Matt and his little Inland Baby (that's insurance speak, for the rest of us), working hard and getting it done!
4.28.2010
4.26.2010
Jesus Loves the Little Children
Eight weeks ended in a big way for us. We took Violet to Travis and Wendi's awesomely 80's karaoke wedding shower and the baby met a few new faces. She loved every minute there!
Then I dropped her off at Grandma and Grandpa Loughman, where rumor has it they all had a lovely time together. She played on her play mat, slept in Grandpa's arms, and was treated to a bottle by Grandma.
Then on Sunday, Violet got baptized!
She was baptized at the church where my dad is the worship leader, Turin United Methodist. All the grandparents were there, along with my Swedish relatives (much thanks to the volcano for allowing them to stick around long enough to witness the blessed event). It was a very sweet moment. Matt and I haven't found a church home up on the northside yet, although Violet is finally old enough that I feel comfortable taking her into a Sunday service. So we'll be getting on that. But in the meantime, it was very special to have her baptized in a church that holds meaning for my dad. Everyone there loves him, and so they just naturally welcomed us with open arms as well.
Pastor Griff made me very comfortable when he admitted that he loves it when kids are in the service, ruckus and all. Fortunately, Violet was so peacefully asleep that she didn't even notice the sprinkling of water on her head. But it's a day I know we'll always remember.
Great photo, Scott Butterworth!
Then I dropped her off at Grandma and Grandpa Loughman, where rumor has it they all had a lovely time together. She played on her play mat, slept in Grandpa's arms, and was treated to a bottle by Grandma.
Then on Sunday, Violet got baptized!
She was baptized at the church where my dad is the worship leader, Turin United Methodist. All the grandparents were there, along with my Swedish relatives (much thanks to the volcano for allowing them to stick around long enough to witness the blessed event). It was a very sweet moment. Matt and I haven't found a church home up on the northside yet, although Violet is finally old enough that I feel comfortable taking her into a Sunday service. So we'll be getting on that. But in the meantime, it was very special to have her baptized in a church that holds meaning for my dad. Everyone there loves him, and so they just naturally welcomed us with open arms as well.
Pastor Griff made me very comfortable when he admitted that he loves it when kids are in the service, ruckus and all. Fortunately, Violet was so peacefully asleep that she didn't even notice the sprinkling of water on her head. But it's a day I know we'll always remember.
Turin United Methodist Church
Monday's Child
Nine Weeks
So last week I had this whole post in mind about how, ever since Violet turned two months old, she had suddenly started regressing. She wasn't sleeping through the night anymore, her hair was starting to fall out, she was back to screaming in the bath... But I think it was all due to the stress of being on the road so much, because except for the hair issue, things are pretty much back to normal. Look at that cutie pie! Her daddy really does make her smile! Although it was mommy who got this smile today.
4.23.2010
Two Months!
My big girl is two months old! We just got back from the pediatrician and here are the stats.
Miss Violet weighs in at a whopping 10 pounds, 13 ounces! Hello! I mean, I knew she had gained weight, just by the simple fact that my arm hurts more when I hold her. And don't even get me started on the infant carrier. And of course, she's totally out of her newborn clothes. But 10/13?! That means she gained 2 lbs, 2 oz in the last month. What a chunky monkey! Matt and I took bets yesterday and he took ten pounds while I took anything under ten. Unbelievable. She is 23 inches long, and firmly in the 50th percentile in all categories.
Violet is also one brave cookie. She got her shots today, and she only screamed (face as red as the band-aids covering her chubby thighs now) for a few seconds. Mommy had a harder time than she did, I think. I made Matt play the bad guy while I hid in the corner so she wouldn't associate the pain with me. The nurses timed their shots simultaneously while Matt held her arms. "Hold her tight, dad," the nurse said. So sad. But she was a trooper, and fast asleep in the car seat before we even got her out of the exam room. I'm armed with Infant Tylenol in case she is fussy or gets a fever today, but so far she has been good as gold and is currently slumbering peacefully in her swing.
