Friday Randoms

• I haven't done a bullet point post in a while.  
• Gianna went with my parents this weekend camping - she was SO excited! I love their relationship, it makes my heart happy knowing how much those three love each other.  Can't wait until the littlest girls get in on the fun Gram and Papa trips!
• Speaking of littlest girls - I traded a Gianna for my niece Luci for tonight.  That girl kills me.  And, she is the easiest baby ever. Makes babysitting so simple and fun!
• And speaking of MY littlest girl - she has had a tough week.  Tummy troubles, trouble sleeping, lots of crying.  I hate being at work when she is like that.  And I hate even more being a zombie at work on little sleep.
• But this week zombie status hasn't much mattered - it's been a slow one at work.  Which is nice for a minute, but, I do much better on Maximum Busy mode.
• And speaking of that! I might be teaching this fall (or spring).  It's an opportunity that came out of nowhere, but I think it would be good for me to keep my foot in that door.
• I didn't even realize that the 4th of July was next week and that therefore there might be fun weekend festivities this weekend and next.  I love summer fun - it is harder with the babes in tow, but still, next weekend I will have to find something fun to do with the girls while Mike works.
• Do you celebrate the 4th? I'm mostly just excited for a random weekday off of work!
• Last week I had a skin check at the dermatologist (I do mole mapping every year or two) and yet another mole has to be taken off and biopsied.  It's fine, and was expected, and in comparison to what JJ is going through, it's no.big.deal.  So - PSA: get your skin checked. Wear your sunscreen. Etc.
• I am looking forward to our vacation next month SO MUCH! I can't stop thinking about it actually.
• Especially when I am wrapped up in a fleece blanket at my desk because it is OMGFREEZING in my office.
• My sister and I are splitting a summer share from a local crop share arrangement - this week's share had cherries that were SO GOOD. and we are doing stir fry tonight! And I am going to make some baby food for Miss A if I am feeling really ambitious!
• I think I moved everything over to Feedly from Reader okay - I am crossing my fingers that I did it right anyway....

{working} mom problem #873: Sleepy

Clearly one of the less than fun parts of having a baby is the overnight portion of their programming – not a secret really.  I don’t know any adult who enjoys sleeping in two hour increments, but it goes with the territory. 

Aleesia is a very inconsistent sleeper – sometimes she sleeps until 6am; most often she wants to snack & party at 4am but is usually back asleep by 5am; other times she is up every two hours for her binkie and quick comforting.

And occasionally we are up at 3am to eat. then with reflux issues. And gas issues. And finally, for a cuddle.  Then again at 5:45am to burp and snuggle in for the rest of her deep, snore-producing, sleep.

This is all fine.  The snuggles are adorable.  On the weekend.

During the week? As much as I cherish this slumbering babe – I would also like to be snoring.  I am cranky when I’m tired and that doesn’t make for a pleasant work day.  It also means by 11am I need to hold my eyelids open with toothpicks and wonder if anyone would notice if I laid my head down real quick.  I regularly look like I could either fall asleep, cry, or start a wave of maniacal laughter.  I may or may not actually do 1, 2, or all 3 of these things at my desk daily. 

Not to say that being up all night is ever easy or fun, but if I wasn’t required to functionally use my brain until after 1pm on days like this would be so.much.easier.  And – I would love to just sit here with this (finally) peacefully sleeping girl until she woke up on her own.  Except I don’t know if that is an excusable reason to be late (it should be) & my pjs won’t quite pass as business casual – so I need to try and stealthily put her back in her crib and hope for the best.  Or, just wake up her daddy to take over.

It’s funny how much of the newborn fog I forgot about.  Also, G was a champion night sleeper early on so we didn’t have too many long nights.) I really do feel like I’m just pushing through this haze of sleep deprivation/work/life/etc. and I probably am which is okay  - I know the haze lifts eventually.

I am trying to train myself to be a morning person to combat and embrace the 4am party time.  Let’s just say it is a slow process with a steep learning curve. 

