Leah is one lucky little chica!
Friday, May 27, 2011
Who needs Father's day...
...To celebrate the most wonderful man I know. I have wondered what Paul would be like as a father since way back in 2000, when we were in college, dating, and wondering what our future might hold. I am thrilled to say that he has far surpassed my expectations as a daddy, and is so loving, attentive, affectionate, supportive, passionate, and patient with both of "his girls". I sure picked a keeper to raise a family with, and not a day goes by without realizing it. I will forever be greatful to have this amazing person to share my home, dreams, and family with.
Leah is one lucky little chica!
Leah is one lucky little chica!
Friday, May 20, 2011
Three Months Old!
Little Birdie Girl, at three months, you:
- Still sleep like a maniac, letting me get a full night of shut-eye every time. We put you down at 8, wake you at 5:30 to eat, and you go back down til 8. Who are you?
- On the other hand, you MUST be swaddled to go to sleep, unless you are in your carseat or swing. You get swaddled for every nap, and at night. I think we are in for some trouble once you out grow the swaddlers!
- Still wake up with massive smiles and stretches (and massive toots to go along with them) when we take you out of your swaddler. Your Daddy and I fight over who gets to bust you out. It is the cutest thing ever.
- Nurse about 6 times a day. When I think back to those first few challenging weeks of learning, I am amazed at how far we have come. Both you and I love the bonding time, and I will keep it up as long as I can.
- Coo and squeal with delight for much of the day, especially while playing peek-a-boo, or when we talk to you on your changing table.
- Fight tummy time, although it is getting better. You are so good at holding that little red head up, I wonder why you whine about it from time to time...
- "Stand" on your own with next to no support. You have been doing this for weeks. The books say you should bear some weight by 4 months. You kicked that milestone in the you know what!
- Have a smile that lights up your whole face (make that a whole room) when those darling dimples come out.
- Are starting to lose just a little bit of the gorgeous red hair on the back of your head. I think your 10 hour snoozing sessions might be to blame, cause we sure don't put you down much during the day!
- Suddenly love being read to! For the past week, you have been looking at the pages and squealing with delight as we make funny faces and do the voices. Reading to you was something we started doing when I was pregnant, and I was really looking forward to reading to you when you got here. I have not been let down.
- Have been laughing for a week and a half. Your first laugh will remain in the memories of your Daddy and me until the day we are six feet under. It was so special to both of us, and the fact that we were together, just the three of us, when it happened was magical.
- Finally LIKE being "worn" in the sling. So many moms told me how fabulous all these wraps are, so I was a sucker and bought a few. Turns out, you were not much for it, cause you always like to be perched on a shoulder (that IS how you got your Birdie nickname, after all). You are taking to it, though, now that you can face outward and see the action.
- Stick your tongue out more than any baby I have ever seen!
- Have already taken your first vacation, your first boat ride, attended your first wedding, went to the zoo for the first time, and have had so many other fabulous experiences!
- Love taking walks, sitting in your Bumbo seat, being held like a football or perched on a shoulder, playing "airplane" and being held up in the air, sitting in your bouncy seat while we make dinner, your singing doggie from Auntie Morg, one particular book about farm animals, being outside, chewing on your fat little fist, and you have a frightening obsession with the Raffi song "Baby Beluga"- it makes you giggle and smile just about every single time we play it and sing to you.
- Are, and forever will be, the answer to many prayers. You are such a blessing, little girl.
Happy 3 Month birthday!!!
- Still sleep like a maniac, letting me get a full night of shut-eye every time. We put you down at 8, wake you at 5:30 to eat, and you go back down til 8. Who are you?
- On the other hand, you MUST be swaddled to go to sleep, unless you are in your carseat or swing. You get swaddled for every nap, and at night. I think we are in for some trouble once you out grow the swaddlers!
- Still wake up with massive smiles and stretches (and massive toots to go along with them) when we take you out of your swaddler. Your Daddy and I fight over who gets to bust you out. It is the cutest thing ever.
- Nurse about 6 times a day. When I think back to those first few challenging weeks of learning, I am amazed at how far we have come. Both you and I love the bonding time, and I will keep it up as long as I can.
- Coo and squeal with delight for much of the day, especially while playing peek-a-boo, or when we talk to you on your changing table.
- Fight tummy time, although it is getting better. You are so good at holding that little red head up, I wonder why you whine about it from time to time...
