So, I like to think that Kelly and I are pretty good about not catering to Miss. B at every moment of the day. You know, we like to be just a little moderate.
The one thing that we do is get up at night and put the binky back in her mouth when it falls out. I've been reading (and have been told) that this isn't a good thing. I'm interested in what people think...
YES...this is your ONE chance to give us a little SOLICITED advice!
10/30/2007
Kelly and Miss. B
Now that we are almost six months into this parenting thing, there are a couple of observations that I have to make.
First, Kelly and Bailey are SO SIMILAR!!! Really. Sure, Bailey may look like me and she may have my temperment, but her Mommy is her hero and it shows. Bailey just lights up when Kelly is around. In fact, she smiles and giggles at her in a way that is just amazing. Even in the little things it's obvious...like, they both play with their hair the same way. At night, we all snuggle on the bed. I hold Bailey while I am giving her a final bottle. She's usually very tired at this point, having just come out of a warm bath and being snuggled in her PJ's. She curls up into my arms and Kelly curls up beside me. The last few nights, I have watched them and they both just lay back and run their fingers through their hair as they space out. Kelly saw me watching the other night and noticed that I was trying not to laugh. She saw what was happening and got the most beautiful smile on her face.
Second observation - what I expected didn't happen. LOL - that's loaded and it's very true...but what I'm actually talking about is in the way that we parent. I really did expect that I would be the easy one (the "nurturer" as my mother-in-law put it). But that isn't what happened. Honestly, Kelly is the person that Bailey needs when she needs to be calm and relax. She is the easy going, light-hearted one with Bailey. Don't get me wrong, Bailey and I snuggle and love each other all the time. But for Kelly and Bailey, it's a sacred thing.
Third observation - I apparently can't dress Bailey. Kelly hates my clothing choices for her! LOL - yesterday, I put her in a gray onsie with a pair of orange sweatpants. She made fun of me!!!! I thought it looked fine. LOL - there is no doubt that I am NOT the most fashion focused girl and I would even call myself tacky. But I didn't realize it was THAT bad...LOL!
Fourth observation - Bailey loves playing in her high chair with non-toys. In fact, this is the only thing that will keep her occupied for longer than 10 minutes. Put the girl in her high chair with some wooden spoons, some condiment cups, some measuring cups and measuring spoons and she is a seriously happy girl! She'll pick one up, spend some time tasting it and then put it down and select another. She just keeps picking up a different item when she is bored with the first one. I think she likes that she can see what is happening in the house - she is "tall" enough to see what is going on, but has something to do with her hands.
Final observation - our little girl has a shoe fetish. She really does. Of course, she's had interest in her feet and toes the way that any little baby does. But during the weekend that her Nana and Pappy Dale were in town, she literally spent a long time licking Pappy Dale's sneakers. Gross, I know...but have you ever tried to stop a determined infant from doing something? We thought it was just a weird fluke...but last weekend she attacked little Danny's shoes with the same frenzy. In order to get her to leave his feet alone, we had to give her one of her new sneakers. She spent about a half hour eating the shoe. LOL - the girl has a shoe fetish.
First, Kelly and Bailey are SO SIMILAR!!! Really. Sure, Bailey may look like me and she may have my temperment, but her Mommy is her hero and it shows. Bailey just lights up when Kelly is around. In fact, she smiles and giggles at her in a way that is just amazing. Even in the little things it's obvious...like, they both play with their hair the same way. At night, we all snuggle on the bed. I hold Bailey while I am giving her a final bottle. She's usually very tired at this point, having just come out of a warm bath and being snuggled in her PJ's. She curls up into my arms and Kelly curls up beside me. The last few nights, I have watched them and they both just lay back and run their fingers through their hair as they space out. Kelly saw me watching the other night and noticed that I was trying not to laugh. She saw what was happening and got the most beautiful smile on her face.
Second observation - what I expected didn't happen. LOL - that's loaded and it's very true...but what I'm actually talking about is in the way that we parent. I really did expect that I would be the easy one (the "nurturer" as my mother-in-law put it). But that isn't what happened. Honestly, Kelly is the person that Bailey needs when she needs to be calm and relax. She is the easy going, light-hearted one with Bailey. Don't get me wrong, Bailey and I snuggle and love each other all the time. But for Kelly and Bailey, it's a sacred thing.
Third observation - I apparently can't dress Bailey. Kelly hates my clothing choices for her! LOL - yesterday, I put her in a gray onsie with a pair of orange sweatpants. She made fun of me!!!! I thought it looked fine. LOL - there is no doubt that I am NOT the most fashion focused girl and I would even call myself tacky. But I didn't realize it was THAT bad...LOL!
Fourth observation - Bailey loves playing in her high chair with non-toys. In fact, this is the only thing that will keep her occupied for longer than 10 minutes. Put the girl in her high chair with some wooden spoons, some condiment cups, some measuring cups and measuring spoons and she is a seriously happy girl! She'll pick one up, spend some time tasting it and then put it down and select another. She just keeps picking up a different item when she is bored with the first one. I think she likes that she can see what is happening in the house - she is "tall" enough to see what is going on, but has something to do with her hands.
