tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-81255265818031898542024-02-08T00:57:53.368-05:00Awaiting Our Green BeanMrs. Greenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02261599749846362496noreply@blogger.comBlogger34125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8125526581803189854.post-11067339262674957392014-03-18T11:44:00.002-04:002014-03-18T11:44:53.506-04:00How The Heck Have You Been?! & Quick Update!!!<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #262626; font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 217;"><strong>Oh My Goodness!!!!</strong></span><span style="color: #262626; font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 217;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #262626; font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 217;">How is everyone doing?</span><span style="color: #262626; font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 217;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #262626; font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 217;">I remember when I started
this blog, I was so pumped and excited about it and then…. Life… happened. LOL.</span><span style="color: #262626; font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 217;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #262626; font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 217;">Wow, but quick update.
Since my last update, I had another (BEAUTIFUL) baby (girl) – Tskylar Kai Green.</span><span style="color: #262626; font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 217;"><o:p> :)</o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #262626; font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 217;">Last month we celebrated
both Ezaias’ & Tskylar’s birthday with a Football/Cheerleader themed party!</span></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #262626; font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 217;">Here is the cute
invitation we got from </span><span style="color: #262626; font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 217;"><o:p><a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/InvitationBlvd" target="_blank">Invitation Blvd on Etsy</a>!!</o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFSbJ-t2Ile_p_f_wiLLMNydzPsb6YzB5rUQXxuMkGmhDn_EbtnuQ-4YrD4l18FPt8BS_-VBZRBnO1qHIZN3sEOdJupQVGZ4aVH6VGYPhWXTfbN4Zje5xB5WsfyOSmR0OFP0Dm9-1YD4CM/s1600/3-18-2014+11-37-49+AM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFSbJ-t2Ile_p_f_wiLLMNydzPsb6YzB5rUQXxuMkGmhDn_EbtnuQ-4YrD4l18FPt8BS_-VBZRBnO1qHIZN3sEOdJupQVGZ4aVH6VGYPhWXTfbN4Zje5xB5WsfyOSmR0OFP0Dm9-1YD4CM/s1600/3-18-2014+11-37-49+AM.jpg" height="320" width="134" /></a></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #262626; font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 217;"></span> </div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #262626; font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 217;">And here are a few
pictures that from the photo shoot we had before their party started.</span><span style="color: #262626; font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 217;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #262626; font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 217;"><o:p>Thank you <a href="http://cingraham.com/" target="_blank">Charles Ingraham Photography!!</a></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #262626; font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 217;"><o:p></o:p></span> </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggnDUPuHZKvG738F70tDXdsNL99WKYidGypZegoVZY9Z0bdeBmpbCnP-c8OPGoAzduB5Eer7KzeWTVwV5Xje6zTqrGc_HUtq4-lTSOwzWBJYjEIgsd9reE-V2VOOCkF9TpYJnH87BSswwh/s1600/IMG_5049+(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggnDUPuHZKvG738F70tDXdsNL99WKYidGypZegoVZY9Z0bdeBmpbCnP-c8OPGoAzduB5Eer7KzeWTVwV5Xje6zTqrGc_HUtq4-lTSOwzWBJYjEIgsd9reE-V2VOOCkF9TpYJnH87BSswwh/s1600/IMG_5049+(2).jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIe2i4Ng5seMw1kgRqLNnjhk3631EAXLFUA84CFiFGhh9BKy1U35XwjG8QxrL1nDjStr1ajk0Zmy6HCIU6F7_jHxdpv2jA_KqX2oTOAQjmyDKiXTSZcIx_SLu4AJ4Upm2QPAfdnM00XQnM/s1600/IMG_5035+(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIe2i4Ng5seMw1kgRqLNnjhk3631EAXLFUA84CFiFGhh9BKy1U35XwjG8QxrL1nDjStr1ajk0Zmy6HCIU6F7_jHxdpv2jA_KqX2oTOAQjmyDKiXTSZcIx_SLu4AJ4Upm2QPAfdnM00XQnM/s1600/IMG_5035+(2).jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhspubeMJLT_-cUjkleS65pKkr9Z9psurRKYOep4yqhdcA1XMY8XV0N9TG-oTAJqArJpAcR7ntZNDzi6wHs7xu5Q3KO2xkJJ6NCA3Vwr1-ewx3ON4JvyjDs9G1AuxK9rIhOZcRkJjdKfb8_/s1600/IMG_5051+(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhspubeMJLT_-cUjkleS65pKkr9Z9psurRKYOep4yqhdcA1XMY8XV0N9TG-oTAJqArJpAcR7ntZNDzi6wHs7xu5Q3KO2xkJJ6NCA3Vwr1-ewx3ON4JvyjDs9G1AuxK9rIhOZcRkJjdKfb8_/s1600/IMG_5051+(2).jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjREmL2DKOsEOwTRqe9-Wu5EjlnntEUEDUsKMMcs6_FyHK5giQUvRuWVC87A82zr8nUKZNBCtis5A13BhkwniFyFFnbBW9avIBg3OfakaIrdUaIBK5Y_4j6Q-hLViVfFNUB5gxI1xsd9Aqj/s1600/IMG_5047+(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjREmL2DKOsEOwTRqe9-Wu5EjlnntEUEDUsKMMcs6_FyHK5giQUvRuWVC87A82zr8nUKZNBCtis5A13BhkwniFyFFnbBW9avIBg3OfakaIrdUaIBK5Y_4j6Q-hLViVfFNUB5gxI1xsd9Aqj/s1600/IMG_5047+(2).jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><em>Tsky's Tutu Dress - Courtesy of </em></span><a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/4EverTuTu" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><em>4EverTuTu on Etsy</em></span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><em>.</em></span><span style="color: #262626; font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 217;"><o:p> </o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #262626; font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 217;">I am so interested to
hear how everyone is doing and what they have been up to!!!!</span><span style="color: #262626; font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 217;"><o:p> You turn!!</o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="color: #262626; font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 217;">Btw, I may need to change
the name of this blog. We are waiting NO MORE green beans! </span><span style="color: #262626; font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 10pt; mso-ascii-font-family: "Century Gothic"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: "Century Gothic"; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 217;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span><span style="color: #262626; font-family: "Century Gothic","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-themecolor: text1; mso-themetint: 217;"> LOL<o:p></o:p></span></strong></div>
Mrs. Greenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02261599749846362496noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8125526581803189854.post-53613634662284982212011-07-08T17:22:00.000-04:002011-07-08T17:22:11.473-04:00My First Week Back At Work Was….<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Not what I expected!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It was….</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">…..Plain Awesome!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I felt welcomed by my co-workers and even people who I just passed in the hallways.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I was greeted by my co-worker with flowers and chocolate.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In the bathroom, one lady even said to me, “We missed your singing”. (She was not a co-worker btw)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My boss took me out to lunch on my first day back.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My birthday was on July 4th, so in addition to being “welcome back” gestures, the flowers, chocolate and lunch were birthday gifts too!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Leaving Ezaias was hard, but I was able to handle it! </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What helped is the fact that I don’t take him to the sitter, daddy does. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So I leave him home with daddy each morning.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I also mentally prepared myself for my return. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Reading <a href="http://www.milkmemos.com/">“Milk Memos</a>” helped as well! (Read it! It's great for all you moms and future moms who will return to work soon - or not so soon) </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Waking up at 6:30 (to make it to work by 8 am) was not bad either. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Before Ezaias, I worked at 9:30 am. So it has been an adjustment.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I have been able to pump twice a day and while it seems a little inconvenient, it’s all worth it! (<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Medela-Style-Advanced-Breast-Shoulder/dp/B0011E5LYE">Medela Pump In Style Pump Rocks!!)</a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Ezaias is completely comfortable with his sitter and when I pick him up at the end of the day, he has the biggest smile on this face. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">He and the sitter have a great relationship already!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I didn’t feel guilty for leaving him, rather I felt great about being able to help provide for him and make a great life for him!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I missed him like crazy, but thinking about him gave me great motivation to excel in all my tasks/responsibilities so that I make sure my boss never wants to let go of me so I can continue to provide for Ezaias!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This week has gone by pretty smoothly (and fast too) and I am really grateful for that!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Thanks to everyone who gave me advice and words of encouragement before my return to work and during this week!!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">XOXO!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong><em>Please share with me some positive things you remember about your return to work.</em></strong> </span></div>
<br />
Mrs. Greenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02261599749846362496noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8125526581803189854.post-70467928454468116992011-06-27T19:57:00.001-04:002011-06-27T19:57:19.093-04:00Watch Ezaias Grow (4 months old)!!<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Papa,</span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You are my pride and
joy! You are a blessing and I thank God everyday for you!!</span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You are four months old today (6.27.11)! Here is a look at how
you have changed and have grown this past month!<o:p></o:p></span></span></span><br />
<span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGdf_tKuZtOOHb19L_GZdYjzMjRqRZa3Jdw_eK-jQhO7CQAzH9uHsHSWi8GYG46Z-Tr42q8hISW6USGNnIH8eIHIxJuIoviCUWZfxkhqqUL6SDQ4nBYXxcnZax3eXOq51TvlSmcbUR1AJ6/s1600/4months.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGdf_tKuZtOOHb19L_GZdYjzMjRqRZa3Jdw_eK-jQhO7CQAzH9uHsHSWi8GYG46Z-Tr42q8hISW6USGNnIH8eIHIxJuIoviCUWZfxkhqqUL6SDQ4nBYXxcnZax3eXOq51TvlSmcbUR1AJ6/s400/4months.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="apple-style-span"><i><span style="color: black;">Clothes</span></i></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black;">: <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><br />
</span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black;">You are still in your 0-3 month clothes. Midget! LOL</span></span><i><span style="color: black;"><br />
</span></i><span style="color: black;"><br />
</span><span class="apple-style-span"><i><span style="color: black;">Diapers</span></i></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black;">: <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><br />
</span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black;">You started the month off in size 1-2's. Now that
that box is done (lol), you are wearing size 2.</span></span><i><span style="color: black;"><br />
</span></i><span style="color: black;"><br />
</span><span class="apple-style-span"><i><span style="color: black;">Feeding</span></i></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black;">: <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><br />
</span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black;">You are still mostly breastfed. You only get
bottles (of breastmilk) when mommy has to leave you home with daddy or someone
else. </span></span><i><span style="color: black;"><br />
</span></i><span style="color: black;"><br />
</span><span class="apple-style-span"><i><span style="color: black;">Sleep</span></i></span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black;">: <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;"><br />
</span><span class="apple-style-span"><span style="color: black;">You are sleeping very well. Your naptimes and
bedtimes are awesome. <o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><span style="color: black;"><br />
</span></i><span style="color: black;"><br />
</span><span class="apple-style-span"><i><span style="color: black;">Other Highlights:</span></i></span></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We started putting
you in your bounce-a-bout. You love it! Although you don’t really play with the
toys on it much yet, I think you just love that you’re able to stand on your
own. </span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3W06VbmzED89kCWbPZLiYqILBykmlGjCjMc_14d7YQeL_UVVu9NCgfchbT6p7fsmkcgbRhr9Affc-gLaCEIz00qgxe1mV8wCwVyIHNdNPi7grj5_830YD2ApVUUpLE5m9hwgw4zDHjUXZ/s1600/Picture+018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3W06VbmzED89kCWbPZLiYqILBykmlGjCjMc_14d7YQeL_UVVu9NCgfchbT6p7fsmkcgbRhr9Affc-gLaCEIz00qgxe1mV8wCwVyIHNdNPi7grj5_830YD2ApVUUpLE5m9hwgw4zDHjUXZ/s400/Picture+018.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You were christened. Your grandfather (saba) had the pleasure of
