by Tim McGraw
16. My Wish by Rascal Flatts
I created an iMix for you to sample the songs on iTunes. It is not only a great display of my feelings for Samantha but also shows my very random, eclectic taste in music. Yes I have country, The Carpenters and JoJo & K-Ci on the mix.
Samantha
1. No One by Alicia Keys
2. She's Mine by Brett Dennen
3. Top of the World by The Carpenters
4. Bubbly by Colbie Caillat
5. Landslide by Dixie Chicks
6. Your Song by Elton John
7. Power of Two by Indigo Girls
8. The Way I Am by Ingrid Michaelson
9. Your Smiling Face by James Taylor
10. I'm Yours by Jason Mraz
11. All My Life by JoJo & K-Ci
12. Always Be My Baby by Mariah Carey
13. Fill Me Up by Shawn Colvin
14. You Are the Sunshine of My Life by Stevie Wonder
15. My Little Girl by Tim McGraw
16. My Wish by Rascal Flatts
Success
I am happy to report that our weekend away in Detroit was a huge success. We had so much fun reconnecting with our college friends (and each other for that matter) during the wedding weekend. And Samantha did fantastic with my parents. She slept great at night, she took naps and she seemed perfectly happy when we came to get her. I think Gramps especially enjoyed having some extra time with her. I was very ready to get back to her but it was an overall positive experience for all of us.
Last week we had a great time having my cousin Jeanine and her family in town visiting from Oklahoma. They have two daughters, Presley who is three and Lola who is one week older than Samantha. Samantha and Lola had a big time together and Samantha has been doing her best to crawl after watching Lola in action.
I have posted a lot of fun pictures of the two babies together. I did my best to dress them in matching outfits and take a ridiculous number of photos just as my Grandma would do!
Last week we had a great time having my cousin Jeanine and her family in town visiting from Oklahoma. They have two daughters, Presley who is three and Lola who is one week older than Samantha. Samantha and Lola had a big time together and Samantha has been doing her best to crawl after watching Lola in action.
I have posted a lot of fun pictures of the two babies together. I did my best to dress them in matching outfits and take a ridiculous number of photos just as my Grandma would do!
Hello there!
I have been meaning to post this video for over a month. While Samantha may be a little late to crawl, she is very advanced in other areas, primarily waving. Don't worry I won't be signing her up for any pageants, but she does have that wave down: elbow, elbow, wrist, wrist.
48 Hours Away
Before Samantha was born I was sure I was going to be one of those moms that left her daughter for long weekends, went out to dinners without her and had a long list of babysitters lined up. But, the truth is, I don't really like being away from her for very long. Now, don't get me wrong, I enjoy a few hours away. I've talked about my job being a very positive experience and my mother in law watches her while I workout twice a week and I really treasure the "me" time that gives me.
This weekend we are going for the weekend to a friend's wedding in Detroit and leaving Samantha for the first time ever. She will stay with my parent's and my cousin and her family are in town as well so she will have plenty of company.
I know she will be in good hands but it still makes me sick thinking about it. My mom says she can't decide if I am worried because I think Samantha will miss us too much or because Samantha won't miss us at all!
This weekend we are going for the weekend to a friend's wedding in Detroit and leaving Samantha for the first time ever. She will stay with my parent's and my cousin and her family are in town as well so she will have plenty of company.
I know she will be in good hands but it still makes me sick thinking about it. My mom says she can't decide if I am worried because I think Samantha will miss us too much or because Samantha won't miss us at all!
Caught Off Guard
I would not say I am an overly emotional person. Sure, those weeks when my hormones were raging out of control after giving a birth, I was a regular crier but generally speaking, I don't cry too much.
Since becoming a mother, I have been overwhelmed by just that: being a mom, a few times when I was least expecting it. One was today at work. I volunteered to help out with the opening activities for "Bring Your Daughter and Son to Work Day". As I walked into the room, I was struck first by how many kids were there. We had a fantastic turn out of close to 30 kids. Then, I just looked at all those faces with their unique personalities and thought of what Samantha would be like, or look like, at age 4, 7 or 12 and I got all choked up.
Parenthood is an adventure and Samantha changes every day. Today I couldn't help but realize that we are just getting started. Samantha is just beginning to show sides of her little personality. She is a picky eater (like her Dad), a bit bossy (like her Tia Molly)and a chatty Cathy (I guess I'll take credit for this). I can't wait to see what kind of person she develops into over the years to come.
