A Year Ago Today

A year ago today we knew we were going to be meeting you pretty soon.

A year ago today we were working through some pretty intense labor pains.

A year ago today you came crying into this world.

A year ago today we finally got to hold you in our arms.

A year ago today we met the most beautiful baby girl for the first time.

We love you Baby Girl!  Wishing you the happiest of birthdays!

Love,

Mommy & Daddy

Dear Baby Girl

Dear Baby Girl,

I cannot believe you will be one soon.  That it has been a year since they placed you on my belly.  I know everyone said time will fly by but I never knew how quick it would go.   This past year has been one of the most fulfilling and wonderful years of my life little girl and it's all because of you.

I remember the hospital stay.  When they gave me to you for the first time, I was at such a loss for words.  I don't remember much from those first moments except your face little girl.  I remember just staring at your beautiful eyes, perfect button nose and your red lips.  Soaking it all in.  Knowing I needed to imprint this moment in my mind forever.

That first night I didn't want to let you go.  I held you in my arms all night and I still remember it as the sweetest sleep I have ever had.  I'd wake up just to stare at you.  Count your fingers and your toes.  Kiss your little head.  Lay my hand on your chest and feel you breathing.  I was in awe.  I am still in awe.

The months have flown by baby girl.  You are this amazing little person now who brightens our lives each and every day.  You have this silly smile.  You scrunch up your nose and stick your tongue out.  You seem to enjoy watching others find delight in you.  When you are really excited you let out the highest screech as you quickly crawl away.

You have an independent streak a mile wide.  You get so determined to accomplish a task and get frustrated when others try to help.  I love watching you study your world.  From the beginning you have been our observer.  You observe and observe till you have it figured out then you do!

You are shy and reserved until you feel comfortable.  You are not a cuddler.  Mama has learned to treasure those quiet moments when all you want is to be in Mama's arms.  It's in these quiet seconds that I try to soak it all in.  Rub your little back.  Stroke your hair.  Kiss those soft curls that are finally starting to appear.

Mara, I wish I could convey to you how much Mommy and Daddy love you.  It's hard for me to find the words to do so.  We feel so blessed that God choose us to be your parents baby girl.  He filled a void in our little family that we didn't know was there.  Our love for you is so deep and it will only continue to grow.

Baby girl you are my kind of amazing.  You are my wonder.  And I love you.  Forever and a day.

Love,

Mommy

A Year Ago Today...

A year ago today I was feeling enormous.

A year ago today I was convinced I should have already gone into labor.

A year ago today I was trying to walk baby girl out.

A year ago today we were pushing little knees down into my stomach.

A year ago today we never knew how much our lives would change for the better

A year ago today I never knew how much you could love another person so quickly.

A year ago today I never knew that being a Mama would be the most amazing thing I've ever done.

 

39 weeks pregnant with Mara.
She would be born exactly one week later,
on her due date!

Boggio's Orchard

This past Sunday one of my good friends from high school, Mal, came down for a visit.  She and her husband live in the suburbs and she is always awesome about going out of her way to come out to Mendota whenever we're in town.

Posing with the pumpkins

Mama and Mara

For this visit we decided to do something different and headed to a local orchard.  Mara still really isn't at an age where she can take full advantage of all an apple orchard has to offer but she still likes to look around and take it all in.

This cutout was just her size

We got there a little after lunch and started to check out everything they had to offer.  There was a corn maze, apple picking, a petting zoo, peddle cars, hayrides and a corn sand box.  We took a few pictures in front of the pumpkins and then headed for the petting zoo.

We both had to get in on the action

I figured Mara would enjoy looking at the animals.  The donkey and camel came up to us immediately and I think Mara was a little intimidated by their size.  We then moved inside to some of the smaller animals.  They had bunnies, goats, chickens, sheep and an alpaca.  Mara was most mesmerized by the goats.  I think this is because they were practically climbing the gate to get at her!  (I think they're used to little ones feeding them with food)

Mal and Mara checking out the donkey

To top off the day we headed to the corner store.  As we entered the building we were immediately drawn to the bakery and the smell of their apple cider donuts.  We both walked out with half a dozen.  I also picked up some pumpkin butter, raw honey and caramels.

Mara preferred puffs to the donuts. 

Overall it was a great day.  It definitely kicked off the fall season and as always it was fun to hang out with Mal and catch up a bit!  As always we seem to pick up right where we left off.

