Big Brother

Seth is a terrific big brother. He is always checking on Skylar and doing anything to see her smile. He came in our room Sunday morning just as I laid Skylar in our bed and those two had their moment. He was talking and she couldn't stop smiling. It melted my heart. I didn't have my camera, only my cell so the quality of the picture sucks. And Skylar was so happy and excited, she was moving and kicking and that's why she is blurry.

The Last Week

Like I said, we have been super busy. It seems the every day we find something to do and it usually happens to be not at home. I was supposed to have my 6 week postpartum check-up last week, but they had to have me re-schedule due to over booking. Suck. This hasn't held us back any...

New news - The nipple is healed finally!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am beyond excited about this. It is so nice to have to take my pump every where and so nice to not have to just feed on one side. And even nicer to not have the horrible pain!!! Skylar is sleeping in her cradle next to my bed. I just have to look over and I can see her sweet self through the slits. She does very well. She is still sleeping for 6-7 hour periods which is really nice. I started thinking that maybe she is only waking up for the early morning feeding because it is a "habit." So Tuesday night I decided to just let her stir and give her the binkie to see how she did. After about an hour of rustling around, she went back to sleep. However, I didn't get much sleep after that because my boobs hurt so freaking bad I wanted to cry! Yes, I should have pumped. But I was nervous that if I did, she would wake up while I was or just after. She finally got up at a little before 6am (she went to bed about 8). Oh was I ever thankful - and so were my boobs! They were so full that Skylar had a hard time latching on. I had to pump one side. Oh it was wonderful to not have them be rock hard anymore! I was in the shower at 6:30 that morning. And I had one happy baby. See the smile pictures below!
She is such a happy girl. I love it. Just a few minutes ago she was going crazy with her smiles and getting all excited over who-knows-what. It was the cutest thing.

Friday the little one was 7 weeks. Yes, 7 weeks. This blows my mind. It has been the most wonderful 7 weeks of my life. She is such a joy, even when she has "cranky" days (like today!).

I got a ton done around the house on Friday. While I was putting away laundry, I laid her in her crib in her room for the FIRST TIME EVER! Look how little she is in there. She looks much bigger when in her cradle. She is really enjoying her baths at night. She doesn't like after the bath - usually - but she doesn't cry in the bath anymore which is wonderful. Friday night the kids were here to hep with bath time and Swae and Seth thought it was the coolest thing ever. Skylar loved having her brother and sisters attention!

Saturday was a wonderful little family day. We all got up, had breakfast, showered and got ready. We headed to Target where we spent entirely too much money. But the kids got some new clothes, movies, toys and Eli and I got a couple things for the house. We then headed to lunch and then a couple more errands. Then...oh then...all three kids and I enjoyed a lovely little nap! It was absolutely splendid. Yes, they are a bit old for naps, but it felt wonderful! I then made Swae and Seth their favorite dinner and enjoyed a movie.

Sunday was even better, the weather was better. We all had breakfast and then headed outside. The kids love riding their bikes and were stoked when I offered to go for a walk while they rode their bikes. We were all over the place. Then we loaded up and went up the hill to feed the wild horses. There were some that wouldn't come close because they had new babies, but we finally found some that were friendly and hungry enough to come up to us.

Swae being brave. Seth was much more hesitant. Eli was right next to them, while Skylar and I kept our distance and just captured the experience!

Eli helping feed the rest of the carrots.

Once home, the kids were not at all wanting to come in the house. So they continued riding their bikes outside. They made a new friend with the boy down the street. He came down to play baseball and then ride on Swae's quad power wheel. Watching Swae flirt with a cute boy was the cutest thing I have ever seen. And Seth? You would never know the boy was 3 with how he kept up with the older kids. In fact, he regulated most of the time! We played outside up until the moment their mom came to get them. It was so very hard to see them go after such a wonderful, incredibly weekend. We are truly blessed.