Until then – I am accepting donations of strong coffee, under eye puff-reducing lotion & sleepy baby tips.

Post-Partum: BLAH

Since this is my second go-around with an outside baby, I had a little better idea about the Post-Partum BLAH and how horrible (and humbling) it can be.  I was looking back at old posts and I wrote about it after I had Gianna too!

For this go around, there are a few specific BLAHs that are really getting to me.

 

PostPartum Hair

When I was pregnant with Aleesia, my hair was all over the place funky.  I ended up with these insane alfalfa sprouts in the front and it just didn’t want to behave. Ever.

Now? Same sort of misbehaving hair, only, it sort of wants to be wavy; which would be fine if it actually would just BE wavy.  But it’s in some kind of nonsensical in-between state.  I still have these crazy alfalfa sprouts.  And, it’s falling out.  Right at about 4 months, right on target.  I knew this part was coming at least, so I wasn’t TOO freaked out by it. 

All I ever want to do is put it in a ponytail because that is the easiest.  I also want to cut it, but I don’t know how yet.  I always end up with the same thing, even if I want to try something different.  Anyone have any good ideas for thin, fussy hair that won’t take me an hour to do in the morning?  I’m just not GOOD at hair – so I need something as close to “wash and wear” as possible.

PostPartum Fussy Skin

Before I got pregnant and was using Clomid, and when I first got pregnant and was using progesterone, my skin was HORRID. I mean, it was teenage-horror-story Bad.  I don’t have perfect skin, but it had never been like that.  Now? It’s hovering somewhere in the middle.  The lack of sleep and huge pile of stressors that seem to be taking over my life do not help either.  I did buy a new face wash (anti-aging, because I feel like it’s not too soon to start) and some soothing eye gel stuff (it feels nice, no idea if it “works”).  But it’s not just my face – my skin is CRAZY dry.  I don’t know if it’s a post-partum thing or a getting older thing, but either way, I’m trying to get it in check.

 

PostPartum Body Image

This is the hardest one, I think.  I knew it was coming.  But still, I can’t help but to be frustrated about it.  I spent a 9 months growing this baby, and unfortunately, I do not have rubber-band skin.  So the weight is gone – but the fluffy mommy tummy, the jiggly thighs and all other mis-directed asset reallocations are sticking around.  I am finally working out (probably to the detriment of my wimpy milk supply, but I NEED to work out) and it IS helping me to feel good about myself.  But then I get dressed and feel like all anyone is going to look at is my out of control muffin top or my jiggly arms.  I realize that is probably a bit insane, but I can’t help it. 

I need to listen to people when they give me a compliment and/or just learn to accept the asset reallocation for what it is worth. (two adorable girls, if you are wondering)  I will keep working out because I enjoy it.  But it’s hard to have clothes in your closet that just don’t fit the way they used too.

The other thing? My boobs are bigger.  I have never in my life had to worry about how a top fit (other than it being too big) and now I find myself with shirts that are too tight in the chest.  It’s ok – just totally strange for this card carrying member of the IBTC. 

Overall, I just feel BLAH overall and about how I look lately. I need to snap out of it! I am pretty positive that sleep deprivation plays a large role in this whole deal – so hopefully once that is under control the BLAH will be lifted a little bit.   And working out regularly REALLY helps me to feel good about myself – so I need to keep that a priority. 

So pretty much all I need to get rid of the BLAH is a hair make-over, a facial and a massage, a new wardrobe and 12 hours of uninterrupted sleep.  With a pedicure on the side.

While it is never fun to feel BLAH, no matter what the reason, this too shall pass.  It’s a part of life; this tired-fluffy-messyhaired stage won’t last forever.  It’s nothing a few extra cups of coffee a handful of little girl giggles, a side of big huge baby gummy-smiles and a shot of perspective can’t fix, right?  

Wordless Wednesday

Tiny dancer. 

Big personality in the making. 

Please focus your attention on the ridiculous gummy smile and not on my extra chin. 

