Apr 29, 2011

Fabulous Friday's




It's that day, Friday! And I'm linking up with Between the Lines for another Fabulous Friday!

I have to begin with the weather. The sun is shining and it's about 60 degrees outside. I'd say that's a huge improvement, seeing as the last couple days have been gloomy and rainy.

Laila waking up ONCE in the middle of the night has been fabulous. I can't even explain how more refreshed I feel when I only have to wake up once and not twice, or even three times.

It's also fabulous that Laila hasn't had formula in a couple days. I seriously get all giddy when she gets only breastmilk. I get this feeling of overwhelming proudness. I'm a dorik like that.

It's pretty fabulous that Justin and I spell dork as dorik, mainly because I tend to pronounce it with an i between the r and k.

Justin is more than fabulous. And I can't descibe the overwhelming LOVE I have for him. I can't wait to marry that man, one day.

Justin also gave me a fabulous, beautiful, loving, caring...daughter. I'm so in love with her little soul. I could constantly talk about her.

Weight Watchers, you are fabulous!!! I've lost 14 pounds because of you. Only 42 more pounds to go.

Pictures. Pictues are simply fabulous and I just had over 300 printed. A ton are currently being hung by adorable magents around my work desk.

Pregnancy is a fabulous thing and finding out that my SISTER {who just got engaged} is PREGNANT!!!! I'm going to be an aunt, Laila is going to have a cousin. I love love love pregnancy and pregnant people.

Seriously, everything is currently FABULOUS.

Apr 28, 2011

Our Daily Routine.



I'm linking up with Here Comes the Sun and talking a lil' bit about Laila's routine.

It's pretty sad {to me, at least} that I don't really know Laila's routine on the weekdays. This is because I spend most of my day working, unfortunately.

During the weekdays, it goes something like this.

5am: mama wakes up, pumps and gets ready for work
6am: I wake Laila up around this time {unless she wakes up earlier] and get her dressed and fed, unless she isn't hungry. In the mornings, she's not all "feed me, feed me." She's more chill about it.
6:15 am: Pack Laila up and head out the door
6:20am: If she goes to Kari's, I let Kari know when she last ate, if she pooed, her mood, etc..etc.. I smother her with a million kisses and "I love you's" and head out the door to work.

I don't really know what goes on the rest of the day.

I do know that she has a bottle around 7 or even later around 9 if she got fed right away when I get up. She usually takes a nap between 9 and 10 and then another nap between 12 and 3. During the rest of the day, I'm guessing she just chills in the swing, bouncer, jumperoo and hanging out in Kari's arms.

On the weekends:
Between 6am and 8:30am {usually 6:30, though}: My sleeping beauty wakes up, all smiles. Screeching in her daddy's ears and smacking me in the face. Well, good morning to you too, my love.
She doesn't demand a bottle right away. Instead, we hang out in bed and watch some cartoons.
Around 7:00am: We get out of bed and turn the tv on in the living room, Laila hangs out in her swing while I pump away for a good half hour. She gets a bottle around this time as well.
8:00am: Time for Laila to get dressed. I spend a good 10 minutes deciding what I want her to wear. After getting dressed, we play play play.
Around 9:00am: Laila usually falls asleep around this time.
11:00am: My baby wakes up, time for a bottle. Or even some rice cereal!
Noon time: I try to eat some lunch.

The remainder of the day is usually all over the place. We run errands, go for a walk if the weather cooperates, visit family or friends. We relax and try to enjoy our days together.

Around 2:00pm: She takes another nap, usually 2-3 hours long.

Around 4:30pm: Laila wakes up, wants to be fed. We feed her rice cereal or baby food. {I had to stop denying my hungry baby, baby food or rice cereal. Although I wasn't ready, she clearly was.}

Between 6:30 or 7:30pm: Bath time for Laila. She spends a good amount of time just chillin' in the water. Splashing and kicking her little heart out, accompanied with some squealing. Freakin' adorable. Pajamas are on and she usually gets a bottle and lots and lots of cuddling or swing time.

Around 8pm: By this time, she's usually asleep. Time for me to shower, pump and read my kindle and cuddle with the love.

Between 9 and 9:30pm: My lazy, tired butt goes to bed.

Laila usually wakes up once a night, usually around 11:30 or 1.

Things change everyday. But we don't try and force a routine on her, we like to go with the flow.

Apr 27, 2011

wee bit wednesday v.1







{one} have you ever been stuck in an elevator?
No, thank goodness.

{two} have you ever ridden on an elephant?
It was either an elephant or a camel. I'm not too sure.

{three} have you ever met a well known celebrity?
Hmph, no.

{four} do you have any food allergies?
None that I know off.