Baling With Mama-Mara's First Tractor Ride

I was raised around the farm and have been driving a tractor since I was thirteen. It's important to me that Mara get exposed to that too!  Luckily my dad and brother still farm quite a bit and the number of available tractors for rides is plenty.

After a bumpy ride

On this visit I have been helping dad finish up some of the hay crop for the season.  The weather hasn't been the best and he's been struggling to get it baled and put up for the winter.  Most days it's just him and Joseph trying to do it all which equals long days and long nights.  I don't mind driving the baler as it was my primary job growing up and this time Mara got to come along.

Catching some zzzz's while Mama works

Let's just say dad was desperate.  He really needed my help.  I said sure I'd be happy to but you have to find a safe location for Mara.  The tractor has a "buddy" seat but I wouldn't classify that as safe.  She doesn't have much torso support still and the seat only has a lap belt.  So he dug out an old car seat and secured it on the seat.  We were set.

Smile mom...I'm eating puffs!

It was a bumpy ride but my girl, she hung in there.  She held on to the window bar most of the time which I found hilarious and took a nap at one point.  Mara's kind of mellow when it comes to cruising so it's hard to tell if she loved it.  She did however really enjoy looking out the windows and seeing the other tractors and semi move around.  She was mesmerized by Joseph loading the bales and really liked seeing the semi come and leave the field.

Little girl in a big tractor!

I'm so glad that I could give my little girl her first tractor ride.  I always imagined it would be my dad doing it but it was so fun to be the one behind the wheel with her.

Mara-50 Weeks

*Umm how do I have an almost 1 year old.........(ps this means the next update will be a year, gulp)

Weight: I don't know your stats exactly but I'd bet you have finally crossed the 20 lb. mark.  You are also around 27 inches.

pretty girl

Health:  You have a bit of a shinner on your right eye from a collision with the rocker.  Other than that you have a few bruises from crawling.  None of which seem to bother you much!

You have had a bit of a runny nose this week.  I think we both have a touch of a cold.

Social: A new side of you has seemed to emerge.  You are very social with those you know.  You get so excited when Grandma and Grandpa come home.  You love being around them.  You especially love when Grandpa takes you cruising in your Cozy Coupe.

Her smile makes everyday worth it

Diet: You still like to feed yourself almost exclusively.  You adamantly refuse baby food or cereal.  You really like your fruits.  Strawberries are still your favorite although you will eat grapes, oranges, blueberries and apples.  You love cheese and will eat turkey quite regularly.

You still do great out of your sippy cup.  This week we've been experimenting with different types of cups and you have mastered them all.  We still do just water but that doesn't seem to phase you.  

Clothes:  You are still in 12 month clothes and fitting well.  You are also in size 3 disposable diapers.

One of her favorite hiding places

Mama's Favorites: I love watching you learn so many new things so quickly.  You catch on so fast and I feel like you change daily.

Crying:  You are still really only crying when you are frustrated.  Now that you are pretty mobile you get frustrated when we do not know what you want instantly.  It's interesting as you know your signs but still do not use them.  Sometimes I cannot even get you to look at me to show you a sign you are so beside yourself with frustration.

Loves pushing her tractor around the living room

Sleep:  We go up and down in this department so much that I'm hesitant to write about our successes this week.  You transitioned back to Grandma's pretty easily.  You are waking up 2-3 times in the night still but it's better than what we were doing in Wisconsin.  We still only nurse once and the other times we just cuddle.  For now I think we will just roll with this and try to make some changes once we get home to North Carolina.  

Grocery shopping with Grandma puffs in hand

This Week: We've been on the go with Grandma.  She took the whole week off of work so we've been shopping and running errands.  We held a garage sale in town and relaxed at home.    

Baby Likes: You like hearing yourself talk.  You jabber to yourself all day and love screeching if no one is paying attention to you.

You like crawling up the stairs and could do it all day if we'd let you.  You get up to the top and then want to go down and do it all over again.

You love to cruise.  Whether it's in the cozy coupe, the smaller car or the office chair you don't care.  You love it so much you scream every time we stop.  You could cruise for hours.

You love to walk with someone holding your hands.  You are no longer satisfied with crawling anywhere and must hold our hands to walk.

You love to throw things over the balcony at Grandma and Grandpa's.  You throw balls and toys down expecting someone to throw them back to you in which you repeat the process over again.

You love mama's phone.  You know that you can do things by swiping the screen and pushing the buttons.  You get really mad if I lock it. 

