I should be doing's

Yesterday as I sat holding Greta while she slept I kept think of all the things I should be doing... Finishing the laundry, unpacking, feeding the dogs, getting dinner decided, baking something, working on Greta's birthday party. The list goes on and on. 

But then I realized... I should be holding her because I missed her so much this week. I should be watching her sleep because she looks like an angel when she does. I should be rocking her because it's comforting for both of us. I should be not doing anything else because she's growing up too fast.

So here's to putting off the should be doings and enjoying the now.... Which happens to be watching this sweet face sleep.

Travel tips when breastfeeding

These are my travel tips to all you breastfeeding moms who have to travel without your baby.

1. Pumps are big and bulky and I have to ask why? I might have to invest in the bag free pump next time. 

2. Pumping in an airplane bathroom is not enjoyable. There isn't enough room to begin with much less add a huge bag and bottles, and tubing oh my! Did that!

3. Pumping in an airplane seat... A little easier than the bathroom and way less claustrophobic. Yup - I did that too!

4. Taking breastmilk through security isn't too hard. 

5. Taking all the breastmilk you pumped (or could fit) home with you  - a pain in the butt!

6. Pumping and dumping makes me want to cry. Do not like it at all - seems like such a waste.

7. It takes way tooooo long to set up the pump and start pumping.

8. Coordinating presentations around a pumping schedule is a challenge.

9. Pumping using the battery pack for power is soooooo slow!

10. People are really nice when tell them you have to pump and need a place to do it. Quite impressed! Late checkouts. Locating family bathrooms. Not letting people kill me on the plane when in the bathroom for 20 minutes.

And lastly... 

11. Breastfeeding moms shouldn't have to leave their babies until they are done nursing. Ever! (Unless they want to, but this mama doesn't)

3 of the longest days ever

This month is going to be very hard. I have 2 work trips - back to back weeks. First up was California. Left on Tuesday and took the red eye home Thursday and landed at 6:15 this morning. Going on no sleep but holding my baby after being gone that long was totally worth it. FaceTime was great while I was gone but almost made me miss her more. It was just so weird to not have the monitor next to me at night and see her little face in it. Or rock her to sleep or nurse her. By the end of the trip, moms with babies must have thought I was crazy because I just keep staring and thinking about Greta.

I hate leaving her and wish I never have to!

On the happy side, Ryan got some great help from his mother and dad who have been staying with us this week, giving Greta lots of extra love and cuddles. They helped get her ready in the morning, took and picked her up from day care and helped feed her dinner... Plus lots of play time. 

More pictures to come!

Missing her so!

Day care sent me this great email today...

Picture of Greta sleeping!  She's all tuckered out.  After lunch, she was standing at the top of the climber, bouncing and dancing to Latin music, shaking her little booty with a big smile on her face!

 - Ms. Jeanette

Sleeping on a cot

Greta has officially graduated and now sleeps on a cot like a big kid at day care. Where has the time gone!

11 months old

Crazy to think that in 1 month Greta is be 1! Where on earth did the last year go. I know she weighs 22 pounds and 12 ounces (because of the dr visit).

Top 10

1. Is so close to walking. 

2. Loves to climb the stair thing at daycare (it's like 2 steps)

3. Can say mama, dada, ball, bubble, dog

4. Is very independent and yet such a mama's girl

5. Had RSV and had to stay home from day care and her first 2 ear infections

6. Got her first pair of real shoes from Stride Rite - 4 1/2 wide

7. New food tried - kale, couscous, quinoa, kiwi, cheese. Does not like plums - projectile vomited those.

8. Gives kisses, and especially kisses to herself on the phone 

9. Has a little bit of an attitude if she doesn't like something

10. Favorite toys are the dolls at daycare and her play house at home.

Feel so very blessed to have her in our life. She's not perfect but she's perfect for us! And I love her more than life itself!

Poor baby

Sweet baby girl is sick again.  We just can't seem to catch a break.  This time - 2 ear infections and RSV, which isn't good and causes a lot of wheezy and trouble breathing.  So no daycare for Greta for a while.  I took Monday off to take her to the doctor and take care of Greta. Then luckily mom was able to come down and stay with us the week and take care of Greta so Ryan and I could both keep working.  She has good moments and bad moments but overall I think she's getting better or at least I hope so. And Motrin is our best friend these days.

Getting a breathing treatment at the doctors - didn't really help.

Hamming it up during a good moment!