Last night when I was updating our blog I hesitated to share our time together at Whole Foods because to readers it may be ho hum but for me it was a sweet memory I want to keep. Well. I'm glad I did because it is a critical part to another first in your life. Tofu Tummy/Food Poisoning/GROSS!!!!
I stayed up way past bedtime playing on the blog and working on our 2011 family budget. Yes, I'm the nerd who likes to spend my free time in spreadsheets because I so thoroughly enjoy them...don't ask, just accept me please. :) Anyway, I was up late and then could not keep myself from watching Back to the Future III. It is my favorite from the trilogy and I seem to always catch II or maybe I but never III. Again, I know I'm a nerd, but it was probably around midnight when I fell asleep. I know better.
Around 2:30 I received my first wake up call. It was odd but I had moved your bed and thought maybe you had opened your eyes and were startled (I've moved it back, lol). Then around 4:00 a.m. came the screamer. I ran in your room wide awake as this is VERY odd behavior for you and I knew something was wrong. You poor little nugget. I thought you were just spitting up and still needy, so I pulled you in bed with me. Secretly been desperate for you to want to crawl in bed and me being forced to give in since I don't believe in making co-sleeping a practice but so enjoy you as my little spoon.
It was a nightmare. You could not lay down at all without getting sick. I was able to position us just right so you could get in some sleep between bouts of stomach issues. Then around 7:00 you woke up giggling. Whew, just a rough patch I thought, and went about our usual routine. So proud of yesterday's egg success I confidently went about prepping your gourmet meal.
You refused.
I'm not talking shake your head or throw the egg. I mean full on how-dare-you-put-that-yellow-thing-on-my-plate temper tantrum. My, my I thought, she's just being picky this morning. I gave up as some mornings you're not really into eating anyway and just want your milk.
To spare the details after picking you up, let's just say you and I had three costume changes before 9:00 a.m. GROSS.
I knew better than to stay up late, and I should have known that something that made me gag should not be something I allow you to keep eating. GROSS. The Tofu was grilled, and I thought Whole Foods was trustworthy for hot and salad bars. I thought wrong.
GROSS.
All is well that ends well as your stomach finally settled into our day with you just needy enough to want to be with Mommy and clinging to me. Mommy liked that part. :) Today we also learned that you can reach items on top of our kitchen counters, bathroom counters, and can apparently open doors. When Daddy gets home tomorrow we are doing Phase 2 of Abney Proofing the house.
I love you sweet angel, and I'm going to bed early tonight just in case.
P.S. Your Daddy is no longer allowed to leave us alone for this many days in a row. We both hit our walls without the Ben! Tofu or no tofu. :)
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Today was a GREAT day
Abney-Your mommy owes you LOTS of blogging updates from our adventures over the past two months. We've had a BLAST and traveled together on many "just us" adventures. But today is a day I never want to forget, and since I did not bring my camera I want to burn this memory into my mind and keep it safe for always.
Yesterday we made the drive home to Atlanta from Kentucky. A drive that should take about 6 1/2 hours took the two of us 10. Yes, we had a long day and although we had fun at our 3 Cracker Barrel stops, we were both worn out when we got home last night. So today we slept in until 8:00 in the morning and I think we both went to bed not long after 7:00 last night... :) Happy Mommy!
When we woke up this morning, your fourteen month birthday, I made you two scrambled eggs with milk and yogurt. You enjoyed everything and were so cute with your smiles and sounds. We've been experimenting with table manners and allowing you to hold your own fork or spoon. This morning you successfully fed yourself almost all your yogurt (mommy put it on the spoon but you spooned it in your mouth)! You are growing up so fast I cannot believe it.
After breakfast we ran around the house some chasing the boys and getting ready for our day. What a day! We met up with your friend Kennedy, her Mommy and Grandma, at a place called KangaZoom. You've been there once before with your Daddy and Grandma Buerger, but today was my first time with you.
It was evident as soon as we entered the place that you had been there before. I could barely keep up with you! You were running, yes RUNNING, from one activity to the next with a big smile and laughing the whole time. We bounced in the bouncers, sat in the jeep, hopped on the flower, and played in the toddler area. You had a ball!
My absolute favorite moment happened to be right after the scariest. You had been very brave inside the bouncers and led me to where the slides were and climbed up them until you needed a hand for the last step...so it should not surprise me that when we were bouncing together and you were a few feet away from me, you decided you wanted to go down a level into the mini basketball court. I sort of shouted and for a moment you looked like you were going to listen to me...then you were over board and into the bottom. I hesitated but then saw you laying there with this HUGE grin on your face and knew you were okay. You started kicking and just smiled up right at me and I had no choice but to give you a big grin back.
One of the best moments in life. I love seeing you so happy and so active. You are my sunshine little girl. I love you, and thank you so much for today.
After our KangaZoom we went across the street for lunch at McCray's. You and Miss K barely made it through the meal as you both clearly were ready for your naps. We hopped in our car to head home and you were still smiling and singing to me, my guess is you were chatting up about all your favorite parts of our morning. I turned around to look at you while at a stoplight and we gave each other a high five. I turned back around and started driving and about one minute later as we turned into the neighborhood I look back to find you passed out!
We finished the day by heading to Mommy's office to send off some important faxes that I had to do at work. We didn't work too hard as we ran through the cubicles and you seemed to think my office was almost as much fun as KangaZoom (wish I always had that much fun when I'm there! LOL). You and I played a little longer than I had planned and I realized there was no way we would make it home before dinner time and we have no food in the house since we were out of town. Hmmm, Whole Foods it was!
You helped me pick out some yummy fruits and veggies, and insisted on trying the grapefruit that was out for taste testing. Clearly you wanted it to be an orange or similar because five times you took a bite and made a face but came back for more. It made mommy giggle! We rounded into the cooked food and because you're so cute one of the chefs came from behind the counter to give you a free cup of macaroni and cheese. Mommy did the right thing to repay the kindness and bought you a full cup to bring home.
We sat at the bar, me on the chair and you still in a shopping cart, and enjoyed a little meal. You apparently love tofu, and because you loved it so much I decided to try "just to see" like I had with sweet potatoes. I hate it. Absolutely think it is disgusting. But if my girl likes it we will start stocking at our home moving forward! You gave me sweet kisses and waved at people as they were leaving the store. Quite the hit I must say! Then we said good-bye and came home to do night night.
Today was a GREAT day.
Yesterday we made the drive home to Atlanta from Kentucky. A drive that should take about 6 1/2 hours took the two of us 10. Yes, we had a long day and although we had fun at our 3 Cracker Barrel stops, we were both worn out when we got home last night. So today we slept in until 8:00 in the morning and I think we both went to bed not long after 7:00 last night... :) Happy Mommy!
When we woke up this morning, your fourteen month birthday, I made you two scrambled eggs with milk and yogurt. You enjoyed everything and were so cute with your smiles and sounds. We've been experimenting with table manners and allowing you to hold your own fork or spoon. This morning you successfully fed yourself almost all your yogurt (mommy put it on the spoon but you spooned it in your mouth)! You are growing up so fast I cannot believe it.
After breakfast we ran around the house some chasing the boys and getting ready for our day. What a day! We met up with your friend Kennedy, her Mommy and Grandma, at a place called KangaZoom. You've been there once before with your Daddy and Grandma Buerger, but today was my first time with you.
It was evident as soon as we entered the place that you had been there before. I could barely keep up with you! You were running, yes RUNNING, from one activity to the next with a big smile and laughing the whole time. We bounced in the bouncers, sat in the jeep, hopped on the flower, and played in the toddler area. You had a ball!
My absolute favorite moment happened to be right after the scariest. You had been very brave inside the bouncers and led me to where the slides were and climbed up them until you needed a hand for the last step...so it should not surprise me that when we were bouncing together and you were a few feet away from me, you decided you wanted to go down a level into the mini basketball court. I sort of shouted and for a moment you looked like you were going to listen to me...then you were over board and into the bottom. I hesitated but then saw you laying there with this HUGE grin on your face and knew you were okay. You started kicking and just smiled up right at me and I had no choice but to give you a big grin back.
One of the best moments in life. I love seeing you so happy and so active. You are my sunshine little girl. I love you, and thank you so much for today.
After our KangaZoom we went across the street for lunch at McCray's. You and Miss K barely made it through the meal as you both clearly were ready for your naps. We hopped in our car to head home and you were still smiling and singing to me, my guess is you were chatting up about all your favorite parts of our morning. I turned around to look at you while at a stoplight and we gave each other a high five. I turned back around and started driving and about one minute later as we turned into the neighborhood I look back to find you passed out!
We finished the day by heading to Mommy's office to send off some important faxes that I had to do at work. We didn't work too hard as we ran through the cubicles and you seemed to think my office was almost as much fun as KangaZoom (wish I always had that much fun when I'm there! LOL). You and I played a little longer than I had planned and I realized there was no way we would make it home before dinner time and we have no food in the house since we were out of town. Hmmm, Whole Foods it was!
