winkswildworld

Michigan Trip

2009-08-03T16:03:00.003-05:00

That's My Girl

2009-07-27T09:47:00.003-05:00

ACCESSORIZE! ACCESSORIZE! ACCESSORIZE! She's got it down already!

Summer Has Finally Arrived

2009-06-22T13:20:00.004-05:00

Lovin' our new shades

Avocado Anyone?

2009-06-09T09:54:00.001-05:00

Caught this Pic

2009-06-01T15:18:00.002-05:00

Caught this picture of Vaughanie in her stroller one day that we all went for a walk and lunch. She looks so sad, doesn't she?

Some more recent pictures

2009-04-29T14:26:00.005-05:00

She's a total ham in her new piggie jammies! HA!

Photo Catch Up

2009-04-22T14:47:00.002-05:00

It's been so long since I last posted photos of Vaughan so this is just a catch up! Some are from Easter and some are from just the past couple weeks! Enjoy!

Vaughan's 1 - Birthday Bash Numero Dos

2009-03-29T15:59:00.005-05:00

Gifts, gifts, gifts!

Hanging on to Grandpa Mike W

Opening more gifts

Vaughan + her Dad

Big Birthday Smiles

Vaughan is 1!!!!!!!!!

2009-03-23T12:45:00.006-05:00

Here are some pictures of her and Sammy's birthday party yesterday. We all had a blast!

First Almost Shiner

2009-02-18T14:34:00.004-06:00

Poor Vaughan, the more she tries to get her balance to take a step, the more she stumbles and falls. I could tell this one hurt because of the very high pitched scream that she let out. I had to give her a bottle to help calm her down. Poor girl!

Pop's 90th Birthday

2009-02-18T14:29:00.002-06:00

We all celebrated Pop's 90th Birthday at The Greek Islands on Sunday.

Piano Obsessed

2009-02-15T10:02:00.003-06:00

The Squinty Eye for Pretzels

2009-02-05T11:54:00.002-06:00

New Cupcake Jammies

2009-01-28T14:10:00.003-06:00

Puppy Dog Wrestling

2009-01-28T14:00:00.003-06:00

I discovered the wrestling one day when we gave this stuffed dog to her and she decided to wrap her little arms around it and take it down! Brett and I have since done it many times and I caught some photos of her doing this. She hugs it and rolls with it. The rolls are the best. She just grabs it and alligator rolls around on the floor with it. It's just about the funniest thing I've ever seen!

A Year Ago - How Fast Time Flies!

2009-01-07T15:38:00.008-06:00

I found these today looking through old photos and realized that these were taken almost exactly one year ago. My belly looks fake! It shocks me that Vaughan was in there, and it was only a short time ago! Somedays I miss carrying her around that way!!

Christmas TUTU Photos

2008-12-31T09:46:00.002-06:00

Thanks for taking all the photos Shannon!!

Random Christmas pictures

2008-12-30T09:25:00.009-06:00

Bundled on Christmas Eve with Mom's shades

Playing with Grandpa Mike

The Ball Pit was a hit at Aunt Shauna & Uncle Derek's

Texas Trip Dec 18-22

2008-12-30T09:11:00.002-06:00

Cash Heisler
Nate & Krista Heisler (Our friends - they were generous enough to let us stay at their house)

Vaughan & cousin Memphis

Audra & John

Penelope & Vaughan's First Play Date

2008-12-02T10:58:00.002-06:00

More of my necklaces

2008-11-19T12:24:00.002-06:00

Fun with food

2008-11-19T12:18:00.003-06:00

and my favorite --- the Cherrio neck picture..

Cherrio neck & more fun with food

Give Thanks to our Veterans

2008-11-11T15:02:00.003-06:00

My Grandfather, (left), Nestor Hansen, served in the military along with my other Grandfather, Jack Penniall. Brett's Grandfather, Louis Karmas, Pop, we call him, will be 90 years old next year is also a WWII Vet. He received a Silver Star in WWII. No doubt it is the greatest generation. Brett's uncle Jimmy served in Vietnam along with my stepfather. Words cannot express how grateful I am that you are all in my life. Grandpa Nestor and Grandpa Jack, I miss you! I know you're up there smiling down on me:) I am thinking of them all today, and all of our troops throughout the world. Especially, my cousin Alex, who is in Iraq right now.

Our little prodigy

2008-11-10T13:15:00.003-06:00

On Saturday night Brett, Vaughan and I went out to dinner with my Mother-in-law and Father-in-law for my Mother-in-law's birthday. Vaughan was sitting in a high-chair and eating her life away when I nice gentleman walked over and said, "Is this your son?", both Brett and I spoke up, "No, it's our daughter." and he said, "My Mother worked with children for many years, and I believe that you may have a prodigy on your hands." Brett and I both kinda laughed, and he said, "No, I am very serious, she is so aware of her surroundings and so very active." He also asked about out heritage and nationality. Not sure why, a little weird, but having a stranger come and tell me that about MY child made me feel SOOOO incredible. I am still on cloud nine from it.

My Little Bruiser

2008-11-05T14:29:00.005-06:00

Vaughan is really turning out to be a bruiser! She has her bottom teeth in now (I need to get a pic of her two-toothed smile, HILARIOUS!). She's crawling at mock speed, pulling herself up on stuff and standing!!!!! I went in to get her out of bed the other day and she was STANDING UP holding on to the rails. She NEVER sits still. She doesn't want to sit in the bathtub anymore, she wants to stand! She tries to pull herself up out of the tub. Maybe we should try a shower?:) She's a total nut!!! She already has bonked her head a few times, only cries if it's a really good one. Oh, and now when I tell her NO, NO, not to bite, she smiles. She thinks I am being funny apparently. She laughs at Brett when he says NO. If this is a sign for times to come, we're in some deep DOO DOO!!