- "Stand" on your own with next to no support. You have been doing this for weeks. The books say you should bear some weight by 4 months. You kicked that milestone in the you know what!
- Have a smile that lights up your whole face (make that a whole room) when those darling dimples come out.
- Are starting to lose just a little bit of the gorgeous red hair on the back of your head. I think your 10 hour snoozing sessions might be to blame, cause we sure don't put you down much during the day!
- Suddenly love being read to! For the past week, you have been looking at the pages and squealing with delight as we make funny faces and do the voices. Reading to you was something we started doing when I was pregnant, and I was really looking forward to reading to you when you got here. I have not been let down.
- Have been laughing for a week and a half. Your first laugh will remain in the memories of your Daddy and me until the day we are six feet under. It was so special to both of us, and the fact that we were together, just the three of us, when it happened was magical.
- Finally LIKE being "worn" in the sling. So many moms told me how fabulous all these wraps are, so I was a sucker and bought a few. Turns out, you were not much for it, cause you always like to be perched on a shoulder (that IS how you got your Birdie nickname, after all). You are taking to it, though, now that you can face outward and see the action.
- Stick your tongue out more than any baby I have ever seen!
- Have already taken your first vacation, your first boat ride, attended your first wedding, went to the zoo for the first time, and have had so many other fabulous experiences!
- Love taking walks, sitting in your Bumbo seat, being held like a football or perched on a shoulder, playing "airplane" and being held up in the air, sitting in your bouncy seat while we make dinner, your singing doggie from Auntie Morg, one particular book about farm animals, being outside, chewing on your fat little fist, and you have a frightening obsession with the Raffi song "Baby Beluga"- it makes you giggle and smile just about every single time we play it and sing to you.
- Are, and forever will be, the answer to many prayers. You are such a blessing, little girl.
Happy 3 Month birthday!!!
(Grand)Daddy Day care
Hi Ho, Hi Ho, it's back to work I go...
Leah will be 13 weeks old Sunday, and I go back to work on Monday (for a brief 3 weeks- suck it up, Erin). I am dreading leaving her for so long every day, but I know with all of my heart that she is going to be in amazing hands- those of her Papo! As much as I love to tease my Dad about how terrified I am to leave her with him, I can't imagine leaving her in more trusted hands. Leah has turned my gear-head, plumber, music loving "kinda tough guy" Dad into a ball of mush, and he adores her.
Here he is, loving up on 1 -week old Leah. This is the day he came up with "Booger", the first of many lovely nicknames her has for her (note my sarcasm). Since then, he has taken to calling her Schmatza. You have to knwo my Dad to get him...
One month old!
Papo and LiLi on the day she was born.
This is my fave so far of the two of them. This was on Leah's first boat ride. :)
I have the best parents I could ask for, and watching them as grandparents has been one of life's greatest joys. Thanks, Dad.
Leah will be 13 weeks old Sunday, and I go back to work on Monday (for a brief 3 weeks- suck it up, Erin). I am dreading leaving her for so long every day, but I know with all of my heart that she is going to be in amazing hands- those of her Papo! As much as I love to tease my Dad about how terrified I am to leave her with him, I can't imagine leaving her in more trusted hands. Leah has turned my gear-head, plumber, music loving "kinda tough guy" Dad into a ball of mush, and he adores her.
Here he is, loving up on 1 -week old Leah. This is the day he came up with "Booger", the first of many lovely nicknames her has for her (note my sarcasm). Since then, he has taken to calling her Schmatza. You have to knwo my Dad to get him...
One month old!
Papo and LiLi on the day she was born.
This is my fave so far of the two of them. This was on Leah's first boat ride. :)
I have the best parents I could ask for, and watching them as grandparents has been one of life's greatest joys. Thanks, Dad.
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Overachiever?
Leah has been "standing" for weeks now, and we finally remembered to take a few pictures theother day. She is pretty crazy. I hope she get's her daddy's love of using those good strong legs at the gym!
Not-so-dirty 30
When I was a fun loving, usually good, somewhat bratty 15 year old way back in 1996, I recall thinking about how OLD 30 sounded. I was half way there, and it felt like I was getting older by the second. I had lofty dreams back then, and, ever the planner, I just knew how I wanted my life to go. I knew that, by 30, I wanted to have a career I loved (probably a dolphin trainer at the time...), a wonderful husband (my high school boyfriend was a 6 foot 4 outdoorsman), a nice house to live in (although back then I thought even a dorm was pretty sweet), and a kid or two (I pictured marrying some dark guy so I could have brown-looking babies). This, in the eyes of Erin Clark, was the perfect life for an "OLD" person at the ripe age of 30. I setout to make it happen and hoped for the best as I lived life to the fullest through my teens and early 20's.