You helped me pick out some yummy fruits and veggies, and insisted on trying the grapefruit that was out for taste testing. Clearly you wanted it to be an orange or similar because five times you took a bite and made a face but came back for more. It made mommy giggle! We rounded into the cooked food and because you're so cute one of the chefs came from behind the counter to give you a free cup of macaroni and cheese. Mommy did the right thing to repay the kindness and bought you a full cup to bring home.
We sat at the bar, me on the chair and you still in a shopping cart, and enjoyed a little meal. You apparently love tofu, and because you loved it so much I decided to try "just to see" like I had with sweet potatoes. I hate it. Absolutely think it is disgusting. But if my girl likes it we will start stocking at our home moving forward! You gave me sweet kisses and waved at people as they were leaving the store. Quite the hit I must say! Then we said good-bye and came home to do night night.
Today was a GREAT day.
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Testing the Waters
Sweet, sweet Abney. I hate to tell you now, but you are WAY too smart for someone your age. While Mommy is proud of you and admires your intelligence, there just isn't much you can get away with now that we know just how smart you are...
Over the past few weeks you've really started to take a notice of your dogs. You LOVE your boys!!! They make you giggle so loud and you love to chase them around, and for them to chase you around. Most recently you discovered that if you have food in your hand, they will take it from you. Oh what a giggle to have puppy tongue on your little fingers.
You're also big on cleaning up. This is one of my favorite habits you've developed, and I'm doing everything I can to encourage it. Whether you are cleaning up your playroom, or dog food kernels, we think it is sweet and definitely a good habit.
So I say all this to prep the following two videos, as they combine your love of the dogs, feeding the dogs, and cleaning up...OH, and a little something I like to call "testing the waters." Enjoy.
Video 1: "Please, I just want to slam my hands up and down like this!"
Video 2: "Hmm, she doesn't seem to be able to pull me away with that thing in her hands..."
So after this we went upstairs and SPLISHED AND SPLASHED in the bath tub. That seemed to make up for no play in the water bowl. :)
Over the past few weeks you've really started to take a notice of your dogs. You LOVE your boys!!! They make you giggle so loud and you love to chase them around, and for them to chase you around. Most recently you discovered that if you have food in your hand, they will take it from you. Oh what a giggle to have puppy tongue on your little fingers.
You're also big on cleaning up. This is one of my favorite habits you've developed, and I'm doing everything I can to encourage it. Whether you are cleaning up your playroom, or dog food kernels, we think it is sweet and definitely a good habit.
So I say all this to prep the following two videos, as they combine your love of the dogs, feeding the dogs, and cleaning up...OH, and a little something I like to call "testing the waters." Enjoy.
Video 1: "Please, I just want to slam my hands up and down like this!"
Video 2: "Hmm, she doesn't seem to be able to pull me away with that thing in her hands..."
So after this we went upstairs and SPLISHED AND SPLASHED in the bath tub. That seemed to make up for no play in the water bowl. :)
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Buerger Family Dinner Plan
If you know me at all, you know that meal planning is not one of my strengths. Cooking, fine if I have a recipe and all the ingredients, but the planning part is the problem. I'll walk into the grocery store and spend hours wandering the aisles and hundreds of dollars only to find us later on that week saying we "have nothing to eat." I've tried websites that help me create lists or create savings, but nothing really seemed to work for an entire week in a row and not cost an arm and leg. Until now, with the simplest idea but has proven flawless.
It was one morning on the way to work listening to The Bert Show that they gifted me this fabulous idea. Apparently Lady Gaga was fed up with being served the same food over and over again as she switched venues. Everyone thought pizza or subs was an easy meal, but after a while you get tired and fat having pizza and subs night after night. So she implemented a somewhat diva nightly menu requirement that made sure each venue had to adhere to their night of the week.
Yes, it sounds a bit much when you hear stars making demands, but it actually makes sense. Listeners started calling to tell their own tale of how they use this plan to do their own shopping and meals. Everyone knows what is for dinner and whoever gets home first pitches in to make it happen. BRILLIANT!!!
For the next week I pondered over what type of plan would work at our house. One that has parameters but a bit of flexibility so you are not eating the exact same 7 meals 52 times a year. Here it is (drum roll please) the Buerger Family Meal Plan:
Make it in the Crock Monday (Pronounced "mock" for flair): This is typically BBQ either pulled, on a sandwich, and variety of vegetable or starch. Sometimes it is corn and mashed taters, or just a sweet potato like this week. As long as it is something we can Make in the Crock, it is on the menu.
Taco Tuesday: We all know how much the Buergers love Mexican. This can be chicken or beef or turkey or whatever, and however we feel like fixing. But Taco Tuesday guarantees at least one Mex night a week.
Wasabi and Wine Down Wednesday: This is the night dedicated to seafood or Asian cuisine. Ben loves Curry and Thai food, so this is a good night for that or to plan for take out if we are feeling saucy.
Throw it on the Grill Thursday: Now this will be a bit complicated in the winter months, but there is nothing I love more than marinating a steak on Sunday and having Ben fire it up on Thursday. It is practically perfect! However, this is a good night too for burgers or any of the like that is a meat and potato type night.
Fauxtalian Friday: PASTA NIGHT! Ben and I are going to be training together starting next week (details to follow) and will be waking up early every Saturday to put in miles. Nothing better than a load of carbs before a hard training day, so we are putting Friday nights down for Italian.
Savory Saturday on the Town: While any night can be taken out, we are doing our best to spend our time and money at home during the week. Saturdays are the night to plan to spend on the town with friends and to be savored.
Family Home Evening: Just as you need to plan at least one night that is free for others, another night needs to be planned just for the family. Where we know the Buergers will be at the Buerger house and we can play games and eat something we all agree on. This can be any flavor, any style, but it must be at home. :) And when I say family, we all know the Buergers love to include LOTS of people in our family night.
So there you have it, the plan that has saved my sanity. I can get out of the grocery store in under an hour and depending on the week under $50. Yes, I live in Atlanta, Georgia and can buy most of my week's food for three people in $50-$100. Leftovers to be used for lunches (ladies only as Ben is too good for my leftovers), and we are saving lots of money and sanity. Plus, it seems like we are able to eat as a family much more which gives us the opportunity to communicate with one another. And now I rarely hear the words that make my skin crawl and can easily send me into a fury, "What do you want to eat?" I hate making that decision and now...it has already been made for me.
It was one morning on the way to work listening to The Bert Show that they gifted me this fabulous idea. Apparently Lady Gaga was fed up with being served the same food over and over again as she switched venues. Everyone thought pizza or subs was an easy meal, but after a while you get tired and fat having pizza and subs night after night. So she implemented a somewhat diva nightly menu requirement that made sure each venue had to adhere to their night of the week.
Yes, it sounds a bit much when you hear stars making demands, but it actually makes sense. Listeners started calling to tell their own tale of how they use this plan to do their own shopping and meals. Everyone knows what is for dinner and whoever gets home first pitches in to make it happen. BRILLIANT!!!
For the next week I pondered over what type of plan would work at our house. One that has parameters but a bit of flexibility so you are not eating the exact same 7 meals 52 times a year. Here it is (drum roll please) the Buerger Family Meal Plan:
Make it in the Crock Monday (Pronounced "mock" for flair): This is typically BBQ either pulled, on a sandwich, and variety of vegetable or starch. Sometimes it is corn and mashed taters, or just a sweet potato like this week. As long as it is something we can Make in the Crock, it is on the menu.
Taco Tuesday: We all know how much the Buergers love Mexican. This can be chicken or beef or turkey or whatever, and however we feel like fixing. But Taco Tuesday guarantees at least one Mex night a week.
Wasabi and Wine Down Wednesday: This is the night dedicated to seafood or Asian cuisine. Ben loves Curry and Thai food, so this is a good night for that or to plan for take out if we are feeling saucy.
Throw it on the Grill Thursday: Now this will be a bit complicated in the winter months, but there is nothing I love more than marinating a steak on Sunday and having Ben fire it up on Thursday. It is practically perfect! However, this is a good night too for burgers or any of the like that is a meat and potato type night.
Fauxtalian Friday: PASTA NIGHT! Ben and I are going to be training together starting next week (details to follow) and will be waking up early every Saturday to put in miles. Nothing better than a load of carbs before a hard training day, so we are putting Friday nights down for Italian.
Savory Saturday on the Town: While any night can be taken out, we are doing our best to spend our time and money at home during the week. Saturdays are the night to plan to spend on the town with friends and to be savored.
Family Home Evening: Just as you need to plan at least one night that is free for others, another night needs to be planned just for the family. Where we know the Buergers will be at the Buerger house and we can play games and eat something we all agree on. This can be any flavor, any style, but it must be at home. :) And when I say family, we all know the Buergers love to include LOTS of people in our family night.
So there you have it, the plan that has saved my sanity. I can get out of the grocery store in under an hour and depending on the week under $50. Yes, I live in Atlanta, Georgia and can buy most of my week's food for three people in $50-$100. Leftovers to be used for lunches (ladies only as Ben is too good for my leftovers), and we are saving lots of money and sanity. Plus, it seems like we are able to eat as a family much more which gives us the opportunity to communicate with one another. And now I rarely hear the words that make my skin crawl and can easily send me into a fury, "What do you want to eat?" I hate making that decision and now...it has already been made for me.