Final observation - our little girl has a shoe fetish. She really does. Of course, she's had interest in her feet and toes the way that any little baby does. But during the weekend that her Nana and Pappy Dale were in town, she literally spent a long time licking Pappy Dale's sneakers. Gross, I know...but have you ever tried to stop a determined infant from doing something? We thought it was just a weird fluke...but last weekend she attacked little Danny's shoes with the same frenzy. In order to get her to leave his feet alone, we had to give her one of her new sneakers. She spent about a half hour eating the shoe. LOL - the girl has a shoe fetish.
10/29/2007
Danny
One other thing...yesterday our dear friends M&S came down to watch the Patriots slaughter the Skins and they, of course, brought their little boy, Danny.
Now, I have spent lots of time being very happy and proud of Bailey...but I just have to say that Danny is one of the sweetest little guys I have EVER met. He is such a laid back, gentle baby with the most infectous smile. He is just so sweet. I had the distinct pleasure of being able to hold him while he just hung out, sucking on his little thumb and chillin'.
Absolutely adorable!!!!!!
Anyway...I was just thinking about him and his Mommy and Mama. Thought I'd share!
Now, I have spent lots of time being very happy and proud of Bailey...but I just have to say that Danny is one of the sweetest little guys I have EVER met. He is such a laid back, gentle baby with the most infectous smile. He is just so sweet. I had the distinct pleasure of being able to hold him while he just hung out, sucking on his little thumb and chillin'.
Absolutely adorable!!!!!!
Anyway...I was just thinking about him and his Mommy and Mama. Thought I'd share!
Party In Our Bed at 11:30 PM
Yep, that's right. There was a party in our bed at 11:30 PM last night. It lasted until 2:30 AM. Isn't that awesome???
LOL - our cherub baby woke up at 11:30 for some unknown reason. After a couple of binky attempts, I pulled her out of her crib and changed and fed her. This will usually knock her out cold. Not so last night. She fussed. She rolled. She cried. She rolled. She fussed some more. Kelly got up and snuggled her for a while. Usually, this will have the effect of sleeping drugs on Bailey...it has ALWAYS worked in the past. Not so last night. She was quiet for about 20 minutes. We both thought that Kelly had worked her magic again. And then...can you guess it??? She cried. She rolled. She fussed.
I got up and turned on her mobile...the music will often calm her and give her something to look at. This will often lead to sleep. Nope. Not last night.
Finally, we just got up. We turned on the light and let her play on the bed for about a half hour. We tried hard to be mad, but it's really difficult when she's smiling and laughing and looking so sweet and snuggly in her fleece PJ's. I mean, honestly.
After a while, we decided it was bedtime again. I laid her back down and she fussed and cried. We decided to feed her again. She ate about half her bottle and then FINALLY crashed out.
Three hours. It took three hours for all of this to occur.
It goes without saying that Kelly and I are absolutely exhausted today.
LOL - our cherub baby woke up at 11:30 for some unknown reason. After a couple of binky attempts, I pulled her out of her crib and changed and fed her. This will usually knock her out cold. Not so last night. She fussed. She rolled. She cried. She rolled. She fussed some more. Kelly got up and snuggled her for a while. Usually, this will have the effect of sleeping drugs on Bailey...it has ALWAYS worked in the past. Not so last night. She was quiet for about 20 minutes. We both thought that Kelly had worked her magic again. And then...can you guess it??? She cried. She rolled. She fussed.
I got up and turned on her mobile...the music will often calm her and give her something to look at. This will often lead to sleep. Nope. Not last night.
Finally, we just got up. We turned on the light and let her play on the bed for about a half hour. We tried hard to be mad, but it's really difficult when she's smiling and laughing and looking so sweet and snuggly in her fleece PJ's. I mean, honestly.
After a while, we decided it was bedtime again. I laid her back down and she fussed and cried. We decided to feed her again. She ate about half her bottle and then FINALLY crashed out.
Three hours. It took three hours for all of this to occur.
It goes without saying that Kelly and I are absolutely exhausted today.
10/26/2007
All Good
Sometimes joy just comes around and takes hold. The three of us are all doing so well right now. Maybe it is the approaching holidays. Maybe it's the weather. Maybe it's just that we needed a little easy happiness and so it's come around. Whatever the reason, I am grateful.
Bailey is making leaps and bounds in her development. She's really just becoming a little girl rather than a baby. The "one-hand" rule has been implemented in our house. One hand must be on the baby at all times, unless she is already on the floor. She is so wiggly and squirmy. Now that she can roll in all directions and can scoot on her back, nothing is sacred. Bailey can get what she wants and with her determined attitude, she will.
Last night, while Kelly was getting her bath ready, she decided she wanted the trash bag that I was about to put her dirty diaper in. She was on one side of our king-sized bed. I turned around for one second (literally) to put something in the trash and when I turned back around she had rolled to the other side of the bed and had the garbage bag in her mouth. LOL - so...no back turning, no leaving her alone, no quick trips to the bathroom while she hangs out on the floor. Bailey is mobile and Mommy and Momma are on notice!
Kelly and I are both doing really well. Kelly is working really hard right now as she learns her new job and jumps in with both feet. She's putting in lots of hours and is still checking her blackberry from home. It's actually quite cute. She probably wouldn't agree...she doesn't like to bring her work home with her...but I think there is something really funny (sexy?) about her checking her email before bed. LOL! Honestly, she's doing a great job. She got her evaluation and just rocked. She's good at what she does and I'm so proud of her. I'm glad that she is getting the recognition that she deserves for the work that she is doing. It makes me proud...