I'm ALIVE!!

Please forgive me for my lack of blogging and blog reading! To use the excuse that I have a newborn would be a lie. While I am busy with Miss Skylar, that isn't the reason that I haven't been on the computer. The truth is, I guess I needed a break. That and I have been extremely busy doing other things. I find that we aren't at home that much and when we are, the last thing I want to do is sit on the computer. I have laundry to do, a house to clean, beds to make, dinner to cook. What am I saying...all of you know the drill!

So, I am sorry. I will be better about reading blogs, commenting, and posting. I have HUNDREDS of blogs to read in order to catch up, so I probably won't be commenting on those ones. But I will read so that I am in the know!

I am doing great. I feel great and absolutely love being a mom. I am loving not being at work and spending all my time with Skylar, Swae, and Seth. And me being home gives me more time with Eli. It is wonderful. Skylar is getting big and is more beautiful than ever. Swae is getting big and doing great in school. Her smile melts my heart and brightens my day. I am so in love with her. Sethie is still a little ham. I love having him during the day a couple days during the week...we have so much fun and usually find ourselves down at the shop so he can run the cranes with daddy and we can all have lunch. He is a talker! From the moment he gets up til he closes his eyes. He is constantly learning and exploring. I love him to the moon and back. Eli is busy working and being the best daddy and husband ever. I enjoy being around him and we have so much fun together. I'm more in love than ever.

I will be back later with some pictures and telling you all about our wonderful family weekend. Happy Monday everyone!!!

Fabulous Saturday

Saturday was one of the best most fabulous days. We got up and got ready. My mom, sister, Jill, and Tara came over and we all headed out to find bridesmaid dresses for the wedding. I had ones that I liked, but had issues with the store...so we started over. We went and found the perfect dress. I'm so excited. We then went to lunch and then...down all of our first wine walks ever! I definitely want to do the wine walk again. First of all, we got the cutest wine glasses ever and the company was fantastic. The weather was absolutely beautiful. I put Skylar in her sling for the first time ever and she loved it. She did great. She slept the ENTIRE time. I had to stop constantly for everyone to look at the cute baby and I think I said all her measurements and name about a million times. But it never got old since she is my little precious and I am so proud of her. We then had people over that night to watch the UFC fight (anyone else watch?!). It was a great day spent with some of my most favorite people ever. Days like that are the best.

The Angel @ 6 weeks

It absolutely blows my mind how fast time is flying. 6 weeks?! 6 weeks already!?!?! WOW!!! I love being a mom. I love Skylar more than anything. She is perfect. I love seeing her grow, seeing more smiles cross her face, enjoying hearing her find her voice. She is incredibly strong. She has personality plus.
She is the sweetest, cutest thing ever.

Baby Skylar

The little button was hanging out next to me on the couch tonight while I looked at something for the wedding and I looked over and this is what I saw.
The little beauty put herself to sleep. She was all relaxed from her bath and had a full tummy and she was just done. Now we are headed upstairs so we can snuggle up for the next 5-6 hours. Night all!

A Little Sickness

Our little boy has been fighting sickness since Saturday. He has had a temperature since Saturday. Yesterday he started complaining that his throat and ear hurt and I was worried that he had another ear infection - that would make three in two months and they would have wanted to do surgery.

Eli and I took him to the doctor today and we were so thankful to find that his ear was clear and healthy. He did have the white, pussy pockets on his throat but that is due to a virus going around. Nothing can be done other than Tylenol and lots of TLC! He was such a trooper at the doctor, especially when she did the strep swab. The little man is strong. But since he has a virus he was told to keep away from both of his sisters...something he doesn't at all like to do.

I pray that neither Swae or Skylar get it. I have been being very mindful to be sure that he washes his hands after they are near his face, to not touch on Skylar and for him to not kiss on either of the girls. He is so cute. He loves his sisters so much that he just wants to be near them and love on them. Tonight at bed time he kissed the top of Skylar's head...not what he is used to and you could tell he was missing kissing on her like normal. And Swae...she is so cute. She kept reminding him that he was sick and to be careful. She is such a momma though she just wanted to reach out to him like crazy.