blessing you! </span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilhPP_USmUac9szMdIjD8UYMTwszU8AdgvAex9vHac94QO0FM28b6Sb9H4eY4kk8f9lkPpVx8-bLM1GdCCgygUch_Y6bLvxFuZVWdjqz5RNsxkDSTymoGJ4kZV-D0APdqJCUhrQYGXVoq_/s1600/christening.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="136" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilhPP_USmUac9szMdIjD8UYMTwszU8AdgvAex9vHac94QO0FM28b6Sb9H4eY4kk8f9lkPpVx8-bLM1GdCCgygUch_Y6bLvxFuZVWdjqz5RNsxkDSTymoGJ4kZV-D0APdqJCUhrQYGXVoq_/s400/christening.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You are now propping
yourself up on your elbows – especially when you are put down for a nap and/or
wake up from a nap. </span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh50VSMLezeW2MWuEiVf_DWRvuN9s0vRYNg7Z8yBSSFZy64Mc8_Qpos3MihRQnUU8CckCOb4u3xIrQtmttM9CSMa0pzdhbwIQ3RGKIg1bS5n7pS6h5r4qHcftQ0nMjGbRN6VnfdQ8WaiTLc/s1600/Picture+036.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh50VSMLezeW2MWuEiVf_DWRvuN9s0vRYNg7Z8yBSSFZy64Mc8_Qpos3MihRQnUU8CckCOb4u3xIrQtmttM9CSMa0pzdhbwIQ3RGKIg1bS5n7pS6h5r4qHcftQ0nMjGbRN6VnfdQ8WaiTLc/s400/Picture+036.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You had your first
few trips to the pool. You loved it! </span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWOr_IO0kE5ffWOf941YfgQKsQn7NpxsEQ8pDTMbie8KKf1HRnDjjL_RgF73vuLbvRGoA7IAsjhHS8c5OLf-Use0OvExK125CqUXiyTBTOq_3naJ_GvPxJsjCjhw3GujSrDq7KwUGiH21g/s1600/Picture+095.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWOr_IO0kE5ffWOf941YfgQKsQn7NpxsEQ8pDTMbie8KKf1HRnDjjL_RgF73vuLbvRGoA7IAsjhHS8c5OLf-Use0OvExK125CqUXiyTBTOq_3naJ_GvPxJsjCjhw3GujSrDq7KwUGiH21g/s400/Picture+095.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I love your face.</span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsczrcwB2BuEsY3HEZKt__uQiTbSLHLOICcfGgdwaTA413lgKA7vl0ciGYWdjR7xEGU0TGSbtV5yeddS3bzmz-MOLC6ItOzRmeX2vSvFrv3L0OP3UECL9CAhr0awF00kuphiR4-YMIaJiX/s1600/face.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="115" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsczrcwB2BuEsY3HEZKt__uQiTbSLHLOICcfGgdwaTA413lgKA7vl0ciGYWdjR7xEGU0TGSbtV5yeddS3bzmz-MOLC6ItOzRmeX2vSvFrv3L0OP3UECL9CAhr0awF00kuphiR4-YMIaJiX/s400/face.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You celebrated your daddy's first Father’s Day with him</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfdm5v_PY_qw_xVdGhCj34Dh49J8yhEmxHNHMVjnW8EocSB7zAqrKoqJw3LkM_jc6K3w-vGtVVwxQJj8EHn9KweUxZyYlr_Ocux8uKwfQV_PuzRW6fmuH4yG_kazUR_tLaf6BwOnj0DaLZ/s1600/Picture+029.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfdm5v_PY_qw_xVdGhCj34Dh49J8yhEmxHNHMVjnW8EocSB7zAqrKoqJw3LkM_jc6K3w-vGtVVwxQJj8EHn9KweUxZyYlr_Ocux8uKwfQV_PuzRW6fmuH4yG_kazUR_tLaf6BwOnj0DaLZ/s400/Picture+029.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You are totally amazed with my singing.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You are perfecting your grabbing skills.</span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Your hands are ALWAYS in your mouth.</span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You have discovered that sometimes its more fun to play than to eat.</span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You are ACTUALLY laughing.</span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You are officially nosey! LOL. No-one can walk into your room without you looking around to see who it is or what’s going on.</span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Another note to your nosiness. If other things are going on while I’m nursing you, you have to find out what it is.</span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">At the beginning of the month, you were flipping from your tummy to your back in your sleep, startling yourself and waking up crying. NOW, you flip from your tummy to your back and laugh! </span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You have discovered your ears and hair and you’re always pulling on them.</span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I am more interesting than most things (ie toys, food, the tv) because you are constantly staring in my face.</span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I took my braids out
and got my hair relaxed (after four long months) and when I wrap and
unwrap my hair, you do not to take your eyes off of me. I guess it really
intrigues you!</span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Your smile continues
to the completely amaze me and brighten up my day and my life!</span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></o:p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Your daddy adores
you. And so do I. </span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgREQd_HEcpxFRLTQFpIRKrgWrnlWpMCVuBDiFv2p1WSMIx7kD-X9xRENWTt7X8J5y80gCLT3eWBtXl-86lRvIthAmOq3_blJ5W3drr2pDxwq590Gedi1yjfUIiea-3nQ0wzFQG7JtJgD8j/s1600/parents" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgREQd_HEcpxFRLTQFpIRKrgWrnlWpMCVuBDiFv2p1WSMIx7kD-X9xRENWTt7X8J5y80gCLT3eWBtXl-86lRvIthAmOq3_blJ5W3drr2pDxwq590Gedi1yjfUIiea-3nQ0wzFQG7JtJgD8j/s400/parents" width="400" /></a></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px;"><b><i>What do you remember about your child's fourth month? Do any of the things I mentioned ring a bell? If your baby is younger than 4 months, what do you look forward to?</i></b></span></div>
Mrs. Greenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02261599749846362496noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8125526581803189854.post-39805322732970937212011-06-20T12:30:00.000-04:002011-06-20T12:30:32.120-04:00Back To Work Blues - Already!!!<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This morning seemed to be a normal Monday morning as I got up to wake and feed Ezaias.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I brought him to our bed, fed him and then played with him while daddy slept next to us.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">After changing him and a little more playtime, I put Ezaias down for a nap and went back to join hubby in bed to catch some more z's.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">(On most mornings, I'm dashing out of the house to make it to a 9 o clock gym class and leave the changing duties, etc. to daddy. I am so glad this wasn't a gym morning though.)</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It dawned on me that I had 2 more short weeks at home with my baby. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I started to feel, well honestly, sad. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As I lay there, I listened to Ezaias talk and play. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I didn't feel tired anymore. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I wanted to spend some time with him. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I walked over to his room. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">He was laying on his tummy - babbling. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When he sensed my presence, he looked up at me with most gorgeous puppy dog look ever.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> I would have loved to capture that moment with my camera, but I didn't want to move. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">He stared at me for a few seconds. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Then I smiled at him and said "Hey Papa" and he flashed his usual big, bright smile. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I felt my eyes start to water and as I wiped them away, he looked @ me with the most concerned look in his eyes. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It was as if he knew. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">I wiped the tears away, smiled at him and he smiled back a smile that made me feel like he was saying "Its Going To Be Ok, Mommy".</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"> </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">He then laid his head down.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">*Written as I sat on the arm of the rocking chair in room, as I watched him toss and turn, find his finger (to suck) and then drift off to sleep.*</span></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">After he fell asleep, I went back into our room, where hubby was still sleeping.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I cuddled up next to him and he asked me if my nose was stuffy (lol).</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I said "No. I'm just sad that I only have 2 more weeks at home with my baby".</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">He chuckled and still half-asleep said "Just enjoy him."</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When he realized that I was still crying, he held me real tight and rubbed my back until I drifted off to sleep.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">(Lol, I guess there may be two babies in the house!)</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I have enjoyed 16 lovely weeks at home with Ezaias and he will be 18 weeks when I return to work.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This is going to be HARD!</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>What feelings did you have before you went back to work and after you returned to work? What advice can you give to a mom like me who is already experiencing the back to work blues?</i></b></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></b></i></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"> </span></b></i></span></div>
Mrs. Greenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02261599749846362496noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8125526581803189854.post-67282707324431796722011-06-19T13:29:00.000-04:002011-06-19T13:29:38.600-04:00Happy Father's Day!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzz4v6kUIcvQZ0cMpT7xTMJQTTD03fbTQMlvFIiVGGxaPnbJH4eQ-TKQr0RRn3KYpYxAzHixZchc3xgkK7cEoyhJjInRXktnuF4acd4ctmMGe_iZASUpD4nr12B_C_C6o2_g0z2UuGGatd/s1600/FathersDay.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzz4v6kUIcvQZ0cMpT7xTMJQTTD03fbTQMlvFIiVGGxaPnbJH4eQ-TKQr0RRn3KYpYxAzHixZchc3xgkK7cEoyhJjInRXktnuF4acd4ctmMGe_iZASUpD4nr12B_C_C6o2_g0z2UuGGatd/s400/FathersDay.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />Mrs. Greenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02261599749846362496noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8125526581803189854.post-137476296601915082011-06-15T12:38:00.012-04:002011-06-15T12:45:25.696-04:00Wordless Wednesday: Nap Time<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_JRGyxOgcHnLea8kc2uTNzNPRkBXyiv5NMtiCDY6VWpKf7Ce7N_ti8Ml4ytJ2icB_cdWcQB0nQfuWL0EdLsoi79y6Xp2iJMxJOJyfYmd7ON991ob3ARui4mb9wv3l3Gx_7kPlb27-aVJY/s1600/Nap2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_JRGyxOgcHnLea8kc2uTNzNPRkBXyiv5NMtiCDY6VWpKf7Ce7N_ti8Ml4ytJ2icB_cdWcQB0nQfuWL0EdLsoi79y6Xp2iJMxJOJyfYmd7ON991ob3ARui4mb9wv3l3Gx_7kPlb27-aVJY/s640/Nap2.jpg" width="313" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Apparently he moves a lot in his sleep - so much that he does a complete 180! LOL :)</span></div>
Mrs. Greenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02261599749846362496noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8125526581803189854.post-44121874307498785392011-06-07T23:18:00.035-04:002011-06-07T23:48:59.371-04:00Maternity Leaving Coming To A Close<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Sooo, my last day of work was February 18th and I return to work on July 5th.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I don't know where the time has gone. :(</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikGTTyCX_gMCPRG-fWWof9vJVgOCpi8liGkesu0KhmgKabxpjlLDjJqMX47c-oyYrM9x6t4Awgd5Oxf4SJhXFTi8YcysWb4xJ6SCSPtal8aO-sdN3_T-PO0A2neB-UT4AB2AKWFXyLH-iz/s1600/sahm-comic-mom-s-salary-being-a-stay-at-home-mom-44783_600_399.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikGTTyCX_gMCPRG-fWWof9vJVgOCpi8liGkesu0KhmgKabxpjlLDjJqMX47c-oyYrM9x6t4Awgd5Oxf4SJhXFTi8YcysWb4xJ6SCSPtal8aO-sdN3_T-PO0A2neB-UT4AB2AKWFXyLH-iz/s400/sahm-comic-mom-s-salary-being-a-stay-at-home-mom-44783_600_399.gif" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">July 5th is about a month away and while to some that may seem like a long time, I realize how time flies and I need to start my preparations from NOW!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So far:</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">*I have spoken to someone about childcare for Ezaias.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">*I have started pumping daily (well I try to do it daily) to build my milk stash.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">*I have started Ezaias on a more consistent schedule and actually established a "bedtime" for him.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">*I have set up a time to speak with my boss about my return.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I will be meeting with my boss this Friday and I have an idea of what I want to talk to him about (Like me working half time, but getting paid for full time. No? Not gonna work?). But I am also curious to hear about the changes in the company and the plans he has going forward.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><i>What are some things I should consider when returning to work - that I might want to mention to my boss? Can you share anything with me about your return to work? What were your challenges?</i></b></span></div>