As for me, things are status quo. I feel so much better than I did a month ago. The problem with being an over-emotional drama queen (yes, I'll admit it) is that I often have to hit rock bottom to be able to bounce back. I was hoping that Prozac would be the cure-all...but as with anything in life, a little pill didn't fix it all. It has helped, but it has also taken some mental healing for me to come back to myself. The last six months have been tough, but I made it through and that is all that matters. I've come out on the other side of postpartum armed with lots of knowledge about how my body reacts to all those hormones and about how difficult it can truly get. I may not be able to prevent depression with the next child, but at least I'll be able to recognize the feelings and signs before they become so horrible.
It's just another lesson in my life, and I'll take it and grow from it.
So that is how we're doing! Bailey is going to be six months in a week. Six months old. How did that happen????? It's just amazing. Anyway. Have a great weekend everyone!
Bailey is making leaps and bounds in her development. She's really just becoming a little girl rather than a baby. The "one-hand" rule has been implemented in our house. One hand must be on the baby at all times, unless she is already on the floor. She is so wiggly and squirmy. Now that she can roll in all directions and can scoot on her back, nothing is sacred. Bailey can get what she wants and with her determined attitude, she will.
Last night, while Kelly was getting her bath ready, she decided she wanted the trash bag that I was about to put her dirty diaper in. She was on one side of our king-sized bed. I turned around for one second (literally) to put something in the trash and when I turned back around she had rolled to the other side of the bed and had the garbage bag in her mouth. LOL - so...no back turning, no leaving her alone, no quick trips to the bathroom while she hangs out on the floor. Bailey is mobile and Mommy and Momma are on notice!
Kelly and I are both doing really well. Kelly is working really hard right now as she learns her new job and jumps in with both feet. She's putting in lots of hours and is still checking her blackberry from home. It's actually quite cute. She probably wouldn't agree...she doesn't like to bring her work home with her...but I think there is something really funny (sexy?) about her checking her email before bed. LOL! Honestly, she's doing a great job. She got her evaluation and just rocked. She's good at what she does and I'm so proud of her. I'm glad that she is getting the recognition that she deserves for the work that she is doing. It makes me proud...
As for me, things are status quo. I feel so much better than I did a month ago. The problem with being an over-emotional drama queen (yes, I'll admit it) is that I often have to hit rock bottom to be able to bounce back. I was hoping that Prozac would be the cure-all...but as with anything in life, a little pill didn't fix it all. It has helped, but it has also taken some mental healing for me to come back to myself. The last six months have been tough, but I made it through and that is all that matters. I've come out on the other side of postpartum armed with lots of knowledge about how my body reacts to all those hormones and about how difficult it can truly get. I may not be able to prevent depression with the next child, but at least I'll be able to recognize the feelings and signs before they become so horrible.
It's just another lesson in my life, and I'll take it and grow from it.
So that is how we're doing! Bailey is going to be six months in a week. Six months old. How did that happen????? It's just amazing. Anyway. Have a great weekend everyone!
10/25/2007
Happy, Happy...
Joy, Joy!!
I'm so happy today! I can't wait to get home and love my baby girl and give my honey a kiss. This has been a long, drawn out week and I'm ready for it to be over!!!!
I love you, Kelly and Bailey! I'll be home soon!
I'm so happy today! I can't wait to get home and love my baby girl and give my honey a kiss. This has been a long, drawn out week and I'm ready for it to be over!!!!
I love you, Kelly and Bailey! I'll be home soon!
Commuting Hell
The last couple of days here in DC have been horrible!!!
First, let me say that we are finally getting rain. This is the first measurable rain that we've gotten since April (literally) and the drought conditions are horrible. Many people (farmers in particular) are seriously hurting for water. So, from that perspective, I'm glad that it is raining.
But, holy hell!!!!! Kelly and I have spent approximately 2-3 hours EACH WAY commuting. Not only is this ridiculously frustrating...it's horrible for the time we get to spend with Bailey. Add that to the fact that we are both incredibly busy right now and you can see...we have a perfect storm. Poor Kelly hasn't gotten home the last two nights before 7:30. Last night it was 8:15. Both nights, Bailey was already bathed and having her final bottle. Kelly was able to hug her and put her down, but that is it. It's been very hard on both of them. To make it all worse, Kelly had to work this past weekend, so she didn't get to spend any time with her on Saturday either.
Poor girls! They miss each other. Seriously. Last night, Bailey kept staring at the spot where Kelly sits during her bath, looking for her. It broke my heart!!!!
This weekend is looking normal. Kelly may have to work, but I'm not sure. Either way, Bailey and I will be doing the grocery shopping and cleaning the house together. It's our weekend routine. I'm going to do lots of cooking again this weekend.
Next week is going to be fabulous! My mom (Grammy) is coming to visit. She's flying in on Thursday and we'll have her all weekend and then bring her back to the airport (maybe) on Monday. We may decide to keep her...we'll see... ;-)
That's all for now. We're praying to the commute gods that tonight is a bit easier. Pray for us!