{five} do you know how to sew?
My sewing involves heat n bond tape and an iron!

{six} did you get an allowance when you were young?
It was more of do.your.chores.and.get.paid allowance

{seven} how often do you fill up your gas tank?
Once a week.

{eight} have you ever been stung by a jelly fish?
No.

{nine} have you ever been robbed?
I've had clothes stolen from me.

{ten} what is the worst haircut you’ve ever had?
When I was younger, I had my hair up in a ponytail. I attempted to get the hairband out all on my own but ended up tangling my hair into a huge mess. I asked my mother, who was cutting my brothers hair at the time, to take it out for me. She told me to wait a sec and would get it out once she was done. My stubborn, little self didn't feel like waiting. So, I grabbed some scissors and decided to cut my pony tail completely off. And then proceeded to hide the hair as if know one would notice my messed up hair-do. My mom noticed and had to cut my hair to make it look somewhat decent and by the end of the day, I was left with a boy haircut. It was completely humiliating.

Apr 25, 2011

Favorite Baby Items: Month 5



We have a portable swing that I seriously loved and so did Laila but once she started getting bigger and older, she stopped enjoying it as much. So I figured it was because it was so low to the ground and was more babyish but who knows the real reason she would get upset while in it. So on my awesome day off, I ventured to Tar-Jay with a dear friend of mine. Mind you, that day was cold and wet. Anyways, Justin and I have looked at this swing before but didn't know if we really wanted to spend the $130. If it was really that worth it. I decided to get it anyways, to give it a whirl. Putting it together was fairly easy. Once Laila was in it, she was over joyed. She LOVES it. Booyah! I really think it has a lot to do with her being higher up and the fact that it swings side-to-side. Totally worth the money.




Meet FOX. Isn't he adorable?! My aunt got this lil' fella from Ikea when she made her way to Minnesota over the weekend. It's just a soft, plush, musical toy. And he's awesome. Did I mention he makes noise when you pull his tail? Laila loves it. Since the moment she got it, she marked that nose of his, hers. And one of the legs and she is alwaysssss chewing on it. Really, until the thing is sopping wet. She even managed to tell Justin, Jake and I a story yesterday while chewing on the nose. I love that little goober of mine. If only there was an Ikea in Wisconsin :[


I squel everytime I see this toy. I can't get over how cute it is. The wings crinkle and they make jinggly noises. Super easy for Laila to snack on the little tiny feet and wings. She even enjoys throwing them all over the place. Skip Hop Treetop Friends Toys is an amazing collection and more than adorable. I wish I would have known about the activity mat they have, I would have ordered that one over the one I currently have.
 

Best.teether.ever. Laila fell in love on Day 1 and hasn't looked back since. It's so easy for her to grab because the legs are nice and thin. The legs are also one of her favorite parts to chew on, besides Sophie's face. Sophie squeaks, so be careful if you have a dog who loves squeaky toys. {Luckily, ours doesn't care}


I bought this for Laila when she turned 4 months old because she always always wanted to stand. So, I figured why not?! Besides the fact that her feet can't quite touch the ground and the need for it to be "broken in" she digs it. I can't wait for her to really experience it once she is a little older. I have a feeling she'll love it even more.  

Apr 20, 2011

WILW




Besides the fact that it SNOWED yesterday, here is what I am currently loving!


I'm loving my bran-spankin'-new kindle.

I'm loving Starbucks Mocha Ready Brew.

I'm loving Delia's Rebels Rascal Espadrille Flat. I currently own the Yellow and Sand.

I'm loving Targets Ruffle Sandles. I just wish this crappy weather would go away so I could actually enjoy wearing these.
I'm loving having Friday off!!! Yay for 3 day weekends.

I'm loving my new haircut!

I'm loving my amazing and beautiful daughter. Watching her experience life is so rewarding. I'm proud to be her mama. 

I'm LOVING losing weight. It feels good to see the numbers go down, now I just have to get in the habit of using P90X and TurboFire.

I'm loving these comfy capris. I own 2 pairs and can't help but to put them on once I get home.

I'm loving these adorable shoes for Laila.


I'm loving the father daughter bond between Justin and Laila. She has her father wrapped around her finger. And my heart completely melts when I watch them interact. She's a daddys girl.







Apr 19, 2011

Little Surprises



Guess what showed up on my doorstep?!

One of these pretty things.



And I had NO CLUE it was coming.

Turns out, my aunt {who is obsessed with reading} decided to be so kind and order me one.

And since I'm in love with reading, it's the perfect little present :]

Does anyone have any awesome book recommendations?

Apr 15, 2011

My Story Teller




She enjoys talking.
And she does it all the time!