Mrs. Greenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02261599749846362496noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8125526581803189854.post-5555786808342658442011-05-18T22:37:00.006-04:002011-05-18T22:39:17.498-04:00Wordless Wednesday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0ld1ET9jj_CjgZ9k4LsRS26lNLhOvcLj5of3qdka1PjfIGqYd6lORqhFs6IZHC2TJSH4ccbP-SeNp1SUhi5KSVSWyfapLjEIalCKF4x05IOC7gw1jOV3iZsXH4FYbZQfMUE__Nkds3gQV/s1600/Can+I+Hold+Him.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0ld1ET9jj_CjgZ9k4LsRS26lNLhOvcLj5of3qdka1PjfIGqYd6lORqhFs6IZHC2TJSH4ccbP-SeNp1SUhi5KSVSWyfapLjEIalCKF4x05IOC7gw1jOV3iZsXH4FYbZQfMUE__Nkds3gQV/s400/Can+I+Hold+Him.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My baby Ezaias & his god brother Isaiah :) </span></div>
Mrs. Greenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02261599749846362496noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8125526581803189854.post-38223337826227875122011-05-17T13:07:00.111-04:002011-05-27T02:04:23.744-04:00Watch Ezaias Grow (3 months Old)!!<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">I follow many blogs and I love how my mommy bloggers document their babies month-by-month progress. I would like to jump on the bandwagon now, and although I'm a little late, I think it's such a cute idea and a great way to remember the milestones in your baby's life. Lord knows I can barely remember what happened in the first two months! LOL. My latest inspiration came from my blogger friend JeLisa over at <a href="http://bloggingeverafter.wordpress.com/">...And They Lived Blogging Ever After</a>. Check her WONDERFUL blog out!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Here are pictures from the first two months:</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3TQtAxdqUqlcwKv4FTq6sDGdp-ibgaIzEeVu4aVDBRlpGTD4WLHs9HHXtRHsJS7YnyRSK-D4g_FpWsyctno7R_wbKXwUpCVayqmhvKh2IducSrwx4r1CvWhAZ94tVHxg19RmPiynmgPF0/s1600/1+month+edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3TQtAxdqUqlcwKv4FTq6sDGdp-ibgaIzEeVu4aVDBRlpGTD4WLHs9HHXtRHsJS7YnyRSK-D4g_FpWsyctno7R_wbKXwUpCVayqmhvKh2IducSrwx4r1CvWhAZ94tVHxg19RmPiynmgPF0/s400/1+month+edit.jpg" width="238" /></span></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWTkSgdNanEpGSniNIueJtE6j23UOk-jF5JxQo8SsX9ZIN_01yS52iEmxypYYSCbymqhg_knQiX1EgZBiq4xJZsfOWblq9FuYG5uZ0X7916eJer-qKOidxmjAiidtg-ikhgLYu1eu4Wb0e/s1600/2+months+edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWTkSgdNanEpGSniNIueJtE6j23UOk-jF5JxQo8SsX9ZIN_01yS52iEmxypYYSCbymqhg_knQiX1EgZBiq4xJZsfOWblq9FuYG5uZ0X7916eJer-qKOidxmjAiidtg-ikhgLYu1eu4Wb0e/s400/2+months+edit.jpg" width="300" /></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">-----------------------------------------------------------</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Papa Lindo,</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">You are three months old today (5.27.11)! Here is a look at how you have changed and have grown this past month!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6DLYK5w7xfJ6FzDHb5WP8W9gQVDcAnvlT0ZLjRFVR0Kx2YkOmkh_xmPZAlyKLqwod9FbAjGy_pFSOyAWQxZuwoAzMcQ-vU3yU_ox5UHRdt6MIIeV5FJ6SI7jG5ouzgZDL-LsM5iqeZ0KY/s1600/3+month+edit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6DLYK5w7xfJ6FzDHb5WP8W9gQVDcAnvlT0ZLjRFVR0Kx2YkOmkh_xmPZAlyKLqwod9FbAjGy_pFSOyAWQxZuwoAzMcQ-vU3yU_ox5UHRdt6MIIeV5FJ6SI7jG5ouzgZDL-LsM5iqeZ0KY/s400/3+month+edit.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>Clothes</i>: </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">You mostly wear 0-3 months. Some are still big on you.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i><br />
</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>Diapers</i>: </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">You started the month off in size 1's. Now you 1-2's seem a little snug. I hope you finish the box though because we have alot! LOL</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i><br />
</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>Feeding</i>: </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">You are mostly breastfed. You only get bottles when mommy has to leave you home with daddy or when we go out and I know it will be very inconvenient to breast feed you. What started out as a challenge, has now become a pleasure. I love nursing you! :)</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i><br />
</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>Sleep</i>: </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">You are sleeping very well. Your naptimes and bedtimes are awesome (well, when you'</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">re home in your own bed). Mommy and Daddy are getting lots of rest too!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i><br />
</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i>Other Highlights:</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">You now laugh, talk and smile with us.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzFeLtHT1MaOyLWRu-IW7Ng1hpzZVy4eEofrzRdAwgZ4wedEY1r53VOufT-g2th8fbxSrnHaYOsseUXzPfOb1aeAtNhJbikg0J2x7IY4kkrSe7RXQPZH0GN1aY76nXbS-3P3yfDtXv_Qmn/s1600/DSC00134.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzFeLtHT1MaOyLWRu-IW7Ng1hpzZVy4eEofrzRdAwgZ4wedEY1r53VOufT-g2th8fbxSrnHaYOsseUXzPfOb1aeAtNhJbikg0J2x7IY4kkrSe7RXQPZH0GN1aY76nXbS-3P3yfDtXv_Qmn/s400/DSC00134.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">You enjoy bath time.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9fPMseuuwky-WvD6xjmRuatzrrgTtQedIRm1XYaBY6dyan9_ptnOgb8MrCbci6TB0SLohrT2GTilrEBHyiy5dboujOpoKOmcEw7CRmJGJDdnYgVVgp3FPTkBiFESNe8RzBEE1P8h4XCGE/s1600/DSC00186.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9fPMseuuwky-WvD6xjmRuatzrrgTtQedIRm1XYaBY6dyan9_ptnOgb8MrCbci6TB0SLohrT2GTilrEBHyiy5dboujOpoKOmcEw7CRmJGJDdnYgVVgp3FPTkBiFESNe8RzBEE1P8h4XCGE/s400/DSC00186.jpg" width="361" /></span></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">You started to suck your thumb - mainly at nap and bed times.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj54eiDT1HoIxycSIFBEgFNfEr5L_-Cs48nbfKq0vIoHB7IiQz5JK5xo1rc1NToBsvV6tV5a16dntVla5BgPoXxLLVq4TJF9SjVx9TcTV3YWtVGCGOVkBfBXMmdHZyLUfLRdcPoIBi8ir4j/s1600/DSC00129.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj54eiDT1HoIxycSIFBEgFNfEr5L_-Cs48nbfKq0vIoHB7IiQz5JK5xo1rc1NToBsvV6tV5a16dntVla5BgPoXxLLVq4TJF9SjVx9TcTV3YWtVGCGOVkBfBXMmdHZyLUfLRdcPoIBi8ir4j/s400/DSC00129.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">We started you on "Your Baby Can Read".</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">We implemented some things from BabyWise into lives.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">You laugh and smile when I read to you.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">You enjoy playing by yourself and talking to yourself.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">You are trying to sit up.</span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">You have begun to smile at me while nursing.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Your hands are constantly in your mouth.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">You started sleeping in your crib and you are doing a great job with that.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">You are sleeping through the night!!! 8, sometimes 9 hours. It would probably be longer if I didn't wake you to eat. THIS is amazing!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">Your daddy adores you. And so do I.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfaM2cqisUtMe1RfnL7JsZkkyzQkIPrfk09jJT95n-sb2YzAkh5PK80tAs8oQvklzu692n4KfY9mJOwR4b5Bmb9nIMfnTA6DCMDTuiZ6cukGZHnXwY5BPH4AduAGaGbWWS9uclJBkoRtCt/s1600/MommyDaddy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfaM2cqisUtMe1RfnL7JsZkkyzQkIPrfk09jJT95n-sb2YzAkh5PK80tAs8oQvklzu692n4KfY9mJOwR4b5Bmb9nIMfnTA6DCMDTuiZ6cukGZHnXwY5BPH4AduAGaGbWWS9uclJBkoRtCt/s400/MommyDaddy.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><b><i>What do you remember about your child's third month? Do any of the things I mentioned ring a bell? If your baby is younger than 3 months, what do you look forward to?</i></b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">[I'm not sure why there are so many spaces in my post. Annoying much? I'm going to try to work on it. Sorry :( ]</span></div>
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div>
Mrs. Greenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02261599749846362496noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8125526581803189854.post-38613706539364628612011-05-16T09:52:00.097-04:002011-05-17T12:33:43.191-04:00Benefits of Babywise<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As mentioned in previous <a href="http://awaitingourgreenbean.blogspot.com/search/label/Babywise">posts</a>, I read the book "On Becoming Babywise" and have researched other parent direct schedule technique and have really benefited from the knowledge that I have gained. There have been many benefits, but I will just share five with you today.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><b><br /></b></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><b>We are able to assess Ezaias' needs much better.</b></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><b><br /></b></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Previously, when Ezaias cried or became fussy, it was always a guessing game. Maybe he's hungry, maybe he's tired, maybe he's hot, maybe he's cold, maybe he has gas and the list goes on. Now since we're on a<i> flexible</i> schedule, I can look at the clock when he cries or fusses and assess his needs much better and quicker than before. (For example) </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Is it time to eat? Is it time to nap? </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">By no means is everything perfect. There are still times when we're just not sure, but interpreting his cries is now </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">MUCH easier.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><b>We know what's coming next.</b></i></span></div>
<div style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><b><br /></b></i></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Previously, I would be on edge and not be able to relax or get things done because I just wasn't sure what Ezaias' next move would be. It was always like - Is he going to wake up soon? Is he going to be hungry soon? Do I have to do the dishes? Do I have time to workout?</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Now I have an idea of how long he will be asleep, when he will need to eat and how long he will be awake so I can plan accordingly and go throughout my day more confidently and relaxed.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsM06kFKkzccCMuT_oQY7jFewwxDI71Lf9qIcWmeE0uSAcC1hMEW2zQNKclzOisIPOI6bYih93B-wZcGktRQWN4rQlOdfeYLE98LsPKwtaUboXqIjOMva4lMyhi8CKGhd2DekOxb_VKvV4/s1600/nap-time.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsM06kFKkzccCMuT_oQY7jFewwxDI71Lf9qIcWmeE0uSAcC1hMEW2zQNKclzOisIPOI6bYih93B-wZcGktRQWN4rQlOdfeYLE98LsPKwtaUboXqIjOMva4lMyhi8CKGhd2DekOxb_VKvV4/s1600/nap-time.gif" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><b>He goes down </b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">(sometimes)</span><b> without a fuss.</b></i></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></b></i></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;">When E</span></b></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;">zaias starts to get fussy and we know it's naptime/bedtime. we put him down so that he can go to sleep. There are times that we put him down and he doesn't make a sound and drifts off to sleep, but there are also times where he'll do his sleepy cry (as I like to call it). You know the cry that sounds like a whimper? The cry where it sounds like they're just too tired to cry, but they're trying to anyway? LOL He does this sometimes for a minute or two and then drifts off. However, he does have his moments where he really really cries heavily when we put him down and I think this happens when his schedule has been thrown off throughout the day, so by this time he is just totally cranky and irritable. In these moments we do take him out of his crib and comfort him, but after that he usually takes no time to fall asleep (once back in his crib).</span></b></i></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></b></i></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><b>I am not always offering the breast.</b></i></span></div>
<div style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><b><br /></b></i></span></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Now don't get me wrong, I love breastfeeding, especially now that we've gotten the hang of it. But I also know that many mother's become overwhelmed with breastfeeding especially in the beginning because they feel that that's all they are doing - breastfeeding! When Ezaias was just born and in the first two months of his life, I found myself nursing very often. Every time he cried, I was nursing him in an effort to sooth him and comfort him. Now that I interpret his cries much better, I am not just popping the boob in his mouth to shut him up. Instead, I am tending to his ACTUAL needs. <i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">(I believe having him sleep in his own bed has helped with this too, but that's for another post.)</span></i></span></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9EJswUfVvtU74qQmbygLRe5S4EfUE2mXWPcbHJWJJb8VZ21leUat-dYO3YsDX13T4AxAUyLhyukukSXiyRFiYuTXmJqy4c2lbZAdLydKx3wQzjiCTRwcUdCtMi3UgXb79GXzfUp6wfrzo/s1600/rbon104l.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9EJswUfVvtU74qQmbygLRe5S4EfUE2mXWPcbHJWJJb8VZ21leUat-dYO3YsDX13T4AxAUyLhyukukSXiyRFiYuTXmJqy4c2lbZAdLydKx3wQzjiCTRwcUdCtMi3UgXb79GXzfUp6wfrzo/s320/rbon104l.jpg" width="230" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9EJswUfVvtU74qQmbygLRe5S4EfUE2mXWPcbHJWJJb8VZ21leUat-dYO3YsDX13T4AxAUyLhyukukSXiyRFiYuTXmJqy4c2lbZAdLydKx3wQzjiCTRwcUdCtMi3UgXb79GXzfUp6wfrzo/s1600/rbon104l.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><b>He is sleeping through the night!!! Hallelujah!!!</b></i></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span></div>
