1 year. 12 months. 52 weeks. My baby is a TODDLER!!

Where did the time go?! I cannot believe it has been one year since my daughter was born. I'm going to do her monthly update like in the past sometime in the next week or so, but today I just want to reflect on her first year of life. 

At this time (1.16 pm)  last year, I was laying in a hospital bed, with an oxygen mask, having the most powerful contractions my doctor had ever seen. The night before he had called and said I would be induced the next morning. I was 42.5 weeks pregnant. I was sick of being pregnant, he was sick of me being pregnant, my kidneys were tired of being pregnant. The only one who was content with my still being pregnant was my little diva, Charlotte. She was totally fine with just hanging out in there til she was 16 or so. 

My mom drove down the night before my induction. She got there about dinner time, and she, Joe, and I went out for Mexican for dinner. I was totally calm. I knew I was checking into the hospital that night, but it was still no big deal to me. I knew I was having a baby. That I was going to become a mom sometime in the next 24 hours. I was ready. Everybody kept asking me if I was nervous, or if I was ready, or a whole mess of other questions. The truth was, I wasn't nervous or scared. I never had that "OMG I'm having a freaking baby!" moment. I was ready from the start.

When people would ask me what I wanted to be when I grew up, I always said "A mommy". My whole life, I've always known that that was what I was destined to be, to do. My professors in college didn't always like or appreciate my answers, and neither did some of my classmates, but it was ok. I knew what I wanted for myself. Whatever degree I obtained, or career I started, would never be my ultimate life goal. Some moms need to work to feel satisfied with their lives. That's totally fine, but I'm not one of them. I'm fortunate that my husband is willing and able to be the sole provider for our family so I can be home with our daughter. I will be eternally grateful for that.

The fear that everyone kept asking me about came after she was born. And it was a direct result of having to have an emergency c-section. She got stuck at 8 1/2 cm. I never even got to try to push. My recovery was awful. I literally could not move for days, and could not lift anything, couldn't take care of my baby for weeks. Had it not been Holiday Block Leave when she was born, I don't know what I would have done. I will never understand women who have elective c-sections. Not judging, I just don't understand. 

I love having a daughter. When people asked what we wanted, I never hesitated to say "a girl". I know everyone says "I don't care as long as they're healthy"and that's all well and good, but I cared. Of course I wanted to have a healthy baby, but I wanted a girl. I wanted to be a girl mom. Had she been a boy? I would love her just as fiercely and still be just as happy. But I will always be honest on this blog, and so I cared. We went for our gender reveal appointment (which bugs me btw. it's a sex reveal, not gender. but that's another post for another day) and I get up on the table, Heather and Joe were there, obviously. The tech waved the little wand over my belly, she had to poke and dig around to get Charlotte in the right position, but when she did and she said "It's a girl!" and screamed "yes!" and my hands shot up over my head. I was thrilled! 

She's always been a good baby. She has her days when she's in a foul mood, and just acting pissy for no reason, but overall she is amazing. People tell me all the time what a good baby she is. There's no better compliment to a mom than when a total stranger comes up to you and says how well behaved your child is. I hope she stays my good natured, polite little girl. 

Being Charlotte's mom is the best thing that has ever happened to me. And I truly believe that she chose us. We're so blessed, and in love with her. Coming up is the birthday party, and birthday recap :)

Meeting for the first time.

I want to be a hot ass again. So I joined a gym. Part 2

So here we are, week 7. 

I have to admit, I didn't think I would be where I am now. I feel great, and I feel like I'm looking better everyday! Joe says he can tell a difference already. I don't see it, but I also look at myself a zillion times a day so there's that. So far I've lost 4.7 pounds. Now, I know that doesn't sound like a lot since we're on week 7, BUT I meet with my trainer every Monday morning and I do a weight training circuit 2 to 3 times a week. We all know muscle weighs more than fat. So I'm not freaking out about the number b/c I see the changes. 

