This past week was probably the busiest we've had since Mia was born!

Thursday...Mia went with Gigi to her weekly small group.  These ladies go ga-ga over babies, so I'm pretty sure my baby was spoiled.  Every other Thursday night Pappy has a men's group, so he met Mommy at McDonald's to drop off Mia.  He said she is a great companion in the car because she sleeps!

Daddy is always telling you, "Tell Mommy to shut up!"  Se decided to tell you instead!

We <3 us a sleeping baby!

Friday...Mia's first day with Nana P.  Nana P. was so excited to see Mia, she had even brought her a new toy (yet it will be sometime before Mia can play with it)!  Then Aunt Kalla and Aunt Sara with Kynlee picked up Mia and took her shopping.  Aunt Kalla and Sara got some weird looks with two babies in tow.  Mommy then came to Gigi and Pappy's and was so excited that it was the weekend and she would get two uninterrupted days with you!

The girls...they will be your best friends!

Not sure what you were thinking here!

Saturday...What a day!  We went to Dawn's salon so Aunt Kalla and Sara could get haircuts, then to Skyline for lunch, followed by the Gap Outlet.  Aunt Kalla and Sara were going to church so Mommy took you shopping to get supplies for Compass.  We then met up with Aunt Kalla and Sara, Monica and Kynlee to eat at Don Pablo's for Sara's birthday! Sometime in between all this Aunt Sara did an impromptu photo shoot with you and Kynlee.

I love your big smile!  Thanks Aunt Sara for capturing this!

The best of friends!

I love being your Mommy!

Sunday...church!  You were awake for most of it this week!  Aunt Kalla and Sara with Kynlee came over to our house and we hit the thrift stores!

Monday...you headed to Gigi's house while Mommy had training and then I picked you up.  We cuddled until Daddy got home from his meeting and then he cuddled you and you made his bad day all better!

Tuesday...Mommy had to be at work at 6:30 AM, so we were out of the house at 4:45 AM.  Mommy was TIRED when she got home, so Daddy came with when we had to run to the store for a few things!

Wednesday...another early morning!  This one was you wanting a bottle in the car on the way to Gigi's and let's just say Mommy was great at multitasking!

Personality note:  You are so alert.  Yo definitely recognize Mommy and Daddy's voices and it is so exciting to see you react when we get home to you!  You are a routine kind of girl (like Mommy!)  You continue to be so laid back and Mommy and Daddy are thrilled with this (we definitely got lucky with you Mia!)

Mommy note:  Week 1 at work was not as bad as I thought.  Fridays take on a whole new meaning...it means 2 days with my daughter!  I saw my milk production decrease a bit, but I think most of it was because I was not feeling my best.  I am still able to pump enough to feed her everyday and store a little additional, plus we still feed together 1-2 a night.

7 weeks old

The past week has probably been the craziest since Mia arrived!

Thursday:  Mia and I attended Gigi's grandma shower that her friends threw for her.  I got spoiled with lots of holding and lots of presents!

Friday: Mom and I did some shopping and got to see my friends Don and Jill.  We then headed home to chill with Daddy.  That night I had a little trouble sleeping, Mommy thought maybe I wasn't feeling well; Daddy told her everything was okay.

Mommy was getting in lots of snuggles before Monday!

Saturday:  Daddy was wrong!  I woke up congested and my nose all stuffed up!  Mommy took me to this place where she does church stuff and I hated it (only because I was sick)!  I slept in my bouncy seat in Mommy and Daddy's room because I had trouble breathing laying down.

Sunday:  Mommy and Daddy had me dedicated at church along with my friends Isaiah and Elijah.  Gigi, Pappy, Seth, Sara, Nana P., Nana and Pops all came and then joined us at the house for lunch.  Gigi and Pappy then let Seth spend the whole day with me!

Monday:  Mommy went back to work and I spent the whole day with Daddy.  I decided that I didn't want to give Daddy any long naps and this was difficult for him, as he needed to sleep too!  I again got to sleep in the bouncy seat in Mommy and Daddy's room.

Tuesday:  Mommy took me to Gigi's house.  I did so good for her!

Wednesday:  More time at Gigi's!  I started going through a growth spurt and wanted a bottle after 2.5 hours and drank the whole thing!