Since becoming a mother, I have been overwhelmed by just that: being a mom, a few times when I was least expecting it. One was today at work. I volunteered to help out with the opening activities for "Bring Your Daughter and Son to Work Day". As I walked into the room, I was struck first by how many kids were there. We had a fantastic turn out of close to 30 kids. Then, I just looked at all those faces with their unique personalities and thought of what Samantha would be like, or look like, at age 4, 7 or 12 and I got all choked up.
Parenthood is an adventure and Samantha changes every day. Today I couldn't help but realize that we are just getting started. Samantha is just beginning to show sides of her little personality. She is a picky eater (like her Dad), a bit bossy (like her Tia Molly)and a chatty Cathy (I guess I'll take credit for this). I can't wait to see what kind of person she develops into over the years to come.
If It's Not One Thing....
It's another! I am learning to be very careful once I think I am in control and on a roll as a mother. Last week Samantha was napping like a champ and sleeping through the night from 8 pm to 7 am. She was laying down to sleep in her crib without protesting and I thought I had it all down.
This week, not so much. The good news is that Samantha has learned to push herself up into a sitting position. She has also learned to pull up to a standing position. The bad news is that she does this in her crib and then is unable to lay back down and go to sleep.
At 5:30 am I go into her room to find her deliriously standing up in her crib and crying. Naps have also gone downhill, I peek in to see why she is screaming and she is just sitting or standing there hysterical. I am hoping this is a phase we can blaze through quickly.
Good thing she is so cute!
This week, not so much. The good news is that Samantha has learned to push herself up into a sitting position. She has also learned to pull up to a standing position. The bad news is that she does this in her crib and then is unable to lay back down and go to sleep.
At 5:30 am I go into her room to find her deliriously standing up in her crib and crying. Naps have also gone downhill, I peek in to see why she is screaming and she is just sitting or standing there hysterical. I am hoping this is a phase we can blaze through quickly.
Good thing she is so cute!
Doily Baby
Dave does not like lace, it reminds him of doilies. Our friend Sara thinks that is so funny that she has been known to send doilies to Dave in the mail in unmarked packages much to his dismay.
So maybe this outfit for Easter wasn't Dad's favorite but we thought she looked pretty darn cute. She was all frills this Easter in her doily dress. This dress belonged to my sister Madeline and we have equally funny and adorable pictures of Madeline for her first Easter.
Samantha had an exciting week celebrating her first Passover, her first Easter and her mom's 31st birthday!
You can see more of Samantha's latest photos here.
Perfectly Average
Today was Samantha's 9 month check up and according to her stats, she is perfectly average. Well, except for her head.
Height: 27.5 inches - 48th percentile
Weight: 18 lbs 9.5 ounces - 50th percentile
Head Circ: 18 inches - 90th percentile
I think they say big heads signify smart kids!
Height: 27.5 inches - 48th percentile
Weight: 18 lbs 9.5 ounces - 50th percentile
Head Circ: 18 inches - 90th percentile
I think they say big heads signify smart kids!
1 of 20
I was seriously starting to wonder if Samantha was going to live her entire life toothless but low and behold her first tooth has finally appeared just in time for her 9 month birthday. One bottom tooth is poking out. I read that babies get ten teeth on top and ten on bottom so we just have 19 more to go!
In other news, Samantha is beginning to show interest in crawling. Interest, not necessarily actual movement. And, she attended her first Bat Mitzvah for her second cousin Rachel in Las Vegas. She had a great time dancing at the party and playing with all of her cousins and she was a trooper on our very long trip back (two hours on the runway and we still don't have our bags).
We have her 9 month check up on Wednesday, details to come soon!
In other news, Samantha is beginning to show interest in crawling. Interest, not necessarily actual movement. And, she attended her first Bat Mitzvah for her second cousin Rachel in Las Vegas. She had a great time dancing at the party and playing with all of her cousins and she was a trooper on our very long trip back (two hours on the runway and we still don't have our bags).
We have her 9 month check up on Wednesday, details to come soon!