Photo Catch-UP!

2008-11-03T14:29:00.003-06:00

My First Piece

2008-11-03T14:12:00.003-06:00

My first crocheted necklace/scarf! More to come!

Vaughan in Watercolor/Smudgestick

2008-10-22T13:36:00.002-05:00

I used my fancy photoshop skills on this photo, not bad, huh?!

Our good boy

2008-10-21T09:21:00.005-05:00

We decided that Buford was old enough now to start to try leaving him out of his crate when we are not home. You see, he's always been crate trained, for MANY reasons. I know some people think it's cruel, but for some pets, it's just the way it is (in my opinion, at least). We started leaving him out for little errands and then left him out when I went to work. And little by little he's gotten better. With the trip to Champaign we just decided to let him roam. Brett's dad graciously came to check on him; let him out, give him his meds. And Bu did great!!!!! No accidents in the house and nothing destroyed!!! I can honestly say that I trust him now!!! What a good boy. Look at those juicy lips, don't you just want to smoooosh them :)

Champaign Visit

2008-10-21T09:04:00.003-05:00

Last weekend we took a drive to visit my dad and stepmother in Champaign-Urbana. Vaughan was pretty good but after about 2 hours she was done with being strapped down in her carseat. Overall it was a really nice trip. It was so good to see my dad and stepmom, Sue. Of course, they spoiled Vaughan with some new clothes and lots of new food! Sue made Vaughan mashed potatoes and all sorts of new things that she got to try for the first time. Vaughan was a very happy camper!

Sunday we came back early and I got some shots of Vaughan in the leaves.

2 Years Ago Today

2008-10-14T08:00:00.004-05:00

Two years ago I gave my heart+soul to the most wonderful man I have ever met. I love you babe. Happy Anniversary

Must Read Story

2008-10-13T13:07:00.000-05:00

Found a must read story today!

In Need of a Break

2008-10-08T12:42:00.004-05:00

For a while now I've had a dark cloud hanging over me. I cannot seem to shake it. I keep trying to stay positive but it gets ridiculous after a while. It's actually laughable. I feel so overwhelmed. I am praying that it's not Postpartum Depression creeping back up on me. I have had absolutely enough of that. But I do feel some of those same feelings again. How does one stay positive let down after let down after let down?

Workin' on Something

2008-10-06T12:24:00.002-05:00

I finally got some stuff to get started on my new jewelry line. Yep, that's right, I'm starting my own jewelry line. I have been brainstorming and sketching for the past week or so and have come up with a few ideas that I can finally start to play with. I bought some vintage brass chain and some other little things. Hopefully soon I will actually be able to show you something I made with my own two hands! I say soon, but that could be a while! Wish me luck.

Vaughan & Buford

2008-10-01T11:40:00.001-05:00

Best friends nowadays

Some of my art

2008-09-29T16:45:00.004-05:00

This piece isn't even done, but I thought I would give you a glimpse of my latest infatuation. I will post more soon.

My Cabbage Patch Kid

2008-09-29T14:46:00.002-05:00

Had to change the title of this post when Stacia pointed out to me that Vaughan TOTALLY looks like a CPK. It's funny 'cuz I had like 30 of 'em when I was little (and still do have some of them for Vaughan). Loved 'em! My granny would buy me at least one every Christmas.

Sunday Bath

2008-09-22T09:39:00.003-05:00

I've had these hooded bath towels since before Vaughan was born and JUST NOW started using them! I just had to have Brett capture this photo opp after bathtime.

Hilarious

2008-09-22T09:02:00.005-05:00

Vaughan has this new smile that is so funny. It's like a pirate smile with her tongue sticking out. I tried to capture it over the weekend but ended up getting these pictures. I never really quite got it. Darn! These are funny though anyway. She has on her new Robeez shoes and is kickin' and smilin' up a storm. Her hair kills me these days. It's getting thinner and thinner and it sticks up all over... like Albert Einstein hair.

Wordless Wednesday

2008-09-17T09:53:00.003-05:00

Dozer

2008-09-17T08:56:00.000-05:00

Our friends, Nate & Krista, lost one of their family members to bone cancer yesterday morning. We will all miss you Dozer.

Long rainy weekend

2008-09-16T09:40:00.007-05:00

We had a lot going on this long rainy weekend. Friday we went to Wrigley Field for an employee event through Brett's employer, Careerbuilder.com. It ended up being pretty rainy so we went to Bernies to hang out for a little bit. Vaughan's first trip to Wrigley and Bernies!

There will be a bunch more of those trips to come.

Saturday was Brett's birthday and he and I got to go to dinner. It was so nice. We could barely remember the last time just the two of us got out!

We spent a lot of time indoors because of the rain so Vaughan spent a lot of time in the Johnny Jump up!

Then came Sunday night. Vaughan woke up around 10pm with a terrible cold. Poor thing. We were both up all night. I think the longest stretch of sleep we both got was 40 minutes. We didn't go to Shannon's last week to AVOID the cold and she got one anyway!! Just the way things have been going for us lately. Monday I stayed home with her. She was pretty miserable until she got in a really good 3 hour nap. Here she is... sick, but still trying to smile for me.

This morning was FREEZING, in the 40's, and I had to go to work and drop Vaughan off at Shannon's, she seems to be feeling a little better. I had this white bear snuggle suit from before Vaughan was born, and she couldn't fit into it before, but this morning...