First, let me say that we are finally getting rain. This is the first measurable rain that we've gotten since April (literally) and the drought conditions are horrible. Many people (farmers in particular) are seriously hurting for water. So, from that perspective, I'm glad that it is raining.
But, holy hell!!!!! Kelly and I have spent approximately 2-3 hours EACH WAY commuting. Not only is this ridiculously frustrating...it's horrible for the time we get to spend with Bailey. Add that to the fact that we are both incredibly busy right now and you can see...we have a perfect storm. Poor Kelly hasn't gotten home the last two nights before 7:30. Last night it was 8:15. Both nights, Bailey was already bathed and having her final bottle. Kelly was able to hug her and put her down, but that is it. It's been very hard on both of them. To make it all worse, Kelly had to work this past weekend, so she didn't get to spend any time with her on Saturday either.
Poor girls! They miss each other. Seriously. Last night, Bailey kept staring at the spot where Kelly sits during her bath, looking for her. It broke my heart!!!!
This weekend is looking normal. Kelly may have to work, but I'm not sure. Either way, Bailey and I will be doing the grocery shopping and cleaning the house together. It's our weekend routine. I'm going to do lots of cooking again this weekend.
Next week is going to be fabulous! My mom (Grammy) is coming to visit. She's flying in on Thursday and we'll have her all weekend and then bring her back to the airport (maybe) on Monday. We may decide to keep her...we'll see... ;-)
That's all for now. We're praying to the commute gods that tonight is a bit easier. Pray for us!
10/24/2007
Feeling Good
It feels so good to be loved. I am so lucky. I can't believe that I have spent the last couple of months wishing that my life were different.
What I can say is that post partum deppression is very real. It's horrible and it's debilitating and it made me fucking crazy. Prozac helped at first, but it didn't cure it all.
All my love to my partner. Kelly, I don't know what I would do without you. Honestly, I can't thank you enough for standing by my side when I didn't deserve it and for loving me even if I was a fucking shit. You are the best. Seriously, the best partner a woman could ask for. My love is yours forever.
Phew. I feel like I'm finally coming out of the dregs of depression and shaking off the last six months. God, it's been rough for me. Finally, finally, finally, I feel normal again.
It's good to be back.
What I can say is that post partum deppression is very real. It's horrible and it's debilitating and it made me fucking crazy. Prozac helped at first, but it didn't cure it all.
All my love to my partner. Kelly, I don't know what I would do without you. Honestly, I can't thank you enough for standing by my side when I didn't deserve it and for loving me even if I was a fucking shit. You are the best. Seriously, the best partner a woman could ask for. My love is yours forever.
Phew. I feel like I'm finally coming out of the dregs of depression and shaking off the last six months. God, it's been rough for me. Finally, finally, finally, I feel normal again.
It's good to be back.
10/23/2007
Happiness Is...
...having the bottles washed, labeled for tomorrow, dinner waiting to go in the oven, dishes done, house cleaned, and five minutes to yourself...all before 5:30 PM.
...laughing so hard with your love in bed at night that you worry your snorting will wake the baby and then falling alseep in each other's arms with smiles on your faces as you listen to the comforting sound of each other's heart beats.
...the sweet joy of watching your child light up when her Mommy walks through the door and knowing that, in that moment, nothing could make her happier.
...knowing that no matter how tough life may get, there is one woman inthis world who will always have my back.
...finally understanding what the love of a child feels like.
Have a happy day, everyone. I know I am...
...laughing so hard with your love in bed at night that you worry your snorting will wake the baby and then falling alseep in each other's arms with smiles on your faces as you listen to the comforting sound of each other's heart beats.
...the sweet joy of watching your child light up when her Mommy walks through the door and knowing that, in that moment, nothing could make her happier.
...knowing that no matter how tough life may get, there is one woman inthis world who will always have my back.
...finally understanding what the love of a child feels like.
Have a happy day, everyone. I know I am...
10/22/2007
Some New Stuff
Okay - I've got about 10 seconds...so let's see...
Bailey now responds to her name! It's seriously the cutest thing in the entire world! When you say her name, she stops what she is doing and looks all around for the source of her name. When she finds the person who was speaking to her, she usually smiles or gives some other form of acknowledgement. Really, really cute...
She's also figured out how to "crawl" on her back. This is a brand new development - as of just a couple of days ago and was really only perfected last night. She's been on her belly for some time, but is unable to move forward (except in very small bursts). Well, as a precursor to crawling, she is figuring out how to do the inch-worm along the floor on her back. It's very, very cute...and at some point, we'll get it on video.
Hmmm...what else...OH...she's eating solid foods regularly! She has cereal and fruit in the morning at day care and then veggies at night with us. She's a big fan of everything...pretty much, there isn't a food that she doesn't like. In fact, when she sees her bottle these days, she gets so excited. A couple of times, she's actually drooled!!!
She's starting to laugh, finally. Miss. B has always been kind of serious. It takes quite a bit to make her smile (unless you are her Mommy...and then she doesn't stop smiling!). But recently, it's almost like she's figured out that she can laugh. It's not a "real" laugh...pretty much it's just a loud exhalation of air, coupled with a smile. But it's deliberate and it's in response to something she finds funny.
