tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-60709074795837961242024-03-04T15:23:45.273-05:00A Hokie & A Wahoolife as we know it with our best friend and rivalKatie & Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00922898184202299258noreply@blogger.comBlogger82125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6070907479583796124.post-39094608249163824822012-11-27T20:58:00.002-05:002012-11-27T20:58:39.441-05:00Breastfeeding Hives/Anaphylaxis<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’m finally coming around to a place where I feel like I’m
somewhat ready to talk about what happened a mere five days after Fiona was
born. For the longest time, just thinking about it made me panic and feel sick
to my stomach. But now, I almost feel like I need to write about it, and just
get it all out. To move these thoughts to paper, so that I can try and move on.
To write so that others can find this story if they too are going through the
experience, just like I was helped by another blogger while in the midst of all
of the chaos. A blogger I now consider to be one of my guardian angels even
though we had never even talked before that day. This may be one of the hardest things I've ever had to write, so please bear with me, as I probably will just post and not re-read or proof-read. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It started on a late on a Saturday night. I was nursing and
pumping around the clock, because Fiona’s birth weight had dropped below 10%.
At some point, about 20 minutes after nursing, I started scratching my leg, and
when I looked down expecting a mosquito bite, I saw a pinkish white rash
crawling up my calf. I turned to my husband giggling, and said, “I think I’m
breaking out in hives”. I have no idea why I thought it was humorous at the
time, but had I known then what was going to happen, I hardly would have found
it funny. Ryan ran upstairs and grabbed me some Benadryl. I took two, and
within an hour or so, the hives started to fade. Fast-forward to the next
feeding, when again, 20 minutes after the feeding ended, the hives began to
reappear. I texted my mom a picture, but didn’t think too much of it. They
weren’t as bad this time around because of the Benadryl, so I wasn’t
particularly worried. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
However, the fear started to kick in the next day, when the
hives kept multiplying after every feeding. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I started researching if the hives could be
related to breastfeeding, since there were no other factors in my life that
were new exposures, and because they kept reappearing after each feeding. I was
surprised at how many stories I saw. Some people noted that their doctors were
aware of it, while other people said their doctors had never heard of anything
like that. I knew without a doubt, that this was what was happening to me. My
parents came over, and my mom tried putting some chamomile lotion on me. It
didn’t help at all. At this point, the Benadryl was having little effect…the
hives kept coming, and quickly spread to my arms, back stomach and face.
Basically, my entire body. Once they started surrounding my eyes and mouth,
Ryan and I decided I needed to get to the hospital quickly. Luckily, we live
right near a fire station, and they rushed me into an ambulance, where I was
given oxygen and a shot of Benadryl. I don’t remember much of this part except
crying hysterically, “I want my daughter. I want my daughter. I want my
daughter.” <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Once in the hospital, I was placed on a stretcher in the
hallway. The hospital was completely overflowing, and in triage mode. One of
the younger ER nurses came up to me and administered more medicine, and told me
not to worry. She said that post partum hives were really common, and the same
thing had happened to her, but that shouldn’t worry because I was in a much
better place, since she said, and I quote, “When it happened to me, I coded on
the floor.” She gave me the meds, walked away, and I never saw her again.
Shortly after that, I was pretty much hysterical. The hives were getting worse
(of course no one told me they get worse when you panic), I was crying
uncontrollably, and just yelling, “I need my baby, I need my baby. Please God,
I need my baby.” Over and over and over again. Then of course, I felt like I
couldn’t breath.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At this point, it could
have been the hives or a straight up panic attack. All I know is that Ryan ran
down the hallway, a nurse came running back; I was finally whisked into a room.
My clothes were cut off, and more tubes were attached all over my body. I was
injected with more medication. Eventually after hours and hours, the hives
began to fade a bit. Then, just as I was about to be sent home, they began to
reappear. The ER doctor decided to send me home anyway, and said that once I
started all of the prescriptions they would go away. I asked if I should be
given an Epi-Pen, and was told no, because if they actually got that bad again,
then the best thing would be for me to come back to the hospital. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I returned home with the prescriptions, took them, and sent
Ryan out the door to take Fiona to her 1<sup>st</sup> pediatrician appointment.
I asked my mom to stay just incase things took a turn for the worse. Of course,
within an hour of being home, they did. The hives, which had never truly gone
away since they first appeared, came back with a vengeance. There were some
that were as large as my palm, and what looked like (and possibly were?) hives
on top of hives. Again, my entire body was covered, but much, much worse. I
called 911, and the ambulance arrived quickly. Two of the guys were the same
paramedics from the first trip. They quickly agreed that this indeed, was
really, really bad. I was quickly placed in the ambulance, given more meds and
rushed to the hospital again. Once we got there I just remember shaking
uncontrollably. I’m fairly certain my body went into shock at this point. This
time, even though the hallways were just as full as before, I was rushed into
an exam room. I promise you, there is no good feeling that comes from being the
priority patient #1 in a crowded hospital. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I remember my mom calling Ryan and telling him to get there
as soon as he could. He met my Dad at our house, and dropped Fiona off with
him. A bunch of ER doctors came to see me, all baffled over what was happening.
The hives seemed to be coming in a cyclical timed nature, and with such
intensity. I explained that I believed the correlation was with breastfeeding,
and that I had decided to stop incase that was what was happening. I kept
mentioning the other ER nurse who said she had experienced the same thing. None
of the doctors that were on staff at this time though seemed interested in
talking to her. Some blew my theory off, some wanted to research it, and
another (male) doctor asked me if he could get me a pump so I could keep on
breastfeeding since it was, “what is truly best for your baby.” At this point,
I had been away from my child for pretty much over 24 hours. I just remember
turning to him, looking him in the eye, and yelling…”Me being ALIVE is what is
best for my baby right now.” He muttered something along the lines of, “Yeah, I
guess you are right about that.” I think if there were ever an appropriate time
to use the term asshole, this would be it. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Eventually, Ryan was able to join me, and he and my mom
waited with me to see what was going to happen. It was so hard because I could
see the fear in their eyes, and I felt like at that moment, I had to be strong
for everyone, especially my child who I missed more than I ever knew I could
miss someone. The doctors decided to admit me, and I was taken to a different
floor. Even though the floor was an all-female floor, and I had a roommate, the
main nurse decided to let Ryan spend the night in the room since my case was so
severe. While the nurse was very sweet and cared a lot about my case (even
agreeing to the fact that he believed the link with breastfeeding), he added a
large bit of anxiety when he kept mentioning that he had never seen anything
like this before, and that they had a trach tube and crash cart right outside
at the main nursing station if they were needed. I’m sure this may have calmed
some people, but it only made my anxiety go further and further off the charts.
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Around 11:00 PM that night, they were able to get an
allergist to come and see me. He prescribed large doses of iv Benadryl, and
pills of prednisone, zantac, zertec, and atarax. Even with all of these
medications, the hives continued to come in waves every 4 hours. All of the medications
made me so unbelievably dizzy, but I couldn’t sleep. All I could think about
was my baby. My baby who was being taken care of by everyone but me. The stress
at this point was almost completely unbearable. At some point during this time,
I came across a <a href="http://kroboths.blogspot.com/2012/04/postpartum-hives.html">blog </a>of someone who also experienced a type of post-partum
hives. I sent her a message, and was surprised at how quickly she responded.
She shared her experience with me, and even though her hives were not caused my
breastfeeding, she explained how important it was to relax and try and pray.
After talking with her, a sort of peace came over me, and I was really able to
do deep breathing exercises and calm a bit down. I fell asleep for a bit, which
I think helped my body start the healing process. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The next morning I was seen my every type of doctor
possible. Everyone mentioned that my case was the talk of the hospital (again,
not very reassuring). The hives were still coming in 4-hour waves, but the
intensity was waning a bit. I could barely think straight because of all of the
drugs, but I focused every ounce of energy I had on getting back to my
daughter. I requested to be placed in a private room so that she could come and
visit me. Later in the afternoon, they were able to move me, and the next day
my parents brought my sweet, sweet baby girl to me. I was only able to see her
for about a half hour, since she was so young, and the hospital was not the
best environment for her to be in. It broke my heart into a million pieces but
gave me hope and willpower at the same time. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The next day, the hives went away. All of the doctors told
me that they would probably come and go over the following weeks, just not with
such intensity. However, they never came back. I attribute this to my milk
drying up (which happened quickly, since I quit breastfeeding after 5 days),
and the fact that I cut out all pain medication for my C-section as soon as the
hives started. From what research there is, hives caused by breastfeeding tend
to be due to a reaction to the hormone released during let down. Of the cases of
breastfeeding anaphylaxis on file, there is also a correlation with NSAIDs pain
relievers. I was put on large doses of Motrin after my C-section, so this
definitely could have played a part. I also spoke with my acupuncturist (who
also came and provided a treatment during the hospital stay), and his take was
that my liver became so overloaded with everything I was given during and after
the C-section, that my body began attacking what was in the highest
concentration. Which, just so happened to be a breastfeeding hormone. The
allergist seemed to agree that the liver overload theory could definitely been
a major factor. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I was eventually sent home, given an epi-pen and was reunited
with my baby. I didn’t quite know how to deal with everything that had happened,
and a newborn, so I just didn’t. I focused on my Fiona, and marched forward.
All I wanted was to bond with her, and hold her and love her. The hives wasn’t
the worst part of the experience…being separated from her was. It was so
completely unnatural, but I didn’t quite have the time to comprehend that at
the moment. I ran on adrenaline and love and tried my best to forget about what
happened. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Of course not dealing with something always comes back to
bite you. About 3 months post-partum, I started having really bad panic attacks
and dreams of being separated from my child again. At first it wasn’t too bad,
but then the panic became all-consuming. I finally started seeing someone about
a month and a half ago to help me process everything that happened. If there is
anything I can recommend if you experience something like this, is that you
seek therapy as soon as you can. No one can go through a physical trauma, while
being away from their newborn without all of the help and prayers they can get.
So, I guess that is what I will ask for right now. Any prayers or love you can
send my way would be greatly appreciated. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Lots of love, <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Katie<o:p></o:p></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Katie & Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00922898184202299258noreply@blogger.com33tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6070907479583796124.post-20181820670681697502012-10-15T20:00:00.002-04:002012-10-15T20:00:39.135-04:00A Letter to Fiona: 4 Months
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfbP9vzrceLJZr6T_R6jg2H8AFuh39nBswo0tMC8jPJEnVFHLVxzdKynSZ3iYKB_RIuwrsxr3f4rVa-er-Gp6F_MPfkalb9AvShQsrKYpWA7CY0kGTYGOK5DmPx-ovzX_CBdmGTEBNGOE/s1600/DSC_0782.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfbP9vzrceLJZr6T_R6jg2H8AFuh39nBswo0tMC8jPJEnVFHLVxzdKynSZ3iYKB_RIuwrsxr3f4rVa-er-Gp6F_MPfkalb9AvShQsrKYpWA7CY0kGTYGOK5DmPx-ovzX_CBdmGTEBNGOE/s400/DSC_0782.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
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<div class="MsoNormal">
To My Darling Fiona,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You are four months old today! As I sit down and write this
letter, all I can think about is how one year ago yesterday, we found out that
you would be joining our family. It’s crazy to think back now about how nervous and
excited we were on that day, and how much has happened since then. From not
knowing whether we would be having a son or a daughter, to wondering about what
color your hair and eyes would be, to guessing what personality traits you
would pick up…we just had no idea what to expect! But, here you are now, so
alert and loveable, and the best thing that every happened to us. I can say one
thing for certain baby girl, you are a million times more perfect than we could
ever have imagined. We feel so blessed every day that you chose us to be your
parents. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We feel blessed even when the days are hard and long and
tough, which happened more often than not this month. You hit a major growth
spurt this month, which in your mind equaled needing to be held all of the time. Not held
so that you can cuddle, mind you, but held so that you can look down on
everything around you. Your Papa and I joke that you want to be held just so
you can look down upon your minions. Needless to say, your loud, vocal disdain of anything
that resembled a seat, a bouncer or play-mat, equaled one tired Momma. You must
have been exhausted too, because boy oh boy, did you grow. One night I was
putting you in your footed pajamas and they were nice and roomy, and comfy, and
the next night I went to put them on you and they barely fit. You really are
getting to be such a big girl! </div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Thankfully, all that growing didn’t interrupt your sleep too
much. You now sleep from around 7:00 PM – 6:30 or 7:00 AM, and take two pretty
good naps. You absolutely love your sleep. You’ve also become a self-soothing
champ, and will talk or play in your crib if you wake up, before drifting off
to sleep again. When you wake up in the morning you are so happy and excited
and will just laugh and smile and squirm when we come to pick you up. I cannot
even begin to explain how happy this makes us. We feel like we hit the baby
sleep lottery with you, and we definitely don’t take it for granted. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You have also had a lot of changes and milestones this
month! You stopped being swaddled around 15 weeks, and now love to stretch out
and move in your sleep. We tried not swaddling a couple of times before week
15, but you definitely were not up for it. Then one day, we put you down and you fell
right asleep without that sweet swaddle blanket, and have been without it ever
since. We certainly miss the days of snuggling you up as a Fiona-burrito, but
as usual, you let us know when you were ready to move up and on to the next big
thing. In addition to giving up the swaddle, you also gave up any interest in
your pacifiers. You are in love with your hands, and since they are constantly
available, you’ve decided they are 100% better to stick in your mouth. I’m not
really going to complain about this one, since it means we won’t have to break
the habit, but I do miss the days when I could calm you down easily with the
soothie pacifier. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Currently you love picking things up and pulling things
down. Whether it’s your lovies, toys or my hair, you are so excited to grab,
grab, grab. It’s kind of humorous to see you be able to pick up things that are
sometimes half your size, and I love watching you light up with excitement when
you discover something new. You also adore talking and singing. You still
aren’t that excited by most toys (although you do tolerate the jumparoo we
introduced fairly well). You would prefer to just have conversations all day
long. Your face lights up when your Papa or I talk to you, and you babble along
with the great tales that you want to tell us. You also love to try and sing.
I’ll have the radio on, or will sing a song to you, and you’ll start cooing
right along with the music. You most definitely get your conversation and
singing skills from your Papa. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This month you were also baptized into the Catholic Church.
The baptism was held at the same church where your Papa and I were married in
2008. It was a beautiful ceremony, and the deacon who baptized you loved your
name so much that he broke out singing the Irish Blessing song. We loved that
our families came out to share this special day with you, and we are so
thankful to God for bringing you to into our lives. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As for interesting facts: <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> - </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->It’s your first fall! We’re filling it with as
much pretty leaves, pumpkins and football a four month old can handle. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You love to lay outside on a blanket and look
up at the yellow, orange and red leaves.</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> - </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->You were baptized on October 7<sup>th</sup>,
2012</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> - </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->You can almost roll over from your belly to
back. You get a bit stuck on your side, and have been trying to grab onto
things to help try and pull yourself over. Of course, this leads us to believe
you are a genius child.</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> - </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->You still protest tummy time with as much
passion as a toddler throwing an epic temper tantrum. I’m fairly certain you
could probably crawl right now if you decided you wanted to do so, but you
prefer to let the neighborhood know that you really, really dislike tummy-time.
Then you pretend to sleep. It’s actually quite endearing some days, but the
dramatics of it all has me a bit nervous for toddler Fiona.</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> - </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->You adore the Itsy Bitsy Spider Song. You squeal
with delight every time I start singing it, which of course, means I sing it
1000x a day. Anything to make you happy, little one.</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> = </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->You took your first trip to the apple orchard.