Fifteen years later, I find myself in awe of that fact that all of these dreams have come true. Although most, if not all, of the details have changed (dolphin trainer became teacher once I was inspired in college, actual beyond wonderful husband is a 5 foot 8 math teacher, house is a pretty nice pile of bricks, and my daughter- well, as you all know, Leah is the antithesis of dark), the end product has blown my mind. My life is a million times more brilliant that I ever could have dreamed. I had no idea of the joy that was ahead of me as my "years lived" doubled.
On my 30th birthday, I made myself a promise. I will keep dreaming big and taking in life's precious moments. I will keep putting the people I love first in my life, above all else. I will keep trying to be the mother, wife, teacher, daughter, sister, citizen and friend I strive to be, though I know perfection is far from reeachable. I will try to be better every day, and, hopefully, when my lifespan doubles again, I will find myself having as much happiness and love around me as I do today, and will have made afew people smile on the way.
Bring it on, 30's! I am ready for you!
Here are some shots from the fabulous party that my parent's threw for me to celebrate the end of three decades. I have them to thank for just about everything in life, including this wonderful day!
Fifteen years later, I find myself in awe of that fact that all of these dreams have come true. Although most, if not all, of the details have changed (dolphin trainer became teacher once I was inspired in college, actual beyond wonderful husband is a 5 foot 8 math teacher, house is a pretty nice pile of bricks, and my daughter- well, as you all know, Leah is the antithesis of dark), the end product has blown my mind. My life is a million times more brilliant that I ever could have dreamed. I had no idea of the joy that was ahead of me as my "years lived" doubled.
On my 30th birthday, I made myself a promise. I will keep dreaming big and taking in life's precious moments. I will keep putting the people I love first in my life, above all else. I will keep trying to be the mother, wife, teacher, daughter, sister, citizen and friend I strive to be, though I know perfection is far from reeachable. I will try to be better every day, and, hopefully, when my lifespan doubles again, I will find myself having as much happiness and love around me as I do today, and will have made afew people smile on the way.
Bring it on, 30's! I am ready for you!
Here are some shots from the fabulous party that my parent's threw for me to celebrate the end of three decades. I have them to thank for just about everything in life, including this wonderful day!
Thank you to everyone who made the celebration so special! You make my little corner of the world a better place!
Thursday, May 12, 2011
First Vacation!
If you would have asked me two weeks ago if I thought travelling 718 miles with a 2 month old would be doable, I would have said yes. My theory was put to the test this week, as my parents and I travelled to Atlanta via SUV with Leah (and all her mountains of STUFF) in tow! Well, we are home, and guess what? I still say it is doable! It was actually much easier than expected, and I am so thrilled that we took the chance at an adventure. It was well worth every on the road pumping session (I think I inadvertently gave some truckers a show), crying spell after being stuck in the car for hours (from all three of us- haha), diaper blowout in the car (and the floor of the Nashville Waffle House- woops), and "Pack N Play" breakdown and put-up (my Dad re-named it the "Pack N Blow Your Brains Out").
See, this was not just any old vacation- it was a mini family reunion with a very special occasion mixed in! My cousin Josh was marrying the lovely Megan on May 7, and most of our huge family was making the trip to go share in their fabulous celebration. Paul and I talked over and over about what to do, as I did not want to miss the wedding OR the chance at a long overdue visit with family. My Mom is the third of nine kids, her Mom is about to turn 90 and still doing great, and I have 24 first cousins and 3 second cousins. With in laws and little ones, our family total is well over 50 and counting. Not only are we big, but we are close, supportive of one another, and addicted to being together whenever possible. My uncles are the funniest human beings I have ever met, my aunts fabulously sweet and hilarious themselves, and my cousins are too good to be true. How do we pass up the chance to see just about everyone in one trip?We bit the bullet many weeks ago, and decided Leah and I would drive down with my parents, and Paul would fly down to meet us, as he didn't have many days off to take.