Missing Mom
As I said last week, I took the week off to stay with Samantha while my parents and sister were on vacation in the Dominican Republic. During the week, on top of sleep training, we had a huge blizzard in Colorado and we were trapped at home. I was feeling very stir crazy, ready to go back to work and more than anything missing my mom.
Besides Samantha, I spend more time with my mom than anyone else, even Dave. Not even talking to her for over a week is rough on me - I still have one more day until she returns!
Of course I love Samantha and spending time with her but I understand that adult interaction is incredibly important. I was grateful this week that I work. And I was also thankful that my mom and I have each other throughout the week. Now, I'm ready for her to come home.
Besides Samantha, I spend more time with my mom than anyone else, even Dave. Not even talking to her for over a week is rough on me - I still have one more day until she returns!
Of course I love Samantha and spending time with her but I understand that adult interaction is incredibly important. I was grateful this week that I work. And I was also thankful that my mom and I have each other throughout the week. Now, I'm ready for her to come home.
Sleep Training
Last week Samantha and I had a very, very, rough sleep week. Samantha was running a pretty high fever (101-103) all week and we had my best friend Ryan and her boyfriend and daughter in town for the week. Samantha was waking up every two hours and I was going to get her pretty quickly as not to wake the entire house. By the end of the week I was bordering on insanity and ready to make some changes.
For the most part Samantha is a great sleeper but we all get into bad habits and this week I am working on breaking some of ours. My mom is also on vacation this week which means that I am also taking the week off to watch Samantha. I'm using this week to focus on sleep training and setting more strict schedules.
The past few nights I've had to go sleep in our basement so I can't hear Samantha wake up in the night - she goes back to sleep pretty quickly, I don't get woken up, Dave sleeps through the whole thing and we are all happy. I'm also implementing some set nap times in the day. Ever since Samantha had the flu, she NEVER lays down for naps with my mom, my mom holds her the entire day! This week mean old mom is making her lay down for two set naps.
I really believe that routines are good and teaching a child to sleep is a gift that will help her throughout her life. Plus, when Momma is happy and rested, everyone is a lot happier! Here's to some good snoozing!
For the most part Samantha is a great sleeper but we all get into bad habits and this week I am working on breaking some of ours. My mom is also on vacation this week which means that I am also taking the week off to watch Samantha. I'm using this week to focus on sleep training and setting more strict schedules.
The past few nights I've had to go sleep in our basement so I can't hear Samantha wake up in the night - she goes back to sleep pretty quickly, I don't get woken up, Dave sleeps through the whole thing and we are all happy. I'm also implementing some set nap times in the day. Ever since Samantha had the flu, she NEVER lays down for naps with my mom, my mom holds her the entire day! This week mean old mom is making her lay down for two set naps.
I really believe that routines are good and teaching a child to sleep is a gift that will help her throughout her life. Plus, when Momma is happy and rested, everyone is a lot happier! Here's to some good snoozing!
How Much Sharing is Too Much?
From the day I started this blog over a year ago, Dave has been worried. We are both worriers in general but we worry about completely different things. Generally, I worry about what people think and if everyone is happy. He worries about saving money and following the rules. With the blog, he wanted me to be very careful about what I share on the internet. Every time I write a post with personal information or something that isn't common knowledge, he is concerned again. I bet his is very worried right now.
These days with blogs, Facebook, Twitter, etc. it is as if everything is out on the table. I also question what is too much information to share. One day I mentioned to someone at work that Dave and Samantha were taking swim classes and she said "oh I know that from your blog". I forget sometimes how broad the web of social technology reaches. The idea behind having a blog was to share my experience being pregnant and being a mom. Trust me, there are things that I have not shared to protect the feelings of others (remember that's what I worry about) but I try my best to be honest.
I keep saying that if you are interested in social technology (blogs, Twitter, Facebook, etc.) you are either a narcissist or a voyeur. You are either writing about yourself and thinking people should care or you are reading every move someone else makes. It is fair to say I'm a mixture of both. But, I'm going to work harder at finding my "perfect" place online and making sure I'm comfortable there.
These days with blogs, Facebook, Twitter, etc. it is as if everything is out on the table. I also question what is too much information to share. One day I mentioned to someone at work that Dave and Samantha were taking swim classes and she said "oh I know that from your blog". I forget sometimes how broad the web of social technology reaches. The idea behind having a blog was to share my experience being pregnant and being a mom. Trust me, there are things that I have not shared to protect the feelings of others (remember that's what I worry about) but I try my best to be honest.