You of course fell asleep the second we arrived, but there are pictures to
prove that you were actually there.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
I love you more than I ever could have
imagined I would 365 days ago. You are our smiley faced, giggle-fest, red-headed little love bug. You are our sunshine. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
xoxo, <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast">
Your Mama & Papa<o:p></o:p></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Katie & Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00922898184202299258noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6070907479583796124.post-36626105358677213872012-10-10T18:00:00.002-04:002012-10-10T20:37:45.167-04:00Why I Tell My Daughter I'm A Great Mother<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1CkfiLmnt2612zOnUgFKfLU5XiYg8hESRWVsDLW5N8tXYoJf6IJ5mo6kuxxDzdHx8j2pBH1msFSS9pbnhFxrSW0RagnuY2uv_lZwQhKOXR_-KLJRuoAhQfStls3SOFdRm9ynK3wue3Pg/s1600/DSC_0508.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1CkfiLmnt2612zOnUgFKfLU5XiYg8hESRWVsDLW5N8tXYoJf6IJ5mo6kuxxDzdHx8j2pBH1msFSS9pbnhFxrSW0RagnuY2uv_lZwQhKOXR_-KLJRuoAhQfStls3SOFdRm9ynK3wue3Pg/s400/DSC_0508.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I noticed my bad habit about three weeks after my daughter was born. You know, that point where the adrenaline is wearing off, your nerves are a bit more frayed, your much more sleep deprived, and the enormousness of the reality that you are completely responsible for another person's well-being and upbringing really starts to set in. No pressure there.<br />
<br />
It started harmlessly enough. Maybe I'd realize that a bottle was a bit too cold, and I'd make an off-handed comment like, "Oh no, Mommy didn't warm up your breakfast enough. Bad Mommy!" Or perhaps errands ran a bit longer than expected leaving me with a grumpy, fussy pants. I'd quickly quip, "Uh oh, Momma took too long. I'm so, so sorry babycakes! Momma messed up!"<br />
<br />
Before long I found myself pointing out all of my daily flaws. To my <i>infant</i>. At some point I realized just how wrong all of this was. Heck, there are hundreds of people out there, and thousands of websites, who are just ready to pounce and point out all of the things they believe I am doing wrong as a mom. Somewhere along the line parenting techniques became decisive, and it became ok for everyone to voice their opinion on how you should be raising your child. You know, the child who provided you with endless days of morning sickness, the child you worried about since the day you found out you were pregnant, the child you birthed, and the child you are responsible for raising into a caring, responsible adult. The child you know better than anyone else in the world.<br />
<br />
Those people can talk all they want about what they believe I may or may not be doing wrong, because I could care less about their opinions. But I do care about the opinions of my daughter. Because sometime in the future, she will most likely be a mother herself. And if I've raised her right, I know she will be a great mother. And what I will want more than anything else, is for her to recognize that in herself.<br />
<br />
So I've changed my tune. Now I spend my days telling my daughter what a great mom she has. I give myself verbal pats on the back when I give her cuddles that stop the tears, or sing her songs that make her laugh. And I'll continue that tune when she needs me to kiss the boo-boos to make them all better, or help mend her broken heart. Because one day, she'll realize that I'm not a perfect person, but that doesn't mean I wasn't the perfect mom for her.<br />
<br />Katie & Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00922898184202299258noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6070907479583796124.post-26367946841695047372012-10-08T20:46:00.000-04:002012-10-08T20:50:00.832-04:00Fiona's Baptism<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Yesterday, Fiona was baptized into the Catholic Church. The baptism took place at Saint Joseph's on the Brandywine, which is the same church where we were married. I love the sentiment that such big events for our family were held in the same place. It was a bit of a dreary, rainy day, but it was filled with so much love, faith and support. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc59LMetd5D8Qv_B9yb4yxEekxv4qIXzowBMWNzHL6QgzgpTcBgiugmSSsw6i8OOqSjPU5qDkOozJwT-qafc0HFfLyEDCyeIG_8x2Y1kBtQh20Wl6oUAvUaOLZRS47IzapAG1YvtcVDdI/s1600/DSC_0639.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc59LMetd5D8Qv_B9yb4yxEekxv4qIXzowBMWNzHL6QgzgpTcBgiugmSSsw6i8OOqSjPU5qDkOozJwT-qafc0HFfLyEDCyeIG_8x2Y1kBtQh20Wl6oUAvUaOLZRS47IzapAG1YvtcVDdI/s400/DSC_0639.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
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Our little family </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjksolf0_nJWNkjvfmASjaSwdsTqu_T-vRroycSfCeh60vZTyEFAmyjoQ2z86UrSxOj6HcDCFqCxnam5KNoo9fhXODOw-2dWcqIOZcFWv3tMu5ZFaX4uhZ_qbNkNw-QVMbaBYE2KR1rLho/s1600/DSC_0629.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjksolf0_nJWNkjvfmASjaSwdsTqu_T-vRroycSfCeh60vZTyEFAmyjoQ2z86UrSxOj6HcDCFqCxnam5KNoo9fhXODOw-2dWcqIOZcFWv3tMu5ZFaX4uhZ_qbNkNw-QVMbaBYE2KR1rLho/s400/DSC_0629.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The godparents! My sister, Kristen, and Ryan's brother, Kyle</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3824hcnyHxWejuhCWovHRqSWf1bGAOja2xDaT8vKeSWGiOBL-0tLdlPd-gWfDinz1N_X3pZK34a1li4GiQ_3NhWWK6yc0KXtMh3tN8OE7PHW1TnjC3IVqO8xzlBYnxpLiuxlnmhe74GY/s1600/DSC_0640.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3824hcnyHxWejuhCWovHRqSWf1bGAOja2xDaT8vKeSWGiOBL-0tLdlPd-gWfDinz1N_X3pZK34a1li4GiQ_3NhWWK6yc0KXtMh3tN8OE7PHW1TnjC3IVqO8xzlBYnxpLiuxlnmhe74GY/s400/DSC_0640.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
My little leprechaun. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
When your name is Fiona Kathleen, and you're a Mc and you're a redhead, your Mama has to dress you up in an Irish linen christening gown. Obviously.</div>
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This was during the Litany of the Saints. The deacon who was presiding over the baptism, likes to research different saints that share names and birthdays with the child. For Fiona, he chose <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Finnian_of_Clonard">Saint Finnian</a> (closest to Fiona), <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kateri">Blessed Kateri of Tekakwitha</a> (for Kathleen), and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercedes_de_Jes%C3%BAs_Molina">Blessed Mercedes de Jesus Molina</a> (died on June 12th). We were laughing because he said there were so many Saint Catherines to choose from, since Kathleen is derived from Catherine. But for some reason, he felt compelled to focus on Blessed Kateri of Tekakwitha. What was humorous, is that I had chosen Kateri as my confirmation name. Also humorous, was that of all the saints associated with June 12th, he chose Blessed Mercedes de Jesus Molina, who was born in Ecuador. You know, that place my husband lived for a while. Neither of these facts were known by the deacon, so it made everything seem even more special.<br />
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Fiona receiving the sign of the cross from her godparents</div>
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About to be baptized. If I look nervous, it's because my daughter who should have been awake at this time actually looked like this: </div>
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Needless to say, her reaction after being sound asleep and then having water poured over her head was everything that you could possibly imagine it would be. </div>
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Baptized baby!</div>
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I did have socks for her, but I completely forgot to put them on. Oh well, baby feet are cute :)</div>
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The white garment is a part of the Catholic baptism. For her white garment, the deacon gave Fiona this, which his wife needlepointed for her. It was unbelievably sweet. </div>
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We had a small reception at our house afterwards: </div>
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Ryan, Fiona & Kyle</div>
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My sisters Kristen & Laura, Me, Fiona & My Brother Joey</div>
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It was a wonderful day, and it was great to celebrate with our families! </div>
<span id="goog_651445808"></span><span id="goog_651445809"></span>Katie & Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00922898184202299258noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6070907479583796124.post-8820463934574146562012-09-16T17:58:00.001-04:002012-09-16T17:58:41.358-04:00Vacation Dreaming: Galway, IrelandSummer is most definitely drawing to a close, and while I'm excited for football, apples, and pumpkin spice, I'm already thinking about next summer when we hopefully get to go on vacation again. While we did a few day trips here and there this year, I'm dreaming of getting away from it all and exploring the world while holding Ryan and Fiona's hands. Since that time is a bit of a ways off, I figured I can live vicariously through some of my pictures from last year when we traveled to Ireland for my Dad's 60th birthday. In what was probably the last family vacation we'll all take together, since there are sure to be many more spouses and babies in the near future, my parents went all out and rented a wonderful house in Galway, Ireland. It was absolutely perfect, because everyone could come and go as they please, or hang out together if they wanted. We spent many days walking around town, driving to other cities in southern Ireland, and spending quality time together. Cheers to an amazing trip, Dad!<br />
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Here are some pics from our time in Galway: </div>
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This was a welcome sight to see considering we were flying the same airline, and leaving from the exact same gate, as the flight that almost caused me to miss my best friend's wedding a few weeks earlier...</div>
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Saint Anne's Place: </div>
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I still miss my maiden name. </div>
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Welcome pastries! </div>
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Ryan in the library. Don't be fooled by the big book he's reading...it's Harry Potter & the Goblet of Fire. </div>
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The family! Laura, Mom, Dad, Kristen, Joey & Me </div>
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(yes, my sisters and I look exactly alike even though I am 4 & 6 years older than them, respectfully).</div>
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Ryan cooking a birthday dinner for my Dad. Major son-in-law points for that one. </div>
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Birthday Chicken & Potatoes</div>
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No meal would be complete without birthday cupcakes!</div>
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Beautiful Galway: </div>
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Leprechaun Door. </div>
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Walking to <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salthill">Salthill</a> </div>
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My amazing siblings. Me, Laura, Kristen & Joey.</div>
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Irish Beer Tasting (lets be honest, that is the number one thing to do in Ireland). </div>
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Tea time!</div>
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Ryan calls this his, "That's not a Guinness" photo.</div>
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Pub love. </div>
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<br />Katie & Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00922898184202299258noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6070907479583796124.post-3595018460791345562012-09-13T12:48:00.001-04:002012-09-13T12:48:08.542-04:00A Letter to Fiona: 3 Months <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxxCJo-66FWjpXr5AQdnrZhRgGOU_ME0eWKBjQsDKs9Fq2DWc2aGDheBcLgZMCI6PcZ-u-MMsi4mbtYVL3WVdUGhijLeBGrJd_T2GcQ_tcFWtsD0bQShPpJ0j_JS7zCRxKISAYO5Syoji-/s1600/DSC_0368.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxxCJo-66FWjpXr5AQdnrZhRgGOU_ME0eWKBjQsDKs9Fq2DWc2aGDheBcLgZMCI6PcZ-u-MMsi4mbtYVL3WVdUGhijLeBGrJd_T2GcQ_tcFWtsD0bQShPpJ0j_JS7zCRxKISAYO5Syoji-/s400/DSC_0368.jpg" width="275" /></a></div>
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My Beautiful Fiona, <o:p></o:p></div>
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You are three months old today! You are starting to look
more and more like a little person and less like the newborn you were just a
few short weeks ago. A part of my heart is sad to see you get bigger everyday,
but it is quickly filled with the love and excitement that comes with seeing
the bits and pieces of who you are shine through. <o:p></o:p></div>
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One of the most memorable moments of this month was when you
got to meet my grandfather, your great-grandfather. He is your only living
great-grandparent, and probably will not be with us that much longer. He
absolutely loved meeting you, and you could not stop smiling at him. I think
there is a special connection between those who are at the beginning of life
and those who are closer to the end. It’s like you share some knowledge that
those of us in the middle aren’t privy to. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It melted my heart to share you with him. <o:p></o:p></div>
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You also made two big trips this month. The first was to
your Nana and Granddad’s house in Virginia Beach. They were so thrilled to see
you again, and celebrated by throwing a Sip & See celebration to introduce
you to their close friends and some of your extended family. You were a huge
hit, and you handled all of the excitement in stride. It was so wonderful to
see how much love there is surrounding you. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You were a fantastic traveller, and were so
good even when the five-hour ride home turned into an eleven-hour ordeal (in
fact, you may have dealt with it even better than your Papa and I did!). <o:p></o:p></div>
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Over Labor Day weekend, you took your second trip, which
also consisted of your first time leaving the country. We headed north to
Toronto, Canada to visit our friends Meredith and Andrew. The trip took about
12 hours each way with stops for feeding and stretching. Your Papa and I were
both nervous about traveling so far with you being so young, especially since
you hit a bit of a growth spurt at the same time. You surprised us again
though, and even though there were a couple bumpy times, you handled everything
as well as could possibly be expected from a tiny baby. On our way home, we even
took some time to stop at Niagara Falls. You won’t remember seeing the falls
this young, but I’m so excited to share the pictures with you one day. <o:p></o:p></div>
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You did happen to find your voice on the way up north, and
were incredibly excited to hear yourself yell as much as possible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of course, the pinnacle of your yelling
spectacle took place while we were waiting in line at the border crossing. The
most amusing part about you finding your voice is that you’ve pretty much
abandoned crying in place of straight up yelling. While louder, there are much
less tears, so I guess that is a plus. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Thankfully a few days after you discovered yelling, you
figured out how to laugh. You surprised your Papa by giving him a big belly
laugh when he was telling you how lovely you are in Spanish. The following day,
you decided to share your newly found skill with me. And, oh my goodness, I
love it so much that I now spend most of our time together trying to get you to
giggle. <o:p></o:p></div>
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You also met a lot of our close friends this month, and it
was such a joy to introduce you to them. You met your Papa’s best friend Dan, his
wife Christy, and their two beautiful girls Claire and Elena on our way back
home from Virginia Beach. You also met your Momma’s wonderful friends, aka your
honorary aunts… Ashley (along with her husband Charlie and adorable son Braden),
Laura, and Stephanie. You met honorary Aunt Meredith when you were two weeks
old, and you’ll meet honorary Aunt Colette in December. Sometimes it still
takes me back that we have all moved onto the next stage of life. It seems like
just yesterday we were all running around and enjoying all that comes with
being carefree and in your early twenties. There is so much more responsibility
now, but there is also so much more love, and for that I am thankful.</div>
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As for interesting facts:</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->You took your first trip to Nana &
Granddad’s House on August 17th<o:p></o:p></div>
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</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->You met your great-grandfather on August 29<sup>th</sup>
<o:p></o:p></div>
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</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->You took your first trip to another country
(Canada) on August 31<sup>st</sup><o:p></o:p></div>
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</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->You can now roll over from your stomach to back
on both your right and your left sides<o:p></o:p></div>
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</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->You can now grab and pick up items (although,
not usually intentionally)<o:p></o:p></div>
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</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->You laughed for the first time on September 9<sup>th</sup>
<o:p></o:p></div>
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</span></span></span><!--[endif]-->It’s your first football season! Both Mama and
Papa’s college teams have won their first two games. Don't tell Papa, but I like to do the Hokie Pokie with you when he's not around...I'm fairly certain this will make you a VT fan. </div>
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We love you so much little munchkin. You make everyday a
better one. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Love you more than all the stars in the sky, <o:p></o:p></div>
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Your Mama & Papa<o:p></o:p></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Katie & Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00922898184202299258noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6070907479583796124.post-53336611759607312362012-08-15T16:37:00.002-04:002012-08-15T16:37:40.943-04:00Fiona's Lullaby Playlist: Volume 1We have a couple of long road trips coming up over the next few weeks. While I love <a href="http://www.rockabyebabymusic.com/">Rockabye Baby!</a> and <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00000AG6C/ref=oh_details_o01_s00_i00">Spanish Lullabies</a> (for Ryan to sing), I need some more variety in my life. Plus, I'm horrible at remembering the lyrics to any of the traditional lullabies. Heck, I didn't even realize until we were setting up the nursery (at the ripe old age of 30) that Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star, the ABC song, and Baa Baa Black Sheep were all set to the same melody. Enter Fiona's first mixed tape (well, cd if you will). It's very random, but I like it that way :)<br />
<br />
Fiona's Lullaby Playlist (Vol. 1):<br />
<br />
1) Be My Baby- The Ronettes<br />
2) My Girl- The Temptations<br />
3) Baby Love- The Supremes<br />
4) Beach Baby- The First Class<br />
5) All You Need Is Love- The Beatles<br />
6) God Only Knows- The Beach Boys<br />
7) Back Where I Come From- Kenny Chesney (This is Fiona's favorite Kenny song...in our house, he's the baby whisperer)<br />
8) She's Got It All- Kenny Chesney<br />
9) It Won't Be Like This For Long- Darius Rucker<br />
10) To Make You Feel My Love- Tamara Woodman<br />
11) Baby Mine- Alison Krauss<br />
12) Smile- Nat King Cole<br />
13) When You Wish Upon A Star- Tony Bennett<br />
14) Somewhere Over The Rainbow- Katherine McPhee<br />
15) Goodnight, My Angel- Billy Joel<br />
16) You Belong To Me- Carla Bruni (yup, Nicolas Sarkozy's wife)<br />
17) When Irish Eye's Are Smiling (A favorite of my Dad's to sing to me when I was little)- Bing Crosby<br />
18) Les Yeux Ouverts (Dream A Little Dream)- Emilie Claire Barlow<br />
19) Too-Ra-Loo-Ra-Loo-Ra- Rosemary Clooney (another my Dad sang to me)<br />
20) Sou Gan (Welsh Lullaby)- John Williams (Ryan learned this one in high school and loves to sing it to Fiona)<br />
21) Hallelujah- Jeff Buckley<br />
22) World to Me- David Gray<br />
23) Ho Hey- The Lumineers<br />
24) I Won't Give Up- Jason Mraz<br />
25) The Best of What's Around- Dave Matthews Band<br />
<br />
p.s. It's kind of weird to think that she'll never have to sit around all day by the radio to hit the record button when her favorite song comes on. Kids these days... :)<br />
<br />Katie & Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00922898184202299258noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6070907479583796124.post-76337334945640672852012-08-13T13:04:00.000-04:002012-08-13T13:09:59.780-04:00A Letter to Fiona: Two Months<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8BwuKSpkdeRgr6C6ChEexuNQClEftG-No8BZ6vF1XGdGgb3ZqqN4ZrRAwtl9mlSsLPul3AblzqS_6RNX95OtuIzAbYoDYZQ7qbjAKkbZy4CEe6iTjAFJebLxoaT1kI845aiTDLhgGCqNf/s1600/DSC_0882.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8BwuKSpkdeRgr6C6ChEexuNQClEftG-No8BZ6vF1XGdGgb3ZqqN4ZrRAwtl9mlSsLPul3AblzqS_6RNX95OtuIzAbYoDYZQ7qbjAKkbZy4CEe6iTjAFJebLxoaT1kI845aiTDLhgGCqNf/s400/DSC_0882.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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My Dearest Fiona, <o:p></o:p></div>
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Two months. 8 weeks. It doesn’t sound like very long, but I
can’t remember what our lives were like without you in it. It sounds a bit
cliché to say that, but it is so very true. You make every day better (even the
difficult ones!), and every night we go to bed excited to see what the next day
with you will be like.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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This second month has been all about awareness. You began to
open your eyes up much more around weeks four and five, and now you are bright
eyed and alert whenever you are awake. You can see that you are just beginning
to understand cause and effect. You’ll touch a toy on your activity mat, and
get so excited when the toy makes a noise. You don’t quite have enough control
to create the noise intentionally, nor do you understand that you are the one
causing the noise, but you seem to grasp the concept that something is causing
the noise to happen. You’ve also found your hands (and endlessly try to get
them into your mouth), and love to watch your feet move. I adore that such
simple things cause so much delight and bewilderment. <o:p></o:p></div>
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You’re personality is beginning to shine through more and
more. You are a fairly content and happy baby the majority of the time, and are
becoming quite particular about what you like (eating, country music, bouncing)
and what you do not like (burping, swinging, the cold air hitting your bum
after a bath). I find it humorous that at this young age, you already have
preferences. While you are fairly happy-go-lucky, you are also quite passionate
and determined. Also amusing is the fact that you are already learning to be a
bit dramatic with your reactions. When you are really mad and not getting what
you want, you cry loudly and then look around for our reaction. When the reaction
isn’t what you are expecting, you lock your left leg and stomp your right foot.
