BABY JOURNAL
June 15, 2006
Dear Diary,
I wish I could clone myself. We talked on the show today about single moms and what a rough time they have. I'm not even a single mom and I still cannot get it all done in a day. I think that all high school girls should get to spend a week helping out a new single mom, just to see how hard it really is. That would be some good birth control.
I must admit, it really makes you fine tune your skills as a multi-tasker though. I never realized I could do laundry, cook, talk on the phone, hold the baby and watch The Price is Right all at the same time. I developed some mad mommy skills.
I take Magnolia in for her 1 year doctors visit today. I really enjoy the visits where there are no shots! I can't wait to see how she ranks on the charts, as far as weight and height. It's kinda dorky, but I love that stuff. I also want to find out where the heck her teeth are. She has no problems eating, but babies half her age have several teeth already. I just want to make sure they are under there!
Because time has gotten to be so precious these days, I'm gonna have to put the journal on hiatus for a bit. I'm sorry, I will pick it back up when I can.
Virginia
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June 5, 2006
Dear Diary,
Sorry it has taken me so long to write, life has just been so busy these last few weeks. We had the best birthday and week visiting with family and friends. I wish we could do it every month. Magnolia loved all the attention and she enjoyed the yummy goodies too! She got so many wonderful presents. It was just a wonderful happy time.
Me and my best friend really enjoyed watching our girls play. They are 3 months apart and they got along so well. They laughed and played together and shared food and drink. It was so completely adorable!
Magnolia starts swim lessons next week. I'm really looking forward to seeing her swim like a little fish. With as much time as we spend on the boat and around Peaunt Island I want to feel safe should she accidentally fall in. God forbid something happened, I don't want to wait and regret it.
Virginia
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May 22, 2006
Dear Diary,
This is the big birthday week, Magnolia's party is this Saturday and the family and friends start arriving on Thursday. I am so excited about having all the fun company and enjoying her special day. I hope everything goes off ok, Pete is such a good party planner person that I think we have it covered. I just want everything to be so perfect that I will stress myself out more than I need to. I always do. I need to keep reminding myself to just have fun!
I thought it would be a perfect time to do a yummy crawfish boil, with all people from out of town coming in. I love the crawfish! Me and my best friend are gonna wake up early and boil up all 50 pounds on Saturday morning. Magnolia loves the crawfish too, last time we did it she was eating them right along side of us the whole time!
-Virginia
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May 16, 2006
Dear Diary,
Magnolia is so funny! She is getting such a little personality. I loved her when she was a little blob of a baby, but now it's just so much more fun to interact with her. She knows how to give kisses, it cracks me up. She kisses you with a big wide open mouth and laughs the whole time. She waves bye bye. She says da da. She is always smiling and talking baby talk gibberish. I am just loving this age!
She has started taking a few steps together, as long as she's not tired she will take a few steps with a bit of coaching. She's still too unbalanced by herself to last very long but it's so fun watching her discover that she can walk! My favorite thing is to hold both her hands, stand behind her and just let her go. She almost breaks into a jog.
Virginia
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May 7, 2006
Dear Diary,
We are so excited getting ready for Magnolia's big first birthday Party! It will be so much fun. I already have her outfit and the decor and the menu picked out. I am going to do a Luau theme with tropical decor and food! It should be fun and colorful. Magnolia loves colorful flowers and food!
My best friend and her baby are going to be coming in too for the party, that makes me so happy. I am wishing they lived closer. Her little sweet baby, Savannah is 3 months younger than Magnolia. It would be so nice to have our little girls grow up together. I miss my best friend.
Yesterday someone said something so profound to me. Your children are wonderful, men are a treat, but there is nothing more important than having good girlfrends. As moms, we take care of everyone but we need to remember it's also important to take care of ourselves. We need our girlfriends to keep us balanced and stress free!!! It's like our therapy.
Virginia
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April 26, 2006
Dear Diary,
Well, this week has got to be better. Turns out that thing on her chin and ear were bacterial infections. We think she got them when she went in the pool with her little chin rash and came in contact with bacteria in the water. How gross is that? Then she spread it to a small scrape in her ear and it just started growing like crazy. Poor thing.
There is nothing more exhausting and upsetting than seeing your child in pain and hurt. I felt so helpless. I just wanted to make it all better and I couldn't. That was very hard for a control freak like me to come to terms with in her head. Pete thinks we should get a big bubble for her to spend the next 15 years in. It will make her sweet 16 party all the more eventful. She'll be all grown up and she can come out of her bubble on the same fun night!
Virginia
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April 20, 2006
Dear Diary,
This has been such a long week. Everyone at work keeps saying how the week has flown by, but I just don't feel it. I am mentally exhausted. I think I need a vacation. I just want to have a few days with no stress and drama.