I am starting to get sick. I hate to admit it, but I am getting a sore throat and it sucks! I am strong though and keep telling myself I am not getting sick!!!! Let's hope my body listens to my mind!!

Wordless Wednesday!

Easter...and...

This was by far the best Easter I have ever had, hands down. And a fabulous 27th birthday!

It all started last night when the kiddos dyed their Easter eggs. While Swae and Seth were at the table doing their thing, Skylar was right next to them in her bouncer being as much of the party as she could be at 5 weeks. The kiddos did a great job. Their cuteness always overwhelms me. Seth was pretty much only about the orange and yellow dye. Swae just loved writing things on the eggs and dying as many as she could. She made all of us our own special egg and the rest were dedicated to our 'family'. It was adorable. They were happy to get up to bed and go to sleep to await the Easter bunny.

This morning I awoke to the sweet little boy asking me who brought the basket that was on his toy box. I told him it must be the Easter bunny. I got up and Skylar and I went to see if Swae was awake and she was just laying in bed, wide awake waiting to get up. She quickly showed me her basket and told me that, "even baby Skylar got one too!" She is always certain to be sure her little sissy is included. Swae got dressed in a pretty little dress and Sethie put on a collared shirt and jeans. We were then ready to make our trek downstairs to find the Easter eggs. It was so fun to watch them roaming around the house with their baskets finding their eggs. Swae was too cute helping her brother find the eggs that he overlooked.

We then had some breakfast, finished getting ready for the day. And then it was time to dress our sweet Skylar in her Easter dress. Oh my goodness did she just look beautiful and adorable. I got a cute little picture of all three kids together just in time before their mom came . I can't wait to get it printed out!

Next stop was my parents house for Easter/birthday brunch. There was a whole slew of food. It was excellent. It was wonderful being around my family and spending time. Everyone missed seeing Swae and Seth and were in love with how cute Skylar looked. She was passed around to everyone. There wasn't a time that she was put down except by me to change her diaper. She is a spoiled little girl!

We finished off the day by going up to Eli's parents for dinner. His mom is a fabulous cook. We enjoyed great food and then played some Bingo...for cash money. Unfortunately, Eli and I were not lucky and never won, but it was still a good time.

On our way home Eli suggested we grab my bike from my best friends house. We stopped there and ended up having a drink and visiting. I opened up my gift and we just enjoyed. I finally own an apron...thank you Tara! She always gets the cutest gifts for me. And stopping over there and hanging out made my birthday/Easter complete.

I am so thankful to have spent my birthday and Easter with my loved ones. Thank you to everyone who made my day special. It means the world to me!

Now I am tuckered out. The button has a full belly and sleeping. We are looking forward to a good night sleep. I hope everyone had a wonderful Easter and has a great week!

Appalled

Yesterday I met a friend of mine for lunch at Pita Pit. I hadn't been there in forever and had forgotten how much I liked it. That is completely beside the point though.

We sat down at a table next to the door and a few feet away was a family - mom, dad, little boy and little girl (between 2-3). The little girl wasn't happy at all. The dad was trying everything to soothe her, but it wasn't really helping. You could clearly see his frustration. His face didn't hide any of it. The mom, she sat eating ignoring everything that was going on. The dad gave up trying to calm the little girl down and sat her in her chair. This pissed the little girl off. At first her cries were fairly quiet, but they grew increasingly louder until she was close to screaming. As this was happening, neither the mom or dad said anything to her. They just continued eating.

At this point, everyone in the place was looking over at them and you could see the glares they were being given. I was just sitting there wondering what was going on. The mom finally took a break from eating, walked around the table, picked up her daughter who literally started screaming, and went outside.