We are surely in for it when you are a toddler and a teenager. <o:p></o:p></div>
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You have a very blasé attitude towards all of your
toys…opting for human interaction as your activity of choice. You love to play
a game where I tell you that we’re going for a walk in the jungle (or forest).
I move your legs slowly while we’re “walking,” and then I’ll exclaim that we
just saw a bear (or any of the other litany of random animals I come up with).
At this point I’ll move your legs quickly so we can “run” away from said
animal. The second I say that we’re going for a walk, your whole face lights up
and you get so excited. You also love it when I have conversations with you.
I’ll ask you about your night, your dreams, what you want to do today, if you
want tea and biscuits…anything really, and you’ll just coo right along as though
you are speaking back to me. I’m fairly certain I love this just as much as you
do. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Perhaps the best thing that has happened this month is that
you began to smile. It started out as a random grin here and there, but now you
give us tons of smiles every day. There aren’t any words that could possibly
describe the delight I feel when I see you happy. On the flip side, of course,
you also started crying real tears, and have perfected a heart-wrenching lower
lip quiver. I find it slightly ironic that even at two months old you have come
to learn that joy and sadness are intrinsically intertwined. That one cannot
exist without the other. It is a lesson that you will continue to learn
throughout your life, but I hope that you are always able to find joy and
happiness even in the darkest of times.</div>
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As for interesting facts:</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>You took your first trip to the beach (Sea Isle
City, NJ)<o:p></o:p></div>
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</span></span></span>You took your first trip to the zoo (Cape May
Zoo)<o:p></o:p></div>
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</span></span></span>You experienced your first Olympics (London)<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>You met your Aunt Colleen and Uncle Kyle for the
first time on your Mama & Papa’s 4<sup>th</sup> Wedding Anniversary (July
26<sup>th</sup>). You’ll get to meet your cousins at Thanksgiving. <o:p></o:p></div>
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</span></span></span>You’ve rolled over from front to back about 8
times, but not with any consistency. I’m sure that will be coming soon though!<o:p></o:p></div>
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</span></span></span>You smiled for the first time on July 16<sup>th</sup><o:p></o:p></div>
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</span></span></span>You slept from 9:00 PM – 6:00 AM the first half
of the month, and are now sleeping from 8:00 PM - 6:30 AM (we are so thankful for this!)<o:p></o:p></div>
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Keep on smiling baby girl!</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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We love you times infinity and beyond, <o:p></o:p></div>
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Your Mama & Papa<o:p></o:p></div>
Katie & Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00922898184202299258noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6070907479583796124.post-33161410360348851902012-08-08T18:54:00.000-04:002012-08-08T18:54:33.854-04:00Because A Day With Your Crying, Cranky Baby Is An Absolute BlessingYesterday was one of those days. Fiona was refusing naps from the get-go. She would either lay there wide awake, or would sleep for 10-15 minutes and then refuse to fall asleep again. This equaled an exhausted baby, and just perpetuated the no-nap cycle. There may or may not have been tears on both of our parts, and I may have (not so secretly) been counting down the minutes until my husband was due home.<br />
<br />
I was frustrated and tired, but had promised an acquaintance from high school that I would volunteer for a gala that her non-profit workplace holds in April. I really didn't know too much about the organization, nor had I had time to really research it, seeing as how my baby has been keeping me on my toes. I may have gotten lost on the way to the meeting, and contemplated just turning around, and throwing in the towel for the day. But sometimes you get a push from God, and he reminds you of how lucky you really are.<br />
<br />
Turns out, the organization that the gala benefits is for a pediatric nursing home. It is a place where babies and children that require 24/7 medical care can stay, so that they can live somewhere that offers a bit more of a "home" environment than a hospital room.<br />
<br />
During the volunteer meeting, they showed the gala video from the year before. It highlighted a trip that the children (that were physically able to) took to Disney World, and all of the work that was required to take 8 kids with severe disabilities (many were on ventilators) to Florida. It was absolutely unbelievable what was needed just to get the children to and through the airport. One child had never been outside of the facility complex, and he spent 20 minutes enthralled with a fire hydrant in front of Southwest Airlines, just because he had never seen one before. And to see the children react when they got to meet Mickey and Minnie Mouse (did you know Mickey can even do the theme song in sign language?!?)...well, lets just say it had us all in tears.<br />
<br />
After the meeting, I was invited to take a tour of the facility. The organization is just fantastic, and what they provide for these children is absolutely amazing. But to walk through those hallways and see the rooms with the tiny little beds and cradles was absolutely heart-wrenching. Each of the rooms even has two closets. One for the child's clothes and another that acts as a nursing station, so that the parents don't have to see some of the scary medical equipment. There are even "emergency" rooms that are set aside for children with disabilities that are taken into state custody, or for children that require end of life care.<br />
<br />
While all of these things are great to have, it was a truly humbling experience that reminded me of just how good I have it. Because even though I may have hard days with a cranky baby, I have the privilege of getting to hold my baby. I get to feed my baby. I get to put my baby to sleep at the end of the day. I can kiss and cuddle her when I want to. I can read her books, and tell her tales. I can pick her up in the morning and tell her I love her over and over again. So no matter how hard I think some of the days are, I will always, always remember how blessed I am.Katie & Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00922898184202299258noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6070907479583796124.post-5733273566561036072012-08-06T21:56:00.000-04:002012-08-06T21:56:43.931-04:00Cuteness Overload: First (Professional) Family Pictures<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Oh photography. It's one of my most favorite things in the world. I could read photography blogs all day because I love it that much (my 3.5 year stint as a wedding planner certainly didn't help this obsession). Thankfully my husband is as much of a fan as I am. For Fiona's first photo session, we hired <a href="http://www.ryanestes.com/">Ryan Estes</a>, a Philadelphia based family photographer. He was absolutely wonderful to work with, and I am so thankful to have these memories to look back upon. I'll just let the pictures speak for themselves :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">p.s. the daddy/daughter pictures make my heart melt 1000x over</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div>Katie & Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00922898184202299258noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6070907479583796124.post-72682145181281800322012-08-04T20:01:00.001-04:002012-08-04T20:05:03.038-04:00Baby Gear: The First 2 MonthsI remember how much I loved to read baby gear recommendations when I was pregnant, so I figured that I should go ahead and write about what has worked best for us the first few weeks. I'll be honest though...babies really do not need much their first two months of life. But these are the items that have made the days just a little bit easier. Also, since our house was built in the mid-1800s, and has close to no storage, a lot of the items we chose to register for or purchase work best in small spaces.<br />
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<u><b>Clothing</b></u><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Gerber-Unisex-Baby-Newborn-Sleeve-Mitten/dp/B007C2PZQ8/ref=sr_1_fkmr1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1344105277&sr=8-2-fkmr1&keywords=side+infant+snap+shirt+with+mits">Side Snap Infant Shirts with Mitts </a>- We were given 3 of these at the hospital, and I used them everyday for the first month. I couldn't find any mittens that would stay on Fiona's hands, and the good old "sock trick over the hands" didn't work for her either. And goodness gracious do those newborn nails grow fast. I would just put these on underneath her short sleeve onsie outfits. They also helped add a little extra warmth in our air conditioned house. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Tadpoles-Organic-Pin-Stripe-Kimono-Style-Bodysuit/dp/B001DMVGMU/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1344105664&sr=8-1&keywords=long+sleeve+bodysuit+with+mitts">Long Sleeve bodysuits with Mitts</a>- This link is just an example. They sell tons of affordable options at Babies R Us and Buy Buy Baby. Just like above, but without the step of having to put an additional onsie over top (however, most of the onsies we were gifted were short sleeved, so we used the above option more). <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.gap.com/browse/product.do?cid=50785&vid=1&pid=131357&scid=131357002">Baby Gap Socks</a>- Best socks ever. Stay on much, much better than any other baby socks we own (and Fiona is a crazy kicker/foot stomper). I pretty much use these socks exclusively. I can't find them online, but they do sell 0-3 month size in the stores. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p><b><u>Skincare/Cleaning</u></b></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p><b><u><br />
</u></b></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3417813&prodFindSrc=search">California Baby Calendula Cream</a>- I love this cream. I've put it on every scratch Fiona has given herself and every rash she has gotten, and it always helps everything disappear quickly. It's a miracle cream in a bottle, and it smells yummy. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.drugstore.com/products/prod.asp?pid=54809&catid=182979&aid=338666&aparam=54809">California Baby Diaper Area Wash</a>- Ok, technically we haven't had to use this for any diaper rashes yet, but sometimes baby diapers smell much, much worse than you can ever imagine. I like to spray this stuff on during those times...plus it is nice to have on hand incase any rashes pop up. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=11013556">Burt’s Bees Baby Bee Shampoo and Wash</a>- I use a lot of Burt's Bees products on myself, so I felt pretty good about using their products on our baby. Just a little bit goes a long way, so I feel as though it will takes us months just to get through one bottle. Again, I like the scent of this wash too...which is good, because you will smell your baby's head a lot (just trust me on this one). <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Mommys-Bliss-Liquid-4-ounce-bottle/dp/B0014G1I6E">Gripe Water</a>- Works awesome for hiccups and gas pains. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Itzy-Ritzy-Zippered-Whale-Watching/dp/B00465USXY/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1344109917&sr=8-3&keywords=itzy+ritzy+bag">Itzy Ritzy Wet Bag</a>- I love all of the different designs for these bags, and plan on buying some of their reusable snack bags in the future. These bags are great for dirty clothes, wet swim suits or cloth diapers. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p><b><u>Sleep</u></b> </o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p><br />
</o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/SleepSack-Micro-Fleece-Swaddle-Cream-Small/dp/B001D7JO1U/ref=sr_1_2?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1344110051&sr=1-2&keywords=halo+sleepsack+swaddle">Halo SleepSack Swaddles</a>- Our hospital is a part of the <a href="https://www.halosleep.com/hospitals/in_hospital_program/">Halo SleepSack In-Hospital Program</a>, which is a great marketing scheme where your baby is given a Halo SleepSack to sleep in, instead of a hospital blanket. Essentially, your baby becomes accustomed to sleeping in a $25.00 piece of fabric with a zipper and velcro, leaving you to run out and and spend $75.00 your first day home, because one isn't going to cut it with all the messes newborns make. On the other hand, they are super easy to use...my parents and siblings love them for that reason when they are babysitting. Also, Fiona especially liked them the first couple of weeks because she was breech and <b><i>loved</i></b> to have lots of room to kick her feet (she still sleeps with her feet in the air most of the night). <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/aden-anais-Muslin-Wraps-4-Pack/dp/B001ACOOMW/ref=sr_1_29?ie=UTF8&qid=1344110720&sr=8-29&keywords=aden+%26+anais+swaddle+blankets">Aden & Anais Muslin Wraps</a>- At four weeks, we started the Moms on Call program, and began using their swaddling technique. I really like using these blankets (especially the extra large 47"x47" ones sold on Amazon). We have 8, and use them all throughout the week. They are just as awesome and adorable as everyone says they are. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=12092993&prodFindSrc=search">Aprica Haven Play-yard</a>- I wanted a pack n play without all of the bells and whistles because:<br />
1) We needed something that could we move up and down our extremely narrow staircase quickly and easily (esp. since I had a c-section).<br />
and<br />
2) We needed something that didn't take up a ton of room and was easy to pack in our mid-sized car.<br />
This pack n play fit the bill, and I've loved it. I just keep any baby supplies in a cute <a href="http://www.amazon.com/3-Sprouts-Storage-Caddy-Grey/dp/B006Y7OYPA/ref=sr_1_13?ie=UTF8&qid=1344111466&sr=8-13&keywords=sprout+bag">3 Sprouts</a> storage caddy I was given by a friend at my baby shower. It folds up so easily, and we (well, the husband) literally brought it downstairs every morning and upstairs every night during the first 4 weeks. Plus it's nice and sturdy, and it looks good.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3977276#showReviews">Summer Infant Rest Assured Sleeper</a>- I registered for this because we originally planned on co-sleeping, and I wanted to do it safely. Turns out our baby girl really, really likes her own quiet space. This thing is awesome though, and we're still using it all of the time. We put this in the pack and play and in her crib, so that the space seems a little bit more confined. I also will bring it over my parents house so that I don't have to bring the pack n play (though they will eventually get one for their house). It folds up really nicely, and it has a night light/sound machine/ vibration attachment. The night light feature alone made it worth the money because one of us could do diaper changes in the middle of the night, without having to wake the other up (Fiona slept in her pack n play in our room up until week 4). </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Homedics-iSoundSpa-Lullaby-Picture-Projection/dp/B001ICEG4K/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1344112415&sr=8-1&keywords=homedics+isoundspa">Homedics iSoundSpa Lullaby</a>- I have a lot of friends and family members that love this product as much as we do. It is nice and small, and again, easy to travel with. Heck, it puts me to sleep. We even brought it to the hospital and used it there, since I knew how loud it would be. Plus, it's super affordable. Love, love, love. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.momsoncall.com/">Moms on Call</a>- I have no words for how awesome this program is at getting your baby to sleep. I remember other bloggers raving about it before I was pregnant, and was reminded about it when I read Annahita's blog <a href="http://hitaj.blogspot.com/">Forever 88</a>. So I bit the bullet and bought the program, and it has been a life-saver. I started it at 4 weeks (although I probably would have started it at 2, had I remembered about it at that point), and within four days, Fiona was sleeping from 9:30 PM - 6:00 AM. Even the last week and a half, when Fiona went through a tough growth spurt, and we had some major napping issues, she continued to sleep through the night. Worth <b><i>every</i></b> cent. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p><b><u>Feeding</u></b></o:p><br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">* I was only able to breastfeed for five days before I was hospitalized with what my doctors believe to be a case of <a href="http://www.infantrisk.com/content/breastfeeding-anaphylaxis">breastfeeding anaphylaxis</a>. It was even more terrifying than it sounds. As soon as the shock and fear subside a bit I hope to write a post on this...especially since I strongly believe that it, along with postpartum hives, are not as rare as they are made out to be. Needless to say, Fiona is now a formula-fed, bottle champ. Most of these items reflect these needs. </span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p><b><u><br />
