9 Months

Joycie,

You turned 9 months old on December 5th. Since we were on vacation when this milestone occurred, and are now in the throes of the Christmas season, you 9 month letter is a little late. Mama’s sorry. Here are your stats for this month:

•You weigh 20 pounds and nearly 29 inches long.
•You are now in size 3 diapers.
•You are now wearing clothing sized 12 months.

Your vocabulary continues to expand with you saying “Bye” whenever someone leaves a room, as well as attempts to say “Meme” (great grandmother”, and La-la (which we think is for Aunt Lane.)

You are beginning to crawl in small bursts. You begin by getting onto all fours and rocking back and forth. Then you pull your legs up to your hands. After 2 or 3 times of this, you realize that you are not moving fast enough, so you resort to rolling – or begin grunting/crying… until someone picks you up. (Spoiled much). However, you have no desire to be held, instead you wiggle until we set you down and then you try to walk with us holding your hands.

Your 2nd tooth is coming in – right next to the first tooth. I chuckle every time I see your smile with those 2 teeth shining thru. You have experienced your first Thanksgiving – and we gave you small tastes of the traditional Thanksgiving fare. You liked pumpkin, sweet potatoes, and stuffing. However, you strongly disliked the ham and turkey.

You are still a happy, loving baby. You have smiles and laughs for nearly everyone you meet – and tend to lunge head first into the arms of whoever starts talking to you. Last night at Daddy’s Christmas party, you were blowing spit bubbles, kisses, and giving a pageant wave to all the guests.

Joycie – you are a constant source of delight to Daddy and I – teaching us something new everyday. We can not wait to see what the next month holds for all of us!

We love you!

~Mama & Daddy

My Prize Winning Sweet Pea

Our town hosts a fall festival each year and as a part of the festivities, there is a costume contest. I had not planned on dressing Joycelen for the contest - as I was saving her real costume for our church festival on Saturday night. However, at the last minute I bought this sweet pea costume at the dollar store. It was cute enough to win her 2nd place in the baby division.

A New Adventure

Last July, when M and I discovered that we were expecting, one of our immediate concerns was child care. The first few months of my pregnancy were filled with lengthy discussions that listed out our options and weighed the pros and cons of each.

We quickly decided that me becoming a stay at home mom was not the best option for our family. While our financial situation would allow us to leave off a single salary, my job provided our health care benefits. Moreover, I love my career and strongly feel that the Lord has placed in my current position for a reason and a purpose. There was no peace in my heart when I contemplated leaving….

Our next option was daycare, but our needs were very complex. First, we wanted a facility with a high teacher to child ratio. The facility also needed to begin educational training at an early age. I had seen facilities in other areas that did not engage the infants very well. Most importantly, we needed a facility that had lots of flexibility with scheduling. Both M and I have jobs that often require early morning and late evenings. Our town, while small, has two great day care centers that met both of our first two requirements, but the scheduling was a sticking point for both.

As my delivery date loomed, I wondered what we were going to do. To further complicate the issue, Joycelen was due to arrive at the peak of cold/flu season, and my mind filled with images of my tiny infant coming down with the flu.

When I was seemingly at my wits end, my Mama offered to keep Joycelen until the flu season had passed. Our original agreement was 3 months, but 3 months neither my Mama nor I were ready to change our arrangement. Mama loves having Joycelen each day – as an empty nester it gives her a renewed sense of purpose. I love being able to go into work early, stay late if necessary, and visiting Joycelen on my lunch break. (Side note: the first 8 weeks after I returned to work, I would nap with Joycelen on my lunch break; there is no daycare in the world that would allow that).

At the beginning of June, Mama asked if I could find a fill in caregiver for a few days so that she and my Daddy could take a short vacation. She seemed apologetic, but I assured her that a getaway was well deserved, and I had no problems with making alternate arrangements.

It just so happened that our local Christian daycare center had drop in opening for the 3 days that we needed. My older nieces attend this center, so I knew the quality care that Joycelen would be getting and the individuals who would be providing it.