Apr 14, 2011

Young Mom Link Up



There is no secret behind it but I am only 20 years old young. And when I first found out I was pregnant, I struggled with the idea of being a "young mom" and knew I would get the side-eye a lot.

And for me, relating to young moms has been so much easier than relating to mothers who have more experience or are older. Nothing against mothers that are older, though!!!



So, if you are a young mother, head on over to The Sweetest Life and link up!

My Night Owl



Just when our nights were starting to get better, Laila decided to start waking up twice a night to eat. When she is done with her second bottle, she doesn't want to go back to bed. She wants to stay up, chit chat and play with her feet.

This has lead to complete and total exhaustion for me because I get up at 5 a.m. for work.

I'm not sure if it's the 4 month wakeful period, teething, hunger, or simply because she stopped sleeping in bed with us.

And last night was THE worst, ever!

It started out with Laila's bath, which she loves. She loves her ducky, the warm water with bubbles surrouding her. It's soothing and is an excellent way to prepare her for bedtime.

I dressed her, prepared her bottle. And BAM! She starts screaming, kicking, punching and nothing would calm her down. And that part was normal for Justin and I because we've experienced it a lot but when we offered her her bottle, she woudn't take it. She continued to kick and scream and throw some punches at Justin and I.

She eventually fell asleep in Daddy's arms and was put in her pack n play to sleep. Around 10 o'clock she awoke with some wimpers so I simply pat her belly and put her paci back in her mouth and she was out like a light.

I laid there, remembering she hadn't had a bottle since 3:30 p.m. and I'm sure she is starving so I decided to go and prepare a bottle for her since I figured she would be back up soon enough to eat.

Midnight came and Laila woke up, crying as loud as ever. I picked her up and offered her the bottle and she would NOT take it! She was so upset and I had NO idea why. Instead, I gave her her paci and she calmed down. I was exhausted but apparently, she wasn't. She wanted to stay awake and eat her feet.

So we stay awake. Until 2:45 a.m. Around 2:30 I offered her another bottle since she was getting upset again. This time she took it, but nothing was coming out. I could hear her sucking but not swallowing and the bottle was still filled with 4 ounces of breast milk, just like it was 1 minute ago.

Turns out, the nipple was clogged and I had no idea :[ Poor Laila. I quickly snatched another nipple and replaced the old one and everything was all better. After her bottle, she went to bed.

5 o'clock came quickly and I was completely exhausted. Heck, I'm still exhausted.

I just don't know to do, what to think. What is going on with my baby? I don't understand why she all the sudden wants to constantly wake up in the middle of night and have a par-tay? (She started this Sunday night)

I've heard people say to put rice cereal in her bedtime bottle, but I'm just not ready for that. Although, I'm starting to think she is..I'm just not..that's another thing that is reminding me that my beautiful baby is growing up everyday.

And on top of that, I worked my butt off to be able to produce barely half an ounce to producing 30 ounces, and I want her to be on breast milk as long as possible.

Any ladies have advice? I really miss those long 6 hour stretches of sleep.

Apr 13, 2011

Weight Watchers



Since I was a teenager, I remember always having issues with my body. I always had love handles, a large chest and the extra fat hanging onto my stomach.

And I struggled every.single.day.

I struggled with people calling me fat, or saying I had fake boobs. I hid in clothes way too large because I was uncomfortable in my own skin.

I would constantly weigh myself. Sometimes even every 5 minutes. I was incredibly disgusted with myself.

I dieted the unhealthy way. I wouldn't eat or if I did eat, it wouldn't stay in my stomach for long.

I couldn't get myself to stop and I tried, I tried hard to change my ways. To diet the healthy way and exercise but I just couldn't.

Eventually I got help, 6 months worth of help. And It worked but every since I had a child my body hasn't been the same.

But this time around, I want to do it the healthy way. And I made a decision to join Weight Watchers. The first week was amazing, I lose about 2 pounds. But weeks 2 and 3 were hell.

I failed. And failed again. And I was ready to give up.

But I'm starting over again because losing 50 pounds and becoming FIT is something I desire.

I even bought P90X and did it ONCE. First time I did it, I pinced a nerve in my back and was left in SO much pain. I could barely care for my child.

But, I want to get back into because I've seen amazing results with this beautiful lady. 

I want to look good for myself and for Justin. And exercising and eating correctly is the right way to go.

Please, wish me luck ladies. I'm sure I'll need it.

Apr 12, 2011

Our weekend was amazing. The weather was beautiful. The sun was SHINING and it was 85 degrees outside.

This weather can definitely stay!

We went for walks and this made me realize how badly I am out of shape. Time to kick my butt in gear!


She is obsessed with her feet and constantly is chewing on them.