</u></b></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3918119">Tommee Tippee Closer To Nature Bibs</a>- These bibs are amazing for little babes, especially bottle fed ones. They fit really well around their tiny necks and catch all of the dribbles. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Gerber-Prefold-Birdseye-3-Ply-Diapers/dp/B005K47EG4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1344117685&sr=8-1&keywords=gerber+pre-folded+cloth+diapers">Original Cloth Diapers</a>- At this point in a baby's life there is <b><i>a lot </i></b>of spit-up and milk dribbles. This is definitely one area where practicality outweighs cuteness. Don't waste your money on cute burp cloths. Just buy a bunch of these. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Boon-Winter-Grass-Countertop-Drying/dp/B0032G9E0G/ref=sr_1_1?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1344117892&sr=1-1&keywords=boon+grass">Boon “Grass” Drying Rack</a>- If I had the counter space, I would totally use the larger "<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Boon-Countertop-Drying-Spring-Green/dp/B004OR1DTC/ref=sr_1_2?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1344117892&sr=1-2&keywords=boon+grass">lawn</a>" option. I love using this as our bottle drying station, and hope to add some of the fun <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Boon-Grass-Drying-Accessory-Orange/dp/B005PRQC3C/ref=sr_1_3?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1344117892&sr=1-3&keywords=boon+grass">accessories</a> to it soon. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Playtex-VentAire-Bottle-Newborn-Starter/dp/B0006FHBBA/ref=sr_1_1?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1344118555&sr=1-1&keywords=playtex+ventaire">Playtex Ventaire Bottles</a> with <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Dr-Browns-Natural-Preemie-Standard/dp/B004J34TAG/ref=sr_1_1?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1344118615&sr=1-1&keywords=dr.+browns+preemie+nipples">Dr. Brown’s Preemie Nipples</a>- This is a great solution if you have a baby that is a super fast eater and can down 4 oz in 5 minutes if given the chance (which of course results in all sorts of gas and spit-up issues). It took some playing around, but I found this to be the best combination for slowing her down. I believe that Dr. Brown's is the only brand that makes preemie nipples. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Oster-2-Liter-Electric-Kettle-Stainless/dp/B0012S1V2A/ref=sr_1_cc_1?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1344118832&sr=1-1-catcorr&keywords=oster+electric+kettle">Oster Electric Kettle</a> & and <a href="http://www.campusemporium.com/mln-va-tech-wobbly-mug.html#.UB2g7WadBXU">Extra Large Mug</a> (or Large Pyrex Measuring Cup)- I'm a huge tea drinker and became obsessed with electric kettles after being in England and Ireland last year. I purchased this one last summer and love it, because it has a feature that allows you to keep the water hot for hours after it has boiled. Turns out it makes a pretty amazing bottle warmer too. I just use the boiled water to make the bottles, which I then refrigerate, and then use the feature that keeps the water hot. Then I just pour the water into my large VT mug to heat up the bottle when needed. Serves more than one purpose, and doesn't take up any additional space. Awesome. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.target.com/p/my-brest-friend-nursing-pillow-fireworks/-/A-13641897?ref=tgt_adv_XSG10001&AFID=Google_PLA_df&LNM=%7C13641897&CPNG=baby&ci_sku=13641897&ci_gpa=pla&ci_kw=">My Breast Friend Nursing Pillow</a>- I used this when I was breastfeeding, and still use it now that I am bottle feeding. It helps distribute the baby's weight, which helps alleviate some back and neck pain. I like this over the boppy for c-section mommas, because it has an adjustable strap that helps keep everything off your incision.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.diapers.com/p/avent-soothie-pacifier-0-3-mo-pink-purple-2-pk-88610?site=CA&utm_source=cse&utm_medium=cpc_D&utm_term=AV-146&utm_campaign=Google&CAWELAID=1338627158&utm_content=pla&cagpspn=pla&ci_kw=%7Bkeyword%7D">Avent Soothie Pacifier</a>- Fiona has a crazy suck (as evident by her feeding habits), and loves some good pacifier time. I believe the majority of hospitals provide this pacifier, so just have some as a back up incase your little one takes a liking to it. </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><u>Entertainment/Transportation/Other</u></b> </div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Moby-Wrap-Original-Cotton-Carrier/dp/B004VB0GRG/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1344119745&sr=8-3&keywords=moby+wrap">Moby Wrap</a>- Fiona loves to cuddle and be worn. The moby wrap was all the rage when I was putting together my baby registry. It serves the purpose, but honestly, I find it a pain to put on and wear...especially in the summer...because there is SO MUCH thick fabric. If I could do it over, I probably would have registered for the <a href="http://www.babyktan.com/ep.html">Baby K'tan</a>, especially since they have a <a href="http://www.babyktan.com/blbrz.html">mesh version</a> (although, it would be nice if this version was available in anything other than black (impractical for the summer) and white (impractical for a baby)). I have the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Ergo-Carrier-Black-Camel-Lining/dp/B0010PW3A4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1344120624&sr=8-1&keywords=ergo">ergo</a> too, but haven't used it yet, as I didn't purchase the infant insert since it isn't ideal for summer babies. I can't wait to break it out in the fall though. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Skip-Hop-Treetop-Friends-Activity/dp/B0042RU2SW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1344120721&sr=8-1&keywords=skip+hop+activity+gym">Skip Hop Treetop Friends Activity Gym</a>- I'm fairly certain that all activity gyms pretty much provide the same things. I chose this one because it wasn't obnoxious to look at, and I liked the way the rattles sounded (important things when you are using it 3 times a day). But seriously, I'm sure any activity gym will get the job done. p.s. <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Skip-Hop-Alphabet-Zoo-Activity/dp/B006STJTR2/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1344120721&sr=8-2&keywords=skip+hop+activity+gym">this one</a> wasn't out when I registered, but I think I like it even more. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/BABYBJ%C3%96RN-BabySitter-Balance-Brown-Beige/dp/B001HOIC8K/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1344121478&sr=8-1&keywords=baby+bjorn+balance+sitter">BABYBJORN BabySitter Balance</a>- Our baby is more of a bouncer fan as opposed to a swing fan (which isn't that surprising since I worked on my feet up until I delivered). I got this on the recommendation of my old roommate Ashley and my blog friend <a href="http://my-scenery.blogspot.com/2012/01/fab-find-friday-baby-edition.html">Aliya</a>. It is awesome, and grows really well with your baby. It is super light-weight and travels well, which makes me love it even more. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Tiny-Love-Take-Along-Sunny-Stroll/dp/B000S9RF4M/ref=sr_1_2?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1344121596&sr=1-2&keywords=tiny+love+toy+bar">Tiny Love Take-Along Arch</a>- Once Fiona could focus a bit more, she obviously liked having fun things to look at. Because it is adjustable, I've been able to use it on our bouncer, carseat and sleeper. Plus it costs less than $20.00, which I think makes it extra-amazing.<br />
<br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Britax-USA-U341782-B-Agile-Stroller/dp/B0050GD2AO/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1344121792&sr=8-1&keywords=b-agile+stroller">Britax B-Agile Stroller</a> with <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Britax-B-Safe-Infant-Car-Seat/dp/B0050GD29U/ref=sr_1_1?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1344121833&sr=1-1&keywords=b-safe+infant+car+seat">Britax B-Safe Car Seat</a> & <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Diono-Buggy-Buddy-Stroller-Organizer/dp/B005PK1G76/ref=sr_1_1?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1344121878&sr=1-1&keywords=diono+buggy+buddy">Diono Buggy Buddy</a>- Lets be honest....I doubt that there is a perfect stroller, unless maybe you have a thousand dollars to spend on one. However, I love the Britax brand, and adore this travel system. I feel like it is the Apple brand of strollers with regards to the ease of use. The stroller is super light-weight, travels well, and has a one-handed fold (amazing!). It fits in our 2' wide (no lie) downstairs closet. The car seat has great ratings and fits right in. I feel like it just all works so well. I attached the diono buggy buddy, since it has better reviews than the britax attachment. Love that it holds my water bottle, along with another drink or bottle, and it has a zippered compartment to store your keys. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003ZYF3LO/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i00">DSLR Camera</a>- We saved up before our little one arrived because we knew that having a kid = taking a gazillion pictures of said kid. Worthy investment. </o:p><br />
<o:p><br />
</o:p><br />
<o:p><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/prime">Amazon Prime</a>- During the first few weeks of your baby's life, the free 2-day shipping will be a life-saver. Again, especially useful if you have a c-section. Once you have a baby, the savings definitely outweigh the membership costs. </o:p><br />
<o:p><br />
</o:p><br />
<o:p>Hope this helps! </o:p><br />
<o:p><br />
</o:p></div>Katie & Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00922898184202299258noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6070907479583796124.post-73997455687912335542012-07-27T19:27:00.000-04:002012-07-27T19:27:07.503-04:00Whirlwind WeekPhew! The past week was a bit crazy (but so much fun!). In the last seven days, Fiona has met six great-aunts, three great-uncles, one aunt, one uncle, ten first cousins once removed, and three second cousins (yes, it took a lot of googling to figure that all out). She also took her first vacation to the shore and her first trip to the zoo. I feel as though I need a vacation from the vacation. Kudos to all of you who do this with more than one child!<br />
<br />
Here's a quick timeline of how it all went down:<br />
<br />
7/20- Ryan's aunts and uncle visit on their way from Rhode Island to Virginia Beach. Try to figure out this whole packing for a trip with an infant thing.<br />
<br />
7/21- We head out to Sea Isle City, NJ for a short vacation at my parents' beach house. We left after Fiona's 9:00 AM feeding (we're doing the moms on call schedule), and arrived just in time for her 12:00 PM feeding. I adore this schedule because I know what is coming. She slept almost the entire ride. This is in complete contrast to the story my mom and aunt<b><i> still</i></b> tell me about my first trip to Sea Isle when I was 6 weeks old (it was apparently that traumatic). Dear God, please let her stay a great traveler! Love, Katie. Because we got there before the renters were out, we hit up the Cape May Zoo (which is absolutely adorable). Fiona slept the whole time. Of course, that didn't stop us from taking pictures of her in front of the animals.<br />
<br />
7/22- Some of mom's side of the family does a Christmas in July family reunion. I believe that there were about 30+ people at the house.<br />
<br />
7/23- Relaxed inside. I think I made it down to the shore for a few minutes? Im not positive...it's a bit of a blur. Ryan worked from the house during the day and then left to go home that evening. Contemplate just how much protection will be needed for my fair, red-headed child when she can really go on the beach next year. Decide to invest in sunscreen companies.<br />
<br />
7/24- Fiona turns 6 weeks and decides to comprehend the craziness of the last few days. She refuses to nap more than 5 minutes. Thankfully she wasn't cranky or sad, just wide awake...ALL DAY LONG. Because Ryan is home and everyone else is on the beach, I try to MacGyver ways to use the bathroom and eat. Pat myself on the back for not buying the expensive bathing suit to cover my postpartum body, because it obviously is not going to get any use.<br />
<br />
7/25- Eat breakfast at Sunset Pier. Take a quick trip to Stone Harbor for some shopping and time with my mom. Drive home alone with Fiona after her 6:00 PM feeding. She starts crying as soon as we pull up in front of our house. Say another prayer of thanks, and then give myself another pat on the back for surviving my first 2 hour trip with her alone.<br />
<br />
7/26- Ryan's brother, Kyle, and our sister-in-law, Colleen, come to visit. I adore them both so much and feel beyond blessed to have such a great brother and sister-in-love (she's like the older sister I never got to have!). We wish so much they lived on the east coast so we could see them more often! Oh, in the craziness, we almost forget...it's our 4th anniversary!<br />
<br />
7/27- Breakfast with Kyle and Colleen before they leave. Fiona goes on another nap strike. Counting down the minutes till bedtime. Thankfully she's super cute to look at.<br />
<br />
And here are some pictures for a visual:<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj23ZqhhGEv70cd4xcGY9yWPv7juH8mE47pM8Jc70Rx7uWTg_GhEycA4D4dZ-dlaFcTuxoXU6mW58F1rXi1yz9czXynMfoezW65RVlVoWOmgehRm-SXLTvbvG4LxDHA-dBa_BMwxnkPv0Um/s1600/DSC_0563.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj23ZqhhGEv70cd4xcGY9yWPv7juH8mE47pM8Jc70Rx7uWTg_GhEycA4D4dZ-dlaFcTuxoXU6mW58F1rXi1yz9czXynMfoezW65RVlVoWOmgehRm-SXLTvbvG4LxDHA-dBa_BMwxnkPv0Um/s400/DSC_0563.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> A Papa, A Zebra & A Fiona-phant</div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu4Xvd_rVQqv_zTFH7xW3fN3hVjzAjk4sOdp7RuNAAe2gvlE00mdIRGwgrPCS_SNK8daRMl9znPW9EfyAJWoKHnK-m9p-FeqVCGES7EMFUPUXp5Q9TUAN1sYd7zpIm-9_lUMKmlqinLGs4/s1600/DSC_0592.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu4Xvd_rVQqv_zTFH7xW3fN3hVjzAjk4sOdp7RuNAAe2gvlE00mdIRGwgrPCS_SNK8daRMl9znPW9EfyAJWoKHnK-m9p-FeqVCGES7EMFUPUXp5Q9TUAN1sYd7zpIm-9_lUMKmlqinLGs4/s400/DSC_0592.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> My dad likes to ask my daughter if she went to Tony's last night. Tony's, incase you were wondering, is the dive bar he and his friends went to in their 20s. Yup. I decided that making this onsie was an appropriate way to start off vacation. P.S. I love that having a baby makes using puffy paint totally acceptable again. </div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq9unxUjuuiOZx-BIFpvQ1exItYd1UANr12tt2SCygPtc1luGTM_moGj_hnRUsg0zm3rNJf3H7HIwPS-3_SztDslRk93C4PuGJbDoRIAJjLQUywljk4URqTGbOcZx3LONJf2oMRfq6-x0n/s1600/DSC_0595.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq9unxUjuuiOZx-BIFpvQ1exItYd1UANr12tt2SCygPtc1luGTM_moGj_hnRUsg0zm3rNJf3H7HIwPS-3_SztDslRk93C4PuGJbDoRIAJjLQUywljk4URqTGbOcZx3LONJf2oMRfq6-x0n/s400/DSC_0595.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> This was my dad's reaction. </div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi449CNsO9rzmH7O3-HlRh6P_WJnM7SVhgiH0OfM_jfyPLgjqvibbewDgsUPMG2pCPJHxPef51cPkBZPrNlg-mWMJGV5UQmPU_3AiPhJzKVkFZb_Hjo4q63rkFCfiHSJtvWLAILgdfGCxNo/s1600/DSC_0611.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi449CNsO9rzmH7O3-HlRh6P_WJnM7SVhgiH0OfM_jfyPLgjqvibbewDgsUPMG2pCPJHxPef51cPkBZPrNlg-mWMJGV5UQmPU_3AiPhJzKVkFZb_Hjo4q63rkFCfiHSJtvWLAILgdfGCxNo/s400/DSC_0611.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Because, you know, we were at the Jersey Shore. </div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgvd47-Ondz4DhCiB3MaiS-VJSMYF6hgyY8g_DHmI04rqPwC3ojUwZnt5oentdqmseF8GIyruyJ_CG5_EwryjNOAFYvRtc7gfGArJ-T6VaVIPJ_nFphlh0OJE7RTRTke7HVgqAGb7vvfdT/s1600/DSC_0623.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgvd47-Ondz4DhCiB3MaiS-VJSMYF6hgyY8g_DHmI04rqPwC3ojUwZnt5oentdqmseF8GIyruyJ_CG5_EwryjNOAFYvRtc7gfGArJ-T6VaVIPJ_nFphlh0OJE7RTRTke7HVgqAGb7vvfdT/s400/DSC_0623.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Second cousins! </div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEireM7K8AMDMLcrtvIbfwhM9z0xEvuTILKIIqiY0LkVyvbB7anblegw13Cct4yQGByAbQNV6IM70GuTVqC-Jp_MySMQWBZ8GXApf2sydOfNAO7sY60BMTFn9v94FFs0M9a52hCJU0Hifmed/s1600/DSC_0640.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEireM7K8AMDMLcrtvIbfwhM9z0xEvuTILKIIqiY0LkVyvbB7anblegw13Cct4yQGByAbQNV6IM70GuTVqC-Jp_MySMQWBZ8GXApf2sydOfNAO7sY60BMTFn9v94FFs0M9a52hCJU0Hifmed/s400/DSC_0640.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Me and my baby at the beach. I hope she learns to love it as much as her Papa and I do. </div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGkl-Yx-BSJXd_PVfcYMACKhB12vIkCNUToBAAItvpkK3rBhch08ghpqG-zQHnQ57chOM2Cf1IV1Jnp3-hp4xhjufiaA0hcISNe2xyav-_rk5ZND7Pidb75lT1_dDqOSte3qrM42gweunz/s1600/DSC_0647.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGkl-Yx-BSJXd_PVfcYMACKhB12vIkCNUToBAAItvpkK3rBhch08ghpqG-zQHnQ57chOM2Cf1IV1Jnp3-hp4xhjufiaA0hcISNe2xyav-_rk5ZND7Pidb75lT1_dDqOSte3qrM42gweunz/s400/DSC_0647.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Beach Kisses. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbODR_CDPwYvA6Jw-1BmnuX-4dWSx63YbLlB9Wilz5sjHQZYt94rZASJesuTUNJPmDeKTENblDtXkoa2K2WKdTp-EeynZZyCnjcAzYUw76h2ENGkSMGZFF3NI08k9Bw6T2DhbNpF5sU1g4/s1600/DSC_0661.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbODR_CDPwYvA6Jw-1BmnuX-4dWSx63YbLlB9Wilz5sjHQZYt94rZASJesuTUNJPmDeKTENblDtXkoa2K2WKdTp-EeynZZyCnjcAzYUw76h2ENGkSMGZFF3NI08k9Bw6T2DhbNpF5sU1g4/s400/DSC_0661.