Miss Violet weighs in at a whopping 10 pounds, 13 ounces! Hello! I mean, I knew she had gained weight, just by the simple fact that my arm hurts more when I hold her. And don't even get me started on the infant carrier. And of course, she's totally out of her newborn clothes. But 10/13?! That means she gained 2 lbs, 2 oz in the last month. What a chunky monkey! Matt and I took bets yesterday and he took ten pounds while I took anything under ten. Unbelievable. She is 23 inches long, and firmly in the 50th percentile in all categories.
Violet is also one brave cookie. She got her shots today, and she only screamed (face as red as the band-aids covering her chubby thighs now) for a few seconds. Mommy had a harder time than she did, I think. I made Matt play the bad guy while I hid in the corner so she wouldn't associate the pain with me. The nurses timed their shots simultaneously while Matt held her arms. "Hold her tight, dad," the nurse said. So sad. But she was a trooper, and fast asleep in the car seat before we even got her out of the exam room. I'm armed with Infant Tylenol in case she is fussy or gets a fever today, but so far she has been good as gold and is currently slumbering peacefully in her swing.
Post-vaccination Violet. Look at those band-aids!
4.21.2010
The Relatives Came!
The relatives came, all the way from Sweden! My mom's sister Anita and her husband Jan, and my Uncle Bosse and his wife Siv are all here, enjoying our great Georgia weather (when they left Sweden, there was still snow on the ground) and buying out our stores (seriously... there might not be anything left for the rest of us!) Their trip was extended by an entire week due to the volcano in Iceland, but hey, that just means more shopping and vacationing. (Not to mention, more baby-holding). Matt's business trip means I've gotten to spend more time with them than I originally thought, and that's always a good thing.
Another good thing? All the candy they brought! When I heard they were coming, I had but one request - the largest bag of candy that would fit in a suitcase. And they delivered!
There is something magical about Swedish candy. It makes our candy taste like crap. Ever had Swedish Fish? Yeah, the American version tastes like a rubber band discovered behind your cubicle desk after six years compared to the real thing from the Land of the Midnight Sun. And every store in Sweden has a smorgasbord of mix-and-match candy that puts our gumball stands to shame. When Matt and I visited Sweden a few years ago, we brought home a bag of candy and to make it last longer, we limited ourselves to one piece a day to savor. But we've been going a little crazy this time around. Matt is addicted and I'm an enabler. But it's just so good! I must figure out a way to order it online.
Anita och Jan
Another good thing? All the candy they brought! When I heard they were coming, I had but one request - the largest bag of candy that would fit in a suitcase. And they delivered!
Jag alskar godis!!! ("I love candy" for you non-Swedish speaking folks.)
Siv och Violet
So here's a shout out to all my Swedish relatives who read this blog (and I know you do!) Jag alskar dej! And also, jag vill har potatis. Ja tack! Ja tack!
A Perfect Storm
We are currently experiencing a big first... Matt is out of town on business. It's the first time he's been away from the baby, and I think we're all a little on edge because of it. I mean, is it really a coincidence that yesterday Violet was a complete cranky pants? The only time she wasn't crying was when she was sleeping or eating. And then naturally, she was wide awake in the middle of the night, with only me to comfort her. When Matt called, I promptly told him to enjoy this trip because it will be his last. I relented somewhat when he texted me pictures of the baby gifts his co-workers got him. And it helps that today has started out on a much better foot than yesterday, so there is still hope for the remaining time.
When I found out Matt had this trip, I immediately made plans to hightail it to Peachtree City. I am not ready to be a single parent yet! I was going to stay at the Loughman's, but in a random turn of events, Lee Anne was going out of town. So I decided to head to the Fortunato's. But an certain volcano meant that my Swedish relatives would still be in the house. I mean, could more things occur in one week? A perfect storm. But my mom insisted I still stay, so we are enjoying a house crammed full of people (all of whom adore my baby girl, despite her temperament). And thank goodness for Jen! She hung out with me all day Monday and put up with Little Miss Cranky Pants. She even brought a present!
I'm starting to wonder... is Violet really being as cranky as I think she is, or am I just more sensitive to it because we're surrounded by so many people? Normally it's just the two of us hanging out at home, so when she fusses, I'm the only one who has to hear it. But now I feel like she needs to always be on her best, most adorable behavior so other people can see how wonderful she is. But maybe they don't care if she cries a little here or there. Hmm...
