Back in the grind..

t has just started hitting me today that I'm back at work.. Last week I only had two days so it passed by fast and with over 1,700 unread emails to go through, I didn't really have time to think about it. But today, it is starting to sink in.

My mother-in-law is going to watch Maddie once a week on Tuesdays and she lives near my work so I get to see Maddie during lunch. I thought this would make it easier..but somehow I had a harder time parting with her midday. I've always been a more "out of sight, out of mind, deal with what's on hand" type of person, but that's what I hate most about this situation. I don't want her out of sight, out of mind!! Luckily, this is a short week with the Thanksgiving holiday. Next week is going to be challenging. I just have to keep taking it one day at a time. Thank goodness for the Women's Lounge at work where I can pump and shed some tears in private if I need to :*)

Happy 4 Months!!

Hi Big Bright BEAUTIFUL World!

I turn 4 months today!! I'm feeling a little blue with a cough and sniffles but still in fairly good spirits. Mama and Dada are taking me to the doctor today for my checkup and shots so we'll see what the doctor says.  Mama's been having a really tough time dealing with leaving me at the nanny's and going back to work and I'm sure not making it easier for her.  But I'm a brave and strong girl so I know I will be just fine.

Love,
baby Maddie

P.S. I learned two days ago how to blow baby raspberries and I've been blowing a storm of baby raspberries to Mama and Dada's delight!

Epic Meltdown

I started this week in tears as my return to work aka D-day is fast approaching on Thursday. With only 2 days of my maternity leave left, I want to spend as much time as possible with Madde. So when my hair appointment ran an hour and a half later than anticipated (I started at 4:30p and didn't finish until 9:30p!!), I started getting really anxious. By the time I got home, I was in full epic meltdown mode. A wave of guilt came over me as I just spent the last 5 hours at a hair salon instead of soaking up every minute with Maddie and then the thought of Thursday fast approaching brought on the waterworks once again..

::sigh:: I know I sound completely crazy and ridiculous, especially to people who haven't had kids.. I would never have though in a million years I would feel this way, but I can't help it right now.  I used to think I would have no problem leaving my kid and going to work, but now I just can't imagine being away from her cute little face!  Any moms out there who feel my pain? I'd love to hear how it was for you.

First (1/2) Day at the Nanny's!!

D-day is coming up soon as in the Dreaded day of returning to work after 4 blissful amazing months at home with Maddie. Just thinking about D-day makes me cry..

But as moms, we must soldier on, so this week we are starting to have Maddie go to the nanny for half days (9am-12pm) so she can get used to the nanny and vice versa. This also gives me a few hours to hit the gym (finally!) before heading back to work.

Maddie did so well when I dropped her off that it made me sad.. at almost 4 months she is showing me she is a big girl now and mommy needs to learn to let go a bit :( but, I am happy she took a liking to the nanny, smiling and making her cute little coos and half giggles.

My motto is.. One day at a time, one week at a time.. breathe, and we'll get through this together baby!

Halloween Fun!

Here are some pictures from Mommy took of our Halloween fun! I had a great time in my strawberry costume at the mall and loved seeing all the bigger boys and girls running around in their costumes :)

Daddy didn't win the $500 first place at his work, but he did take home 2nd place $300 which was still awesome!

Love,
baby Maddie

Our Halloween Family Portrait: 

Daddy's Scary Makeup by Mommy:

Cousin Dylan came to visit in her Minnie Mouse costume:

Grandma, Mommy and Maddie:

Aunt Jenny & Maddie:

Aunt Wendy & Maddie:

Cousin Jodie as Belle & Cousin Mason as Transformer:

My friend Callie and her Mommy, Arty, celebrating Halloween in Seattle:

Happy Halloween!

Happy Halloween!! We woke up bright an early this morning to do husband's makeup. There is a contest at his work and the grand prize is $500 so we are in it to WIN it!! think of all the diapers and baby supplies we can buy haha..

Halloween is one of my favorite holidays and I can't wait to share it with Maddie!! This is her FIRST halloween and even though she won't remember anything, we are still going to dress her up an take her to the mall today with my niece and nephew. This past Sunday we took her to the pumpkin patch and she wore her cute strawberry costume (doesn't she look yummy?!) Next year, I am thinking rainbow brite and twink like this picture I found online! :)

Prayers for the East Coast

I've been watching the news for hours on end and googling constantly for updates on Hurricane Sandy. Living in Southern California, it is hard to imagine just how epic this storm is. It has affected over 10 states all across the Northeast with over 8 million out of power and fatalities rising daily. I have so many friends on the East Coast and my prayers are with them and everyone else going through this terrifying superstorm.

My heart especially goes out to all the parents whose babies were in the NICU at NYU hospital. Having a baby in NICU is scary enough it's difficult to think about the added stress and fear these parents are going through right now. I am in awe after hearing stories of nurses pumping oxygen by hand carrying infants down 9 flights of stairs (http://www.cnn.com/2012/10/30/health/sandy-hospital/index.html) and how a New Jersey mom gave birth without epidural in a hospital truck. Thank goodness for the nurses, doctors, rescue workers and volunteers who are working tirelessly for those in need.

With all the power outages, my heart also goes out to the breastfeed moms who are in jeopardy of losing their freezer stash. Here is a great article on how to protect your breastmilk (liquid gold!!)

Hurricane Sandy: Tips on Maintaining Breastfeeding Success During an Emergency: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/mobileweb/gina-ciagne/hurricane-sandy_b_2040054.html