Let me tell you about the jeans. So there's this pair of skinny jeans I bought about 4 years ago to wear with boots. They barely fit when I bough them, but then the hubs deployed and I lost a bunch of weight and they fit. I looked fantastic in them actually. Then life happened. I couldn't even get these jeans over my thighs, let alone wear them. Well I've been wearing said jeans for the last 3 weeks. And they fit perfectly. I've even worn them with flats instead of boots, and I don't look like a stuffed sausage. 

It's amazing. Simple things like that really let me know that this is working. I also noticed yesterday that I have calf definition. I haven't had that since I was dancing! Joe also says my booty is perkier and less dimply. Also, that mini muffin top that I had going on? It's slowly but surely starting to disappear.

I feel great, and I'm really happy with my results so far. I'll be sure to post again week after next. 5 weeks in between posts is a tad ridiculous. I'll do my best to give an update a little sooner :) 

I also want to say thanks for all the support! I've gotten so many texts, emails, and a few tweets with support and encouragement and it means a lot to have people cheering me on!

Thankful

This year, like every year, I am truly thankful for the many things and people in my life. This year I'm especially thankful for:

-my husband. I love that man more than I could ever put into words.

-my crazy, amazing, genius, silly, goober, stunning daughter. God truly blessed me with her.

-the fact that we have so many living grandparents and great-grandparents that we have to travel to be able to spend the holiday with them.

-that Joe will be promoted to Captain next month. he works so hard, and truly deserves it.

-the roof over our heads, and the cars we are able to drive. 

-that I can provide my daughter with a wonderful Christmas and amazing birthday party.

-that my husband isn't deployed.

-that we have truly amazing friends to share our lives with, and who's children Charlotte will forever have friendships with.

I hope y'all have a fantastic Thanksgiving!

11 Months

11/13/2012

My baby is 11 months old today. I can't believe how quickly time has gone by. It feels like just yesterday I was going to the hospital to give birth, and now I'm planning her first birthday party. It's crazy how time has gone by so fast. I'm so happy she's growing and thriving, but it's also heartbreaking that she's no longer my teeny tiny baby. These conflicting emotions are tricky.

Charlotte you are so big girl! Everyday you get closer and closer to walking. You've now mastered being able to stand on your own, and you even do things while just standing. You'll pull up on something, and then walk backwards until you can barely reach what's holding you up, and then you'll push off and then just stand there. You'll laugh and grin, and it's very obvious you're extremely proud of yourself. Walking still makes you nervous, and you'll take a step or two, but then you stick your arms out and dive into Moma or Dada's arms. You're getting there though.

You continue to love books. That's your favorite thing to do these days. You'll sit forever and just turn page after page. You'll point to the pictures and talk on and on. It's almost as if you're reading the story to yourself. It's too cute.

You love you a pickle. I personally think they're disgusting, but you and Dada could pickles all day, everyday. 

You continue to breastfeed regularly, and refuse a bottle. You're really too old for a bottle anyway, so that's not really an issue. You've never cared for baby food, and we're officially throwing in the towel with giving it to you. You've never had a problem with "grown-up" food, and you continue to love everything we give you except green beans. I can't get you to eat a green bean for anything.

You're sleeping much better at night now, only waking up once or twice for a quick nurse. Sometimes you don't nurse at all. That will make your transition into your crib much easier on Moma. You're getting kicked out of our bed after Christmas. I was going to do it right after your birthday, but we'll be home in NC for most of December and I realized that sleep training is probably not a good idea when you're in an environment you aren't used to.

You love to share! You're always sharing your snacks with Keech, or whoever we're with. You always offer a nibble to us, which is sweet, but I'm not crazy about slobbery yogurt bites :) Your paci is another silly thing you share. Dada taught you how to put it in your mouth backwards, and that is one of your favorite games to play. 

You've started to become attached to a Wubbie (Lovie) lately. You have your silky blanket, and Rosie the Traveling Monkey. You think Rosie is hilarious! You'll give her kisses and snuggles, and play Pat-a-Cake with her. Blankey seems to calm you. Peek-a-Boo is a favorite of course.