And speaking of people, Violet has been meeting quite a few new faces lately! Some that I've managed to capture on camera:
When I found out Matt had this trip, I immediately made plans to hightail it to Peachtree City. I am not ready to be a single parent yet! I was going to stay at the Loughman's, but in a random turn of events, Lee Anne was going out of town. So I decided to head to the Fortunato's. But an certain volcano meant that my Swedish relatives would still be in the house. I mean, could more things occur in one week? A perfect storm. But my mom insisted I still stay, so we are enjoying a house crammed full of people (all of whom adore my baby girl, despite her temperament). And thank goodness for Jen! She hung out with me all day Monday and put up with Little Miss Cranky Pants. She even brought a present!
Isn't this artwork amazing?! Ah Jen, another one of my creative, crafty friends! Handmade just for baby Violet.
I'm starting to wonder... is Violet really being as cranky as I think she is, or am I just more sensitive to it because we're surrounded by so many people? Normally it's just the two of us hanging out at home, so when she fusses, I'm the only one who has to hear it. But now I feel like she needs to always be on her best, most adorable behavior so other people can see how wonderful she is. But maybe they don't care if she cries a little here or there. Hmm...
And speaking of people, Violet has been meeting quite a few new faces lately! Some that I've managed to capture on camera:
We stopped by The Citizen so Violet could meet some old friends from back in my working days. It was one of those moments when she was cranky, but Jean didn't seem to care. Trust another mom to want to hold your crying child and actually enjoy it! And look - Violet actually seemed to enjoy it too!
Brian and Kelly made the long trek to Olde Atlanta to see our new house, new baby. Adorable! They are going to make good parents some day, even if Kelly was still a little nervous to hold the baby while standing! (She eventually did and no one fell over - I knew she could do it!)
Grandpa isn't a new face, but this picture was too funny, I had to add it. Ah, the sleepy-heads! We put them both to bed shortly after.
4.19.2010
Monday's Child
8 Weeks, Baby!
Eight weeks. Amazing. Violet's latest accomplishments include sticking her tongue out and drooling like it's going out of style. Bath time is awesome now, she gave me a smile in the tub even though I'd forgotten her receiving blanket. Violet has met a ton of new people lately, including some friends, former co-workers, and even some relatives from Sweden (currently stranded here courtesy of the Icelandic volcano). But more of that in a post to come. (And while I'm at it, I apologize for the lack of posting lately. It's been crazy around here, and I'm bunking with my parents for a few days. Our schedule is totally out of whack, just like it always is when you're in a place that's not your own. But all this is really off topic. Again, sorry.)
On Thursday Violet will be two months old (let's pause for a second to let that sink in!), and the next day we head back to the pediatrician for my favorite of all activities - having her weighed! I keep trying to think of excuses to take her to the doctor just so they'll put her on the scale. It would cost me a twenty dollar co-pay, but it would be so worth it! I was sorely tempted to plunk her on the produce scale the last time we were in Kroger. But I figured the stock boys wouldn't approve. And just my luck, some little old lady would stop me and ask where to find the bin of fresh, sweet babies.
4.13.2010
Hello Spring!
So I guess spring is officially here! I know it formally arrived a few weeks ago, but for me, it wasn't official until our cherry tree burst into bloom.
Beautiful!
Ah spring. I'm glad the weather has warmed up a bit. For one thing, I've had to pack up all Violet's newborn clothes, and everything in the next size up is definitely made for warmer temperatures. That being said, there are some way cute outfits about to make their debut!
And thank goodness for the sun, because we had a very busy weekend around here. First of all, Violet attended her very first birthday party! Our little neighbor turned two years old and celebrated with a cowboy-themed bash. I told Matt we had to pay attention so we'd know what is expected for kids' birthday parties, but the bar was set pretty high with this one. There were hay rides, a bucking bronco in the horse corral, and a huge bowl of cheese puffs. I haven't had a cheese puff in years, but I certainly made up for it on Saturday. Those things are good.
My Texas cowboy hat finally comes in handy! Violet wasn't too sure about my fashion statement, however. That or my breath smelled like cheese puffs.
After the party at the neighbors', we had our own little bash to celebrate the purchase of Matt's new grill! Violet got to meet some of our friends for the first time, and Matt got to show off his mad cooking skills.