I keep saying that if you are interested in social technology (blogs, Twitter, Facebook, etc.) you are either a narcissist or a voyeur. You are either writing about yourself and thinking people should care or you are reading every move someone else makes. It is fair to say I'm a mixture of both. But, I'm going to work harder at finding my "perfect" place online and making sure I'm comfortable there.
Not So Competitive Running
It started out simple enough, Angie mentioned we should both plan to run the Bolder Boulder. As I stated here, I like to copy Angie, so obviously I agreed to her latest idea. I wanted to run the race even though I am a slow runner. Seems that no matter how much I run, I just don't go very fast. I blame my short legs.
Anyway, later that day a work email circulated about a Return Path team for the Bolder Boulder. I wrote to get more information and before you know it, I had been recruited for the "competitive" team. The truth is, they needed a female for the team so I was pressured into it. How could I say no to the CEO?
So, here comes my latest endeavor. Mainly I am going to try not to embarrass myself but I would like to do the 10k in about an hour. Dave drives me crazy because he doesn't work out all year long and then every year he runs the Bolder Boulder in incredible time. His goal is always to run the less than an hour which is what I am going to strive to do. Time to start training!
Anyway, later that day a work email circulated about a Return Path team for the Bolder Boulder. I wrote to get more information and before you know it, I had been recruited for the "competitive" team. The truth is, they needed a female for the team so I was pressured into it. How could I say no to the CEO?
So, here comes my latest endeavor. Mainly I am going to try not to embarrass myself but I would like to do the 10k in about an hour. Dave drives me crazy because he doesn't work out all year long and then every year he runs the Bolder Boulder in incredible time. His goal is always to run the less than an hour which is what I am going to strive to do. Time to start training!
Boyfriends
Tomorrow Samantha will be 8 months old! I know I keep saying it, but it sure has gone by quickly. Despite saying Daddy all day long, she is getting to be quite a Mama's girl. I figure I should enjoy these days when she wants to be so close to me.
Our very good friends, JB and Kristi are in town from Hawaii with their two boys. I've realized that the majority of our friends have boys...which means a lot of boyfriends lined up for Samantha. She will probably be very embarrassed that I started matchmaking for her while she was in the womb. But, I started to count the boys and here is my short list of boyfriends for Samantha:
1. Drake Chivukula
2. Carter Kelly
3. Jack Bendon
4. Luke Bendon
5. Connor Fayfield
6. Mason Misner
7. Norman Stamski
She has a solid list of suitors. You can see pictures of her lunch date with Drake and dinner with the Bendon boys here.
Our very good friends, JB and Kristi are in town from Hawaii with their two boys. I've realized that the majority of our friends have boys...which means a lot of boyfriends lined up for Samantha. She will probably be very embarrassed that I started matchmaking for her while she was in the womb. But, I started to count the boys and here is my short list of boyfriends for Samantha:
1. Drake Chivukula
2. Carter Kelly
3. Jack Bendon
4. Luke Bendon
5. Connor Fayfield
6. Mason Misner
7. Norman Stamski
She has a solid list of suitors. You can see pictures of her lunch date with Drake and dinner with the Bendon boys here.
Da Da Da Daddy!
Okay, I will finally admit it. Samantha has a first word - Da Da Da Daddy. She says Daddy from the time she wakes up until she goes to sleep. You can see for yourself in this short video, it isn't her best performance but it is hard to get her to do things on demand! I've also posted some new pictures of our little Valentine. She is really fun these days and when she isn't saying Daddy, she LOVES to look at herself in the mirror, she continues to be obsessed with dogs and she has started saying HI!
A Great Gig
The question I get most often these days is "How is everything working out with your job?" I have heard horror stories about returning to work, about employers with little flexibility and the perils of being a working mom. However, I am happy to say that my experience has been nothing but positive.
I will admit that, back here, I was feeling a little sorry for myself having to return to the working world. I enjoyed my maternity leave and the special time I had with Samantha.
I can't say enough about my wonderful mom who has been my saving grace but I also want to give credit to my employer. Return Path, the company I work for, prides itself on putting employees first. The incredible thing is that it isn't just "talk" but a foundation that the company stands on. My boss Leah was extremely considerate when we set my schedule of time working in the office and at my parents' house. This has allowed me to continue breastfeeding (and spend my lunch breaks with my mom and Samantha). My role was also modified to better fit my new schedule of working 80% with my Fridays off.