Saturday, November 6, 2010
I wish...
I so wish I was doing a better job of keeping up with our blog and all of the wonderful memories. Thank goodness a picture is worth a thousand words and I plan to keep taking LOTS of them. :)
Daddy Coaching the 2010 Emory Eagles!
Abney's Favorite 1st Birthday Gift being Put together
I mean, could it be any cuter? Her 1st Birthday scene.
Sallie & Julia Masterpiece, October 28, 2010.
Mommy in my "Big on the Pig" shirt ready to clean up my birthday girl. :)
The day after her first birthday, and I love how she looks a little "hungover" from the sugar.
Helping Uncle Adam put together another of her favorite birthday gifts.
Go Emory Eagles!
Intently watching the game...they won 4-0.
Thursday, October 28, 2010
HAPPY BIRTHDAY BABY GIRL!
I can't believe it has already been one year that we have known this beautiful baby girl. Here is her drinking her morning milk in her birthday outfit (yes, that is a pink tutu you see and a bedazzle #1 top). She's still shweepy. :)
Friday, October 15, 2010
Juicy Buerger
"I believe there is a life you are meant to lead, a contribution you are meant to make. That life and that contribution are revealed in your dreams and aspirations. Your goals and longings are steering you toward a more fulfilling, juicy, gorgeous, powerful life. When you are living that life, you contribute a whole lot of light to the world."-Tara Sophia Mohr
It's Friday and I'm trying to dig my work email inbox out of the desperate hole of unanswered emails it has become. I'm moving a little slow and somewhat consumed by many questions. That's the scary part about being someones mom. When I dream or think of goals, I have to decide what I think she wants as well. How on earth do you know the answer to that? Ben and I are certainly doing our best, but we're still never quite certain we have done it right. Just gotta go with your gut.
I digress, but this quote was in my email inbox and I read it this morning. It didn't necessarily answer any of my questions but was in some way what I needed to hear in order to be that much more brave about certain decisions. Right or wrong, never quit dreaming.
Wanted to share this quote with the blog world in case it may offer someone else inspiration as well.
It's Friday and I'm trying to dig my work email inbox out of the desperate hole of unanswered emails it has become. I'm moving a little slow and somewhat consumed by many questions. That's the scary part about being someones mom. When I dream or think of goals, I have to decide what I think she wants as well. How on earth do you know the answer to that? Ben and I are certainly doing our best, but we're still never quite certain we have done it right. Just gotta go with your gut.
I digress, but this quote was in my email inbox and I read it this morning. It didn't necessarily answer any of my questions but was in some way what I needed to hear in order to be that much more brave about certain decisions. Right or wrong, never quit dreaming.
Wanted to share this quote with the blog world in case it may offer someone else inspiration as well.
Monday, October 4, 2010
Sleepy Smile
This weekend was my annual girls' trip which was a blast! We decided to go to Dallas this year since Sallie, Sophia, and Lily all live there. The weather was practically perfect and we had a great time eating, eating, and talking. I'm so glad the girls instilled this trip a few years ago and that we have made it a priority to get together just the girls once a year.
however...this was a three night adventure which was also the LONGEST time I've been away from my sweet angel! Because of my job there have been plenty of nights away or even a few days where I've not been able to see her awake but I've at least seen and kissed her sweet cheeks. So I knew being away this long was going to be so much fun with Sallie and the girls, but I also knew it would be difficult.
Lord have mercy I didn't realize how much I would miss her! As a mother, your body will physically ache when you are not with your child. A friend recently quoted Elizabeth Stone who sums it up best, “To have a child is to decide forever to have your heart go walking around outside your body.” Yep, that's pretty much the way it feels.
I can handle it for 12 hours, probably even 24 hours without wanting to break down...but 72 hours was excruciating on that final plane ride back to her! When my mom rolled up to the Hartford-Jackson curb I was ecstatic to hop in and squeeze those baby cheeks.
Abney was sound asleep.
How could this be?! I had strategically planned my flight to be during nap time so that when I landed she'd be wide awake and ready to play with me for a few hours before bed time. :( Sigh.
We began the ride home and I sat quietly in the back staring lovingly at my sweet baby girl. Admiring how beautiful she is and marveling at how much she had grown while I was away. I swear it was 2 or 3 inches...
As I was gazing at her with a huge grin on my face she began opening her eyes some in her sleep. One of those moments where she's still sleeping but she has her eyes open. She briefly looked at me and then she smiled. This huge goofy grin in her sleep. She smiled, closed her eyes and snoozed with a smile on her face.
Never been happier or felt more special in my entire life.
I love you Abney Rae.
however...this was a three night adventure which was also the LONGEST time I've been away from my sweet angel! Because of my job there have been plenty of nights away or even a few days where I've not been able to see her awake but I've at least seen and kissed her sweet cheeks. So I knew being away this long was going to be so much fun with Sallie and the girls, but I also knew it would be difficult.
Lord have mercy I didn't realize how much I would miss her! As a mother, your body will physically ache when you are not with your child. A friend recently quoted Elizabeth Stone who sums it up best, “To have a child is to decide forever to have your heart go walking around outside your body.” Yep, that's pretty much the way it feels.
I can handle it for 12 hours, probably even 24 hours without wanting to break down...but 72 hours was excruciating on that final plane ride back to her! When my mom rolled up to the Hartford-Jackson curb I was ecstatic to hop in and squeeze those baby cheeks.
Abney was sound asleep.
How could this be?! I had strategically planned my flight to be during nap time so that when I landed she'd be wide awake and ready to play with me for a few hours before bed time. :( Sigh.
We began the ride home and I sat quietly in the back staring lovingly at my sweet baby girl. Admiring how beautiful she is and marveling at how much she had grown while I was away. I swear it was 2 or 3 inches...
As I was gazing at her with a huge grin on my face she began opening her eyes some in her sleep. One of those moments where she's still sleeping but she has her eyes open. She briefly looked at me and then she smiled. This huge goofy grin in her sleep. She smiled, closed her eyes and snoozed with a smile on her face.
Never been happier or felt more special in my entire life.
I love you Abney Rae.
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Day is Done
I owe way more updates than this, but needless to say we have been busy. :) Where did the last few months go and how is my baby girl growing up so fast!?
Every night before you go to sleep, we sit in your chair and read a few stories. After that you know what time it is, TAPS. Oh yes, the Ton-A-Wandah girl in me had no idea how to sing a lullaby to a baby...so I did the only thing I know how to do and that is to sing you Taps every night before bed. We rock gently and you nestle into me and I sing the sweet song that has put countless soldiers and campers at ease before they doze off.
It only recently occurred to me when admitting this to a neighbor, that it is not necessarily "normal" for someone to know every word to Taps. In fact, said neighbor didn't even realize there were words to the song and assumed it was just a great tune they play on the trumpet.
Have no fear my sweet angel, as you will most certainly know every word to the song...and I'm quite certain you already do. Why do I think this? Oh, about two weeks ago you started singing the melody with me when we break into song. It is quite possibly one of the sweetest sounds I've heard and makes me giggle while we sing. I am not sure I will know what to do with myself when the time comes that you can sing the words with me. Please note, your voice is already ten million times better than mine so when you can sing the words I may just let you take over!
For those of you that need a reminder, here are the solemn words that we softly sing before the Buerger girls say their prayer each night.
Day is done, gone the sun. From the lakes, from the hills, from the sky.
All is well, safely rest, God is nigh.
Good night, we must part. God keep watch over us all through the night.
We will meet, with the dawn.
Good night!
Lights out.
Every night before you go to sleep, we sit in your chair and read a few stories. After that you know what time it is, TAPS. Oh yes, the Ton-A-Wandah girl in me had no idea how to sing a lullaby to a baby...so I did the only thing I know how to do and that is to sing you Taps every night before bed. We rock gently and you nestle into me and I sing the sweet song that has put countless soldiers and campers at ease before they doze off.
It only recently occurred to me when admitting this to a neighbor, that it is not necessarily "normal" for someone to know every word to Taps. In fact, said neighbor didn't even realize there were words to the song and assumed it was just a great tune they play on the trumpet.
Have no fear my sweet angel, as you will most certainly know every word to the song...and I'm quite certain you already do. Why do I think this? Oh, about two weeks ago you started singing the melody with me when we break into song. It is quite possibly one of the sweetest sounds I've heard and makes me giggle while we sing. I am not sure I will know what to do with myself when the time comes that you can sing the words with me. Please note, your voice is already ten million times better than mine so when you can sing the words I may just let you take over!
For those of you that need a reminder, here are the solemn words that we softly sing before the Buerger girls say their prayer each night.
Day is done, gone the sun. From the lakes, from the hills, from the sky.
All is well, safely rest, God is nigh.
Good night, we must part. God keep watch over us all through the night.
We will meet, with the dawn.
Good night!
Lights out.
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Keep on Trucking...
Abney and Mommy both had big weekends. Mommy had LOTS of training with Team in Training, which started Friday with a 26.8 mile ride in 102 degree heat with Uncle Ben. Over all it was a great ride, but I did fall and scrape up my left knee and give some serious bruising. I was able to work through the pain and the heat, to finish strong.