Rebecca and Violet, friends at first sight! (Seriously, why won't that girl smile for me like that?!)
Matt helms the grill in a fancy plaid shirt leftover from the cowboy party.
Then my friend Joanna and her son Noah made a surprise visit! It's the first time I've seen him since Joanna and her family moved to Tulsa soon after he was born. Fun fact - I was pregnant at Joanna's baby shower but no one knew yet. It was surreal... I was freaking out because a good half of the presents she opened, I had no idea what they were for. I was already sure I'd be a horrible mom! But it all worked out... babies educate you fast!
Noah is awesome! So happy, holding his head up, almost crawling... I can't wait until Violet gets to be that age. Hopefully she's that good natured, too!
Proud mammas with their good-looking babies! Future boyfriend-girlfriend, perhaps?
4.12.2010
4.10.2010
All Night Long
A most remarkable thing has been happening, ever since Violet turned six weeks old. What is it about that magical age? People have been telling us that it all changes around six weeks, but all we could tell is that six weeks equals a crankier baby. What we didn't realize was that a crankier baby equal a more tired baby. She still doesn't nap very well during the day. She catches 20 minutes her, 45 minutes there, but nothing long enough to let me get anything productive done. And a more tired baby during the day equals a baby who sleeps longer at night.
Sure, she sleeps longer! That first night, it was me who was awake at 4:00 a.m. Why, you may ask? Because my poor boobs felt like this:
When the baby doesn't eat when your body thinks she should, things fill up in there! So while Violet slept peacefully in her bouncy chair next to me, I was up in the middle of the night pumping! Oh, the irony. But I'm not complaining. Anyway, that first night she slept until 4:30 a.m. The next night, she lasted a little longer. But last night! Last night takes the cake.
Violet was so tired and cranky, I had to let her fall asleep (as in, I did everything I could to ensure she did fall asleep!) around 9:30, even though I knew we'd have to get her up again. At 11:00, Matt woke her up so she could suck down a nice, fat bottle, after which she promptly passed out again. And that sweet girl stayed asleep until 7 a.m.! All night long!
Now, does this mean we've got it down pat? Probably not. Am I prepared for a relapse of midnight feedings? Sure. But have we hit a milestone? I think it's safe to say so.
Sure, she sleeps longer! That first night, it was me who was awake at 4:00 a.m. Why, you may ask? Because my poor boobs felt like this:
Violet was so tired and cranky, I had to let her fall asleep (as in, I did everything I could to ensure she did fall asleep!) around 9:30, even though I knew we'd have to get her up again. At 11:00, Matt woke her up so she could suck down a nice, fat bottle, after which she promptly passed out again. And that sweet girl stayed asleep until 7 a.m.! All night long!
Now, does this mean we've got it down pat? Probably not. Am I prepared for a relapse of midnight feedings? Sure. But have we hit a milestone? I think it's safe to say so.
4.09.2010
Giveaway!
Hey kids! Remember when I was bragging about all my talented pals? Well, one of them, the lovely Natty Michelle, is doing a giveaway!
That's right, you can win, for free, a set of her awesome hand-painted cards or an 8x10 print! You have competition, however, as I've already entered and if I win, I'm totally getting this beautiful picture in an 8x10 for Violet's room. So hurry up and leave a comment on her blog already!
That's right, you can win, for free, a set of her awesome hand-painted cards or an 8x10 print! You have competition, however, as I've already entered and if I win, I'm totally getting this beautiful picture in an 8x10 for Violet's room. So hurry up and leave a comment on her blog already!
4.08.2010
Bath Time, Take Two
Remember this?
Well, things have certainly improved. Since my poor mother had to witness this spectacle, Violet and I decided to show her what bath time looks like these days (hoping I wasn't secretly jinxing the whole process with all my bragging). And what do you know? Violet is still enjoying her baths!
We are now three for three. She looked so relaxed and peaceful this time around, all thanks to my wonderful friend Selena, who wins the prize for most helpful advice when it comes to bath time. She suggested laying a receiving blanket over the girl in the tub so she wouldn't feel so exposed, and it totally did the trick. We might actually be on our way to incorporating bath time into our nightly routine. As in, we might actually get to start a nightly routine! Of course, the next part of the routine will need to include sleeping a set amount of hours during an appropriate part of the night. We'll get there! Hey, if my little never-nude can learn to enjoy a bath, anything is possible!