<div style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><b><br /></b></i></span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Now this may or may not be attributable to Babywise or any of the other research I've done on parent directed schedules because I have also read that some babies are just great sleepers and some babies start sleeping through the night eventually no matter what you do. However, Ezaias has been sleeping 8-9 hours at night. Sometimes, I have had to wake him up and I wonder how much longer he would have slept had I not woken him up! <i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">(</span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">I believe having him sleep in his own bed has helped with this too.)</span></i></span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>**By no means do I judge or knock others for the things they do with their children and what may work for their families. However, I am just sharing with you what has been working for us!**</i></span></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><b>If following a parent direct schedule, what benefits have you noticed? Do you know anyone who follows such a schedule?</b></i></span></div>
<br />
Mrs. Greenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02261599749846362496noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8125526581803189854.post-19858968309939108572011-05-09T23:35:00.000-04:002011-05-09T23:35:28.697-04:00A Belated Happy Mother's Day To You All<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A Belated Happy Mother's Day to all mothers, soon to be mothers, hopeful mothers and mothers at heart! I hope you all had a blessed day.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My first Mother's Day was awesome! I attended a Mother's day brunch in my apartment complex, spent some time at my mom's house and then hubby cooked a very nice dinner that my friend, my god son and I enjoyed! Then, I ended my evening at the gym.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As a gift, from hubby, I received a camera (which is so necessary to capture Ezaias' precious moments) and a case for my <a href="http://www.samsung.com/us/mobile/galaxy-tab">Samsung Galaxy Tab</a>!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I didn't take too many pictures on Mother's day, but I did want to share with you a few pictures from the weekend.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDp4UTcrEv8MmThRnA2vXq8OPlWt9WFl0uBE4F2M7tVjz7gG-M-pMXiEV_KWRT7ZT9xwlc9NgnXJslj6ymyIuECfIE0XKyxDkq9MJLnhO1lc61MUh8e7PxKTcWd0WV5FDUA2QOB5GbF2Gr/s1600/Picnik+collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifqml1OmO6LczyWjyyWNTlf_vUp4KK7wssiUClerOXdLU5yJp3nTtzT1ZrsoFYQLuyjQfGD6FbiEaR4Rr8P4bu61L4R0Na_GSs9zv7CLuySbol_yWv12fvzyt9p0VXcVdAsRcZGEau9KN2/s1600/Ezaias1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifqml1OmO6LczyWjyyWNTlf_vUp4KK7wssiUClerOXdLU5yJp3nTtzT1ZrsoFYQLuyjQfGD6FbiEaR4Rr8P4bu61L4R0Na_GSs9zv7CLuySbol_yWv12fvzyt9p0VXcVdAsRcZGEau9KN2/s320/Ezaias1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDp4UTcrEv8MmThRnA2vXq8OPlWt9WFl0uBE4F2M7tVjz7gG-M-pMXiEV_KWRT7ZT9xwlc9NgnXJslj6ymyIuECfIE0XKyxDkq9MJLnhO1lc61MUh8e7PxKTcWd0WV5FDUA2QOB5GbF2Gr/s1600/Picnik+collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="130" id=":current_picnik_image" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDp4UTcrEv8MmThRnA2vXq8OPlWt9WFl0uBE4F2M7tVjz7gG-M-pMXiEV_KWRT7ZT9xwlc9NgnXJslj6ymyIuECfIE0XKyxDkq9MJLnhO1lc61MUh8e7PxKTcWd0WV5FDUA2QOB5GbF2Gr/s400/Picnik+collage.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOJ4f2HYhFkNY5G2qvwrOXcaBxetcN0_yQcyTZhaAAo_KeGjfCw7NuYCeYPfdwtqWkr2OhyphenhyphenaBdJXIuhyphenhyphen_KMVGzvN6pbAmiDOXTwHIbVDPnCsAgGJHy1lA01CO_zJ3O23-oGARlv7kqz7xf/s1600/DSC00011%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOJ4f2HYhFkNY5G2qvwrOXcaBxetcN0_yQcyTZhaAAo_KeGjfCw7NuYCeYPfdwtqWkr2OhyphenhyphenaBdJXIuhyphenhyphen_KMVGzvN6pbAmiDOXTwHIbVDPnCsAgGJHy1lA01CO_zJ3O23-oGARlv7kqz7xf/s320/DSC00011%25281%2529.jpg" width="268" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><i>How was your mother's day?</i></b></span></div>Mrs. Greenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02261599749846362496noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8125526581803189854.post-40209574540778161472011-05-08T03:53:00.001-04:002011-05-08T04:04:09.528-04:00So What Is The Babywise Theory Exactly? (Part 2)<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtG3S-7cx1AdLLtpAWEIVRjrvlfLwXu9vI3lTmjvhJpSllmZ8HNR19n32Hx4XxwinTSvDSh2OohV3-F5FEgdvXOrgao7HHzmoDIGxs1mVYfx_cnZ2A9vjtDQEi0HD-DrMALeBNY3BfCVGP/s1600/2004-04-28.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtG3S-7cx1AdLLtpAWEIVRjrvlfLwXu9vI3lTmjvhJpSllmZ8HNR19n32Hx4XxwinTSvDSh2OohV3-F5FEgdvXOrgao7HHzmoDIGxs1mVYfx_cnZ2A9vjtDQEi0HD-DrMALeBNY3BfCVGP/s1600/2004-04-28.gif" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Let's face it - we ALL need help. We can always use some advice and guidance from others. Especially when we're doing something for the first time. In my case, I am a first time mom. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSD5gXTjcFMyj7aNT0DUc-y3yd7xBbnTv9fzq8cLP68A9i5tgoXcZOcxYU_BqyDThOOhf1vdEOinyOBWRL_E0BQ4zOfUeX4mK9t1eRHXRjFKjJJPdA4KFsur2A3VZ0SqzdFOfLP-j8OIu_/s1600/image4.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSD5gXTjcFMyj7aNT0DUc-y3yd7xBbnTv9fzq8cLP68A9i5tgoXcZOcxYU_BqyDThOOhf1vdEOinyOBWRL_E0BQ4zOfUeX4mK9t1eRHXRjFKjJJPdA4KFsur2A3VZ0SqzdFOfLP-j8OIu_/s320/image4.gif" width="273" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">One thing you will learn (or may have already noticed if you're a mom) is that EVERYONE wants to put their two cents in on how you should raise your child. Some people really mean well and they want to give you pointers on what may have worked for them. Others are just plain annoying and pushy. [I hope I wont be that way with others]. So, it is important that you figure out how you want to raise your child, stick with it and not let others sway you or make you feel bad for your decisions.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What I have begun using as a guide for my husband and I is the book "<span class="Apple-style-span"><a href="http://www.parentwisesolutions.com/babywise-2/" style="background-color: white;">On Becoming Babywise</a></span>". I decided to do this because I wanted to bring some order to our lives. As I mentioned in my first <a href="http://awaitingourgreenbean.blogspot.com/2011/05/on-becoming-babywise.html">Babywise post </a>, with a newborn things can seem chaotic and you may not know whats coming next. I believe that schedules and routines help to keep things in order. The Babywise Theory has gotten alot of negative feedback and I think this may be because people dont completely understand what it is.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I dont follow it exactly, but I have taken from it (and other websites) what I can and put it into use.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>So What Is This Babywise Theory All About?</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">To begin Babywise, there is a certain (2 1/2 - 3 hour) cycle that you follow throughout the day: </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Feeding Time - Wake Time - Nap Time</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Essentially, you feed your baby, keep him/her awake, then put him/her down for a nap</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Feeding Time</span></u></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If you are breastfeeding, you were probably taught to feed on demand - whenever the baby is hungry. No matter if it was five minutes ago, an hour ago or five hours ago. This is where some of the negative feedback comes in because Babywise encourages parent directed feeding (PDF) and people assume that you starve your baby.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This is not true. Although you are adhering to a schedule, you feed your baby whenever he/she is hungry.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The idea is to make sure your baby gets a full feeding. Babywise shys away from snacking. You are encouraged to offer full feedings throughout the day so that your baby has had enough to eat and can sleep through the night.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Also, you should wake the baby if he/she is asleep during the time that a feeding is scheduled. The book suggests that feeding on demand sometimes has its downfalls because newborns are so tired that they may sleep for hours on end and sleep right through the time they should be eating. So you control this, not the baby. Although, once again, if your baby gets hungry before 3 hours (if you are following a 3 hour cycle), you need to and should feed your baby.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Wake Time</span></u></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You may notice that after (or while) your newborn eats, he/she drifts off to sleep - especially if breastfed. I mean come on who wouldn't fall asleep. Food + Cushion = Sleep LOL! :)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Babywise discourages this because they don't want babies to become dependent on the breast (or bottle) to fall asleep. (*One of the main ideas behind Babywise is to get the baby to fall asleep on their own and not need "props" to fall asleep).</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So after your baby eats, you are encouraged to do something to keep them awake. Change them, play with them, sing to them, read to them, take them for a walk, give them a bath or anything of this nature. You can also allow them to play alone in their crib, swing or bouncer for example. Keeping them awake during the day should help them to sleep through the night.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Nap Time</span></u></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">After they have eaten and been awake for a little while, it is then time for a nap. This is another part of Babywise that people may not agree with because it is suggested that you "put the baby down for a nap". Like literally, put them down for a nap (while they are awake) - not rock them to sleep - because once again we're trying to get the baby to fall asleep on their own and not depend on something/someone to put them to sleep.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If the baby is not used to this, they will probably cry when they are "put down". It is suggested that you dont pick the baby up. Instead you let them cry in an effort to teach them to self soothe.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The book states: </span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"There may be a period of fussing or crying when you put the baby down for a nap. Don't be deterred from doing what is best for the child. Some crying is normal part of a baby's day and some babies will cry a few minutes in the process of settling themselves to sleep. The future trade-off will be a baby who goes down for a nap without fussing and wakes up cooing."</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">**I must mention that before having a child of my own, I was so against letting a baby cry without running to them right away. I could never imagine leaving my baby to cry without going to console him. It is amazing how you say you will or wont do this or that, but when faced with the situation, you do something totally different**</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Hardest Part So Far:</span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Nap times and bedtime -_- Sigh</span></span></b><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLaiuni8eRqzBP3lG-rl9LngXlVV_44ugTdhwoPcpreStK2Tb1bU-U7_SuJ79LGWCNfLeTY0WwBdc3NlW1vftOE-4u_LEvPN3F0UC5yGaLXI28o0dUotwvkBW3opUsoZ3S3vB6Un8QRcwR/s1600/8484_tired_mom_taking_care_of_crying_baby_in_crib.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLaiuni8eRqzBP3lG-rl9LngXlVV_44ugTdhwoPcpreStK2Tb1bU-U7_SuJ79LGWCNfLeTY0WwBdc3NlW1vftOE-4u_LEvPN3F0UC5yGaLXI28o0dUotwvkBW3opUsoZ3S3vB6Un8QRcwR/s320/8484_tired_mom_taking_care_of_crying_baby_in_crib.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Babywise encourages you to put your baby down while he/she is still awake. Sometimes we follow this, sometimes we dont. Most times, we wait until he is falling asleep (still half awake) and then put him down. What has been happening is, we put him down and he cries. Luckily he cries for about 3-5 minutes and then drifts off to sleep and leaving him to cry hasnt been as hard as I imagine. However, I dont like it. At all.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There are those occasions where he cries longer than this and we go in and rub his back to see if he will go back to sleep. Most times he will. If not, we figure something must be wrong and feed him, comfort him, change him or do whatever we need to do to get him to go back to sleep comfortably.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Let me just say that I dont agree with every single word written in "On Becoming Babywise", but I have been able to take information from it and implement it into our lives.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In my next Babywise post, I will tell you how this theory has benefited us thus far.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><i>What do you think of this theory? Have you ever tried anything like it?</i></b></span></div>