This morning I carried her into the center. She was cooing and babbling the entire time, as I gave a brief run down of her routine to Mrs. Jamie, the lead teacher in the infant room. When it came time to leave, I got a little bleary eyed and worried that she would do the same. But not my girl, she was too busy jabbering at another infant to worry with my departure. If things go well, M and I may enroll her in the 3 day a week program in the fall, to give my Mama a break and to allow Joycelen more interaction with her peer group.

Bigger Picture Moment: The Gift of Time

My life is running at warp speed these days. As the end of my company’s fiscal year approaches, I find myself needing to spend more and more time at the office. I am going in at 7 a.m., working thru lunch, and coming home after 7:00 p.m. Last night, after another exhausting day at the office, I found myself whining to M.

“24 hours in a day – is not enough time to take care of everything I need to do.”

“Sorry, babe, that’s all we get.” M replied as he scrolled thru the selections on our DVR.

“Well, it is not enough. Between work, cleaning around here, our church activities, I feel as though I have no time to do anything else.”

“I know, hun.”

“It is Wednesday, and I have yet to spend anytime alone with Joycelen. She is asleep when I take her to Mama’s and asleep by the time I get home.”

“Babe, this is just a temporary thing. You said it yourself – once the audit is over – work will settle down. Don’t worry about the baby, she knows you love her –

Our conversation never finished. The buzzing of my blackberry indicated a new e-mail, another work issue that needed to be addressed.

{Fast forward to this morning }

A tiny cry catapults me from a deep sleep. My focus my bleary eyes on the alarm clock. In the darkness of my bedroom, the red numerals glare at me – 5:45. “Why??” I pondered to myself “Why is she awake this early??”

Just a few feet from minute, my daughter Joycelen is stirring in her bassinette. Normally she would still be sleeping – like her mother she prefers to wake up after the sunrise. But not today – no, I think to myself, on the one day I needed extra sleep – she’s awake.

I wait a few moments, hoping that she will soothe herself back to sleep. No luck – she’s awake and hungry. If I do not act soon, those tiny coos and cries will morph into full out screams.

I feel myself fuming, grumbling as I make my way into the kitchen to prepare her bottle. I know that my bad attitude is because I am fatigued. “God, I am going to need your help today. I am tired – and I have a lot to accomplish – give me energy, give me strength --

My daughter is smiling at me, a toothless grin that stretches from ear to ear. As I bend to scoop her up, she throws her hands into the air and giggles. She’s happy – happy to see me, to be held by me. I feel my heart swelling with love as the tears threaten to flow from my eyes.

In the quite of the morning, with the sunlight softly beginning to stream thru the window – I nurse my daughter. Her blue eyes lock onto mine and never waver from my face. Staring at my daughter, I recall the previous evening’s conversation with my husband.

Even though, I had not asked, my Heavenly Father had heard the prayers of my heart. He knew that this tired Mama longed for time with her child but felt as though there was no way to make it happen.

So in the quite of the morning, He stirred a tiny baby from slumber, and in doing so blessed her mother with a gift that far exceeds extra sleep….the gift of time.

Joycelen - 3 Months

Joyclen,

As hard as it is to believe, you are now 3 months old. This month was a big one for you in terms of development. Seemingly over night, you went from a baby who was content to simply lie wherever, to a curious little girl who wants to be on the move. This month:

• You weigh 12 pounds and are measuring around 22 inches in length.
• You have started to wear clothing in the 3-6 month range.
• You are still wearing size 1 diapers.
• Tummy time has become one of your favorite activities. You have moved from mini-pushups, to pushing up onto your knees and rocking back and forth.
• You have learned to roll from your back to your stomach, and back again.
• You finally discovered your feet and our fascinated by them. You like to hold your toes while rocking or riding in the car.

In addition to all of your big developmental milestones, the third month of your life was special because you served as a flower girl in your Aunt Jessica's wedding. Everyone was so impressed at what a calm/sweet baby you were. From the photo shoot to the last dance at the reception, you were all smiles when you were awake and slept like a champ when you were napping. While you were a marvel to all the new people you met, your Daddy and I were not surprised at all. We've known how sweet you are for quite some time now.