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> 1st Family Vacation Picture :)</div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdP7KeCoXeMrRazG1nB6vMvVzRB0SIUEWnzxLBIPVknx-NPY6OV6-e0MS45hQQR6GMzZlItgt2avvqf6eiCkpcH6oIHRjBdPhnE_2_hOTFdsRdo6BtWj0Q2_uQpFZnWHEwQnkQD2UTSsfd/s1600/DSC_0701.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdP7KeCoXeMrRazG1nB6vMvVzRB0SIUEWnzxLBIPVknx-NPY6OV6-e0MS45hQQR6GMzZlItgt2avvqf6eiCkpcH6oIHRjBdPhnE_2_hOTFdsRdo6BtWj0Q2_uQpFZnWHEwQnkQD2UTSsfd/s400/DSC_0701.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Fiona turns 6 weeks! (weekly block idea from <a href="http://ohapostrophe.blogspot.com/">Oh! Apostrophe</a>). </div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixCaTnagPrFR-2pcmwSiZj27v6OjGPHjj1tOitFi6QgYR1XVxSo8in_epOEQfdE7_UIJloQ7U8PPYjywgZFnvdGDAq21TAhXcoZnkCjfRrOoxkgpiBJgeqKaCNxdN06dPHnHFpq4ZfXSV1/s1600/DSC_0706.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixCaTnagPrFR-2pcmwSiZj27v6OjGPHjj1tOitFi6QgYR1XVxSo8in_epOEQfdE7_UIJloQ7U8PPYjywgZFnvdGDAq21TAhXcoZnkCjfRrOoxkgpiBJgeqKaCNxdN06dPHnHFpq4ZfXSV1/s400/DSC_0706.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Breakfast at the Pier. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWortptAUEw2_zUqg4peOwK5xLpicEWgXOQHUbfq3tTD9TjswOHNfpdpBt-Bz-J_-qKhzq-vZ5IxYMAiQOr_kqwBprEaZ9in_2EZuxBEmPYdv6ZPozIgGtqaGif2Vj9swwAGc2OjeQtF4P/s1600/DSC_0713.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWortptAUEw2_zUqg4peOwK5xLpicEWgXOQHUbfq3tTD9TjswOHNfpdpBt-Bz-J_-qKhzq-vZ5IxYMAiQOr_kqwBprEaZ9in_2EZuxBEmPYdv6ZPozIgGtqaGif2Vj9swwAGc2OjeQtF4P/s400/DSC_0713.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Fiona with her UVA Aunt and Uncle</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYTFciYIiPv8RztHvoSZI9sQLEAFE-MyAZFyts8IHLCoShEqPDeBo7cRB6AtlnGTqnGapPP33uM5isCKg67b935HVjuC4VndgEG6Gnkh6mk4bFgxJXMxEZxhyQ6Y0vvkLISFQuno0651-0/s1600/DSC_0717.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYTFciYIiPv8RztHvoSZI9sQLEAFE-MyAZFyts8IHLCoShEqPDeBo7cRB6AtlnGTqnGapPP33uM5isCKg67b935HVjuC4VndgEG6Gnkh6mk4bFgxJXMxEZxhyQ6Y0vvkLISFQuno0651-0/s400/DSC_0717.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Ryan and his brother with Fiona. Yes, his brother looks like <a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0123092/">Ty Burrell</a>. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8JIM3ZERhVW1jl8396NKXIjrwxuvjSYLksmPva9_IHAqPf19p6e9xDZNVJrN0xkdCr9AQDTsxBKDBb_V-Yph_kDNskpf5NugnAZ9ILZRI-WHMEk58ndqqakukI6p8WI7oPZCdfSfTkhoC/s1600/KLP460.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8JIM3ZERhVW1jl8396NKXIjrwxuvjSYLksmPva9_IHAqPf19p6e9xDZNVJrN0xkdCr9AQDTsxBKDBb_V-Yph_kDNskpf5NugnAZ9ILZRI-WHMEk58ndqqakukI6p8WI7oPZCdfSfTkhoC/s400/KLP460.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Ryan- Thanks for four years of awesomeness! Marrying you = best decision ever. </div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzqda5PYBLx6foY714SLwzEMZyupLf4Q4k5UOlnFhrA_eeZs66-XABZyKgh7mHM2tASrKA4pIllaF5u0o1aJhI5pGYAtBuyIy0imprn3JL957E2hzhqHXqs-D7tWBZRrJN5zG4F1d20OMr/s1600/IMG_2509.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzqda5PYBLx6foY714SLwzEMZyupLf4Q4k5UOlnFhrA_eeZs66-XABZyKgh7mHM2tASrKA4pIllaF5u0o1aJhI5pGYAtBuyIy0imprn3JL957E2hzhqHXqs-D7tWBZRrJN5zG4F1d20OMr/s320/IMG_2509.jpg" width="239" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And of course, the best result of our marriage :)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Katie & Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00922898184202299258noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6070907479583796124.post-89704155355050584272012-07-12T13:08:00.000-04:002012-07-12T13:08:02.667-04:00A Letter to Fiona: One Month<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:OfficeDocumentSettings> <o:AllowPNG/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings> </xml><![endif]--> <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:TrackMoves/> <w:TrackFormatting/> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:DoNotPromoteQF/> <w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther> <w:LidThemeAsian>JA</w:LidThemeAsian> <w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> <w:DontGrowAutofit/> <w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/> <w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/> <w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/> <w:OverrideTableStyleHps/> <w:UseFELayout/> </w:Compatibility> <m:mathPr> <m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/> <m:brkBin m:val="before"/> <m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/> <m:smallFrac m:val="off"/> <m:dispDef/> <m:lMargin m:val="0"/> <m:rMargin m:val="0"/> <m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/> <m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/> <m:intLim m:val="subSup"/> <m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/> </m:mathPr></w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmKHmwvGqlJjLH-ncD6130-TbPCmMgMUpTxwz51fSI23gDm6prBPoxIz4fNYjNcyGwkLFOWOmOQl9rvvED7uWTSE4Pa31z5Hua4asafj4G5pTRjZnzSylSS3ys5wVxvVZUkjKBtC7SWrfl/s1600/DSC_0500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmKHmwvGqlJjLH-ncD6130-TbPCmMgMUpTxwz51fSI23gDm6prBPoxIz4fNYjNcyGwkLFOWOmOQl9rvvED7uWTSE4Pa31z5Hua4asafj4G5pTRjZnzSylSS3ys5wVxvVZUkjKBtC7SWrfl/s400/DSC_0500.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Dear Fiona,</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">You are one month old today! It doesn’t quite seem possible that you’ve already been with us for that long, but at the same time, we can’t imagine what life was like without you in it. Before you were born, people would often ask us whether we wanted a baby boy or baby girl. My answer was always, “I don’t care if we have a son or a daughter, as long as he or she has their daddy’s disposition.” From all accounts told to me, I was an awful, colic-y infant…often sleeping only 1 or 2 hours at a time. I was terrified of the potential paybacks! Luckily, my wish has come true, and you have been an unbelievable newborn. I’m not sure if your calm, happy personality is here to stay, but if I could guarantee that all our future children were like this, I’d have 10 more.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Perhaps your personality isn’t just a wish fulfilled, but an answer to prayer. Our first week together was a bit hectic, with two ambulance rides and your mama ending up in the hospital for a scary four-day stay. Being ill and being apart from you was the hardest thing I have ever had to do. Thankfully, lots of family members were able to step in to watch over and take care of you. As long as you are fed and loved, you are extremely content. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Speaking of food, it is your number one passion. The only time you cry is when you are hungry. And you definitely let us know when that time is by providing perhaps one or two whimpers before going to full-blown, DEFCON 1 screams. The second you see that bottle though, your eyes light up, your game face is on, and all is well with the world. You even eat with extreme gusto. One of your grandmothers, who raised four kids of her own, says she has never seen anything like it. Due to this, we often refer to you as Francesca when it is feeding time. As in, Francesca, your Italian alter ego. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Once, while trying to entertain you while your bottle warmed up, I found out that you had a particular love for country music…specifically, Kenny Chesney. Literally, you will be bawling your little eyes out, but the second you hear Kenny’s voice you just stop and look around. It was cute and funny at first…I mean, we have all of these wonderful toys, baby books and rattles for you, and the only thing that calms you down is country music. Now, the joke is on us. I can often be found at 3 AM two-stepping across the nursery floor trying to get you to fall asleep. When you are really fussy, your Papa and I are left scrambling for our iPhones and computers trying to get the country music station on as quickly as possible. At this rate, due to the amount of times we say, “Kenny’s coming baby!” or “Don’t worry, Kenny will be on the radio soon!” there is a good chance that your first word will be Kenny instead of Mama or Papa. Besides Kenny Chesney, you also like Tim McGraw, Darius Rucker and the Zac Brown Band. One day we will all laugh about how mommy had to change the lyrics of certain songs to “She Thinks My Tractor’s Sporty” and “Red Plastic Bottle, “ or talk about the time we were left singing “I’ve Got Friends in Low Places,” while trying to calm you down enough to have your newborn pictures taken. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">As for other interesting facts: <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> - </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Your first month of life was met with two long heat waves…the second of which was the fourth longest this area has ever seen. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> - </span></span></span>You celebrated your first holiday on July 4<sup>th</sup>! We hope you come to love that day as much as your Momma and Papa do. After all, what can be better than fireworks, family and hot dogs! <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> - </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->You are probably a little over 8 pounds now. You still fit into your newborn clothes that don’t have feet (as you are a bit too long for those now). We’ll definitely have to move you over to your 0-3 outfits in a week or two. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> - </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Your Papa speaks to you exclusively in Spanish. I’m picking up a word or two here and there, so hopefully I'll be able to join in on conversations with you two at some point!<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">-<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> - </span></span></span><!--[endif]-->Besides Francesca, we can be found calling your Strawberry Shortcake (after your strawberry blonde hair), or Fiona-phant, which came about because of the elephant hat your Uncle Joey bought you. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">We love you so much Fiona, and we can’t wait to see what month two has in store for us! <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Love you to the Moon & Back, <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">Your Mama & Papa <o:p></o:p></div><!--EndFragment-->Katie & Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00922898184202299258noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6070907479583796124.post-49100322691831135652012-07-06T12:02:00.002-04:002012-07-06T21:19:58.003-04:00When Babies Make Plans of Their Own Pt. 2: Fiona's Birth StorySome of this is going to be a repetition from previous posts, but I want to write Fiona's birth story for my own recollection.<br />
<br />
Since Fiona was a breech baby, we had a c-section scheduled for June 14th at 9:30 AM. Obviously, like her mother, she decided to make plans of her own. I always felt that she (although we didn't know she was a she at the time), would come early as that was kind of par for the course in my family. And my intuition was definitely right!<br />
<br />
I remember people telling me that they just felt different before they went into labor, and I can definitely say that was true in my case. Up until the day before she was born, I was running around, taking long walks, cleaning the house and trying to stay busy. However, on that Monday, I didn't have the energy to even get off the couch. I literally just laid there all day and read a book. I wasn't my normal happy self, and instead felt really worn down and cranky. I'm fairly certain when Ryan came home from work and walked through the door I just cried. I don't even know why.<br />
<br />
On Tuesday morning, June 12th, I woke up and still felt pretty exhausted (which wasn't a total surprise seeing as how I hadn't slept for more than 2 hours at a time since December). I decided to continue reading in bed. Ryan had allowed our dog, Bo, to come upstairs that morning, and instead of running around in circles begging to go out or for a walk like he usually does, he just laid calmly by my side. He definitely knew something was happening! Around 8:45 AM, I turned over and felt a bit of a pop. I vividly remember thinking, "hmm that felt really weird...I wonder if my water is going to break...I remember <a href="http://my-scenery.blogspot.com/2012/05/arianas-birth-story.html">Aliya</a> talking about this happening before her daughter came." Sure enough, I got up to go to the bathroom, and my water started to break. Because it wasn't the huge gush that everyone talks about (it broke gradually throughout the day), I called my doctor for confirmation. She told me, of course, that it was time to get to the hospital. I hung up the phone, called Ryan, and told him to come home because this baby was coming today. Then, because it was obviously the completely logical thing to do, I decided that it was absolutely imperative that I shave my legs. So, instead of running around getting all the bags together, I sat on the edge of the tub and did just that. I may not have been completely rational, but I am still surprised at how calm I was about the whole situation.<br />
<br />
When Ryan came home we loaded everything into the car and made our way to the hospital. It was supposed to be an absolutely gorgeous day on the day Fiona was originally due to make her appearance, but on this day we had pouring rain, flooding and thunderstorms. I don't think we turned the radio on in the car at all. We just kept turning to each other saying, "I can't believe we're going to have a baby today." It all seemed so surreal.<br />
<br />
We arrived at the hospital, and I remember this guy taking one look at us while we were walking in and saying, "Good Luck!" It made me smile. We checked in and we were taken to a room so I could be examined, and so that they could do another ultrasound and make sure the baby was still breech (she was). After about an hour, we were taken to another room on the floor where they perform the c-sections, and were told that the surgery would take place in about 25 minutes. I was in a bit of shock that it would happen that fast! We quickly met with the anesthesiologist and a bunch of the other doctors that would be in the room during the surgery. Then we were told we would meet the doctor performing the surgery shortly. Since Fiona decided to come early, we ended up with a completely different doctor than the one we had been seeing. So we waited, and waited....and well, waited. A couple of times a nurse would come in and tell us that the surgery would be taking place shortly, but it never happened. I hadn't had anything to drink or eat since the night before, and since I wasn't allowed to have any water (and was almost in tears over this), Ryan would hold up wet paper towels to my lips. I can't even begin to describe how thirsty I was. I also wasn't allowed to leave the bed, since there is a risk of a prolapsed cord with breech babies once the mother's water breaks. This went on for the longest time. It turns out that at the exact moment I was to go into surgery, another one of the doctor's patients was about to have her baby. The doctor was with her while she pushed....for over three full hours (bless that girl's heart!).<br />
<br />
During all of this I would get myself mentally prepared for what was going to happen (I had a huge fear of being awake while, you know, they pulled a baby out of me...especially while I was strapped down to a table). The second I would be ok with it, we would find out that the surgery was getting pushed back again. After the doctor finally delivered the other baby, there was an emergency c-section that needed to be preformed. At this point I was starving, thirsty and all sorts of anxious. I guess Ryan felt really bad for me, because he decided it was ok to play the VT football entrance song, "Enter Sandman" on his iPhone. As soon as he started playing it, our baby's heartbeat started matching up with the tune. It was hysterical, and helped us get through the rest of the wait.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/GY_l-h9TGSI" width="480"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;">You can't really hear the heartbeat, but yup, we tried to take a video! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Finally, around 4:00 PM, we were told that they would definitely be coming to get us for the surgery shortly. Around 4:15 PM, I was taken into the operating room. Ryan had to wait outside while I had the spinal injection done. I was even more nervous at this point, since I had hours to dwell on everything, and I remember being so hot....which was odd since I am normally freezing, and I was in an ice cold operating room. I asked the anesthetist if I could have an ice pack for my forehead. While she went off in search for that, I was prepped for the spinal injection. I was terrified about this part because I knew that one of the side effects can be feeling like you can't breath. For someone who can feel extremely claustrophobic at times, having my arms strapped down while feeling like I can't breath is probably my worst nightmare coming to life. I am beyond thankful that God provided me with an amazing team of doctors at this point. My anesthesiologist kept making jokes about how this wasn't the time to be a yoga student while trying to get me to roll my back enough, and my surgeon held my hands while the injection was done (it wasn't bad at all...and I felt like I could breath!). After that I was quickly placed onto the table for surgery, Ryan was brought back in, and the blue screen went up. The surgeon did a quick time out and went over all of our requests for the birth with the rest of the doctors and nurses in the room. <br />
