Monday, December 31, 2012

::Random:: Grateful for 2012---Bring on '13!

In 2012, my main goal/resolution was to be grateful for what I have. I made a goal to note one thing I am grateful for every day. I set an alarm on my cell phone for 10pm and every night before bed I made sure to write down something I am grateful for in the notes on my iPhone. Sometimes these things were big and meaningful and sometimes they were as simple as some yummy food. Tonight I am finished and I am so glad I followed through with this goal. Reflecting each day on what was happening around me and pinpointing something in that madness to be thankful for shed light on how lucky I really am.

I wasn't sure I was going to share all of this with you all but I want to document this somewhere so here it is:

365 Things I am Grateful For:

01.01.2012: Today I am grateful for my sister. Seeing her come home from NYC so happy to be here made me see how much I care for her and love having her around.

01.02.2012: Today I am grateful for the day to myself. I loved having time to scrapbook and catch up on my shows.

01.03.2012: Today I am grateful that people have faith in my abilities to manage at work, even if a manager position isn't right for me at the moment.

01.04.2012: In memory of GW, I am grateful for the relationship and influence Gary had in our lives. He opened our world to so many things we otherwise would not have experienced. I'm grateful he was a mentor and a positive influence to Teddy.

01.05.2012: Today I am grateful for my first run of five miles without stopping. Plus it was 42° outside this morning. Go us!

01.06.2012: Today I am grateful for the weekend, especially when it's a month end close after the holidays.

01.07.2012: Today I am grateful for a husband that pushes me when I am no longer willing to push myself. 8 mile run thanks to him.

01.08.2012: Today I am grateful for the outlet that scrapbooking provides to me. I love that I get to reminisce about things we've done and trips we have taken while using my creativity.

01.09.2012: Today I am grateful for a positive ovulation test. This test shows I am ovulating and hopefully will result in Baby G sometime soon. Oh and for the Jr. Homewrecker burrito from Moe's--yummy.

01.10.2012: Today I am grateful that Plaka is up and running again. Food was so yummy!!

01.11.2012: Today I am grateful for my bed. Goodnight!

01.12.2012: Today I am grateful for my family. I love snuggling up with Fitz and loving my husband. I love spending time with the people I love.

01.13.2012: Today I am grateful for the relationship I have with my husband. We can really have fun in any situation.

01.14.2012: Today I am grateful for a successful 10 mile run thanks to decent weather and motivation from hubs.

01.15.2012: Today I am grateful for successful, experimental, recipes: goat cheese and chive soufflé. Delicious and fun to make with Teddy.

01.16.2012: Today I am grateful for chocolate chip cookies. That and the 4 mile run in 42 minutes, fastest ever.

01.17.2012: Today I am grateful for spontaneous dinners with family. Having my mom and Grant here made for a nice night---that and the Heat kicking butt!

01.18.2012: Today I am grateful for new recipes that turn successful. Homemade pizza was delish!

01.19.2012: Today I am grateful for LeBron James, the best player in the world according to Charles Barkley. Go Heat!

01.20.2012: Today I am grateful for the woman I hit in the parking lot of the condo. Her understanding and compassion really made me feel better today and helped me see that there are still good people out there. I need to remember to pay it forward.

01.21.2012: Today I am grateful for best friends. Had a perfect day shopping with Heather!

01.22.2012: Today I am grateful for beautiful days in January. There is snow in many parts of the country and today was 80° and gorgeous!

01.23.2012: Today I am grateful for a husband that does the grocery shopping for us. Love him!

01.24.2012: Today I am grateful for today not being Monday. I am looking forward to the weekend.

01.25.2012: Today I am grateful for new cookware. It's fun cooking with new pans or tools and even better when its on sale.

01.26.2012: Today I am grateful for Friends. Any show that can make me laugh after all this time is amazing.

01.27.2012: Today I am grateful for Zac Brown Band and a husband who was willing to endure the music and pain for me! Lucky girl.

01.28.2012: Today I am grateful for Laini Butt. She is so good and it was nice to see her and hang out with her.

01.29.2012: Today I am grateful for my husband who not only puts up with my cranky moods but also gives me a massage and some good loving.

01.30.2012: Today I am grateful for the bad days because they make me appreciate the good ones so much more.

01.31.2012: Today I am grateful for a good book. I love the feeling of finishing a great book, almost feels familiar.

02.01.2012: Today I am grateful for the strength to actually finish a couple goals I set for myself--no caffeine, no coke, and this nightly posting.

02.02.2012: Today I am grateful for being home before 9pm. Thankful also that tomorrow is Friday.

02.03.2012: Today I am grateful for the ability to unwind on the way home with the windows down and music blaring.

02.04.2012: Today I am grateful for old friendships that never fade. Loved spending time with my S.O. girls tonight.

02.05.2012: Today I am grateful for my husband--he doesn't insist on watching the Super Bowl, loves me, believes in me, supports me and is always there for me. One lucky girl I am!

02.06.2012: Today I am grateful for Mondays that fly by. It was already 10:30 the first time I looked at my watch. Hope the rest of the week flies by too.

02.07.2012: Today I am grateful for my blogs. I have really gotten to love having the outlet. It's a great way to document my life.

02.08.0212: Today I am grateful for being done with all of the house stuff and in bed reading by 9:30. I also love that I am grateful for this rather than feeling "old". I love my adult life.

02.09.2012: Today I am grateful for good sushi and a good run. Two miles in less than 20 minutes.

02.10.2012:Today I am grateful for easy new recipes that are tasty. Tonight we tried Greek chicken pasta and it was quick and easy.

02.11.2012: Today I am grateful for great weather that is planned for tomorrow's race and my first race expo.

02.12.2012: Today I am grateful for a great half marathon. Extremely cold but worth it.

02.13.2012: Today I am grateful for awesome days. Today I was off with all successful, new baking recipes. Early V-day gifts from hubs were perfect. Loved every bit of my day.

02.14.2012: Today I am grateful that Teddy and I don't need a specific day to show our love. I love that we are really good at showing our affection all year long.

02.15.2012: Today I am grateful for all of the successful recipes I've made recently. Maybe owning a bakery or cafe isn't so far out of reach after all.

02.16.2012: Today I am grateful for the Internet. There is always something new to read and learn.

02.17.2012: Today I am grateful for early days off! Leaving work at 3 and shopping was a nice way to end the week!

02.18.2012: Today I am grateful for a running PR. 5k in 29:57

02.19.2012: Today I am grateful for new friendship that keep growing. Dinner with Tobby and Nicole was great!

02.20.2012: Today I am grateful for Monday's that fly. Today was pretty quick and productive. Best to get those Monday's out of the way.

02.21.2012: Today I am grateful for getting back into my normal non-running workout routine. Ready for health and fitness to continue.

02.22.2012: Today I am grateful for bonuses! Chico's exceeded target and it was announced that we will be getting a bonus! Yipee!

02.23.2012: Today I am grateful that tomorrow is Friday and a work day on the beach!!

02.24.2012: Today I am grateful that I have my sister and Nick to bail us out sometimes. Love them.

02.25.2012: Today I am grateful for the ability to see positive in most situations, thanks to my hubs a lot of the times.

02.26.2012: Today I am grateful for 80° weather in February and sunny boat days with family and Fitz.

02.27.2012: Today I am grateful that Monday is over and we are on the way to another weekend.

02.28.2012: Today I am grateful for true friends. Heather reminds me what a true friend is and means to me. I don't deserve anything less.

02.29.2012: Today I am grateful for the end of close. Today is practically the end of the busy days...for this month anyways. :-)

03.01.2012: Today I am grateful that my husband is interested in my interests. I'm thankful he spent the time helping me figure out what I needed for my bracelet making.