Seriously, WTF

2008-09-10T09:15:00.004-05:00

I cannot take it anymore. I am going to lose it. Between not having enough milk for Vaughan, pumping and not getting any milk, the childcare issues, work issues, having our house on the market and having it spic-and-span for the showings that pop up outta no where, I am seriously on the edge. I am sitting at work, near tears, shaking. We really need to sell the house but on the days I work it's impossible for me to have the house ready, plus Buford is there in his crate and there is nothing I can do with him. So I totally beat myself up about that. Which I know that I shouldn't but we REALLY need to sell the house!!!
I pump at work and home 'til my nipples (sorry, if TMI) are frickin' purple and sore and still cannot squeeze out enough for the next work day. Work, schmerk. Ugh. I cannot focus here. All I do is worry and think about what I should-could-would be doing if I wasn't here. And then the money worries creep in. I know, you will all say, "just don't worry so much". That's not happenin'. It's in my genes. I come from a long line of worrywarts. My Mom is a worrywart, my Dad is a worrywart, my Grandmas are both worrywarts. It's just a sickness that no matter what I do, I cannot stop. Please tell me I am not nuts!

SO TIRED OF PUMPING

2008-09-08T10:44:00.002-05:00

Words cannot express how tired I am of having to sit on the toilet in the hole in the wall bathroom at my work pumping three times a day!!! I am still trying to pump three times to get enough milk for the next day but I am so incredibly busy on Mondays because I haven't been here since Wednesday. My freezer supply is gone and the stress level has risen. I absolutely dread coming to work on Mondays thinking and thinking and hoping that I will have enough milk for Tuesday. It's a never-ending cycle that has me freaking out. Help me stop this terrible cycle! Oh, Tabby told me about this natural herb to boost my milk supply. I need to get that still. Maybe that will help? I hope.

Saturday night

2008-09-08T09:05:00.002-05:00

Brett, Vaughan and I went to a good friend's father's surprise 60th birthday party on Saturday night. The weather was great. We got to hang out with some old friends and it was so nice to sit outside next to their fire pit. They have an amazing yard. Mr. Lindgren, who turned 60, owns a landscaping company, so you can imagine how perfect the deck and yard is! Vaughan was a trooper in the Babybjorn, just hangin'.

Pictures with Mama

2008-09-08T08:59:00.003-05:00

Finally got some pictures of Me with Vaughan! We went out to dinner on Friday night and here are some pictures. We sat outside. The weather has been so perfect. Now the nighttime chill is in the air and Fall is coming! YAY!! I LOVE Fall.

Anybody looking to rent?

2008-09-03T12:12:00.002-05:00

As some of you know Brett and I have had our house up for sale since end of July. We've had a handful of lookers but nothing serious. This prompted us to list it as a rental property as well. Hopefully this will get it at least rented! Keep your fingers crossed.

Help!

2008-09-03T09:35:00.003-05:00

Childcare needed for one day a week, maybe more... preferebly someone that could come to my house to watch Vaughan. Let me know if anyone knows of someone looking to help. Thanks

Look what I found!

2008-09-02T10:33:00.003-05:00

Vaughan found her tongue... and oooh does it feel good on those gums!!

Where has all my milk gone?

2008-08-27T10:26:00.001-05:00

I am still pumping three times a day at work (I work 3 days a week) and my first morning pump (around 10am) I would usually put out 5 ounces total. Nowadays I can barely get 4!!! This morning I waited until 10:40 to do the duty and I sat in that damn bathroom for 20 minutes and didn't even get 4 oz. What's the deal? I know that cutting out one night feeding definitely brought my production down, but it's still going down!!! How is Vaughan going to thrive on this amount? I understand that she's the one that is dictating how much I produce by either nursing more, or less, and I guess that makes it OK, but is it possible that I am not making enough for her? Unusually, she was up at 12:30 last night and then 4am, like the old days - 2 feedings a night - so is it possible that she's trying to build my supply back up? Or maybe it's a growth spurt? Ugh. Trying to figure this out is probably a waste of time, I know, but I just want to see if anyone else has dealt with this, or could give me any advice. I will be starting to give her rice cereal more regularly now and I am going to try, once again, a different formula so I will not be freaking out when my already really low freezer supply disappears!

Happy Birthday Bu Daddy

2008-08-26T15:12:00.004-05:00

Our first baby, Buford, is 3 years old. Bu was diagnosed with aortic stenosis at 13 weeks old. We were told be a veterinary cardiologist that he wouldn't even see age 2! We are so happy to have him in our lives. Vaughan is mesmerized by him and I think he's got a huge crush on her as well as of late.
Happy Birthday Bu! You will always be my first baby.

My Aries Baby

2008-08-26T09:09:00.008-05:00

My grandma told me that my mom was taking her first steps at 9 months and I think Vaughan will be doing the same thing. She is so active now. She wants to get up and go, go, go! This baby is not a go-with-the-flow baby and she sure is not one to just sit there quietly and play (in these pictures she's babbling and yelling at me and every time I leave the room she does the "uhh, uhh, like she's saying, "hey, hey, where are you going!"
It's so funny because I was reading about A ries babies (that's what Vaughan is) and it was so right on.

I have never been one to really believe in that
stuff, but this was totally crazy how right it was. Somebody who knows Vaughan really well, like Shannon, should read this to see how much of it is correct!
"The Aries baby is one who makes a lot of noise and will definitely be heard" SO TRUE! Vaughan and I went shopping on Saturday. I carried her in the BabyBjorn around the Von Maur and she just squealed and blabbed on as we went from department to department. She had to make herself known to the people around us. Of course many people stopped and spoke to her and that just made her day.
"The Aries child won't be a walk in the park". YEP. TOTALLY. Right on again. Vaughan has been more challenging than the average baby
and I am sure that will continue on through all
the stages. Can't wait to see the Aries toddler!!
That should be interesting.

