things i love thursday v.6

This week has been HARD and filled with blood, sweat and tears and I need to focus on the things I love. So, here they are. Link up with days filled with love :]

I love to the moon and back and back again, my daughter. She's the best part of me. She's my everything. And last night, Justin and I were faced with the obstacle of almost having to talk her to the emergency room, things could have gone terribly wrong but God had other plans. Thank goodness.

I love the new curtains I made for Laila's room. They just look absolutely perfect since they match her crib skirt. We also moved her old curtains {that I made following YHL's tutorial} into our kitchen. Will post pictures, eventually..

Although I am only a "part-time co sleeper", I absolutely love having Laila right next to me. No matter if I get a crappy nights sleep. It's worth it.

Coupons. I love coupons and coupons love me. We've gotten pretty close over the past couple days, It's amazing how much you can save with coupons. But, I doubt I will be an Extreme Couponer because I just don't have the time...or enerygy to put that much work into it. That's ok.

I've been looking into some delicious recipes and I recently came across this one. What's not to love? Cake batter = yes please. Rice krispies = yes please.

And speaking of recipes, I get my recipes from Food Gawker and I love that site. So full of delicious recipes.

I'm really loving the book I'm reading, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. That book just pulls me in. I can't wait to finish it and start the next ones.

things i love thursday v.5

I love me some thunderstorms, and we've been getting a lot of them lately. There's just something I find calming about them, plus they help me sleep.

I love flip flops, any and all flip flops as long as they are comfortable. I've been dying to get these. {hint hint Justin}

I love how smoothly the transition to co-sleeping/pack n play to crib is going. But, my heart still breaks a little ton when I realize she is all the way across the living room.

I love Chevy Equinox's and it's the vehicle that we've decided to get for our family :] I'm stoked. But we'll see when that actually happens. Could be days, weeks, months...heck, maybe even a year. But, now we know.

I love my backwards-crawling-baby. She's just too cute.

I love the way she cuddles with her father on the couch. It's breathtaking to watch her fall asleep so peacefully. Makes me heart skip a beat.

Want to know who else makes my heart skip a beat and that I love...Justin. I don't know what I would do without him. Sometimes, I don't tell him that enough.

Sewing machines, those are a you-must-love-this product. They make making curtains MUCH easier than iron on hem tape.

I love spending our free time outside, just chillin' in the grass. Best of all, it fascinates Laila beyond belief.





I love Laila's shy face! She's been doing it a lot lately, if you're new or she just hasn't seen you in a while. It's toooooo cute.

NETFLIX, how I love you. No further explanation.

what are you loving?



wee bit wednesday v.5

{one} what color best describes you + why?
pink. not only because I always wear it but it's a fun, pretty and cheerful color.

{two} how have you changed in the past year?
I've become a mother so not only do I care for myself, I care for another human being. And that being is my daughter, the best part of me.

{three} have you ever had any surgeries?
I did have surgery on my boob once. Unfortunately, I found a lump in there but I was lucky and it was not cancerous.

{four} why did you start your blog?
I was just bored and needed something to do, somewhere to write and vent about daily crap going on. Once I became pregnant, I started documenting her growth and how life was changing. Now it's all about Laila. :]

{five} what are you looking forward to this summer?
Grilling out, Six Flags, summer nights, fireworks, the beach, road trip {?} family time, milestones and much much more.

{six} do you have any family traditions for the 4th of July?
My aunt and uncle throw a huge 4th of July party every year. We will be going this year as a family. Normally we watch fireworks from our house and I think this year we will do that as well.

{seven} what’s something new that you’ve tried in the past few months?
Food. I am a very picky eater.

{eight} what is the perfect a/c temperature?
between 70 and 72 is perfect.

{nine} what was the last movie you saw in the theater?
Bridesmaids - freakin' hilarious!!

{ten} what song do you think everyone should hear at least once?
Anything by Regina Spektor. I wuv her.

sleep situation/issues

I'm beat, tired, exhausted, zombified...is that a word? It is, and yes, I looked it up. I want to take a nap, a very nice long uninterruped nap. I feel guilty for saying that but it's true. I miss sleep every.single.day but I would give it up over and over and over again just so I could spend time with my daughter.

