Catching Up...

Well... I haven't posted for a month or so - It is partially my fault (busy having summer fun with my girls) and partially my computer's fault (we had a virus that shut us down for a few weeks) So-- I will give you the Cliff Notes version of what has been going on with us.

Isabel-- Almost 3.5 years old already and going on age 13. She is a sassy little thing with a big vocabulary and an "answer" for everything. Jason says she will be a lawyer someday. She has been having a great summer going on "adventures" with her mom, Lucy and Payton. We have visited Santas' Village, Legoland, library, splash parks etc. She also participated in her first dance recital in June. (That was quite an extravaganza-- 3.5 hours at the Hemmens Auditorium :) Isabel also spent a week at Hot U Jr. (our church's version of  Vacation Bible School) which she loved and I volunteered to be a small group leader there-- I think I have discovered that I am best suited to teach middle school kids though- God bless you preschool teachers.

dance recital

 I think Bel loves having mom home during the summer and we try to get outside and be active on most days-- it has just been so ridiculously hot!! We have also been working on letters, numbers and writing her name so she will be ready for her new preschool in the fall. Isabel LOVES playing with her baby sister Lucy. She is very sweet and gentle with her and has discovered that she knows how to make Lucy laugh.  She tickles and talks to her and even helps mommy feed her cereal. Bel's other faves include her Barbies, dressing up in tutus, watching Doc McStuffins or Dora, going in her kiddie pool, having her friends over to play, making "smoothies" with mom and dad, and eating apples (the girl eats 2 or 3 per day!!) She is really a sensitive girl and has a big heart. I love hanging with her-- she is my little bestie :)

Lucy-- What can I say? She is a mellow, chill, happy little nugget. She likes to smile. She sleeps so well (7pm to 7am.. sometimes I even have to wake her up!) She started eating solid foods at 4 months and now eats rice cereal, oatmeal, and pureed ruits and veggies. Last week, I finally stopped breastfeeding. I hoped to make it to 6 months but I fell just a little short of that. It was kind of bittersweet because she will most likely be the last baby I nurse and she is no longer a tiny infant anymore. I just love her sweet little personality. She is an easygoing girl-- I think she gets that from daddy.

However, no matter how sweet and easy your little one is-- there always seems to be something to worry about as a parent. First we were concerned about Lucy's "flat head" and tight neck. That seems to have gotten better with more tummy time and stretching. Now, since her four month apt. we have been concerned about her meeting some of her other milestones. Pushing up on her arms and using her hands to reach, grasp, and hold objects have been a few of the issues she has struggled with. (She is doing these things but at a  slower rate than we have expected or the books suggest) Her 6 month appointment is in early August so we have been keeping track of some concerns to check with the pediatrician about. It is always a fine line between wanting to be proactive and observant and overreacting and accepting the fact that all kids develop at different rates. We just pray that Lucy will continue to grow and develop at a healthy rate.

Jason and I -- Jason is working, working, working at his new job at the Hospice which is challenging but he loves. I am playing "stay at home mom" for a few more weeks until school starts again in Aug. We are coming up on our 5 YEAR wedding anniversary already on Aug. 18th and we have planned our first overnight since Lucy was born. Looking forward to that time alone together. Our house is coming along-- we still have so many projects we would like to do but there never seems to be enough time or money to do everything we want. A cool milestone for Jason this year was that his doctors told him that he could skip his annual colonoscopy if he wanted because he had been cancer free for three years. He will now only do that test every two years. Yay! Other than that, we are boring. Just busy with life! Last week we had our family photos taken again by Julie- they turned out pretty great even though I didn't think the girls were cooperative :) Julie is engaged and moving to Haiti to be a wife and missionary so it may be our last photo shoot with her for a long time.. sigh. That's okay- she has an exciting adventure ahead of her too.

Our little family makes me SO happy--  I really think it will be hard to go back to work this year.

2012 Gala

Jason started a new job in January. He is now working as Senior Director of Development for Hospice and Palliative Care for Northeastern Illinois http://www.hospiceanswers.org/.  It is a wonderful organization to raise money for because they do so much to help families who are dealing with the loss of their loved ones. I know he feels really good about the mission of Hospice and last night we attended their biggest fundraising event of the year-- their annual Gala.

It was a black tie event and it was a lot of fun to get dressed up and have a real night out complete with cocktails, dinner and dancing. (It's been a while..like maybe our wedding?) The gala was held at a family's private estate in Barrington and it was mainly outdoors in their gardens and in a tent.Everything was so elegant and the food was delicious. Even though I didn't know anyone, I had a great time people-watching and it was fun to see my handsome hubby in his work environment. (as much as I tease him I could NEVER do his job... I hate making small talk with strangers and I get nervous in those types of social situations) Luckily, my glass of wine helped my nerves and by the end of the night we were rocking out on the dance floor.

I really wasn't sure what to wear.... (Jason said "a dress" so that was helpful :) so I ended up going with a black dress because that seemed pretty safe. I was actually really comfy all night and it wasn't hot out so I lucked out.

