Diary of a Shoe Addict

Moved

2010-01-31T19:37:00.001-06:00

Please come here (www.shoeaddict-dailylivin.blogspot.com) to read me now.

I hope you'll come!

Finally!

2010-01-28T20:06:00.004-06:00

I keep starting a post and then getting dragged away. I also start a lot of them in my head and never come to write. I'm toying with the idea of just starting a whole new blog and putting the link here. I am not really into being "shoeaddict" anymore. I mean, I still LOVE shoes but I only wear about three different ones these days. I'll let ya'll know what I decide.

Anyway, Bunny was 3 months old on January 17 and she's growing so much. She tries to pick her head and shoulders up when she's laying down and is almost rolling over. I put her in her Bumbo for the first time this week and she really loves it. She can only sit for about 15 minutes before her head gets tired and it starts to kind of just hang there.

She is still exclusively breast fed and I love it. Leaking is the only thing that I do not love but, it's really not that big of a deal. I'm toying with the idea of breast feeding past one year but have not decided anything yet. We are also delaying solids until 6 months and I'm reading about baby led weaning. I'm an "Earth mama" according to my own mother but this is what feels right to me for our family. (Not that my mother doesn't support my choices. She does. For the most part.)

I'm trying to find some type of class for us to join. A music class or something, you know, so that she can play and meet other kids. I have the name of one type of place that I'll call soon. She has to be at least 4 months to start there and I don't think I'd start her until the summer anyway. Plus, it's more gymnastics than music and I'd prefer music. I've asked my Facebook friends to help me with finding something so hopefully that comes through.

I'm so tired and still have lots to do so, check back soon to see what I've decided to do about the blog.

A Few Things...

2010-01-12T18:42:00.003-06:00

~I really miss all my shows! I'm so glad that House and Grey's are back. I don't understand why the shows go on such big long breaks now. I'm ready for 90210 to come back too. And Glee. And Sons, of course. They won't be back for awhile.

~I have been cooking up a storm! I cooked shrimp and corn soup (with potato) on Saturday and chicken and sausage jambalaya and chicken stew yesterday. I was kinda free falling with the chicken stew. My mama makes the best one and she's not home to give me the recipe. I made a roux (and it was dark) but the stew isn't dark.

~It's king cake time! I love it. I'm not into Mardi Gras in New Orleans but, I enjoy king cake.

~I really want to revamp the blog. I'm thinking of just erasing this whole format and redoing it. I won't lie, lack of readers keeps me from going all gung-ho, posting as much as I did, etc. I guess that is wrong but, it's the truth.

~Bunny will be 3 months old Sunday. And I will be 29!

Georgia

2010-01-10T13:02:00.005-06:00

Blue is from a tiny farming town in south Georgia. On January 1, we left to take Bunny to see her family in Georgia. She was 11 weeks old. She was SO good on the trip (there and back and during). She slept in the car the whole way. We woke her up every three hours to eat, change diaper and stretch. She loves to stretch. She also slept 7 hours one night and 8 hours another night.

Here are some pictures of the trip.

In the car on the way there
Entertaining Grandma and Grandpa

Taking a nap with Daddy

Meeting her namesake, Blue's grandmother

Bunny and her 2nd cousin who is 4 months older

On the way home...

Asleep in Grammy's arms at home

Resolutions

2009-12-30T01:09:00.002-06:00

In no particular order, this is a list of some of my goals for 2010:

start exercising again regularly (um, or at all)
eat better- more fruits and veggies, less cake and white bread (oh how I love the bread, biscuits, cake)
have more sex (difficult with a new baby)
have non electronic (no tv, cell phones, computer) quality time with Blue and Bunny
keep Bunny's clothes organized- put away things that don't fit or she won't wear again (I'm doing a good job of this SO FAR-with help-but she's only grown out of one size. And those clothes are culled out of her wardrobe but not put away)
read AT LEAST 12 (I'm saying one a month) books that have nothing to do with breastfeeding, parenting, babies.
journal more- hand written or computer
make some mommy friends
save money
go to church with Bunny
breastfeed for the whole year
learn more about baby led weaning, no cry sleep solutions and other gentle parenting practices

What are yours?