Saturday I woke up early and ran a challenging course for 10 miles! That is the longest I have run ever in life. It feels so good to have accomplished that feat and to know I can do it for race day (plus 3.1 miles...)Sunday I woke up REALLY EARLY, as in 4:00 a.m. and drove three hours to Augusta. Around 9:00 we got on the road to ride the 56 mile course, and then run afterwards. It started out great and I was feeling pretty good about myself. I had some issues with the chain on my bike, but no big deal. Then around mile 39 I got out of my saddle for an uphill and the same moment my chain dropped. Yikes! I went down. Hard. It was probably a combination of exhaustion and compensating for the injury I already had, and exhaustion. I bit it on my right knee, and gave it full throttle of my weight. Ouch.
I'm fine now and have spent the last 24 hours icing with an assortment of frozen vegetables. Most of the swelling is gone and I'm hoping to be back out training tomorrow. I have a commitment here and I will BEAT it!
Enough about me, you all come here to read about Abney. I know, I'm so last year. Where was my beautiful baby while I was doing all this? Well Saturday she was with her future boyfriend's parents at the Aossey Posse home. They claim they didn't teach her, but when she came home to me on Saturday she was whistling! Not quite dixie yet but she has learned how to purse her lips and make a whistling noise. If she gets any better she will be better than me, but that's not saying much. LOL
We both enjoyed a looong nap after the tough mornings and then spent the evening celebrating a 30th birthday at Dave & Cessy's house. It was very exciting to see friends we had not seen in a while and to learn of multiple reasons to celebrate for some of those friends. It seems to be raining children in Atlanta these days. Yes, mommy should have gone to bed early on Saturday night instead of playing with friends...
Sunday while I was in Augusta and Ben was working, Abney got to visit her cousins. I'm not sure how you define it, but they are Ben's first cousins so I guess that makes them her second cousins? Or are they removed? I don't know, and will keep calling them cousins. :) She had a BLAST!!! I wish I could have been there to see this in person, but if a picture is worth a thousand words:
Oh yes, this woman is moving and will soon be running around without a support. That's the real reason I am training for the Half Ironman, so I can keep up with Abney when I'm chasing her around the house!
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Dreams Come True
I just finished rocking Abney into her morning slumber. As I sat holding her tightly in my arms and gazing around her beautiful room, it reminded me of all the time I spent doing this very act dreaming of what it would be like when my baby girl was finally here. She has been more than I could have ever dreamed and hoped for. Abney is such a blessing in my life and every time I look or think of her I can't help but smile. She brings me joy, love, and hope.
My cousin Cade had her second child this past Wednesday, Catherine McNeil Daniel. Little Catherine is beautiful and a perfect addition to the family. Cade and I spent some time talking about how incredible it is to add to the brood and how much your heart continues to grow with a second child. Just when you think you cannot love anything more, you find that with more children comes more love.
So today as I sat rocking my Abney, and realized that all of my dreams of becoming a parent for the first time are coming true. I continue to dream of what it will be like to watch Abney grow and to one day meet her future sibling(s). I realize now that this is my life's purpose and that I was born to be their mother, and I will do everything I can to insure I do my best.
My cousin Cade had her second child this past Wednesday, Catherine McNeil Daniel. Little Catherine is beautiful and a perfect addition to the family. Cade and I spent some time talking about how incredible it is to add to the brood and how much your heart continues to grow with a second child. Just when you think you cannot love anything more, you find that with more children comes more love.
So today as I sat rocking my Abney, and realized that all of my dreams of becoming a parent for the first time are coming true. I continue to dream of what it will be like to watch Abney grow and to one day meet her future sibling(s). I realize now that this is my life's purpose and that I was born to be their mother, and I will do everything I can to insure I do my best.
Saturday, August 14, 2010
Next Steps
See what happens when I take the computer out of my closet? No posting! This week has been another busy one but also fun. Ben has been in Costa Rica for 9 days (I'm desperate for his return tomorrow) and Nana came in town to help take care of her girls.
I never realized quite how many times a day I have the urge to talk, text, or email Ben. I probably have 900 things per day I need him to know and/or confirm for me. I had no idea I was this codependent! LOL Having him out of the country has been difficult but he is having fun, and we discovered the ease and joy of Skype. We can hear and see each other without paying crazy roaming fees. I can't believe we haven't been using this for years. My code name is juicybuerger. :)
This week they have started transitioning Abney into the "First Steps" room at school. I now realize I should be excited and proud that my little girl is developing so quickly and moving up in classes early. But oh my did I have a mommy meltdown about it on Monday. It already seems like time is flying faster than I know how to handle and this just made it seem more tangible. My little baby, no longer in the baby room. Wow.
Here is a picture of my little mover and shaker from last month. She is very close to taking those first steps.
I never realized quite how many times a day I have the urge to talk, text, or email Ben. I probably have 900 things per day I need him to know and/or confirm for me. I had no idea I was this codependent! LOL Having him out of the country has been difficult but he is having fun, and we discovered the ease and joy of Skype. We can hear and see each other without paying crazy roaming fees. I can't believe we haven't been using this for years. My code name is juicybuerger. :)
This week they have started transitioning Abney into the "First Steps" room at school. I now realize I should be excited and proud that my little girl is developing so quickly and moving up in classes early. But oh my did I have a mommy meltdown about it on Monday. It already seems like time is flying faster than I know how to handle and this just made it seem more tangible. My little baby, no longer in the baby room. Wow.
Here is a picture of my little mover and shaker from last month. She is very close to taking those first steps.
Thursday, August 5, 2010
9 Month Check Up
"Your daughter is perfect."-Dr. Hines
Have I mentioned yet how much I love our pediatrician? She may say that to 99% of the children she sees but I love it every time I hear it. My daughter is perfect, or as close as you can get. :) Alright so time for the stats: she is 20 lbs 7 oz (75th percentile), and is now 27 1/4" tall (50th percentile). I really thought she was weighing in heavier than that...so I probably need to start lifting weights now to prepare. The only scolding I received was also given by Abney's teacher, and that is to start feeding her "puffs." They are these fancy puff balls that are allegedly made of fruits and veggies. I thought we need to wait until she had teeth-that is WRONG. Good parents start feeding these puff things at 6 months, so we are 3 months behind. So what will we add to the diet this week besides meat? Yes, puffs.
Tonight Ben and I are going on a date to Stoney River while one of our favorite sitters takes over the nest. We have two regular sitters and tonight we are blessed to have Miss Melissa over. Here is a shot of the girls together, Abney clearly loves spending time with Melissa and we are lucky that Melissa loves spending time with her.
I'm so excited to get a night out with my hubby, especially since he leaves on Saturday for Costa Rica with the Emory team for almost ten days! I'm going to miss him terribly but am hoping the Nana will be here to keep me and Abney company. It's hard to believe we are about to head into another soccer season so quickly. It seems like just yesterday that Ben made the move back to coaching and shortly after we found out we were expecting. Time really flies...this is the post from the last time Ben and I did date night at Stoney River.
Have I mentioned yet how much I love our pediatrician? She may say that to 99% of the children she sees but I love it every time I hear it. My daughter is perfect, or as close as you can get. :) Alright so time for the stats: she is 20 lbs 7 oz (75th percentile), and is now 27 1/4" tall (50th percentile). I really thought she was weighing in heavier than that...so I probably need to start lifting weights now to prepare. The only scolding I received was also given by Abney's teacher, and that is to start feeding her "puffs." They are these fancy puff balls that are allegedly made of fruits and veggies. I thought we need to wait until she had teeth-that is WRONG. Good parents start feeding these puff things at 6 months, so we are 3 months behind. So what will we add to the diet this week besides meat? Yes, puffs.
Tonight Ben and I are going on a date to Stoney River while one of our favorite sitters takes over the nest. We have two regular sitters and tonight we are blessed to have Miss Melissa over. Here is a shot of the girls together, Abney clearly loves spending time with Melissa and we are lucky that Melissa loves spending time with her.
I'm so excited to get a night out with my hubby, especially since he leaves on Saturday for Costa Rica with the Emory team for almost ten days! I'm going to miss him terribly but am hoping the Nana will be here to keep me and Abney company. It's hard to believe we are about to head into another soccer season so quickly. It seems like just yesterday that Ben made the move back to coaching and shortly after we found out we were expecting. Time really flies...this is the post from the last time Ben and I did date night at Stoney River.
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
I'm Back
In typical me fashion, I want to detail every moment and after getting behind on a few posts I let the idea of capturing everything keep me from doing what I can. So here I go, back in the swing and hoping to post back logs as I can. In the end, having them noted is better than trying to make everything perfect and missing out on these moments. How do I plan to do a better job of posting you may ask? By putting my computer in my closet. For many the closet may sound strange, but with all my shoes and finally my favorite pair of "skinny jeans" back on the rack, this room is probably my favorite room in the house.
Today was a great day. Nothing replaces the way it feels to have Abney squeal and wiggle with delight when she sees my face. I love picking her up from school, and quite frankly I love dropping her off. I may not always love the extra time it takes, the extra traffic I run into, and the extra time in the heat. But I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the way it feels when my daughter sees her mommy. NOTHING in the world is as cool as being Abney's mommy. I am such a lucky woman.