She's such a determined little girl. When she finds something she wants, so doesn't stop until she gets it. Our glasses are a prime example. My lord. She just won't leave them alone. We are working on stopping her from doing the slimy-finger grab, but it hasn't sunk in yet. We're not going to yell or hit her, so it takes a bit of work. Every time she does it, we grab her hand and calmly say "Bailey, stop" while removing her hands from our glasses. She looks at us and will stop for a while...but she always comes back. It's an interesting dilema...because we're not going to try to discipline a 5 1/2 month old child. She just doesn't understand that yet. So...we are working on it and eventually, she'll get it...
I think that's all the major changes...
Bailey now responds to her name! It's seriously the cutest thing in the entire world! When you say her name, she stops what she is doing and looks all around for the source of her name. When she finds the person who was speaking to her, she usually smiles or gives some other form of acknowledgement. Really, really cute...
She's also figured out how to "crawl" on her back. This is a brand new development - as of just a couple of days ago and was really only perfected last night. She's been on her belly for some time, but is unable to move forward (except in very small bursts). Well, as a precursor to crawling, she is figuring out how to do the inch-worm along the floor on her back. It's very, very cute...and at some point, we'll get it on video.
Hmmm...what else...OH...she's eating solid foods regularly! She has cereal and fruit in the morning at day care and then veggies at night with us. She's a big fan of everything...pretty much, there isn't a food that she doesn't like. In fact, when she sees her bottle these days, she gets so excited. A couple of times, she's actually drooled!!!
She's starting to laugh, finally. Miss. B has always been kind of serious. It takes quite a bit to make her smile (unless you are her Mommy...and then she doesn't stop smiling!). But recently, it's almost like she's figured out that she can laugh. It's not a "real" laugh...pretty much it's just a loud exhalation of air, coupled with a smile. But it's deliberate and it's in response to something she finds funny.
She's such a determined little girl. When she finds something she wants, so doesn't stop until she gets it. Our glasses are a prime example. My lord. She just won't leave them alone. We are working on stopping her from doing the slimy-finger grab, but it hasn't sunk in yet. We're not going to yell or hit her, so it takes a bit of work. Every time she does it, we grab her hand and calmly say "Bailey, stop" while removing her hands from our glasses. She looks at us and will stop for a while...but she always comes back. It's an interesting dilema...because we're not going to try to discipline a 5 1/2 month old child. She just doesn't understand that yet. So...we are working on it and eventually, she'll get it...
I think that's all the major changes...
New Bailey Pics
There are new videos of her on YouTube as well!! Go check 'em out!
We've had many new developments...but alas...I don't have time to talk about them because Bailey is awake and it's only 6:30. She's been up since 5:30. This is one of the lovely new developments...
She's bored with sitting on my lap, not being allowed to play with the keyboard. Time to take her downstairs and give her some cereal and a bottle. More later...
Smurf Feet!
With her Pappy Dale
LOL - they sit the same way...
Another new sleeping position...our sleeping beauty!
Is there anything cuter than naked girl pictures???
Contemplating each other...
Playing with the fishes...while she is supposed to be napping...
We've had many new developments...but alas...I don't have time to talk about them because Bailey is awake and it's only 6:30. She's been up since 5:30. This is one of the lovely new developments...
She's bored with sitting on my lap, not being allowed to play with the keyboard. Time to take her downstairs and give her some cereal and a bottle. More later...
One of the many new sleeping positions
Smurf Feet!
With her Pappy Dale
LOL - they sit the same way...
Another new sleeping position...our sleeping beauty!
Is there anything cuter than naked girl pictures???
Contemplating each other...
Playing with the fishes...while she is supposed to be napping...
10/19/2007
Feel Like Shit
No real reason - today is just a sucky day. Why are some days like this?
I'm hoping for a quiet evening, a glass of wine and some time where my head is not screaming at me.
Maybe I can even relax a bit this weekend. We'll see.
Anyway. Have a good weekend everyone.
I'm hoping for a quiet evening, a glass of wine and some time where my head is not screaming at me.
Maybe I can even relax a bit this weekend. We'll see.
Anyway. Have a good weekend everyone.
10/18/2007
10 Years Strong
I've made some mistakes where our love is concerned. Sometimes things get crazy and I forget that there is no where else in this world that I would rather be than by your side. You are my best friend, my lover, my history and my future.
From the moment that you typed into my life 10 years ago, I have not stopped loving you...and I never will.
It hasn't always been easy and sometimes it is damn rocky. But you've got my heart, fully and completely, forever.
I love you, Kelly McFadden. I will say "I Do" until the day that I die. Because I always will.
Happy 10 Year Anniversary, baby.
From the moment that you typed into my life 10 years ago, I have not stopped loving you...and I never will.
It hasn't always been easy and sometimes it is damn rocky. But you've got my heart, fully and completely, forever.
I love you, Kelly McFadden. I will say "I Do" until the day that I die. Because I always will.
Happy 10 Year Anniversary, baby.
10/17/2007
Sleep Changes
Bailey has, once again, changed. She is reworking her sleep position and patterns. Before these changes, she was a back sleeper. She's been able to roll for quite some time, but she still chose to sleep on her back.
Not so anymore. Now, she likes to roll over onto her side or her tummy. And she doesn't want to be covered. And she moved a lot. And she wakes up a lot.
We're all adjusting.
I'll be happy when she figures out her new routine and can sleep peacefully again...