The important thing to note is that because of the understanding and kindness I have been shown, I have been re-energized in my role and am excited to work hard, make a difference and shine for the company. After four years with the company I am even more passionate about my work than the day I started. A core belief at Return Path is that happy employees make for happy clients which makes for happy investors. I am a living example of the very happy employee and based on the continued success of the company I think the theory works.
I will admit that, back here, I was feeling a little sorry for myself having to return to the working world. I enjoyed my maternity leave and the special time I had with Samantha.
I can't say enough about my wonderful mom who has been my saving grace but I also want to give credit to my employer. Return Path, the company I work for, prides itself on putting employees first. The incredible thing is that it isn't just "talk" but a foundation that the company stands on. My boss Leah was extremely considerate when we set my schedule of time working in the office and at my parents' house. This has allowed me to continue breastfeeding (and spend my lunch breaks with my mom and Samantha). My role was also modified to better fit my new schedule of working 80% with my Fridays off.
The important thing to note is that because of the understanding and kindness I have been shown, I have been re-energized in my role and am excited to work hard, make a difference and shine for the company. After four years with the company I am even more passionate about my work than the day I started. A core belief at Return Path is that happy employees make for happy clients which makes for happy investors. I am a living example of the very happy employee and based on the continued success of the company I think the theory works.
Copy Cat
I always give my friend Sara a hard time about copying me. One day I'll be telling a joke or a funny story and the next day I overhear Sara telling the same thing to someone else as her own! Well, I realized a few days ago that both knowingly and not, I have been copying Angie. The funny thing is, I have never met Angie. She is my good friend Jessie's sister. When I originally decided to write this blog, Jessie passed on Angie's email to me because Angie also has a blog. I'm now an avid reader of her blog, we email about motherhood and random things and I admit it, I copy her.
She just posted her 25 Random Things to her blog which I am about to do here, I also copied her idea of writing a blog in the first place. Just the other day I remembered that I got the fabulous idea to walk down the aisle to "Here Comes the Sun" when Jessie told me years ago that her sister did that. I am such a copycat!
Many of my friends(like Angie) are writing a list of 25 facts or random things about themselves and posting to Facebook, below is mine. Stay tuned as I copy more from Angie in the future. Now that it is out in the open, I won't be afraid to post baby pictures of myself, share books I'm reading and discuss wage discrimination. I truly believe that "Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery", I guess that means I need to let Sara off the hook.
1. I love the Beatles. I walked down the aisle to “Here Comes the Sun”. In my opinion, the White Album is their best.
2. I am a laundry spaz. I like to wash, dry and fold my clothes in a particular way. If I don’t get all the laundry in the house done by Sunday night, even if we have been on vacation, I have been known to call in sick to work on Monday.
3. I have always been a huge fan of musicals. Favorites are West Side Story, Sound of Music, Moulin Rouge and My Fair Lady.
4. My “happy place” is Target. I spend at least an hour a week there. I think it is very calming to slowly browse through the store.
5. I have won big on slot machines twice despite not being a big gambler. The first time was almost $500 in Costa Rica when I desperately needed money and the second time was over $900 in Vegas on my way out of the casino to get a taxi to the airport.
6. I have a blog. At first I wrote about pregnancy and now I mainly write about Samantha and being a mom.
7. There is nothing better than taking a steaming hot bath. On average I take about 4 baths a week.
8. I love having a sister, and am enjoying her more every day. She is 15 years younger than me.
9. I consider myself a professional Internet researcher. I like to be challenged to find something random or strange via the world wide web.
10. Because of a book my CEO gave me, I have become an “inbox spaz”. I get anxious if I end the day with more than 10 emails sitting in my work or personal email inbox.
11. I love my daughter more than I could have imagined. I often question whether I could really love a second child nearly as much. I think every parent has a favorite and she is mine!
12. Dave and I met when we were 14 years old and had our lockers right next to each other when we started high school.
13. We didn’t date until college after he came to visit me in Costa Rica while I was studying abroad.
14. We got engaged at sunrise in Placencia, a sleepy little beach town in Belize.
15. I have a very spoiled pug named Javier. I can’t remember how we came up with his name but I had the name picked about three years before I got the pug.
