Snow

It is no secret to most that I love the snow. Winter is my favorite. Honestly, I am not sure why people don't like it especially when we live in New England where it snows a ton! So we had a ton of snow Tuesday Night/Wednesday. Probably the most snow I have seen. We got 20 inches here. It was awesome. We took the baby out to play last night after work. I know it looks dark but it was only 5pm.

Attempting to crawl in the snow!

She loves to swing even in the snow!

I am a Mom.

Some days I can not believe I am a Mom. I can not believe I can love someone as much as I do. I can not believe that every decision I make, I now consider her.

As I walked through our apartment last night on my way to bed, I noticed things. I noticed the high chair and smiled. I noticed the sippy cup and bottle rack and smiled. I went into the bathroom and noticed the toys in the tub and smiled. When I got to the bedroom, I saw a peacefully sleeping child and smiled. I went to bed and dreamed sweet dreams of being a Mom. Some days it just hits me, that I am a Mom.

Back

Hey to the very few readers I have!
I am back. I don't know what happened but I just "went away" for a while. I have had a lot of stress with work and have been battling anxiety. We are doing something really big as well, and that takes a lot of my energy. This morning, I just felt like i wanted to get back to the blog, so here goes!

My baby is going to be ONE in basically 2 weeks. ONE, did you read that right? ONE! I can not believe it. 2010 was the best year of my life. I can not even comprehend how fast this all went. Madelyn is her own person now. Not that she ever wasn't but you know what I mean! She is playful, happy 90% of the time, she loves to giggle, she loves to play. She plays with others or on her own. She is very independent sometimes. She can be stubborn and dramatic. She is wonderful. I love her more than anything right down through my bones.

She finally has a bed time! She never did before, she just sort of went to bed whenever! Now she is in bed by 8 every night unless we are out later For example New Years Eve! but she will go down right when we get home. It has made a world of difference. After she does to bed, I pick up her toys and make the living room not look like a disaster area. I love it, I love going to my work desk in the morning and not having to trip over toys! One of the best things about her bed time, Eric and I watched a movie last night! Together! without the baby! It was divine!

Well I wish all of you readers again the very few of you, which are actually family i believe, ha a very wonderful New Year. May 2011 bring you all that YOU wish for. I have a few on my list and I am hoping they will work out. It is going to be hard to top 2010 and I don't think I ever will but we will sure try!

I will leave you with some pictures from the past few months. BTW, please don't steal my pictures, get your own beautiful baby!!!!

Spaghetti Head!

Happy Halloween!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Get me away from Santa!!!

Merry Christmas!

DayCare

I know I haven't posted in a while and I have updates and pictures to put up but time has gotten away from me. I did however want to post about yesterday. Yesterday was Madelyn's first day at daycare and Eric's first day of classes.

I am so proud of both of them!

Madelyn did great! We had visited with the teachers and other kids last week twice. This was to get her used to everything. I think that really helped her transition into the daycare yesterday. She played with the other kids and even took a nap in her crib! The teacher is great, she had a note "written" from Madelyn to send home with pictures from the day! It was really nice! Especially since I was so nervous! I only called to check in twice! I am proud of myself! All in all she hardly cried and had a great first day! Glad the first one is behind us!

As for Eric, he said his first day was good as well. Just basic stuff. I am glad he is back in school though! So happy for him!

Maine

I know I am a little late and it's already been a week but oh well, life is always chaotic now.
Last week we were in Maine on vacation. My mom lives on a lake and we went to visit her. Vacations with free room are the best. lol. Love you Mom!

Anyway, we went to a baseball game, wildlife park, did some shopping, hung out in lakes, went to lighthouses, and relaxed and enjoyed our time with family.

It was simple yet perfect.

Crystal Lake at Night

Looking up at Portland Headlight

Madelyn and I

Madelyn and Daddy

Madelyn loves Baxter!

Madelyn floating in the Lake

Madelyn and Gram

Officially Done

I was an Exclusive Pumper for 6 months 2 weeks! I am so very proud of myself. I really didn't think I was ever going to make it to my goal of 6 months!

At the beginning it was so hard to keep pumping. I had to bring the pump EVERYWHERE. I had to pump in random places and in parking lots. I felt like a COW getting MILKED! BUT I pushed through. I set a mini goal and a big goal. My big goal was 6 months!

I went through several emotions during this time. See here.
I am truly happy with the decision to end now. I have no anxiety about it at all. We have a freezer stash, so Madelyn will continue to have breast milk for some time. We have some samples of formula as well. So we will start with those when the time comes and see what works best for her.

She is healthy and in the end that's all that matters.

Thankful Thursday

* I am thankful to be on VACATION!!!!!! It is pure bliss to not have to worry about work. I am pretty sad it is already Thursday though. This means Monday is right around the freaking corner.

* I am thankful that my mom lives on and near lakes. Monkey had an awesome time on Sebago Lake yesterday. She really had a blast, splashing, kicking, and giggling. I am pretty sure she would have stayed in her float in the lake all day if we let her. Hopefully more of that today!

* I am thankful that I get to continue a tradition I had with my father and extend it to my daughter. Every time we went to Maine in the summer we went to a Portland Seadogs Game. Last night was no different. Madelyn did great. She didn't cry or anything. She is a champ!

Hopefully, I will update y'all when I return with pictures! Enjoy the rest of the week and weekend. I know I will!