Not so anymore. Now, she likes to roll over onto her side or her tummy. And she doesn't want to be covered. And she moved a lot. And she wakes up a lot.
We're all adjusting.
I'll be happy when she figures out her new routine and can sleep peacefully again...
10/16/2007
Differences
Kelly and I have always marveled at how we are each other's complete opposite. Where she is weak, I am strong and vice versa. It really is quite amazing how it is always that way - there is always a strong person and one who is not so strong at any given task. For 10 years now, it has worked really well in making sure that we both stay on track.
Parenting has been no different. We both bring gifts to Bailey's life that she would be lacking if the other parent were not there. Last night, I was thinking about the two of them as I was falling asleep. Kelly is so incredibly sweet with Bailey. I'm much more no-nonsense. I am task-oriented. There are things to do and I strap Bailey on and do them. Bailey and I cook together, we clean, we make bottles, we take out the garbage, we grocery shop. With her strapped on with the Baby Bjorn, I teach her about our life and the rhythm of it.
Kelly is perfectly capable of doing those things too, and she does...but more often than not, she likes to spend time playing and loving on Bailey. And their relationship shows that. Bailey just adores her Mommy. When she is overstimulated and needs to calm down, there is no better place for it than on Kelly's lap. When she needs to be cooed and and loved over, her Mommy is her favorite person. When we are all together in the house, she spends so much time just staring at her Mommy, with smiles and love beaming from her eyes.
Bailey does that with me, too. Since she was born, I've given her every single bath she has had, except for two or three of them. I am the one that gives her the final bottle of the day, and there is something so precious about those few moments right before she falls asleep when she is staring up at me with those big blue eyes and resting her head on my breast. Nobody could replace those moments, and without them, Bailey would be lost. But for the most part, Bailey and are more about getting stuff done together.
Anyway - there really wasn't a point to this post, except to say that I really love how Kelly and I parent together. I think that we are good parents...and if the proof is our child, then I'm right. Bailey is engaged, happy, sweet, affectionate and feels safe in her world. She is outgoing and knows how to get her needs met. I don't think that we can take credit for all of that...after all, Bailey is her own person with her own personality...but we can say that we're doing a good job of helping her figure out this living business.
I'm proud of us. All three of us. We have figured out how to be a family together and we are pretty good at it.
Parenting has been no different. We both bring gifts to Bailey's life that she would be lacking if the other parent were not there. Last night, I was thinking about the two of them as I was falling asleep. Kelly is so incredibly sweet with Bailey. I'm much more no-nonsense. I am task-oriented. There are things to do and I strap Bailey on and do them. Bailey and I cook together, we clean, we make bottles, we take out the garbage, we grocery shop. With her strapped on with the Baby Bjorn, I teach her about our life and the rhythm of it.
Kelly is perfectly capable of doing those things too, and she does...but more often than not, she likes to spend time playing and loving on Bailey. And their relationship shows that. Bailey just adores her Mommy. When she is overstimulated and needs to calm down, there is no better place for it than on Kelly's lap. When she needs to be cooed and and loved over, her Mommy is her favorite person. When we are all together in the house, she spends so much time just staring at her Mommy, with smiles and love beaming from her eyes.
Bailey does that with me, too. Since she was born, I've given her every single bath she has had, except for two or three of them. I am the one that gives her the final bottle of the day, and there is something so precious about those few moments right before she falls asleep when she is staring up at me with those big blue eyes and resting her head on my breast. Nobody could replace those moments, and without them, Bailey would be lost. But for the most part, Bailey and are more about getting stuff done together.
Anyway - there really wasn't a point to this post, except to say that I really love how Kelly and I parent together. I think that we are good parents...and if the proof is our child, then I'm right. Bailey is engaged, happy, sweet, affectionate and feels safe in her world. She is outgoing and knows how to get her needs met. I don't think that we can take credit for all of that...after all, Bailey is her own person with her own personality...but we can say that we're doing a good job of helping her figure out this living business.
I'm proud of us. All three of us. We have figured out how to be a family together and we are pretty good at it.
10/15/2007
AWESOME Weekend!
We had such a fabulous weekend!
Nana and Pappy Dale came down from West Virginia to visit and Bailey just fell in love! She is quite smitten with her Nana and her Pappy Dale. They brought her a "crunchy" book that she just adores.
And I think they fell in love, too.
We spent lots of time just hanging out and watching Bailey roll and bounce and smile and have a good time.
It was a fabulous weekend...
Nana and Pappy Dale came down from West Virginia to visit and Bailey just fell in love! She is quite smitten with her Nana and her Pappy Dale. They brought her a "crunchy" book that she just adores.
And I think they fell in love, too.
We spent lots of time just hanging out and watching Bailey roll and bounce and smile and have a good time.
It was a fabulous weekend...
10/12/2007
My Wife...and My Life
Have I ever mentioned how much I love my wife? And how happy my daughter makes me? And how completely elated I am that I have been blessed with these two people to give my life meaning and purpose.
Thank you, Kelly, for loving me. Thanks for everything - from the little to the huge, from the heartstopping to the most mundane. You are everything to me.
And Bailey - what could I possibly say to you, except that my life would be incomplete, my heart torn apart and my world shattered without your presence. You are my sunshine and the reason that my heart smiles each day.