Personality:  I did great with my sitters this week.  Being sick and at not my usual space didn't seem to phase me much.  I am so close to giggling...Mommy keeps trying!  I love music...any kind (Mommy and Daddy like completely different types.)

Mommy's note:  I have so much milk!  I thought going back to work would help my milk decrease...no such luck!  It's crazy how much milk I have stored, but it makes me so happy to know that I can provide this for Mia.  Going back to work was much easier than I thought.  By the end of the day I can't wait to get home to her and I miss her like crazy throughout the day, but I really enjoy my job and am happy that I have such a great one!

6 weeks old

You have hit that milestone where I consider you no longer a newborn :(

Thursday: Nothing big happened, just chilled!

Friday: My one month appointment!  Stats: 8 pounds, 10 ounces (50%); 21 inches (50%), head 98%!  The doctor said I was perfect...she warned mommy and daddy that I'm a mover and I'm not to be trusted!  I got one shot and took it like a champ!

Saturday:  A big and exciting day!  We started the day by going to a highway dedication for Mommy and Daddy's friend Taylor who died in the war.  We then hung out with Nana P. at Kenwood Mall, McAlisters for lunch and then back to her house.  Mommy assembled my swing/seat and pack-n-play for Nana P.  After that we headed to Ricky and Dawn's for Dawn's birthday.  I got held a lot and played with my friends Wilson and Hadassah.

Sunday: Church again and I was up for part of it and Nana P. held me.  Mommy and I then delivered food to Ms. Bobbi as part of the outward focused celebration.

Monday:  Mommy and Daddy took me to one of their crazy creative meetings again!  Daddy ended up coming down with a bad cold that night and from Monday-Wednesday I had no real contact with him :(

Tuesday: I went to the zoo for the first time with Mommy, Gigi, Seth, Sara and the girls she nannys.  I slept and ate through most of the zoo...but I definitely woke up to the blue shiny lights in the cat house...I was beyond fascinated by them.

Wednesday:  Mommy had a doctor's appointment and every was in awe with me.  We then went to Creme and saw all of Mommy's friends who again were in awe with me!  We closed out the night by going to dinner with Gigi and Sara at Cheesecake Factory in honor of Mimi.  I had a huge blowout that got everywhere (Mommy doesn't know if my onesie can be saved!)

Personality:  Mia is on a great schedule.  She eats every 4 hours, getting 6 oz bottles and nurses once during the night.  She sleeps for anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours in between feedings and usually sleeps for a 6 hour stretch during the night!  Not having time with Daddy this week was rough.  She would hear his voice and look everywhere.

Mommy note:  I have 900 ounces of milk that I have frozen!!!!!!!  Our freezer is full of what we use everyday, plus there is a ton at Gigi and Pappy's.  This week has been difficult knowing that it is my last at home.  I am ready for adult interaction, but not ready to leave my baby girl all day!  I know that her daddy, Gigi, and Nana P. will take great care of her, but they are not Mommy!  I had my doctor's visit and all is well!

5 weeks

My sweet little girl continues to grow and is now 5 weeks old!

Thursday...Mia met her great grandpa and great grandma.  She is a lucky girl to have 3 great grandparents.

Friday...we like these days because we get to chill with Daddy, as he stays up later since he doesn't have to work the next day.  We also ventured to Goodwill again!  Mommy was on the hunt for new work pants that will fit for her return to work.

Saturday...Mommy took me to my first outreach block party.  I had so much fun sleeping through it all!

Cuddling with one of my frog loveys!

Mommy loves how all my curls come out after a bath!

Sunday...to church we went again!  This time I was awake for some of it.  My Nana P. held me through a large part of the celebration.  Today Mommy and Daddy started giving me bottles throughout the day as Mommy returns to work soon and wants to figure out how much I eat.  I also got to meet my new friend Isaiah and we went to lunch with him and other Compass peeps.

Josh holding me and Jenn holding Isaiah...they look good huh :)

I turned one month old!

Monday...Big day for Mommy!  She went to a meeting and left me with Daddy for over 2 hours.  Daddy did fine, but Mommy was a little crazy and went control-freak when giving Daddy instructions.