<br />
I remember the anesthetist standing at my head holding the icepack to my forehead, and telling me she would give me a play by play of what was happening. I, of course, was fairly adamant that I did not want a play by play. She explained that she would just tell me what I would be feeling as it was happening. At this point, I just started to cry. There wasn't an exact reason other than it was an emotionally draining morning, and I was just done. I remember the nurse asking me what was wrong, and I just said, "I spent all day trying not to be super anxious about the surgery, and now I'm here and, well, now I feel like I can cry about it (hello, hormones)." So I cried, and the doctors tugged and pulled (which I vividly remember...I did not like this part one bit). I felt like they were performing the surgery for about a half hour, when in reality, it was more like 15 minutes. Finally, someone said, "Ok, dad, get ready...we're going to lower the screen in a second so you can see if you have a son or a daughter." Then, at 4:33 PM, there was a wailing baby. The screen was lowered, and I waited for Ryan to tell me if we had a little boy or little girl. It was probably about 10 seconds, but it felt like a lifetime (apparently the umbilical cord was in the way, and Ryan couldn't tell right away). Finally, he said, "It's a girl...we have a daughter!" I will remember this moment for the rest of my life. Of course, I started crying even more (out of happiness this time!). The doctors kept saying, "Oh, she is just beautiful!" and, "Oh my goodness, she has red hair!"<br />
<br />
So there I was, crying my eyes out on the operating table wondering how in the heck we ended up with a red-haired child. We joked the entire pregnancy that we were going to have a baby with a huge mop of dark hair. And then we ended up with a fair redhead. I think I'll forever be amused by that.<br />
<br />
Our daughter was then taken to the other side of the room to be cleaned up, weighed and measured while the doctors finished up the surgery on me (I have no recollection of this part of the surgery). Ryan went with her, and apparently they even left the cord long enough so he could do the official "cut" at this point. Since I was a crying, blubbering mess, I had no idea that he had even done this until he told me two weeks later. Our little baby came in at 6.8 pounds and 19 inches, and scored a 9 both times on her Apgar test.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEv9DeXiLg-rE4E4zOfgG899EOQu_g59jw6bgy8lJTp-3tIz3L8TrRPTiltOv9rzeQ87okIwcMHfPeiCUauDbhqcSSIRZU9QyQ0BWP2RIS1Pb0jR-JTcXgfCFAGxuDS5FIhx89p3yvecVK/s1600/IMG_2378.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEv9DeXiLg-rE4E4zOfgG899EOQu_g59jw6bgy8lJTp-3tIz3L8TrRPTiltOv9rzeQ87okIwcMHfPeiCUauDbhqcSSIRZU9QyQ0BWP2RIS1Pb0jR-JTcXgfCFAGxuDS5FIhx89p3yvecVK/s320/IMG_2378.JPG" width="238" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Fiona's 1st official picture</div><br />
Finally, finally, finally, Ryan brought her over to me. I just remember staring into her eyes and feeling so overwhelmed, happy, thankful and blessed. My arms were unstrapped and I was able to touch and hold our baby girl. They asked us what her name was, and we said, "Fiona." So there we were...Ryan, me and our little Fiona...officially a family of three.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span id="goog_510721825"></span><span id="goog_510721826"></span></div>Katie & Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00922898184202299258noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6070907479583796124.post-36021825386657088692012-06-28T11:13:00.003-04:002012-06-28T17:44:43.899-04:00Personalized Baby Gift LoveI originally wrote this post about the book below, but then I went out to get the mail and received another awesome personalized baby gift, so I just had to write about that too!<br />
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Last week Fiona received her first piece of mail from her wonderful Aunt, Uncle & cousins in Indiana. Since she is our first child (and I'm going stir crazy from being trapped inside due to the heat waves), I took a picture to document the occasion (plus her first piece of mail was much more exciting than her second...her social security card):<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHCkR9epvqYNWBmGTqjVOgwiOTb52u6btSuacdC9aTT4_42gVMZHtT1mZ5kNLaqIGVWTqjFfX_8YPvmvDNo-IR6YZ7XUI2d_XOgeLzk7kVwgeY6ZtEql2ZK4JKJppN2jQWn5rswgxh17aP/s1600/DSC_0324.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHCkR9epvqYNWBmGTqjVOgwiOTb52u6btSuacdC9aTT4_42gVMZHtT1mZ5kNLaqIGVWTqjFfX_8YPvmvDNo-IR6YZ7XUI2d_XOgeLzk7kVwgeY6ZtEql2ZK4JKJppN2jQWn5rswgxh17aP/s400/DSC_0324.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">Inside the package was the most adorable book, called "My Very Own Name" by <a href="http://www.iseeme.com/">I See Me Inc</a>: </div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkjdm_zISeQkKHSoBEOyE9Sn2a26p5BE82xLpsc2lg_jqJDfexwmE68-0w0ePsy8KP6J2oTP5Z6Fplrk3zzR9WlvsV58zZ_xBN6YXNz_QinSLQke_E44GEunvdlrrSPmAwr6dAxbDYR2pu/s1600/1myveryownname_2216_1897244.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkjdm_zISeQkKHSoBEOyE9Sn2a26p5BE82xLpsc2lg_jqJDfexwmE68-0w0ePsy8KP6J2oTP5Z6Fplrk3zzR9WlvsV58zZ_xBN6YXNz_QinSLQke_E44GEunvdlrrSPmAwr6dAxbDYR2pu/s400/1myveryownname_2216_1897244.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">The book is personalized with her birthdate, and it tells the story of how the woodland creatures went about choosing the letters to make her perfect name (first and last). Here are some pictures from her book (you can also take a tour of a sample book layout <a href="http://www.iseeme.com/my-very-own-name-personalized-book-virtual-tour.html">here</a>): </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOQALCGSOUvXxnoOV26crB1d0UkGTFmr4Mmb6EOD-FFOR9CuM2NUfg1GbiKJXkjfSlbCOonp4I6i2yxlNTJ7oPevTK-LOydS1eQ-YfFht3RUjiNL5N58BXmx9fZ8BwdyHK3ExL_dWpqhUU/s1600/DSC_0329.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOQALCGSOUvXxnoOV26crB1d0UkGTFmr4Mmb6EOD-FFOR9CuM2NUfg1GbiKJXkjfSlbCOonp4I6i2yxlNTJ7oPevTK-LOydS1eQ-YfFht3RUjiNL5N58BXmx9fZ8BwdyHK3ExL_dWpqhUU/s400/DSC_0329.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;">I am seriously obsessed with this book and read it to her about once a day!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I am also completely in love with <a href="http://www.craftefamily.com/baby_gifts/baby_block_personalized.asp">this</a> gift which was sent to Fiona from my friend Ashley and her family:</div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6vc2j7a15GYIEFeTpkVggmigbsqCd2h1vUqeZlBRjJVYjy1nYGpaTKvMpPhtWr4Cb-b2D5Pp9P-PP2thjFtPdRilQ_FvI6sTPgNkMzwVad6Ay9ajnmIuA0i-ih3FSkTW3BENYGvglsLKw/s1600/DSC_0327.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6vc2j7a15GYIEFeTpkVggmigbsqCd2h1vUqeZlBRjJVYjy1nYGpaTKvMpPhtWr4Cb-b2D5Pp9P-PP2thjFtPdRilQ_FvI6sTPgNkMzwVad6Ay9ajnmIuA0i-ih3FSkTW3BENYGvglsLKw/s400/DSC_0327.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi53ZTuj7lUdv0hzObp1sK2l1VyjeXsL3j2WSFAv0TKnFxIS05bqGdcLDbCBwEvgEwJWeSBDWvgfJv8zuC7Doa8SstosZYKGyIUcomlj9lIR_WYDEyLgDqOkbm9Vm3K5cpnClKo320_7hbv/s1600/DSC_0328.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi53ZTuj7lUdv0hzObp1sK2l1VyjeXsL3j2WSFAv0TKnFxIS05bqGdcLDbCBwEvgEwJWeSBDWvgfJv8zuC7Doa8SstosZYKGyIUcomlj9lIR_WYDEyLgDqOkbm9Vm3K5cpnClKo320_7hbv/s400/DSC_0328.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuZzF5qLOrV6aDvJZhM0OkeBsIc5aS6zyQwUe-AaavRwEnC0Oozf-m7Pp0wqO2xY5bc1NQupMXZO8EGcLEChwnyubRxZiyMgRrxZUhhUiKKhZ6fwFgr_5HNZrhEy-W3ZCqSpw5vwigDY1z/s1600/DSC_0329.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuZzF5qLOrV6aDvJZhM0OkeBsIc5aS6zyQwUe-AaavRwEnC0Oozf-m7Pp0wqO2xY5bc1NQupMXZO8EGcLEChwnyubRxZiyMgRrxZUhhUiKKhZ6fwFgr_5HNZrhEy-W3ZCqSpw5vwigDY1z/s320/DSC_0329.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Seriously, how adorable is this little block?! We had to push back her newborn pictures until early next week, so I'm hoping this gift makes it into a few shots :) </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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P.S. I don't have any affiliations with I See Me Inc. or craftefamily.com; nor was I reimbursed for these reviews. I just love these products a bunch, and thought they may be a great idea for any of you out there that have a new baby or need a new baby gift. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Katie & Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00922898184202299258noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6070907479583796124.post-60203410762297121212012-06-26T10:48:00.001-04:002012-06-26T10:52:44.260-04:00When Babies Make Plans of Their Own, Part 1: Saying Bye-Bye to My Birth CenterI didn't talk to much about my birth plans prior to the actual birth, because I didn't want to jinx anything (turns out I was a bit jinxed for a while, but c'est la vie). When I thought about bringing our baby into this world, I really wanted the experience to be the same as so many other aspects of my life...as completely natural as possible (specifically a hypnobirthing/waterbirth).<br />
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When I found out I was pregnant, I immediately set up my first appointment with <a href="http://thebirthcenter.com/">The Birth Center</a>. The experience there was absolutely amazing. You get to meet with all of the midwives during your pregnancy, and the appointments are pretty much run by the patients (besides the tests and measurements and such). Each appointment was scheduled for an hour, which I found to be wonderful. For some of my appointments, I really didn't have too many questions and was in and out the door. But for those days when I was anxious, or confused, or had a gazillion and one questions, those hour long appointment slots were a God-send. I really bonded with the staff (my awesome aunt is even one of the nurses!), the classes offered were fantastic, and I loved that I felt really supported in all of my pregnancy decisions.<br />
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But, my natural birth was not to be. I kind of had an inkling that our little one wasn't exactly in the right position when everyone else was talking about rib-cage kicks, and I was getting karate chopped in the cervix (which fyi is just as painful as it sounds). I noticed this trend super early, and it never really changed. As my due date got closer, and our baby was still breech, I upped the "lets get this turning show on the road" ante and added in moxibustion at my acupuncture appointments, and began seeing a chiropractor who specialized in the webster technique three times a week. Because mcnugget had been in an incorrect position for so long, I decided against trying an external cephalic version. In my gut I just felt that it wasn't the right option for our situation...I honestly believe she was positioned where she was for a reason, and the risks outweighed the rewards this time.<br />
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Eventually, I let myself come to terms with the fact that I would be ok with a c-section if I did everything within my control (that I was comfortable with) to get this baby to flip. If mcnugget decided not to do so, I would trust her instincts, and be at peace with what would happen. I definitely believe I gave it my all...I even had to call my chiropractor on the way to the hospital to cancel my appointment for that afternoon when my water broke on its own! <br />
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At my 37 week appointment, it was determined that I had to switch over to a doctor who could preform a c-section (the midwives do not do this). I was seen fairly quickly that week, as I was 37 weeks pregnant after all. While I had come to terms with being ok with a possible c-section, I quickly learned that I would have a very hard time saying good-bye to my birth center. The doctor and I just did not click (almost all of my requests were met with a "no," and I was actually referred to as being a part of a "different birthing community"). The atmosphere was also very different...instead of the warm welcoming rooms with comfy, worn furniture, everything in the office was sterile and much more clinical. Needless to say, I walked out of the appointment and just broke down.<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">(</span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">I want to note here that this reaction is based on my feelings, expectations and experiences with ONE doctor...everyone has different preferences and expectations, and you need to receive your care where you feel most comfortable and happy!</span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">).</span><br />
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So, in true type-A fashion, I calmed myself down by trying to figure out everything I could control about the situation. I came up with a c-section birth plan, which I went over in detail with my husband as soon as it was finished (it went over medicine allergies, baby vaccine/shot preferences, husband's desire to announce the gender, etc.). Just doing this made me feel as though I had some control over the situation, and it really helped Ryan be my advocate while I was in the hospital (when you have major surgery, and you are experiencing the"oh my goodness I'm having a baby" freakout/excitement...you NEED someone else to be your advocate). The c-section plan was a huge blessing because we were able to speak clearly and ask questions about our preferences with all of the staff (it was extra helpful too because I had TWO shift changes before the surgery). Right before the surgery was to take place (I was strapped on the table at this point and Ryan was in the room), the head surgeon even took a time-out to clearly state all of our expectations with every other staff person in the room. That alone was awesome, and it really helped me calm down.<br />
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As for the surgery itself, I'm not going to lie...I was completely freaked out. I tend to get a bit claustrophobic, and was really panicked about being strapped down on a table. I also wasn't a huge fan of having a massive needle stuck in my back (I had a spinal not an epidural), while my husband was outside of the room. It was also exceptionally hard to mentally prepare myself for the surgery FOUR times before it actually happened. And I'm not going to lie...c-section surgery is no freaking joke. I think because it is so common, people forget that it is still <i>major</i> surgery. You may not feel pain, but you feel everything else, and it is NOT pleasant at all. Oh and you are AWAKE. It is by no means the easy way out, and it comes with it's own set of unpleasantries. Somehow I pulled myself together and got through it (I was actually a bit concerned that I would pass out...I was super hot throughout the entire procedure and requested an ice pack for my forehead...and I'm pretty sure the temperature was actually at about umm <i>freezing</i> in the room).<br />
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I will also be forever thankful that Fiona decided to pick her own birthday. Because of this, we ended up with a completely different doctor. She, along with all of the other staff in the room, were fantastic. The surgeon held my hands while the spinal was administered, the anesthesiologist was cracking hysterical jokes (your baby has red hair, an full Irish name and her daddy speaks SPANISH to her?!?) , the anesthetist held the ice pack on my forehead the entire time and walked me through everything, and everyone was in a great mood. It was an unbelievable answer to prayer. All in all, the surgery itself was definitely the best situation it possibly could have been.<br />