03.02.2012: Today I am grateful for opportunity. Today was Joe's last day and before leaving, he took the time to go through opportunities I have and areas for improvement. It gave me a more positive outlook on Chico's. Also grateful for craft project working first time around (bracelets)!!

03.03.2012: Today I am grateful for my love. Seeing Lise-Anne and Joe's wedding reminds me how much my love for Teddy has grown over the last five years.

03.04.2012: Today I am grateful for recipes that flop because they make me appreciate the ones that are awesome. Thanksgiving dinner in March is pretty awesome too.

03.05.2012: Today I am grateful that today is the first of two short weeks. Come on Thursday night.

03.06.2012: Today I am grateful that after 14 years Teddy and I still have great conversation and I still learn so much about myself through talks and conversations with my love.

03.07.2012: Today I am grateful for effortless nights with my sister and Nick. It's great to not have to worry about entertaining and we can just eat dinner, watch a movie, and paint our nails.

03.08.2012: Today I am grateful for my Papa. He is 87 today. I have such great memories of him--picking fruit, riding on the lawn mower, "painting" the sidewalk. I feel blessed to have him this long and still going strong.

03.09.2012: Today I am grateful for time off. I enjoyed being able to experiment with baking, watching some tv, and hanging out by the pool. Three more days off!

03.10.2012: Today I am grateful we have found a church where we fit in and feel comfortable. I really enjoy going to services and worshiping for the first time in a long while.

03.11.2012: Today I am grateful for awesome beach days. Today was perfect--Cayo Costa beach with Teddy, Fitz, Kelli, and Allison. Also grateful for daylight savings time---one more sign summer is near.

03.12.2012: Today I am grateful that my hubs and I got to spend a random Monday afternoon off from work together and watching a Red Sox Game.

03.13.2012: Today I am grateful for my life. Seeing my life in comparison to others makes me see all I have. I love my life.

03.14.2012: Today I am grateful for being able to be there for my sister. I'm thankful that my experiences offer her perspective.

03.15.2012: Today I am grateful for presale tickets to Lady Antebellum. Yipee!

03.16.2012: Today I am grateful for Friday and rockband with sister love---oh and wine!

03.17.2012: Today I am grateful for St. Patrick's Day. Love holidays and anything festive. Grateful for Teddy and Him getting us brownies late at night!

03.18.2012: Today I am grateful for perfect weathers on beach days in March. The weather was perfect, water was bright blue and clear, and we had a great time. Also I am grateful for Heather. She's an awesome friend---Happy 29th Dudey!

03.19.2012: Today I am grateful for our first run in a month. It was great to have the time off to relax but I'm glad to get back into it. Beach body here I come!

03.20.2012: Today I am grateful for awesome Heat games. I'm also grateful for the ability to go to great events last minute with friends. Planning on the FMFF tomorrow with Nicole and Tobby.

03.21.2012: Today I am grateful for a great friendship that is growing with Nicole and Tobby.

03.22.2012: Today I am grateful for early Fridays and free tickets to the Red Sox vs Yankee game. Seats were great.

03.23.2012: Today I am grateful for time to think. Being at the beach today allowed for awesome me time that I love to have. Hunger Games was awesome!!!

03.24.2012: Today I am grateful that I belong to a church that is making such a large impact on the community. 25,000 can goal for Feeding Ft. Myers.

03.25.2012: Today I am grateful for reaching and exceeding our goal of cans, 38,000. I'm also grateful for Homemade Snickers. Yummy.

03.26.2012: Today I am grateful for Teddy. He is such a considerate and thoughtful husband. I'm lucky to have him in my life.

03.27.2012: Today I am grateful for new adventures. Planning this tattoo is both stressful and exciting. Such a big decision.

03.28.2012: Today I am grateful for Heather. She's a great friend and I feel blessed to have her in my life.

03.29.2012: Today I am grateful for the Heat winning. Two losses in a row were enough.

03.30.2012: Today I am grateful for simple date nights after all this time. I love that Teddy and I still enjoy a simple dinner and a movie together.

03.31.2012: Today I am grateful for awesome days at the beach. Today was gorgeous on Sanibel. I'm a little bummed the tattoo plans fell through but Monday is the new plan.

04.01.2012: Today I am grateful that my mom finally has a place to call home of her own. Proud that she got this all taken care of on her own. On to positive things.

04.02.2012: Today I am grateful for new and exciting situations. My tattoo showed me I am so much stronger than I think sometimes.

04.03.2012: Today I am grateful for healthy babies. So glad Mary and Joe have a healthy baby girl and everything went well.

04.04.2012: Today I am grateful for the Miami Heat beating the Thunder after a great game.

04.05.2012: Today I am grateful for decompression. A night on the balcony with a bottle of wine is a perfect way to relax after a busy week of close.

04.06.2012: Today I am grateful for the end of a crappy week, it's Friday. I'm also grateful for a great dinner a Cristof's with hubs.

04.07.2012: Today I am grateful for my family. We had an awesome Easter dinner. I love spending time with them!

04.08.2012: Today I am grateful for a gorgeous day on the beach, both alone and with the hubs. So relaxing! I am grateful that I am learning how to just be.

04.09.2012: Today I am grateful for family---even though crazy at times, always a blast! Dominos, red wine, family!

04.10.2012: Today I am grateful for my husband. I know all his actions and thoughts are made out of love, even if they frustrate me sometimes. I am grateful he loves me for me, through the good and the bad.

04.11.2012: Today I am grateful for my strength. Sometimes I forget that I am pretty strong and am able to change the things in my life I do not like. Life is too short not to seize the day.

04.12.2012: Today I am grateful for the strength to bring up topics for conversation to Teddy. It's taken me some getting comfortable with but I am trying.

04.13.2012: Today I am grateful for relaxing, early Friday's off with my sister. Yay for the weekend.

04.14.2012: Today I am grateful for fun nights out just dancing. Here's to hanging out with friends, both old and new. It was great to see Kiley and spend some unexpected time with her.

04.15.2012: Today I am grateful for the ability to just relax and be with Teddy. Great day at the beach. I am not grateful for taxes today though :-(

04.16.2012: Today I am grateful for Monday that don't totally suck, especially when the Heat win.

04.17.2012: Today I am grateful for cuddling on the couch with lover!

04.18.2012: Today I am grateful for great friends and hockey. Everblades won and it was super fun.

04.19.2012: Today I am grateful for breakfast for dinner. Banana, chocolate chip pancakes with granola and bacon was the perfect meal. Delish!!

04.20.2012: Today I am grateful for fun times and Fridays. Sandy Parrot was great tonight with Tobby and Nicole, Tim and Shanna, Joan, and Tobby's mom.

04.21.2012: Today I am grateful for things that are bigger than I am. Seeing the stories behind some of the baptisms today makes me see how much I have to be thankful for. God is good!

04.22.2012: Today I am grateful for this awesome Earth. I'm grateful that we have so much beauty and amazement to enjoy. Gorgeous beaches, beautiful water, mountains, and sunsets. There is so much to be thankful for! Happy Earth Day!

04.23.2012: Today I am thankful for Corey and his family. There are many times I get aggravated but I'm thankful they truly care about us and I love them all, especially the little ones. Praying for a BFP tomorrow.

04.24.2012: Today we potentially have out first BPF! A faint positive is still a positive right. Praying the positive test is true and Baby G is on the way!

04.25.2012: Today I am grateful for another positive test. I'm also grateful for new friend Nicole lucky I have a good, Christian, positive person in my life.

04.26.2012: Today I am grateful for my relationship with my mom. I'm lucky to have her in my life and I enjoy being able to be there for her.