Tuesday...Seth came over to play with me and Gigi held me!

Wednesday...Mommy and I chilled all day!

Bottle time!

Personality traits...
This girl still does not like bath...even with a paci, she spends most of the time screaming!  She has become a bit of a night owl staying up until 12:00ish each night...making this momma crazy for bed.  She loves her daddy...something about their bond.  I melt watching them together each day.

Mommy notes...
Almost 600 ounces of milk frozen!  This seems like a lot, but with her eating four 6 ounce bottles a day, this will go quick!  With my return to work in a week and a half, I am starting to have some anxiety...over leaving my girl, will she feel neglected, what if she gets sick.  I know that between her Daddy, Gigi, and Nana P. she will be well cared for, but they are not her mommy.  On the other side, I am excited to go back to work and know that I will have daily adult interactions! 

Mia...4 weeks

My sweet little girl is now 4 weeks old...where has the time gone?


Thursday...
We headed to a brunch at Crossroads.  All was going well until Mommy realized it was nap time and she had forgotten my paci and there was no extra in the diaper bag!  This resulted in us leaving early as I was getting cranky and a little loud.
Thursday night we headed to Gigi and Pappy's to meet Papa...I loved him!  Plus Gigi got to feed me my bottle!

I got to meet my Papa.

I was a great baby while he held me and loved on me...I'm lucky to have a fun great-grandpa!

Friday...
Daddy tried to stay awake and hang with us...he lasted until lunch time.  Mommy and I were then headed to the store, but Uncle Icky called and needed us to rescue him...he had locked his keys in the car at work and with Gigi and Pappy out of town we had to go!

In my cool onesie...we sent this pic to all my Aunts!

Mommy loves to smother me with kisses!

Saturday...
Grocery shopping again...I slept through it all again so it made it easy for Mommy.  Saturday night Mommy and Daddy had a couples movie night at church.  Shante hung out with me for a little bit but since I was the only kid, Mommy came and got me (plus Mommy was having a little bit of an issue with me being out of sight.)

Sunday...
We went to church...again I slept through it! (I'm quite good at that!)  We then came home and watched the Bengals first regular season game and they won!  This made Mommy and Daddy happy; I'm not sure what all this football fuss is about.

Wearing my lovely dress that the Roblings had gotten for me.

Monday...
I went to my first Compass creative team meeting...those people are crazy!

I was a little needy and wanted Mommy in sight at all times...she needed to do dishes, so this was the solution.

Tuesday...
Mommy had to run to the store for a few things and she brought the Ergo this time...so much easier to shop!

Wednesday...
We went to Creme again to visit all of Mommy's friends...those adults and the kids go crazy when I come.  Plus I got to meet Willie and Callie.

Personality notes:  Tuesday night/Wednesday morning we slept for 7 hours straight!!!!!  Mia loves her daddy, something about him calms her and it's quite a special bond.  Mia has mild reflux (though we haven't been to the doctor yet.)  She has trouble burping after feedings and this results in HUGE spit ups later.  We have been trying really hard to get her to burp (sometimes it takes up to 10 minutes to get one burp.)  It's been going pretty good.  The good thing is...1. The spit up never bothers her...no tears and she just continues to do what she was doing.  2.  It's not consistent...usually once a day if not less.

Mommy notes:  With 2.5 weeks left until I go back to work, I have 500 ounces of milk frozen!  We are going to start introducing the bottles throughout the large part of the day starting next week.  I want to make sure she eats enough when getting the bottles all day (I still plan on nursing at night and first thing in the morning.)

3 weeks

Mia...please stop growing!  You are three weeks and the time seems to be flying by!

Friday:  No big plans...we chilled at home and just had fun!

Chillin at home.  Mommy enjoys playing on the floor with you!

Saturday:  You attended your first Compass Senior Leadership meeting.  We then just spent time hanging out together.

Sunday:  To church we went again and you slept through it all again!  Aunt Sara and Uncle Seth came over that night (plus a quick visit from Gigi and Pappy!)  Aunt Sara took pictures as Mommy gave you a bath and then Uncle Seth fed you your bedtime bottle!