You have started to climb into things. Your favorites are underneath your changing table, and in the baking cabinet. The changing table b/c there's a curtain, and you'll peak your head out and laugh like a crazy person, and then pop back in and repeat. It's hilarious every time. The baking cabinet is b/c it's the only cabinet you're allowed in. I taught you how to make noise with the pots and pans, and that thrills you. Dada wasn't happy about it, but he's quickly gotten over it seeing how happy it makes you to make your own music.

You're going to be 1 year old next month, and I'm starting to freak out. Time is going too quickly. I'm excited for your party though, and all of your friends and our friends who have known you since you were born will be there to help celebrate with us.  It's helping distract me from the fact that you are no longer a baby, and more and more of a toddler everyday.

We love you bebe, and are excited for what lies ahead with you! You never cease to amaze us with your brains, charm, and just plain old silliness. You're our favorite Charlotte!

Xoxo,

Moma & Dada

9 & 10 Months

I'm so behind in updating! I've made notes so I don't forget anything :)

Chawley-Walley you are just too big! You are looking more and more like a toddler, and less like a baby everyday. It breaks my heart, and makes it swell with pride all at the same time. You are still as bald as you were the day you were born, and I think that's the only reason you've managed to keep your sweet baby look.

You are starting to "talk". Nothing solid yet, but Moma and Daddy know what you're talking about. Mama-Moma, Dada-Daddy, NmmNmm-Num Num (you want to nurse), Ahdin-All Done, Yeah Yeah- Yeah Yeah, Chchch-Keech, Ccht-Cat, I Not-I'm Not. There's a few more that I can't quite remember, but I'll be sure to update as they come along.

You do this thing when you're doing something you're not supposed to be doing, and I've told you "no" a bazillion times, I'll get close and firmly tell you to stop, you'll look me dead in the eye and holler/ growl "I Not!". It's the funniest thing and cracks me up every time! You already have such a personality!

You aren't walking yet, but you're trying! You took your first steps the other night. It was so exciting, and I thought Daddy was gonna pass out from being so worked up! Haha. You love to hold hands and walk everywhere, and pull up on everything and walk along it. You still crawl everywhere, and you are super fast! 

You eat everything we give you! The only thing you seem to not like is green beans. Everything else is fair game to your little palate. Breast milk still makes up 90% of your diet, and you continue to nurse like a champ. Daddy wants to cut you off at 12 months, but Moma decided that she's going to let you self ween. I think he just misses being in charge of my boobs Haha. 

You make the funny faces! You do this thing where you crinkle your nose and make a heavy sniffing noise. It reminds me of a cranky bull. You've also figured out how to make fish faces and smack your lips at the same time which is hilarious. You can also click your tongue, and pop your lips. You crack yourself up when you do these things, and then I burst into giggles b/f of you laughing at yourself. 

Keech continues to be your best friend EVER. You crawl all over him, pull on him, snatch his bone out of his mouth, steal his toys, whatever you can do to annoy him. He takes it like a man too. The only time he gets a little pissy is when you try to get into his food bowl when it has food in it. He's not a fan of that, and kinda loses his mind when you go near it. I don't think he'd ever hurt you, but he does growl which makes Moma nervous. I try to keep you away from it, and tell you "no" but you're still too small to understand. You'll get there :)

You go to childcare everyday at the gym while Moma works out, and you do really well! The ladies are all very nice, and you seem to have fun. It makes me feel better knowing you do so well, and it opens up different possibilities for Moma and Daddy. They do a "Date Night" once a month, and we're going to try it out this time. Don't get me wrong, we'll miss your guts more than anything, but it will be nice to go have a fancy, grown up dinner without you. But we love you more than anything!

 You are such a sharer! You love to hand us whatever it is that you have, and you won't take it back until you're satisfied that we played with it thoroughly. It's so sweet to see how kind and thoughtful you already are. You and Brayden will just pass things back and forth to each other, and you always make sure the other has a toy to play with. Except pacis. I'm not sure why, but you're both always trying to steal each other's pacis. It doesn't make sense, but it's so funny to watch.