Cruising in the office chair

Milestones:  You are getting better and better at your mobile skills.  You now stand on your own unassisted.  You think this is the coolest thing and look to us immediately for recognition.  You will now walk behind walking toys.  They go a bit fast for you but you usually do ok.

You have mastered the steps.  One day you just decided to start climbing and never looked back!  Before that you had only gone up one step and stopped.

You walk holding others hands regularly.  You prefer to get around this way in fact.  You have taken one hesitant step on your own but decided that you weren't ready yet.  

Best of Times: You are becoming a little girl.  You have opinions about things and like to get your way.  Your smile is contagious and you love to play.  You get everyone around you involved in what you're doing.  I love seeing you grow girl!

Worst of Times: Nothing major stands out.  I guess I'd say I'd hope your small tantrums die down.  Whether it's with better signing or something else.  I hope we are able to communicate better.

First Birthday Planning

With Mara's birthday around the corner, I've been thinking about all things party for the last couple of weeks.  I didn't want to do anything big especially with us being here in Illinois rather than North Carolina but at the same time I wanted it to be special and a little bit unique.

I love to craft and make my own decorations so I immediately began looking for themes.  I didn't want to go to the party store and just buy all of one of the prepackaged themes.  After a little bit on Pinterest, I came up with "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star".  I thought it would be pretty simple decoration wise and wouldn't be the typical first birthday bash.

So I started crafting!  I cut out a ton of stars in coral, teal and gold to make star garlands.  Then I just adhered them to some hemp cord of different lengths.  I'll string these in the kitchen over the table.  Streaming down from the chandelier in the dinning room and in the living room over the picture table.

I also created two cake toppers for the regular cake and then Mara's smash cake.  I kept them pretty simple.  I wanted something on the cake but opted to not have a candle.  One year olds and candles don't mix.

Cake toppers

I want to have a lot of pictures displayed around the party.  I glued some simple gold stars on clothes pins.  On the day of the party I will string 12 pictures of her in her monthly stickers on some hemp cord.

Star clothes pins

I made a small plaque that I'll put on the picture table as well simply painting it and stenciling out one of my favorite star quotes.  I also painted a 1 gold to add to the decor.  My largest project is probably the only one I don't have finished yet.  I picked up a board at goodwill that someone had painted with chalkboard paint.  I spray painted the boarder gold and redid the chalkboard finish.  The last step will involve some chalk markers and my non existent art skills.  I'm hoping to copy those fancy chalkboards you see all over Pinterest recapping Mara's year (ie her favorite foods, number of teeth, weight, height, etc.)

party shoes

Overall I can't wait for party day.  I know Mara won't remember this day but I hope she'll look back at pictures and see how much thought went into the day.  I want her to enjoy her day.  Birthdays are important to me and I love to celebrate and shower others with love on their special day.

One banner

Party outfit

I can't believe she's going to be 1

Wisconsin

After a short weekend in Chicago, Mara and I headed up north to visit Josh's family in Wisconsin.  Mara warmed up almost immediately to her cousins, aunt and uncle.  She loved having other kids to watch and really loved interacting with her cousin, Talia, who is just two years her senior.

Cousins playing together

patty cake with nana and ani

We didn't have any real plans over the week but enjoyed spending time together and relaxing.  As always I really loved getting quality time with Carrie and loved playing card games with my nieces.   We also took walks around the neighborhood and did a lot of playing.  Mara loved chasing their two kitties around the house and would get really frustrated when one would duck behind the couch where she couldn't reach.

Getting lessons from cousin Seija

This trip had an added bonus as the rest of Josh's family joined us in Wisconsin for Labor Day weekend.  His parents were up from Florida and his sister came down from Minnesota.  It was a full house!  We loved seeing all the cousins and I don't think Mara knew what to do with all the attention.  She loved entertaining all the cousins and played a rousing game of soccer with her papa, nana and auntie Aimee.

Cat in a box

Toward the end of our visit Mara came down with a nasty bought of teething.  At first I thought she was sick but I think she was trying to work through the first phase of her one year molars.  She was super fussy, wouldn't eat or nurse and just wasn't herself.  I was thankful after two days she started to perk up.

A trip to Costco

As always it was a great trip visiting with family.  I'm so glad we were able to come up north and see everyone.  Hopefully we will be able to come up again soon!

dueling pianos

Chicago

A few weekends ago Mara and I headed into the city to visit with one of my best friends, Arthi.  We were so excited to be able to go into Chicago and visit her.  With life so busy these days, it's rare that we get time, yet alone two whole days, to hang out together.  

