Adventures of Allie

Superman

2012-02-05T22:18:00.001-05:00

It's a bird...

It's a plane...

It's Allie...
(eating ice cream...SUPERMAN ice cream!)

Allie eating Superman for the first time

When Todd comes home on the weekends, there are certain things he thinks he HAS to have. Arby's, Jimmy Johns, Superman ice cream to name a few. These are all things that he cannot have in Mass. Jimmy John's and Arby's are not in the state and Superman ice cream...."What's that?" is all we hear at EVERY ice cream place we visit. Apparently Superman is a flavor only found in Michigan...who knew???

For those of you that don't know what Superman is...it's red, blue and yellow in color (the colors of Superman). I actually didn't know what the flavor of Superman was. I had to look it up on the Internet. The yellow is vanilla, the blue is Blue Moon, and the red is black cherry. Any kid that grew up in the suburbs of Detroit will fondly remember their neighbor ice cream truck making its daily rounds most evenings conveniently around dinnertime. Superman was always a big hit. It came in a cone shaped cup with a little wooden spoon and a surprise gumball secretly hidden at the bottom of the cup. Any kids happy summer treat!

This weekend, I asked Todd to fill up my car with gas. He left and came back with not only a full gas tank, but with 2 containers of Superman ice cream. Almost immediately after walking through the door he scooped out a heaping bowl. Allie ran to her daddy and was very interested in what he was eating. Todd gave her a little nibble and that was just the beginning. I have a feeling she is going to share a love of Superman, just like her daddy.

Superman of ALL ice cream....really? It's the most artificial of any ice cream flavors. Red, yellow and blue in color. What flavor is Blue Moon any ways?

Allie and Daddy bonding over Superman ice cream

14 Months Old

2012-02-01T12:17:00.001-05:00

Allie became very affectionate this month. She gave Todd and I hugs whenever we asked. She also gave kisses every now and then, although she needed a little more practice at times. I often ended up with a lick for a kiss. Allie made the connection that her hair brush was for brushing her hair. She knew exactly what to do with it. Allie is becoming a pretty well mannered eater. She made big improvements in keeping her food on her tray and not on the floor...most days. Allie pointed and babbled a lot, but at times she became frustrated when Todd or I didn't understand what she was trying to say. Allie's walking really improved. She was able to walk quickly and steadily. Allie began to wave bye-bye more often when someone was leaving. She would open and close her fingers. Allie got her first ear infection this month. It was no fun for anyone...Allie was miserable. When she felt better, her eating really improved. She had a great appetite and would eat anything Todd, Grandma or I gave her, including chicken noodle casserole, macaroni and cheese, and meatballs.

You want to take MY picture?

How does my hair look?

Strike a pose

Cheese!

More...

2012-01-28T22:57:00.001-05:00

After learning, teaching and modeling sign language with Allie for over 8 months...we finally made a connection! I'm so proud of my Allie! What a good girl!

Other than MORE, we are still working on PLEASE, MILK, DIAPER, EAT, WATER, THANK YOU, and UP. We'll get there one day. Slow and steady wins the race.

Who Says You Can't Eat Noodles With Your Hands?

2012-01-23T21:12:00.007-05:00

Allie FINALLY got her appetite back....thank goodness. She is feeling MUCH better and back to her scrunchy-nose, smiling, self. Tonight I pulled out my leftovers from Samurai Steakhouse (my dad took us over the weekend...GO DAD!) Allie liked my meal much better today than she did on Saturday. I had no intention on giving her any, but thought, "Might as well." I thought it would be like every other time I give her something that she previously tossed off her tray. I figured she would hand it back to me. She did, but then I told her to eat...and she did...WHOO-HOO! She could use to gain a few pounds.

Allie slurped up every noodle I placed on her tray. It was a bit tricky at times...but she managed. Deeeeelicious!

Allie in action with her noodles...

Another First...Ear Infection

2012-01-19T22:45:00.005-05:00

I just can't catch a break. January is turning out to be a brutal month. Our new year is turning into one big ball of SICK! My first week of work back after the new year, Allie was sent home from day care two days in a row. She started whole milk and it didn't agree with her so well. I know anyone who is a mom would not mind at all if I gave a blunt description of the monstrous mess that was was coming from my daughter's "other end"...but for the rest of you, I will make this G rated. Let's just say her bottom was not very happy. The advice of my girlfriends who had the same experiences held true. A week later she was fine and back to her happy self...and so was her little baby booty.