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As for the future, we'll take it as it comes. I'll be joining the new mom's group at the Birth Center as soon as I can drive and handle stairs, and I'm super excited to meet some moms going through the same things. When the time is right, I would love to try for a VBAC for mcnugget number 2 (which will have to be at a hospital). Thankfully, there are a lot of doctors in the area that are supportive of this, and I will still be able to go to the Birth Center up until week 28. But we'll handle that when the time comes! Right now I just want to enjoy every second with my baby girl.Katie & Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00922898184202299258noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6070907479583796124.post-84640875900849412942012-06-21T16:07:00.001-04:002012-06-21T16:30:49.871-04:00Our Little McNugget is Here!We have a DAUGHTER! Fiona Kathleen joined our family last Tuesday. She was due to be born by scheduled c-section the morning of June 14th, due to being breech (despite trying a gazillion different types of methods to get her to flip). Then, like everything else in this pregnancy, she let me know that she is in charge (and will be for the rest of my life!). My water broke at 8:45 AM on Tuesday, June 12th. I felt a bit of a pop (it was never a huge gush), and I tried to convince myself that it was all in my head. After all, I was going to finish running errands that day and meet my mom and sister for lunch on Wednesday. I called the doctor and was promptly told to get to the hospital...this baby was coming today. Husband came home from work and we headed on over. At 4:33 PM, our little girl was born. Ryan was able to look over the screen and announce to me that we had a daughter. It was an unbelievably amazing moment. She weighed 6.8 oz and was 19 inches long. The first words out of the doctor's mouth were, "Oh my goodness...she has red hair!" Umm what?!? Husband and I both have naturally very dark hair (mine is obviously dyed a very unnatural blonde), so that took us for a bit of a surprise. But then we realized that I had reddish hair when I was born, and Ryan actually has red highlights in his hair...so this little strawberry shortcake is definitely ours! She has my eyes and ears and her daddy's mouth and hairline. We're enjoying every minute with her, so expect a bit of a delay in posts for a week or two while we take in our newborn....<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5DRauRSae4-kQt9rFFTt1iC2ZaTIKg580Q2HtVxGc2xhAlA7eV6cBSodhNRaB3zBYxYaKNo-rnMo2f-20SUgARKW6hoow-v64W48TCaVYI3EXdPDBc0_snjBEsA8_nHZ2aTQamUdKlS-2/s1600/IMG_2175.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5DRauRSae4-kQt9rFFTt1iC2ZaTIKg580Q2HtVxGc2xhAlA7eV6cBSodhNRaB3zBYxYaKNo-rnMo2f-20SUgARKW6hoow-v64W48TCaVYI3EXdPDBc0_snjBEsA8_nHZ2aTQamUdKlS-2/s400/IMG_2175.jpg" width="298" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">One last pregnancy picture before we left for the hospital. This is my "oh my goodness we're having a baby <i>TODAY</i>" face.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZSBW_DFGQEA6Ifn8jvCdOkZG8G9m2g2sXTkB6H-bU2wtypARsuLjZIzrL1w5GMQglQcrrjJ6jRfyfajPbl0niumg9tykPjp6b7-kj02nVvwB0VIev9k09xxEOeWL-LhlJWPjW_sVq7ABb/s1600/IMG_2178.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZSBW_DFGQEA6Ifn8jvCdOkZG8G9m2g2sXTkB6H-bU2wtypARsuLjZIzrL1w5GMQglQcrrjJ6jRfyfajPbl0niumg9tykPjp6b7-kj02nVvwB0VIev9k09xxEOeWL-LhlJWPjW_sVq7ABb/s400/IMG_2178.jpg" width="298" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">My c-section was pushed back for 7 hours, and I couldn't leave the bed (breech babies have a risk of prolapsed cord after your water breaks). Ryan lightened the mood by playing Enter Sandman for me (the VT football team entrance song). The hysterical part was that her heartbeat on the monitor would match up with the beat of the song when it was playing. </div><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"> Love my little girl </div><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">Already wrapped around her daddy's finger</div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Strawberry shortcake baby...she already has very strong facial expressions ;) </div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp0LwJERroG-HdJtm-2XFiJeDZETUDVQBrdzbDFw313hQ4tF-CWXo842meoFeuoydORidKebdQyFdcoaiKE1YselGHvlwVbNQI617xPoUKU7cn9r5RK8yyRpTeS9kAsSihW8nhP9Ilcvwe/s1600/DSC_0146.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp0LwJERroG-HdJtm-2XFiJeDZETUDVQBrdzbDFw313hQ4tF-CWXo842meoFeuoydORidKebdQyFdcoaiKE1YselGHvlwVbNQI617xPoUKU7cn9r5RK8yyRpTeS9kAsSihW8nhP9Ilcvwe/s400/DSC_0146.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Just chilling...</div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiMu8wAkgFlexP8N9MMGlRfv3xRHQ8p0vSnRmcY5wPbhyphenhyphenpHHLCsJszYPXyyu5CdfjyXQzFg0VsMdYMpDNI14SerU1LHc0Nds2AsYPkA8hyphenhyphenEglEt6J-0qwrPjocdq7OWUKhrS-cIu1iYjlG/s1600/DSC_0162.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiMu8wAkgFlexP8N9MMGlRfv3xRHQ8p0vSnRmcY5wPbhyphenhyphenpHHLCsJszYPXyyu5CdfjyXQzFg0VsMdYMpDNI14SerU1LHc0Nds2AsYPkA8hyphenhyphenEglEt6J-0qwrPjocdq7OWUKhrS-cIu1iYjlG/s400/DSC_0162.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Happy Birthday Fiona! </div>Katie & Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00922898184202299258noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6070907479583796124.post-45887277589269654242012-06-04T12:08:00.000-04:002012-06-04T12:08:57.752-04:00McNugget's NurseryHere are some pictures of the nursery! It was a bit of a challenge doing a gender neutral room in a 170 year old house (especially since all the walls are uneven, and almost all furniture has to come un-assembled just to get it upstairs and into the room), but I think we made it work. It is crazy to think that there will be a baby to go with this room in just about 2 weeks!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvbv8B5LfupOSn5t-xq3XWjBUE8uOT5Sejg8kw28zj5mrI90opT1K_AI_9GWa56eQoNsjqyPuFkLgdoC2nRPVh5bIFjJryHRbHE6fdK38TzzdNelbCpNBcjsxGqhtZbcqfPAZA65-Dk81l/s1600/DSC_0075.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvbv8B5LfupOSn5t-xq3XWjBUE8uOT5Sejg8kw28zj5mrI90opT1K_AI_9GWa56eQoNsjqyPuFkLgdoC2nRPVh5bIFjJryHRbHE6fdK38TzzdNelbCpNBcjsxGqhtZbcqfPAZA65-Dk81l/s400/DSC_0075.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">Paint- Benjamin Moore <a href="http://www.benjaminmoore.com/en-us/paint-color/rodeo">Rodeo</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Artwork from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/people/lisabarbero?ref=ls_profile">here</a>, <a href="https://www.etsy.com/people/kimmor12">here</a> and <a href="http://www.childreninspiredesign.com/product-display/Posters">here</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Crib Bedding- Pottery Barn <a href="http://www.potterybarnkids.com/products/girls-baby-balloons-nursery-bedding/?pkey=bunisex-nursery-bedding">Baby Balloons Bedding</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Crib & Changing Table- <a href="http://www.target.com/p/DaVinci-Jenny-Lind-Stationary-Crib-White/-/A-11902253">Jenny Lind DaVinci</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Rocker- <a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/S09889683/#/S19889687">Ikea Poang</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Frames- <a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/70132525/#/40101040">Ikea Ribba</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Bookshelves- <a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/20126065/">Ikea Ribba Ledge </a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Lamp- <a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/40018183/">Ikea Orgel</a> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Floor Poof- Marshalls </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Curtains- World Market <a href="http://www.worldmarket.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3596582">Natural Crinkle Voile Curtain Panel</a>, blackout roller shades from JC Penney's underneath and driftwood branches from the river next to my house (classy...fyi we did clean them before hanging!)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Pillow- Target (available in stores) </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Woven Baskets & Changing Table Baskets- Target (available in stores) </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Dresser- Ryan's from when he was a child, painted a few years ago (I can't remember what color we used) </div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Rug- Overstock <a href="http://www.overstock.com/Home-Garden/Cozy-Solid-Beige-Shag-Rug-4-x-6/5953869/product.html?CID=209535"><span style="color: #0000ee;">Cozy Solid Beige Shag Rug</span></a> </div><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:OfficeDocumentSettings> <o:AllowPNG/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings> </xml><![endif]--> <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:WordDocument> <w:View>Normal</w:View> <w:Zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:TrackMoves/> <w:TrackFormatting/> <w:PunctuationKerning/> <w:ValidateAgainstSchemas/> <w:SaveIfXMLInvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:IgnoreMixedContent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:DoNotPromoteQF/> <w:LidThemeOther>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther> <w:LidThemeAsian>JA</w:LidThemeAsian> <w:LidThemeComplexScript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript> <w:Compatibility> <w:BreakWrappedTables/> <w:SnapToGridInCell/> <w:WrapTextWithPunct/> <w:UseAsianBreakRules/> <w:DontGrowAutofit/> <w:SplitPgBreakAndParaMark/> <w:EnableOpenTypeKerning/> <w:DontFlipMirrorIndents/> <w:OverrideTableStyleHps/> <w:UseFELayout/> </w:Compatibility> <m:mathPr> <m:mathFont m:val="Cambria Math"/> <m:brkBin m:val="before"/> <m:brkBinSub m:val="--"/> <m:smallFrac m:val="off"/> <m:dispDef/> <m:lMargin m:val="0"/> <m:rMargin m:val="0"/> <m:defJc m:val="centerGroup"/> <m:wrapIndent m:val="1440"/> <m:intLim m:val="subSup"/> <m:naryLim m:val="undOvr"/> </m:mathPr></w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:LatentStyles DefLockedState="false" DefUnhideWhenUsed="true"
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">Enjoy!</div>Katie & Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00922898184202299258noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6070907479583796124.post-15506102172813307172012-05-14T12:06:00.000-04:002012-05-14T12:06:52.067-04:00How I Believe My Husband Envisions Our Future Child...<div style="text-align: left;">Husband was the lead singer in a 90's cover band in college. He still believes that 1994 was the best year in music. Ever. Want proof? </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq1IKSy_SguMNBpO54YUEovg8d5BxN2RrYFGD8SCKJNK_fMmtDlNga5thRQ1S4W-dw_os-Jf6D7kuPDRsHWClJjMavMsA55gIJoYsV1nWswI8ypOGVUPwMyO2hpCvnESUyzDrDMJlC7wfv/s1600/51_514201992936_1505314_31492997_8648_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="269" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq1IKSy_SguMNBpO54YUEovg8d5BxN2RrYFGD8SCKJNK_fMmtDlNga5thRQ1S4W-dw_os-Jf6D7kuPDRsHWClJjMavMsA55gIJoYsV1nWswI8ypOGVUPwMyO2hpCvnESUyzDrDMJlC7wfv/s320/51_514201992936_1505314_31492997_8648_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkqF9-tJ83GGiWdR2P8Acd_Vbk100wYWNR-qG9klPqtpiyDJVcoMGp7ia6OMoYrGJyLSxP7SDZRAIOOvh6B9y2BYVe8JAXz60vtsnRSd8il_da_HkYmXNRKsRjSyhDlfJNXNsIin357_3u/s1600/51_514202042836_1505314_31493026_2080_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkqF9-tJ83GGiWdR2P8Acd_Vbk100wYWNR-qG9klPqtpiyDJVcoMGp7ia6OMoYrGJyLSxP7SDZRAIOOvh6B9y2BYVe8JAXz60vtsnRSd8il_da_HkYmXNRKsRjSyhDlfJNXNsIin357_3u/s320/51_514202042836_1505314_31493026_2080_n.jpg" width="299" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">Needless to say, I'm fairly certain my husband envisions a baby McNugget just like this kid: </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/oRm8RmNGFq4" width="420"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Yup. Better buy <a href="http://www.rockabyebabymusic.com/ecom/rockabye-baby-lullaby-renditions-of-nirvana">this</a> cd now!</div>Katie & Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00922898184202299258noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6070907479583796124.post-41621144498450914372012-05-01T10:47:00.000-04:002012-05-01T10:47:36.371-04:00McNugget's Shower<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Earlier in April, my mom and my sisters threw baby McNugget one heck of a baby shower. It was pretty amazing to see how much this little one is already loved by our friends and family! </div>
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Love that the McNugget is properly addressed on this card :)</div>
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The invite! It looks a bazillion times better without all of the personal info blurred out of course. </div>
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Me and the sisters</div>
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The room setup at my parents' house. The funny thing about this room is that my mom no longer keeps any furniture in it. We have so many large family events that she just keeps it empty and then fills it with banquet tables and chairs from my family's restaurant whenever something pops up. It sounds kind of crazy, but everyone always has a seat at family functions! </div>
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The food. Oh my goodness. The caterer made a specific menu just for me so that I could eat 90% of the options. I just requested a plate of foods I'm not allergic too, but she went above and beyond! I cannot even begin to express how wonderful that was. </div>
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The cake! I couldn't eat it, but I could definitely admire it in all of its pretty, ruffly glory! Mucho thanks to my sister Kristen who couldn't find a bunting cake topper she liked, so she went out and made one herself. I'm thinking of using the flags in a frame with McNugget's name and birth info once he or she arrives. </div>
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One of my parents' good friends made these cookie favor bags for all of the guests to take home. How sweet is that!</div>
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Baby's loot. Seriously insane. The generosity of everyone was completely overwhelming. This baby is so blessed! P.S. That brown and black wrapping paper is dog prints, gotta love my Aunt Robin who made sure Bo felt included too!</div>
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Opening gifts (aka the most stressful part of the day). I always feel so awkward with everyone staring at me, while trying not to take too long to get through everything. Also, what the heck is going on with baby toy and product packaging...so many plastic loop things to cut through to get things out! </div>
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VT onsies! I think that the current ratio is 4 VT onsies/ 2 VT bibs to 1 UVA onsie/ 1 UVA bib. I fully intend to keep it that way....</div>
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You're not just my friend...your my brest friend...</div>
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All of the guests brought a book for McNugget's library. Love this! </div>
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Me & My Chirish Twin Steph </div>
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My old roomie & VT neighbor Ashley </div>
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I also want to give a big thanks to all of my friends that couldn't make it all the way to Delaware for the shower, but made sure that this baby felt extra loved and welcomed! </div>
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Sisters! They love this shot since I finally let them feel the belly. I'm not usually a belly-feeling fan, but they really went above and beyond with this shower, so I allowed it... </div>
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All in all it was an beautiful, perfect day! I can't wait for McNugget to meet everyone! </div>
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<br /></div>Katie & Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00922898184202299258noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6070907479583796124.post-32271873596353510182012-04-17T08:22:00.000-04:002012-04-17T08:22:15.145-04:00Monday's Mama (On Tuesday)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr6nBWERJn-K43tLWFwucgdq-r-QMEgEZjcDf_r0R_dBQPpThcUdWcogAUcgShO1OW2lrNAlcjCWYSpV58lIcoZ9Nep37G-wzcWWSe4Y51wXhiFdfFqO3n8A4L1v5Iic1d4SnmRblV2FzM/s1600/IMG_4728.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr6nBWERJn-K43tLWFwucgdq-r-QMEgEZjcDf_r0R_dBQPpThcUdWcogAUcgShO1OW2lrNAlcjCWYSpV58lIcoZ9Nep37G-wzcWWSe4Y51wXhiFdfFqO3n8A4L1v5Iic1d4SnmRblV2FzM/s320/IMG_4728.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Almost 31 weeks (I'm all about rounding up in this situation)....</div><br />
Yesterday I had the pleasure of being featured as a <a href="http://my-scenery.blogspot.com/2012/04/mondays-mama-katie.html">Monday's Mama</a> on Aliya's Blog, <a href="http://my-scenery.blogspot.com/">Double The Fun</a>. First off, let me just say that I love reading her blog for the following reasons:<br />
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1) Her sense of humor is amazing. Some of her posts have left me in tears from laughing so hard.<br />
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2) She's superwoman. With one adorable baby already here and another one on the way (Irish Twin Style), I have nothing but mad respect for her. The fact that she is juggling a little baby and pregnancy all while looking adorable blows my (still too lazy to be in anything but yoga pants and a tank top every day) mind.<br />
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3) I'm not sure how our paths didn't cross while I lived in D.C., but if they did, I'm fairly certain we would have had a blast (rocking out to an 80's cover band in a bar, obviously). Now I live vicariously through her stories whenever I need a D.C. fix<br />
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4) We have babies due just a few weeks apart! It's been so fun to follow along with someone else's journey (especially someone who has been through this before).<br />
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So there you have it...go read her blog (and my Monday's Mama post if you are so inclined to do so)! And if you are a Mama-to-Be, and would like to be share your story, definitely reach out to her! I've loved reading all of the posts from all of the other Monday's Mamas, and I feel so honored to have been given the opportunity to share my story. Thanks again, Aliya!Katie & Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00922898184202299258noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6070907479583796124.post-49548933786069594792012-04-16T08:08:00.000-04:002012-04-16T08:08:36.607-04:00Five YearsFive years. In five years, I've moved three times, welcomed a brother back from war, got married, bought a house, expanded our family with a puppy, had two different jobs, traveled the world, and found out I will be a mother. Five years can fly by, or feel like a lifetime....depending on the day.<br />
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Over five years I've worn the t-shirt multiple times and have had the ribbon magnet on two different cars. They both say the same thing. Never Forget. Five years later, I realize that there is a slight irony to that statement. The truth is, I couldn't forget even if I ever wanted to.<br />