Mrs. Greenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02261599749846362496noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8125526581803189854.post-77746634250876591702011-05-02T22:03:00.007-04:002011-05-08T03:55:32.740-04:00On Becoming Babywise? (Part 1)<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><u><b>My Dilemma:</b></u></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><u><b><br /></b></u></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjiVgkTljAX7t3uUO19ttJK7f4qWKtF7MYWgnk5OH0-FyROaP0PrNpgRTkIHyB6Ti3MR8un9yc6p6SbS8mZrDFQnb9r4_Yh2dHePmGzaqdvEJWLeRdHtQdVAI7I_jl9yy87oKV7HVeeW_s/s1600/1994-09-22.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjiVgkTljAX7t3uUO19ttJK7f4qWKtF7MYWgnk5OH0-FyROaP0PrNpgRTkIHyB6Ti3MR8un9yc6p6SbS8mZrDFQnb9r4_Yh2dHePmGzaqdvEJWLeRdHtQdVAI7I_jl9yy87oKV7HVeeW_s/s1600/1994-09-22.gif" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><u><br /></u></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I consider myself to be a very organized person. As many of you moms may know (and those of you who are not moms yet will soon find out) that having a baby can throw all of your organization out of the window. The first few weeks after bringing Ezaias home was just pure chaos - I was like a zombie, I didn't know what was coming next, I had breastfeeding challenges and I had to deal with all the new mommy emotions and frustrations. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Also in recent weeks, Ezaias has been sleeping in our bed and would be fussy almost every night around 2 am. His fussiness would sometimes last an hour and NOTHING would calm him down. He would just stop crying and fall asleep when he was good and ready.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We needed to do something!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><u><b>My Solution:</b></u></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img src="http://rlv.zcache.com/baby_schedule_tshirt-p2351493612754822342ce8q_125.jpg" /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When he was nearing 2 months, I decided that I needed to get him on some sort of schedule, so that I could plan my day better and so that he would have some sort of routine to follow. Coincidentally, a friend of mine had told me that she had read "<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white;"><a href="http://www.parentwisesolutions.com/babywise-2/">On Becoming Babywise</a>"</span> and has had success with her 4 month old. I was so curious about this book, so I researched it online.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><u>What I Found:</u></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I must admit that I came across so many negative reviews and comments on the Babywise theory, but I also came across positive ones. However, I dont make any judgement on anything unless I have tried it myself. I also came across </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.babywisemom.com/">Chronicles of a Baby Wise Mom</a> which offers lots of support for people who want to become "Baby Wise". </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What intrigued me the most about the Baby Wise theory is that:</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It is based on a schedule/routine.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Many people who used this method had babies sleeping through the night very early on (i.e. from 2 - 4 months old).</span></li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So, I decided to read the book and implemented it into our lives last week. So we are on day 6 of becoming Baby Wise. Let me also add that with all of the research I've done, I've used some pointers from "On Becoming Baby Wise" and from other sources. The key to reading books of this nature is to take from it what you can and use your common sense and judgement.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://awaitingourgreenbean.blogspot.com/2011/05/so-what-is-babywise-theory-exactly-part.html">So What Is The Babywise Theory Exactly?</a></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><i>Have you tried Babywise or anything similar? What was your experience? Would you recommend it to others?</i></b></span></div>
<br />Mrs. Greenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02261599749846362496noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8125526581803189854.post-68554155572293219772011-04-28T12:59:00.000-04:002011-04-28T12:59:20.131-04:00Guess Who's Two Months?<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Yesterday, we took Ezaias for his 2 month check up! I must admit, I went to the appointment a little nervous because I knew he had to get some shots! The appointment went well though. The nurse came in and weighed him and my little chunkster now weighs 10 lbs, 11 oz after being born 5 lbs, 8 oz (what a shrimp - as his daddy called him! lol). </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Here are a few pics daddy snapped of him while we waited for the nurse to come back to give him his shots: </span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcsQc7PEnSE1buzlAw9-elLApYbP-UN8Wl89MRQnn4wqEM4IC_9ULwt7UJcVKEQCFjTFfa0Io5aTWO97sMM9-UF0d7KsoBd-56rJuidaZutuPoZVmXY6uyXphxoasDpGPhsiHMWbYRz4m4/s1600/IMAG0486.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcsQc7PEnSE1buzlAw9-elLApYbP-UN8Wl89MRQnn4wqEM4IC_9ULwt7UJcVKEQCFjTFfa0Io5aTWO97sMM9-UF0d7KsoBd-56rJuidaZutuPoZVmXY6uyXphxoasDpGPhsiHMWbYRz4m4/s320/IMAG0486.JPG" width="191" /></span></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP6krHamhZWkRwI1Y6Sz8yFT05OaeEYfuijJPUJPx7zhCs_WDJpCJYPloKaDbJO6q2a32gW4zXvwdRdoeqn_WJfKCW5D5dDmzJlVi2MvKTBE6_wTenvoDeTM5OB6xCj4Jsz-y6Tdwrsqkl/s1600/IMAG0487.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP6krHamhZWkRwI1Y6Sz8yFT05OaeEYfuijJPUJPx7zhCs_WDJpCJYPloKaDbJO6q2a32gW4zXvwdRdoeqn_WJfKCW5D5dDmzJlVi2MvKTBE6_wTenvoDeTM5OB6xCj4Jsz-y6Tdwrsqkl/s320/IMAG0487.JPG" width="191" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB_UuKgp7LS-yokGFpgnzWtFoQ2nctAkOeIQi5naTGe7GyqLJwt_7SwgtPFArrBj4ZvTrJXRtCWhNUFSPGVC3BqpiebZkYWHf2BQz8tdEfVA6ZZGvSyDzvX2dytqluEmmdwKd5xUcAh2i6/s1600/IMAG0488.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB_UuKgp7LS-yokGFpgnzWtFoQ2nctAkOeIQi5naTGe7GyqLJwt_7SwgtPFArrBj4ZvTrJXRtCWhNUFSPGVC3BqpiebZkYWHf2BQz8tdEfVA6ZZGvSyDzvX2dytqluEmmdwKd5xUcAh2i6/s320/IMAG0488.JPG" width="191" /></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUeH-TTSI-0FuPGlYcCOxW6YU5hGBiIje8kOeRiNwfo5q0fp1uhy9Po706bENgZLY8lXN-ZHzFxzQy0Fz2iFX7aeipBniYTMPEDEsMja0Hidfh0E1ZE0sYqdcIC9Ejgv5g6_Q_FiRLc664/s1600/IMAG0491.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUeH-TTSI-0FuPGlYcCOxW6YU5hGBiIje8kOeRiNwfo5q0fp1uhy9Po706bENgZLY8lXN-ZHzFxzQy0Fz2iFX7aeipBniYTMPEDEsMja0Hidfh0E1ZE0sYqdcIC9Ejgv5g6_Q_FiRLc664/s320/IMAG0491.JPG" width="191" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Lol, no he hadn't gotten his shots yet - he was just fussy :(</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">However, after he received his shots, he did cry, but for just a minute or two and he was ok! And so was I! LOL. He didnt develop a fever, nor was he fussy for the entire day. He was just extremely tired. I feel like he slept ALL day!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><i>What has your experience been with your children's shots? Have your children ever appeared sleepy afterwards?</i></b></span></div>Mrs. Greenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02261599749846362496noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8125526581803189854.post-59142615369796315862011-04-28T12:24:00.000-04:002011-04-28T12:24:24.761-04:0015 By June! My Weight Loss Challenge<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Hello My Loves!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img height="320" src="http://i62.servimg.com/u/f62/14/82/90/07/page_120.jpg" width="244" /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So, yeah, about this baby weight. LOL.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I gained about 40 lbs when I was pregnant and I didn't step on a scale until Ezaias was 4 weeks old. By that time I had lost 20 lbs. Since arriving home from the hospital, I could tell each day that my tummy was going down, but I was in no rush to get on a scale.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When I went for my 6 week check up, I had lost 5 more lbs - leaving me with 15 more lbs to lose to return to my pre-baby weight.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/angel95annie/15byJUNE-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img alt="/></p>
<p><textarea cols=" border="0" src="http://i102.photobucket.com/albums/m108/angel95annie/15byJUNE-1.jpg" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Not too long after, I came across <a href="http://mamadweeb.com/2011/04/15bytypea-join-the-weight-loss-challenge/">Mama Dweeb's Blog</a> and her weight loss challenge. Coincidentally, I was telling a friend of mine that same week that I want to lose all (or most) of my baby weight by my birthday/the time I return to work. My birthday is July 4th and I return to work on July 5th. Mama Dweeb's weight loss challenge encourages us to lose 15 lbs by June and I want to join that challenge!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Even before pregnancy and almost my entire life, I have had to work to have the body that I wanted - the type that I was comfortable in. So, this is nothing new for me. However, my body has changed so much that this may be more difficult that it has ever been for me.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">How I Plan To Achieve This:</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<ul>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Since having Ezaias, I havent been too strict with my diet (I've read you're not really supposed to when breastfeeding anyway). However, the way I ate when I was pregnant compared with how I eat now is totally different and I know that alone is helping me to shed pounds.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I am exclusively breastfeeding and as I've read (I read alot), breastfeeding burns quite a few calories. Although I have heard for some women their bodies seem to hold on to fat as they breastfeed. I am not sure how breastfeeding will be for me (yet).</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I hopped back on my workout plan 2 weeks ago (after my 6 week check up). My goal is to workout 4-5x a week (so far, so good). I currently do Tae-Bo workouts, Jillian Michael workouts and other workout DVDs I have at home. Also, ExerciseTV on Comcast's OnDemand has quite a few workouts I am interested in. I also plan to get back into the gym so that I can have accountability partners (friends who will be able to work out with me).</span></li>
</ul>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><i>Will you join the challenge? How long did it take you to shed your baby weight? How did you do it? Are you having any issues with it?</i></b></span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>Mrs. Greenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02261599749846362496noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8125526581803189854.post-47794050756650949372011-04-07T13:31:00.001-04:002011-04-07T14:05:06.318-04:00The Ultimate Blog Party - 2011<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifREbemb3gJ_6c5i4Re9mmW-S8q0MBfigIFbD8k1fRJ7G0pIXe2aupig9CYOKOY8HYyYA5tDOptGhinTIZyRcj4LrdapzNm53Z0KuixpC1QSlkN-d3B-enOEXEZypSyMr9QdlklDnB9IjQ/s1600/ubp-2011_558x150.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="107" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifREbemb3gJ_6c5i4Re9mmW-S8q0MBfigIFbD8k1fRJ7G0pIXe2aupig9CYOKOY8HYyYA5tDOptGhinTIZyRcj4LrdapzNm53Z0KuixpC1QSlkN-d3B-enOEXEZypSyMr9QdlklDnB9IjQ/s400/ubp-2011_558x150.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Hello Everyone!! :)</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I am excited to be participating in this year's Blog Party. I have never participated in one before, so I am looking forward to building new friendships, finding new great blogs and perhaps winning a prize [or 2 :)]!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I originally started this blog in June of 2010 in anticipation of being a mom. In my first <a href="http://awaitingourgreenbean.blogspot.com/2010/06/test.html">post</a> I discussed how my husband and I were "ready" to expand our family. We had been married for about a year and 2 months by that time. Although, we had no idea how long that would take, I wanted to blog about my journey.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A few posts and one month later, I announced in this <a href="http://awaitingourgreenbean.blogspot.com/2010/07/af-did-not-ruin-my-bday-but-i-have-even.html">post</a> that I was PREGNANT!!! 8 short months later, we welcomed Ezaias Ahmad Green into this world. Feel free to read <a href="http://awaitingourgreenbean.blogspot.com/2011/04/how-ezaias-ahmad-green-came-into-this.html">my birth story</a>!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My husband and I are brand new parents to a nearly 6 week old baby boy! I presume this blog will turn into a blog about my experiences in motherhood.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I must admit that I dont blog as much as I'd like to, but I am working on that and hope to improve!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Apparently, I need to re-design my blog as we are no longer "waiting" :) </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Looking forward to blogging with you! I hope that you follow my blog and/or sign up to receive my posts via email (you may do so at the top of the right hand column --->).</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>Mrs. Greenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02261599749846362496noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8125526581803189854.post-17000255483181376082011-04-05T14:12:00.000-04:002011-04-05T14:12:27.047-04:00How Ezaias Ahmad Green Came Into This World (My Birth Story)<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 22px;">We always say that time flies, but my goodness - this phrase has never rung truer for me. Two days ago, Ezaias turned five weeks old! What? One month and a week? Where did the time go?</span><br /><br />I have wanted to update this blog so many times, but if it hasnt been high on my priority list before, it definitely hasnt been in the last month! Besides, I'm JUST arriving at some semblance of a routine.