Then, last weekend came and all started out fine. Allie was her normal happy self. Todd, Allie and I had some quality family time and ran a few errands...

...and then all of a sudden my happy girl quickly changed into a cranky girl (with a fever). Todd and I figured a new tooth or two would make it's debut into the world very soon. There was no food to be eaten, no milk to be drank, and no full nights sleep for anyone living in the Hammerick house. It seemed every day passing became worse and worse. Allie's fever grew higher, her appetite lessened...and she continued to NOT sleep well. Her nose started to run. She developed a cough and a soar throat. She was a mess and still is. I'm not sure how much more I can take of this. Is it June yet? Allie went to the doctor and was diagnosed with her very first ear infection. A first that I'm not so excited about.

For anyone who is a single mom...I GIVE YOU PROPS! Caring for a sick little one after working all day, completing the daily chores/shopping, and trying to get ready for the next work day...all while holding my now 16 pound crabby, crying helpless friend = EXHAUSTION. Let me just see if I can paint a picture of how my evenings have been this week...

"Honey can you hold the baby while I..." NOPE! No one there!
"Will you go get the medicine off the counter?" NOPE! Still no one there!
"It's your turn to put the baby back to bed at 3 am for the fourth time tonight." HA! HA!! NICE TRY!

It's me...ALL ME! There is no exercising this week for me. There is no getting errands ran. There is no putting Allie down without her sad, watery, red eyes looking back up at am in disappointment. I know, I know...I'm complaining. But, I'm exhausted and I just can't help myself. Everyone deserves to complain a little here and there...right?

Luckily Allie took a couple quick cat naps in her swing
which freed up my hands for a bit.

I come home and Allie is pretty much attached to me for a couple hours. She's cranky, tired and just not herself. I feel terrible for her and wish I could take it all away. I try to find anything that she will eat or drink. We've managed to get in some yogurt, a few crackers and some OJ. Giving Allie any kind of medicine is torturous for her. She hates it all. She hates the Tylenol, the Advil, the anti-biotic prescribed by the doctor, the nose sucker, the thermometer...EVERYTHING! I've gotten pretty good at holding Allie's arms and head down all with one arm while my other hand puts the med's into her mouth. She hates me for it, I'm sure.

She's been on the antibiotic for two days and I was sure she would return to day care tomorrow. It's not looking too promising though. Another week of day care Allie did not attend. Grrr! I'm ready to quit my job and just stay home. If only we were all living in the same state, my dream might be a reality. But for now, it's not happening anytime soon. I'm hoping for a much healthier February.

Our week has be filled with this

I have to say a HUGE thank you to Allie's Grandparents for taking such good care of her. Grandma has spent many hours this week just cuddling and snuggling my Allie. If it can't be Mom or Dad...Grandma is the next best thing. Allie loves her Grandma.

Feeling a little bit better. I set down the bowl of cracker mix hoping
she would nibble on a few. She dumped it out all over the carpet, but at
least she is finally eating some.

Proud Momma

2012-01-11T23:07:00.000-05:00

Allie has come such a long way in her first year of life. We've watched her go from a little bump on a log...to a babbling, explorer of the world around her. Allie's had so many accomplishments this first year. I'm amazed and very proud of all that she has learned thus far, but I'm also a bit sad to think about all the firsts that are long gone and in the past. I know this is just the beginning and there will be MANY more firsts (she IS only a year old!)

Looking back, I'd have to say the most exciting first had to be when she slept through the night (and continued to do so) at 13 weeks old. Thank goodness...because I had to go back to work! Sleep deprivation was one of the hardest things I've lived through. It's worse than labor!

Whenever she plays with her toy phones, she will put it up to her ear and say something in her Allie language. I wonder where she learned that from??? She now likes to do this with her other toys as well...all the things that are not phones. At dinner today, she put her spoon that was full of hummus up to her ear...and in her hair too. Every now and then she'll get a hold of my phone. I often hear the speed dial go off and I bolt across the room because Allie called one of my contacts. Just the other day she left a comment on facebook for me. It went something like this...#$$$%@. Not sure what she was trying to say. I'm sure it was something very appropriate though.