16. I am oddly fascinated by the show “Big Love” and polygamy in general.
17. I am not much of a cook. Sometimes I wish I was just a little bit more domesticated.
18. As long as I live I will have a crush on John Elway. Since he retired I will admit I just don’t love the Broncos as much.
19. Many of my closest friends and favorite people to this day, graduated from Boulder High School in 1996.
20. I was born at Boulder Community Hospital, so was my husband, so was my daughter.
21. I lived in Tucson, Arizona from the time I was 7 until 13 and I still miss and love the desert.
22. I do not appreciate bathroom humor. I have never thought farting, burping, spitting, etc. is funny in any way.
23. I turn into a monster when I am overly tired or hungry. When it hits, I often can’t distinguish whether I am hungry or tired.
24. I hate, hate, hate working out. But I love the way I feel afterward so I force myself to do it a few times a week.
25. I think I am quite funny. In fact, I crack myself up many times every day. What do they say about people who laugh at their own jokes…?
She just posted her 25 Random Things to her blog which I am about to do here, I also copied her idea of writing a blog in the first place. Just the other day I remembered that I got the fabulous idea to walk down the aisle to "Here Comes the Sun" when Jessie told me years ago that her sister did that. I am such a copycat!
Many of my friends(like Angie) are writing a list of 25 facts or random things about themselves and posting to Facebook, below is mine. Stay tuned as I copy more from Angie in the future. Now that it is out in the open, I won't be afraid to post baby pictures of myself, share books I'm reading and discuss wage discrimination. I truly believe that "Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery", I guess that means I need to let Sara off the hook.
1. I love the Beatles. I walked down the aisle to “Here Comes the Sun”. In my opinion, the White Album is their best.
2. I am a laundry spaz. I like to wash, dry and fold my clothes in a particular way. If I don’t get all the laundry in the house done by Sunday night, even if we have been on vacation, I have been known to call in sick to work on Monday.
3. I have always been a huge fan of musicals. Favorites are West Side Story, Sound of Music, Moulin Rouge and My Fair Lady.
4. My “happy place” is Target. I spend at least an hour a week there. I think it is very calming to slowly browse through the store.
5. I have won big on slot machines twice despite not being a big gambler. The first time was almost $500 in Costa Rica when I desperately needed money and the second time was over $900 in Vegas on my way out of the casino to get a taxi to the airport.
6. I have a blog. At first I wrote about pregnancy and now I mainly write about Samantha and being a mom.
7. There is nothing better than taking a steaming hot bath. On average I take about 4 baths a week.
8. I love having a sister, and am enjoying her more every day. She is 15 years younger than me.
9. I consider myself a professional Internet researcher. I like to be challenged to find something random or strange via the world wide web.
10. Because of a book my CEO gave me, I have become an “inbox spaz”. I get anxious if I end the day with more than 10 emails sitting in my work or personal email inbox.
11. I love my daughter more than I could have imagined. I often question whether I could really love a second child nearly as much. I think every parent has a favorite and she is mine!
12. Dave and I met when we were 14 years old and had our lockers right next to each other when we started high school.
13. We didn’t date until college after he came to visit me in Costa Rica while I was studying abroad.
14. We got engaged at sunrise in Placencia, a sleepy little beach town in Belize.
15. I have a very spoiled pug named Javier. I can’t remember how we came up with his name but I had the name picked about three years before I got the pug.
16. I am oddly fascinated by the show “Big Love” and polygamy in general.
17. I am not much of a cook. Sometimes I wish I was just a little bit more domesticated.
18. As long as I live I will have a crush on John Elway. Since he retired I will admit I just don’t love the Broncos as much.
19. Many of my closest friends and favorite people to this day, graduated from Boulder High School in 1996.
20. I was born at Boulder Community Hospital, so was my husband, so was my daughter.
21. I lived in Tucson, Arizona from the time I was 7 until 13 and I still miss and love the desert.
22. I do not appreciate bathroom humor. I have never thought farting, burping, spitting, etc. is funny in any way.
23. I turn into a monster when I am overly tired or hungry. When it hits, I often can’t distinguish whether I am hungry or tired.