Magnolia has this blister on her chin and I have no idea what it is. She has been drooling non stop (no teeth yet) and maybe it's just from too much moisture and rubbing. But it has me all upset. On top of that I found a gash in her ear yesterday, and I have no idea where she got that either. It looks like it had to hurt. I'm just feeling like a bad mom and wondering how my little baby is so banged up and I'm so clueless.
I took her to Dr. Beer yesterday he couldn't really say for sure how she got the hurt chin. Pete is taking her to the peditrician this morning to look at her ear and chin. Hopefully they will be able to tell me what it is.
I'm just not having a good week. At least tomorrow is Friday!!!
Virginia
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April 13, 2006
Dear Diary,
Well, Disney was an absolute blast! Magnolia loved it, really she just loved all the attention. I don't think she's old enough yet to get it. We rode some fun rides and Kevin's wife was nice enough to watch her for me for one of the night parties. This mommy was so happy to get a small break!
My inlaws have been in town since Monday, so we have been a little busy around my house. We are planning to do a little family cruise on the boat today. The weather is beautiful! Magnolia is getting so spoiled though. She is loving all the cuddles.
I can't wait to put her little Easter basket together. We are going to brunch at 391st bomb group and then gonna have a little egg hunt. It should be so cute. Bad mommy...I still don't have her easter dress for church! Going shopping today!
Virginia
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March 31, 2006
Dear Diary,
Magnolia is just my absolute favorite person in the world. I just never knew how much you could love another person. I can't wait to come home to her every day. I love being with her and cuddling her close. She loves to cuddle too. It just warms my heart so much when she squeals and lunges for me when I come home. She is so genuinely happy to hug me. It's just the most pure and fulfilling love anyone can ever know.
We are going up to Disney for the show next week, I can't wait. I am hoping Magnolia likes it. She's still kinda young to know what's going on. I just hope she's not scared. I've seen those kids that start screaming because they are terrified of the characters. I hope she's not freaked out.
Virginia
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March 24, 2006
Dear Diary,
Went to the peditrician yesterday. We were doing Magnolia's shots one at a time, so I feel like I am in there every week. They say it's safer in case she has an allergic reaction to the medicine. Very time consuming, though.
We went out for sushi last night. Magnolia was such a good girl. We got her a bowl of sticky rice and she loved it. She was pretty well behaved right up till the end. I don't know, maybe all kids are like this, but she has about a 45 minute window of good behavior. I'll notice if I have her in the backseat for longer than 45 mins she will start to get upset. Same thing at dinner last night, she was good till the end when she started throwing everything in her reach on the floor. I think she just likes a scenery change about every 45 minutes.
We may try and take the new boat out tonight, if the weather is better. It was rainy last night. The guy that sold it to us has to come over and help us. It's just a bigger boat than Pete and I have ever driven. They say that two engines makes it easier to drive, but it's kind of intimidating. It's an older boat too, so I'm sure there are a bunch of little things he knows about it that would help us. I think Magnolia will have to miss this one tonight. It's hard to pay attention and hold her at the same, she is very squiggily.
Virginia
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March 20, 2006
Dear Diary,
Well, we got the boat! It took some manuvering and a bit of stress this weekend, but now we have a boat. This should be so much fun this summer. We took Magnolia out to see it yesterday and she liked it. She loved the rocking motion. It's big enough to sleep on, so we justified it by saying that we would use it like a floating hotel. It does need a bit of work, but it's mostly cosmetic stuff that we can do ourselves.
Magnolia really had a good time on St. Patty's Day. We took her on our all -day broadcast. I was a bit worried about it at first, but it went fine. Pete watched her most of the day and Kevin's wife and daughter helped out too. She was much happier with us. She loves to be around people and in the action.
I just can't believe how much she has grown. She is almost 10 months old! On top of that she is big for her age. She's already wearing 12+ month old clothes. She has so much hair I had it in pigtails again over the weekend. I had a lady in Publix tell me I was lying when I said Magnolia was 9 1/2 months. I had to think about it. Was I lying? I stopped a second and actually had to do the math. That made me laugh.
Virginia
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March 13, 2006
Dear Diary,
Magnolia and I went to Boca yesterday. It was the Big Comfy Couch live stage show at Mizner. It's like a concert for toddlers and small kids. She loved it. The performers were dancing around and singing, and when the audience would start clapping she would squeal and clap too. She is too funny.
We went and looked at this boat yesterday. We may be getting it. It's an older boat, but it has lots of potiential and could be fixed up really nice. We could even take it on overnight trips. I would love to have Magnolia grow up around boats and learn all about them and the ocean. That is really cool to me, maybe because I didn't really know about the fun of boating till I was in my 20's. It's really neat for kids to grow up with all that water fun in their lives.
Virginia
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March 9, 2006
Dear Diary,
I just cannot believe how fast time has flown. Today I was on the phone with my friend making plans for them to come and visit for Magnolia's first birthday. WHAT??? First Birthday? She was just born last month it feels like. I cannot believe almost a year has past!