When we arrived we quickly got settled and headed out into the city.  It was a beautiful morning and we wanted to take full advantage of it.  Mara was in awe of the city and everything there was to look at.  She sat contently in her stroller just taking in the sites as we made our way to Millennium Park.  

Loving the splash pad

Checking out the other kids

At the park we let Mara get in the splash pad.  Although she was too small to run around with the older kids she had a blast just sitting and watching everyone.  She eventually figured out she was surrounded by water and started splashing with both her arms and legs.  By the end of our time there she was crawling around and just loving all the commotion.  

Taking it all in

After the splash park we headed to the landmark that Millennium Park is known for...the Bean!  Mara was less than impressed by the huge sculpture and I don't think I got one picture of her looking into it.  She mainly wanted to check out all the people around.

Mara is less then impressed

We swung into Panera for a quick lunch.  Mara devoured her mac & cheese while making some pretty interesting faces at Arthi.  I was so happily surprised by how fast Mara warmed up to Arthi.  She didn't have any stranger danger and was "hamming" it up for her immediately.

Shopping was on our agenda next as we headed to State St.  We ducked into Old Navy and picked up a few tops for all of us.  When we left the store the sky was looking pretty black.  Thinking it would be just a quick shower we stopped into another store.  

A few minutes later and the rain just getting heavier we decided to call a lift and head home.  We spent the rest of the day relaxing in their apartment.  Mara loved looking down at all the cars zooming below.  She also loved hiding behind their curtains and playing peek-a-boo.

On Sunday we decided to head to Lincoln Park Zoo.  I wasn't too sure how much Mara would get into it and I was pretty much right on target.  She was pretty much zoned out the entire time despite us pointing out the animals and getting pretty close to some of them.  

A male lion lazes in the shade

After a short lunch she came alive for a brief second as we passed by the flamingos.  I don't know if it was the pink colors, the flapping feathers or the squacking that got her attention but she did pay attention finally.

The flamingos

Checking them out

Arthi and Mara

After the zoo we decided to get manicures and pedicures.  Mara did great sitting in my lap for the majority of the treatment.  She quickly passed out and fell asleep in the Ergo as I finished drying my nails.  We stopped in for some ice cream before heading back to the apartment for the night.

Another bean shot

Getting stuck in Arthi's couch

Overall we had a blast!  It was so nice to be able to visit with Arthi (& Vik!).  I loved being out in the city and getting to explore some of the gems that it has to offer.  

I Am So Thankful

This morning I woke up to an incoming text message from one of my fellow mamas back in North Carolina who just happens to be walking through this deployment thing as well.  She was simply asking for prayer.  It just warmed my heart to read through all the other messages that had already come through in response offering prayer, a ear to listen, encouragement and even a laugh or two.

And I was just awe struck by this amazing network of people He has placed me in as my little family walks through this deployment.  I know for some being close to their families during this time is key.  I'll be the first to say that this time up with my family has been amazing but there is something about our community in North Carolina that I long for.  Our church, our friends we've found there, those who "get" the whole military thing. :)

Deployment is hard beyond what I ever imagined it to be but being among these ladies everyday has made it a whole lot easier.  Some of these ladies are military wives, some are not.  Some have walked through multiple deployments and for some this is their first.  Some have littles too, while others are expecting their first.  Some won't see a deployment in their time in North Carolina and others have seen too many.

Regardless of what any of our current status looks like I am constantly humbled and appreciative every time one of us seems to struggle.  The others rally around offering help and prayer.  It's these ladies I know I can cry to, laugh with, express my frustration, look to for distraction and turn to when I am at my wits end.

He always knows exactly what we need.  He knew I needed this kind of support while Josh was away.  He knew I needed these ladies around me.  He knew that I would be able to do the same for them.  He knew that we would surround each other.

He always knows exactly what we need.  And for that I am so thankful

Mara-11 Month

Weight: Not sure on this one.  I swear you feel heavier but it's hard to tell.

You carry toys around in your mouth all the time

Health:  Still just a few bumps and bruises from cruising around the house but no sickness lately.  With all the traveling I am nervously waiting for something to arise.  It's rare we can visit all your cousins without something.  Just so many people in one place something is bound to pop up.

You recently were teething what I believe to be your one year molar.  You were in so much pain girl.  You wouldn't nurse.  You wouldn't eat.  Gave mama a scare.  It was three long days but you slowly got better.

Loving spaghetti

Social: You are doing great with our traveling.  You warmed up really fast to Arthi and Vik over the weekend.  You also have taken to your cousins, Auntie Carrie and Uncle Caleb.  I'm so happy to see your stranger danger isn't so extreme anymore.