24. I hate, hate, hate working out. But I love the way I feel afterward so I force myself to do it a few times a week.
25. I think I am quite funny. In fact, I crack myself up many times every day. What do they say about people who laugh at their own jokes…?
Influenza
Despite all of us getting the flu shot this year, Samantha has influenza. I myself have only had the flu once in my life and it was absolutely terrible. It is even more terrible to watch a sweet little baby suffer through it.
The worst of it was Thursday when Samantha had a fever of 103. She was completely lethargic and just moaned all night. We are now on Day #5 of her being sick and she is still very congested and has a nasty cough. Because she is so young, they don't prescribe anything for her. The only thing we can do is give her baby Tylenol and Motrin.
The doctor was concerned she also had pneumonia and ordered blood tests on Friday. The inexperienced "girls" at the blood test center were awful and pricked and prodded at Samantha trying to find a vein to get blood three times. I wanted to kill them! So to make matters worse, she has ugly looking bruises on her arms to go along with this infection.
I am hoping we are on the road to recovery, any idea how long the dreaded flu lasts?
The worst of it was Thursday when Samantha had a fever of 103. She was completely lethargic and just moaned all night. We are now on Day #5 of her being sick and she is still very congested and has a nasty cough. Because she is so young, they don't prescribe anything for her. The only thing we can do is give her baby Tylenol and Motrin.
The doctor was concerned she also had pneumonia and ordered blood tests on Friday. The inexperienced "girls" at the blood test center were awful and pricked and prodded at Samantha trying to find a vein to get blood three times. I wanted to kill them! So to make matters worse, she has ugly looking bruises on her arms to go along with this infection.
I am hoping we are on the road to recovery, any idea how long the dreaded flu lasts?
Samantha the Seamonkey
Dave and I first became friends when we were lifeguards at the Elks pool when we were 16 years old. So it only seems natural that Samantha is destined to enjoy swimming. We are hoping she will be an excellent swimmer like her Dad. To prepare her for her "Phelps-like" status, we signed her up for Seamonkeys class at the Recreation Center. She has been to two classes so far with Dave and they both are having a lot of fun.
Look at how great they both look. I am going to submit this photo for the next Recreation Center guide. I have such a model family! You can see more of the class and other pictures here.
Six Month Check Up
In my exhausted state last week I forgot to mention that we took Samantha in for her 6 month doctor appointment. Seems that she is staying steady in the weight and getting shorter. Maybe she will be more like her mom after all. She now weighs 17 pounds (75 percentile) and is 25 inches long (25 percentile). The doctor told us to start feeding her solids. So far we have given her rice cereal and oatmeal which she has been extremely uninterested in. Later this week we will try some sweet potatoes.
Knock on wood...but the past three nights she has slept through the night again without waking up. I'm not quite sure what to think. Still no teeth but she seems to be in better spirits. As long as she is sleeping we are all happy!
Knock on wood...but the past three nights she has slept through the night again without waking up. I'm not quite sure what to think. Still no teeth but she seems to be in better spirits. As long as she is sleeping we are all happy!
I'm so tired
You know the song by the Beatles? I have been singing it these past few days...
I'm so tired, I haven't slept a wink
I'm so tired, my mind is on the blink
I wonder should I get up and fix myself a drink
No,no,no.
Now I understand a little more why all those other moms look at me with an angry glare when I tell them Samantha sleeps through the night. This week she is not sleeping through the night or through any real length of time. Rather it is every hour or so waking up and screaming her head off.
I can feel a tooth trying to push through and I'm hoping once it does we can all go back to sleep like normal people. We even tried the "cry it out" method last night which she did not respond favorably to. Maybe if she cried it OUT and fell asleep that would be good but apparently she didn't get it out of her system.
I'm so tired, I haven't slept a wink
I'm so tired, my mind is on the blink
I wonder should I get up and fix myself a drink
No,no,no.
Now I understand a little more why all those other moms look at me with an angry glare when I tell them Samantha sleeps through the night. This week she is not sleeping through the night or through any real length of time. Rather it is every hour or so waking up and screaming her head off.
I can feel a tooth trying to push through and I'm hoping once it does we can all go back to sleep like normal people. We even tried the "cry it out" method last night which she did not respond favorably to. Maybe if she cried it OUT and fell asleep that would be good but apparently she didn't get it out of her system.
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