My Thoughts on Swinging.

I knew the baby swing would be a good thing to have when I registered for baby items. I picked out a Bright Starts Cradle Swing that would go side to side, or front to back. We even invested in rechargeable batteries for that sucker. They were a lifesaver. We planned to wean EK from it when she was about 6 months old. The problem was- she slept SO well in it. If I needed to clean house, I put her in the swing. When she was tiny and I was about to lose my ever-loving mind from newborn stress, I put her in that swing. She swung and swung at the highest speed possible. I could turn what would be a 30 minute nap into a 2 hour event, just by putting her in the swing instead of her crib. Then, we noticed that the batteries weren't lasting as long as they once did. The swing started to creak when we put her in it. Next, her feet were hanging over the edge.

It happened.

She was too big for the swing.

I'm just letting Mom think I still like this.

EK has started to put herself to sleep for most naps and every night. Rare is the opportunity to rock my baby girl to sleep, she's more interested in pinching me and giggling. This is OK, too. I held onto the swing, letting it sit in our living room for over a month after realizing we just couldn't use it any longer. It was one of the last pieces left that we have used since she was a tiny newborn.  Last night, Ryan and I put it up in the attic...and it makes me sad to think that we may never use it again.

We are blessed with such a sweet baby girl. Each time we go through a new transition  -whether it be walking, sleeping through the night, or growing out of clothes, toys, whatever- my heart aches for the snuggly, sleepy little one that she was. It just aches because almost 13 months have flown by, faster than I ever thought they would. Here's hoping it slows down.

My Best Advice for Mommies To Be.

When I was newly pregnant with Ella Kate, I knew the kind of mom that I would be and the type of baby I would have. I would have the perfectly stocked diaper bag, the happiest baby boy ever, and we would never have to spend a dime on formula. That stuff was for weaklings. Ella Kate would spend every night in her crib from day one (there was no way in Hell that I would let her sleep near me- I didn't want her getting used to it!)  We would never call her EK. Oh yeah, and I also decided that she would have black hair, just like her daddy- but with my green eyes.

Then, she was born. On one of my first trips out of the house with her alone, I found my diaper bag was missing one special item: a diaper. She cried, a lot. Typically, she cried from 9pm-3am, every.single.day. For about 2 weeks, she cried like that. We chalked it up to gas. That sample of  Enfamil Newborn saved our butts at 12am, when the poor baby was starving because I just couldn't cut it.

I guess one day I will thank Ryan for this picture.

 I can't count the number of nights I spent with her, sleeping in the recliner because it was the only way to get her to stay asleep. EK also came out with blonde fuzzy hair, and stunning blue eyes.

Ryan and I were convinced we would have a little boy. Guess again, but she sure looks cute like this, huh?

I guess what I'm getting at is this:  Don't be so obsessed with expectations and things that really won't matter in the larger scope of your baby's life. I've always been a forgetful person, and my family deals with it. No matter how she cried, ate, slept, and even no matter what we CALL her- we got a healthy, happy baby girl out of the deal.  She is perfect, and just what we had hoped she would be.

Feeling really lost in the world of babies? Need some more advice? Check out all of the other wonderful mommy bloggers who have linked up with Growing Up Geeky for Toddle Along Tuesday!

Also, go check out our feature on Mommy's Must Have Monday at The How To Mommy! 

Happy One Year, EK!

It happened. She turned one today. While I am sad that my little, tiny, newborn baby is growing up, I am so happy to see the amazing little girl she is turning into. My heart melts every day, whether it be because of her sleepy stretches every morning or the way she jumps around like a wild thing... or the way she hugs and kisses her stuffed animals (just like we taught her to).  I just can't imagine our life without her.

A year ago today, I was holding our newborn baby girl- she was just 7 pounds and absolutely the most beautiful baby I have ever laid my eyes on. I will never forget it.

EK- I will never ever forget the nights I spent with you, asleep and snuggling in the recliner, because your crib was just too big for you. I'll never forget how you always managed to get out of your straightjackets swaddlewraps, even if I wrapped you what might have been too tight. ....the times your daddy thought you would be projected into the air from the rapid pace of your little swing (I had to convince him that you liked it that fast).... the AHA! moment of discovering formula for gassy babies.... the funky little smell of your neck... the scare you gave us all with your stiff trachea... the way you wanted to be held all. the. time.... realizing that you would be just fine if I let you spend the night away from me... I can see you turning into my "mini-me". You are a total Daddy's girl, and that is just fine with me. I love him, too, so I totally understand.  We definitely have a lot to celebrate on your first birthday. We survived. Most importantly, you survived- and I think you still love us despite our parenting imperfections.

So, Happy Birthday to our sweet Ella Kate. You will forever be my baby girl.

Happy Early 10 Months, EK!

Another early monthly celebration for Ella Kate! This month, Ryan and I will be in California on her 10 month birthday.  I am so anxious about leaving her and flying halfway across the country, but she will be in great hands while her Aunt Kaci and Uncle Clifton practice their parenting !

I say this every month, but time is flying! I want to take another maternity leave, minus the "another baby" part. This baby will suit me just fine. I love the time we spend on weekends playing and being together. I miss her during the day while I work, and she drives me nuts at home approximately 90% of the time. I guess that's part of it, so I just try to soak it all in.

She has learned quite a few new tricks! She has Patty Cake down, well, pat. She loves to "roll it up". Cutest. Thing. Ever.  She also has learned to fake cough, and will cough, laugh, and mock you if you are clinging to your life while choking on food. My favorite trick is when she goes "AhhhBlahhh" while we drive down our ridiculously bumpy driveway. The sweet little "UhUhUhUhUh" is one of the highlights of my life these days.

She has a few more teeth, has had a terrible experience with diaper rash, and has had a few late night dinner dates with Mom and Dad. We certainly know what "No" means, and can pout with the best of them.

We've visited our first pumpkin patch, taken TONS of pictures, and learned a mean face. It comes complete with a snorting growl! Ryan and I aren't quite sure where she got that.

We love you sweet girl! Even Wylie does, too!

D'oh!

Today, my unthinkable happened. I forgot EK was in the car. 

<insert nice music here> Our weather is perfect today. When we left the house, it was cool, misty, and cloudy. This may not sound too great, but it is absolutely, hands down, my favorite kind of day. It could only be better if I didn't have to drive to work. 

   EK was mesmerized by the trees and their leaves blowing in the wind, and giggled the whole way to the car when the mist hit her little nose. I strapped her into her carseat, and I covered her up with her "car blanket" (you know, the one you are too lazy to bring into the house and wash...).  We creeped along down the driveway, and I didn't turn on the radio like I normally do every morning. I guess I was just so amazed by the gorgeous weather that I didn't even realize it. 

  Today, EK is staying at Mammaw's house. This means we have to drive through town, past everything. This means we turn right out off the county road, not left. Here's where Mommy-fail happened. I drove past Mammaw's street, right on to the highway. At this point, I got over the scenic beauty and turned on the  radio. Now, if a kid has ever loved music, it's ours. She sings. I really am just waiting to hear her sing along to Eric Church, since he has frequented the CD player more often than not lately. So anyways, I guess she was just holding in her inner songbird until this point, because she started belting it out. "Weeeeeblahabladgahblah".  She scared me. How could I forget she was in there? How could I just drive right by the place I drop her off at every other day?  I just thanked her for reminding me she was there, before we drove the entire 20 miles to my office.

"Hey Mom. Check me out. I can take my socks off. That's why I'm quiet."

  So, yes. I have kind of forgotten my child, if you want to get technical.  It happens.

I love hearing other "Mom Fails"! What is your best failure?