The New Mr & Mrs

Hey pretty girl, won’t you look my way

Love's in the air tonight

You can bet you make this ol' boy's day

Hey pretty girl, won't you look my way

Hey pretty girl, it feels so right

Just like it's meant to be

All wrapped up in my arms so tight

Hey pretty girl, it feels so right

Hey pretty girl, can I have this dance
And the next one after that

Gonna make you mine there's a real good chance
Hey pretty girl, can I have this dance

Hey pretty girl, let's build some dreams

Life's a long and winding ride
Better have the right one by your side
And happiness don't drag its feet
Time moves faster than you think

Happy two month-a-versary, Mr and Mrs Jackson.  Love you much.

(for more of the fabulous pictures from there day go here)

Wordless Wednesday.

Constant motion. 

Sunday Night: catching up

I feel like I just need to catch up. With a lot of things, not the least of which is blogging and reading blogs (I am embarrassed at how long it has been since my google reader has been open)

In the spirit of catching up – bullet points:

• When I was sorting baby clothes before Aleesia was born I donated a LOT of (seriously cute) summer clothes in 0-3m size.  My baby was due the end of January – no way would she be in that size by summer! HA! My four month old is barely 10 pounds.  Ya, we could use those clothes now….
• But! It was a reason to get her some really cute stuff for summer.  Although she could use more.
• Breastfeeding/pumping is still a tricky situation.  We are working through it and supplementing consistently.  Which is okay. 
• I need to not let other people get in my head about what/how much/when she eats.  I get frustrated because I really have no control over things all week since I am at work, but Mike has things under control, I think.  She is obviously unsatisfied at the breast 98% of the time – so that is frustrating, but again, we are working through it as best we can.
• There is more I want to say on this topic, but I find myself really sensitive to what other people say, even when  I don’t want or mean to be.
• I started the 30 day shred this past week.  I NEED to workout because it makes me feel good.  I also took “before” pictures.  I like to torture myself. But I hope to see some change once it’s all over.  I am already planning on attempting to do insanity once it’s over.
• I also NEED to workout because we are going to the beach in 2 months.  I would like to get a handle on this fluff by then.
• That beach vacation can’t come soon enough.  We are going with 2 other families and it is going to be so much fun!
• Gianna had her dance recital last week.  It was freaking adorable. But OMGAH dance is such serious business.  So many extra rehearsals and practices and rules.  But the recital was really nice and Gianna hammed it up big time.  who cares if she didn’t really do her routines?
• She did two routines (one ballet, one tap) and we didn’t get home until  9 from the (closed!) dress rehearsal and after 10 from the recital.  But it was worth it – she hammed it up.  And we brought one of her BFF’s with us to watch her, so it was fun!
• After her dress rehearsal she told me that Jack’s sister was “the most prettiest ballerina ever” because she wore a really pretty pink outfit and she had her hair in a bun.  She hasn’t stopped talking about her ever since.  She has also said many times that she can’t wait to dance like the big kids and that Aleesia can be in the little kids class when she is “growned bigger”.
• I say it all the time, but watching life evolve through her eyes is truly such an amazing thing. 
• It seems I can’t really keep up with life too well these days.  I had to actually put a reminder in my phone to pay bills.  And to put the bills in the mail box (yes, I mail 2 things a month! I live under a rock, obvi).
• In an effort not to look like a dead tired mess lately I have started to try really hard to take better care of my skin and I hope to get a new haircut soon-ish.  I just always get the same style and am pretty lazy in the mornings, which is the biggest dilemma in achieving cute hair.
• Also – I am in that post-partum hair loss phase.  And my hair is suddenly wavy-ish. 
• Do you ever wonder if everyone’s life is as over-scheduled as yours? Or is that just me?
• How long has it been since you’ve been on a date with your husband? Do you go on regular dates? 
• Another crazy week on deck for us – how about you?

Achoo!

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of White Cloud. All opinions are 100% mine.

We have recently contracted a warm-weather cold in our house.  By we, I mean the tiny people who live here.  And the biggest little person is VERY particular when it comes to tissues.  As in, if you give her more than ONE at a time, look out.  There WILL be a meltdown. 