04.27.2012: Today I am grateful for yummy wholesome food at Fresh Market. Dinner was a grilled ribeye, grilled portobello, asparagus and corn.

04.28.2012: Today I am grateful for fun rainy days on the boat and floating coolers. It was also awesome telling my sister the big news today.

04.29.2012: Today I am grateful for all of the possibilities that lay before me. Makes me giddy inside just thinking about it.

04.30.2012: Today I am grateful for Monday's that aren't horrible. Today easily could have been a terrible day being its quarter end close but it was bearable. Yay.

05.01.2012: Today I am grateful for my hubs. He will be gone this week and I am going to miss him. He made sure I was all set: car wash, new tires, oil changed, and even made me food for the week. For this I am grateful!

05.02.2012: Today I am grateful for my hubs. He is gone this week and I miss him. He's such a good part of my life. I hope he has fun.

05.03.2012: Today I am grateful for this baby. All of the possibilities are so exciting. I'm ready for a family with the love of my life!

05.04.2012: Today I am grateful for relationships. Tonight at Dixie I ran into so many different crews of people it makes me thankful to have so many different people in my life, old and new!

05.05.2012: Today I am grateful for all of the people in my life. My hubs, my sister, and all of my friends that have kept me company this weekend!

05.06.2012: Today I am grateful for the end of this week and the beginning of another. Teddy comes home tomorrow, we get our first ultrasound Thursday, the Lady A concert Friday night, and Mother's Day!

05.07.2012: Today I am grateful that my husband is home!! Plus I got flowers, I love him!!

05.08.2012: Today I am grateful for my promotion. I'm thankful that so many people support me and are pulling for me. I'm also grateful for craft projects.

05.09.2012: Today I am grateful for the support at work. Over 40 congratulatory emails and calls makes me feel so appreciated.

05.10.2012: Today I am grateful for a little beating heart. My baby is just 4mm small but its heart is beating so strong. I love little baby G and I haven't even been with it that long.

05.11.2012: Today I am grateful for a fun night with Allie and Kelli. The Lady A concert was awesome with the girls.

05.12.2012: Today I am grateful for a hubs that will stay up until 1am to make croissants for my mom for Mothers Day. Awesome!!

05.13.2012: Today I am grateful for all of our families and how excited everyone is. Can't wait to see how this all unfolds.

05.14.2012: Today I am grateful for my mom. I think she will be great to have by my side through this journey. She's already got the baby a monkey toy and blanket!

05.15.2012: Today I am grateful for Teddy. He's already helping me see the truth in my irrationality.

05.16.2012: Today I am grateful for hours of Friends TV and cookies & milk---doesn't get much better than that.

05.17.2012: Today I am grateful for a patient husband---tandoori chicken and malikafta was sensory overload and he was so patient. Love him.

05.18.2012: Today I am grateful for Grant. Today he is 19 and he is such a great kid, loving, considerate, caring, and kind. I'm proud to have a little brother as great as him.

05.19.2012: Today I am grateful for Riverdale High. Grant graduated today and there are so many experiences and memories given to us by RHS, a history for my family. I'm proud to be a Raider!

05.20.2012: Today I am grateful for easy Sunday's. I hung out this morning and caught up on some chores and laundry, then went romping with my mom. Got some things I needed. Finished up the day with a nice night with hubs. Easy peasy.

05.21.2012: Today I am grateful for the south---I made homemade peach ice cream today and all that keeps running through my head is Luke Bryan lyrics "homemade peach ice cream on sun burnt lips, that's what country is". Glad to be a southern girl, even if some people don't consider Florida the south :-)

05.22.2012: Today I am grateful for sleep. This little one is burning my energy and I am tired. Until next time...goodnight!

05.23.2012: Today I am grateful for the ability to fall asleep super early. 8:45 sounds totally reasonable for someone in their first trimester right?

05.24.2012: Today I am grateful for four day weekends!!! Yay!

05.25.2012: Today I am grateful for our baby. It's growing as expected and is beautiful. Estimated due date has been moved up to 01.02.2013! Can't wait to complete our family!

05.26.2012: Today I am grateful for time with my bestie. So glad Heather came to visit unexpectedly!! Love her!

05.27.2012: Today I am grateful for 4 day weekend and relaxing beach days! One full day off remaining! Love it.

05.28.2012: Today I am grateful for awesome free tickets. Row 19 for the Heat playoffs were totally awesome.

05.29.2012: Today I am grateful for sleep. After a short nights sleep and a crappy day at work being in bed when the sun goes down is the perfect way to end the day.

05.30.2012: Today I am grateful for early nights. Leaving work at 6 in close is unheard of sometimes and much appreciated.

05.31.2012: Today I am grateful for my hubs. He has been taking care of so much stuff at home and letting me get plenty of sleep while Baby G is growing. Love him so much.

06.01.2012: Today I am grateful for Friday of close week! So glad this week is over.

06.02.2012: Being in my ninth week its safe to say I am grateful for naps!

06.03.2012: Today I am grateful for my life. I feel so blessed to have a husband and a great family with a baby on the way. So blessed!!

06.04.2012: Today I am grateful for almost being 10 weeks. This pregnancy is going along so well!

06.05.2012: Today I am grateful for Teddy as today is his birthday. The most awesome person in my life!

06.06.2012: Today I am grateful for the compassion and understanding that Kim showed as we told her the news. So glad it's over and we can move on and celebrate this life growing inside of me.

06.07.2012: Today I am grateful for being able to stay up and watch the Heat game for the first time in a while! Plus they won. One more win between them and the finals.

06.08.2012: Today I am grateful for Friday dinners with my girls. I loved telling them and everyone else of our news.

06.09.2012: Today I am grateful for lazy Saturdays. These are starting to become common place. Can't wait for some energy but for now might as well enjoy them.

06.10.2012: Today I am grateful for lazy Sundays. I'm also grateful that my husband helped me clean out the guest room. Now it's a blank canvas, ready for the nursery.

06.11.2012: Today I am grateful for family time. No matter how chaotic, I still enjoy spending time with them.

06.12.2012: Today I am grateful that the Heat are in the finals. Let's go Heat!

06.13.2012: Today I am grateful for making it to 11 weeks. Time has gone by so quickly!

06.14.2012: Today I am grateful for my job at Chico's. I have learned a lot in the last year and a half and I am grateful for the opportunity to teach what I have learned to my new team.

06.15.2012: Today I am grateful for relaxed days at work. Wearing pj's to work while pregnant is pure bliss.

06.16.2012: Today I am grateful for my creativity. I am thankful that I am able to channel my creativity and passions into memories and great crafts.

06.17.2012: Today I am grateful for Sundays and the ability to rest!

06.18.2012: Today I am grateful for my husband. This pregnancy is between Teddy and myself, I need to remember that me, him, and the baby are all that matters.

06.19.2012: Today I am grateful for another Heat win, only one to go!

06.20.2012: Today I am grateful for my little baby G. Today's ultrasound was amazing, seeing how much it's grown is simply a miracle. I can't wait for what lies ahead.

06.21.2011: Today I am grateful for the Heat finally winning the Championship!!! They deserve it!

06.22.2012: Today I am grateful for so many friends and family! Seeing 30+ people come out to celebrate my birthday makes me see how loved I am.

06.23.2012: Today I am grateful for Heather. She is always there for me and no matter how long we are apart, we always have a great time playing catch-up.

06.24.2012: Today I am grateful for rainy days with my husband. Love just spending time with him!

06.25.2012: Today I am grateful for my ability to work out. Elliptical today was awesome, a great start to my healthy pregnancy.

06.26.2012: Today I am grateful for fun nights cooking with hubs and great books. I love having a great book that draws me in!

06.27.2012: Today I am grateful for making it to the second trimester. Love this little one!!!