Turns out, we made the right choice. We all had a fabulous time, and enjoyed laughter beyond measure, hugs galore, fabulous food and drink (thanks to our gracious hosts, Uncle Dave and Aunt Louise), and a beautiful wedding with a glowing bride and groom. It was a wonderful week, and although it is great to be home and settled again, I find myself missing everyone, especially my Nana, every day. Good thing we have another wedding to look forward to in just a few weeks right herein Chicago!
Our Nana, pictured here with 14 of her 25 grand kids, and all four of her grand-daughters (with another one the way)! She is just the BEST in every way.
Two of the most beautiful flowers girls ever, darling Madeline and Rae.
See, this was not just any old vacation- it was a mini family reunion with a very special occasion mixed in! My cousin Josh was marrying the lovely Megan on May 7, and most of our huge family was making the trip to go share in their fabulous celebration. Paul and I talked over and over about what to do, as I did not want to miss the wedding OR the chance at a long overdue visit with family. My Mom is the third of nine kids, her Mom is about to turn 90 and still doing great, and I have 24 first cousins and 3 second cousins. With in laws and little ones, our family total is well over 50 and counting. Not only are we big, but we are close, supportive of one another, and addicted to being together whenever possible. My uncles are the funniest human beings I have ever met, my aunts fabulously sweet and hilarious themselves, and my cousins are too good to be true. How do we pass up the chance to see just about everyone in one trip?We bit the bullet many weeks ago, and decided Leah and I would drive down with my parents, and Paul would fly down to meet us, as he didn't have many days off to take.
Turns out, we made the right choice. We all had a fabulous time, and enjoyed laughter beyond measure, hugs galore, fabulous food and drink (thanks to our gracious hosts, Uncle Dave and Aunt Louise), and a beautiful wedding with a glowing bride and groom. It was a wonderful week, and although it is great to be home and settled again, I find myself missing everyone, especially my Nana, every day. Good thing we have another wedding to look forward to in just a few weeks right herein Chicago!
Our Nana, pictured here with 14 of her 25 grand kids, and all four of her grand-daughters (with another one the way)! She is just the BEST in every way.
Two of the most beautiful flowers girls ever, darling Madeline and Rae.
Josh and his glowing bride, Megan.
Some of my fabulous Aunts and Uncles!
My Nana, one of the greatest people ever put on this Earth, if you ask me (or any Pank, for that matter).
Midnight jam session at the house!
This was how I spent my very first Mother's day- with my Nana, Mom, and daughter. I will never, ever forget how special that was to have all four generations together on that day.
LiLi loved talking to Nana!
Leah's first boat trip! Thank God for sunhats!
Mary Elizabeth loved Leah. She is going to be a darling big sister! She kept giving hr hugs and kisses all day.
The view from Uncle Steve and Aunt Ei's house on Lake Lanier. So gorgeous!
Above, all the ladies in the family flanking the matriarch. Below, the darling guys. We are so blessed!
Some of my fabulous Aunts and Uncles!
My Nana, one of the greatest people ever put on this Earth, if you ask me (or any Pank, for that matter).
Midnight jam session at the house!
This was how I spent my very first Mother's day- with my Nana, Mom, and daughter. I will never, ever forget how special that was to have all four generations together on that day. 
LiLi loved talking to Nana!
Leah's first boat trip! Thank God for sunhats!
On the road from Nashville to Atlanta.
Mary Elizabeth loved Leah. She is going to be a darling big sister! She kept giving hr hugs and kisses all day.
The view from Uncle Steve and Aunt Ei's house on Lake Lanier. So gorgeous!
Above, all the ladies in the family flanking the matriarch. Below, the darling guys. We are so blessed!
It was a trip we will never forget, and a great lesson in "life is too short". Sometimes stuff may be a pain to deal with, but it is so worth it in the end. Cheers to not missing unforgettable opportunities!
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
First Zoo trip!
We took Leah to see the anilmals at Brookfield Zoo on Saturday, April 30. She slept through most of it, but we like to think she had a great time anyway!
Mommies and babies!
No, we did not spray paint her hair red. It looks like that in the sun. We will never lose our daughter ina crowd, that's for sure! :)
The Dads matched the girls, and it was a total coincidence. Too cute!
Mommies and babies!
No, we did not spray paint her hair red. It looks like that in the sun. We will never lose our daughter ina crowd, that's for sure! :)
The Dads matched the girls, and it was a total coincidence. Too cute!
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