Sitter Search!!!

2008-08-25T15:20:00.003-05:00

I am looking for a baby-sitter in the Sycamore area. All the search websites charge you if you want to get the contact info of a sitter you find. Sorry, but I am not paying $10 for that! So if anybody knows any baby-sitters in the Sycamore IL area, please write me!! I am looking for an experienced sitter to come over an evening or two during the week so that Brett and I can just go to dinner alone. PLEASE HELP!

Go Cubs Go!

2008-08-19T09:26:00.003-05:00

Vaughan found her feet! And she's OBSESSED with them. She's either got them in her mouth or she's talking gibberish to them.

I think she likes it

2008-08-19T09:12:00.004-05:00

We tried the rice cereal last week. I think more made it on her bib and top than in her mouth.

Good News & Bad News

2008-08-06T08:41:00.002-05:00

Last night Vaughan slept from 7:45p to 3:30a!!!! woo hooo!!!!!! I am so happy. Hopefully this continues. I am trying to switch over to formula to get this child off my boob and last night just proves that she will do good. I gave her a bottle with 2 oz of formula and 3 oz of breastmilk. She is REALLY attached to me - or them - I should say. This week has been a rollercoaster. She was so incredibly good with me last week but then at Grandma Cyd's on Monday she refused to sleep and was fussy all morning until I came to feed her at noon. She finally did sleep after I nursed her down. WELL that is just making it worse I've decided because at Auntie Shannon's house yesterday Vaughan CRIED ALL DAY! She wouldnt sleep, practically wouldn't eat, just fussed and did the very high pitched PISSED OFF CRY ALL DAY. I didn't call there all day because I honestly didn't want to know unless Shannon called me. I know that if something is really wrong Shannon will call me. Shannon and talked last night and we came up with a plan. I have been wanting to switch to formula anyway so this just gives me more inccentive. Vaughan NEEDS to get off my boobs. I will still pump for her and I will still breastfeed her in the mornings. But, NO MORE nursing to help her fall asleep - which, by the way, I hardly did anymore anyway - and I will give her bottles half formula and half breastmilk. This way I can get her used to not nursing all the time and it will be easier for all of us! I HOPE. Vaughan is the strongest, mentally AND physically, infant I have ever seen in my life. Shannon has also said this so I know it's not just me being the mom. SO, I HOPE to have good news for you next time!

4 Month Doctor Visit

2008-07-28T10:56:00.002-05:00

Vaughan saw the doctor on Friday for her 4 month visit. She weighs 14 lbs 11 oz and is 26" long! She's in the 75th percentile for weight and the 90th percentile for height. She had the same round of shots she had at her 2 month appointment. I was so relieved that Brett had taken the day off so that he could come with me. He always holds her when they stick her poor little thighs. I hoped the extra chub she has on those things would help cushion the pokes but not so much. She really squealed but overall she did great. That night I think she had a little fever so I have her some infant Tylenol and she was fine by Sunday. She is really starting to be a happier baby. The crib came and went but the pack n' play has been so awesome. She LOVES it. She actually likes sleeping in there. At this point I could really care less where she sleeps as long as it's not in my bed anymore so we both can get the rest we need!! We are going to try rice cereal with breastmilk this week so I will definitely keep you posted. I am sure I will have some hilarious pictures of that.

Already Model Material

2008-07-23T15:41:00.003-05:00

Auntie Shannon made her first infant tutu and guess who got to be the model?

Do You Think I Have a Drooling Problem?

2008-07-21T10:48:00.002-05:00

Look Ma' I Can Read

2008-07-21T10:45:00.002-05:00

Sunday with Great Grandma Gloria

2008-07-14T10:35:00.002-05:00

Yesterday we went over to my parents house in St. Charles, as we almost always do on Sundays, and spent some time with Great Grandma Gloria and my cousin Caroline and her new daughter, Paige, who was born 5 days before Vaughan. I HOPE to get some photos of Paige from my Aunt Doreen soon to post.

Something To Get Me Outta This Funk

2008-07-09T08:51:00.003-05:00

My sister in law, Shannon, pointed out to me that I don't have any time for ME. She said that she doesn't think that I have postpartum depression but just that I have NOTHING that I do for myself; like a pottery class or yoga or even just alone time to read. I thought about it and she's exactly right!! I NEED to find something that I want to do and do it! I have ALWAYS wanted to take a pottery class and when I was pregnant I even looked into it but never got around to actually signing up. So that is my goal. I need to find something and set a time aside for just me. I get back to ya and let you know what I find. Thanks Shannon!

Postpartum Depression

2008-07-08T16:30:00.002-05:00

So I've decided to buy the book that Brooke Shields wrote, "Down Came The Rain" about her struggles with Postpartum Depression. I am still not feeling quite like my old happy self. Some days I feel really good, but others I find myself crying and crying and am not even really sure why. I know that it's my hormones and it will all figure itself out, but it's been almost 4 months now, so I think reading up on it as much as I can will help. I know that going back to work hasn't really helped much either. The whole transition has been harder on me than Vaughan I'm sure. I totally thought that it would help both Vaughan and I and it seems to be making her even more attached to me. She is EXTREMELY hard-headed and stubborn and I am having the roughest time transitioning her to her crib. She does not have anything that calms and soothes her besides my boob and obviously she cannot be hanging on me 24/7!! It's making it hard on my mother in law, who watches her on Mondays, and my sister in law, Shannon, who watches her on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. I know that I have to start changing things up but then I get all stressed out and feel worse. Any advice for me!???