Merry Christmas From the Family

2009-12-22T15:54:00.003-06:00

I wanted to be sure everyone got their cards before I did this but, I was so late in getting them out! The last of them went out today. OH WELL!!

This is our Christmas Card/Birth Announcement. LOVE THEM.

A Christmas MeMe (To Try & Cheer Me)

2009-12-20T16:41:00.002-06:00

I'm in a little bit of a funk. I'm tired. I'm hot (post partum hormones??). My house is messy. I WANT cheese (I'm non-dairy, more on that later). I found this at Swistle's blog so, I thought I'd do it. I like Christmas a lot and am wondering about everyone else's traditions.

Eggnog or hot chocolate? I know that I do not like eggnog but I have not tried it in a long time. I really love hot chocolate.

Does Santa wrap the presents or leave them open under the tree? This is my first year as Santa and those presents will be wrapped. But not by me. M1 is coming tomorrow to ~~help~~ do that for me. I understand that she's only 2 months old and won't know the difference. I WILL though. (From Santa, Bunny is getting this and some outfits, a Christmas ornament with her initial (it's already on her stocking), a stuffed reindeer and that's all. I think) When I was little, sometimes Santa wrapped, sometimes he didn't.

Colored lights on a tree or white? I like both. Our tree is an artificial one that came with white lights. I'm allergic to real ones.

Do you hang mistletoe? No. But if I found some, I'd buy it and hang it. I do enjoy kisses.

When do you put your decorations up? Next year, I will try VERY hard to do it Thanksgiving weekend or that week after. This was the first year we have really decorated and I did it in stages.

What is your favorite holiday dish? My mom's broccoli casserole and sweet potato crunch.

Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve? Yes. Our tradition is to go to my MaMa and PaPa's house (my mom's parents) for Christmas Eve. We have dinner and fellowship (hang out!) and then we open the gifts. There are 15 of us this year- (Blue, me, my parents, bro and sis-in-law, grands, uncle & aunt and Ms 1-3, D and BUNNY!) Then, bro and sis-in-law, Blue, Bunny and I will go to mom and dad's house to open our gifts from them.

We spend Christmas Day with my dad's side of the family. I (sadly) don't have grandparents on that side but my dad has one sister who has three grown kids. We are going to my cousin, Jen's, house this year. Usually it's either at my mom's or my aunt's (who is my godmother, AKA Nanny) house but Jen moved into a new house recently and wanted to host it. I MIGHT host it next year.

How do you decorate your Christmas tree? Like I said, this year is the first year we've had our own. Yes, I know, it's about time. I decorated it with the ornaments that I've gotten throughout the year, all of the many ones that Bunny has received, and the ones I used as a child. My mom let me borrow those because she's not putting a tree up this year. I am a traditional kind of gal and I like the "homey" trees with the mismatched ornaments. In a few years, I'll put a mini tree in Bunny's room. I saw a pink one at Kohl's that I LOVED.

Snow: love it or hate it? Well, I live in the deep south so, my interaction with it has been limited. I've loved it every time but, I wouldn't like it if I had to deal with it all the time.

Can you ice skate? Ummm, if you knew me, you'd laugh at this. So, no. I cannot.

What is your favorite holiday dessert? peanut butter blossoms, pecan pie, chocolate... I don't meet many desserts that I don't like.

What is your favorite holiday tradition? It's cheesy but truthfully, I just really love to be with my family- extended and close. And I really love the food. L-O-V-E.

Candy canes: yum or yuck? I don't hate them. I like to eat the multi-colored one more than the peppermint ones. I think the peppermint ones are pretty.

Favorite Christmas show? Christmas Vacation (even though I'm DONE with it this year because Blue has watched it ONE MILLION times already) and Elf. I'm also partial to Charlie Brown's Christmas too. I HATE the Grinch.

Well, I don't feel all that better, to tell you the truth. Now, I'm hungry and it's time to wake Bunny from her nap. She's prone to having her days and nights all mixed up (we're talking deep, hard sleep all day and nary a closed eye or little cap naps at night) so, I'm trying to prevent that if at all possible.

I hope your Sunday is going better than mine.