06.28.2012: Today I am grateful that tomorrow is a half day, first day of summer hours!!

06.29.2012: Today I am grateful for Nicole and Tobby's friendship, dinner at Joe's was great!

06.30.2012: Today I am grateful for Teddy. I love that just being away from him for the day makes me miss him.

07.01.2012: Today I am grateful for great finds for the nursery! Love Craigslist.

07.02.2012: Today I am grateful for new cars! We finally got rid of my husbands heap!

07.03.2012: Today I am grateful for holidays, even if they are in the middle of the week, a day off is a day off.

07.04.2012: Today I am grateful for having this little baby in me for 14 weeks. Time is going so fast!

07.05.2012: Today I am grateful for my husband. I love how caring he is and how I know he will take care of me and the baby when the time comes.

07.06.2012: Today I am grateful for early Fridays. Today was an early day plus it was rainy and gloomy. Perfect for an afternoon of Friends and napping.

07.07.2012: Today I am grateful for romping with hubs. I loved just driving around and it just being him and me, reminds me of Miami.

07.08.2012: Today I am grateful for my nieces and nephew. They are all so sweet and funny in their own way.

07.09.2012: Today I am just grateful that Monday is over. Yay!

07.10.2012: Today I am grateful for the position of manager I have been given. At times it just feels like meetings but I feel I am learning more and getting more experience every day. I'm also grateful for the cutest cloth diapers ever.

07.11.2012: Today I am grateful for easy nights, just me and hubs and Fitzy. My family! This plus yummy chocolate chip cookies.

07.12.2012: Today I am grateful for Pregnancy cravings. My Jersey Mike's sub was so delicious--probably because it's forbidden fruit.

07.13.2012: Today I am grateful for early Fridays and also Friday the 13th that are spectacular and no disasters.

07.14.2012: Today I am grateful for Corey and his family. It's not often that we spend time with them but it was fun.

07.15.2012: Today I am grateful for sales---crib mattress is on the way!

07.16.2012: Today I am grateful for my hubs. Love him!

07.17.2012: Today I am grateful for Baby G I just wish s/he would cooperate! Is baby G a boy or girl?!

07.18.2012: Today I am grateful for quality time with Allie. I haven't hung out with her in a whole, it was good to catch up.

07.19.2012: Today I am grateful for creativity. Painting the dresser and thoughts of the nursery are so exciting.

07.20.2012: Today I am grateful for elective ultrasounds---Baby G is a girl!!!

07.21.2012: Today I am grateful for friends. We got so much great stuff today all for free. People are awesome!

07.22.2012: Today I am grateful for hubs and my growing family. Today we began setting up the nursery and it was so awesome to see things starting to get together.

07.23.2012: Today I am grateful for yummy new recipes, first time making lasagna was a success.

07.24.2012: Today I am grateful for my order of cloth diapers. So excited to do this.

07.25.2012: Today I am grateful for the Internet at work, this week has been brutal.

07.26.2012: Today I am grateful for fun times with Nicole--Pinterest Party was fun.

07.27.2012: Today I am grateful for Friday off from work, new purses, and my Snoogle!!

07.28.2012: Today I am grateful for my awesome husband that painted the nursery for our little one. He was so careful to keep the fumes away, it was so sweet.

07.29.2012: Today I am grateful for crafts---starting crafts for the nursery is so fun.

07.30.2012: Today I am grateful for yummy Greek food for only $3 thanks to Groupon.

07.31.2012: Today I am grateful for a husband that cooks dinner when I work late. Love him.

08.01.2012: Today I am grateful for free pizza, it was the only redeeming quality during quarter end close.

08.02.2012: Today I am grateful for close being over. This week has sucked.

08.03.2012: Today I am grateful for early Friday! This week is finally over.

08.04.2012: Today I am grateful for my fabric for the glider!

08.05.2012: Today I am grateful for new friendships that are growing, dinner with Mary and Joe was great (and Ms. Ella too of course)

08.06.2012: Today I am grateful for Teddy grocery shopping every week. It's so helpful and I appreciate it.

08.07.2012: Today I am grateful for Teddy. I had a horrible day, came home crying uncontrollably and he listened and helped. Perfect husband.

08.08.2012: Today I am grateful for 19 weeks---can't believe almost halfway there.

08.09.2012: Today I am grateful for getting off at a decent time and enjoying a wonderful dinner at McGregor Cafe with hubs. It was fun to fantasize and think about Henley.

08.10.2012: Today I am grateful for Friday. Hanging out and enjoying a nice steak dinner with Teddy was perfect.

08.11.2012: Today I am grateful for fun Saturday's with Allie. It was a fun day hanging out and watching a movie with her---I love Meryl Streep.

08.12.2012: Today I am grateful for curtains! Henley's curtains are backed with blackout material and hung.

08.13.2012: Today I am grateful for kicks and baby Henley. Went to the doctor today and everything looks great. I also felt her for the first time!!

08.14.2012: Today I am grateful for Heather---just chatting with her for a bit today makes me realize that I miss her everyday-ness. I miss seeing her and talking about nothing everyday. Maybe one day again.

08.15.2012: Today I am grateful for being halfway through this pregnancy. So awesome!

08.16.2012: Today I am grateful for yummy brownies and milk!

08.17.2012: Today I am grateful for Friday and the weekend. I never get sick of having time off!

08.18.2012: Today I am grateful for registering! Picking out baby stuff was so fun and exciting. Can't wait to have a reason to use it.

08.19.2012: Today I am grateful for family and memories. Dinner at Mom's was fun and so was looking at old pictures.

08.20.2012: Today I am grateful for another successful run. It was a little harder but still manageable.

08.21.2012: Today I am grateful for leaving work on time.

08.22.2012: Today I am grateful for 21 weeks. On the downhill slide!

08.23.2012: Today I am grateful for Cool Ranch Doritos! It's the simple things sometimes.

08.24.2012: Today I am grateful for my sister. Dinner with her and Nick was nice and Cold Stone after was delish!

08.25.2012: Today I am grateful for Nicole's pregnancy. Henley will have a perfect playmate.

08.26.2012: Today I am grateful that Isaac didn't cause tons of damage even though a crazy storm would have been fun.

08.27.2012: Today I am grateful for crafts---the scrapbook picture and blanket came out really well and were fun!

08.28.2012: Today I am grateful for hubs cooking yummy meatballs!

08.29.2012: Today I am grateful for Mary helping out with close. She's making my week a little more bearable.

08.30.2012: Today I am grateful that I am not working tomorrow. I'm also grateful that Nicole heard the baby's heartbeat!!!

08.31.2012: Today I am grateful for vacation! Four days off and in the Keys----perfection!

09.01.2012: Today I am grateful for the ability to relax. This trip is going great. Also grateful that Fitzy was able to join, he's hilarious on vacation.

09.02.2012: Today I am grateful for living somewhere so gorgeous.

09.03.2012: Today I am grateful for home. No matter how awesome vacation is, coming home always feels awesome. I missed my Snoogle!

09.04.2012: Today I am grateful for Teddy. God Gave Me You!

09.05.2012: Today I am grateful for 23 weeks. This pregnancy is flying by.

09.06.2012: Today I am grateful for six days off!

09.07.2012: Today I am grateful for Kiley and old friendships. I love that we can spend a whole day together after not spending much time and pick up where we left off.

09.08.2012: Today I am grateful for nursery crafts. It was fun having my mom over to help with baby stuff.

09.09.2012: Today I am grateful for cooking with Teddy, it's probably my most favorite thing to do with him.

09.10.2012: Today I am grateful for Henley's heartbeat. I never tire of hearing it beat so strongly.

09.11.2012: Today I am grateful for the 6 days I've had off. It was great having time to just relax and work on the nursery.