We are both eager to see what new skills you learn next!

Love,

Mama and Daddy

Joycelen - Two Months Old

Joycelen,

You turned 2 months old on May 5th - just one day before your cousin Trevor's 5th birthday. At his birthday lunch, you enjoyed the teeniest bit of frosting. Just like your Mama, you loved it. I hope this is not the beginning of a life long sweet tooth. Here are your milestones for this month:

· You are weighing close to 10 lbs, based on Mama's weighing methods (Mama stands on the scale and gets her weight, steps off, picks you up and then steps back on the scale).
·Papa Babo measured your length and you are around 22 inches long.
· After developing some mild reflux, we have reduced your bottles to 3 ounces with 1 teaspoon of rice cereal. You are still eating every 3 hours but have little to no tummy troubles now.
· You are wearing 0-3 months clothes and size 1 diapers.
· You are still a champ at sleeping - Nana Nancy says that you take at least two naps a day, usually 3 hours each time. And you are sleeping from 10:00 to 6:00 a.m. with Mama and Daddy.

In the last month, you have developed even more of a personality. When your Aunt Lane holds you, you like to stuck your tongue out at her, and then blow spit bubbles. You tend to jabber at your grandparents, and follow your cousins' every move.

You have started noticing the television, and seem to enjoy watching sport center with your Daddy (you turn your head towards the t.v. when you hear the intro music and look away when it goes to commerical). You are quick to give smiles to Mama and Daddy, and love babbling at Mama while we drive in the truck.

During tummy time, you did these mini pushups....lifting your head, neck, and shoulders off of the floor. Both of your Nana's seem to think you will be an early crawler and walker....Mama is kinda hoping you stay still (and small) just a little while longer.

Love,

Mama & Daddy

Help Me Remember

Last night was the first truly difficult night that I have experienced with Joycelen. And by most standards it was not very bad. Until now, Joycelen has been going to bed at 9:00 p.m. and sleeping until 5:00 a.m., has a feeding and goes back to sleep until 7:30 a.m. However, last night she was awake until 11:00, up screaming at 2:00 -- fought sleep until well after 3:00, and then demanding her breakfast at 4:30. I wrongly assumed that the little stinker would sleep late this morning. Lol! Instead, she wanted to lay in bed with wide eyes and coo/smile at me. I loved and resented this all at the same time. Needless to say, I was dragging at the office this morning. (Did I mention that this was the one morning I needed to be in at 7:00 a.m.). Tired and slightly grumpy, my day was off to a bad start.... then a friend sent me this poem.

Lord, help me remember, when I feel It's a chore,the time will come when I'll hold her no moreasleep on my chest (the crib refused,the blanket, the pacifier, gone unused).What better place is there to lay her headthan against my heart, my arms her bed?For infants grow up and leave us behindwith only memories left to remindus of midnight walking and predawn rocking,of soft, helpless babies unable to sleep.So, Lord, make me patient and keep me awakewhile I cradle this child, and don't let me takefor granted the moments I spend in the nightwith this baby--Your gift, my joy, my delight.
by Jan Dunlap

It put my whole day (and night) in perspective. I thought it was worth sharing.

Bittersweet

Last night, M was preparing Joycelen for bed. He asked me to select a sleeper for her to wear. I immediately chose one of my favorites – a pink sleeper with the words “Mommy’s Snuggle Bunny” on the front, and adorable bunny faces on the feet. This cherished sleeper is almost too small.

This morning as I changed Joycelen’s diaper … I used the last newborn sized one. It was an extremely snug fit. It is now time to move up to size 1 diapers.

Both of these incidents left me with watery eyes – both cementing the reality that the tiny infant I brought home a mere two months ago is truly growing. While I am eager to see the changes that the coming months will bring, part of me wants to hit the pause button, to keep her tiny for just a little bit longer. I have a feeling that this will not be the last time that I feel this type of internal conflict. Is motherhood always so bittersweet?