Now wouldn't you think she would have taken the time to calm down her little girl and bring her in so they could both finish their lunch? NOPE!

Next thing you know, the mom comes in...ALONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

She took her daughter out to their SUV and left her. Left her and came back in for at least another ten minutes while she finished her lunch, just sat there, got some more soda and only then went back out to the car. The whole time the little girl was crying and screaming. She never calmed down. She was left alone while the rest of her family finished their lunch.

I couldn't even believe it. I understand kids throw fits. I understand needing to take them out to calm them down. But you don't leave them in the car, ALONE, while you go back in and finish your meal. There may be some that disagree, but this is something I believe wholeheartedly. I felt awful. My heart broke for that little girl. Yes, her tantrum was out of control, but that was not the right punishment at all. Not only that, she was only 2-3! I would never, ever do that to any one of my kids...EVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I couldn't help but look at her and her husband different after that. And I know she saw my looks of disgust. I didn't care though. That was wrong, so very, very WRONG!

A Year Ago

I was officially handed the keys to my brand new house. I became a home owner. I am floored that a year has already passed. It is insane to look around at the differences in the neighborhood. We have made some friends and like the part of town we are in. The kids LOVE having their own room and having a place to go out and ride their bikes. They have also made friends with the neighbors and their dogs (since we don't have one of our own).

Our house is a home. It is a warm, comfortable place for us all to enjoy as a family. It is so nice having a place of our own, a place that we don't have to worry about renewing a lease or think about moving!!

A year a huge investment was made! And what a great investment not just for me but for our family!

5 Weeks

5 weeks and full of smiles for her momma this morning. Today has been a much better day than yesterday. I don't feel like I suck at this parenting thing today. She is being fabulous and has only whined when she was hungry. My little angel is back!

Enjoy the fun pictures of her smiling!

nighty night

I'm laying here in bed with my sweet little button snuggled up to me and I am in heaven. She is peaceful and has a full belly. I'm looking forward to falling asleep smelling her sweet clean baby smell from her bath. Yum yum!
Good night internets.

She's a Fighter...ALREADY!

Skylar's new thing is fighting sleep. It is crazy. She will be so insanely tired and yet she will fight letting her eyes closed. She has just taken an hour of fussing, calming down, crying, calming down, etc to finally allow herself to get to sleep. It's like she doesn't want to miss anything already...at a month old! I thought that happened when they got older!!! She of course would go right to sleep if I picked her up and held her, but I don't want to be strapped to always having to hold her for her to fall asleep. There are plenty of times that she will just nap and go right to sleep, but the other times...ugh!

I am proud that I held out. I let her fuss it out and she is now sleeping peacefully! Mind you, she wasn't screaming. I was right next to her - talking to her, giving her her binkie, and soothing her. I just don't like when she isn't happy (or the other two for that matter either!!!). :( I'm looking forward to her waking up and being full of her sweet smiles!

Daddy & His Littlest Girl

I was cooking dinner the other night and Eli was playing with Skylar. There was a lot of talking going on for awhile and then all of a sudden I realized it was quiet. So I went in the living room and that is what I found. Both were so freaking peaceful. It was so cute. She loves her daddy!

We Will Take Our Time

I didn't end up crying - thank goodness. I felt horrible sticking her in her cradle. She was looking around like, "What the heck is going on?" When I moved her to bed for those few minutes she was just staring at me. Her little eyes were so heavy but she fought closing them. This will be an adjustment that is for sure. And one that I'm not going to rush because right now I absolutely adore sleeping with her right next to me. She lasted about an hour and a half in the cradle before she woke up. I'm pretty sure she only started waking because she was hungry. If she hadn't fought going to sleep it would have been longer. We will figure it out!

Sleep well everyone!