I can't believe she cut a tooth, this scares me. It really makes me realize that I no longer have a newborn and my baby is growing up everyday.
She loves her highchair but HATES baby orajel.


And she had her 4 month check up.
13 pounds 10 ounces (50th percentile)
24 inches (75th percentile, shocker because I'm short)
I can't remember her head size off the top of my head but it's only in the 10th percentile.
(Daddy has a small head)

Apr 5, 2011

10 Day Challenge: Day 9




Day 9: 2 Songs

1. Christina Perri: Jar of Hearts
2. Regina Spektor: Eet

I adore music and only picking two songs, was extremely hard.

All About Laila (4 Months}



Guess who is FOUR months?! ... Laila :]

It's amazing how fast time is flying. I'm not ready for her to grow up.

*I want to say she is around 14 pounds.
{will get the exact measurements April 9th for her check-up}

*Size 1 diapers are starting to get small so we started putting her in size 2, but either work.

*Still wearing 0-3 clothes with some 3-6's in there

*She loves to sit by herself. If you lay her flat, she grunts and grunts and looks like she is trying to do a sit up. She looks absolutely funny while doing these.

*Has awesome hand coordination and can grab almost anything by herself. She will also pass objects from one hand to the other.

*And everything she grabs goes straight to her mouth.

*She is always wearing a bib because she is always drooling.

*She popped one tooth already (just a couple days before turning 4 months)

*She loves meeting new people and is very social. This has definitely changed because she hated meeting new people and would cry instantly if someone who she was unfamiliar with, starting talking to her.

*Still getting breast milk during the day and a formula bottle in the middle of the night.

*She tries to hold her bottle all by herself. And will even try to push your hands out of the way.

*She still is waking up once in the middle of the night to eat. Usually after 5 hours of straight sleep. I guess I don't mind this but I would love for her to sleep longer lenghts.

*She is still learning to roll, rarely ever does it..I just don't know if she isn't interested or what.

*Does wonderful at tummy time and can lift her head amazingly.

*Randomly says words like "hi" "ma" "da"

*She is starting to take interest in our food but Justin and I have decided to not start rice cereal or any type of baby food until she is at least 6 months of age.

*She doesn't always sleep in bed with us anymore :[ And this was a very hard decision for myself. But, she has become such a wiggle worm and scoote's her way out of my arm. I've started to get very paranoid, so she now goes to bed in her pack n play. When she wakes for her middle of the night bottle, I bring her into bed with me and she stays there for about 3 hours and then it's time for us to wake up for the day.

*She goes to bed between 7-8 sometimes later. And wakes up between 5-6. On the weekends she wakes up between 6-7.

*And bedtime has been getting easier, she doesn't become very upset as often anymore. Maybe this is because we have started timing bathtime with eating time. She gets a bath about 30 minutes to an hour before she eats.

*She loves objects that are orange or red and takes more interest in those.

*She still isn't a fan of being in her car seat, I guess I can't blame her though. But car rides always calm her down and put she to sleep.

*She is starting to laugh and I've been enjoying this to the max. Before it was always just coos. Now, certain things make her laugh. It's freaking adorable.

*She was called a BOY for the first time (4-3-11) Silly old lady.

*Her vocal cords are amazing and she is constantly yelling, for fun.

*She loves her paci and enjoys pulling it out and then putting it back in. It's become a game to her.

*She enjoys listening to music..anytime of the day. It calms her down. As well as running water and the fan.

*We can "converse" back and forth with her and it's amazing. She loves to be the one to talk and tell you a story.

*When getting diaper changes, she always is touching her butt...what a goof.

*Justin and I have decided to get Laila's ears pierced. Will take pictures and post once this happens.

*She takes 1 long 3 hour nap and 2 short 1 hours naps during the day. This can vary depending on how much she sleeps at night, though.

*Her favorite toys are Sophie the Giraffe and her Owls & Friends Ball Trio along with some others.

*But lately, she doesn't want anything. She wants to be held and walked around. She won't play by herself anymore. I'm wondering if this is due to her teething? You literally can't even walk out of her sight for a second without her getting very upset :[

*I hate HATE to admit this...but she rolled right of the couch and landed on her back. She didn't cry or make a sound. I walked right over to her and she was laying there with a big smile on her face. No injuries. I felt HORRIBLE, though.

Will post pictures of my beauty once I load them onto the computer.


And ladies, I'm sorry I have been missing. I don't want to get into a ton of details...but Justin and I are going through a rough rough time. So we've really been trying to work hard on our relationship.

Apr 1, 2011

10 Day Challenge: Day 8



Day 8: 3 Fims

1. Pineapple Express
2. Law Abiding Citizen
3. Breakfast at Tiffany's