Bunny is 2 Months Old

2009-12-17T16:56:00.002-06:00

Bunny with her uncle (Blue's younger brother).

She's about a month old.
Bunny and M3 on Thanksgiving.
5 weeks old

Bunny and Santa

8 weeks

Bunny and Paci

8weeks

Bunny and her babylegs

8 weeks

Bunny is 2 months old today. It's been such an amazing 2 months. I'll write more after we see her doctor tomorrow.

Dear Bunny,

You are truly a dream come true. I love you to the moon and back and back again. I'll never be the same because I know you. Daddy and I can't wait to spend our first Christmas as a family of three with you. It's gonna be magical.

Love,

Mommy

Stuff I'm Loving

2009-12-13T02:51:00.002-06:00

I don't know why but I love doing these posts.

V8 Fusion Light in Strawberry Banana- My mom bought this for me and I love it. With the new baby, I don't always get to eat when I need to and this is easy and quick and good.

Luna Lullaby Soothing Swaddle Blanket- I got this as a shower gift and after Bunny was born we got another one. Bunny loves to be swaddled tight and this blanket is big and soft and wonderful.

Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage Concealer- This stuff is magic. I don't get a whole lot of sleep so this is necessary. I love it so much under my eyes and to cover up blemishes.

Tarte- I recently got some minis from this cosmetic company and I was really impressed. The makeup is free of parabens, petro-chemicals, etc... My very favs are the Lock & Roll creaseless cream & powder shadow duo (it's quick and easy which is necessary with the baby and the colors I've used-rose gold and gunmetal-are beautiful) and the double-ended lip gloss. This is the best feeling gloss I've ever used and the one I tried was an awesome color (Fred & Ginger). Bonus- they are all named for famous couples (Rhett & Scarlett, Luke & Laura, Johnny & Baby).

HGTV- Ya'll know I'm a tv freak, right? Well, I've discovered this gem of a channel and am obsessed now. My favorite show is House Hunters and I love Dear Genevieve, too.

Kellymom.com- This site has been a life (sanity) saver for me in the past few weeks. The forums and articles offer info and advice that feel right for me and Bunny (and Blue). It's breastfeeding and gentle parenting advice and support. And I need all of that I can get. I feel like knowledge is power.

*This post is about things that I just happen to love and use. I'm not being paid to say any of this. Unfortunately*

The Greatest Gift

2009-12-10T16:59:00.002-06:00

I love gifts. I love getting them and giving them and hearing about what everyone else gets and gives. And I've been meaning to do a post on just that. Well, today, I got a gift to end all gifts- a Bunny smile.

I've been ~~obsessing~~ casually thinking of "Hey, when will Bunny smile a "social smile" for a few weeks (2) now. She's going to be two months old in one week on the 17th and the doctor said to be looking for it about now. Also, she smiles during her sleep a lot and has been smiling at nothing so, I knew it was coming. Today, my mom (Grammy) and dad (PawPaw) came to visit after being out-of-town for ten days. Mom was kissing Bunny on her belly and thighs AND SHE SMILED!

Granted, it wasn't a big huge gummy smile. She makes you work for it. That is so her father- he's not easily excitable. Anyway, I quickly pushed Grammy to the side and tried it out for myself. And she smiled for me, too! It's actually more of a smirk, a happy one, a small little grin. So, I tried it out again by kissing her neck and doing other silly make-the-baby-smile stuff. And I got it again. Who knew that this would be so incredible? Well, it is.

Now it's time for her to eat so, I don't have time for the post on gifts so, maybe later.

Growing Pains

2009-12-03T14:07:00.003-06:00

Bunny just went through a growth spurt. Tuesday and Wednesday night she ate every hour between 9pm-3am with no real rest in between. I was tired, she was tired- it was rough. I don't remember her going through any type of spurt like this before (at 3 weeks or whatever). Last night she did much better. In the evening, she ate every hour (6:30, 7:30 and then 9) but then went to sleep and woke about every three hours like normal.

She sleeps in a co sleeper next to my bed. I just reach over and pick her up to feed her. Sometimes I turn on the tv, sometimes I don't. Sometimes she goes right back to sleep, sometimes she doesn't. I try not to worry too much about a schedule right now because she is still just so young. She frequently has her days and nights mixed up but, I'm not too worried.