She likes me, She really likes me

Joycelen has been smiling since she was 3 weeks old. However, those smiles have been reserved for sleeping, her silly cousins, and occasional for Daddy or Nana. Up to this point, my baby girl has not smiled at me. That all changed yesterday afternoon.

Around 6:00 p.m., I picked Joycelen up from my parents house (Side note: I am so blessed to have retired parents who are more than willing to act as babysitters so that Joycelen does not have to daycare until she is a bit older). My Mama told me that it had been nearly 3 hours since her last feeding. I knew that my window for getting a few chores done around the house was rapidly closing, so I made a beeline for home.

Upon arrival, Joycelen’s eyes popped open and she began to stir. I looked at the overflowing laundry basket – full of clothes that needed to be folded – and got creative. I placed Joycelen into her carrier, set the carrier onto the kitchen table, and began singnig and dancing around the kitchen while I folded the laundry. Not only did my antics keep her from crying, but she got the biggest grin on her face. Her smile literally took my breath away.

That gummy smile made me feel more accomplished than any of my degrees or life achievements. And I know it is the first of many smiles to come.

Snapshots of Life These Days

Joycelen loves to cuddle in the bed with M and I before she goes to her crib. I snapped this picture the other night.
M and I have made it a Sunday afternoon tradition to take Joycelen out for a walk in the lovely spring weather. Last week, we graduated her from her carrier to just the stroller.

1 Month Old and nearly as long as her stuffed rabbit from her Aunt Jessica.

Easter Morning!

Joycelen - 1 Month Old

Joycelen you are now 1 Month Old!

Since you changing so much with each passing day, I wanted to capture as much of this journey as possible. Like many other bloggers, I will document in pictures and words your milestones each month. Without further adieu, here’s what you’ve accomplished in just 4 short weeks.

· You weigh 8 lbs, and 13 ounces. Your weight gain started off slow, with you gaining a mere 2 ounces in the first 19 days of life. But since then you have added another pound.

· You are measuring 21 and ¼ inches long.

· In spite of this recent growth spurt, you remain quite “dainty” and are still wearing newborn diapers and clothing. Although, you length will soon push you in 0-3 month clothing.

· Nana Becki attributes your growth to your appetite, while you started out eating just 2 ounces every 2 hours, you are now eating 5-6 ounces every 3 hours.

· You are a terrific sleeper. During the day you tend to sleep 2.5 hours at a time. And a night, you are nice enough to let Mama and Daddy sleep for 4-5 hour stretches.

· You started smiling at 3 weeks old. When you get really excited or agitated, you like to blow spit bubbles.

• Now that Mama is back at work, you have started spending your days with Nana Nancy and Papa Babo. I am not sure who is happier about the arrangement – you or them. But you have adjusted to the transition quite well.

Daddy and I knew that our lives would forever change with your birth….but we never imagined just how much joy you would bring to our lives. We can honestly say that you are the best thing that has ever happened to us, and we can not wait to see what the 2^nd month of your life holds for all 3 of us.

First Doctor's Visit

Joycelen had her newborn check-up on Wednesday. At the appointment, she weighed 7 pounds, 13 ounces, was 21.25 inches long, and had a head circumference of 15 inches. These measurements put her in the 20th percentile for weight, the 75th percentile for length and the 90th percent tile for her head circumference. Dr. C, our pediatrician, expressed a slight concern for her weight. In nearly 3 weeks, Joycelen had only gained 2 ounces over her birth weight.

Dr. C stated that the apparent lack of gain could be attributed to a difference between his office scale and the scale at the hospital. Therefore, he advised that we have her re-weighed at our hospital today, and again in 5 days. If she has not gained 2.5 ounces in that time frame, we will follow up at his office.

The rest of the appointment went very well. Joycelen only cried when Dr. C looked in her ears - and to further display her displeasure - she peed on his table. We all had a good laugh at that one.