09.12.2012: Today I am grateful for short weeks. I wish all weeks were three days.

09.13.2012: Today I am grateful for dinners at home. This week has been full of yummy home cooking.

09.14.2012: Today I am grateful for Friday and crafts!

09.15.2012: Today I am grateful for all of the time I have to spend on the nursery crafts. It's so fun planning for Henley and making special things she will use.

09.16.2012: Today I am grateful for my mom cooking me Thanksgiving dinner in September. Also thankful that it's officially fall in the Gadoury house.

09.17.2012: Today I am grateful for country music! Loved listening to my favorites on the CMA special tonight.

09.18.2012: Today I am grateful for crazy kicking Henley. She was moving around so much. Love it.

09.19.2012: Today I am grateful for 25 weeks! Only two more weeks left in the second trimester.

09.20.2012: Today I am grateful for the nursery. It's almost done.

09.21.2012: Today I am grateful it's Friday and I got a good understanding of the budgeting today.

09.22.2012: Today I am grateful for time with Allie. It was nice to hang out and spend time with her. I also enjoyed our long walk.

09.23.2012: Today I am grateful for my husband. I love that he spent so much time helping me with the nursery.

09.24.2012: Today I am grateful for my mom--Happy Birthday!

09.25.2012: Today I am grateful for the finishing touches coming together on the nursery, almost done.

09.26.2012: Today I am grateful for actually understanding the budget process now.

09.27.2012: Today I am grateful for Teddy and the support system he provides. My grandfather is choosing to end care and this plus Henley's lack if movement lately had me really upset. He knows exactly how to calm me down and make me see the big picture.

09.28.2012: Today I am grateful for Henley finally back to normal kicking. I missed it.

09.29.2012: Today I am grateful for a fun and successful Pinterest Party. I'm also grateful for my group of awesome friends.

09.30.2012: Today I am grateful for my current circle of family and friends.

10.01.2012: Today I am grateful for sleep! So tired today.

10.02.2012: Today I am grateful for today not being Monday.

10.03.2012: Today I am grateful for a country where we can vote and express our opinions.

10.04.2012: Today I am grateful for FaceTime. Love chatting with my sister and seeing her--it's fun!

10.05.2012: Today I am grateful for Friday. 'Nuff said.

10.06.2012: Today I am grateful for family and new friends. Alaina turned two today and her little b-day party was so cute. We also went to an Oktoberfest at Aida and Brad's house. There were a lot of new friends there and it was great getting to know everyone a little better.

10.07.2012: Today I am grateful for simple days. Today just hanging out with Teddy, getting breakfast and enjoying the day was perfect.

10.08.2012: Today I am grateful for hearing Henley's heartbeat----I never tire of that.

10.09.2012: Today I am grateful for my attitude towards work. After 6 years in the business world, I can finally say I have mastered the "eff it" attitude. Family and personal life is number one---work a distant number two. That's how it should be.

10.10.2012: Today I am grateful for 28 weeks. Well on our way to the third trimester. I'm also grateful for days full of busy meetings, makes the day fly!

10.11.2012: Today I am great for books that are entertaining. Gone Girl was a gripping read, even though I was totally frustrated the whole time.

10.12.2012: Today I am grateful for half days!

10.13.2012: Today was my first shower from Nicole and Shanna and this make me so grateful for my friends. Spending time with everyone was great and the shower was perfect. I'm so lucky.

10.14.2012: Today I am grateful for lazy Sundays and old friends. Catching up with Donnie and Tabitha was great.

10.15.2012: Today I am grateful for Heather. I can always count on her for uplifting Monday emails.

10.16.2012: Today I am grateful for it not being Monday.

10.17.2012: Today I am grateful for 29 weeks. We are getting so close.

10.18.2012: Today I am grateful for the ideas and prospect of my Etsy store.

10.19.2012: Today I am grateful for impromptu half days!

10.20.2012: Today I am grateful for fun nights with friends. Pumpkin carving and chili dinner with Nicole and Tobby was fun.

10.21.2012: Today I am grateful for Tijuana Flats and romping with hubs in great weather.

10.22.2012: Today I am grateful that despite walking down 22 flights of stairs I was still able to function most of the day. Also grateful for an awesome appointment.

10.23.2012: Today I am grateful for great walks and talks with my sister. Nice to get out and grab time with her.

10.24.2012: Today I am grateful for making it to 30 weeks. Keep cooking Henley---see you in 9-10 weeks!

10.25.2012: Today I am grateful for long walks with hubs and Fitz. I love spending that time catching up and getting a little exercise.

10.26.2012: Today I am grateful for completed CPE. Even though is was a painful two days I am 16 credit hours closer.

10.27.2012: Today I am grateful for my dad and Toni. They threw me a nice shower and I'm very thankful.

10.28.2012: Today I am grateful for crafts!

10.29.2012: Today I am grateful for a good start to quarter end, hopefully it continues.

10.30.2012: Today I am grateful for potato soup, seriously the best thing ever!!

10.31.2012: Today I am grateful that quarter end is technically close and the havoc is no mas.

11.01.2012: Today I am grateful for my husband's perspective. Sometimes I get lost in the mess of the details and worry and I love that he keeps me grounded and gives me a realistic perspective.

11.02.2012: Today I am grateful for friends! Dinner/date night with Mary as Joe was great. Loved just catching up.

11.03.2012: Today I am grateful for two baby showers that I have to attend because that means that two more healthy babies are on their way to joining us.

11.04.2012: Today I am grateful for the past 15 years. I have been able to spend them with the best man that's ever lived. I'm also grateful for the 30 years I got to spend with Papa. He was the best grandparent anyone could ask for. I know he's in a better place now!

11.05.2012: Today I am grateful for great memories I have had with my papa. I will miss him!

11.06.2012: Today I am grateful for the ability to vote! I'm also grateful that Obama won!

11.07.2012: Today I am grateful for baby care class and the fact that my husband is so funny and loves learning about Henley as much as I do.

11.08.2012: Today I am grateful for 15 years together with Teddy.

11.09.2012: Today I am grateful for the service for Papa and a chance to say goodbye. I love remembering how great he was and seeing how important family was to him. I hope to keep that tradition going strong.

11.10.2012: Today I am grateful for my shower and seeing how great my family and friends really are. I feel so special! I also loved seeing Henley on the ultrasound. Love her fat little cheeks and cute pouty lips---can't wait to give her a huge kiss.

11.11.2012: Today I am grateful for my mother-in-law hooking us up with some great things for the baby.

11.12.2012: Today I am grateful for quality time with Teddy. We took a long walk downtown and then just enjoyed a little Starbucks and some good conversation. Love him.

11.13.2012: Today I am grateful that my grandfather was such a great man to model after. More families will have turkeys thanks to Nations Association & Gen Acct. in memory of Papa.

11.14.2012: Today I am grateful for the awesome class about breast feeding we took tonight. I'm grateful to have the resources to learn and I'm also grateful my husband was right there with me the whole time.

11.15.2012: Today I am grateful for the giving from my team that allowed us to purchase turkeys and other food for six families in need. I'm also grateful for my mom and that she went with me to get the last of things for Henley!

11.16.2012: Today I am grateful for nesting. I love seeing all of Henley's things coming together and I can't wait for her to use them.

11.17.2012: Today I am grateful for the great instructors at Health Park. All of the classes have been so informative and I feel better prepared for Henley's arrival.

11.18.2012: Today I am grateful for productive days: got a cabinet for Henley's room, organized everything, tried the new Mexican place downtown, and got a walk in.

11.19.2012: Today I am grateful for a short work week. I'm also grateful Teddy and Jerry flew safely and landed home perfectly.