I've been doing research into this "first birthday" thing. Most parents I talk to say just to make it a fun party for the parents, cause the kid won't remember if you spend a fortune. I guess that is a good point. Magnolia doesn't really have a lot of friends, though. I guess Pete and I will just invite our friends. She has been exposed to other babies her age, but it just seems to me like she could take em or leave em. She likes her cousins who are older kids and Kevin's daughter Caitlin, who is 8. But she just doesn't have much use for other babies yet.
Maybe I should join one of those mommy and me groups? I know of a few of them. I just already have such a busy day as it is. But I don't want Pete and I to be her only friends, either.
This is kind of silly. But if this is the worst thing I am worring about when it comes to my baby I guess I'm pretty lucky. Thank you god for making her healthy and our lives so blessed!
Virginia
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March 2, 2006
Dear Diary,
I have been so bad these last few weeks about writing. Magnolia and I were sick for a few days and then we went to New Orleans for Mardi Gras. It was a crazy couple of weeks. It's kind of nice to be home and have things calm down.
We were sad that Pete could not go with us. He had too much crazy stuff going on at work. But, it was such a cool time for me and my best friend, Kimmie to bond and have our babies bond. Her little baby, Savannah is 6 months old. She and Magnolia were so cute together. They are too little to really understand that they will be forced to be best friends too.
The whole Mardi Gras had such a different feel this year. It was bittersweet for us. There was so much damage and sadness. It's just mind boggling to drive around the town where you grew up and see entire neighborhoods turned into ghost towns. There is so much destruction it makes my knees weak. I'm gonna post a little photo scrapbbok with some pics. But even the pics just don't do the destruction justice. It's almost too big to wrap your brain around.
Don't get me wrong there was fun and Mardi Gras Spirit in the air too. What was nice is that a lot of the troublemakers have not come back. They are still living in Houston or other areas and are enjoying the new set up they have gotten there from FEMA and The Red Cross. Most times what they have now is much better than what they had in New Orleans. They just don't want to come back. We had fun and felt safer than I ever have in that city. It was weird.
We stayed in Kimmie's FEMA trailer, so we got the "real" experience. Those things are not bad really. If your house is 80% destroyed like hers is, you become humble and thankful for that trailer real quick. She lost so much. But you can't break a happy person's spirit with a hurricane. And I guess it can't break the spirit of my favorite city either.
Virginia
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February 17, 2006
Dear Diary,
We had our little belated family Valentines dinner last night. I'm feeling a bit under the weather, so Pete was so nice. He went out and got me medicine and picked up some yummy food for us to just stay in and celebrate. We got sushi and it was really good. He also got some special saki for us to try. I have to say the saki and actifed buzz is kind of a weird place. I'm just happy my nose stopped running.
I am going to Resort tonight for a live broadcast. I hope I'm feeling better. It's so hard to get motivated now as a mom to go clubbing. It just feels strange. Once I'm there it's ok, we always have a great time, but while I'm getting dressed I feel odd. Thank goodness I feel safe leaving Magnolia with my friend, Devon. I know she will be cuddled and loved while I am away.
Virginia
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February 13, 2006
Dear Diary,
We finally broke down and bought a high chair and playpen yesterday. I was fighting it because our condo is already a tight space, but we really needed them. We got a talking to from our peditrician about just letting her crawl all over the house. She scared us into it. She's right. You just can't move now in our house. Oh well.
We got Magnolia's pictures back from the photo shoot we did with the baby model photographer. They are so cute. Pete and I have been sizing up all the babies in the catalogs lately and we think Magnolia has a shot. Of course, we may be a bit biased.
For Valentines Day my best friend Kimmie helped me come up with such a cute idea. For Pete's gift from Magnolia I got one of the clay things from the craft store where you can make a mold of their hand or footprint. You can write on it too, so we wrote "Happy Valentine's Day Daddy" and put her foot in it. I did it upsidedown at first, so I had to redo it, but that's the good thing about the clay, it does not set till you bake it. It's a memory we can keep forever now. Awwwww...her footprint is so cute!!
Virginia
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January 27, 2006
Dear Diary,
I think I messed up Magnolia's sleep schedule yesterday. I was doing a bunch of running around yesterday at her bed time. She kept falling asleep and I kept waking her up and going into stores. I finally put her to bed at 9:45, and she would not go to bed. Then she was up for the rest of the night. She would sleep for 30 minutes and then wake up again. When Pete came home she kept him up for over an hour. She was wide awake starting at 3am and did not go back to sleep. I just woke up with her and put her in the shower with me. I am so sleepy today. I feel so bad for the moms that go through this every night. I know that there are alot of them out there.
Magnolia is going tomorrow morning for a modeling photo shoot. They say the Pampers baby made serious coin last year. I would love to get Magnolia just a little bit of that action. She has a savings account already for college, but I would love to get the balance up. My friend told me that I should try and save at least something around $50 every month for her. So far I have been pretty good about it. I hope she's not cranky when it's time for the shoot.