You love to sing! Your favorite right now is "I'm Bringing Home a Baby Bumble Bee". You also like "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star", "Patty Cake", "The Itsy Bitsy Spider", "Little Bunny Foo-Foo", "Row, Row, Row Your Boat", "Your Are My Sunshine", and "This Little Light of Mine".

We love you Bebe! You're growing so much each day, and we couldn't be prouder of the sweet little girl you're already becoming! 

XOXO,

Moma & Daddy

Stats @ 9 months checkup:

Weight: 24.2 lbs 99% You're a chunk.

Length: 25.5 inches 5% You can't help that you're short, :)

Head Circumference: 18 inches 95% You get your big 'ole dome piece from your Daddy. 

Diaper size 4

 Clothes: Anywhere from 6 months to 18 months. It depends on what it is, and who makes it.

I wanna be a hot ass again. So I joined a gym.

I feel like the title pretty much sums it up. 

Right before I got pregnant, I realized that I had gained a few pounds since the hubs had gotten home from deployment. Essentially, I got fat and happy. I wasn't "fat" by any means, but I had some fluff that I wasn't happy with. So I joined a gym, and for a whole 2 months I exercised regularly. Then we got orders and I got knocked up. 

When we got down here to Ft. Benning, my doctor said he didn't want me exercising too much since I didn't have a solid routine prior to getting pregnant. Then all my complications happened, and he told me I could walk the dog, and walk to the car and that was the extent of any physical activity I was permitted to do. I was more than happy to sit on my butt my entire pregnancy. B/c of said complications, and the amount of water I was being forced to drink daily (4 liters. Every. Single. Day.) I gained 60 pounds. I was 194 pounds the day Charlotte was born. I was 164lbs two days later when I left the hospital. I had lost that much water weight just by giving birth! It was nuts! Skip ahead 10 months and I'm not happy with where I am size or weight wise. Weight wise, I'm exactly where I am before I got pregnant. But my body is different.

 I have a muffin top that I've never had before. My arms are no longer toned, but flabby and wing like. My butt, my pride and joy, is no longer perky. My legs are ok-ish, but not my fave. So I told my husband that I wanted to join a gym for my birthday, and if we could afford it, I wanted a personal trainer. The hubs must love me, b/c he delivered!

I LOVE my trainers Lynette and Teri. Lynette is the boss of all the trainers, and she is one of the nicest, most optimistic, and friendliest people I have ever met. Teri is a doll, who has 4 grown up children and knows exactly what I mean when I say I want a healthy mom body. I've been going 5 days a week for 3 weeks now, and I a;ready see a change! My jeans fit better, my arms and core are stronger, I sleep better, and I feel better about myself overall. Teri and Lynette think I'm going to respond quickly, and I agree. I'm fortunate enough to still be breastfeeding which helps with the extra calorie burn, and I'm motivated.They think they can have me at 125 pounds, with a nicely toned body in 6 months. I'm so down with that time-table!

I'm going to do my best to update my progress every other week. I think by sharing with all of y'all, I will keep motivated. And hopefully I can inspire someone else to get healthy :)

 A few things about these pictures:

1. No nasty, mean things. I'm tough, but still.

2. My husband is a terrible picture taker.

3. Ignore my stupid faces I'm making. See above #2.

4. No judgies :)

See what I Mean? Terrible.

Hubs made me :)

See?! Perky booty gone!

I've been a bad blogger

I have been a terrible blogger the last 3 or 4 months. I just haven't been into it. I've had zero motivation to sit down and write anything, or when I do have the desire to, I just don't have the time. The baby demands my constant attention, and gets really mad when I sit down at the computer for more than 10 minutes. Oh, and my computer is all jacked up, so I'm having to use the husband's. That's fine of course, except all of our pictures are on my computer! It's a problem I tell ya. 

We've had a lot going on, and I want to share it with everybody. I just gotta get motivated to actually share. Starting this week I'm going to challenge myself to post at least once a week, twice if I can. We'll see how it goes, and I'll do my best to get everybody caught up on our lives :)

I'll see y'all bright and early Monday! Well bright, maybe, but definitely not early ;)

Random picture of the bebe I found. She used to hang out in the sock basket when I did laundry.