Whine. But last night was rough. Wait, beyond rough. Back to the beginning. I'm tired, someone slap me in the face. Or get me some coffee...or both.

Laila went to sleep around 7:30, woke up around 8:30, had a 3 ounce bottle and zoinked back to sleep. I can't remember what time it was but she woke back up. I figured she wanted more to eat, so I fed her. She ate 3 ounces and went back to sleep. I put her in her pack n play and she tossed and turned for quite some time.

She had a hard time falling asleep, staying asleep and getting comfortable. Maybe I can blame it on her horrible cold or maybe she's teething. She didn't want much. I got her to sleep but around 3 she woke up again and stayed up til 4:30. I rocked her and even tried moving her to sleep in her crib, thinking her pack n play just wasn't cutting it anymore. She actually did pretty well in there. Fell asleep around 4:30 but then woke up with me at 5:15.

Maybe that doesn't sound too bad and really it isn't but I'm just tired. Nights like that really get to me because I have to get up at the butt crack of dawn to get ready for work. Plus, I really just didn't know what was going on with my baby. I felt horrible.

I think tonight we are going to try and put her to sleep in her crib instead of in her pack n play. Maybe she will sleep better in her own room. And in all honesty, I really don't want her in her own room yet. I'll miss hearing her breath and move around, the sound of her little whimpers. I won't be able to just sit up and look over at her. I have a feeling it won't last, though. I'll need her next to me and Justin knows it too. He even told me HE wasn't ready to have Laila in her own room, that he enjoys waking up to her right there. Le sigh.

The whole situation just puts me in tears. But seeing this face everyday, snaps me back to my happy self.

six month check up

Friday was Laila's 6 month check up and that meant it was time for her to not only get her measurements but my sweet sweet baby had to get another round of shots. :[ 

sitting in the clinic just waiting for our name to be called.

 ah. finally. Laila seemed to really enjoy hanging out on the table.

 & the whole time she wanted to stand on her two feet. I think she loved the crinkling. 

but, give a girl a lens cap and she's distracted for a good 10 minutes...sometimes.

this picture just cracks me up. she dropped the lens cap and do you see the strand from her mouth to the lens cap. ya that's drool.

& now for her measurements. Laila is 15.1 pounds and and 25 inches long. Her head circumference is 40.5. Our doctor did mention she is only in the 25th percentile which is OK because she is healthy. And I was kind of surprised that she didn't weigh more because I swear that girl just wants to eat and eat, all day long. I have a feeling she is going to be short but skinny like her father.

I'm just glad the shots are over with, until month 9. But this time she really did do amazing. She cried for about 5 seconds and immediately stopped.

Poor girl is currently being rocked in her rocker battling a cold :[ Poor thing.

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things i love thursday v.4

head on over to days filled with love and link up.

I am loving Laila's new crib skirt. It's everything I wanted and looks just as beautiful as I imagined. Not to mention, it looks amazing with her crib sheet. I'm pretty excited to get working on her curtains to match.

I love Laila's "crawl" It's the cutest thing ever. She gets into the position, rocks back and forth and plops right back onto her belly while moving an inch or two at a time. Or her scoot back is pretty awesome as well.

I'm loving my new capris thought I just bought. They are comfortable and fit me perfectly. I feel amazing in them.

I love parks, especially the park in a little town over. They added a water park for younger kids and it's amazing.

Besides it being 86+ degrees in our house and thunderstorm-y, I really do love the weather we've been having. It's just nice to hang out side and dip Laila's feet into the water and watch her face light up. Nothing gets better than watching her squeal over something new and interesting.

I can't believe I am saying this but I love my job. I really do love my job and I can't be more thankful and grateful for being so lucky.

I love Aveeno's face wash for myself. Before using Aveeno, I was a Proactive gal, especially when I got pregnant. Over time, I got sick of paying for it when I could possibly find something that works just as well for much much cheaper. And Aveeno works wonders for me.