(yes, I am serious)

I digress.... we have tried lots of different tissue brands and I just heard about White Cloud Facial Tissues - which I wish i would have known about before I just stocked up on tissues. 

White Cloud Facial Tissues teamed up with Children's Miracle Network (CMN) Hospitals in January and asked the kids recieving treatment to design new tissue box designs. (how cool, right?!) 

White Cloud Facebook Page had a contest and their fans voted on the top 10 designs and selected 3 winners.

(I think they are all 3 really great!)

(you can follow White Cloud all over social media: White Cloud Twitter Page & White Cloud Pinterest Page)

The winning designs have been printed and are for sale for a limited time (beginning May 24).

The winner's hospitals will also be presented with $15,000 donation on behalf of White Cloud - which I think is really great!

White Cloud is carried exclusively at Walmart in select markets. You can check out the White Cloud Store Locator to see if this product is carried in your area.  They are available in my area, and I will be making a trip to grab a box or three (afterall, my two little princesses have needed to use the services of our local CMN hospital)

Making this purchase even better, is the $0.75 off coupon that will appear in July's All You magazine. (all my coupon people out there already know how awesome this magazine is, and those who aren't, this is a magazine that always has really awesome coupons!)

Grab a specialy designed box of White Cloud Facial Tissue, support the CMN and don't spread those warm-weather colds around your house!

 

One Third {of the first year}

I have been desperately trying to figure out how to slow down time for the last four years, and that has never felt more true than the past four months.

Apparently when you add another child to the equation of life, it picks up at close to warp speed. I can’t always keep up with everything I NEED to do, let alone all of the things I WANT to do! But remember the small things is important to me, so here we go.

It has been a crazy four month. Let’s recap Aleesia’s first four months of life, shall we?

She was born after an amazing 19 hour labor/delivery. Giving birth to her without medical intervention was the most amazing thing I have ever experienced.

We hid out at the hospital for 25 hours and came home so she could meet her big sister.

We have been figuring each other out for the past few months.  We have had a busy four months, but I managed to steal some time with just her every once in a while.  We worked hard at breastfeeding at first, and are still working hard to make it work for us.  I’m back to work.  She stays home with daddy and Gianna.  Aleesia has been a bit of a challenge and Mike and I make screamy tiny people – no big deal, really – but it can be exhausting for all of us.

In general, the past four months have been a whirlwind!

We enjoyed lots of snuggling.  With mommy and sister.  Aleesia is a snuggle bug.

There were many meetings of other tiny people – mainly her cousin and new friends.

She endured plenty of goofy photo shoots with mommy.

We all experienced too many hours of crying (an intolerance to milk/soy, breastfeeding problems and a terrible infection were just a few of the culprits. and general newborn crankiness).  And despite the pictures of Aleesia sleeping, there isn’t always a lot of that going on! I just try to capture it when it DOES happen.

We had just a few very special parties to attend.

And even her first holiday - Easter!

We can’t forget to mention that she has been through a few of the most bizarre (at least to me) health issues in her short little life. (MSPI, GI Reflux, ULT, PTT, VUR, that’s enough right?)  And a little hospital stay. (thankfully everything is mostly okay now).

Aleesia figured out her lovie (lovies, if you count her wubanub!)

She has decided outside is fun! (which is a good thing considering her sister never wants to come inside!)

Despite all of the things that have gone against her in her first four months – she learned to hold her head up! and, we get a lot of smiles these days.  And if we are lucky, a giggle!

One thing is without question, somebody here has a big sister who ADORES her and worries about her all the time.  It might have only been four months, but the bond that they have is so special already.  It might be one of the most fun parts of the past few months – watching these two learn each other.

Aleesia in a nutshell is our petite, sensitive, snuggler who doesn’t always feel the best but tries not to let it show. (except, when she does let you know she feels bad – there is no question!)

I wouldn’t know what to do without this girl.  I barely remember what life was like before she came.