I love you both. More than I could ever tell you. My biggest comfort is knowing that you understand what I'm saying, even when I can't find the words, because I can see the same love reflected back when you look at me.
I am a very, very lucky woman.
Thank you, Kelly, for loving me. Thanks for everything - from the little to the huge, from the heartstopping to the most mundane. You are everything to me.
And Bailey - what could I possibly say to you, except that my life would be incomplete, my heart torn apart and my world shattered without your presence. You are my sunshine and the reason that my heart smiles each day.
I love you both. More than I could ever tell you. My biggest comfort is knowing that you understand what I'm saying, even when I can't find the words, because I can see the same love reflected back when you look at me.
I am a very, very lucky woman.
10/11/2007
Proud Wife
I am a PROUD WIFE today!!! Read the following email:
*********************************************************
I am pleased to announce the selection of Kelly McFadden fill the Financial Statement Audit Office (FSAO)'s vacant Assistant Director's position. Kelly is a CPA with over six years of financial statement and information systems audit experience and has earned the respect and admiration of everyone she has worked with.
Please join me in congratulating Kelly on her new assignment.
Sincerely,
M. L. Hayes
Director
Financial Statement Audit Office
*********************************************************
My baby ROCKS!!!!! Congratulations baby...I couldn't be more proud of you!!!!
*********************************************************
I am pleased to announce the selection of Kelly McFadden fill the Financial Statement Audit Office (FSAO)'s vacant Assistant Director's position. Kelly is a CPA with over six years of financial statement and information systems audit experience and has earned the respect and admiration of everyone she has worked with.
Please join me in congratulating Kelly on her new assignment.
Sincerely,
M. L. Hayes
Director
Financial Statement Audit Office
*********************************************************
My baby ROCKS!!!!! Congratulations baby...I couldn't be more proud of you!!!!
All Is Well
The McFadden's are doing well! Bailey is recovering wonderfully from a suspected sinus infection and Kelly and I are doing well battling our respective colds. While none of us are 100% right now, we are all on the mend and looking forward to the weekend.
Nana and Pappy Dale are coming from West Virginia to visit!!! We would love to think that they are coming to see us, but we know better...it's all about our little love! Bailey, for her part, has been working on mastering her roll and is actually starting to figure out how to pull herself up from a laying position to a sitting position. She hasn't mastered it yet, but she's getting there.
The weather is finally changing and Kelly and I couldn't be happier. This is the best time of year for us - we are making our holiday plans and dreaming of cool nights and snow storms. We both get really cozy around this time of year and spend lots of time just nesting and enjoying each other. It's nice...
Speaking of the holidays...can anyone else feel them coming??? I swear, around this time of the year things just start to sparkle a little bit more and every seems to smile a bit more. Maybe it's just me...maybe I'm just a crazy holiday-freak. But, boy...I love this time of year.
Back to Bailey - she sits up in her bath now. It's so amazing to watch her change and grown. This morning, as I was riding the bus into work, I was thinking about how wonderful it is when she reaches out to hold my hand. I love it.
Ooops! Gotta run! Work time!
Nana and Pappy Dale are coming from West Virginia to visit!!! We would love to think that they are coming to see us, but we know better...it's all about our little love! Bailey, for her part, has been working on mastering her roll and is actually starting to figure out how to pull herself up from a laying position to a sitting position. She hasn't mastered it yet, but she's getting there.
The weather is finally changing and Kelly and I couldn't be happier. This is the best time of year for us - we are making our holiday plans and dreaming of cool nights and snow storms. We both get really cozy around this time of year and spend lots of time just nesting and enjoying each other. It's nice...
Speaking of the holidays...can anyone else feel them coming??? I swear, around this time of the year things just start to sparkle a little bit more and every seems to smile a bit more. Maybe it's just me...maybe I'm just a crazy holiday-freak. But, boy...I love this time of year.
Back to Bailey - she sits up in her bath now. It's so amazing to watch her change and grown. This morning, as I was riding the bus into work, I was thinking about how wonderful it is when she reaches out to hold my hand. I love it.
Ooops! Gotta run! Work time!
10/08/2007
New Pictures and Videos
We have some new pictures and videos of Bailey! If you want to check her out on YouTube, use the name and password provided above, sign on and check them out!
Lordy, look at those eyes. Wow, we love her!!!
She is really, really working on crawling. She spends most of her time on the floor rolling over and over (she goes both ways) and trying to move. She'll get it soon!
She loves it when we take pictures...LOL!
Smiling at her Mommy. She loves her Mommy most of all!
The problem with taking her picture is that she gets interested in the camera and stops smiling!!!
She sits up all on her own, now! In fact, she LOVES to sit...
Lordy, look at those eyes. Wow, we love her!!!
She is really, really working on crawling. She spends most of her time on the floor rolling over and over (she goes both ways) and trying to move. She'll get it soon!
She loves it when we take pictures...LOL!
Smiling at her Mommy. She loves her Mommy most of all!
The problem with taking her picture is that she gets interested in the camera and stops smiling!!!
10/04/2007
Attachment
Each day with Bailey is a new adventure. Last night, she was crabby. Full on, outright crabby! It was the funniest thing.
I've mentioned our dear, dear neighbor Karen before, right? She's one of the few people who has been around nearly every days since long before Bailey was born. She's a great friend and a wonderful support.
