So I know I am really behind on the blog sorry about that! I guess it is par for the course that being a new Mom takes up so much time. A couple of weeks ago, our camera broke, so we had to get a new one Since every day Chloe has seems to be a new adventure. Over the past few weeks, our wonderful friends Matt and Maria came over to watch Chloe while Grant ans I had a much needed night out. We went to Bel Rio and had a wonderful meal. We couldn't help but to put our cell phone on the table and just stare at it while we were eating, thinking something would go wrong, but according to them, she was an angel!


One thing I have learned about having a baby is that it is never about you any more even though it is. when people give you gifts, it is all for the baby or something for the baby that helps you out, like a stroller or a carrier. Everyone forgets about Mom, who has been through so much physically, mentally and emotionally. Not that I am trying to be selfish or anything, but there's a lot going on and I can see how all the new stressors get to people. One of my best friends, Julie asked me what I needed for Chloe, I really couldn't think of anything because many of our friends and family have completely spoiled her! So when I checked the mail one day, I was elated that she sent me a gift certificate for a massage from my favorite spa, Oasis. This was heavenly and much needed after the strain of carrying around an extra 20-30lb for 5 months. This was so appreciated. Also, it was great having meals folks brought by and sent to our home as we tranistioned into a new life. Cooking during the week has been a real challenge. I definitely have a new perspective on baby showers. Next time I go to one, I am pampering Mom and Baby!



We spent Valentines weekend repainting our bedroom and playing with Chloe. I was sort of admiring her all weekend, because she showed up in my belly a year a go this time last year. Time flies! We made a great dinner and had some bubbly after Chloe went to bed. Here are some pictures Grants mom took yesterday.

Doesn't she have the prettiest blue eyes? She is getting really close to rolling over so stay tuned!

She is loves to be on the floor and smile and take in all that is around her. I love her smile!

Smiles!

There is so much to smile about! We went for her two month check up last week and she was 10lbs 7oz, 23 inches long. Over the past two weeks we have settled into a routine. The first week in January, I went back to work. Grandma Kit is taking care of Chloe on Mondays. We are doing a Nanny share with three other families on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. This has worked out great. All the houses are close by our house or our work places so it makes it easy to take her and pick her up. The three other babies are boys, so maybe that means Chloe will learn how to be tough, or she will be the little charmer! The other kids are 11, 13 and 15 months, so Chloe is the the wee little one! Anyhow, it is working out great. I changed my work schedule to work 4-10 hour days, so I am off with her on Fridays. I love this because I am still working full time, but I feel like a get a little bit of a break so I can spend time with her. I am really looking forward to the days when we can go to the park and read books at the library.

Chloe is also beginning to sleep though the night, which is another thing to smile about! Since I am working those long days during the week, Grant is the one who gets Chloe ready in the mornings. Although sometimes he is greeted by a dirty diaper bright and early, the best time to see Chloe smile is right after she wakes up in the morning. She loves to get a fresh change of clothes and a new diaper and she just smiles away. I think this is her way of showing us her love!

Get Pumped!

Chloe is growing. On Friday, I took her for her 2 month check up and she was a whooping 10lbs. 7 oz. and 23in. long. I was worried that she wasn't getting enough to eat, but Dr. D assured me this is not a problem. The only time she breast feeds is in the middle of the night. Since introducing the bottle, during the day, she prefers it over the breast which means I am pumping all the time. I have replaced my little black purse with the little black backpack, which has my built in pump. One of the nice things about working in a hospital is that they have rooms for breastfeeding moms. I have to pump before I leave in the morning at 5:30, 3 times at work and twice when I get some. The breastfeeding nazi's would say that is not enough, but I can't wave the magic milk wand over me to make any more than I do. By the way after breastfeeding for 2 months, I have to say it is the hardest, natural action I have ever experienced. It is by no means intuitive. But this is what I have to do since I am a proud and working mom. Sorry, no pictures of the little black pump action.

One of my favorite things with Chloe, is feeding her in the middle of the night. A friend of mine at work recently mentioned that was what she missed most about her kids when they were little. While I need and value my sleep since I am working 10 hour days, I love the way she looks up at me when she's eating. She goes from being really whinny, to really happy and satisfied. She looks up at me with her big eyes with her hands clutched chomping on my boob. It is really great and something I can't really describe in words. Sometimes she even smiles while eating and her little dimples shine though on her face. So precious.

Happy Holidays and Happy New Year!

The Holidays for us were very crazy this year, so thought I would Blog about it all at one time. It started with Thanksgiving when my family joined us in Virginia from Texas. Kimberly and her boyfriend Justin joined us the weekend before where we celebrated an early Thanksgiving and Christmas since my mom and Richard were already here. It was great to see all of my family at one time, since that doesn't happen very often. For the actual Thanksgiving Day, we spent with Grant's family also with my mom and Richard, The Markos Family (Grant's neighbors growing up) and The Manix Family (Kit's sister). It was so nice to have everyone around. I love houses filled with the small of great food and the aroma of love and friendship.

This year we spent Christmas with Grant's family. Colin and Claudine were able to make it down for Christmas day. We spent the night with Kit and Larry on Christmas eve so we could all wake up in our PJs and open gifts. Although, it didn't happen quite like that because Chloe slept in and so did mom and dad (taking advantage of extra sleep!) We enjoyed a lovely Christmas breakfast at the Markos's and then we returned to the McElwain's to open gifts. Chloe got a lot of clothes with room to grow and we also got many fun goodies. I have to say that Larry's gift tops the cake. He has always wanted chickens, so Kit has a friend that is going to build him a chicken coop in the back yard. I guess this is the Hippie in him, as he has always wanted to be self sustainable, although he doesn't like eggs, so I am not sure what he is going to do with them. It was 4 hours later when I realized this gift was nothing to cluck at.

Mommy and Chloe on Christmas morning!

Colin and Claudine opening their stockings.
Grumpa and Grandma McElwain with Chloe.

After the Christmas festivities, Grant and I got to spend some time with friends. After Christmas, The Norcross family and the the Synan family joined us at our house for home made pizza. Although our night was cut short from a worn out little Chloe, it is always great to spend time with great friends. The next day, Meghan, Ashley, Frank, Diana, Wes and Payton joined us at our house for our annual Christmas get together. We have done this for a bout 6 years now and it is something I look forward to every year. This year was a little different since we added the little ones to the family, but it just makes it that much more fun!

Frank, pretending he is pregnant with Payton...yeah, he's weird.
Ashley burping Chloe after a big dinner!

Meghan giving us a break and rocking Chloe to sleep.

For New Years, I decided to stay home with Chloe and Grant went out with some friends. This was his first night out with buds since Little Chloe was born. I really wanted more than anything to chill out and get some rest. I got my wish! Chloe slept 7 hours straight, which was a gift for me! I had to return back to work this week, so that was hard and brought it's own set of challenges. I am looking forward to 2009 and watching her grow. 2008 was full of surprises. I wonder what 2009 will bring?


Chloe and Mommy making Christmas cookies!