Virginia
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January 19, 2006
Dear Diary,
Well, Pete and Magnolia had to go out of town for his Grandmother's funeral. It has been a strange week. I really thought I would just love some "me time", but after the first day I started feeling sad. I miss my little family. I saw a baby in the mall yesterday that is just a few days older than my Magnolia. She was sooo cute. I almost teared up.
They are coming back home Friday evening. I hope we can finally go check out the fair as a family this weekend! I did manage to finally catch up on all my laundry and organize Magnolia's closet. That is a good thing! My house was clean, even if only for a couple of days.
Virginia
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January 11, 2006
Dear Diary,
I love it now that Magnolia is old enough to sit up by helself in a high chair. We went to Carrabba's last night and she was having such a good time. She was smilng and looking around at evryone. She ate some bread and pasta and a olive. It's so fun to watch her little face as she explores all these new and exciting tastes. Every day is such a wonderful new experience watching her. She is just my favorite thing in the whole world.
I gave Magnolia a little haircut the other day. Everybody was telling me not to do it, but her crazy bangs were in her eyes too much. I also evened out the back a little bit. I am so happy I did it. She looks so cute. I just squeeze and cuddle her so much. She looks like a little girl now, not so much of a baby anymore with those bangs!
Virginia
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January 4, 2006
Dear Diary,
It feels really strange to write that, 2006. What a difference a year makes. I'm not really a big "resolution" type girl, but I am going to really make an effort this year to keep more order in my life. I've got so much baby stuff in my house and car now, everything always feels cluttered and messy. I have got to organize!!!! I think I will make a little trip to that Hold Everything store in the mall tonight.
Pete took down the Christmas tree yesterday. It was partially blocking the TV and he was excited about the Penn State game. I could not figure out till right before the game started why he was in such a hurry to get that tree down. Then he told me and it all made sense. Men are funny.
Pete and I are close to getting a boat finally! We took it out for another test drive last night with a friend. It's much more affordable if we all go in on it together. We really need to take one of those boating safety classes though. If Magnolia is gonna be on it with us I want to make sure we all know what we are doing. They should make it the law.
Virginia
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December 20, 2005
Dear Diary,
I am so happy we finally decorated the tree last night. Magnolia was more interested in eating the tissue paper I had wrapped the ornaments in than decorating, but that's ok. We played Christmas music and I videotaped it for her. It was fun, but I wish Pete could have been there too. He had to work. It's the busiest time of year for everybody in the restaurant business. I can't wait till the seaon is over.
I had finally pumped myself up to finish my Christmas shopping last night, then I walked outside. It was miserable. Cold and misty rain, not good for baby or mama. I decided I would just go to the drug store and buy gift cards instead. It's not as personal of a gift, but I am just too fried to put all that effort into shopping. Wow, never thought I would feel that way.
Virginia
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December, 15, 2005
Dear Diary,
I cannot believe it's only 10 days till Christmas! I am going to do some shopping tonight. I think Magnolia and I will hit Toys R Us. I want to buy her a baby carrier like Angelina Jolie has for her new baby. Magnolia loves being held and staying close to me and Pete, but she gets so heavy to carry around all the time. Maybe this is more of a present for us.
Pete put up our Christmas tree yesterday and it looks so beautiful. We still have to decorate it when we get 5 minutes. It's just so crazy these days. Magnolia keeps looking at the tree and wondering what the heck it is. I can't wait to see her face when it has lights all over it!
Virginia
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December 12, 2005
Dear Diary,
Magnolia is crawling!!! She has been getting up on her hands and knees, but until yesterday all she did was wobble a bit. Now she is full on crawling! I love it. She's so proud of herself. She is so into everything. She is surprised at herself and looks around smiling to see if we can see her. She is soooo cute!!!
We took her to Crazy Buffet the other night and it was really fun to watch her try new foods. She tried some rice with peas in it and a marshmallow with chocolate sauce all over it. I took her up to the chocolate fountain with me, she so wanted to put her face in it. I must admit I wanted her too as well, but did not want them to ask us to leave. She tried Jell-O too. It was bright red and looked scary when she spit up a little of it later. No more red Jell-O.
Virginia
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December 8, 2005
Dear Diary,
I am so sorry that I have not been better about writing. It's just so hard these days. I always feel like I am rushing and my head is spinning. Pete's parents just came in town yesterday and I am so happy. They watched Magnolia all day for me yesterday and it was wonderful. I went to the dentist and I went out to dinner with friends. Pete and I shared a juicy steak. yummy.
We finally had to make the transition and take Magnolia out of our bed. She has slept with us since she was born, but it had become too crowded. She would fling out her arms and move all around so much that Pete was spending most nights on the sofa. Can't have that. We bought one of those co-sleepers and she did pretty good in it. I had to put my hand on her a few times when she woke up and could not feel us, but I think it was a smooth transition. Pete called me at work this morning and said when she woke up just before 7am he put her back next to him in the bed so they could play. I can't wait to get home and play too!!
