First full weekday at work + first full day at Miss Cathy's = lots of tears...

Today I "worked" my first full day (it was actually orientation). Becca woke up happy, nursed well and ate a good breakfast. We took our early morning car ride over to Cathy's house. She's a wonderful woman that an SLP recommended (we visited Cathy last week during the day). I briefed Cathy about the morning, went over the few notes I'd written and talked a bit about Becca, then I hand Becca over and the crying began....Becca was not please to let me go, but I didn't linger. I told her I loved her and out the door I went. I cried a bit on my way to work; I couldn't help it she's a special little one to me. I knew she was safe and put her out of my mind until lunchtime when I called to check in. Cathy couldn't talk long and could hardly hear me because Becca was more or less still crying!! Cathy recommends "social therapy"--no kiddding!!!! She said I should try and leave her with other people, Dad, gramma and anyone who is "patient and loving" (what she actually meant was someone who could handle the crying). Becca did sleep for an hour and a half, but was still not happy with the situation, as noted by the 11:30 phone call. Oh and Cathy also said "she's pretty strong willed?" It was a statement more than a question and boy is she! Not sure where she gets it (right, right). I knew she was safe and being well cared for, but I still had to call Chris and cry some myself. I was a little shaken and was seriously checking out the clock from 3-4pm when I finally left. I had to stop at the bank for cash and was super annoyed at myself for causing the delay because I was so anxious to get Becca in my arms. Chris called me when I was enroute to Cathy's and I cried again. When I got to Cathy's, Becca was sitting on Lizzy's lap (Cathy's 20 year old daughter) eating cheerios. I got the best 2 minute hug from that precious little girl of mine!!! Cathy was sure that Becca was mad at her from taking her away from her mommy, but they made up as Cathy was filling me in on the day.

So, all in all, lots of tears, but a good day! A step in the right direction for both Mommy and Becca...Becca dropped off to sleep good (keep your fingers crossed) and Mommy's starting to nod off too...)

Achooo!

Spring is here! (so are my allergies, hence the title of this entry) We've been trying to spend some time outside and in doing so have found that Becca is not an instant fan of the grass. When we put her down she usually lifts both hands/arms and lifts one foot--see the picture below. I've been working with her a little bit to gradually get her more comfortable and she's getting the hang of it.
Though giving up sweets for Lent, I was inspired this week by a recent blog entry from my best friend Sheri (http://atl-adventure.blogspot.com/). Inspired so much, in fact, I've given up Lent a week early to enjoy a newly started Easter Tradition in our home...Lemon Easter Cookies. They really are fantastically light and a perfect pair for a cup of tea or coffee.

This morning was beautiful so I went out to capture our first blooms...we can't wait to see all that is planted around our new home. And now would be a perfect spot to thank the Jones men for spending the hours outside raking, pruning, and shaping our landscaping. It looks so wonderful as the green buds and flowers are appearing.

Finally and most exciting...we had our first Jones family professional photo shoot! We couldn't be more pleased with Amy's work. She's been adding new pictures each day as she edits them, so check back often--http://www.flickr.com/photos/mysocalledlifelessons/sets/72157623607224885/