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/

I'm not tech savy

So Chris and my dad have both been saying that they are having trouble seeing the videos I'm posting, so I'm trying to load them through youtube, but it's not going so well....a work in progress, I'll call it. Here's the link to my new youtube channel, so bookmark it!!
http://youtube.com/user/jenny7mo

I'm not going to comment on the sleeping situation which has been good except for the last two nights (after Dad mentioned our new success and apparently jinxed us!)--that's for another time.

We've been doing relatively well. We've discovered that Becca does NOT like the grass. We will have to work on that. When I put her down on the grass she draws up her hands and actually lifts one foot...it's kind of funny! Enjoy the new pics....

St. Patty's Day Celebration

It's virtually impossible for me to get a good picture of Becca with the real camera now; she loves the camera strap and the camera itself. These were my efforts...not great, but at least you can get an idea of how cute she was in a St. Patty's outfit with her leg warmers! She's getting so big and opinionated :) Yes, she's 9 months old but don't think the art of distraction is much of a technique these days...when she sees something she wants she is a persistent bugger even minutes later.

We had our neighbors over on Saturday for some munchies and homemade green beer. It was so fun to socialize and have people over. We look forward to doing it more, especially as the weather gets better!

Here's our beautiful kitchen. I forgot to include it in the last pictures, but we (meaning Chris) added a new track and new lighting....we love it!!

I'm enjoying the women in my new mom's group and will be helping them out by being the Publicity Chair, and the Book Club Chair! :) (oh and I have been a reading fool and have loved every minute of it!)

Her talent....

if only we could get her to open beer bottles, then we'd really have something to talk about...

Decorating!!!

(I'm struggling trying to get this post organized! The computer isn't letting me move the pictures so, here is 9 month old Becca- who, yes, looks more like her dad than her mom- and below are the changes that I mention at the bottom of the post...yeah!)

Becca is now officially 9 months old. We cannot believe it. She's getting so fun; finding a personality and preferences and having her own ideas. She also has had her first real cold and has cut both the top center teeth. Such a big girl!

The bigger news is the progress we've been making on creating a home out of this big ol' house! We've gotten new lamps, pictures and mirror and....the Jones' were in this weekend to finally de-wall paper the dining room!!!! For those of you who don't know, the de-wall papering has been a 4 month work in progress and that's putting it lightly. Here are some pictures of the touches we've put around. We still have to fill the frames in the powder room and are waiting for custom matting for two of the frames in the hallway...

Nothing too earth shattering is going on these days, which is good. Mom was here for a week and did some wonderful sewing projects adding some much needed decor. We have definitley (finally) made a dent in decorating our new house and giving it a homey feel. (I'll have to get some new pictures of that.)

Becca is doing well. She is cruising along furniture and still babbling up a storm. We are still trying to figure out sleeping, but we're getting through it.

I have finished my orientation to the Rehab department out here at the hospital in Valparaiso and will be working my first Saturday this weekend.

Here's another video of Becca!