Virginia
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November, 27, 2005
Dear Diary,
Well, it turned out she really was sick. I cannot believe the emergency room missed it. The doctor diagnosed her with Croup. Then she gave it to Pete and I. That was not fun. All of us were sick together last week. I should go back there and complain. My doctor said as a future reference, always take children to St. Mary's ( that is not where we went) They have a special children's emergency center. Good to know for the future.
Our Thanksgiving was fun. Kevin and Kim came over with their kids. We decided to do non-traditional food and it was delish! We did steaks on the grill with scallops wrapped in bacon and lobster and seafood pasta. My mom came in from Texas that night for a short visit. She and Magnolia got to spend time together and they both loved it! It was a really nice and unstressful holiday. Just the way I like them!
Virginia
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November 17, 2005
Dear Diary,
Poor Baby Magnolia. She is sick. I don't know if it's just a cold, or allergies or what, but she is so miserable. She's never sad unless she's hungry so it's so hard to see her in pain and coughing. She is so congested that it's hard for her to breathe. Pete got really worried yesterday and took her to the Emergency room. He had a really bad experience, they were mean to him. I guess they did not think it was enough of an emergency. But he was worried she could not breathe. Those emergency room people are lucky that I was not there. I would have gone off on a nurse.
Pete is such a great daddy. There is nothing sexier than a man that is so good with his little baby. He just loves and adores her so much. I feel so blessed. That's why I would have gone so psycho on that mean nurse. We should be celebrating and encouraging dads that care and get involved. Not making them feel silly for being worried.
I am pissed.
Virginia
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November 9, 2005
Dear Diary,
I had the nicest date last night. Pete and I went to see Miss Saigon at The Kravis Center. We even got to sneak in a little Tsunami Sushi before. My girlfriends came over to babysit. It really was fun for us to have a night out.
The night before that we had another great date. We took baby with us that time. Those dates are so sweet too. I love being a real family. I hope we can do it again this weekend. I want to go down to Delray for the Garlic Festival. The weather is supposed to be perfect.
Magnolia had her first taste of cookies the other night. I made some sugar cookies with cinnamon sprinkled on top. She was so happy that she was laughing in between bites of cookie. It was so cute. She is such a love. I don't know how I lived without her.
Virginia
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November 1, 2005
Dear Diary,
We are finally back to normal, what, almost two weeks later? Wilma was a beast, but luckily not a killer beast. We ended up going to Orlando like we had planned, and I am really happy we did. Our area got hit much worse than it did during Frances or Jeanne. Lots of trees down and flying debris. Our neighbor had a tree fall through her window. I'm sure that had we been here the tree would have come looking for our window.
We ended up doing Epcot while up in Disney. It was the Food and Wine festival. Boy is that expensive! There are lots of samples you can try, but they are all pretty pricey. That Mickey is clearing serious coin.
We spent most of the other time just hanging out with Pete's friends that were up there too. It's a fun town, but the crowded tourist thing gets old real quick. The traffic was insane there. I guess they said that everybody from Fort Lauderdale and Miami was coming up to Orlando. It looked like it.
I'm just glad we are safe and our little condo did not get washed away.
Virginia
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October 18, 2005
Dear Diary,
Well, I thought we had skirted hurricane season this year and gotten lucky. But it looks like this storm Wilma may come right for South Florida. I think everyone should have a plan. It's Tuesday now and they say the storm will hit late Saturday or Sunday morning. I think we are just gonna play it safe and leave Saturday morning. We are in a mandatory evacuation area. Pete was going to go to Orlando on Sunday night anyway by himself for work for a couple of days. I think we will tag along and play it safe.
I just don't want to take any chances. I pray it's all for nothing. I kept saying I was going to up the coverage on our ""personal belongings" insurance, but I didn't. I was hoping we would not have to worry about it till next hurricane season and save a few bucks. Crud. I hope it's not a tough lesson learned situation.
Virginia
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October 12, 2005
Dear Diary,
This has been such a busy fun week. We have had Pete's sister and brother in law visiting and they are just the nicest people. Magnolia has been showered with love and kisses non stop for days now. She even spent one night with them at their hotel by herself. Pete and I slept so good. It was strange not to have her with us, and I missed her very much. But, at the same time we felt so free of responsibility. Even if just for one night, it was great.
Pete, Magnolia and I are going to have a little family day tomorrow at the hotel after Pete's family leaves. We're just gonna keep the room one more night for ourselves. I love Disney, but I think The Breakers Hotel is the happiest place on earth. My house is so messy right now because our cleaning girl quit. I just want one night for us in a fancy clean room with clean sheets on the bed. It makes us smile!