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px;"></span></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">My Birth Story</span></u></b></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">On Thursday, February 24th, I had a prenatal appointment. I was about 38 weeks pregnant and the nurse practitioner told me that I was 1 cm dilated and 90% effaced (You need to be 10 cm and 100% for delivery). She told us that she would be surprised if I made it to my next prenatal appointment - which was the following Thursday. Boy, was she right!</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">On Saturday, February 26th, Hubby and I woke up to get ready for church as usual. I actually felt a little icky because I had a cold, but I had no idea what I would experience in the upcoming hours. We got to church, ate breakfast and went inside for service. Right before going into the sanctuary for service, a lady at my church mentioned to Hubby and I that she had a dream that I had given birth before my due date (which was 3/9). Hubby mentioned to her that he had a similar dream.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">At about 10:30 am I started feeling like I needed to go to the bathroom (#2). So, I kept going to the restroom, but nothing was released, except for some gas, LOL :O I then googled the symptoms I was having and found that some people experienced these symptoms (gas pains, feeling the urge to defecate) during early labor. Anyway, these symptoms came and went, but there was nothing to be alarmed about (YET).</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The church service went on and our Praise & Worship session began. I am active member of the Praise Team, so I went up with the rest of the team to lead the congregation into worship. As I recall, it was an awesome day of worship! After Praise & Worship was over, I went to sit down, but had to get back up shortly after because I had to lead a song for our special music presentation. As I walked up towards the front of sanctuary, a lady in the front (the same one that told me about her dream) said to me "Go ahead, this will be the last time you will be singing for a while". As I sang, I just prayed that I'd get through the song because my uterus started to feel a little weird.</span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As soon as I sat down I had my first (well later on I realized this is what it was) contraction. I wasnt sure it was a contraction, but it was something that I had never felt before and while enduring it, I had to squirm in my seat and hold on the the chair in front of me. Many people ask what contractions feel like and I would say they feel like really intense menstrual cramps that I had to breath heavily through, stiffen my body through and hold on to the nearest object. Shortly thereafter, Hubby sent me a text saying that he was taking me home right after church (we usually stay for lunch and had also plan to go to another church for an ordination service). Apparently, he could tell by my body language that I probably wouldn't make it through the rest of the day.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We arrived home at about 3:00 pm and since I felt the first contraction, they were coming every 5-7 mins and they were about 30-45 seconds apart. I hopped right into bed and went to sleep. Well, whatever sleep I could get in between these contractions. Surprisingly, I fell into a deep sleep in between the contractions. This was probably possible because I felt like I was in "heaven" after enduring each contractions that I just dozed right off after they were over. Besides, the contractions took so much energy out of me, that I felt extremely relaxed afterwards. As I "slept", my husband cleaned, packed his bag and ran out to the store for some necessary supplies. He even came into our room and took a 2 hr nap. In between contractions and naps, I tried keeping up with the text messages I was receiving from those people who were at church with us and knew what was going on.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">At about 9 pm, I could tell that my husband was ready to go to the hospital. He was sooo excited! Me, on the other hand was starting to get nervous and I started to stall. I wanted to shower before we left, but it took me forever to get into the shower. I had been experiencing these contractions since 1:30 in the afternoon and the pain from the contractions were starting to get to me, but I was nervous about giving birth. I was also worried that they would send me back home (as I have heard has happened to people). I really didnt want to be sent back home to deal with this pain on my own (without medication, that is). During some of my contractions I felt nauseous, but during one of the nauseous contractions shortly before we went to the hospital actually induced vomit (not fun!). Hubby had been trying to get me to eat all afternoon/evening, but I had NO appetite so whatever I threw up was from what I ate in the morning. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I finally ate, showered and at 10 pm we headed to the hospital. When we arrived, they asked their 50 million questions and then asked me to change into the hospital gown. The nurse checked me and said I was 3-4 cm dilated. She said they would monitor me for the next hour to see whether or not they will admit me. Im like "What?!" However, she came back within like 30 minutes and said they were going to take me to a room based on my dilation. My mom had arrived by this time. As they were about to lead me to my room, I experienced another nauseous contraction and vomited (the food my husband so desperately wanted me to eat).</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Once settled in my room, the nurse came with lots of papers for me to sign and also asked me if I wanted an epidural. She explained to me that there was another pain medication that they offered, but they couldn't give it to me because Ezaias was reactive. Basically, he was probably sleeping or already sleepy and the medication would make him even more sleepy and that's not ideal for a delivery. Nonetheless, they could give me the epidural with no issue. I said YES to the epidural right away. After enduring the contractions for 9 hours (by this time it was 10:45 pm) I was DONE with them. I had to finish a bag of the IV fluid before they could call the anesthesiologist, but by 11:30 pm I had my epidural and once again, I was in HEAVEN! Lol. Getting the epidural really wasnt horrible at all. I felt a pinch and burn that lasted about 10 seconds and that was it. The anesthesiologist kept saying "You may feel pressure now", but I didnt feel any pressure. At this time, I was able to catch up with all my texts and tweets.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As the hours went by, I continued to dilate pretty quickly. The nurse kept coming in to check on me because Ezaias' heartbeat kept dropping. So, she kept repositioning me and this seemed to help. Hubby and I didnt sleep at all. He was too excited/anxious and I just wasnt tired (although I was exhausted when I arrived at the hospital). At about 5 am, I was 9 cm dilated, but my water didn't break. Two different nurses tried to break it, but they had no success. They finally called the doctor in who used some tool to break it. The nurse soon told me that she'd be back shortly and that we were going to push. Like ahhh what?! Really?! It's that time already?!!</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It came time to push and this where I experienced some challenges. They wanted me to push and since I was numb (due to the epidural), I had no idea if I was pushing correctly or at all! I tried as best as I could, but still didn't know if I was progressing. The nurses, my hubby and mom kept reassuring me that I was doing well and informing me when they could see the head. Towards the end, I heard the doctor snipping and I'm sure he was giving me an episiotomy (I couldn't feel it though) and I did one last push and at 6:18 am - Ezaias made his appearance! He was slinky, slimy, skinny, discolored and quiet. Best of all he was OURS!!! And finally here!!</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">They took him away to clean and suction him and then he finally cried! What a relief :) They then handed me the most precious thing! He was sooo tiny - 5 lbs, 8 oz - but he was PERFECT!</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjseixYC2YUuuKKa32YPv3N00ypONBv5vxqSy9UvK_hwbnFBDTEYGIC6-Og-B4YXdryJGvEFFF6xUN7M8L9LSapa5yO0w4VpvGUhzIkzR6OwzeNYa8rWvabGP_WTLFCetC_RWYzK-gZAhT/s1600/Ez1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjseixYC2YUuuKKa32YPv3N00ypONBv5vxqSy9UvK_hwbnFBDTEYGIC6-Og-B4YXdryJGvEFFF6xUN7M8L9LSapa5yO0w4VpvGUhzIkzR6OwzeNYa8rWvabGP_WTLFCetC_RWYzK-gZAhT/s320/Ez1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px;"><br /></span></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Here are a few pictures he took before we left the hospital (by the way, he looks NOTHING like this now!! LOL):</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAJMd03RIv9V9MTXgUBYdqdCt40mFkmTyMikfSyMxZxrEbRImo9GOc8LkVw5QgAM6vV4cyoXXuCJpp-3Wiyb2qwkhiEiDMRKqo2nUJxfqxJstW729cpXyppIQWhAX0hbn4-6z9-3r_q68c/s1600/Ez2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAJMd03RIv9V9MTXgUBYdqdCt40mFkmTyMikfSyMxZxrEbRImo9GOc8LkVw5QgAM6vV4cyoXXuCJpp-3Wiyb2qwkhiEiDMRKqo2nUJxfqxJstW729cpXyppIQWhAX0hbn4-6z9-3r_q68c/s320/Ez2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR_1H2NlQ9Cf-rJqj3N4F9Rzh5AoP-Jte2pHrT24VBhpBxDm3f58QWm8BqQHrTxKdjdgGpOyfk8xrupZd5kuqwbB4QCPcTAuXH_9X6XPbRdpgbmqz6VKpIETIodseLWyhW0rOgxjCUGXHs/s1600/Ez3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR_1H2NlQ9Cf-rJqj3N4F9Rzh5AoP-Jte2pHrT24VBhpBxDm3f58QWm8BqQHrTxKdjdgGpOyfk8xrupZd5kuqwbB4QCPcTAuXH_9X6XPbRdpgbmqz6VKpIETIodseLWyhW0rOgxjCUGXHs/s320/Ez3.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px;">I didnt include every single detail (so as not to bore you too much lol), but overall, my labor and delivery went smoothly. It went much better than I expected and there is a very great chance that my husband and I will do this again in the future!!! :) </span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 22px;"><br /><div style="font-family: georgia; text-align: center;">
<b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What do you remember about your delivery? What do you fear about your upcoming delivery? What concerns did/do you have?</span></i></b></div>
</span>Mrs. Greenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02261599749846362496noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8125526581803189854.post-35408893639105151382011-02-28T19:16:00.001-05:002011-02-28T19:16:33.697-05:00Ezaias Ahmad Green<div><p>My sweet, precious, amazing baby boy was born on Sunday, February 27th @ 6:18 am. So many pics have been taken and posted all over the place... But i just wanted to share this one with you until I get home!! ;-)</p>
<br/><img src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR_2CakEJ774IsjOhN-LdgfHRFdNqI_W3Tki3p6s1dJ8NffPboFQqAb7yeTZ7Izk7nKYznaVujZfmv19oKOdfbQdvj_dZgRlcjYh7U0SqAQNPmpniOHbWo_PcuRi5vNx2VqpOs_YansyQL/' /></div>Mrs. Greenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02261599749846362496noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8125526581803189854.post-67976524877033970062011-02-16T20:57:00.000-05:002011-02-16T20:57:18.582-05:00Maternity Leave, Maternity Pictures & More<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Hello Everyone!!! I know, I know. I ve been slacking - on blogging, that is! In other areas of my life I have been soooo busy. I have a few free moments tonight (while Lil. Eazy's clothes are washing), so I just wanted to drop in and say hello!! :) </span><div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<u><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Maternity Leave</span></b></u></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Today, I am 37 weeks pregnant (yay for full term) and I am feeling pretty tired, especially after a long day of work and then making a stop afterwards. I guess its better than yesterday when I stayed at work until 9:30! I had sooo much to do. I am training a temp and also have other tasks to complete before I leave. In my <a href="http://awaitingourgreenbean.blogspot.com/2010/12/maternity-leave.html">Maternity Leave?</a> post I discussed that I would be having a talk with my boss about my leave... AND the time has come. My last day is Friday! Imagine the anxiety!! But I am confident that everything will be fine. Until the baby arrives (while I am at home), I will be logging in periodically to route emails to the correct place and just to make sure that my temp is ok. My plan is to return to work on July 5th (I will keep you posted on that). </span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">People keep asking me what I'm going to do on my leave. Some people think that I will be extremely bored. However, I have PLENTY to do. I still haven't selected Lil Eazy's pediatrician and I still need to research daycares. That will keep me plenty busy! Plus, we're still working on the nursery.</span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Maternity Pics</span></u></b></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In the very beginning of the year, hubby and I took some maternity pics. I was a little iffy about taking them, but I am soo glad we did! Let me know what you think! </span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ6hvlMI9uBWuHw7A-zbjwbK-RcvVMETBK3Xsufeyv5WIzinwIX2eGQcKZKZethRDOsDtJ-jJjco4hqZACI2hgDMHafyd1dgMAF3pNSYA95D5Zm1LnhwXnnzy7rjI-RyStfKwed9GNV1KV/s1600/IMG_5078.