11.20.2012: Today I am grateful for the times when things don't work because it makes me appreciate when they do. Tonight felt like nothing went right so hoping everything functions properly tomorrow.

11.21.2012: Today I am grateful for my family. Fun prepping for Thanksgiving with everyone and hanging out.

11.22.2012: Today I am grateful for family. Thanksgiving is always a fun time and I love spending with our crazy families.

11.23.2012: Today I am grateful for crafts. A whole day of relaxing and crafting---perfect!

11.24.2012: Today I am grateful for my husband. Not only did he go with me to see the new Twilight movie but he also bought a carpet cleaner and cleaned the carpets for me. He's so awesome.

11.25.2012: Today I am grateful for Christmas. The tree is up and the lights are lit. I love this time of year! Crazy to think this time next year will be totally different.

11.26.2012: Today I am grateful that I am prepared for Henley for the most part. I'm grateful that my hubs is so good at helping me prepare.

11.27.2012: Today I am grateful for baths. It was nice to just float and relax peacefully.

11.28.2012: Today I am grateful for 35 weeks. I'm grateful Henley will be here in 35 days, give or take a few.

11.29.2012: Today I am grateful for my husband that keeps me grounded and a reality check. Work is only work and I have so much more waiting for me at home.

11.30.2012: Today I am grateful for finally Friday!!! Thank god close week is over. Hopefully this was my last close for a few months --- come on Henley!

12.01.2012: Today I am grateful for the Christmas season, I love December.

12.02.2012: Today I am grateful for being a month away from my due date. Come on Henley!

12.03.2012: Today I am grateful that the placenta previa resolved itself. I'm grateful Henley is a healthy weight and is growing big and strong.

12.04.2012: Today I am grateful for my hubs. It was fun playing with the cupcake decorating tools I got.

12.05.2012: Today I am grateful for all of the things we got for Henley. I packed the diaper bag tonight and it was fun to see all of the clothes and cute things for her.

12.06.2012: Today I am grateful for the end of the week. Finally.

12.07.2012: Today I am grateful that Henley is coming soon. Hospital and diaper bags are packed!

12.08.2012: Today I am grateful for spa days--my prenatal massage and facial were amazing.

12.09.2012: Today I am grateful that I was able to paint my nails today! I actually reached my toes, no easy task!

12.10.2012: Today I am grateful for creative juices. Making fondant penguins was so fun!

12.11.2012: Today I am grateful for the bad nights sleep because they make me appreciate the good ones. Let's hope tonight is a good one.

12.12.12: Today I am grateful for the holidays which bring holiday parties. JLW party was fun and Teddy won an Honor Award. :-)

12.13.2012: Today I am grateful that we have made it to 37 weeks and all is healthy so far. Just need to limit my walks to help with swelling.

12.14.2012: Today I am grateful for holiday baking. Cake competition at work was fun and the Andes Mint cupcakes Teddy and I made tonight were amazing. Best cupcake ever.

12.15.2012: Today I am grateful for friends and family. Had a great day at Mary and Joe's then spent the night catching up with Allie. Fun fun.

12.16.2012: Today I am grateful for Christmas shopping that is complete. Yay.

12.17.2012: Today I am grateful for homemade presents. All of the things I've made this year have really been fun (if only my printer cooperated).

12.18.2012: Today I am grateful for Henley Nicole. I'm grateful for a great labor experience. I'm grateful for a great support in Teddy and I'm grateful that we are all healthy.

12.19.2012: Today I am grateful for this amazing gift of life. Totally insane how great life is.

12.20.2012: Today I am grateful that we are taking Henley home with us.

12.21.2012: Today I am grateful for Teddy. Visitors and the newness of Henley was a little overwhelming and he kept me sane. Also grateful for a great night with Henley. First night home.

12.22.2012: Today I am grateful for such awesome family and friends. It's definitely a blessing that Teddy and I have to turn so many generous offerings from friends away because there are so many. We are so lucky to be supported by such awesome people.

12.23.2012: Today I am grateful for some downtime. It was nice to be just Teddy and I for the most part today.

12.24.2012: Today I am grateful for our first Christmas Eve as a family of three. Dinner at Corey's was great and we got to spend some time with family.

12.25.2012: Today I am grateful for my most perfect Christmas present ever---Henley Nicole! I'm also grateful for a quiet Christmas Day alone with my new perfect family.

12.26.2012: Today I am grateful for Teddy and how much he cares for me. I'm grateful he was concerned about Henley and I on his first day back to work.

12.27.2012: Today I am grateful for romping successfully with Henley. We didn't take her out of the car but it felt good to mingle with normal people even if just for a bit.

12.28.2012: Today I am grateful for a good Friday night---hanging out with Ted, watching a funny movie while Henley snuggles. Priceless.

12.29.2012: Today I am grateful for my family. Having Teddy and Henley and Fitz is perfect! I love my family!

12.30.2012: Today I am grateful for NetFlix! Watching old shows is a great way to pass the time while snuggling with Hens!

12.31.2012: Today I am grateful that I stuck with this and I now have 365 things I am grateful for. This year was awesome and I have so many great memories to look back on.


This list is long and I doubt all of you even made it through but this is a great way for me to remind myself that no matter how rough my day/week/month is going, I have tons to be thankful for! Life is good!

Happy New Year and here's to a healthy and prosperous 2013!



Mere :-)

Sunday, December 30, 2012

::Henley:: It's Photo Shoot Time!

The beauty of having a husband that dabbles in photography is we can play photo shoot with Henley whenever she is hanging out and being mellow. The hubs took some really great pictures yesterday and I thought I would share!













I got a lot of the ideas for these pictures from Pinterest. I have some more I want to try later on but this is a great start. We even took one for our birth announcements but you have to wait until we send out of the announcements to see :-)

Hope you all are enjoying the weekend! Only one more day left in 2012---holy crap this year flew by!

Mere :-)


Thursday, December 27, 2012

::Henley:: Birth Story

It's been a little over a week and I have been dying to write how Henley joined our world before I forgot any of the details, no matter how small. Over the last nine months, I have read birth story after birth story of different labors and to be honest, most of them sounded pretty traumatic and were intimidating. I feel I heard way more negative stories than positive ones so I hope my story gives someone a little light at the end of the tunnel and some faith that all births aren't so bad.

Looking back now I think my labor started around 4am on December 18th. As typical of a nine month pregnant woman, I was going to the restroom almost hourly overnight. When I went to the bathroom at 4am, I felt some pressure down below but didn't really think much about it and I definitely didn't think enough to turn on the light to check out the situation  I had the same feeling around 5am, just slightly more intense. I turned the light on and noticed  some blood when I wiped. I had heard this may happen towards the end of the pregnancy but that it's not a definite on the time frame, could mean one day or 3 weeks.

By the time I was awake and up and moving around I had slight period cramps which I assumed were Braxton Hicks contractions. I hadn't felt any of these before so I wasn't totally sure but I promised Teddy I would call the doctor's office as soon as they opened just to make sure. Around 8:30, I called the on-call nurse and she said since they were so mild, they were probably just Braxton Hicks and to continue to monitor them and if they got more intense or came with blood to call back.

Lately at work I have been bombarded with meetings trying to catch everyone up to speed on what's been going on and just trying to get things in a good spot before maternity leave. Tuesday was no exception. I started out the day with my weekly meeting with my team to catch up on anything that is going on. We mostly spent this time making sure all was in line. I had a few other meetings including one in a different building. As we were driving the golf cart to that meeting, I felt the contractions were getting stronger and stronger. After we got back from that meeting, I had about 30 minutes before the next meeting so I decided to start timing them. (I used an app called Sprout--I loved this app and highly recommend it throughout the pregnancy) At this point the contractions were 30-45 seconds long and about 9 minutes apart. I still wasn't convinced this was labor.