Virginia
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October 4, 2005
Dear Diary,
Magnolia and I went to our monthly La Leche League meeting last night. It really is a great group of women and babies. It's basically a support group for moms that are breastfeeding or want to breastfeed. I think breast milk is so amazing. There are so many nutrients and vitamins in it. The group helps moms find the tools and resources and information they need to be the best moms they can, and I like that. Just don't be surprised if when you go to a meeting the other moms whip out a boob and start feeding their babies. My husband says he want to go just because of that, but I told him no men!
There was a one week old baby there and I just cannot believe how little they are. Magnolia has already almost doubled her birth weight. He was so precious and tiny. His mom looked really tired. Boy, do I remember that look. We were talking and she and I agreed that it's so difficult when they are 2 months and under. They are just so expressionless and hungry and poopy. I remember thinking I may just collapse any minute. I am so glad it has gotten better! I love that magnolia is smiling and laughing and playing now. It's so cool.
Virginia
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September 30, 2005
Dear Diary,
Magnolia had her first solid foods this week. She had applesauce, and loved it. It was like a whole new world for her and you could see it on her face. She was so excited. After her first bite and taste she started freaking out. Her little arms started spazing out and she was grabbing at the spoon. I could not get it in her mouth fast enough.
She's also completely rolling over now. She needs a little help getting her arms out from under her when she does, but she is so proud of herself. She giggles and lifts her head up real high, like a turtle. It is so cute. I have been going crazy with the cam-corder. But, because there is so much crap everywhere in the house, it looks like we live in Baghdad. I think I'm going to have to go shopping this weekend for a foot locker/trunk type thing. I've saved so much stuff from her birth and first few months, it's already outgrown the memory box I had it all in. I hope she enjoys this stuff when she grows up. I think she will.
Virginia
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September 27, 2005
Dear Diary,
We went back to the peditrician's office yesterday. Magnolia is getting so big. She's above the 95th percentile in length. People always ask me if she's like 6 or 9 months old. She's only 4 months. She's just so long and has this full head of hair. She looks like a baby wearing a wig some days.
I really need to get my life in order. I'm sure most moms feel this way. I feel frazzled and so busy all of the time. The basics, like doing laundry and cooking a meal every now and then are really hard to do. Nevermind keeping the condo clean and making the bed. If we never had company I would probably never make the bed anymore. We were lucky to find a nice girl that helps me out and cleans up a bit every two weeks. But that's all she can do. It's just not enough. She could come every 3 days and it would not be enough. I wish I never got tired. That would solve all of my time management problems.
Now I really understand what the whole "hardest but most rewarding job ever" means. Moms bust their butts. When you are a mom yourself you can really appreciate your own mom so much more. I'm feeling very "circle of life" today.
Virginia
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September 23, 2005
Dear Diary,
I joined the club I had feared so much yesterday. Most moms I talk to are in it, but it did not make it any easier. I was changing baby Magnolia and she rolled off the changing table. I was trying to do that move where I left my hip next to the table and leaned over to get something. She just rolled down my leg and fell on the carpet. She cried and so did I. What made it worse was that Pete was home. He came running over from the computer and freaked out right along side of me. He said he hoped this would never happen and how he thought it would have been him that dropped her. I felt like the worst mom ever.
We had company in town from New Orleans. Their family rode out the storm a little north west of New Orleans, but it was still the scariest thing they have ever been through. To hear them talk about what happened I don't know why anyone would ever ride out any storm. They had to hide in the pantry below the stairs in the home for hours. They lost power, there were tornadoes touching down all around the neighborhood, and a tree fell on the house. They finally evacuated 3 days after the storm because they did not have enough food and water to make it much longer.
I just know that I would never want to go through that with a baby. I was terrified of it before Magnolia, but now there's just no way.
Virginia
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September 20, 2005
Dear Diary,
Poor Baby Magnolia got our bad sinuses. Pete and I both have yucky allergies. We really have to get to the doctor for those allergy shots. Pete has had them before and says they work.
I did not realize this baby fact before Magnolia was born, but all babies are nose breathers. If they have a stuffy nose, they can't breathe. When they are feeding from a bottle or the breast they form a tight seal with their suction power. If the nose is clogged you got big trouble.
Getting boogies out has become a big deal in my household. We bought this stuff called Little Noses. You spray this spray in the nose and suction out the boogie with the suction ball. It's not the easiest thing to do, cause baby freaks out when you spray the stuff in her nose. But it works great, it's just an ordeal with crying baby and all.
So, I was impressed when Pete discovered a new way to do it the other morning. It's a little gross, but really sweet and selfless of him. He waits till the end of baby bath time, when the humidity and water have loosened up the boogies. He puts his mouth right over the little nostril and suctions it out. What a great daddy. Before she even realizes what's going on it's over. No crying, no drama. Too cool. Kevin asked me if Pete spits or swallows. For the record he spits.
Virginia
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September 14, 2005
Dear Diary,
Baby Magnolia and I both had to go to the doctor yesterday. Bless her heart she is having a hard time going poo poo. The poo poos are so compact and hard and big she is struggling to get them out. We had to add a little watered down prune juice to her feeding schedule. I really hope this helps.