The little nugget is just over 9 months old now and she is moving like crazy. Yesterday she stood up all on her own for the first time. She immediately fell when I screamed in excitement for Ben to look at her, and she still doesn't realize she can do it without assistance. I anticipate we will have a walker on our hands in a matter of weeks if not days. Our little girl is growing up way too quickly, and I am loving every minute of it.
She also started getting teeth finally! She has her first two bottom nubs, and they are slooowly creeping in. I am not sure why I wanted her to start getting her teeth quite so badly because the mild fevers, mood swings, and general crankiness that comes along with it has me wondering if maybe we can get the rest of these teeth to hold off for a while. LOL That sweet little toothless grin is gone, but in its place comes a new smile that will always make me smile back.
Today was a great day. Nothing replaces the way it feels to have Abney squeal and wiggle with delight when she sees my face. I love picking her up from school, and quite frankly I love dropping her off. I may not always love the extra time it takes, the extra traffic I run into, and the extra time in the heat. But I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the way it feels when my daughter sees her mommy. NOTHING in the world is as cool as being Abney's mommy. I am such a lucky woman.
The little nugget is just over 9 months old now and she is moving like crazy. Yesterday she stood up all on her own for the first time. She immediately fell when I screamed in excitement for Ben to look at her, and she still doesn't realize she can do it without assistance. I anticipate we will have a walker on our hands in a matter of weeks if not days. Our little girl is growing up way too quickly, and I am loving every minute of it.
She also started getting teeth finally! She has her first two bottom nubs, and they are slooowly creeping in. I am not sure why I wanted her to start getting her teeth quite so badly because the mild fevers, mood swings, and general crankiness that comes along with it has me wondering if maybe we can get the rest of these teeth to hold off for a while. LOL That sweet little toothless grin is gone, but in its place comes a new smile that will always make me smile back.
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Back to Kentucky
We were lucky to spend some time back in Kentucky to celebrate more baby blessings for Mommy's friends, and see the Gramps, Gram, and Nana. When we go home it makes me homesick and wish we lived in Kentucky. I know how lucky we are for all our wonderful friends in the A, but how cute are these girls?
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| Abney was enjoying time with Hadley, and LOVED the bat. |
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| The happy couple. They are expecting a baby girl this August to be named Natali Elizabeth |
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| Our little ones are within a few months of each other, just like us! |
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| Abney and her Gramps, he taught her how to gnaw on watermelon rinds. |
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| All the girls at the party, most of us have known each other since we were 11 years old! |
Sunday, June 20, 2010
First Father's Day
Since I am posting about Father's Day nearly two months later...I am going to leave out a lot of the wonderful details that made this day perfect. The most important is that we were together and that we celebrated Ben and all the ways he is a great dad.
We spent Father's Day up at PlanTy visiting with G-Diddy, Anne McNeil, and Sarah. We thoroughly enjoyed the salt water pool and spending time watching our little water baby. She LOVES the water.
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| We started out on Saturday at our friend's backyard party. Abney is clearly Daddy's Girl. |
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| But she is still Mama's Angel too! |
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| This was a big week because Abney started crawling confidently with her belly off the ground! |
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| Daddy, Abney, and G-Diddy Or Ben, Abney and Ben Abney |
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| Tell me this man isn't in love. She has him wrapped right around her little finger. |
Monday, June 7, 2010
Mommy is a triathlete!!!
What a way to celebrate my 28th birthday by completing my first triathlon! Abney and Nana joined me for the Sweetwater Creek State Park Triathlon. I was really nervous but felt like a champion after completing a 200 yard swim, 10 mile bike, and 3.1 mile run. Technically very short by triathlon standards but the perfect distance to get my feet wet.
Transition 1
One of the oddest parts to this non-USAT event was that they had two transition areas instead of the typical one. When we arrived I took my time getting set up and had everything laid out in perfect order. Of course twenty minutes before the race started they let us know we had to go "a ways" down the road, which turned out to be about half a mile. Nana trucked it with Abney over the hill and through the woods across the busy highway...to help me get everything squared away.
Abney doing her pilates while Mommy was cycling. She is in her John Deere T from Iowa that her Fairy Godmother sent to her. Nothing says day in the woods like John Deer on your shirt.
One hour, twenty four minutes, and 36 seconds later I cross the finish line!
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
First taste of fruit!
Tonight Abney had her first taste of the sweet stuff, fruit. YUM! She had a Carrot Tomato baby food souffle. I'm assuming it tastes better than it sounds because someone was very happy with each bite she took. It was so cute. She really enjoyed herself and spread it all over her bumbo tray and most of her face. It's okay because we cleaned her up with splishing and splashing in the bath tub-one of our favorite times of the day! I introduced her bath toys tonight as well, which may have been a bigger hit with Charlie than Abney. No, Charlie was not in the tub but he heard the squeaking noises and needed to investigate. When he looked at me I squirted him right in the muzzle! He tried to attack the water and went running in circles all around the house. My sweet little pooch.
Tomorrow is the last night we are on Mom only duty. Daddy is still gone until Sunday but Nana is coming to visit and to help me celebrate my 28th birthday. Egads, I'm getting closer to thirty something but still going to RELISH every day of my twenties because they have been AMAZING! I've met some of my best friends, built even stronger bonds with old friends, met and married my wonderful husband, moved a million times and experienced new places, and somewhat settled in Atlanta to have our beautiful girl. Yeah, life is good.
P.S. For anyone that actually "follows" I have two posts that precede this one but I need to upload some fabulous pictures before I can post. :)
Tomorrow is the last night we are on Mom only duty. Daddy is still gone until Sunday but Nana is coming to visit and to help me celebrate my 28th birthday. Egads, I'm getting closer to thirty something but still going to RELISH every day of my twenties because they have been AMAZING! I've met some of my best friends, built even stronger bonds with old friends, met and married my wonderful husband, moved a million times and experienced new places, and somewhat settled in Atlanta to have our beautiful girl. Yeah, life is good.
P.S. For anyone that actually "follows" I have two posts that precede this one but I need to upload some fabulous pictures before I can post. :)
Thursday, May 20, 2010
The new Diva
What do you say when your daughter is only six and a half months old and has already been coined the class diva? Thank you or I'm sorry? Somehow all I could do was laugh in slight disbelief. Yes, I know she is my child and I know we are going to have very opinionated children...but really this early? LOL Now that Miss Abney has learned how to sit up unassisted and can scoot so well she is almost at a crawl, she seems to think she is quite in charge. If she wants something or wants to go somewhere, she's gone. I'm starting to see how those moms that say they lose weight because they are always on the chase do it!
Another funny moment that happened is the revelation about being a true Daddy's girl. Don't get me wrong, Abney and I have a very strong bond and I know she loves me...but I found out that when Daddy drops her off at school she cries out and needs to be coddled to soothe her longing. Does she cry when Mommy leaves? No. Oh Daddy says it is because he put her in a toy and not in the teacher's arms. Oh, you mean the yellow stand that she loves to play in that I put her in almost every day? Yes, that would be the one!
In years to come I look forward to teasing her about this and laughing. The teachers all love her and apparently she has been a big hit with visiting parents. Ben told the school director that we need to start earning commission for the converters because of the happy little diva in the infant room. :)
Another funny moment that happened is the revelation about being a true Daddy's girl. Don't get me wrong, Abney and I have a very strong bond and I know she loves me...but I found out that when Daddy drops her off at school she cries out and needs to be coddled to soothe her longing. Does she cry when Mommy leaves? No. Oh Daddy says it is because he put her in a toy and not in the teacher's arms. Oh, you mean the yellow stand that she loves to play in that I put her in almost every day? Yes, that would be the one!
In years to come I look forward to teasing her about this and laughing. The teachers all love her and apparently she has been a big hit with visiting parents. Ben told the school director that we need to start earning commission for the converters because of the happy little diva in the infant room. :)
I heart swimming
The day Abney had her first swim is the same day I had my first open water swim. Yes, I willingly put a bathing suit on multiple times a week so I can learn how to swim for my life in dark open water with no lanes and no rules. What on earth am I thinking? Surprisingly, swimming has become one of my new favorite ways to spend my "me time." As soon as I hit the water and start my stroke, the rest of the world fades away. It is just me, the water, and the sound of my breathing as I make my way through the exercise. A certain calm comes over me and I just find my groove.
My training has been difficult both from adjusting back to endurance after taking so much time off while pregnant, and being able to balance everything. I pretty much started training with Team in Training again at the same time I went back to work from maternity leave. A little much at once? YES! But I can say that I am confident I will cross the finish line on July 11th and that I have already met my fundraising minimum for The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society! So what does that mean? That I have of course already signed up to train again for the Fall....yes, I am slightly crazy....but hear me out. My thought is that for the fall I will be able to focus on taking it a step further. Either by being more competitive with the Olympic distance and training harder, or by getting talked into completing Half Ironman which is what they currently have me signed up to do.