My Addiction

2008-07-07T16:04:00.003-05:00

There are only a couple brands of clothes that I absolutely L O V E, DIE FOR, MUST HAVE. WHY do they have to keep making stuff that I just have to have! Free People is one of the brands. I recently found out that a little boutique called, Panache, downtown St. Charles carries the line and I am SO excited. My mom actually bought a tank for me the other day. I have a 20% coupon for there so I am saving up until the end of July so I can go over there and get another few things. Here are some of the TO DIE FOR pieces-mostly new stuff for Fall.

Rolls and a Mohawk!

2008-07-07T08:59:00.004-05:00

My chunky monkey after a bath. Sweet hawk, huh?

Great Uncle Ralph's Obituary

2008-07-01T12:20:00.001-05:00

Ralph Penniall 1922?- 2008

2008-06-30T16:13:00.005-05:00

I wanted to take time today to write about my great uncle Ralph who passed away this morning of congestive heart failure. Ralph was one of those men that you read and see movies about. He was one that made up "the greatest generation", I believe. Ralph was in WWII and highly decorated with the Silver Star, Bronze Star and a Purple Heart. Seriously wounded in the Battle of the Bulge in WWII Ralph had some unbelievable stories that we were able to hear on a family reunion trip to San Diego CA a few years ago this July 4th. Not only was he a war hero, he was also a incredible professor of Biochemistry and Biophysics at The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill where he taught and was involved in cancer research. I am deeply saddened that he is gone, but I know that his soul was welcomed by his family, especially his brother, my grandfather, in a place much greater.

Miss Jabber Mouth Mornings

2008-06-24T09:20:00.002-05:00

Vaughan is the happiest in the morning. On Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays when I am putting on makeup getting ready in the morning for work she sits and watches me and we talk about what we're going to do that day. She just loves her mornings!

Miles for Malawi 5K

2008-06-23T10:04:00.003-05:00

Yesterday Brett, Vaughan and I went downtown to Lincoln Park for a 5K fun run that was sponsered by his employer Careerbuilder.com. Brett's mom and dad came along (his mom ran it with Brett). Vaughan was such a good girl!

Meeting Ava

2008-06-23T08:58:00.002-05:00

Stacia brought Ava in to the office on Friday and I brought Vaughan in as well so we got to meet her!!! Isn't she so cute?! She was 5 1/2 weeks early but she's puttin' on the pounds now (you wouldn't know it though, she's still so teeny tiny!!!)

Father's Day

2008-06-17T08:45:00.004-05:00

Happy first Father's Day Brett! I love you so much. You are a wonderful dad. And of course, the greatest husband.

Grandma Lynn and Vaughan

Sammy

Picture From Aunt Shannon's Today

2008-06-10T14:18:00.001-05:00

Smiley baby

May 29 Pictures

2008-06-10T09:40:00.004-05:00

Here are some pictures from a couple weeks ago. She's already changed since these were taken. I will try and get some recent photos this weekend. I went to work yesterday and came home and I felt like she changed in the 8 hours I was gone!!

She's getting out of that newborn phase and she's definitely starting to get more of a personality. Too bad you cannt see her dimples in these pictures. She's puttin' on the pounds with her chunka-munka cheeks. You cannot tell in the pictures really, but her hair is totally strawberry now. It's hilarious. It's exactly how mine was when I was that age. Her eyes are getting really blue too, but these are sucky pictures and have red-eye.

Total Shock

2008-06-09T14:33:00.003-05:00

A good friend got me hooked on this blog when I was pregnant. I would check it everyday to see how Abigail was doing and pray that she would get better. I checked her blog just now - I hadn't seen it since I left here, still pregnant, and I have sadly found that she passed away in April. I am so so upset. I don't even know these people. I cannot imagine their loss. I don't even know what else to say. Shocked.
http://www.abigailrosejacoby.blogspot.com/

More pictures coming!!

2008-06-09T14:02:00.001-05:00

I know you all are dying to see new pictures of Vaughan. I will be updating the pictures this week -probably tomorrow or Wednesday.

Colic? No More Dairy! Soy?

2008-06-09T12:46:00.005-05:00

Vaughan has had some colic - so the doctor says. It started the middle of April and for a while she cried for an hour or so every night. Then I noticed that whenever I gave her formula (if I was in a pinch and couldn't breastfeed her) the next day or so she would be terribly constipated and pretty much miserable. So no more formula! Two weeks after I stopped giving her formula she started getting constipated again and would cry and cry like her stomach was really hurting - gas pains? She was constipated all day and was acting so miserable. It was heartbreaking. So I called the nurse and she told me to cut dairy out of my diet. Since I have done that she has been SO MUCH happier!! It makes total sense after I thought about it. She couldn't handle the formula, obviously because of the milk protein and iron, so OBVIOUSLY she will not be able to handle dairy in my milk! I felt AWFUL for making her feel that way. We were at the doctor on Friday the 6th. She's gaining weight just fine (now is 12 lbs 7 oz) and seems to be feeling better and better every day. Once in a while I will totally forget and accidently eat dairy and she will let me know! I have been searching for snacks to eat that are good for me and good for her. If you can think of any let me know. I already have my nuts and dried fruits - my trail mix - which I love. And of course berries, apples and bananas, but I need some more ideas for work snacks. Do I have to drink my coffee black now!? Brett bought me Silk. I am worried that she will not be able to digest the soy too. Should I be worried?

Back to work

2008-06-09T10:40:00.002-05:00

The day has come. I went back to work today. I will be working Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays every week so it really won't be bad. I will get out of the house and have some adult time...At least I keep telling myself that. I cried yesterday a few times thinking about leaving my baby. And then this morning was a rough one. I was fine until I was changing her and she gave me this huge smile. I keep thinking about what I will miss. Yikes! I am starting to cry again. Ugh. I know it will get better but today has been really hard.