Breastfeeding makes me so hungry. And thirsty. And it is certainly burning the calories because I've lost almost all the baby weight. I was overweight to start with so, it's not like I'm "skinny" or anything but, I feel like some of my goals are do-able now. I definitely want to weigh less for the next pregnancy. I think that will make things a lot easier.

Speaking of "next pregnancy", I miss being pregnant. Not as much as I did at first but, I do still miss it. I know that it's weird for some people to think of, but it's true. Still, I don't want to have another baby until Bunny is a little older. I'm still leaning towards 3 (maybe 4) kids total. But, who knows, right? Parenting is so much more wonderful and hard and awesome and scary than I could have ever known before she was born.

Things aren't all smiles and peaceful mother-feeding-baby though. My house is a mess. I'm usually not bathed or teeth brushed until very late in the day, if at all. I don't usually wear a top around my house. It's just easier to wear a nursing bra and bottoms when it's just us. Bunny has spit up on her clothes and has a sour milk smell around her neck a lot of times. And crusty face! I clean it and she gets it again when she eats. I don't bathe her every day because her skin is sensitive like mine. It does better every other day.

I'm constantly worrying that I'm creating bad habits or doing something that will negatively effect her for life. Or at least through childhood. I know that it's normal to worry but it's not fun. I'm worried that I'm not cut out for this and that I shouldn't be doing this. I'm so afraid that I won't be the mother that I want so badly to be. I could stare at her and hold her and love on her all day long but, I gotta cook and clean and do laundry and go shopping and take a bath. And sometimes- none of that happens.

I really don't know how teenagers do it. I don't know how I could have handled the emotions and the stress at any other time in my life. I wouldn't have been able to, I know that. Being a mother is what I've always wanted and hoped for and I'm so glad that I waited until I was prepared. It's inevitable that you'll worry and struggle no matter how old or prepared you are but I think I gave myself a much better chance by waiting. She was so worth it, too. No matter how I smell- she is so worth it.

The 17 Thing

2009-11-25T12:41:00.002-06:00

My dad has one older sister and she has three children. My parents have two. Out of the five of us, four were born on the 17th of a month- all different months (January, March, August & September). My grandfather used to joke that when it was the 17th of the month, he'd check to see if it was someone's birthday.

The oldest of the five of us has a daughter and then twins. The twins were born on July 17, 2008. Bunny was born on October 17, 2009. How freaking awesome is that? When my water broke on the 16th (at 2:30pm), we were all amazed.

It gets better!

Bunny was born at 8:17am! Then she weighed 7lbs 7oz and our room while we were in mother/baby- 317.

It's freaky.

1 Month

2009-11-23T16:39:00.003-06:00

Bunny was one month old on Tuesday, November 17th. We saw the pediatrician for her one month well checkup and she did great. She weighs 9 pounds 3.4 ounces and is 21 inches long. She weighed 7 pounds 7.4 ounces and was 19 1/2 inches at birth so she's growing and doing well. The doctor said she looks great and is perfect.

We are breast feeding and love it. I hate to say it for fear of jinxing but we are doing so well with it. I love feeding her and holding her close to me. I love when she holds my finger while eating. She makes lots of noises when she eats and it's so cute. The past week or so, she's been spitting up a little more than she ever did but, it's not too bad. (Except for Friday night when she really threw up. Not spit up but threw up. She's been fine ever since then though).

She is still so good. She rarely cries and when she does it's very quick- just a little yell. She wakes up to eat at least twice a night but most of the time she goes right back to sleep afterwords. She pees and poops like a champ! I change a lot of diapers. She's moved into size 1 diapers now, too.

In the past week or so, she's gotten more and more vocal. She "sings" herself to sleep a lot of times with her pacifier. She loves her swing and so do I. I put her in it so that I can actually get laundry or whatever done. Mostly, she sleeps but sometimes she is awake and just looks around. She likes looking at the lamp and fans. She doesn't react (smile, laugh, etc) to her toys yet but I'm so looking forward to that.