My 10am "meeting" actually turned out to be a surprise baby shower thrown by the Finance department for myself and two others that are due in January (perfect timing eh?). During this time, the contractions were getting more and more intense. Someone actually asked how I was feeling and I responded that I may be having contractions right now :-)



During lunch the contractions got worse and after lunch I actually had to stand through the contractions because they were so uncomfortable. Up until this point, they felt mostly like period cramps but around noon they shifted to my back and were pretty painful. At around 2:00pm, Ted told me to email him the contractions I had been logging on the app so I sent them over. He immediately called me back and told me to call the nurse. (I should note he had been telling me to call the nurse since about 11:30 but I didn't think things were that intense just yet). My contractions were still 30-45 seconds long but were every 5-6 minutes apart.

I called the nurse and told her the frequency of the contractions. She said she was going to talk to my doctor and get back with me to let me know if I should come into the office or if I should go to OB triage at the hospital. She called me back almost immediately to let me know Dr. J wanted me to come to the office asap. To say a little panic ensued is an understatement. I still had a meeting at 3 that I was to lead to transition something to my team and I had a sticky note of to-do's. In the 15 minutes after I got off of the phone, I was running around bringing my team up to speed on the meeting and the to-do lists. 

Finally I was on the way to the doctor. I checked in and sat in the waiting room for a good 20 minutes, contracting the whole time. I finally got back to see Dr. J and after a quick check he said "Yep you're in labor, 4 cm. I'll meet you at the hospital in a few minutes to break your water and then we are going to have a baby!"

If I thought I was nervous before when he told me to come into the office, I had no idea the flood of emotion that was to come. It was so overwhelming to think that my little girl was finally on her way but at the same time there were so many emotions that I could not comprehend. Would it be a fast or slow labor? Could I handle the pain? Will she be healthy? I didn't have much time to think about these things thankfully but these thoughts definitely crossed my mind.

At this point, I had not yet told any of my family that I was even having contractions, (I didn't want anyone to get their hopes up) so in the short two minute ride to the hospital (and five wrong turns later) we called and texted everyone that Baby Henley was coming soon.

We arrived at the hospital at 4:30pm. We were admitted and checked-in, hospital gown on, and all vitals checked and ready to go.


Dr. J came in around 5:00pm to check on my progress and to break my water, I was 5cm. He proceeded to break my water which felt totally weird by the way! It was the strangest feeling ever. He wanted me up and walking around the labor floor to get things moving along. Once my water broke, the contractions were very intense and I couldn't continue to walk through them any longer. I had to stop walking, hold the rail on the wall and clench onto Teddy to work through them. After one walk around the floor, I decided to move around our room instead and just try to labor in the room as best I could. I tried to sit on the birthing ball but squishing my stomach was very painful. 

At around 6:30pm, the nurse came back in to check on me. I told her I needed something for the pain. The contractions were so painful that I could no longer concentrate to breathe or count through them. I had been doing pretty well with counting through them but it was getting to be too much. Mentally I told myself that if I were only 6 cm dilated at this point, I would asked for the epidural but if I was any more, I would just get some pain medication that would take the edge off. With these meds, you can still feel everything and it's still pretty painful, just not debilitating. Good news---when they checked I was already 8cm!! 

Another check at 7:00pm showed I was 9.5cm and about ready to start pushing. The nurse said that sometimes the contractions feel better if you let yourself push through them and she was right. I started pushing lightly at this point and around 7:30, I was full on pushing. I personally liked pushing on my side way more than on my back, I felt like I could really make some progress in that position. I pushed on both sides for a little while before Dr. J came back in the room. He positioned me on my back and started getting suited up for Operation Baby Henley! She was on her way!

I pushed for about an hour, at 8:27pm Henley Nicole was born. It wasn't pain-free and it wasn't a "feel good" moment physically but I really feel blessed that I progressed so quickly. There were moments during the labor where I was crying and begging someone to just get her out! I was screaming at times and grunting at other times and there may have been some colorful language but I wouldn't trade any part of my experience for anything else in the world. I am thrilled I didn't need the epidural.

When she was born, she was alert and immediately placed on my chest for an hour of skin to skin contact and breastfeeding. She latched immediately and I got to see her awake and alert. She nursed for a full 30 minutes. I love that my hospital has the "Golden Hour" of skin to skin contact for baby and family to bond. I love that she was so willing to nurse right away and I think the Golden Hour really contributes to that bonding time.

My husband and I were there in awe of this little life. We made this little human and she is perfect!






I think that's everything---let's hope I didn't miss anything (unlikely, this post is massive!) :-)

Mere :-)

Tuesday, December 25, 2012

::Henley:: Week 1

Henley has been with us for one week---I now am starting to understand what everyone has been referring to when they tell us to enjoy every moment because they fly by. Her eyes are open a little more each day and I feel like we are getting to know her as much as she is getting to know us.



Weight

Henley was 7 pounds 11 ounces at birth and weighed 7 pounds 2 ounces at her first pediatrician's visit on Saturday. We go back to the doctor tomorrow, hopefully she is getting plenty to eat and has gained a little more weight.

Health

Healthy as can be! 

Sleep

She is sleeping in our room in either the Rock & Play or the Pack & Play. We have been moving back and forth between the two. She sleeps a little better in the Rock and Play but I feel like she should get used to the flat surface of the Pack and Play also therefore we try to work that in when possible. She's waking every two to three hours for feedings and is sleeping the rest of the time for the most part. She is typically the most alert and awake around 6pm and around 5am. Lucky for me her Dad is an amazing help at that 5am time!

Clothing

She is wearing Newborn sizes only, there have been a couple NB sizes that are a little big still. Haven't touched the 0-3 stack yet.

Diet

Mom's breastmilk! When she finishes eating she looks like she is in "milk coma". She grins as she pulls away and both arms fall down loosely by her size, totally relaxed. It's one of my favorite things that she does.

Baby Gear Love

She has really started to love her "My Little Lamb" swing in the last few days. We have put her in that a couple times during the day and she relaxes and soothes herself to sleep. The Rock & Play is great for bed time also. Momma is loving all of our cloth diapers that I am finally getting the opportunity to use. 

Crying

She is pretty mellow for the most part, crying when gassy, hungry, or uncomfortable.

Social

Henley was a busy social butterfly this week meeting most of the family. So far she has met all of the grandparents and most of the aunts and uncles and cousins, still yet to meet Auntie Tara. She has met a few of our friends as well--Heather Davis, Donnie and Tabitha Berry, Nicole Evans, Mark and Donnitta Goodman, Jerry and Joann Wallace, Aida Klement, & Laura Dunckley.

This is a video of her first time meeting her cousin Alaina:



She also celebrated her first Christmas Eve with Mom's side of the family.

Postpartum

Mom is feeling pretty good. Stitches are still healing and I'm still sore but moving around pretty well. Breastfeeding is tougher on my body than I originally imagined. I had always heard that if it hurts you are doing it wrong but it turns out that if it hurts, your body just needs time to adjust.

Milestones

This week everything has been a milestone. First day being in the real world, first time at home, first time meeting big brother Fitz, first time meeting family and friends, and first Christmas. This has been a pretty amazing week!




Saturday, December 22, 2012

::Baby G:: Henley Nicole is Here!

As some of you may have guessed from my lack of a 38 week board post, Henley Nicole has arrived, just in time for Christmas. I hope to start posting weekly updates on the baby starting next week and I will post my birth story soon but for now, a picture to hold you over!

Henley Nicole
Born 12.18.2012
7 pounds 11 ounces
20 inches long

Mere :-)

Tuesday, December 11, 2012

::Baby G:: Week 37 Full Term


How far along? 37 weeks --- Full TERM!