Who knows if I will be able to do it, but if I don't try I will never know. So step 1, I am signed up for my first sprint distance next Sunday to celebrate my birthday. Step 2, complete the Olympic distance in Chattanooga with my Team. Step 3...GO FOR IT!
You can check out my progress and donate to The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society by visiting me at:
http://pages.teamintraining.org/ga/Augusta10/jbuerger
My training has been difficult both from adjusting back to endurance after taking so much time off while pregnant, and being able to balance everything. I pretty much started training with Team in Training again at the same time I went back to work from maternity leave. A little much at once? YES! But I can say that I am confident I will cross the finish line on July 11th and that I have already met my fundraising minimum for The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society! So what does that mean? That I have of course already signed up to train again for the Fall....yes, I am slightly crazy....but hear me out. My thought is that for the fall I will be able to focus on taking it a step further. Either by being more competitive with the Olympic distance and training harder, or by getting talked into completing Half Ironman which is what they currently have me signed up to do.
Who knows if I will be able to do it, but if I don't try I will never know. So step 1, I am signed up for my first sprint distance next Sunday to celebrate my birthday. Step 2, complete the Olympic distance in Chattanooga with my Team. Step 3...GO FOR IT!
You can check out my progress and donate to The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society by visiting me at:
http://pages.teamintraining.org/ga/Augusta10/jbuerger
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Abney Jump Up
It is only a matter of time before Abney starts walking on her own. She is in full "army mode" crawl now and can maneuver quite quickly around the house. The days of sitting still while we got something done are O-V-E-R, but it is kind of nice too. :) Here is a video of Abney enjoying one of her favorite toys where she is learning about cause and effect while strengthening her soccer legs.
Sarah Gardner Fundraiser
Our dear friend Sarah Gardner, wife of our groomsmen Stephen Gardner, is 29 years old, expecting her 1st child, and has an inoperable brain tumor. She is on expensive medicines in the hopes that she can deliver her baby at 28 weeks and then start on mega does of chemo. This is a fundraiser to help offset Sarah's medical costs as well as the unavoidable costs of caring for a premature baby.
Ben and I constantly say how thankful we are for the blessings in our lives and our healthy baby girl. We cannot imagine the emotions Sarah & Stephen must be going through right now and want to do everything we can to help. Any little bit, even a $5 donation will help them chip away at part of the battle they are fighting. Sarah is incredibly strong and defeated chemo once before and went on to become pregnant with their baby. I have no doubt she will once again defeat the obstacles currently in her way and do so with grace.
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Happy Mother's Day
Last year Ben and I celebrated mother's day announcing to the world that we were expecting by opening this blog. When I made the first post I could only dream of what becoming a mom would mean. The joys, the fears, the rewards, the changes I couldn't anticipate, and above all who my daughter would be.
My Dearest Abney,
I've been sitting here staring at the computer screen trying to put into words how much you mean to me. I fear I will never be able to truly voice just how much you mean to me. You are the most beautiful person I have ever met inside and out. As I look into your crib and find you curled up on your side sleeping soundly, I can only imagine that this is what heaven looks like. Peace, beauty, and grace.
Your smile lights up a room. People flock to you even now and want to be near you because you are a joy to be around. Your ability to adapt to change and to take the world in stride is something I pray you always keep. No matter where we are or what we are doing, you smile through it. Even when you were sick for the first time, my little snotty nosed baby, you would laugh after a big sneeze instead of cry. We didn't have much of a wait in the ER because even with a fever of 103.4 when the ladies at the registry spoke to you, you rewarded them each with a big smile. What courage and tenacity to feel that badly and still be able to show affection.
You've taught me that even when I'm having the worst kind of day, if I just remember to smile it gets better. I've posted pictures of you all over my office so that when I need a moment I can look to you, remember what you would do in the situation, and you always make me smile.
I ask God all the time what I did to deserve you in my life. I have no question that you are an angel sent directly from heaven, and for some reason your Daddy and I are lucky enough to share our lives with you. We sit in bed at night and talk about how lucky we are to be your parents. How wonderful you are, and how you have made our lives and our relationship even greater. As I've told you before, you make my heart bigger. I imagine each time that I see you that my heart grows two sizes larger to accommodate what I feel for you (similar to the Grinch after he realizes the joy of Christmas, yes, your Mommy sees life like cartoon). It is the only way I see my heart being able to hold my love without exploding.
Becoming your mother has made me a better person. In many ways I have stopped racing towards the proverbial "finish line" I had in my mind and am better at enjoying the moments. (Reserving my race mentality for REAL races). I look at my marriage as more than a great love, but as the reason I exist. Daddy and I were brought together for you, and I cherish that love even more now. I know it sounds a bit ridiculous, but I hope I can be more like you and spend the rest of my days helping you cultivate your smile, sense of adventure, love for the outdoors, and confidence. You are and will be an amazing woman.
I love you, and thank you for making me a Mommy.
love mom
Becoming a mother has been the most exciting adventure of my life. This may be the cheesiest entry yet, and very personal, but this is where my heart is and what I want to put out there. When we are able to look back years from now I want to remember how I feel today. On mother's day for years to come I want to remember days like THIS.
My Dearest Abney,
I've been sitting here staring at the computer screen trying to put into words how much you mean to me. I fear I will never be able to truly voice just how much you mean to me. You are the most beautiful person I have ever met inside and out. As I look into your crib and find you curled up on your side sleeping soundly, I can only imagine that this is what heaven looks like. Peace, beauty, and grace.
Your smile lights up a room. People flock to you even now and want to be near you because you are a joy to be around. Your ability to adapt to change and to take the world in stride is something I pray you always keep. No matter where we are or what we are doing, you smile through it. Even when you were sick for the first time, my little snotty nosed baby, you would laugh after a big sneeze instead of cry. We didn't have much of a wait in the ER because even with a fever of 103.4 when the ladies at the registry spoke to you, you rewarded them each with a big smile. What courage and tenacity to feel that badly and still be able to show affection.
You've taught me that even when I'm having the worst kind of day, if I just remember to smile it gets better. I've posted pictures of you all over my office so that when I need a moment I can look to you, remember what you would do in the situation, and you always make me smile.
I ask God all the time what I did to deserve you in my life. I have no question that you are an angel sent directly from heaven, and for some reason your Daddy and I are lucky enough to share our lives with you. We sit in bed at night and talk about how lucky we are to be your parents. How wonderful you are, and how you have made our lives and our relationship even greater. As I've told you before, you make my heart bigger. I imagine each time that I see you that my heart grows two sizes larger to accommodate what I feel for you (similar to the Grinch after he realizes the joy of Christmas, yes, your Mommy sees life like cartoon). It is the only way I see my heart being able to hold my love without exploding.
Becoming your mother has made me a better person. In many ways I have stopped racing towards the proverbial "finish line" I had in my mind and am better at enjoying the moments. (Reserving my race mentality for REAL races). I look at my marriage as more than a great love, but as the reason I exist. Daddy and I were brought together for you, and I cherish that love even more now. I know it sounds a bit ridiculous, but I hope I can be more like you and spend the rest of my days helping you cultivate your smile, sense of adventure, love for the outdoors, and confidence. You are and will be an amazing woman.
I love you, and thank you for making me a Mommy.
love mom
Becoming a mother has been the most exciting adventure of my life. This may be the cheesiest entry yet, and very personal, but this is where my heart is and what I want to put out there. When we are able to look back years from now I want to remember how I feel today. On mother's day for years to come I want to remember days like THIS.
Monday, May 3, 2010
Time to Eatie Pie
This past Sunday we introduced Abney to her first taste of "food." I put this in quotation because in no way, except a possible resemblance to cottage cheese, does rice formula really equate to what I would call food. Nevertheless we have started the new era and I think it is safe to say she likes it. Below is the video of her first taste:
Tonight she experienced round 2 and seemed to enjoy it even more. However I think she would be much happier if I gave her the bowl so she could put it on her head. Me holding it just doesn't seem to be cutting it for her, and trying to reason with a six month old is about as easy as reasoning with a papillon.
We are fairly certain her first tooth is on its way and about to rear its pearly white head. She has not been her usual cheery self and has been chomping down on fingers and toys even harder than usual. I'm hoping for her sake and our sanity that the teeth come in quickly because Ben and I already miss our ALWAYS happy baby and are ready to be done with her cranky spells. Either that or we are never going to be able to go out to dinner or brunch again. The only way she was calmed down this past weekend when we were at brunch was when Auntie Sallie took her on lap. They both went to a very Zen place, I guess they missed each other.
Tonight she experienced round 2 and seemed to enjoy it even more. However I think she would be much happier if I gave her the bowl so she could put it on her head. Me holding it just doesn't seem to be cutting it for her, and trying to reason with a six month old is about as easy as reasoning with a papillon.
We are fairly certain her first tooth is on its way and about to rear its pearly white head. She has not been her usual cheery self and has been chomping down on fingers and toys even harder than usual. I'm hoping for her sake and our sanity that the teeth come in quickly because Ben and I already miss our ALWAYS happy baby and are ready to be done with her cranky spells. Either that or we are never going to be able to go out to dinner or brunch again. The only way she was calmed down this past weekend when we were at brunch was when Auntie Sallie took her on lap. They both went to a very Zen place, I guess they missed each other.