I love the look on Laila's face in the morning. She has this I-just-woke-up look and it's absolutely adorable. And then she talks and sings until we pick her up.

I love my best friend, Laura. I've missed her so so much and being able to spend quality time together, means the world to me. It's been so long since I've hung out with her. Besides going to see Bridesmaids last Friday.

And speaking of, I LOVED Bridesmaids. Is it bad that I almost peed my pants? Nah, it's just THAT good.

TMI: I love sleeping braless and since I leak like crazy I'm always very nervous about making a mess while sleeping but lately I've said screw it and have gone braless. Ah, it's heaven and I've missed it. You have no idea.

Haha, moving on.

I love watching Laila reach for me with the cutest smile on her face. Or when she tries to curl up in a ball while you hold her, while burying her face into your chest. My snuggle bunny.

Ever had Blue Bunny's Red Velvet Ice Cream? No? Yes? If not, you are missing out. I am IN LOVE with that magic stuff and can't put it down. Lord help me if my ass decides to become twice as large.

I love the new "drooler bibs" that I recently ordered for Laila from Apple Tree Boutique. I was able to pick out the fabric that I wanted {from her selection} and received them super quick. They're adorable and functional!

what do you love?

wee bit wednesday v.4

{one} how many times have you been a bridesmaid/maid of honor?
I've never been a maid of honor but I have been a bridesmaid in my sisters wedding

{two} what’s the last thing your do before you fall asleep at night?
say good night and give Laila a kiss

{three} you just won your dream vacation, all expenses paid. where are you going?
New Zealand. Boo-Yah

{four} what is your favorite outdoor activity?
Talking Laila for her walks.

{five} as a child, what did you want to “be when you grew up”? did you end up there?
I wanted to be a Veterinarian but that constantly changed. I didn't end up there.

{six} what are 3 things your dream home would have that you don’t currently have?
In-floor radiant heat, a hot tub, and CENTRAL AIR.

{seven} what’s for dinner tonight?
I'm actually going over to my BFF's house to make some buttered noodles with Parmesan chicken.

{eight} if someone stopped by your house unannounced on a typical Saturday night, what would they find you doing?
Depends on the time. If Laila was awake, we'd probably be hanging out on the floor playing. If she were asleep, I'd probably be showering, pumping or just relaxing in some pajamas catching up on movies.

{nine} what’s your average monthly water bill?
Our water bill isn't monthly and our landlord usually covers in unless it's a crazy amount of money.

{ten} what do you do to relax?
take a nice HOT shower with the lights dimmed, read, go for a walk, or just lye down.

 

our week/weekend.

our week/weekend was amazing. the weather cooperated and our house was banging with heat. did I mention we do not have central air? that's right, no air for us, just a window unit and some a million fans. Most of the time, we only turned the window unit on when we went to bed {it's in our room} we like to be nice and chilly while we sleep. but that was for two nights and the rest of those nights, we got lucky and the degrees dropped to the 50's.

getting ready to eat some delicious apples/mango/and something else.

we got Laila a new sippy cup, thanks to this lovely lady who recommended it. Laila sure loves it and does amazing with it. what a big girl.

 Her crib skirt has arrived and I am completely in love with it. I can't thank babydarling enough for it, she sure did an amazing job! It looks perfect with her blue sheet. Next is the curtains in the same pattern! And for the first time ever, Laila played and napped in her crib.

Laila took some much needed naps on daddy and I and we enjoyed every second of it. I may have even fallen asleep as well.



lets hope this week/weekend is just as amazing. except, it's thundering out right now. wisconsin weather is bipolar.

All About Laila: 6 Months

It's that time of the time {well, not that time, I haven't seen that in a while} to talk all about Laila and share her growth, milestones and much more. Can you believe she is already 6 months old? That's half a year, and in half a year, she's going to be ONE. Excuse me while I go faint...or cry.

Laila weighs 15 lbs 10 ounces and is 25 inches.