She was so tiny then! And still very much a diva.

Christmas Blog Swap

Christmas is right around the corner, which means blog swaps are happening! Yay! Blog Swap I LOVE Blog Swaps! I encourage everyone to join in with me and Perception Is Everything and participate :) They're a lot of fun!

New Look

As you can see, the blog has a new look. The incredibly talented, and sweet Bobbi over at Today I'm Bobbi is responsible for the look, and I couldn't be happier! I'm going to start taking my blogging more seriously, and this was the first step. Upcoming posts are the 9 months update, quickly followed by the 10 months update. I'm behind, obviously, but I hope y'all can forgive me :)

8 Months

8/13/2012

Oh Charlotte,

I can't believe you are 8 months old. Every month that goes by, I'm even more shocked when the thirteenth hits than I was the month before. I can't even believe you have been with us as long as you have. It feels like you were just born, but then other days we can't remember what it was like without you. Parenthood is a strange thing babycakes. You'll understand that one day.

You are a crawling fiend! You finally figured it out, and now we can't contain you! You just want to be everywhere at once! You used to want to be held at all times, and now you squirm and fuss until we put you on the ground, and then you take off. You are all over the place! 

People love you. Everywhere we go, people stop me to talk to you and tell me how cute/beautiful/sweet etc. you are. Daddy and I obviously think you're stunning, but it's very nice and humbling to hear that other people think so too. You're such a ham when we get stopped too. You smile, and stick your hand out, and talk. You are very wary of some people though. I'm glad "stranger danger" has kicked in.

We had lots of visitors this past month, and you were a trooper the whole time. First Aunt Heather came to visit for a week, and you had a ball. You love her, and she just adores you. Then Mitch and Mari came to visit. You were kinda iffy about them the first few hours they were here, but then you opened up and were a doll. Mari loved holding you, and you made sure to behave when Mitch got his turn with you. Then Granpa and GK (Daddy's mommy and daddy) came, and oh man did they eat you up. You showed off your crawling skills, and talked their ears off. They loved being with you, and you loved having them here too. To round out our whirlwind of visitors, Uncle Jake and Josh came to visit. You had a blast with them, and they ate you up. It was funny to see those big, tough boys talk in baby voices and fall over themselves trying to hold or play with you. 

You love to read! You are always climbing on your book shelves, and pulling books off and looking at them. You're very gentle with your pages, which is amazing for your age. Half the time you prefer to "read" by yourself, so we let you. You'd spend forever reading if we'd let you. 

Yes, her shirt says "The bigger the bow, the better the moma" I couldn't agree more :)

Bath tome continues to be your favorite thing ever. You sit in your duck, and play with your toys, and you could care less about anything else going on. I usually let you play until the water gets cool, but I don't think the temperature bothers you one bit. You love family baths. Moma and Daddy have a jacuzzi tub, so when we all get in there together you splash around and have a good time. You love when we turn the jets on. You find them totally fascinating. 

You've taken every nap in your crib without issue for the last month. I'm trying to get you used to sleeping in it, b/c Daddy is ready to kick you out of our bed. I'd like for you stay, but I also know that it's time. I think you'll sleep better in your own space too. You've outgrown the middle it seems.

You pull up on EVERYTHING.  Your bookshelf, Moma, Daddy, Keech, the couch, the ottoman. You name it, you wanna see the top of it. You have always been a nosy rosy, and you continue to find ways to "know" what's going on around you.

You talk all of the time! "Dada" Mama" "Bleh" "Tshh" Ok it isn't actual words except two, but girlfriend you don't care. You talk and talk and talk! Your favorite person to talk to is Keech. And he'll just sit and listen to you, and throw in the occasional lick on your face or arms. I think you like talking to him b/c he doesn't interrupt you. 

You're getting so big! We love you so much, and can't wait to see what this new month brings our way! But slow down just a smidge, k? We love love love you Chickapea!

XOXO,

Moma & Daddy