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Five years ago my home was attacked. The horror, despair, death and destruction took place within a couple of hours. The events were quickly followed by unending tales of love, sacrifice, heroism, support and hope. The juxtaposition of it all is still a bit hard to process even all these years later.<br />
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Five years ago, my view of the world was altered forever. You grow up and learn that bad things happen. That bad things happen to good people. You find ways to try and figure out, compartmentalize, and rationalize when you see those bad things happen. But nothing prepares you for something like this. Five years ago the most evil thing I could ever imagine happened, and a lifetime of thinking about it will still leave me wondering...why? Sadly, there is no answer that could ever properly make sense of this situation.<br />
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I used to tell people that living in Blacksburg was like living in a snow globe. You felt so safe and sheltered in this little town, away from it all, where everyone loves their maroon and orange. It's where I met my best friends, and where I learned to live on my own for the first time. It's where I jumped up and down at football games, and where I devoured coffee ice cream when pulling all night study sessions. It's where I spoke at graduation, and where I was given the opportunity to travel all over Europe. It's where I became who I am today.<br />
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Sadly, I'll never know what it feels like to live in a snow globe again. When you experience something like this, its stays with you forever. You've officially seen the worst that the world has to offer, and even though time and life marches on, the memory of it all is always somewhere in your mind.<br />
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But carrying that memory isn't always such a bad thing. It makes you more empathetic. It makes you cherish the little things. It makes you more appreciative of the love that surrounds you, because you realize how precious and fleeting it can be.<br />
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I am sure over the next few years our unborn baby will make multiple trips to my favorite place on earth. They will watch football games, they will try and eat a turkey leg, they walk around the duck pond, and maybe if they are lucky, they will even get to watch fireworks over the drillfield. They will learn that the appropriate response to, "Lets Go" is a resounding, "HOKIES". And I will pray every day of their life that they grow up safely, and that they are lucky enough to get to experience what it feels like to live in a snow globe.<br />
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But one day, inevitably, they will ask me about what happened. Why there are 32 stones with names on them on the drillfield, or why when they look up Virginia Tech online, the word massacre appears. And I will have to sit down and try to explain to them something that I find very hard to explain even to myself.<br />
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However, I do know what I will focus on. I will focus on the heroes who sacrificed their lives. I will focus on how people from all around the world reached out to lift us up. And I will focus on what it feels like to be a part of a community that supported each other through the darkest of times, and showed the world that we will prevail. I will focus on what it truly means to be a Hokie.<br />
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And I will pray, everyday, that if they ever experience something like this, that they are blessed to know those feelings too.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD4TSyGVlwx5zjAB-M3yrNAT8I5XGuvCWUZACEyqks4M4BDpy4FVDsx3EzO9E9cYcEnQM83NAsFEHy_pEonKYobHohJ-7pnFIG-rx4LoY7g-IhZroAJCX73Au0EiImJFWthh5eB5eLTkBn/s1600/memorial6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD4TSyGVlwx5zjAB-M3yrNAT8I5XGuvCWUZACEyqks4M4BDpy4FVDsx3EzO9E9cYcEnQM83NAsFEHy_pEonKYobHohJ-7pnFIG-rx4LoY7g-IhZroAJCX73Au0EiImJFWthh5eB5eLTkBn/s400/memorial6.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>We are Virginia Tech. We will Prevail. </i></div>Katie & Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00922898184202299258noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6070907479583796124.post-39135515472930464712012-04-11T15:05:00.000-04:002012-04-11T15:05:49.593-04:00Nursery ArtworkWhile I wouldn't say we went with a strict theme with the nursery (which is sadly still in the same shambled state as it was in the video below), we did want to share our love of travel with our little one. With a bilingual father, a mother who has been to more countries than states, and lots of "adopted" Aunts who have been all over the world (that one is for you Steph & Colette), we're hoping that this baby picks up an immense love for adventure. Plus, travel related artwork is fairly gender neutral, which definitely helps, and we can re-use all of these things in a playroom later on if we choose to do so.<br />
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As of right now, here are the prints that we have purchased:<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">I love you / Italy </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpDt9bG0ZeCIvDssjF_EkAC-djNhkIQooJt7IRTJ7mQvcyMKqbToCSd9J33wvn3H4xhkpTaBGx9EuKPYwI7bsIyP_aDuyXz4MtYGUnSsx2bwgl_3zxrfF2jMR8cbridm9kosQJT1mUSwu_/s1600/il_570xN.325590659.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="244" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpDt9bG0ZeCIvDssjF_EkAC-djNhkIQooJt7IRTJ7mQvcyMKqbToCSd9J33wvn3H4xhkpTaBGx9EuKPYwI7bsIyP_aDuyXz4MtYGUnSsx2bwgl_3zxrfF2jMR8cbridm9kosQJT1mUSwu_/s320/il_570xN.325590659.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">From <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/87776152/children-decor-wall-art-map-travel">here</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">I love you / Germany </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-uqhEBgpoFmBZgQ3gzypExfCAm0XxmA0mOKHbYQ-8-fD3lMpmLQCbe-5Xdzg4SUngG_6mdoXISmgnrGL7q2stwsCuG_jRPNgkceDLci3mQHna0ZKNmBxxVQ_DhIv2r_Tl3VFmUT9Xg2ag/s1600/il_570xN.326018191.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="244" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-uqhEBgpoFmBZgQ3gzypExfCAm0XxmA0mOKHbYQ-8-fD3lMpmLQCbe-5Xdzg4SUngG_6mdoXISmgnrGL7q2stwsCuG_jRPNgkceDLci3mQHna0ZKNmBxxVQ_DhIv2r_Tl3VFmUT9Xg2ag/s320/il_570xN.326018191.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">From <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/84967353/kids-room-european-travel-poster-nursery">here</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">I love you / Ireland</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL1o4GXU18k3V-Iqb-BdxHVYEIT3StxZvd-FYIsbV0gT8nTfwTLVbT-XDGKP2hyphenhyphenQdhMYna7b0xa-XDVmJVkFDLXj_qQ04CWEpfSbu4Iyt2FOjmyeExMCKUR-Hm606WUrMDG9Jl-ums9sC9/s1600/il_570xN.325585931.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="244" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL1o4GXU18k3V-Iqb-BdxHVYEIT3StxZvd-FYIsbV0gT8nTfwTLVbT-XDGKP2hyphenhyphenQdhMYna7b0xa-XDVmJVkFDLXj_qQ04CWEpfSbu4Iyt2FOjmyeExMCKUR-Hm606WUrMDG9Jl-ums9sC9/s320/il_570xN.325585931.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">From<a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/87776310/home-children-decor-kids-room-irish-wall"> here</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I had a great experience with this seller, and she even matched all of the prints so that we could get them in similar colors. I placed them in the oh-so-popular Ikea Ribba frames, and they look great! </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Because Ryan hopes to do <a href="http://www.raising-bilingual-children.com/basics/info/rules/">one parent, one language</a> with our baby, I wanted to have some prints that were in Spanish. I ordered the following posters, and hope to order more fun stuff from this shop in a couple of months: </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Spanish Letters Poster</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifbRB7xNVFMXjdgo0mDoQ0M3iQe1PR364kKDN9pE8j11kjbdO7QBrgHFiTd7NBjv-GPYHT48tYu0VQrEhX-dVGcLHpWPcggOoDS93hmi4rmOl2qVUPR4v2nUf42MvkP_CylzaBzNwJnJw2/s1600/WL-spanish-alphabet-poster+children+inspire+design.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifbRB7xNVFMXjdgo0mDoQ0M3iQe1PR364kKDN9pE8j11kjbdO7QBrgHFiTd7NBjv-GPYHT48tYu0VQrEhX-dVGcLHpWPcggOoDS93hmi4rmOl2qVUPR4v2nUf42MvkP_CylzaBzNwJnJw2/s320/WL-spanish-alphabet-poster+children+inspire+design.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">From <a href="http://www.childreninspiredesign.com/content/spanish-alphabet-poster">here</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">Spanish Numbers Poster</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix3plHhHTrPL3aVlhUvmMGoHmCinpKVCz1bCp7N6fsxGG7BO4TuxVMwTEIhhDKnc6HSA9S1dLMf85AlDouD0nMs1qkeMFuvgRL3snimk4Ysf_JyAe2GjLUT22GVwjGOwdU0ZV0sLuSM4L0/s1600/spanish+number+poster+copy_0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix3plHhHTrPL3aVlhUvmMGoHmCinpKVCz1bCp7N6fsxGG7BO4TuxVMwTEIhhDKnc6HSA9S1dLMf85AlDouD0nMs1qkeMFuvgRL3snimk4Ysf_JyAe2GjLUT22GVwjGOwdU0ZV0sLuSM4L0/s320/spanish+number+poster+copy_0.jpg" width="254" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> From <a href="http://www.childreninspiredesign.com/content/spanish-number-poster">here</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;">I haven't ordered this print yet, but I love it so much, I'm hoping to order it soon. Seriously, this shop has so many adorable prints that would work well in nurseries. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6tzQIQnODsNik3TZr5FwjNEA7ES5niq3-iFMx5wyTooZgtPvIfd5sgnk4GM6DhOIlOjoYM4UT2K7JO_cxadmmBHu_kvyvgRWVzh0wygwI_b6TmUTuFqYVRqCCjKOMCa0NeIPJgWYWBJpG/s1600/il_570xN.316410425.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6tzQIQnODsNik3TZr5FwjNEA7ES5niq3-iFMx5wyTooZgtPvIfd5sgnk4GM6DhOIlOjoYM4UT2K7JO_cxadmmBHu_kvyvgRWVzh0wygwI_b6TmUTuFqYVRqCCjKOMCa0NeIPJgWYWBJpG/s320/il_570xN.316410425.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> From <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/77790852/11x14-you-are-my-greatest-adventure">here</a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: left;">Additionally, I think we'll try and add a globe or a world map somewhere in the room. We're also planning on hanging some colorful origami cranes over the changing table as a DIY mobile. Hopefully it will all come together soon! </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div>Katie & Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00922898184202299258noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6070907479583796124.post-83060895047906450152012-04-03T12:47:00.000-04:002012-04-03T12:47:24.372-04:00Real Bo vs Fake BoSometime a few weeks ago, Ryan and I headed on up to Ikea for the Swedish breakfast of champions and some shopping. Mostly because 99% of all furniture will not fit in our bedrooms since our staircase and hallways were built for the itty bitty people that lived in the 1800s. I won't even get into that time when we moved in and had to cut our three month old box spring into four pieces and then put it back together again. Lets just say that furniture that doesn't come assembled is a necessity for our living situation.<br />
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So, anyway, we're at Ikea looking for the ever so popular <a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/S49860970/#/S99900921">poang</a> rocker and some picture frames, when I come across an oversized golden retriever stuffed animal. I had to have it because obviously this child <b><i>needs</i></b> a Bo replica in their nursery. Realizing that there was no negotiating, Ryan just put the massive thing into the cart and off we went.<br />
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A few days later as I laid in bed miserably contemplating my hatred for all things sick related, I decided that I needed to have a Bo visit. Normally Bo isn't allowed upstairs, but sometimes I cave in. And he's so good about not coming upstairs, that it takes three whistles to get him to visit you. The first whistle he ignores, the second he gets up and sits at the bottom of the stairs and the third whistle he bounds up in excited glory because he's being allowed upstairs. Then he flys around the bedroom, comes to you for some attention and then lays down in a contented heap.<br />
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So I whistled the appropriate 3 times, and was greeted with a very happy puppy. After petting him, I assumed he was laying somewhere on the bedroom floor, and I dozed off. Not five minutes later did I hear this awful growling coming from the hallway. Seeing as how our dog rarely barks, let alone growls, I was really worried. I flew out of bed only to find that someone had spotted fake Bo in the nursery, and was NOT HAPPY about it.<br />
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Obviously, we decided to film Bo's displeasure (poor dog):<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Tp1H525Ude0" width="420"></iframe><br />
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Needless to say, fake Bo is now in the closet and real Bo is quite happy about it. And don't worry, he got lots of hugs and reassurance that he is the number one dog in our life :)Katie & Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00922898184202299258noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6070907479583796124.post-78517058183721967702012-04-02T15:43:00.000-04:002012-04-02T15:43:38.505-04:00Why We Went Team GreenThis spring is totally kicking me in the backside! Not four days after recovering from the stomach flu did I catch a nasty cold. A nasty cold, which conveniently turned into bronchitis this weekend (because, as you all know, all the doctors offices are open on Saturdays....). I ended up having to go to a a walk-in clinic (after appropriate pregnant break-down of course), but luckily the doctor I had was super nice (and an OB!...what are the chances??). I'm on an antibiotic now, but still feeling a bit crummy. All I've been capable of doing the last few days is watching NCIS marathons and emailing my friend Steph about bacon related food stories. Can I blame the second part of that sentence on being pregnant? I hope so.<br />
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Any prayers you can send my way would be greatly appreciated! I would love to feel like a normal human being again, and I'm sure this baby would love to feel like they didn't live in an earthquake zone. It would be pretty awesome if I didn't have to quarantine myself for the next 11 weeks.<br />
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Anyway, I figured I'd tell you all about why we decided to not find out whether our baby is a little boy or a little girl. We get pretty mixed reactions when we tell people we don't know what we are having. People either think it is a great idea or that we're completely crazy. I think either way is fine...you just have to do what is right for you. But in case you were wondering, here are the reasons (in no particular order) we didn't find out...<br />
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- Neither of us is super set on having a boy or a girl. I think if one of us felt that way, we would probably find out, but since we're happy with either way, it isn't as hard to wait 40 weeks.<br />
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- We also don't have any name issues. We have two girls names and two boys names that we both really like, and we're going to wait until we meet the baby to decide on a name.<br />
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- I'm too type A and practical not to have lots of gender neutral stuff. We're hoping to be blessed with more than one mcnugget, and I'm all for things that can be used and (re) used.<br />
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- A lot of comments we get are based on concern over us not having enough appropriate clothing. Considering that this kid is joining us in the summer, I'm not too worried about this. I'm thinking a lot of white onesies will do :) I'm also fairly confident that my shopping addicted sisters will fully take care of all gender related clothing needs within seconds of this child joining the world.<br />
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- Even though there are a lot of parts of pregnancy I wish I could pass off to my husband (non-stop morning sickness for 18 weeks, insomnia and general uncomfortableness), he doesn't get to bond with the baby the same way I do. He wasn't the first one to find out that we were about to become a family of 3, and he will never know what it feels like when you feel those first baby kicks. So, I love the idea that he is the one that gets to announce whether we have a son or a daughter. Just thinking about it makes my overly emotional heart melt.<br />
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- My mom had four kids and never found out what she was having with any of us. And we all turned out ok! Well, for the most part...<br />
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- I think in today's world where so many things are instantly attainable, there aren't many true surprises. And this is one of those surprises that I think will be very hard to top!<br />
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So, that was our reasoning. Only 78 more days to go!Katie & Ryanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00922898184202299258noreply@blogger.com5