And it goes without saying that Bailey KNOWS Karen and loves her dearly.
BUT...yesterday, Karen dropped by to borrow some sugar (LOL - yes, this really does happen in suburbia!). While over, she wanted to hold Bailey and give her love...which is what ALWAYS happens. But, Bailey just fussed and pouted. No real tears and no real distress. Just this continuous stream of cute little pouts and fusses. She wouldn't stop until she was being held by either me or Kelly. Didn't seem to matter which one of us it was, but it had to be us.
It was SOOO cute!!!!! Honestly, I've never seen anything cuter in my life.
But, it does bring up the question - could Bailey be starting to go through some early attachement stuff?? She doesn't seem to have any problems when we drop her off at daycare. In fact, she's always quite happy and pretty much ignores us when we leave. She loves her daycare. But this is the second time it has happened with people that Bailey knows other than her childcare providers. It's like, if we are around, she doesn't want anyone else to be near her.
I know, at some point, kids start to go through the attachement stuff with their parents and don't want anyone but them. Is it around this time???
I've mentioned our dear, dear neighbor Karen before, right? She's one of the few people who has been around nearly every days since long before Bailey was born. She's a great friend and a wonderful support.
And it goes without saying that Bailey KNOWS Karen and loves her dearly.
BUT...yesterday, Karen dropped by to borrow some sugar (LOL - yes, this really does happen in suburbia!). While over, she wanted to hold Bailey and give her love...which is what ALWAYS happens. But, Bailey just fussed and pouted. No real tears and no real distress. Just this continuous stream of cute little pouts and fusses. She wouldn't stop until she was being held by either me or Kelly. Didn't seem to matter which one of us it was, but it had to be us.
It was SOOO cute!!!!! Honestly, I've never seen anything cuter in my life.
But, it does bring up the question - could Bailey be starting to go through some early attachement stuff?? She doesn't seem to have any problems when we drop her off at daycare. In fact, she's always quite happy and pretty much ignores us when we leave. She loves her daycare. But this is the second time it has happened with people that Bailey knows other than her childcare providers. It's like, if we are around, she doesn't want anyone else to be near her.
I know, at some point, kids start to go through the attachement stuff with their parents and don't want anyone but them. Is it around this time???
10/03/2007
Baby Blues
I think that my favorite thing about Bailey right now is her blue eyes. They are just so freakin' blue. I mean, honestly. She stares at me and it pierces through my heart and into my soul. It's amazing.
What's most cool about it is that her eyes are exactly her Mommy's eyes. I look at her and it is as if Kelly is staring back at me. Somewhere, somehow a piece of Kelly's soul was tranferred to our beautiful daughter.
We were truly meant to be a family. In the deepest sense of that word.
It's not always an easy ride, but it's the best ride of my life. I love you, Kelly and Bailey. With all my heart.
What's most cool about it is that her eyes are exactly her Mommy's eyes. I look at her and it is as if Kelly is staring back at me. Somewhere, somehow a piece of Kelly's soul was tranferred to our beautiful daughter.
We were truly meant to be a family. In the deepest sense of that word.
It's not always an easy ride, but it's the best ride of my life. I love you, Kelly and Bailey. With all my heart.
10/02/2007
Happy 5 Months!
Happy 5 Months, Miss. B!
Your Mommy and Momma couldn't be more proud of you and how much you've grown and developed over these past five months. You are such a wonderful, remarkable child. Your special light and energy has a way of drawing the world around you closer and making everything feel just a little bit better.
You are the joy and the light in our life. We love you with all of our heart and can't wait for the next five months!
Always and Forever - Your Mommy and Momma
Your Mommy and Momma couldn't be more proud of you and how much you've grown and developed over these past five months. You are such a wonderful, remarkable child. Your special light and energy has a way of drawing the world around you closer and making everything feel just a little bit better.
You are the joy and the light in our life. We love you with all of our heart and can't wait for the next five months!
Always and Forever - Your Mommy and Momma
10/01/2007
Top 10 Things Bailey Loves
10) Blowing rasberries and bubbles with her mouth
9) Taking a walk in the fresh fall air
8) Being worn, face out, in the Baby Bjorn
7) Any place where there are tons of people and lots of energy
6) Her binky
5) Miss. Su Su, Miss. Delta and Miss. Tonya at daycare
4) The kitties...especially Punkin who has now claimed Bailey as her own
3) Her toes...they are always there when she needs something new to suck on!
2) Carrots, Squash, Sweet Potatoes and Peas. The only fruit she likes is Prunes. She won't touch cereal. Strange.
1) And the number one thing that she likes right now is ROLLING OVER...and over...and over...and over...and then sitting up!
9) Taking a walk in the fresh fall air
8) Being worn, face out, in the Baby Bjorn
7) Any place where there are tons of people and lots of energy
6) Her binky
5) Miss. Su Su, Miss. Delta and Miss. Tonya at daycare
4) The kitties...especially Punkin who has now claimed Bailey as her own
3) Her toes...they are always there when she needs something new to suck on!
2) Carrots, Squash, Sweet Potatoes and Peas. The only fruit she likes is Prunes. She won't touch cereal. Strange.
1) And the number one thing that she likes right now is ROLLING OVER...and over...and over...and over...and then sitting up!
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