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ6hvlMI9uBWuHw7A-zbjwbK-RcvVMETBK3Xsufeyv5WIzinwIX2eGQcKZKZethRDOsDtJ-jJjco4hqZACI2hgDMHafyd1dgMAF3pNSYA95D5Zm1LnhwXnnzy7rjI-RyStfKwed9GNV1KV/s320/IMG_5078.JPG" width="213" /></span></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuBUMpuWIvGg_Lpbv7LaKn732aJZd60XIfIGo9BMojS646I89MMXPPknBiXfHGF_xJLirJa1wGDSRB5J0BwX9cq0Li-LNccC5cKnGDh7cIbC_-27Y_qCpUCFHwRp9bj2Btn03xHtmC0xqs/s1600/IMG_5003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuBUMpuWIvGg_Lpbv7LaKn732aJZd60XIfIGo9BMojS646I89MMXPPknBiXfHGF_xJLirJa1wGDSRB5J0BwX9cq0Li-LNccC5cKnGDh7cIbC_-27Y_qCpUCFHwRp9bj2Btn03xHtmC0xqs/s320/IMG_5003.JPG" width="213" /></span></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlk6Sp8YcOiC_1CW62MGWErAtoTrj8fAdlgXkH3qfBdL0NZ3_CnRkAOarQDfjQnecx6xlbtLvV5G_jPLr3afnadM5andMzQu3ciQ9Sf4wfqTtYAJMjE767Z52GetQGpPHjwbpdEnvpDz-b/s1600/IMG_5014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlk6Sp8YcOiC_1CW62MGWErAtoTrj8fAdlgXkH3qfBdL0NZ3_CnRkAOarQDfjQnecx6xlbtLvV5G_jPLr3afnadM5andMzQu3ciQ9Sf4wfqTtYAJMjE767Z52GetQGpPHjwbpdEnvpDz-b/s320/IMG_5014.JPG" width="213" /></span></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb55sYEHjsCV9cP1pEmunaBTkL4wzRS9VrkS7weWjDBAKZWTsUAhwymxqeXKSGirqL7qo1nX6AHDvROXjPIULElnyaAQjXwochucKM2ttqPVnRMqz9b6BozNfJ_GIIDCSPralGBRA7zbNv/s1600/IMG_5025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb55sYEHjsCV9cP1pEmunaBTkL4wzRS9VrkS7weWjDBAKZWTsUAhwymxqeXKSGirqL7qo1nX6AHDvROXjPIULElnyaAQjXwochucKM2ttqPVnRMqz9b6BozNfJ_GIIDCSPralGBRA7zbNv/s320/IMG_5025.JPG" width="213" /></span></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUav8A-vzQH7to2DVP2wF1tmLgNrkTFt6YCvLjGOjJMD_i8zNmEIuunyjz5xy2GUDcsdKCwFpL74jtT9rsdiJoXmK7x5A3ohvuwIoEocsVVCzxlo7IJc74JLZxvSLkHqYM0_-TUOg6Ly0M/s1600/IMG_5037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUav8A-vzQH7to2DVP2wF1tmLgNrkTFt6YCvLjGOjJMD_i8zNmEIuunyjz5xy2GUDcsdKCwFpL74jtT9rsdiJoXmK7x5A3ohvuwIoEocsVVCzxlo7IJc74JLZxvSLkHqYM0_-TUOg6Ly0M/s320/IMG_5037.JPG" width="213" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYV2_yBdsVujAhyphenhyphenCBlVoHw3p4XYgh1gk7WdOlhOGdcmaskh7mlZNpmrzkA99VmIitTUMqhjTyiRyL7rOfwVDC5BIcSf6BL-6bA1P9KpdobaIvxbrEA6Fp6jNCAWnuOmLf0y5XnXppTPzcY/s1600/IMG_5019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYV2_yBdsVujAhyphenhyphenCBlVoHw3p4XYgh1gk7WdOlhOGdcmaskh7mlZNpmrzkA99VmIitTUMqhjTyiRyL7rOfwVDC5BIcSf6BL-6bA1P9KpdobaIvxbrEA6Fp6jNCAWnuOmLf0y5XnXppTPzcY/s320/IMG_5019.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU54aFiO_8jDyW764N_7QxeBiJKKJ84Aj1oyxzLAJakSwSoZD72-3ji1enKXnvBdQhsPMQG33DUsNd4VM1LN9t84CDgO3neyuAE5sFgTqv6OOKu-VAZxXRyWPGCBsITiVH-myPboFVljgR/s1600/IMG_5061.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU54aFiO_8jDyW764N_7QxeBiJKKJ84Aj1oyxzLAJakSwSoZD72-3ji1enKXnvBdQhsPMQG33DUsNd4VM1LN9t84CDgO3neyuAE5sFgTqv6OOKu-VAZxXRyWPGCBsITiVH-myPboFVljgR/s320/IMG_5061.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM66qZCpMuAH8pfOJXWKocInWI-S4reAdNEjE-GEeMS9d7aq28RSge0ojwDV10usVzc76aziqPbc7g7Jkv-IcA8xlNtMsCPeYdyYVOFxT_RY3NwxWJlO__Z0aTJSxOqyYlLPyMa3va3fks/s1600/IMG_5073.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM66qZCpMuAH8pfOJXWKocInWI-S4reAdNEjE-GEeMS9d7aq28RSge0ojwDV10usVzc76aziqPbc7g7Jkv-IcA8xlNtMsCPeYdyYVOFxT_RY3NwxWJlO__Z0aTJSxOqyYlLPyMa3va3fks/s320/IMG_5073.JPG" width="213" /></span></a></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What did you do while you were on maternity leave? Do you have any advice for me in regards to pediatrician's and daycares? Do you love our pics?? hehe Looking forward to hearing from you!!</span></i></b></div>Mrs. Greenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02261599749846362496noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8125526581803189854.post-36890776582801243362010-12-27T23:20:00.000-05:002010-12-27T23:20:35.708-05:00Maternity Leave??<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVwTYhL79OG9lP4DvXRoq90p_4pXGQl8Gv0dxNFFAMIblXbZWzN-fGOaaVHuSEEbTUs4iK3g5y8-zzRJjlkemNjXPV_p_AqrnkaVWWXB0q5DGxt8JmCu8zU4av5NaKdWVOWhedtRsNVojI/s1600/MATERNITY+LEAVE+3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVwTYhL79OG9lP4DvXRoq90p_4pXGQl8Gv0dxNFFAMIblXbZWzN-fGOaaVHuSEEbTUs4iK3g5y8-zzRJjlkemNjXPV_p_AqrnkaVWWXB0q5DGxt8JmCu8zU4av5NaKdWVOWhedtRsNVojI/s1600/MATERNITY+LEAVE+3.png" /></span></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> In the beginning of my pregnancy, my boss and I briefly spoke about my maternity leave. The conversation originally came up because I was so sick in the beginning of my pregnancy - I was coming in late and missing days. I felt so bad, I started thinking that I should start using my FMLA early. I just didn't want to seem as if I was taking advantage. However, my boss assured me that he understood what was going on and just asked me to stay in communication with him. Luckily, I was able to do some work from home so that's what I did on some days.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Now, my due date is about 10 weeks away, so I need to discuss with my boss my plans for my maternity leave. Him and I are scheduled to meet tomorrow morning to discuss it. Many people have asked me about my company's maternity leave policy. Hm..... we dont have one. The only thing that we have is FML (family and medical leave), in which I am entitled to 12 weeks unpaid. The United States nor Florida mandates anything else as far as maternity leave is concerned.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG3Ce14d-kLI9O_KF-jahOi2fRb_WzUWKT9EmRyY7qXy0KDYdvs8TNatXwJQaUzpQqa6PHcWVW2r1oej7tfXj7U1QgfAm1o7y38OhyphenhyphenuWJCI5zT5LTd2-HgXesOquELpAp0g-Psnre6wnpl/s1600/mat_leave.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="140" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG3Ce14d-kLI9O_KF-jahOi2fRb_WzUWKT9EmRyY7qXy0KDYdvs8TNatXwJQaUzpQqa6PHcWVW2r1oej7tfXj7U1QgfAm1o7y38OhyphenhyphenuWJCI5zT5LTd2-HgXesOquELpAp0g-Psnre6wnpl/s400/mat_leave.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Hmm... seems like I may be living in the wrong country! LOL :) However,hubby and I have been saving up so we are able to cover bills and such while I am out. I would really like to stay home for about a year or so, but that is hardly realistic. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Q7Qf4pJpu41C44t68v8lXbdBc0D2r_R4wm_TgXhOduNhnHyDRwDzjLlrnSVKeu13hzlYRVzegUb0lhRgc9c7NEkIu9p2lE7UMLu1rQgPAhTLJ8KvQ7njurLNcsQ7ljjNu6UkSPgU66RE/s1600/paid_maternity_leave1.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="251" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8Q7Qf4pJpu41C44t68v8lXbdBc0D2r_R4wm_TgXhOduNhnHyDRwDzjLlrnSVKeu13hzlYRVzegUb0lhRgc9c7NEkIu9p2lE7UMLu1rQgPAhTLJ8KvQ7njurLNcsQ7ljjNu6UkSPgU66RE/s320/paid_maternity_leave1.gif" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And I would really like to keep my job so I wont want to make any outrageous requests tomorrow. LOL :/</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I know for sure my boss is planning to hire a temp, so I just need to let him know how long I plan to be out. To prepare, I have been making lists/plans for my temp to follow. Each day, I add things to the list so that when the temp comes in, training will be smooth and he/she will be ok once I leave. In addition, I dont plan to be completely disconnected from work. I will be totally accessible to the temp so that he/she can contact me in case he/she has any questions. I will also be logging in to check work emails so that I am not completely out of the loop.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> I still don't know exactly how long I will be out. I plan to begin my leave on Feb 21st (due date is March 9th) and I am thinking that I will return to work probably in the 1st week of July. So thats a little over four months.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRUMOkam-enYxewQx4VcJvNIA_0ZJcVLcfRwTmKwSqdVTL_BAyZZHw1WIB5rPnuvYsvaXHtTBI4zpu78vO-ZrpM7bKPTwIfV8zUs3Q8aIecUtZmInvdDmdSblnsSZv4nOMGP7mqUa-0dpx/s1600/amc0092l.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRUMOkam-enYxewQx4VcJvNIA_0ZJcVLcfRwTmKwSqdVTL_BAyZZHw1WIB5rPnuvYsvaXHtTBI4zpu78vO-ZrpM7bKPTwIfV8zUs3Q8aIecUtZmInvdDmdSblnsSZv4nOMGP7mqUa-0dpx/s400/amc0092l.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Hubby will also be taking leave. Of course he wont schedule anything now, but his leave will begin as soon as I go into labor and he will probably take two weeks off in the beginning.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">When did you begin your maternity leave? How long were you out? What did they offer at your company? What advice can you give me?</span></i></b></div>Mrs. Greenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02261599749846362496noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8125526581803189854.post-17435291425798347742010-12-06T18:57:00.000-05:002010-12-06T18:57:17.257-05:00Does Your Baby Keep You Up At Night?<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Sooo, I suck @ constantly updating my blog, but I wont beat myself up for it! LOL :)</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I will be 27 weeks pregnant on Wednesday and I must say that time is really flying. I am so anxious to meet Lil' Eazy, yet I want alot more time! Here are a few more pics:</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiU8oV4j25NcI5nQS620_qGKyLHTTTTqph9JdOl1CEj_N7LpL0sCxMZ0IpcR4VRoqrpTUZ9CEZu7rv6Yax65lTrj55tZFC7XKRuintSGdw2ftZVZQYc136r1Y1eIComuuN1zsoIWMyht8U/s1600/22+weeks%252C+6+days.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiU8oV4j25NcI5nQS620_qGKyLHTTTTqph9JdOl1CEj_N7LpL0sCxMZ0IpcR4VRoqrpTUZ9CEZu7rv6Yax65lTrj55tZFC7XKRuintSGdw2ftZVZQYc136r1Y1eIComuuN1zsoIWMyht8U/s320/22+weeks%252C+6+days.jpg" width="191" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">22 weeks, 6 days</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy4Cw2H-7FyLW6Td0NeYoTv3vF8ykWsihgipvteWDQIV93h-Rz4yZFo98iVkrgg0vZ2ZzpbINnlCcpZ9vgHUjZCry8jvh08YBsKDWvFKA9_7_8yUsloW3t5yJYLe4dwv5E57zWt4O2Hgox/s1600/25+weeks%252C+1+day.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy4Cw2H-7FyLW6Td0NeYoTv3vF8ykWsihgipvteWDQIV93h-Rz4yZFo98iVkrgg0vZ2ZzpbINnlCcpZ9vgHUjZCry8jvh08YBsKDWvFKA9_7_8yUsloW3t5yJYLe4dwv5E57zWt4O2Hgox/s320/25+weeks%252C+1+day.jpg" width="191" /></span></a></div>
<div align="center" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">25 weeks, 1 day - Thanksgiving Day</span></div>
<div align="left" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I have been feeling so much better. Nausea and vomitting is definitely a thing of the past! However, I have been having some pelvic pain. I feel it sometimes whenever I get up from a seating or laying position. I also feel it after walking the mall or the airport. It's also pretty prevalent when I change positions at night. I am however grateful for the improvements and new experiences :)</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNaAIjOhJXplhgI5Ahw5nVjTLscvlm1FUvH_wEn6zFom9px2R_sYTzeamzyC3sCanfyBOOjyVM5CVxaegtL6v-r_HmpkD1AV1V_ELDloG1TDfcrVrBx0P99KdrWGjfuqiOAj1KYrkbqn-w/s1600/count-fetal-movement-294x300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNaAIjOhJXplhgI5Ahw5nVjTLscvlm1FUvH_wEn6zFom9px2R_sYTzeamzyC3sCanfyBOOjyVM5CVxaegtL6v-r_HmpkD1AV1V_ELDloG1TDfcrVrBx0P99KdrWGjfuqiOAj1KYrkbqn-w/s1600/count-fetal-movement-294x300.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I've had some people tell me that while they were pregnant, their baby's movements/kicks kept them up at night. I wondered if this would happen to me. So far, Lil' Eazy hasnt been keeping me up - but I do feel him before I fall asleep and once I wake up. So, I wondered if he slept when mommy slept and woke up when mommy woke up.</span><br />
<br /></div>
<div align="left" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">But this morning Hubby told me that in the middle of the night he felt Lil' Eazy moving while I was sleeping and snoring (lol, thats another thing - he said I've been snoring quite often since I've been pregnant). However, I wasnt awake when Hubby and Lil' Eazy were. Hubby mentioned that he stayed up for a lil while feeling him move. So either the kicks aren't that hard or I have just been sleeping very deeply, or both. It made me smile though that "father and son" had some bonding time in the middle of the night! :) </span></div>
<div align="left" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Does/Did your baby keep you up at night? Did you snore during pregnancy? (LOL)</span></strong></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">P.S. I have a few blog drafts that Im working on, so I hope to be updating again soon.</span></div>Mrs. Greenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02261599749846362496noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8125526581803189854.post-10230042577153718462010-11-01T19:15:00.000-04:002010-11-01T19:15:29.618-04:00Baby Names?!?!<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Hello My Loves! :)</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I just wanted to update you guys. In my last post I mentioned that we'd find out the sex of our baby and a few weeks ago we found out that....</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaxJXhR6RzPH2uaNnA6tcGD7Z-px3eAy3AtHPG9w2Lhnv9kRdO_LBo6ND-Gc8lbhNgb74AuQgfBdVyjVtIkzeVSJkeX-1ixbQToa-sifLkPCNobdmMcM51ot-3VZdYOYdi5Vsh5R6jYViv/s1600/imagejpeg_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaxJXhR6RzPH2uaNnA6tcGD7Z-px3eAy3AtHPG9w2Lhnv9kRdO_LBo6ND-Gc8lbhNgb74AuQgfBdVyjVtIkzeVSJkeX-1ixbQToa-sifLkPCNobdmMcM51ot-3VZdYOYdi5Vsh5R6jYViv/s320/imagejpeg_2.jpg" width="306" /></span></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I didnt really have a preference, but hubby wanted a boy so, he is on top of the world and of course I am happy too! :) </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It's funny because when we got married, even before marriage, we talked about baby names. There weren't too many that we agreed on, but we had a few. Now that its a reality, its even harder to agree on names. Lol. For me its sort of like, this is someone's name that they have to carry for the rest of their lives and I really dont want to screw this up.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVA8A18_wLkkmo6hwHkTzqwoaPQkH6iP3w0hmlDhe3_fuWos4VDfvmov3LEU3zAalBNCGMwOOF_xBNZ7eAWrB3LCp02EyfsZhLr9xIT9Z_lbxFATGL6UNGIaWZrmUZ7UoGmC507M0d9Mjq/s1600/baby-names.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" nx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVA8A18_wLkkmo6hwHkTzqwoaPQkH6iP3w0hmlDhe3_fuWos4VDfvmov3LEU3zAalBNCGMwOOF_xBNZ7eAWrB3LCp02EyfsZhLr9xIT9Z_lbxFATGL6UNGIaWZrmUZ7UoGmC507M0d9Mjq/s320/baby-names.jpg" width="286" /></span></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">One thing we have agreed on is the fact that we want him to have hubby's initials which are E.A.G. So, Ive been researching "E" names, but we still havent come to an agreement. I know we have a few months and I'm sure we will decide on something, but right now, we have NOTHING! Well I mean there are names that I like that hubby is iffy about and there are names that he likes that I am iffy about. For now, I refer to him as Lil' Eazy (hubby's nick name is Eazy). </span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong><em>Have any baby name suggestions for us? How did you narrow down your baby name search?</em></strong></span></div>