Not Liking It Right Now

Right now our two older kids have been in bed for almost an hour after a fabulous evening. I am now laying on my bed staring through the slats in the cradle at Skylar. She isn't asleep. Right now she is just laying there fairly calm and sucking away on her binkie. I'm curious if she is going to fall asleep in there on her own. And if she does, how long will she sleep for? Will I get any sleep? I feel horrible even though I'm just two feet away... :(

It should be an interesting night. Let's see how long I can handle this situation.

****updated****
After an hour of the binkie being replaced, her being brought in bed with me for five minutes for some snuggles and so I could tell her how much I love her, no crying, a few soft whines my baby girl is sleeping-on her own in her cradle. I, however, am wide awake and will probably be releasing some tears.

Happy ONE Month Skylar Marie

It is hard to believe that just a short month ago, I gave birth to the most beautiful little girl ever. I remember that night/morning so vividly. I remember the excitement, anticipation, nervousness I felt when they were saying I needed to get ready to push. I remember it all. Your dad and I were like five year olds on Christmas morning awaiting your arrival. Seeing the doctor pull you out, hearing your little cry for the first time, watching your daddy cut your cord, and then having you placed with me was one of the single most best moments in the entire world. I will forever cherish all of it. I will forever cherish you.

This has been the most fabulous month. You are such a wonderful little baby. I honestly can't complain. You sleep very well for a newborn. Thank you for allowing mommy to get the much needed sleep that she needs! You only cry when you are hungry, have a tummy ache and are fighting sleep. You don't like to miss anything already. You have the biggest, most alert eyes when you are awake. Your daddy and I are anxious to know if they are going to stay blue or turn brown like ours. Your sissy is hoping they stay blue so that you can be like her.

You are already incredibly spoiled. Your brother and sister dote on you like crazy. They can't get enough of you. They go and play, but it never takes long for them to come and kiss on you and check on you. Swae adores holding you. She is definitely a little mom. Holding you is far better than playing to her. Sethie loves you very much as well. While holding you isn't his thing all the time, he is constantly checking on you, kissing you, talking to you, and showing you his toys. He is a big help while we are driving and is always giving me an update on what you are doing. Both know that when you cry to try and give you your binkie. They love so much to be close to you and hate when you are crying and not happy. Like I figured, they are the best big brother and sister you could ever have. You are so fortunate Skylar.

Your grandparents all fawn all over you. It is so funny to see all the family fight to see who gets to hold you first and for how long. The amount of love that everyone has for you is fantastic. They are always more than willing to help out and do whatever they can for you. Everyone is biding time until I will allow them to babysit!

Since the day you were born, you have slept in bed with me and daddy. I couldn't bare at all being separated from you when we were sleeping. Not only that, but I was (and still am) terrified that something may happen to you - call me crazy, but it is the truth. I have absolutely loved snuggling with you every single night. I love the closeness, being able to feel every movement and be the first thing you see when you open your eyes. It was actually just last night that I put you in your cradle for a couple hours after we got up for your feeding. You did pretty well for your first time...however I am not sure I will be able to keep doing it. I missed you like crazy.

You make the cutest noises I have ever heard. You are starting to smile more and more and each time you do, you melt my heart. Your little coos are precious and I am looking forward to you "talking" to me more. While you have put on about a pound and a half, you are still a small little thing. Your face is filling out and you are definitely getting longer. You are going to be tall like your daddy.

Skylar, you complete me. You complete our family. You are the greatest thing I have ever done in my life. I never want to be away from you. I always want to be there to hear every sound, be witness to every movement. You are absolutely precious and perfect and I am so happy to be your mommy. So proud to have such a wonderful baby girl. Thank you for being such a sweet baby. Thank you for showing me what it is like to love like this, to feel like this. Your daddy and I did good.

I love you sweetie girl, my little button.

Melted Heart

Tonight was the best. While getting Skylar ready for bed, I got the biggest, best smiles yet. Unfortunately I had no camera and wasn't going to miss smiles to go find one. Not only did I get great smiles, she was cooing like crazy!!! It was awesome!!!!