Monday:  Mommy took you for your first trip to Goodwill (there will be many more in the years to come!)  Mommy and you then had dinner at Gigi and Pappy's (your first visit to their house!)  You did not really seem to mind the dogs and cats.  Uncle Icky held you for the first time...we are getting ready to say goodbye as he heads to YWAM in Louisville for 3 months.

Tuesday:  Daddy and Mommy had a breakfast date at Chick-Fil-A and you slept through most of it.  Uncle Seth came over for the afternoon and after cleaning up a blowout and a huge, messy spit-up we went to the playground.  Mommy sat on the swing with you bundled in the Ergo and you slept oh so peacefully.  When we got home, you wake up and seemed a little grumpy.  Uncle Seth was a big help, giving you the paci and holding you to calm you down.

At the park...on the swing...all bundled up...sound asleep!

Uncle Seth holding you!

All clean after my bath...look closely and you can see my curls trying to come out!

When you do these hand things, Daddy says you are throwing up gang symbols!

Wednesday:  Mommy took you to one of her favorite places...the library!  We also discovered that they have a mommy and baby story time every Wednesday, so if you are awake we may venture there in the next couple weeks.

More floor chillin time with Mommy!

Mia...2 weeks old

Sweet Mia...you are now two weeks old and the time has gone by!  You have changed so much, from being more attentive...to beginning to have a preference over certain things.  Sometimes I want to yell "stop growing!"

Thursday: We did nothing!  We stayed home and spent time with Daddy since he was still off work!  we also did tummy time.  You enjoyed it!

Tummy time!

Friday:  A busy day!  We had your weight check at the pediatrician's.  You were up to 6 pounds, 15 ounces.  We then went to pick up Aunt Tiffy at Nana P.'s and were lucky to have Nana stop by too.  We then had lunch at McAlisters and made a trip to Kenwood Mall so Daddy could get his phone fixed.  Then you got to meet our friends Don, Jill, Justice, Eli and Abbi Dudley when they brought over dinner.

Hanging with Aunt Tiffy!

Saturday: Another busy day!  Mommy took you grocery shopping and we conquered three stores...you slept the whole time which made it pretty easy!  Mommy learned that Kroger has the biggest shopping carts, when it comes to sharing it with a car seat!  That night we had Chandler and Sarah's baby shower...everyone was amazed that you slept the entire time we were there (almost 3 hours).  After leaving, we were again headed to Kenwood mall and Mommy had to pump in the car.  Then you woke up at the mall and Mommy had to feed you in the bathroom stall...this was quite interesting.  We finished the night by stopping at Robert's birthday party...Mommy and Daddy's friends were shocked to see us out and about!

Grocery shopping...I slept through it all!

Sunday:  We went to church and you got to meet all of our friends!  Everyone thought you were so cute!  We then had lunch with Nana P. and Aunt Tiffy.  We had to say bye to Aunt Tiffy as she was headed back to NYC the next day.  Shante and Jenna came over to visit and Aunt Sara took my pictures!  Daddy had to go back to work...I  think it was harder for him than for Mommy.

Mommy and Daddy's favorite picture that Aunt Sara took.

Monday: A day of nothing again!  Daddy was sad that you would not wake up before he went to bed.

I've become a messy eater...so Mommy makes me wear bibs!

Tuesday: Seth came over to play while Gigi had a doctor appointment.  We then went to meet Pappy at Ikea for lunch and then to Creme to see Mommy's friends...everyone loved you, even all the kids.  Luke asked if you were real because you were not moving!

Daddy changing my diaper.  He does quite well, except he gets a little scared by the poopy ones.

Wednesday: Mommy took you for a walk in the Ergo (just to the management office to pay rent and mail some bills.)  We also used the Ergo while Mommy made dinner because you wanted to cuddle.

Looks like I'm blowing kisses!

Personality traits:
You are still such a content baby...you sleep 4-5 hours at a time and then up for 1-2 hours...then repeat!  You love cuddling with your daddy each night and you two have such a special bond!

A mommy note:
I can wear my pre-pregnancy Old Navy stretch jeans!!!!  This makes me so happy :)  Pumping/breastfeeding is going great...I produce more than enough milk, so we have a great amount of milk already frozen and stored for when I go back to work.