<div align="center">
<br /></div>Mrs. Greenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02261599749846362496noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8125526581803189854.post-55622406532366900722010-10-18T10:54:00.001-04:002010-10-18T10:56:14.867-04:00Nearly 20 Weeks! :)<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Hello My Loves,</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I have been so horrible with updating this blog, but I have already forgiven myself.. So I hope you will too! :) LOL. With my level of energy and with so much going on, blogging doesnt always seem to be at the top of my priority list. I am sure some of you can understand that! Danielle from <a href="http://www.okdani.com/">Ok, Dani</a> has been reminding me to update - Thanks Dani! :)</span> <br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">I just wanted to share with you some pics that I've taken over the past few weeks!</span> </span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRxz0P1DhzWz4maIBrnbrXy7F4q3n2HJLxYxfrXnHAmhkWr4QyjXD-K8t5A8Msp7XaA4dNc47hIO62-ql9gesSXTwdYBxd8uNp_GUfuJmSxtbfX8KKv8WMGkMk0ox2myiKKeZg81iMI6Lo/s1600/14wks+6+days.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRxz0P1DhzWz4maIBrnbrXy7F4q3n2HJLxYxfrXnHAmhkWr4QyjXD-K8t5A8Msp7XaA4dNc47hIO62-ql9gesSXTwdYBxd8uNp_GUfuJmSxtbfX8KKv8WMGkMk0ox2myiKKeZg81iMI6Lo/s400/14wks+6+days.jpg" width="206" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">14 wks, 6 days</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA-xE3cYDhqXd3IiTRwB4D1mWHiN2IADNQhaJUeVrn-2HXLyS2C3Iy9S5bWhjs9HqbfAo8FvmU96UMqaZs74HIMSQG48eso9fgIDLyyZWbl3iEzw0Vd4CqXyvlUNNtZuXTYJKObA-CGr-_/s1600/16wks4days.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA-xE3cYDhqXd3IiTRwB4D1mWHiN2IADNQhaJUeVrn-2HXLyS2C3Iy9S5bWhjs9HqbfAo8FvmU96UMqaZs74HIMSQG48eso9fgIDLyyZWbl3iEzw0Vd4CqXyvlUNNtZuXTYJKObA-CGr-_/s400/16wks4days.jpg" width="300" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">16 wks, 4 days</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihSP1OgvtfDRyM97fASyh3dFnyzZOZNvwdSINPWSefPqm77mTrw0KnxM2Y85WbyB9_S62IDq5DMMReiVNJ49WTbSHcsmw4U-Oy59w-Ng_Ve1_0UlMKxGdjO6vZPug5h7o9n0-w5s0OvXvL/s1600/17+wks+3+days.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihSP1OgvtfDRyM97fASyh3dFnyzZOZNvwdSINPWSefPqm77mTrw0KnxM2Y85WbyB9_S62IDq5DMMReiVNJ49WTbSHcsmw4U-Oy59w-Ng_Ve1_0UlMKxGdjO6vZPug5h7o9n0-w5s0OvXvL/s400/17+wks+3+days.jpg" width="300" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">17 wks, 3 days</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBgj0eUZLDisFY3hIeEkJ-0vZvfdD-wC2fPVlLWQZyR1yxsjOT46hBj8LLYcLBYrZeoiloWLwJJRNjY4PZaV4ORj7ObbYeoH-7GAstJougtv1SUa6epmbLuE11rSEt25LrMyCjRn2JnVRZ/s1600/18+wks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBgj0eUZLDisFY3hIeEkJ-0vZvfdD-wC2fPVlLWQZyR1yxsjOT46hBj8LLYcLBYrZeoiloWLwJJRNjY4PZaV4ORj7ObbYeoH-7GAstJougtv1SUa6epmbLuE11rSEt25LrMyCjRn2JnVRZ/s400/18+wks.jpg" width="238" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">17 wks</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA9d4b2odcvAUMKS00bHJA6b1cQNpwMUxsUtRT1Vn9b5HqtOE0xKIsEH3AcmGKEEoVqfxPHaaN3qsTcCX3FckCM0eCe2ZNnwXb7xkdBYxaZZMzCwcZ3YJD52KHBAySIOCTj3LWUzKzoY1O/s1600/18+wks+6+days.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA9d4b2odcvAUMKS00bHJA6b1cQNpwMUxsUtRT1Vn9b5HqtOE0xKIsEH3AcmGKEEoVqfxPHaaN3qsTcCX3FckCM0eCe2ZNnwXb7xkdBYxaZZMzCwcZ3YJD52KHBAySIOCTj3LWUzKzoY1O/s400/18+wks+6+days.jpg" width="238" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">18 wks, 6 days</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I am still in total shock and awe that I am pregnant and that a life that hubby and I (well God) created is growing inside of me. I havent been out of the woods completely as far pregnancy symptoms, but I have definitely improved! Remember us in your prayers and I remember you in mine!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Quick question: <strong>Do you remember when you first started feeling your baby move? What did it feel like?</strong> I have had some movements that are kind of subtle, but I'm pretty sure its my little bean.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">Btw, we find out the sex of our baby tomorrow! :) </span>Mrs. Greenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02261599749846362496noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8125526581803189854.post-53594323702036920502010-09-08T15:11:00.001-04:002010-09-08T15:13:41.605-04:0014 weeks! :)<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Hello Everyone! :)</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">I am 14 weeks pregnant this week - thank God! :) I am very grateful to have made it to my 2nd trimester. Lets see what our lil one is up to this week:</span><br />
<blockquote>
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Your baby can now squint, frown, grimace, pee, and possibly suck his thumb! Thanks to brain impulses, his facial muscles are getting a workout as his tiny features form one expression after another. His kidneys are producing urine, which he releases into the amniotic fluid around him — a process he'll keep up until birth. He can grasp, too, and if you're having an ultrasound now, you may even catch him sucking his thumb.</span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Here's what our lil green bean <strong><em>may</em></strong> look like this week:</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"> <img border="0" height="383" ox="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjbK3tvZdZWrhxvPzDNEHPZn1DiSpJtrznO4MDXVnT1J7oLIVwPcpDukV3fnul7kGyVXUDpMCcutAyZ3Ybke_kBw042dQfRWHG4DgIpSlBksm5XX-VaGkhuWD40PJXU1qjmYqboBShiW4M/s400/14wks.jpg" width="400" /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>How Far Along?</strong> 14 weeks</span></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Symptoms:</strong> Nausea, cramps in my calves, enlarged breasts (I have gone up a cup size), HUNGER</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Total Weight Gain/Loss:</strong> 6 lbs (according to the scale at work) - eeeek! Still trying to grasp this weight gain thing!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Sleep:</strong> has been pretty ok. I haven't had many issues except for the occasional waking up because of gas or nausea, but I usually fall right back asleep. I have been sleeping in every single morning though! Oh and I noticed that I have been sleeping on my back alot - I know I will have to stop that soon.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Food Cravings:</strong> Still nothing really Well nothing consistently. I am always hungry, but usually just eat what's available (despite the nausea).</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Best Moment This Week:</strong> Well it wasn't this week, but about 2 weeks ago we went in to the do the test for down syndrome, spina bifida and heart defects. We had an ultrasound done and it was soooo awesome. Tears came to my eyes. It was at that moment, reality hit, like omg - there is really a baby in there! It was amazing and I thanked God for his amazing creation! We saw the baby moving and its arms we crossed and all. It was sooooo cute! Oh and with the test - so far so good. We will do the second part of the test next week!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Movement:</strong> Aint nothing but gas! LOL</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Labor Signs:</strong> Yeah, uh, as excited as we are to meet this bundle, that's not happening anytime soon!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Gender:</strong> I am still totally unsure! Hubby is rooting for a boy though!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Belly Button In Or Out?</strong> Innie!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>What I Miss:</strong> My waistline! LOL Having a normal appetite and just being myself</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>What I Am Looking Forward To:</strong> My next ultrasound. I believe that's when we will find out the sex of our lil one.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Milestones:</strong> Making it to the 2nd trimester! </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Weekly Wisdom:</strong> Save money! There will be alot of expenses once the baby comes along (and even before, if your insurance doesn't cover certain things). You will want to have a little cushion in the bank.</span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<strong>What do you remember from your 14th week?</strong></div>Mrs. Greenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02261599749846362496noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8125526581803189854.post-80588405924207493442010-08-25T21:20:00.001-04:002010-09-08T15:13:05.583-04:00I'm Not Myself & Whose Body Is This?Hellllo Everyone!!<br />
<br />
I know, I know. It has been like 5 weeks since I last updated and I sincerely apologize. I definitely have not been myself as of late and alot of things have taken a seat on the back burner - including blogging. I have even gone weeks at a time without even logging in to catch up on everyone else's blog.<br />
<br />
Nevertheless, I wanted to give you guys a quick update of whats been going on with me! Today marks the end of my 12th week of my pregnancy! We have definitely come a long way. The last time I updated, I told you about the nausea, etc. Well that is still going on. But, I must say that I do have some periods of relief, whereas in the past few weeks it has been an all day thing. Also, I haven't thrown up in like 10 days (whooo hoo! That is a milestone for me!)<br />
<br />
We have gotten to hear the green bean's heart twice already. I had an ultrasound done at about 8 weeks because my uterus appeared to be large. We found out that I do have little uterine <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uterine_fibroids">fibroids</a>, which shouldn't pose a problem, but they will be monitoring it. Then I heard our bean's heartbeat at my last OB appt when I was 10 weeks pregnant. So far so good! :) <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCq2BgloR-WhqiU0wG51RjaJxtS5MBwiVhm-R7zp0KkM9zMSB_3mtcEhuUkPxYU1HlNPhYvU3b9cifHbilqnmCUHSkg6xD1EHmeSwr5DNjWkdOeck-JL2UD3DAtU0oA9Oon2aRwk8Mk2US/s1600/cartoon14.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCq2BgloR-WhqiU0wG51RjaJxtS5MBwiVhm-R7zp0KkM9zMSB_3mtcEhuUkPxYU1HlNPhYvU3b9cifHbilqnmCUHSkg6xD1EHmeSwr5DNjWkdOeck-JL2UD3DAtU0oA9Oon2aRwk8Mk2US/s400/cartoon14.png" width="325" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I just cant wait to get back to my old self....<br />
<br />
...I haven't been cooking, I haven't been cleaning, I haven't been grocery shopping. Well I haven't been doing these things as much as I should and want to. Thankfully, my hubby pitches in alot where I have been lacking. He's been a good housewife! :) However, he is rather busy with work and school... so I need to get on the ball ASAP! I am so grateful for him - he has been SO patient with me!<br />
<br />
...I couldn't tell you when was the last time I made it to work on time (I thank God for such an understanding boss and supportive coworkers). There have actually been days where I couldn't make it in, but thankfully I can do some work from home.<br />
<br />
... I have been rescheduling my hair appointments. I should have gotten my hair done last week Wednesday. But I'll continue having not-so-good hair days until I feel well enough to sit in a salon for hours. Right now, after work - the only thing I was is my bed and that's exactly what has been happening.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGSFYuQQYJBXyAGeDJndXolSaVcFWsu9sTwhWOKysR_c20TPsjQFiKqKtOyVycRFnO9s0NZYIFpVmwSWYJie24QL4mmqEIHk1Qq25W0SJy_k1w4ITPjugwzqoeRgSMkanCd2SDr7Aon2Ze/s1600/pregnant+cartoon3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGSFYuQQYJBXyAGeDJndXolSaVcFWsu9sTwhWOKysR_c20TPsjQFiKqKtOyVycRFnO9s0NZYIFpVmwSWYJie24QL4mmqEIHk1Qq25W0SJy_k1w4ITPjugwzqoeRgSMkanCd2SDr7Aon2Ze/s400/pregnant+cartoon3.png" width="325" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
My Body...<br />
<br />
... is not my own! LOL. First of all, whose breasts are these? My breasts have definitely increased in size over the last few weeks and my body looks totally different to me. It is definitely interesting to see the transformation. And of course, my tummy is starting to getting a little more round and pudgy. In any other instance I would be totally devastated, but I am happy, blessed and grateful that through all these changes - our baby is thriving, surviving and now moving!! :) (so I've read)<br />
<br />
I will need to start shopping real soon. I hope I start to feel up to it!<br />
<br />
I hope to update more often than every 5 weeks! According to my research (and what people have told me), these symptoms should start to fade away soon. Praying for the best! :) Belly pics soon to come!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Looking forward to reading your tips and advice! :) </b></div>Mrs. Greenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02261599749846362496noreply@blogger.com6