Out & About

2008-05-23T15:29:00.005-05:00

We walk at least once a day now. Sometimes in our brand new stroller and sometimes in the BabyBjorn.

2 months today!

2008-05-23T15:24:00.002-05:00

Vaughan had her 2 month doc appt today. She's doing wonderfully. She weighed in at 11 lbs 14 oz and is 23 inches long! She had three shots. Ouch.. that was rough. I didn't cry though. Vaughan was really brave. She squealed for a few seconds and then stopped as soon as Brett picked her up. He held her, I just couldn't do it, so I sat and kinda watched what I could. She has been sleeping pretty much all day. Poor thing. Her juicy thighs will be sore for a couple days.

Pictures, pictures, pictures!!!!!!

2008-05-09T18:41:00.001-05:00

One Week Today

2008-03-30T11:19:00.003-05:00

Sorry it's been a while since I posted. We're adjusting to life with Vaughan, which I must say has been pretty wonderful. She's a VERY good baby. She barely ever cries. The first night or two she had an hour where she just had to scream, but other than that she's been such an angel.

Here are the details of how it all went down. On Sat 22nd around 5am I started having contractions on and off and that morning around 6 I lost my mucus plug. Contractions lasted ALL DAY. I missed Erika's baby shower that afternoon:( Around 6pm the contractions started getting worse and closer together - around 7-8 minutes apart. I was told by the doc to come in when the contractions were 6 minutes apart. About 8:45pm Brett and I decided we should probably get things together to go to the hospital so I called the doc and he said come in. We left for Barrington at 9 and got there about 10. They checked me and I was only 2+ cm dilated. I was like "THAT'S ALL!!??, AFTER ALL DAY?!" So I got the epidural shortly after that and was a little more comfortable. I couldn't sleep all night though. I think if I would have slept some then the pushing part wouldn't have been so bad. I ended up starting to push around 6am and Vaughan made her appearance at 7:14. So I pushed for a little over an hour. I thought that part sucked personally. I think my second dose of the epidural really made that whole experience worse for me because I couldn't feel my legs, butt, lower back, nothing, to the point where it felt like jello to touch. I couldn't even lift my leg an inch. I couldn't lift my butt. I was pretty much worthless. The doc said that if I wouldn't have been so numb that I probably would have had an easier time pushing and it wouldn't have gone on for so long. Poor Vaughan, all that I kept thinking was this poor child is going to have a cone head because I cannot push her out!!! She did have it a little, but not nearly as bad as I had imagined. When the doc said "It's a girl!" I almost died! I mean, of course I was over the moon when I saw her, but that was a shock. Both Brett and I thought boy for sure. So much for mother's intuition! All the other details and stuff went well I guess. Although, I did have an episiotomy to the side and I also tore on the other side. Ouch! Every single nurse that came in the check "my bottom", as they call it, would look and say, "oooh, sweetie, you're so swollen." I was SO swollen in fact that it looked like I had testicles!!! That was awful. Ugh, I shiver just thinking about that. All the nurses were wonderful, they helped me TREMENDOUSLY through everything.

Everything else is going really well. I am already fitting back in some of my old jeans!! My stomach has gone down almost completely. My belly button is still funky and my linea negra is still really dark, but that will go away with time.

I promise to post more pictures soon. I have been having to blog and check emails from Brett's work computer and it takes DAYS to load pictures and I just haven't had the time. Actually, I have to go now. Vaughan is hungry. I will try to write again soon. Thank you all for all the comments.

Our Easter Miracle

2008-03-26T11:40:00.003-05:00

It's a girl!!!!!!! Vaughan Estelle arrived Easter Sunday morning at 7:14. Weighed in at 7 lbs 12 oz and 19.5 inches long. She's beautiful. Very bright-eyed, very pink, and has a head of dark hair. I will report more later. She sure is a hungry one already!

Still Working... Still No Baby...

2008-03-21T10:48:00.002-05:00

I thought maybe yesterday was it, but nope! It was so nice yesterday, (45 degrees and the sun was actually out, yes, that's nice), that I decided to walk to this lunch place just a few blocks away from my office down the bike path. Mid-way through the walk there, I started contracting and my pelvis started throbbing. I could tell that the baby's head was pushing down there. So I slowly waddled the rest of the way, in a little bit of pain, but not bad. Got there, got my sandwich and I was on my way back. UGH. That was tougher, it was going to be up-hill most of the way. I had the same pains walking back, but I made it, and when I got back to the office the stairs just about killed me! Of course after a while of resting, I was fine, and no more contractions. Wednesday was actually very similar when I went to the mall and walked around on my lunch. The same thing happened just not as painful. I am HOPING that this means not much longer to go!!!!!! It will be a very busy weekend, with Erika's baby shower on Saturday and Easter running around on Sunday, so hopefully I will be reporting back that he/she has finally arrived!

38 Week & 39 Week Belly Pictures

2008-03-20T09:55:00.003-05:00

38 weeks

39 weeks

I guess I need diapers...

2008-03-18T09:08:00.003-05:00

Had a little emergency visit to the doc yesterday. I was really active over the weekend and thought that I may be leaking fluid so decided yesterday morning to call the doc. The nurse was concerned right away because it had been going on a few days and if it was amniotic fluid there was risk of infection to me and the baby. So I was scheduled to leave work at 2:45 but then at 1:45 I got a call from the office saying that the doc wanted me to come RIGHT AWAY. So I hurried out of here and made it up to Barrington only to find it was a false alarm and all is normal. I was pretty sure that I was fine, but I guess it's better safe than sorry. When my mother-in-law was pregnant with either Brett or Derek, she WAS leaking amniotic fluid in her last week or so and didn't go to the doc. When she finally went to her appointment she got yelled at and was admitted right away! Luckily her and baby were fine, obviously, but it's better to get it checked out I guess.