She still wears some newborn and some 0-3 month clothes. Most of the time she wears all in ones like this or this. But she does have this and this (she has this on today) and a few pretty little smocked dresses for "dress up". For night, she wears gowns like these and these. She hates to have her hands covered when I swaddle her so, I leave them out. My very favorite swaddle blankets are these by Luna Lullaby. They are big and soft and I hope to get some more for Christmas.

Being a mother has been absolutely wonderful. There is no other feeling like the one I have for Bunny. It's such a huge overwhelming feeling that sometimes it scares me. I've never felt so vulnerable. I am THAT parent who thinks her child is the most wonderful, brilliant, beautiful, fabulous that ever lived. And she is...

Shoeaddict Asks

2009-11-19T15:26:00.002-06:00

What do you put on with a onesie? I want to buy Bunny a Christmas onesie but what does she wear with it? Pants? Is this a dumb question?

Not A Model Model, But Gorgeous

2009-11-11T13:53:00.003-06:00

Yesterday, mom and I took Bunny (I changed it to Bunny. I call her that and I like it) to get her pictures made. I got the package where she gets 4 sessions in her first year and this was her newborn ones. Now Bunny has been such an angel baby for these first three weeks of her life. She still sleeps SO much and hardly ever cries. I figured it was the perfect oppertunity for pictures.

Kelly, the photographer, likes to shoot the newborns early in life-when they still sleep a lot- so they are still easy to pose. I figured this was a non-issue because Bunny sleeps hard all the time. We got to Kelly's house and Bunny was asleep. We took off her clothes and she woke up! And then she wouldn't go back to sleep for anything.

First, Kelly put her on a white faux-fur rug thing and she pooped all over it. A lot. Then, Kelly picked her up and she peed all over her! This went on for two hours- pooping (three times) and peeing (twice) and not cooperating at all. Finally, in the last 15 minutes or so, Bunny fell asleep and Kelly got her shots.

Here are just two of many more:

There is a Santa one that will be our Christmas Card/Birth Announcement. They came out so good. Kelly is a wonderful, patient photographer and Bunny is so gorgeous, if I do say so myself. I can't wait to see all of them.

Winner

2009-11-03T11:57:00.003-06:00

I LOVE Sugar. But is it stripper-y? It kinda is. But, I like it. I think I'm gonna go with Sweetie Pie. And she is.

Is it normal to stare at your baby all day long? Cause I do!

By Any Other Name

2009-11-02T14:49:00.003-06:00

Baby as a glow worm for Halloween.

Ok, we have to pick a blog name for Baby. Here is what I'm thinking of (and what others have suggested):

Angel
Baby
Sweetie
Sunshine
Pretty
Flower (suggested by Anonymouse)
A baked good to follow in the footsteps of Muffin and Cupcake. (But what? Pie?)

I call her all of those top five ones.

Thanks so much for the well wishes while she was sick. She's doing much better now. The time that she was (back) in the hospital (especially the NICU) was awful but, it's over now. Today is my first day totally alone with her. Mom came to see her at lunch though. We are doing great.

Baby and Bili

2009-10-27T16:44:00.002-05:00

We stayed in the bonding room in the NICU with Baby from Friday to Sunday afternoon. Her bili level was up again Monday morning so it was repeated at 6pm. It was down a little so, nothing was done differently. This morning, it was up again and so she is on the bili bed at home again.

Please just pray that she doesn't have to go back to the hospital again.

Sick- UPDATED

2009-10-23T13:15:00.002-05:00

Our sweet angel baby was admitted into the NICU last night. She is doing much better today but we still need your thoughts and prayers. Thanks!

My heart is broken and I miss her so much.

UPDATE- Sweet Girl's doctor just called us and said that she is doing so well that they are moving her into an open crib in a bonding room. We can stay with her and I get to feed her again! I'm just so thrilled. Please continue to keep us in your prayers.

Angel Baby

2009-10-20T17:54:00.004-05:00

It's A Girl!

Sweet Angel Baby Girl

born October 17, 2009

at 8:17 am

She weighed 7 lbs 7.4 oz

and was 19 1/2 inches long

We just got home today because Angel Baby had some little issues. She is fine though and I promise to come back and tell more. And post a picture. ~~Blogger isn't allowing me to do that right now.~~ If you are friends with me on Facebook there are pictures and real names (email me if you are not and want to know because I'm not hiding it from you, of course). She is named for two of her great-grandmothers- one of Blue's and one of mine.