Sunday, May 2, 2010
Abney can "scootch!"
Last Friday Abney started pulling herself and now she can't be stopped. If she wants to get somewhere she is going, going, gone... ENJOY!
This incredible change is so exciting and fun to see her learn and grow. The times of leaving her somewhere and stepping away are over. She is so cute to watch and see her smile when she reaches her destination. She seems to be pretty good at pulling herself but every now and then she just stretches out like superwoman and then gets frustrated when she doesn't move. I of course think this is hysterical because she is SO CUTE!!!
Sallie came to visit this weekend and brought her a really cool new toy that is designed to encourage crawling. It is a ball that lights up, sings, and actually rolls itself around. They call it the Move and Crawl Ball and it has already been a big hit. I highly recommend it be added to registries and an easy go-to-gift for upcoming showers. You can encourage your child to learn, move, and engage them without having to do anything yourself. Genius.
This incredible change is so exciting and fun to see her learn and grow. The times of leaving her somewhere and stepping away are over. She is so cute to watch and see her smile when she reaches her destination. She seems to be pretty good at pulling herself but every now and then she just stretches out like superwoman and then gets frustrated when she doesn't move. I of course think this is hysterical because she is SO CUTE!!!
Sallie came to visit this weekend and brought her a really cool new toy that is designed to encourage crawling. It is a ball that lights up, sings, and actually rolls itself around. They call it the Move and Crawl Ball and it has already been a big hit. I highly recommend it be added to registries and an easy go-to-gift for upcoming showers. You can encourage your child to learn, move, and engage them without having to do anything yourself. Genius.
Friday, April 30, 2010
Hoping April Showers bring May Flowers...
I'm embarrassed about my lack of posting and at this point have to assume all my readers have left me! April has been an incredible month personally with lots of fun family time and trips, but an incredibly challenging month at work. It's not even worth going into but suffice to say between the bad week days and FABULOUS weekends I am behind on my posts. I'm going to do some major catching up over the next week because I want to capture these fabulous moments.
- EASTER - Best holiday ever!
- Home to Kentucky
- First trip to Saluda
- First Bachelorette party, yes... :)
- Coming soon-Sallie's visit back from Texas
- First Scooch
- Feeding herself
- First trip to the ER-not so awesome
- First spend the night out
- Mommy's TRI progress
Yep, been a wonderful month with lots to talk about. I know I build up my entries in my head too much and then don't sit down to make it happen. Trying to slowly recognize where my priorities need to be and get it right. Thanks to all of you for sticking with me!
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Sleeping Beauty
Today I left my pumping aids at home and decided I would take my lunch break at Goddard so I could spend time with my girl. I have a ton to catch up the blog on, but my little angel has been recovering from her first cold and needing even more rest than normal. I wasn't surprised to come in and find her still enjoying a two and a half hour nap...but thought surely I can wake her up. So I went over to her little crib at school and rubbed her back and sung her "good morning Abney" song. Nothing.
So I gently pulled her out of bed and spoke to her while I swung her in my arms. Nothing.
So I took her to the rocking chair and tried talking to her and playing with her hair. Nothing.
So I finally gave in and followed her lead and did nothing. I swayed in the chair and held her tightly to my heart and soaked in her sweet smell and the moment. She really did look like my own "Sleeping Beauty" which is one of my all-time favorite Disney movies. When the theme song came on the track in the daycare room it was all I could do not to belt out the lyrics. Her teachers already know I'm crazy so I'm not sure what stopped me.
It was really difficult for me to leave her (still sleeping) and return to work. In fact the rest of the day all I have been able to really focus on is thinking about being snuggled up and home. This picture Ben took during my maternity leave sums up what I'd rather be doing right now:
I cannot believe how big she already looks compared to when this picture was taken. It is so true when everyone says it goes by too quickly.
So I gently pulled her out of bed and spoke to her while I swung her in my arms. Nothing.
So I took her to the rocking chair and tried talking to her and playing with her hair. Nothing.
So I finally gave in and followed her lead and did nothing. I swayed in the chair and held her tightly to my heart and soaked in her sweet smell and the moment. She really did look like my own "Sleeping Beauty" which is one of my all-time favorite Disney movies. When the theme song came on the track in the daycare room it was all I could do not to belt out the lyrics. Her teachers already know I'm crazy so I'm not sure what stopped me.
It was really difficult for me to leave her (still sleeping) and return to work. In fact the rest of the day all I have been able to really focus on is thinking about being snuggled up and home. This picture Ben took during my maternity leave sums up what I'd rather be doing right now:
I cannot believe how big she already looks compared to when this picture was taken. It is so true when everyone says it goes by too quickly.
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Don't Blink
"As quickly as your baby grows, you rush to record it all. First smile, first giggle, first step. It's over in a flash-and you're on to the next stage."
I started to write this on March 11th and it is now March 28th. How did that happen? The purpose behind this post was how quickly life has been passing me by and the amazing rate at which Abney is growing, and it has clearly been so fast that I cannot even keep up!
"Don't Blink" is somewhat of a theme for me these days. It started on March 11th when I got in from a late night flight and heard Kenney Chesney's song by the same name on the radio. And then the next morning when I got this quote in the mail from Publix. And over the past few weeks while I was working Abney started school, learned to hold her own bottle, learned to roll over from her back to her stomach, and now she is pulling herself up easily with assistance. It is rewarding to watch her grow and develop, but difficult to be doing so from the side lines because I have been working so hard.
I'm hopeful that all the hard work will pay off. So far my largest customer has increased our space with extra placement, my second largest went really well and I am hoping to see gains there, and our meeting with a customer that has refused to see us for more than five years resulted with the buyer calling me personally to set up follow up meetings. I will be excited when these results translate to numbers for our company, and am hopeful that they will. However numbers are not my sole motivation and I have been doing some soul searching over the past few days to understand exactly how to quantify what does motivate me. One thing I know for sure is that my baby girl and my family are the best part of every day! Whether I see these first moments in person or captured on the Internet, they are still happening and it means we as parents are helping her to succeed.
"Don't Blink" is somewhat of a theme for me these days. It started on March 11th when I got in from a late night flight and heard Kenney Chesney's song by the same name on the radio. And then the next morning when I got this quote in the mail from Publix. And over the past few weeks while I was working Abney started school, learned to hold her own bottle, learned to roll over from her back to her stomach, and now she is pulling herself up easily with assistance. It is rewarding to watch her grow and develop, but difficult to be doing so from the side lines because I have been working so hard.
I'm hopeful that all the hard work will pay off. So far my largest customer has increased our space with extra placement, my second largest went really well and I am hoping to see gains there, and our meeting with a customer that has refused to see us for more than five years resulted with the buyer calling me personally to set up follow up meetings. I will be excited when these results translate to numbers for our company, and am hopeful that they will. However numbers are not my sole motivation and I have been doing some soul searching over the past few days to understand exactly how to quantify what does motivate me. One thing I know for sure is that my baby girl and my family are the best part of every day! Whether I see these first moments in person or captured on the Internet, they are still happening and it means we as parents are helping her to succeed.
Sunday, March 7, 2010
First Day of School
Last Friday I dropped Abney off at school for her first playdate. Yes, school. She will never again be my little infant at home, she is slowly growing up and one of those steps is going to school where she has other children her age to play with and teachers to fuss over her. She did great, and I only cried for a little while...
Going back to work was definitely an emotional roller coaster, but one I feel I have a hold on. Yes, some days are better than others but in general feel like I can get through the day without crying. Thursday was not one of those days. My body was literally aching for my baby. I could not get over how much I was missing her. I finally realized it was my new emotional ride of Abney going to school. So yes, when I say school I mean daycare but it is essentially the same thing. We are paying more than most private schools and she has classmates and teachers, and they are teaching her sign language and Spanish so that is school enough for me. :)
However you look at it my little baby is no longer safe in our home being cared for by family. I definitely eased my way into not being her primary caretaker during the day, by having my mom there the first week and then Ben's Dad the next. It was so nice having our parents be the ones to provide care and knowing they had her at the center of their world and were meeting 100% of her needs. It made it so much easier on me and certainly on Abney. I knew the day would come when I would have to take her away from the comfort and security of our home and leave her in the hands of essentially strangers. The official day is March 15th, but we all thought it would be a good idea to do a test day first. So glad we did!
The entire morning was crazy because it was my first time getting ready for work with Abney awake and needing to have her routine completed as well. Ben told me it was simple, well yes, for the person that has been doing it every morning for the last 6 weeks! LOL He has it down to a science, whereas I looked like it was my first time changing a diaper or feeding my child. But we finally got ourselves together and on the road. We hit the beautiful ATL traffic but still made it to school early. I filled out some paperwork while trying to hold back tears, and Abney cooed at me and was probably telling me how silly I was being.