I had to go and have a mole cut off at Dr. Beer the dermatologist's office. It was a bit embarassing, the mole was on my butt. Everybody had to come in the exam room and look at the mole too. It was a size 6, whatever that means. Pete is sad today, he misses the mole. He says it was his favorite. I wonder if I can ask for it back after it goes to pathology. I can always tape it back on for all of the fun with none of the health risks.
Magnolia is gonna go to the babysitter's tomorrow night. Pete is taking me out for a romantic dinner at Tsunami. I love the whole vibe of that place. We could really use some date time together. I don't think we've been alone together in weeks. I guess that's what happens when you have a infant, but it really makes for a lonely husband.
Virginia
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September 12, 2005
Dear Diary,
I really don't understand why the nicest people just have such a rough time. My best friend Kimmie spent all weekend in labor and finally had the baby late last night. She ended up having to go through a c-section, after two days of pain and pushing, they just had to cut her anyway. The baby's shoulder got stuck. But the baby is fine, and healthy and that is the best news I have heard in a long long time. Kimmie was so worried that the baby was gonna be sick. I am so happy the worry is over!
Baby Magnolia and I helped raise money this weekend for a family of 16 that all lost their homes near New Orleans. Baby didn't know what was going on, she's so little, but I want her to learn early about helping.
She has started this new thing now. She was a really good sleeper for a while, but now she is very restless. We keep her in the bed with us, so I am not getting much sleep these days. She will be fast asleep and start flailing and kicking. This lasts for about 10 seconds and then it stops, she never wakes up. But I sure do. This happens about 10 times a night. I took a baby foot to the ribs this morning and I thought I was being attacked in my sleep. She may be going in the basinette tonight.
Virginia
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September 6, 2005
Dear Diary,
Well, we had some drama this holiday weekend. We took Magnolia up to the Philadelphia area to be baptized in the church where Pete grew up. We ended up having to go a day early because Pete's Brother and Dad were in and out of the hospital. Once we got there Pete had to pick up all the slack and do the things his dad and bro were unable to do. It was really lovely in the end though. The baptism was nice and the brunch afterwards at his parents house was fun. It's just stressful, though. "Big event" family stuff always is. There is just too much pressure to have everything be perfect. I know Pete was feeling it more than me. Now we need a vacation from our vacation.
On top of that drama I spent most of our time away in a sad fog about my best friend Kimmie and her husband Tim. She was supposed to be giving birth in DAYS in New Orleans, but is now, like so many others, coping with her world being turned upside down. Their house in Metarie is still under water and she has lost just about everything in it. Their business in the French Quarter is probably a complete loss, looters have surely hit it, like they did so many of the bars and restaurants and stores. And on top of all that, her parents lost the house she grew up in in Biloxi. The second story of their home fell in on the first and the damage is just awful.
I want to have her move here with me, but her health insurance only works in Louisiana. She needs to stay there to deliver her baby girl. After that though, I wish she would come here to start over. They are staying now with her "not so loving" mother in law, and I know she just needs love right now. Everybody please say a prayer for the hurricane victims that their pain can subside soon. The rippling terrible effects of this storm are truly catastrophic and seem to get worse every day. It's so sad.
Virginia
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August 24, 2005
Dear Diary,
We had some company in town this week and were pretty busy, but Magnolia just rolled with the punches. She has a real go with the flow attitude, which is good with our crazy busy lives. Her Aunt and Uncle were visiting for a few days, it was fun. They are so nice and just love her so much. They are also going to be her Godparents. I am so excited, we are going to have her baptized next week.
She is getting so big. We went shopping yesterday for a baptismal gown and she is already in 3-6 months size. Everyone told me that I should treasure every moment, because they grow up so quickly. I did not have any idea how quickly. She's not so much of a helpless infant anymore. She can hold her head up and look around and smile and coo. I just melt every time I look at her. She's the best thing that ever happend to me.
Virginia
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August 19, 2005
Dear Diary,
Pete and I had date night last night and went to CityPlace Uncorked. It was so much fun. My only complaint is that the event is getting too crowded. They need to move it to the Convention Center.
So, we left Magnolia for the first time with somone other than family. My friend, Devon (who's also a mom and works with Dr. DeLange) babysat. Magnolia was such a good girl, Devon said she didn't even cry. She really is such a good baby.
When she was first born I really loved her, cause you are supposed to, but I didn't know her. It was hard for me to really feel attached and involved, because we had just met. But now, I just think she is so sweet and smiley and nice that I cannot get enough of her. When I'm finished work I just want to rush home to see her. I kiss her a million times a day! I guess this is the bonding part I hear about. I really think she feels the same about me too. It is absolutely the coolest thing in the entire world. I love being a mom.