She is in size 2 diapers which are getting a little snug on her. We may have to switch over to the size 3's in a couple weeks but are trying to finish the rest of the size 2's we have left. Have I mentioned how much I hate Pampers now? Maybe it's just me but all the sudden Laila was leaking pee and poo all.the.time. It's getting ridiculous.

She can still fit into some of her 0-3 clothes, like some of her jumping beans pants. Most of the shirts are too small, besides a couple. Other than that, she is mostly wearing 3-6 month clothes.

On a normal day, she will eat every 3 hours or even 4 hours. She gets Beechnut's Mixed Fruit Oatmeal & breast milk for breakfast. Sometimes, we put it in her bottle, other times we feed it to her from a bowl. If she is still hungry, she gets a normal breast milk bottle. Around lunch time, she gets one jar of fruit and will drink two ounces of breast milk from her sippy cup!! Around dinner time, she gets a vegetable with two ounces of breast milk from her sippy cup. Between meals, she drinks 6 ounces of breast milk from her bottle.

She still wakes up during the night for a bottle but the past couple nights have been getting better. I've been able to get her to go back to bed...if I bring her into bed with me for a couple minutes. Then I put her into her pack n play. Besides that, she will wake up at least two or three other times in the middle of the night because she has rolled onto her belly or landed in an uncomfortable position. But the second you put her on her back, she rolls onto her belly. That hurdle has been a little difficult.

She stays up much later than she use to, which has also been a challenge with getting household chores done or just spending alone time with Justin. We can get her to go to bed around 9, sometimes 8:30 where as she use to go to bed between 7 and 8. I think this has a lot to do with the face that it is still light out.

She still takes 2 naps a day. Ranging from 30 minutes to 2 1/2 hours. There have been days where she has completely refused to nap for more than an hour the entire day, though. Making for a very cranky and tired baby.

She has one tooth and her second is still cutting through. I'm expecting it to pop any day now. Fingers crossed. Finding something to help calm down the pain has been a challenge though. So far we know cold objects work as well as Tylenol.

She can sit up all on her own for the longest amount of time ever without falling over. That's my girl!

I think I may have a crawler soon but who knows. She gets into the position to crawl and once up, she just plops right onto her belly and moves a little forward, repeating the process all over again. There are times when she uses her head to get some good balance.

She has excellent leg strength and can pull her own weight up, while her hands are being held. I just noticed this yesterday but Justin said she's been doing that for a WEEK now. Really? How could I have missed that? Shame on me.

Recently, shes been very interested in the color green. YUCK. I'm not a fan of it but I think it has something to do with Justin's green beer bottles. She follows them everywhere with her eyes as if it's her own bottle. And every time we eat/drink she insists on doing that same, if not, she gets MAD.

Laila is constantly rolling belly to back, back to belly and side to side, with one leg up and one leg down. I don't know. It's weird.

I can't guarantee this, but I am almost positive that Laila said "mama" the other night. It was a very long "mmaaammaaa" when I walked out of the room, and she followed it with a big cry. I'm very excited about this and have been trying to get her to say it since...with no luck. Oh well, we'll keep trying!

And speaking of crying while leaving the room, that's Laila's new thing. We use to be able to leave her in her bouncy, swing, or play mat for a little bit and she would be content and happily playing with toys. Lately, that has been very different and the second you are out of her sight, tears start flowing down her face and she buries her face...usually into the floor or her feet.

If she wants you, she'll reach for you. You put your arms out, she puts her arms out. If you say "up" she'll reach her arms out...sometimes! It's adorable.

She talks screams A LOT, loves other children, hates strangers, picks up/reaches for objects, moves them from hand to hand, is a huge smiler, loves to giggle, enjoys splashing water all over the place, loves when you clap or play peek-a-boo, enjoys watching other kids and is still a daddy's girl.

Laila's personality is really shining through and everyday her personality emerges a little more. Between all the poopy diapers, spit up, numerous outfits in one day, cry fests...it's been an amazing experience and a joy to be her mother. She's the sweetest girl I've ever met and I can't wait to watch her blossom every month and become the best that she can be. No rush, though!

Happy 6 months Laila.