We went to her classroom and she lit up at the sight of other children. She was smiling and trying to sit up, and didn't even bat an eyelash when I left. The Asst. Director gave me a hug and told me I would be okay. Yes, that I would be okay. Neither of us were worried about Abney...I went back to work and when I got to my cube I told my manager and teammate we could not talk about it. Especially since my teammate is not a mom yet and my manager is a man. No offense men, but you just don't get it. :) Thankfully my friend Stacy came over and helped be my support. She is currently housing Abney's future schoolmate in her womb. Her daughter Kinsley will join Abney in July at The Goddard School, and we are both so excited to share the moments together. Anyway, I was so grateful to have her there to support me and to help keep me busy. The day did fly by and before I knew it I was leaving for lunch to pick up my baby.
I rushed to the school and felt like I was walking on air. The sun was shining and I knew everything was okay. Ben met me at the school to pick her up, and we both went in together. Abney smiled when she saw us and apparently was one of the hits of the day with her sweet demeanor. Her little report card had lots of smiles and details of the fun they had. We all went to lunch at Uncle Julio's which is in the same parking lot, and met Stacy (Kinsley on board), our friend Nate that just moved here from NC, and Kelly who is still on maternity leave with her daughter Mya. It was a wonderful lunch and hopefully soon to be a traditional Friday night spot.
I had so much anxiety and worry, but everything went great. I know in the long run it will be great for Abney socially and developmentally, and with her close to my office I hope to get to nurse her on lunch hour some days. But I can't help still be a hint of sad since this beginning is officially the close to the days of my Abney being my little baby at home.
Going back to work was definitely an emotional roller coaster, but one I feel I have a hold on. Yes, some days are better than others but in general feel like I can get through the day without crying. Thursday was not one of those days. My body was literally aching for my baby. I could not get over how much I was missing her. I finally realized it was my new emotional ride of Abney going to school. So yes, when I say school I mean daycare but it is essentially the same thing. We are paying more than most private schools and she has classmates and teachers, and they are teaching her sign language and Spanish so that is school enough for me. :)
However you look at it my little baby is no longer safe in our home being cared for by family. I definitely eased my way into not being her primary caretaker during the day, by having my mom there the first week and then Ben's Dad the next. It was so nice having our parents be the ones to provide care and knowing they had her at the center of their world and were meeting 100% of her needs. It made it so much easier on me and certainly on Abney. I knew the day would come when I would have to take her away from the comfort and security of our home and leave her in the hands of essentially strangers. The official day is March 15th, but we all thought it would be a good idea to do a test day first. So glad we did!
The entire morning was crazy because it was my first time getting ready for work with Abney awake and needing to have her routine completed as well. Ben told me it was simple, well yes, for the person that has been doing it every morning for the last 6 weeks! LOL He has it down to a science, whereas I looked like it was my first time changing a diaper or feeding my child. But we finally got ourselves together and on the road. We hit the beautiful ATL traffic but still made it to school early. I filled out some paperwork while trying to hold back tears, and Abney cooed at me and was probably telling me how silly I was being.
We went to her classroom and she lit up at the sight of other children. She was smiling and trying to sit up, and didn't even bat an eyelash when I left. The Asst. Director gave me a hug and told me I would be okay. Yes, that I would be okay. Neither of us were worried about Abney...I went back to work and when I got to my cube I told my manager and teammate we could not talk about it. Especially since my teammate is not a mom yet and my manager is a man. No offense men, but you just don't get it. :) Thankfully my friend Stacy came over and helped be my support. She is currently housing Abney's future schoolmate in her womb. Her daughter Kinsley will join Abney in July at The Goddard School, and we are both so excited to share the moments together. Anyway, I was so grateful to have her there to support me and to help keep me busy. The day did fly by and before I knew it I was leaving for lunch to pick up my baby.
I rushed to the school and felt like I was walking on air. The sun was shining and I knew everything was okay. Ben met me at the school to pick her up, and we both went in together. Abney smiled when she saw us and apparently was one of the hits of the day with her sweet demeanor. Her little report card had lots of smiles and details of the fun they had. We all went to lunch at Uncle Julio's which is in the same parking lot, and met Stacy (Kinsley on board), our friend Nate that just moved here from NC, and Kelly who is still on maternity leave with her daughter Mya. It was a wonderful lunch and hopefully soon to be a traditional Friday night spot.
I had so much anxiety and worry, but everything went great. I know in the long run it will be great for Abney socially and developmentally, and with her close to my office I hope to get to nurse her on lunch hour some days. But I can't help still be a hint of sad since this beginning is officially the close to the days of my Abney being my little baby at home.
Four Months
It is hard to believe that Abney is already four months old, but at the same time it is hard to remember our life before her. What did we do before her smile? What entertained us before her laugh? And what on earth did we do with all that time?!?! LOL She certainly makes our lives fuller, and quantifies the value of a day.
In four short months Abney has developed so much it blows my mind. She is now 14 lbs, 14 oz, and 25" long; nearly four inches taller and twice her birth weight! The doctor says she is perfect (have I mentioned I love her doctor?) and that she is in the 75th percentile for both weight and height. She is also sitting up, able to stand when supported, can turn her head both directions, and makes an assorted variety of coos and squeals. This is such a great stage, and I know I will appreciate when she can entertain herself or hold her own bottle...but I try to remind myself to appreciate and cherish every moment because it will not last for long.
In four short months Abney has developed so much it blows my mind. She is now 14 lbs, 14 oz, and 25" long; nearly four inches taller and twice her birth weight! The doctor says she is perfect (have I mentioned I love her doctor?) and that she is in the 75th percentile for both weight and height. She is also sitting up, able to stand when supported, can turn her head both directions, and makes an assorted variety of coos and squeals. This is such a great stage, and I know I will appreciate when she can entertain herself or hold her own bottle...but I try to remind myself to appreciate and cherish every moment because it will not last for long.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Visit at the Heiberg's
This weekend we had TONS of fun, and spent lots of family time. We took a much needed trip to Uncle Kris and Aunt Heidi's house for yummy food and good family time. We celebrated Daelen's 13th birthday with a Costco cake decorated with the viola treble clef. Daelen is my kindred viola spirit. :) The cake was certainly not on my post-partum diet plan, but I really couldn't help myself. And you only celebrate entering your teenage years once, so I had to participate! It will be even more fun as they all grow and Abney can join in more effectively in the fun. She was chatting up a storm but couldn't play Rock Band. LOL*Abney (4 mos.), Kylee (5), Connor (8), Daelen (13)
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Horses, Goats, and Abneys
We visited Auntie Anne's farm, Crooked Creek, and Abney got to meet her first horses and goat. She seemed interested, at least for a four month interest level. :) I look forward to many more visits down the road when I can watch Abney start to ride and not just sit up there. She already looks so big up there!
We have a picture of me when I was about the same age doing the same thing. It is so fun to share memories that were important to me with her, and my hope is that she will feel as fulfilled with life as I do. My goal is to make her feel as loved, free, and capable to do anything as my parents made me.
We have a picture of me when I was about the same age doing the same thing. It is so fun to share memories that were important to me with her, and my hope is that she will feel as fulfilled with life as I do. My goal is to make her feel as loved, free, and capable to do anything as my parents made me.
Valentine's Dinner-A Year Later
On our way home from NOLA we decided to have our VDay dinner at Ruby Tuesday somewhere in Alabama. Ben and I marveled at the fact that Abney has been a part of our life for an entire year (although we wouldn't find out until Ash Wednesday last year). My how life changes in a year. I ask God all the time why I've been so blessed, why He chose me to be the mother to such a perfect angel. She makes every day...there aren't even words...she just makes every day better, bigger, more full of love. My heart has grown so that it can hold how much love I have for her. Best Valentine's Day yet.
MARDI GRAS
Since I am so behind on posting this will not be a long entry, but picture is definitely worth a thousand words. 
Abney slept through most of the first parade but was wide awake and enjoying every minute of the second. She hung out with Aunt Fairy and really enjoyed the noises and pretty floats, and of course being with her Fairy. She wore the little pink gator onesie Fairy gave us, which she also wore on her way home from the hospital,
Great picture of Abney with her Fairy.
I love this one of the two of us because it looks like we are sharing a secret.
Abney slept through most of the first parade but was wide awake and enjoying every minute of the second. She hung out with Aunt Fairy and really enjoyed the noises and pretty floats, and of course being with her Fairy. She wore the little pink gator onesie Fairy gave us, which she also wore on her way home from the hospital,
Great picture of Abney with her Fairy.
I love this one of the two of us because it looks like we are sharing a secret.For Saturday night we went out on the town for yummy dinner and to give Ben his first taste of Bourbon Street during Mardi Gras (it was a disaster and he has no desire to return during that weekend, it is a tourist trap and a half). But our dinner was of course delicious and even though Bourbon was crazy, that is what made it fun. It was also the first time we used a non-relative babysitter...although it doesn't really count since our sitters were Lindsay's mom and sister. Hey, they aren't related to us! Ha-ha It was like a nice way to get our toes wet on leaving Abney with someone else, and making sure we spend our quality time out. Especially great friends like Linds and Joe.
We had an absolute blast visiting with Fairy Godmother and attending the parades. Next year we have already begun planning a longer stay and what we can do to make sure Abney catches even more beads.
We had an absolute blast visiting with Fairy Godmother and attending the parades. Next year we have already begun planning a longer stay and what we can do to make sure Abney catches even more beads.
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