Oh my, a long time went by....

That's right...my title is a rhyme. Why? Because lots of children's books are written in rhyme and Fiona and I read lots and LOTS of books. So, if my titles get a little more lame and a little more tame (see what I did there?) blame it on the books.

Alright, so a lot has happened since the last post obviously. Fiona experienced her very first St. Patty's Day and I'm pretty sure she had a BEYOND fabulous time. Here are some pictures of her and I partying...baby style.

I told her to put her excited face on...I think she did a pretty stellar job.

Technically this was the day before...but still...she had to show her holiday spirit!

Don't hold back. Go ahead and squirt happy tears at how cute she is. 

As you can probably see from the pics she is getting bigger and bigger everyday and I sometimes worry that I'll blink and all of a sudden she will be walking and talking and running this joint. Last night the four of us snuggled up to watch Mad Men (yes, I know...babies shouldn't watch TV...she wasn't WATCHING it...she was busy snuggling) and it was just one of those moments I'd like to have frozen in time. 

Anyhow, enough of the sap. Fiona has also been loving the hot summer-like weather we have been having. She seems to be a little outdoorsy girl lately with all her walks and playtime outside. She even seems to be calmed by the fresh air. Fussy baby? We just put her in her stroller and she's as happy as can be. I love this about her. However, hopefully she isn't the kind of kid that wants to go camping all the time...her parents aren't much for that kind of entertainment. Hotel anyone?

Well, it's time for our daily walk around the neighborhood. Momma needs her exercise and baby needs her outdoor time!

Just so everyone can understand how busy/crazy our lives have been lately, it took me THREE days to finish this post. That's right...I'm that dedicated to your entertainment.

More later!

Birth, Baby Gyms and Birthdays

Ok, so since my last post I have some updates.

First, after I wrote that, baby did not feel so well. I am not kidding you, probably 2 hours later all hell broke loose. She was crying, fussy and had a fever. So, I went and got some baby fever reducer and we immediately tried to get that fever down. Things got a little better after that, but she wasn't the same smiling, laughing baby I know until about Friday afternoon. Yes, it was heartbreaking...and exhausting....and I am already dreading her 4 month shots. In case you wondered, yes I cried as well. IT WAS AWFUL TO SEE HER SICK.

Next, SHE SLEPT THROUGH THE NIGHT ON MY BIRTHDAY!!!! Yep, that's right. Even with her shots, etc. It was the best birthday present ever. She is one crafty baby. In case you wondered, no...it hasn't happened again. But she only gets up once a night and she sleeps pretty long stretches at this point, so I'm not nearly as tired.

Ok, I was reading some of my previous posts and I realized that I never posted any pics of our little nugget's nursery (aka babyland). So here it is! If I come to your house and you decide to copy it...I will be a very unhappy mommy. You've been warned.

Alright, this was taken before she was born...it's a bit more "lived in" now...haha...

Ok, next I read an old post about how I  was hoping to have some kind of super model body after I gave birth. I also mentioned in that post that someone needed to snap me out of it....and they totally should have. I currently resemble my old self but I have had to work to get here and I'm still not where I'd like to be. I tell you this because I'm sure there are other mommies out there that can relate and you can all keep me accountable. Don't get me wrong, she is worth every pound, every extra workout and every frosty skipped. I promise. If you don't believe me, here is what I get to hang out with everyday.

She didn't even pose for that...she's just THAT cute.

Oh, I should warn you...If you don't like to hear me brag about my kid than you should probably tread carefully while reading my blog. I predict it will only get more intense. She is the best and I need to keep telling you. No really, I do.

I also realized I never really told The Birth Story. For those of you who haven't already heard it, do you really want to? I mean, birth really is an amazing thing, but it's also something some people only tell others in order to recount their "war story". Alright, well here is a very abbreviated account.

4:57am: The hospital called to tell me that I was accepted for an induction for today and asked if we could be there at 5:40am. I groggily (and nervously) said yes, got ready (yes, I put some make up on...don't judge...a lady needs to look her best while performing a MIRACLE) and hopped in the car. On the way, I called my mom to let her know and Jamie let his parents know as well.
About 5:20am: In the car I burst into tears. Yep, full fledged tears. Why? I still don't know. I assume it was a mixture of hormones, fear and the realization that I was about to be a mother (would I be good enough?).
5:40am (exactly): We strolled into the maternity ward and began to fill out paper for our big day.

Now...I don't know exact times on the rest but here goes.

Shortly after getting there, they weighed me, got me into that sexy (yah, right) hospital gown and started my induction. I ended up progressing pretty fast but they did have to break my water. I stuck it out during the contractions for a while but eventually ended up getting an epidural. By late afternoon I was ready to push but the nurse made me wait (long story short, I was a little bit too numb to start pushing). Then, she finally let me after I'm pretty sure I told her I WANTED TO PUSH. I pushed for just under and hour and at 5:15pm our little one was finally here!

It's hard to explain birth stories for a few reasons. First, you seriously block out all the pain and uncomfortable aspects almost immediately. I know it was hard, but I would do it all again, no biggie. I remember it as a few of the best days of my life and that's the God's honest truth. Holding that baby for the first time...feeling her little fingers grasp mine...seeing those eyes looking up at you...even my story telling skills won't do it justice.

Well, there ya have it.

And now I have the best little peanut in the world (see? bragging...). She has changed so, so much already since those first days in the hospital. She's gotten bigger, she smiles a lot, her hair is longer (and lighter) and she even baby talks. It's pretty wonderful.

Her latest milestone? She's got her head up! Yay! No more noodle neck:)

On her baby gym. Obviously she is skeptical of my camera. Yep, that's right...babies have "gyms".