Well, things have certainly improved. Since my poor mother had to witness this spectacle, Violet and I decided to show her what bath time looks like these days (hoping I wasn't secretly jinxing the whole process with all my bragging). And what do you know? Violet is still enjoying her baths!
We are now three for three. She looked so relaxed and peaceful this time around, all thanks to my wonderful friend Selena, who wins the prize for most helpful advice when it comes to bath time. She suggested laying a receiving blanket over the girl in the tub so she wouldn't feel so exposed, and it totally did the trick. We might actually be on our way to incorporating bath time into our nightly routine. As in, we might actually get to start a nightly routine! Of course, the next part of the routine will need to include sleeping a set amount of hours during an appropriate part of the night. We'll get there! Hey, if my little never-nude can learn to enjoy a bath, anything is possible!
Violet's all ready for spring! Just hanging out on her changing pad (her new favorite place to be), showing off one of her new outfits post-bath.
4.07.2010
Picture Perfect
Because I've been bad about the updates lately, enjoy some pictures!
Daddy-daughter time on Easter Sunday.
Violet sneaks into mommy and daddy's bed for a nap. Look how thrilled she is!
Trying to get Violet to appreciate some beautiful nature. She is unimpressed.
Some tummy time...
4.06.2010
Mommy's Day Out
Yesterday was a big day for both me and Violet. When my friend Jody called and suggested pedicures to celebrate spring break, of course I agreed. My poor feet have been needing some TLC big time. And to sweeten the deal, Jody offered up her mom as a babysitter for Violet. This is a good deal, indeed. Gayle is fabulous. She always watches her granddaughter and grandson, so I knew Violet would be in excellent hands.
Considering it was the first time I've left her with anyone other than family, and for any reason other than a quick run to the grocery store, I thought I did pretty good! Jody, her niece Caroline and I enjoyed a lovely girl's day out getting our nails done. It was Caroline's first trip to the nail salon and she loved her purple sparkly polish! Then we were off to grab some Mexican food. It wasn't until halfway through lunch that I started getting antsy to see my girl.
Being introduced to her babysitters...
Considering it was the first time I've left her with anyone other than family, and for any reason other than a quick run to the grocery store, I thought I did pretty good! Jody, her niece Caroline and I enjoyed a lovely girl's day out getting our nails done. It was Caroline's first trip to the nail salon and she loved her purple sparkly polish! Then we were off to grab some Mexican food. It wasn't until halfway through lunch that I started getting antsy to see my girl.
Caroline's fancy mani-pedi
Once we got back to Jody's, the report was that Violet was perfect. Meaning, she slept the entire time, of course! But everyone adored her and took turns holding her. Joey, Jody's nephew, all of one-and-a-half years old, even helped out by pushing her in the swing, bringing her the pacifier and helping hold her bottle while she ate! And she got invited back anytime I need a babysitter. So all in all, a good day! Although as soon as we got home, I couldn't wait to do anything but hold her the rest of the day. And considering how much she slept, we weren't in too bad of shape. She woke up around 4:30 that afternoon and stayed up until 10:30! Fortunately, there was only one nighttime feeding, so we're back on a roll...
Monday's Child
SIX WEEKS!
Sorry this post is late! Yesterday was a bit crazy, more to come on that. Then to top it all off, my camera battery was dying and I only had enough to snap one shot. But here she is, my six-week-old girl!
4.02.2010
Easter Comes Early
Violet's first Easter came a little early this year! First there was the Easter basket Grandma brought up for her on Tuesday:
She got a cute pair of socks and an adorable baby doll. How sweet! Good thing Lee Anne also brought mom and dad Easter baskets too... ours had chocolate.
Then on Wednesday, we were invited to the neighbor's for dinner, to be followed by an Easter egg hunt for a bunch of kids in the 'hood. I was a little worried about Violet's behavior. Have I mentioned how fussy she's been lately? (See previous post for a recap.) But we were fed, dressed and ready to go five minutes before show time. And then Violet pooped. All over her Easter outfit. Oh well, such is life. We eventually made it over, and after that Violet was as good as gold (such a showoff!) Thank goodness the neighbors are Dawgs fans! Violet was right at home.