I'm thinking of calling her Sweet Pea on the blog. I'm open to suggestions though.

P.S.- I'm so thrilled. Beyond. And so very in love.

We Have Take Off

2009-10-15T09:17:00.002-05:00

I saw the doctors yesterday. The OB told me that I am 2cm dilated and 50% effaced. Well, she didn't tell me that I was 50% effaced, but I saw it on my chart. The one I have to carry with me until birthday.

THAT exam was not fun. But, I was so super thrilled that I'm making progress. She said that all of my contractions are actually doing something and this will make for an easier delivery. Whoopie for that!

Baby's weight is estimated at 6 pounds 7 ounces. I believe s/he might be 8 pounds or more, if we go to 40 weeks. I'm 36w3d today. 25 days until the due date. This is really happening!

Oh, My Blog!

2009-10-11T08:27:00.002-05:00

I keep getting reprimanded for not blogging enough here. I don't really know why I don't as much- well, I do have more of a life than I did when I started- but I still have things to say. I want to redo the whole thing though. I don't really talk about fashion or makeup or celebs all the time anymore. I could. I don't know.

I don't want to quit blogging totally. Or at all. But, I don't really know my identity here anymore. I don't know how comfortable Blue is about me putting pictures of Baby here on the public blog. And, do I wanna become a "mommy blogger"? What is that exactly anyway? I'm certainly not qualified for that!

For now, I will keep updating about me-us-Blue, Baby and me. And the family. I don't know if anyone still reads here. I guess that doesn't really matter. I do wonder if you know anyone who could help me redo the blog? I'm just not into this header and stuff anymore. Or the wordings, etc.

And as for a personal update- I'm 32 weeks 6 days pregnant today. I'm tired, uncomfortable, achy, but oh so happy. I'm really ready to meet and hold (and hug and kiss) this sweet Baby. Today is my baby shower and I'm super excited to see everyone. And excited to eat yummy shower food- I love little sandwiches, cut up veggies and fruit, dip, cakes.

This week, I have my last planned appointment with the maternal fetal medicine doctor. They will check to see Baby's position and size. I am pretty sure s/he is head down and that s/he weighs 25 pounds and is 6 feet tall. But, I could be wrong! Just pray that s/he is still healthy and that we can stay pregnant for at least another two weeks.

I'm Boring

2009-10-02T07:50:00.002-05:00

This weekend is a BIG deal in my family. It's the LSU vs UGA football game. Blue is in route to Athens, GA right now to meet up with his family for the game. I'm not allowed to go (doctor's orders) and I don't think I could do the 8+ hour drive. Or the port-a-potty.
Baby and I are doing well. I had another bladder infection this week and that was painful. My lower back also really, really hurts. But, my vitals are great and Baby is scoring an 8 out of 8 on the biophysical profile ultrasounds we get every Wednesday.
I am 34 weeks 4 days pregnant today. But I feel like I've been pregnant for double that.
Next weekend is my baby shower. I'm super excited about it. I love a get-together! My mother, sister and brother-in-law are coming in from Georgia. I have not seen my SIL in a year and a half and my BIL in two years (or more). Also, Kate and Kelli are coming. I still can't believe it. They've been so sweet and supportive.
Are ya'll watching new Fall shows? I'll do a more extensive post on this on the TV blog later but, here are the new shows that I love: The Good Wife, Mercy, Modern Family, Glee, & Eastwick.
I got my hair back! It's curly and auburn again and I feel like myself.

For Whom?

2009-09-27T11:37:00.002-05:00

Setting: last night, while I'm laying on the couch, in pain, having contractions and cramps. He is in his recliner. We are watching football.

Blue: I think you should be pregnant for the next ten years or so!
Me: What!?
Blue: Yeah! We can just keep having babies until you can't get pregnant anymore.
Me: What!? WHY?
Blue: Because! This is FUN!

Promise A Post Soon

2009-09-25T15:25:00.001-05:00

33 weeks
The changing table right after it was put together.

The crib right after it was put together. And before the mattress. I LOVE it.