Total weight gain/loss: 29 lbs --- as of last appointment. Heading to the doctor tomorrow.

Maternity clothes? Yep of course. They are getting to be uncomfortable. Can I just go without pants from now on?

Stretch marks? Just the same ones as always.

Symptoms: Heartburn is still out of control! Baby is sitting on my bladder most days, making me have to pee often. Just this week my feet have swelled and my tailbone has been sore. Really random symptoms.

Sleep: This is totally hit or miss --- two nights ago I slept wonderfully (Teddy even said I was snoring) but last night was terrible. I was up at least 6 times and everything hurt all night long.

Best moment this week: Cleaning out the closets! We finally made room for all of Henley's stuff and got the office closet cleaned out and packed up nicely. That was the last thing that was really bothering me that I wanted done prior to her arrival.

Have you told family and friends: Yep

Miss anything? Being comfortable still.

Movement: Henley loves the space to the right of my belly button. Her little butt and feet are there almost all day long and she even makes my belly a funny shape. I think she is going to be feisty because every time someone touches her she moves away--just like mom, doesn't like to be bothered.

Food cravings: Holiday anything---cookies, chocolate peppermint, cupcakes. I did some baking this week.

Anything making you queasy or sick: Nope, I've definitely been blessed in this area.

Have you started to show yet: Yes and that is a total understatement!

Gender: Girl, Henley Nicole!

Labor Signs: None. I haven't had any braxton hicks and I am a little nervous I won't know when labor actually starts.

Belly Button in or out? It's almost out---I think I am one sneeze away from an outtie.

Wedding Rings On or Off? Off and on a chain on my necklace. They fit in the mornings but are way too snug for me to attempt to wear them all day long.

Happy or Moody: I'm happy the majority of the time but I have been pretty cranky when I am tired. Moments like these I just go to bed!

Exercise: Hubs and I have had tons of great walks downtown. They created this whole area around the river with fountains and benches for seating. It's so pretty and relaxing. We have been walking there and hanging out for a bit before walking back. I'll get some pictures next time we go. We went two nights in a row which I think was a bit too much since my feet were killing me the whole next day.

Looking forward to: My doctor's appointment tomorrow. I am so curious if she has dropped or progressed at all. I am totally aware that even if I am dilated 1 cm that it doesn't necessarily mean anything but I'd still like to know.

Tonight was the Christmas party for my husband's work so here is a picture we took there.

Have a great rest of the week!

Mere :-)

Saturday, December 8, 2012

::Baby G:: A Little Shopping

Yesterday at work I was just in a funk---I didn't sleep well the night before and I didn't really feel great so I decided on lunch to step out and walk around some shops just to get out of the office. I ended up at the Baby Gap, that place is the mecca of cuteness. I found some really great things and thought I'd share!

I got this outfit in a 0-3 size. I have quite a few 0-3 month sized clothing but I just want her to wear this as soon as possible! This hat is too cute for words and the little drawstring pants are so perfect---it even has pockets!


I also got this little mini jean skirt and striped onesie (I'm a sucker for stripes). I got this in a 3-6 months so come spring, she will be sporting this adorable little outfit!

The best part was everything was 30% off this weekend! Score!

I hope are having a great weekend---I got a facial and a prenatal massage and both were amazing! Enjoy the rest of it---they go so quickly!

Mere :-)

Friday, December 7, 2012

::Baby G:: Our bags are PACKED!

The last "big thing" to check off of our Henley's Coming Checklist is complete! The diaper bag, labor bag, and hospital bag are all packed, excluding items that I will be using over the next few weeks that we will need to grab last minute.

As many of you know, I am Type A and love being organized. I have an Excel spreadsheet with all of the items I wanted to pack and used that as a guide while packing tonight. I pinned tons of various sites on Pinterest for suggested hospital bags but none were perfect for what I was thinking I'll need. The other day while slow at work, I went through them all and compiled my "perfect list" for the diaper bag, labor bag, postpartum bag, and the dad's bag based on what others had packed. I have it printed out and everything is not yet packed that I need to grab before we leave the house is highlighted, that way Teddy can grab these items in case I am not quite up to it.

Diaper bag first!



Maybe she will get a chance to wear these?!



Skip Hop Diaper Bag

I am packing for a two-day stay in the hospital since that seems to be the norm therefore I packed clothing for Henley for two days. Since I am not sure how big she will be (my family has healthy babies), I packed both newborn and 0-3. Here is what I packed:

2 - newborn sleepers (one sleep sack and one footie)
2 - newborn onesies or outfit
2 - 0-3 sized sleepers (one sleep sack and one footie)
2 - 0-3 sized onesies or outfit
3 - socks
3 - mittens
1 - receiving blanket
1 - swaddle blanket
2 - burp clothes
3 - hats
coconut oil
pacifiers
pacifier holder

When I was packing this bag the other day, I realized I had no newborn knit hats for her so the hubs and I went to Target last night and picked up a 5 pack from Gerber. There was a two pack of Christmas hats that were so adorable. I was telling Teddy how I wish we knew if she was going to be here at Christmas and he said, let's buy them just in case---they weren't pricey so why not. Depending on when I go into labor, these may be grabbed and put in the diaper bag too. :-)

We are planning to use coconut oil on Henley with the cloth diapers to moisturize and prevent diaper rash. In our Baby Care class, the nurse teaching it said how the first baby poop is like tar and sticks to the baby's bums (merconium it's called). She suggested bringing olive oil to prevent it from sticking and therefore avoiding the process of rubbing hard to get it off. I decided to bring coconut oil since we will be using that on her anyways.

We aren't planning to use pacifiers within the first month but we are packing them just in case we end up needing them. 

I didn't pack any diapers or wipes because we are planning to use cloth at home and actually have zero disposables at home. We will just use what the hospital provides while we are there and start the cloth when she gets home.

Lastly, if it's cold out, I may grab a thicker blanket for when we bring her home. 

Next up is my labor bag:



Bag all packed

What I packed for labor:
Robe - hopefully I'll be able to be up and moving around while laboring
iPhone
iPad - we are going to load a movie or two and some books on this just in case I have a long labor
Speakers and plug - I plan on listening to music
Headphones - for the music in case I want everything else tuned out
Camera charger
Camera (being used, not pictured)
Hair ties
Comb
Carmex Lip Balm
Gum
Throat Lozenges
Lotion
Massage ball
Socks
Notebook
Pen
Wallet - make sure ID and Insurance cards are in there
Cash - for the vending machine

Lastly, the postpartum bag:

Clothing I packed:
2 nursing tanks
Yoga pants
Tank top
2 sleep shirts
Panties
Socks
Flip flops for the shower


Toiletries and other things (I got minis and travel size for both the hubs and myself that way it can stay packed the next few weeks and we don't have to worry about forgetting anything last minute):

Toothbrushes and toothpaste
Deodorants
Shampoo and conditioners
Soap and container for the soap
Q-tips
Floss
Pain reliever
Lanolin cream
Contact solution
Spare pair of contacts
Glasses
Face wipes
Hand sanitizer
Prenatal vitamins
Colace
Tucks
Makeup bag with minimal makeup
Phone charger

I also packed a towel for us to share in the hospital. We bought black pillow cases for our pillows to use in the hospital to make them easily distinguishable from the hospitals. Hubs will add his flip flops and clothing change to this bag.

In addition to these bags, we will be bringing the car seat and the boppy.

Ok I think that's it! Bags are packed and ready to go. I have some things around the house that we need to clean up and organize over the next few days/weeks. It feels so great to have everything ready for her!

I hope you all enjoy the weekend, it's finally here!

Mere :-)