Virginia
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August 15, 2005
Dear Diary,
Baby Magnolia has started her vaccinations. I don't know who it is more painful for, me or her. She screams, but it's hurts me inside. Someone suggested that we do one per week, insted of 3 or 4 at a time. They said, that way, if she has a reaction to a shot we will know what it was from. I like that advice.
Bless her little heart, she was just lying there on the pediatricians table giggling with me and being a sweetie and I'm just setting her up for the needle. Her entire face turned red and she screamed and cried. I wanted to die! She was so upset. I think I'm gonna send Pete with her for her next shot this Thursday. I can't take seeing her so upset.
I'm going to be that Mom that just dies when her kid feels any pain. I just think Magnolia is such a sweetie and so happy and such a good baby. It breaks my heart to see her in any pain.
I'm upset just thinking about it, I have to go.
Virginia
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August 10, 2005
Dear Diary,
I cannot believe what a good baby Magnolia is. She was so good on the plane rides. She basically slept through it all, even when our plane coming home was delayed 3 and a 1/2 hours! I think I am learning how her personality will be, too. She loves to be entertained, just like me. She loves change of scenery too. If she is being even slightly fussy, all we have to do is switch up where she is and what we are doing and she is fine.
I think we are so lucky. I hear stories about colicky babies and I thank goodness that she is not one of them. I am so excited, she is coming to hang with me for a bit at work today! Intern Hearther is going to babysit her. It should be fun to hang with her with at work. Everybody has been asking to see her!
Virginia
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August 2, 2005
Dear Diary,
Wow, we took baby Magnolia to the pediatrician yesterday and she weighs 10 lbs 10 oz. She is a long baby too. The doctor says she is in the 95th percentile for length. Maybe that means she'll be tall like her dad. I wonder what she will look like and be like when she grows up. I catch myself just staring at her sometimes and trying to picture what she will be like when she grows up. I just hope she's happy and a good person.
She will take her first plane ride tomorrow, the doctor said to try and feed her while we are taking off and landing, that will calm her. It will also help her clear her ears. Good advice.
I am so excited to be taking Pete and Magnolia to my hometown, New Orleans. Kevin and I going for a morning show thing, but we will do a lot of touristy stuff too. Kevin's wife is coming too, so it will be a party! I am excited to eat at all of the amazing places that I miss. I just love that city and it's always big fun to go home and play tourist.
Virginia
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August 1, 2005
Dear Diary,
So, I guess the most important thing that I wanted to share from my birth experience is to savor it, and try to remember every detail. Look forward it, it may be scary, but it means your pregnancy is over! If you are like me and did not enjoy being pregnant, the day your water breaks is a day to be happy and excited about, not scared and panic filled. I decided to turn my birthing experience into a party, but that's what worked for me. We had champagne for toasting and music we picked and people that we love around us. Your birth experience will be what you make it. Take control!
Virginia
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July 21, 2005
Dear Diary,
Ok, where did I leave off? Oh yea, the birth experience. The only uncool thing was that Stadol. Don't do it! Everything else was completely wonderful!
My water broke one week early. (the day before my doctor was going to induce me) I was laying in bed watching Oprah and on the phone giving driving directions to my mom, who had just landed at PBI. All of the sudden I heard and felt this POP in my lower belly. It was distinctively different from any of the other noises or belly feelings I had been having. The water did not just gush out like I thought it would. It was more like a trickle for me. It was clear and just a bit thicker than regular water.
I was all packed and everything, but my bed was not made and I needed to straighten up a bit. I'm weird like that. I had it in my silly pregnant head that I had to bring the baby home to a spotless immaculate house. I was being a bit neurotic. I acknowledge it. I should have been on the way to the hospital, but instead I'm folding laundry. My mom was just watching and wondering what the hell was the matter with me.
So, finally Pete stepped in and he, my mom and I headed to the hospital. It had been about 45 mins. since my water broke. I was starting to feel discomfort with the contractions and I was so excited! They were about 4 minutes apart. The pain was coming in waves, but it was still very mild. I checked in at the emergency room and we trecked up to the labor and delivery ward.
My doctor wanted me to wait till I was 3 centimeters dialated to get the epidural. I was only at 1 1/2 and the pain had gone from bearable to mind numbing. Finally they said I could have it early, and that was the best news ever! I was in labor for 16 hours and pushed for 2. My face got sooo puffy!!!
Pete was coaching, my mom, Pete's sister, Kevin and Kim were there to experience it. Little Magnolia Helinda Lang was born at 10:10 on May 30, my mom's birthday! She weighed 7 lbs 7 oz. And, It was easily the best experience of my entire life. It was hard, but it was so cool. Magnolia didn't really scream and cry when she was born, it was just a very peaceful and sweet birth. Just like her.
Virg
The First Pictures of Baby Magnolia!
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Baby Magnolia finally made her way into the world, and Kevin took this, her very first picture! She weighed in at 7 lbs 7 ounces. Check out the other pictures
here. Hear audio from the birth: Click here |
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