So, still no baby. Still 1+ cm dilated and 75% effaced. UGH.

It's getting REALLY hard to come to work now. This morning I just cried while rolling out of bed, pulling on the same pants that I have worn for the past 3 days. Another day, another dollar. Or, more like another day, another quarter, for me!

Especially for Jack

2008-03-13T09:53:00.021-05:00

My s-i-l Shannon asked me to find some cool sites for my nephew Jack. He's in that tweener stage now so that can be hard. He seems to be getting into his own groovy style though now, so I found some sites for Shannon to help him on his way!

http://www.upandriding.com/

Volcom is a snowboarding/skateboarding brand that is hip. Even if he's not into that they still have a few cool things that he might dig.

http://beckersurf.com/home.aspx

I can TOTALLY see Jack in a beanie! This one is Quicksilver.

Etnies, DC, Billabong along with Volcom and Quicksilver are all skateboarding/surfing/snowboarding brands that have youth clothing. They all seem to have some gear that Jack might like.

http://www.dogfunk.com/

This zip up jacket (below) is also Quicksilver. I found it at Nordstroms.

J Crew has their new kids line "Crewcuts" and there are some good everyday things on there. I love the camo shorts, fun tees and baseball tees.

Does Jack do flip flops in the summer? J Crew has good ones there, otherwise Old Navy would do for those.

Zappos is not only known for it's fantastic shoe collection, but now has bags, clothes and accessories. Paul Frank has a line for infants, toddlers and kids called Small Paul. I absolutely love the stuff. I think some of it would work for Jack.

Then while you are on zappos.com check out the Vans for Jack. He could go with the classic slip-on or the classic hi-top (Brett sports these!)

Backpack?

2008-03-12T16:19:00.004-05:00

I need some help. I have this wonderful huge Marc Jacobs bag that I am planning on using as my purse and diaper bag and now that I have this wonderful diaper pouch that Shannon made me it will be so much easier to find the stuff I need, but I am thinking a backpack may come in really handy, especially the first few months because I am planning on lugging the bambino around in my Hotsling. This is my Marc Jacobs bag (above), it's a great size, but doesn't have a long shoulder strap. I am thinking that I might invest in a backpack so I will have my hands completely free .

Here's the backpack I found (below). I am already thinking of this because we have a trip to Madison WI in May and a Cubs game in June. I am planning on bringing baby to both and just think a backpack might be easier to deal with. What do you think?

Stylin' Baby

2008-03-12T14:14:00.016-05:00

Thanks to http://www.designmom.com/ , one of my favorite blog links to browse, I found http://www.shoploveyoubaby.com/?shop

http://www.knuckleheadsclothing.com/catalog/index.php has the funkiest clothes. I will definitely have to shop here.

http://www.blackwagon.com/

http://www.tuttibella.com/

In For the Long Haul

2008-03-12T10:02:00.005-05:00

My doctor reported that I have made no further progress since last week. Still 1 cm dilated and 75% effaced. I was a little disappointed, but I guess it just means that this baby is not ready to meet us quite yet. He/she has a few more things to accomplish in there:) Last week, after my appointment and news of the progress, I was really excited and anxious to get this moving, but now I am more relaxed about it. I guess I don't have a choice in the matter! It's getting harder and harder to roll out of bed to get to work these days. Everybody said that the last few weeks would be miserable. Not that I didn't believe them, but I just thought, "I'm not going to resign to that fate, we'll just see." I'm here to report, for me, it is definitely rough, and it would make it a lot easier if I didn't have to work right now, but I haven't gotten to the point where I want to give up just yet. It must be the sunshine today that has me saying this:)ha. YES, I most positively have my bad days, and more so now than ever. Last week I think I cried on the way home from work at least two days out of the week just because I was overtired and who knows what else. However, I know that this will all soon come to an end and I will have a beautiful baby to show for all my hard work (as Brett says when I get down, "you're doing great, babe.") How wonderful is that? At this point I cannot ask for more.

Oh yeah, and BTW, the baby is doing wonderful, the heart rate was 136.

Seeing the doc today

2008-03-11T09:28:00.003-05:00

Seeing the doctor today at 3pm so I will let you all know how it goes. I feel like I have made more progress since last Tuesday, but we shall see. The baby hasn't been moving that much this morning. I am hoping it's a sign that he/she is "engaged" and focused on coming out to meet us!!

Dreaming of the skinny days.....

2008-03-06T15:51:00.008-06:00

I got my new Urban Outfitters catalog in the mail the other day and LOVE a ton of stuff in it. I am sure being 9 months pregnant has something to do with wanting everything I lay my eyes on these days. I am DYING to fit into my old jeans again and dying to get new ones:)

True Religion is my favorite brand of jeans and I think I might have to treat myself IF and WHEN I get back to my goal weight. What am I talking about? WHEN I get back down to my goal weight, I am definitely getting new jeans! Jeans are my addiction if you don't already know this about me. My husband would say that I own to many pairs, but in my defense, I wear them everyday. I am lucky enough to work in a casual environment where I can do so!

I want, I want, I want!!!

