Week Nine: Having fun

It's been a fun few weeks with our little cupcake. She certainly gets all over the place these days.  It's fun to think back to our first couple of weeks when simply getting across town to Trader Joe's seemed like a big victory.  And we've learned a lot - like enjoying time out and balancing it with rest at home, accepting help when offered (at least I hope that's happening), and keeping a bottle ready at all times. 

Smiling for Grams

Look at that smile!

Last week my mom was here as I was starting to return to work.  It was a huge help to have an extra pair of hands caring for Kylie while I focused on other things.  Unfortunately I hurt my knee the previous week, and going back to church on Sunday seemed to make it a bit worse with all the walking around and such.  So I went to the doctor and got it looked at.  They think it was just tendinitis - and hopefully not a torn ligament.  With some ice and ibuprofen - and some stretching - we hope its on the mend! 

Anyhow - it was nice to have time to take a shower, to have a good nap, to attend a conference-call meeting and doctor's appointment without a baby in tow.  And my husband and I shared a date at Salem Street Pub one evening.  It was awesome.  And even more special to watch Kylie and her Grams bonding.  She has such a gift with babies so its been a double blessing!  It was hard to have her leave as she really has a way of calming her down.

Since then, Kylie continues to grow and amaze us.  She's been smiling - and loves to do it.  I read that when they observe a face smiling, they smile in response.  But they don't tend to like it if you OVERdo it.  It's special whenever I see Kylie grin.  And humorous when she then starts to cry.  Not sure she connects it all yet.  She's adorable. 

Friday was her 2 month physical and she got her vaccinations.  The doctor said she's doing well growing and healthy all over. She still has some eye gunk that comes from a clogged tear duct - we hope it clears up soon. We are still investigating the tongue-tie -- not sure how we feel about getting that clipped.  The doctor recommended having the procedure done - but we'd like to get a second opinion.  For now, Kylie is eating well from the bottle so we're OK with that. 

Getting her check up

Post-vaccination Star Wars sticker

Saturday was Mother's Day Observed - a gift from Kylie and dad.  They took me to La Farm Bakery for coffee and bread.  They know I love to nosh on all the free samples - and that I did.  Kylie and I then headed down to church for a funeral, which she made it mostly through while asleep.  Lunch was wherever I wanted to go - and for some reason I was inclined towards Buffalo Wild Wings.  I think I was thinking I might get a beer. However, I always think how it would make me more tired than I already am. (Will that ever go away?!) We did get ice cream.  Kylie got me a peanut butter parfait like I used to get my mom on Mother's Day.  We were THRILLED to have a friend bring us dinner Saturday night - a yummy veggie quiche and strawberry spinach pecan salad + lemon pie.  The best part - besides the tasty food - was certainly her company and willingness to hold Kylie while we ate.

Breakfast!

Ice cream

Mother's Day itself was also special.  I was very touched how many folks reached out to wish me a Happy First Mother's Day.  I enjoyed being at church with all the moms and the family of God worshiping together.  I also remembered last year's Mother's day.  I was still very sad to not yet be pregnant.  I did not enjoy celebrating other moms while I was feeling quite envious.  This year I couldn't help but remember how sad I was the previous year - and I hope that other women feeling similarly might experience a bit of grace and hope while so many moms were being honored. 

Sunday morning!

Though its only been a couple of months - I LOVE being Kylie's mom and can't imagine a greater blessing.  It's a huge job and so exhausting much of the time.  But its so wonderful to learn and grow alongside of her - and hopefully stay just one step ahead.  Though I'm sure that will be over soon (if its not already!)