Happy Thanksgiving!

We spent Thanksgiving with Dustin's family this year and really enjoyed the time we all had together. It was also nice for Dustin to have a 4 day weekend where we did not travel to Philly but instead spent some time shopping and decorating for Christmas. We do not have a tree of our own so we are borrowing a small 3 ft. tree from Dustin's parents this year. We are going to try and get one on sale around Christmas.

Here is a picture from Thanksgiving.

Here are some pictures from Brooke's JCPenny photo shoot!

Swing, Swing, Swing

Dustin and I ordered Brooke a swing earlier this week and it came in the mail yesterday afternoon. It is definitely one of my new favorite things, and hers too! Her reflux was really affecting her sleep since it was uncomfortable to be on her back so someone suggested a swing. It is a cradle swing (I'll post a picture below) so it is really comfy for her to sleep in. Since the reflux started she was up every 2 hours at night and would stay awake for an hour each time. Last night she slept from 10-3, ate 15 minutes, and slept until 7. We stayed awake after that because this morning I took Brooke to get pictures taken at JCPenny. They turned out great and I cannot wait until I pick them up next Saturday!

Here are some adorable pictures for your enjoyment.

1 Month and Reflux

Brooke was 1 month old on Saturday and we were able to get her to sit still long enough for a picture. Unfortunately for her outfit, she decided the need to eat it. She is changing each and every day and I am completely loving being a mommy! She is awake more during the day and smiles at me when I talk to her. We have long conversations about nothing, and I love them even though I probably would look silly to anyone watching. I can't wait till she starts babbling and reaching out for things, and also starts recognizing Dustin and I better.

Now on to some less exciting news. Brooke has been spitting up a bunch after feedings and choking on it when she is laid flat on her back. I made the decision to take her to the Pediatrician yesterday afternoon and she diagnosed Brooke with reflux. She is on a medicine that should help control the reflux and I am thankful to know the cause of her discomfort. She is still having trouble lying flat and I am working on finding ways to help ease her pain. Last night I tried to prop up her bassinet mattress but that resulted in her rolling up against the side. This afternoon she has been napping on her belly and hopefully I will find a better way to prop her this evening.

Poem

I just love this poem.

Mother, O Mother, come shake out your cloth,
Empty the dustpan, poison the moth,
Hang out the washing, make up the bed,
Sew on a button and butter the bread.

Where is the mother whose house is so shocking?
She's up in the nursery, blissfully rocking.

Oh, I've grown as shiftless as Little Boy Blue,
Lullabye, rockabye, lullabye loo.
Dishes are waiting and bills are past due
Pat-a-cake, darling, and peek, peekaboo

The shopping's not done and there's nothing for stew
And out in the yard there's a hullabaloo
But I'm playing Kanga and this is my Roo
Look! Aren't his eyes the most wonderful hue?
Lullabye, rockaby lullabye loo.

The cleaning and scrubbing can wait till tomorrow
But children grow up as I've learned to my sorrow.
So quiet down cobwebs; Dust go to sleep!
I'm rocking my baby and babies don't keep.

- Ruth Hulbert Hamilton



Nordic Bo Peep and Long Lost Sheep Costume GIVEAWAY!!!!

4 weeks old today!

I cannot believe that 4 weeks ago today, Brooke came into our lives! I am looking forward to watched her develop into a beautiful young girl but she is already growing up too fast. Right now she is getting over a cold so I have been sucking snot out of her nose every hour, but she seems to be okay with that. I wish I had more time for a long, detailed update but I have to use her nap times to get things done otherwise we are going to end up on an episode of Clean House.

3 Weeks old today!

Brooke is 3 weeks old today! It sounds like such a short time but she is changing so much each and every day. She is smiling for me a lot now, but Dustin has yet to get a real taste of it. We have already started a "routine" with her and are trying our best to keep up with it. I am really trying to teach her the difference between day and night in hopes that I may start to get more and more sleep. Right now she goes down with out fussing around 11PM and wakes up every 2-3 hours until 8AM. I am definitely suffering in the sleep department but I think my body is handling it well.

And a side note: She is still supposed to be in my belly.