37 Week Update

2008-03-05T11:29:00.005-06:00

Saw my doctor yesterday and I'm 1 cm dilated and 75% effaced! The baby was moving around like crazy and wasn't liking the doppler at all. All that I can think about now is labor. I am trying to stay positive and calm, but honestly, fear of the unknown starts to creep in once in a while and I start to freak out a little bit. I think I slept 3 hours last night. I flipped and flopped, got up to pee a few times and my mind could not stop racing. The next thing I knew it was 5am and I went down on the couch. The baby was doing morning kickboxing or something in there by that time and of course it was time to get up and go to work. Ugh.
Oh, I have some venting, so please excuse for one moment. Bare with me.
IF ONE MORE PERSON SAYS TO ME, "Oh, you think you're tired now, JUST WAIT!" I'M HONESTLY GOING TO GIVE THEM A SWIFT EAR PUNCH!!!!!!!! They asked me how I feel and I tell them that I'm tired. Then they proceed to give me advice that I didn't ask for, don't want, don't need. It's not even advice! It's like some sort of warning, like I don't already know that I'm going to be up every 2-4 hours breastfeeding, rocking, changing and everything else that I SIGNED UP FOR 9 MONTHS AGO. At least after the baby is born I will not be lugging around 25-30 extra pounds everywhere I go with a backache or groin ache or hip ache or the baby using my bladder as a punching bag or the baby's feet kicking me in the ribs!!!! Why do people find it necessary to tell you how YOU will feel? what YOU will go through? THEY have NO IDEA! It's MY experience! NOT theirs!

OK. I think I am done for now. Sorry for the wild rant. I feel a better.

36 Week Buddha Belly

2008-02-29T09:05:00.003-06:00

I Think I Need One!

2008-02-28T15:12:00.004-06:00

Since I am just using my enormous new Marc Jacobs bag as my purse and diaper bag, I think I will need one of these to keep the diapers and wipees in! Of course, another wonderful thing I found on etsy.com.

Anyone Else's NICOR Bill Outrageous!?

2008-02-28T10:27:00.003-06:00

My LORD! I don't know how people live anymore. I just got our NICOR gas bill for the month of Jan to Feb and it's $246!!!!! My jaw dropped. Our house is ONLY 1700 sq. feet!!!!!!!!!! Anyway. I just had to complain. Can I just say HOW SICK I am of THIS DAMN WINTER. It's seriously making me a very mean large pregnant woman. It looks like we're supposed to get another 1-2 inches of snow tonight and the temperature doesn't look like there's much hope for a warm-up, except ONE day in the 40's. Fabulous. Sorry, I am totally Debbie downer today!!!

Baby's Head is Down!

2008-02-27T10:47:00.002-06:00

I went to the doc yesterday to have an ultrasound and for my 36 week checkup. I was SOOO uncomfortable during the ultrasound. First, like always, I had to drink water so that they can measure and see the uterus more clearly before the appointment, which was fine and good, but usually the ultrasound tech lets me go pee right after she measures it. Nope she didn't let me go pee this time. That was the first thing that made me uncomfortable. Then she has me lying almost completely flat of my back, and maybe I didn't notice it before, for my other ultrasounds, because my belly wasn't nearly this big, but let me tell you, before long I was getting all hot and sweaty and my back was starting to hurt bad. I must say this ultrasound tech wasn't nearly as friendly as the others that I have had because she just kept the little screen to herself and measured away! She finally asked me if I was alright and let me turn to the side, and said that the baby was in an awkward position, (THE HEAD IS DOWN, YAAY!), for her to get any good pictures. By this point, I was done, I didn't care to see any pictures, I wanted off that damn table and needed to pee! I just told her that it was okay. I didn't need any pictures. So, now I am a little sad that I don't have any cool new pictures of the baby, but oh well, he/she will be here soon enough.
I also found out that the baby is already 6 lbs! It's heart rate is a healthy 146 bpm. Not much longer now! Bag is packed and we're ready!

Almost Completed Nursery

2008-02-19T08:57:00.006-06:00

I finally decided to take some pictures of the nursery to post because it's almost there! We painted the north and south walls brown and white stripes and left the east and west walls white. There are still some things to do, but here it is so far. On the right is the changing table/dresser which will have a wall mounted book rack above it (with all the dr. suess and curious george books on it). It was the one that my mom bought for us from Pottery Barn. It's an off-white/cream color so we are going to paint it lime green, similar to that green blanket that is in that picture sitting on the changing table pad! The crib still needs the crib skirt which will be red. I ordered that yesterday. And of course the window needs a shade. We're getting an insulated brown roman shade which should go nicely, since that wall is all white, besides Maurice the Monkey hanging out.

I bought the three little bird wall decals on http://www.etsy.com/. I LOVE that site. If you have never been on that site definitely check it out.

The brown monkey wall decal I also found on http://www.etsy.com/. It's absolutely perfect for the room and spot we chose.

Another Ultrasound Scheduled

2008-02-19T08:34:00.002-06:00

At my doctor appointment last Wednesday everything went well, except the baby is in a breech position. Yep. The little monster is taking after his/her daddy. Brett's mom tells me that Brett was breech up until the last minute! I am sure everything will be fine. If Brett, who was almost a 10 pounder, turned in the last week or so, then I am not worried. So, at my next appointment (on the 26th) I have the Group B Strep test, which I am SO excited for, especially since it's with one of the doctors in the group that I have not met yet. How lucky for him, he gets to meet me, and my butthole in the same day! After that wonderful test it's the ultrasound. Brett's coming with so he can see the baby. Hopefully after that I will have some more very cool ultrasound pictures to post.

My 34 Week Belly

2008-02-19T08:30:00.002-06:00

Sorry, I am a little late putting these up. They were taken last week.

The Real Baby

2008-02-07T11:06:00.000-06:00

I have a feeling that Buford is not going to be as excited as we are bringing a new baby into the house. I admit we do totally spoil him. Boy is he in for a rude awakening!

*winkswildworld*