Doesn't Jason clean up well? Hottie :)

Stopped by to see my parents before the Gala. Pics with my dad just like prom-- lol!

(Got to love having a sister hairstylist --she can whip up a formal updo in minutes! Thanks Bean)

We actually stayed awake past midnight and the Leppins were so awesome. They watched the girls for us so that we could have our special night out. Now.... to start planning my dress for next year :)

Little Lu-- 4 months

Here I am swimming in the kiddie pool for the first time!

Lucy is 4 months old!! (okay.. she was 4 months a couple of weeks ago but we just had her doc appointment and I am just getting around to blogging about it.) So... let me start again. Lucy is 4 months old!

She is an easygoing, smiley baby. She goes to bed around 8 or 9 and sleeps until 6 am. Almost never waking up at night anymore (knock on wood.) She has ditched the pacifier in favor of her newly discovered thumb. (I will have yet another child to break of that thumb sucking habit some day but for now-- who cares. It is helping her sleep.) Lucy is still nursing but supplemented with formula and she has no problem switching back and forth betweeh the two.

A few nights ago Jason and I saw her roll for the first time. My parents had already seen it when I was at work, but she would never do it for us in the evening. However, now she loves rolling from back to stomach and stomach to back. Tummy time is still a struggle and she doesn't use her arms as much as I would like-- the doctor said we need to work with her more on her belly. We need to build up that upper body strength this summer.

At our check-up Doctor Cocjin said that Lu's head is flat on one side but she didn't seem overly concerned about it. She just told us to keep working on the repositioning and stretching her neck. Lucy got 3 shots and was a good sport. Big sister Bel came along for moral support and to cheer her up (She was pretty glad that Lucy was getting the shots and not her)

Her weight was 13 lbs  7.8 oz (50th percentile)

Her length was 24 inches and her head was 16 inches. (65th percentile)

Overall, Lucy is really just a sweet little girl. She is cooing, smiling and laughing at her sister and Isabel is finding her more interesting now. We put her in her Bumbo seat and on her playmat and in a few weeks we will give rice cereal a try. What a big girl!!

Mother's Day 2012

I love being a mom! I can say with all honesty that is the most important, challenging and rewarding role I have ever had in my life. My two little girls bring me so much happiness and joy -- words can't really describe it. But they are growing and changing so fast -- and it is easy to get caught up in the daily grind of life and forget to stop and really see and enjoy this precious but hectic time with them. I love holidays like Mother's Day because they force us to slow and think about the blessings we have in our lives and to reflect and be truly thankful. Here are a few of the things I was grateful for this Mother's Day:

* I am a mom-- again!! This year I gave birth to another beautiful, healthy little girl. And believe me-- I don't take that for granted. My heart has ached in the last year for friends who have had trouble with fertility, have been waiting to adopt, and have had children diagnosed with illnesses. I thank God for Lucy and the joy she has brought to our little family this year. We know that God has blessed us greatly.

* I am thankful for my own mom! I aspire to be the kind of mom that my mom has been for Mandy and I. Strong, hardworking, selfless, endlessly generous, a listening ear. My mom is one of my best friends. And now... she is all this and more for her grand babies. I am thankful this year for the time my mom spent with me when I came home from the hospital with Lucy. And and also for all the time she has spent taking care of my girls since I have gone back to work. It has given me such peace of mind. I know I am blessed to have my mom in my life every day.

* I am also thankful for all of the other moms in my life! I am so thankful for my mother-in-law Marsha who is living closer this year. She has been able to spend more time with us and the girls this year-- coming over and pitching in to babysit whenever we have needed her. And of course my favorite mommy friend-- my sister-- who inspires me with her creativity and flair-- she is a mom who does it all and looks good doing it :) She is the best listening ear and an awesome mommy role- model-- funny and REAL my BFF! . And I am also thankful for all of my mom friends at work, home and on facebook. It is nice to have a network of mommies to run things by -- if only so you don't feel like you are the only crazy person out there.

Mother's Day this year was extra special because Lucy was dedicated at our church. Baby Dedication is our church's version of a baptism. We believe that baptism is a step you make when you are old enough to accept and declare Jesus Christ as your lord and savior for yourself. So Baby Dedication is more of an opportunity for parents and the church to committ themselves to raising their children in such a way that they will hopefully make that decision for themselves one day. Lucy was dedicated in a small ceremony with the other babies and then prayed for by the church and the elders. After service, we had family back to our house for brunch.

Our sweet little family! I am a lucky mom.

All the girls!! Happy Mother's Day!