Today, Nana Becki (M's mom) weighed Joycelen on the hospital scales and she weighed 8 pounds and half an ounce. I think that's a good sign.

Wordless Wednesday

I think he is in love...

Last night, Mikey asked me "Is she perfect because she is or because she's mine?"

My First Week as a Mother

On 4:25 p.m. March 5th, I became a mother. The moment was not exactly as I had imagined it would be. Instead, of hearing my doctor tell me to make a final push and having my daughter laid on my chest; I was lying on an operating table waiting to hear that first cry. It was then that I learned my first lesson of parenthood - "You can make plans for your children, but they will often take you in totally different directions".

Hours later, in the hospital room, I held a screaming infant and looked at my frazzled husband as we tried to figure out why she was screaming. It was only after a few minutes, I had the thought to check her diaper. Checking her was something that I should have thought of sooner....I felt horrible. However, as my own Mama reminded "You'll make mistakes as a parent, better to learn to let go of the mistakes, and focus on what you do right."

I would like to tell you that the first 7 days of parenthood have been easier. But that would be a lie. Granted, having a newborn who sleeps for nearly three hours at a time, has made things considerably easier......there have been difficult moments. I have broken down in tears - worried that what we were doing was not the best thing for our daughter. Yet, I am learning that M and I have instincts in regards to our daughter and we have to trust our own judgement.

Joycelen is an absolute delight. She, M, and I have settled into a happy routine and schedule. I take most of the day shift - as I am at home - but once M walks in from the office that marks "Daddy time". We put her to bed around 10:00 p.m. and sleep blissfully until 2:00 p.m. when she cries for her first nighttime feeding. I take "first shift" - although M oftens wakes up offerring to help with the feeding and/or diaper change. Joycelen's second night feeding usually happens when M is getting ready to start his day, so he has taken over that feeding. He feeds her, burps her, and then settles her into the bed with me. She and I then snuggle and sleep until 8:00 a.m.

7 days ago, I entered a new stage of life. It is a stage that has already been fraught with trials, challenges, and especially blissful moments. I can not wait to see what lies ahead.

Exhausted - Joycelen at 5 days Old

New Parenting Bloopers

M and I read, read, and read all kinds of articles in preparation for becoming parents. We picked apart the brains of our family, our friends, and our coworkers. We knew that there was a lot that we still didn't know....but we thought we had a handle on the parenting thing..... here are just a few of our bloopers from the first few days



- Friday night, 2:00 a.m. : Our sweet precious baby morphs from content infant to screaming monster. She has been fed, is properly swaddled in her blanket, we've walked (well M did), we've rocked, we've sang. Why is she crying????? Then it hits us -- neither of us had checked her diaper since she had been brought to us. Oops!



-Sunday night, 8:00 p.m. - Joycelen's bathtime. We take her into our bathroom, turn on the wall heater to get the room nice and warm, strip her down to just her diaper. Um....where's the baby wash? I go retreive the baby wash. Um.....where's the wash cloth? M goes and gets the wash cloth. This was repeated with her towel and a clean diaper.



-Monday night, 11:00 p.m. - M is changing Joycelen's diaper. He gets her fully changed, starts to snap her onesie when he realizes it is soaking wet. Afraid that he spilt alcohol on her (from cleaning her belly button), he calls me into the nursery to perform the sniff test. It was urine. Apparently, M forgot to put another diaper under Joyceln while he dealt with the old one.





I am sure that we are going to have a lot more mishaps along the way. But they make for great stories, and keep us laughing.

A Farmer's Daughter - Joycelen @ 4 days old

Although M's primary job is project manager for a contractor - he is a farmer at heart. His grandfather raised hogs, cattle, corn, and a few other crops. His Daddy grows corn, sugar cane, and blueberries. And M is following in the tradition, working with his Daddy and his brother to grow the 12 acres of blueberries we own. Whenever I think of farming, I can't help but think of overalls. Therefore, I thought it only fitting that the next generation of the Lee family have her own pair. I think she's ready for her first tractor ride.