She got a cute pair of socks and an adorable baby doll. How sweet! Good thing Lee Anne also brought mom and dad Easter baskets too... ours had chocolate.
Then on Wednesday, we were invited to the neighbor's for dinner, to be followed by an Easter egg hunt for a bunch of kids in the 'hood. I was a little worried about Violet's behavior. Have I mentioned how fussy she's been lately? (See previous post for a recap.) But we were fed, dressed and ready to go five minutes before show time. And then Violet pooped. All over her Easter outfit. Oh well, such is life. We eventually made it over, and after that Violet was as good as gold (such a showoff!) Thank goodness the neighbors are Dawgs fans! Violet was right at home.
Just chillin' in the Dawg House!
Then it was time for the Easter egg hunt. The house filled with 15-20 screaming kids as the men hid the eggs outside. Violet, bless her heart, slept through the entire thing. I told Amy, I'm bringing the baby to her house for every nap. I didn't have to hold her for her to fall asleep at all, which is what usually happens around here. Anyway, eventually we headed outside to collect some eggs and Violet, that advanced girl, managed to find three even with her eyes closed!
Happy First Easter, Violet!
Good Friday
I feel like it's been a while since I've been on here. Sorry everyone. We've had a rough couple days over here. It's funny, I say they've been rough. They have actually been pretty good. Grandma was up for a visit earlier in the week. Grandpa Frank made a surprise stop-in yesterday (one of the only times Violet calmed down was when he held and talked to her). But a cranky evening seems to have a way of erasing any memories of a good morning.
I don't know what's up with my little girl these days. She has gone from a sleepy head who has to be prodded awake during the day just to eat, to a wide awake kiddo who can't seem to nap for more than 20 minutes at a time. That does not leave a lot of free time for this mommy. Just when I congratulate myself on getting her to bed, I start to hear her little whimper. The poor thing must be exhausted, but her wide open eyes will dart around, looking for something. Although it was sweet yesterday when I went to rescue her from the pack n' play. She spotted me, stopped crying and gave me the biggest grin. Aw.
I think it's tummy trouble. Perhaps she's so uncomfortable, she just can't sleep. Yesterday Matt came home just in time for her to start wailing... and pooping. Big time. We had to take shifts holding her just so the other person could grab a few bites of dinner. The pacifier was not pacifying. It was too hot in the house. I was exhausted and emotionally spent. It's not fun when your kid starts wailing just after you feed her. You start wondering if your boobs are defective. I take it very personally. And it's not fair that Matt, after a long day at the office, has to come home and put in another "work" day. But after putting up with it all day, I'm dying for a break. Someone told us it all gets easier at six weeks, but as Matt said, three weeks was way better than this.
I'm hoping today, Good Friday, really is good. Or at least better.
More fun post, with pictures, to follow. Thanks for letting me complain.
I don't know what's up with my little girl these days. She has gone from a sleepy head who has to be prodded awake during the day just to eat, to a wide awake kiddo who can't seem to nap for more than 20 minutes at a time. That does not leave a lot of free time for this mommy. Just when I congratulate myself on getting her to bed, I start to hear her little whimper. The poor thing must be exhausted, but her wide open eyes will dart around, looking for something. Although it was sweet yesterday when I went to rescue her from the pack n' play. She spotted me, stopped crying and gave me the biggest grin. Aw.
I think it's tummy trouble. Perhaps she's so uncomfortable, she just can't sleep. Yesterday Matt came home just in time for her to start wailing... and pooping. Big time. We had to take shifts holding her just so the other person could grab a few bites of dinner. The pacifier was not pacifying. It was too hot in the house. I was exhausted and emotionally spent. It's not fun when your kid starts wailing just after you feed her. You start wondering if your boobs are defective. I take it very personally. And it's not fair that Matt, after a long day at the office, has to come home and put in another "work" day. But after putting up with it all day, I'm dying for a break. Someone told us it all gets easier at six weeks, but as Matt said, three weeks was way better than this.
I'm hoping today, Good Friday, really is good. Or at least better.
More fun post, with pictures, to follow. Thanks for letting me complain.
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