You can't crawl through everything

Diet: You definitely prefer to feed yourself real food versus baby food but have taken a pouch on occasion while traveling.  We mainly stick to your favorites sometimes introducing a new protein here and there.  You still love your strawberries and cheese.  You also do really well with avocado and lunch meat.  Yesterday you tried fish for the first time and liked it.  We really need to introduce more veggies into your diet though.

You are doing great with your sippy cup and water.  You have finally figured it out and drink from it regularly.    

Your tongue is now a regular part of your smile

Clothes:  You are still in 12 month clothes and fitting well.  You are also in size 3 disposable diapers.

All dressed up and ready for the trolley

Mama's Favorites: I love taking you to new places and watching you interact with new people.  It was so much fun to explore Chicago with you and you love interacting with your cousins.

Spinning circles is so much fun

Crying:  You have really started fussing a lot more lately.  You are very stubborn and get very focused on what you want.  You usually fuss if you cannot get it or are having trouble.  Case in point: You tried to chase the cat behind the couch the other day and couldn't fit.  Instead of giving up you screamed because you were stuck and then screamed louder when I pulled you out because all you wanted was to follow the cat.  I think as you get more mobile this is becoming more evident.  Hopefully we can relieve some of this frustration as we better communicate to each other through sign and vocal sounds.

Sleep:  Eh I'm not sure I even want to go here.  I am so frustrated in this department.  You were doing ok at Grandma's but then we had a major set back at Arthi's.  You ended up in the bed with me for most of the night.  Here at Auntie Carrie & Uncle Caleb's it seems to have gotten even worse, if that's possible.  You are waking anywhere from 4 to 6 times a night.  You're unsure and cling to me.  Even in the bed you roll over until you are literally on top of me to get close.  This is too much for mama as you still pinch and touch her all through the night.  You may be sleeping but I am not.  For now I don't really see a way around it.  Once we get back to Grandma's we may have to adjust our arrangement.  You will likely sleep in your crib in my old room and Mama will find a new bed!

Taking it all in at the splash pad

This Week: We traveled to Chicago to visit Mama's friend Arthi and explored the city.  We went to the splash pad and the zoo.  We also went to visit your Daddy's side of the family.  You played with your cousins, aunts and uncles.  

Baby Likes: You loved the splash pad in Millennium Park.  You sat content as content can be and watched the bigger kids run around. You weren't even phased when they splashed you.  After a bit you were having a blast splashing with both your hands and feet, even crawling through the water.  

You love your cousins' cats.  You chase both of them around the house and get really frustrated when you can't get to where they are hiding (ie. behind the couch).  You make the best high pitch yelping sound as if you are talking to them.  

You really like being around all the kids, especially Talia who is only a few years older than you.  You warmed up immediately and love "chatting" and playing with them.

You are still my good eater.  You will usually eat everything I put in front of you still favoring strawberries and cheese.

You loved looking out the window at Arthi's at the cars below.  You were amazed at the little moving vehicles.  You also loved playing peek-a-boo behind her long curtains.  You were entertained for hours.

Cat in a box.  The perfect toy.

Milestones:  You are mastering your physical mobility skills.  You are getting sturdier on your feet and hardly wobble.  Your assisted steps are smaller and more controlled.  You still pull yourself up with ease and walk along furniture.  Your preferred method of mobility is still crawling although you have taken a few hesitant steps behind push toys.  

You went to the zoo for the first time!  I thought you'd be more interested in the bigger animals but you were in your zone in the stroller.  We pointed out the lions and the sea otters and you really could have cared less.  haha.  You did come alive when we passed the flamingos.  I don't know if it was the pink color or the flapping wings that interested you.  

You are perfecting some of your sounds.  You have said phrases that sound really like dada when we skype Josh on the computer.  You have also said something that sounds like mama when you want to get picked up.

You have mastered the sippy cup.  You really like this cup and drink water from it regularly.  

You went on your first trolley ride at Starved Rock.  We toured the park and the surrounding city.  You loved looking out the window at the animals and trees.

Dueling pianos

Best of Times: You're personality is blooming.  You have a stubborn streak and are very determined.  I love seeing you start to set off on your own exploring your surroundings.  It's also been great seeing you play with your cousins.  

Not so interested in smiling.

Worst of Times: The sleep girl.  Mama is a walking zombie most days and cannot wait for the day that you sleep longer stretches of time.

11 months