Lucy's Two Month Check-Up

Bad, busy mom-- I think I forgot to post about Lucy's last doctor visit. And since this blog doubles as my baby book-- I figured I better catch up. A few weeks ago we went for Lucys' two month check-up and she got her first round of shots. (She was NOT a happy baby and cried a lot. It was hard for mom too) She weighed in at 10 lbs and 13 ounces and she was 22.5 inches long. So once again she was in the 50th percentile for height and weight. (A very NORMAL little girl- doesn't fit in too well with the rest of us :)

The doctor proceeded to panic me by suggesting that one side of her head was getting "flat". She seems to favor the left side and constantly turns her head that way to sleep, play etc. He told me to "monitor it" and turn her head frequently (so of course I have become an absolute freak about it-- turning the poor child's head all day and never letting her have any peace) Honestly, I think she was born with her head shaped a little funny (sorry Lu) and it seems to be rounding out a bit more now but we'll see what they say at the next doctor apt. Some doctors recommend physical therapy and a helmet if it is a significant problem--- (what?!) We'll cross that bridge when we come to it.

Here is the little beauty in action...

Team Emmy

My friend Colleen's daughter was diagnosed with a rare genetic disease last year called Rett Syndrome.To learn more about this disease click here---http://www.rettsyndrome.org/  The Foster family has been through some major ups and downs during the past year so needless to say, Isabel and I were excited to participate in the 2012 "Run for Rett Syndrome" at Busse Woods this morning. We showed our support by wearing our custom "Team Emmy" shirts designed by my coworkers husband @ JCImaginations. The weather was cold, wet and windy- but we had a great time anyway. Go Team Emmy!

Bundled up!! Ready to walk

Colleen and Emmy

Isabel is snacking... getting an energy boost!

Lots of friends and family were there to walk and run. We sold over 60 t-shirts. It was kind of cool to see Emilia's fan club out there in purple.

Here is to finding a cure for Rett Syndrome BEFORE next year's race --

Back to Work...I Will Survive!

10 weeks flew by... and on Monday I had to leave this sweet face behind for the first time when I headed back to work. In some ways it was easier than with Bel because I knew Lucy would be with my mom all 5 days (sooo lucky!!) Plus, I also knew that Bel would be with my mom part-time and at Goddard- and we're very comfortable with daycare now. BUT... in other ways it was a lot harder.

For one thing, I now really understand how fast this time with your little one goes-- and I don't want to miss any of it. Lucy is the sweetest, smiley little girl who LOVES being snuggled all day... and I am sad to have to miss that time with her.

But even more so-- getting out of the house in the morning and off to YaYa's, daycare, and school by 7:45 am is INSANITY! My morning usually starts around five am but somehow we are all running around and rushing like crazy to get showered, dressed, fed, packed and out of the house by seven. And it's not like we don't prep the night before (washing bottles, packing lunches, doing laundry, folding clothes, organizing backpacks and diaper bags, giving baths, laying out clothes...it never ends) But somehow our mornings are still chaos. I am HOPING this gets easier and we learn how to streamline things. It doesn't help that our toddler is NOT a morning person and we have to battle with her over breakfast, clothes, shoes, television etc...

Example: Her quote on Thursday morning "Mom today is NOT a pink day.. it is a PURPLE day!! I need my purple pants!!!" (Oh... you mean the dirty ones in the laundry?????! Great.)

Luckily for me, my sub was great when I was out and I have a really wonderful group of students this year. I was able to jump right into things the first day back and by the end of the week it was like I had never left the classroom.(Although I think my sub was much nicer than me-- poor kids-- their strict teacher is back :) My coworkers also help because they are are so understanding and supportive. My teaching partner has been making copies for me because I have ZERO time before or after school to do anything. Of course, during the day I have even less time to copy, plan or grade because I have to huddle in the middle school bathroom  twice a day so that I can pump because I am trying to continue breastfeeding for a few more months. I'm not sure how long that is actually going to last--( I miss my lunch and planning period!!)-- but I am giving it the old college try.

Overall, it was actually a fairly successful week but I did have a big sobbing breakdown on my way to school on Thursday morning. It hit me that between work and sleep-- I will only see my babies a few hours a day-- and it was just so sad. I second guessed my decision to go back after just 10 weeks..and basically just had a heavy heart full of mommy guilt. I think the sleep deprivation and rocky morning didn't help much..Luckily, I have a caring husband who talked me through it. And, it helps to know that I have just 7 weeks left until summer break-- which I am looking at as another maternity leave. Lots of time just to spend with my girls.

I know that lots of moms work... and I still do love my job... but it is funny how things change after you have your own kids. I think I used to look down upon those teachers that got to school right before the bell every morning.. and then left right after school each day. They never carried home the huge stacks of books and papers to grade and lesson plan over the weekend like I did. But now I get it. They were parents. And they probably didn't lug that stuff home because they knew they would never have the time or energy to look at it anyway. And they probably left right away because they had to get to daycare or the sitter to pick up their kids. And they probably worked their butt off throughout the school day to make sure they got everything done because they didn't have the luxury of time to work on it over the weekends. Yep... I don't think I will be so judgey now :)

Well, I will leave you with a few more misc. cute pics of the girls I leave behind each day who make it all worth it.

Belly (yes.. she is getting her first "pedi"-- special date with mom)

My sweet bunny-- 9 weeks-- loves to be held

Craft project with mom-- love these girls!