And now friends we are off to bed. Good night!

4 weeks

Where has the time gone?? 4 weeks already. A month on Monday? So crazy. The little button is getting big that is for sure. She is gaining weight and definitely getting longer. I think she will be a tall one like her daddy. She still has the most perfect, beautiful face. And her little button nose is adorable. I honestly can't get enough of her and yet I am with her all day long! She is incredibly strong for a little girl. She holds her head up all the time. She has the most gorgeous eyes and loves looking around when she is awake.

She has been spitting up a lot lately. We are trying a few different things to see if it helps, if not, we are going to treat her for reflux. She is gaining weight, so the doctor isn't too worried. We just don't want her uncomfortable. An update on my nipple...it is still horribly cracked. I had been using a nipple guard to feed and it still wouldn't heal. I have been instructed to stop feeding her on that side altogether and just pump to see if that will help it. If it isn't better come Monday I have to go to the doctor for that. The pain was better than it was when using the nipple shield so that was good. I just would like the wound to go away now so I can feed her normal. Oh and I have to say...I hate pumping! I will do whatever I have to do though to make sure that she is taken care of, so I am sucking it up and dealing with it.

I am so in love. I enjoy spending my time with her. We have been getting out of the house a lot lately and I am so grateful she is so good. She doesn't mind at all being in her car seat. This is good, but then I don't mind being away from the house and that means...no nap for me. No wonder I am tired. Again, it is worth it. I am not as sleep deprived as I was earlier this week which is nice.

I am looking forward to a relaxing weekend and seeing some family. I will continue taking pictures...one day you all are going to be overwhelmed when I finally post them!

Our Sweeties

I am missing these two like crazy and I know that Eli is too. The weekends without them seem so long. I have been absolutely LOVING watching how they interact with Skylar. They are both so extremely helpful. Seth isn't really into giving up 'play' time to hold her. But he is sure to always come and give her loves and kisses. The way he talks to Skylar is precious. And he is always sure to tell her how much he loves her. When she starts crying, he will tell me, "I'll get her binkie." And the other night he sat in front of the swing just watching her and talking to her. Such a little sweetie. Swae, she is a mini mom that is for sure. The first thing she does in the morning is check on her sissy and the last thing at night is to kiss her. She ALWAYS wants to hold her, kiss on her, hug on her, help with her. She is always talking to her and just being the best big sister in the world.

I have been enjoying being off work and spending more time with the kids. It is allowing Eli more time with them as well because I can take them to the shop to hang out with him. They are enjoying not going to daycare and are already planning all the fun things for us to do during the summer.

They are the sweetest things in the whole world. We love them so incredibly much and Skylar does as well - you can tell by the way that she responds to them. I captured the greatest pictures the other night of Seth holding her. They will completely melt your hearts.

Speaking of pictures...I have been horrible about uploading them because it is a pain in the ass to save them to my laptop. I am definitely missing my other computer and am looking into getting one for the house. So every picture that you all have seen lately has been taken on my cell phone. I will hurry up and figure something out because you all are missing out on some fabulous pictures!

Spring??

All day yesterday was really windy and annoying. When we were going to bed last night I realized that it was raining. Lovely. I didn't mind though because we definitely need the moisture. However, when Skylar and I got up to feed at 3am, we soon discovered that it was not raining, but SNOWING!!!

This is what our front yard looked like this morning. It isn't a lot of snow, but it is still snow. You have to love Reno weather!

Wordless Wednesday

Much More Better

After spending all day yesterday being sure to feed every 2-3 hours and then feeding longer at 9 before we went to bed, I got some sleep again. The little sweetie got up at 3:30 famished. I'm good with this. I'm good getting a solid chunk of sleep. I function much more better this way. And yes, I know "much more better" is not proper English. I'm gonna get this feeding done and then back to bed for a couple more hours!