Another cute thing that happened yesterday...I gave the brush to her to hold while I dressed her for bed. Immediately she put it up to her hair and began brushing (or tried to). Awww....so sweet!

Lately the new thing is the pointing. From the moment she wakes in the morning until she goes to bed, Allie is pointing and yelling about something. About 25% of the time I can figure out what she is saying and what she wants. Usually it's my laptop, or my Blackberry, or the remote for the TV. However, the other 75% I have not a clue...and she gets so frustrated with me. Me no speak Allie. She will point at the computer and say "Dada." It's hilarious to think that she makes the connection that her dad is in the computer.

Out of all these new and exciting moments, the one I'm most excited about is this...

Allie eats pretty well. She will most likely try a new food if it's on her terms. She has to be the one to put it in her mouth. If she doesn't want it, she will do one of two things...turn her head away from me (I guess she thinks it will go away if she's not looking at it), or she will take if from me and then drop it on the floor. Why does she do that? Can't she just put it down nicely on her tray, or just say "no thank you." When she's done eating, she'll clear her tray by throwing all of the food she doesn't want onto the floor. She's already got a pretty good arm. She's chucked blueberries across the kitchen and into the laundry room before. She's gotten pretty good at the "wind shield wiper" move, as we call it. She will take her arm and sweep it across her tray and everything on it, sippy cup and all, will end up on the floor.

This is so frustrating. Feeding Allie takes forever, between getting her dinner ready, making her bottles for the next day, packing my lunch, getting something together for dinner for me (which is usually her leftovers), bending down and picking up whatever she drops twenty million times, and cleaning up her and the floor afterwards...the night is pretty much over. However, until now.

Allie is soooooo proud of herself and so is her momma!

Todd and I have been teaching Allie to put the food she doesn't want into the cup holder on her tray. Most days she will do it. Of course every time she does we immediately clap and say "YEAH!" In the midst of making my lunch and tomorrow's bottles, I come back to find all her grape peels and rejected blueberries in the cup holder. It's all about the little moments that make you the proudest. Way to go, Allie!

However, now she is realizing that her sippy cup fits into the cup holder. This might cause a slight problem...hmmmmm....

Allie is Walking!

2012-01-02T22:47:00.000-05:00

I knew this day would come. I envisioned it and prepared for it. But I'm still not ready for it. It's exciting to see Allie toddle around our house. I know she is so proud of herself. When she walks slowly I'm amazed at how far she can go. At times she gets excited and will go fast, only to fall and smack her head or face on the floor. Most of the time she will only whine for a minute and then she's up and gone again.

Today, Allie was a tad bit cranky...you'll know what I mean when you watch. She had previously fallen on her face and I'm guessing she was still a little bit upset out it. That darn hardwood floor!

The excitement I have for her walking, also comes with fear. I had another "I'm a HORRIBLE mom" moment yesterday. I ran upstairs to grab the computer so Allie could video chat with her dad. I heard some whining downstairs...but I know that Allie is unhappy when I leave her alone. I walked out of my bedroom and there she was...UPSTAIRS walking down the hallway! I couldn't believe it! I was in shock! She climbed the stairs all by herself. I actually had to stop and think a moment...did someone carry her up here? I was so proud of her for about a millisecond...then my heart sank when I realized what COULD have happened to her. She COULD have fallen all the way down and cracked her head open. She COULD have gotten a concussion. I felt TERRIBLE! Lesson learned for me...I will NEVER leave her alone again...unless she is in baby jail (aka: the pack-n-play). I will never forgive myself. The big guy upstairs was really looking out for Allie.

Furniture is Not for Biting

2012-01-02T12:45:00.000-05:00

Allie is beginning to look like a little person with all the teeth she has growing in. She is looking more like a toddler and less like my little baby (tear). She now has 4 top teeth and 2 bottom teeth. I really need to get her a tooth brush of her own. I don't think chomping on her Dad's toothbrush she finds in his bathroom cabinet (while I try to get ready for work in the morning) really counts as "brushing your teeth."

When her teeth starting coming in I wasn't sure if she would be a biter or not. Her crib is wood and I would like it to last. It transforms into a full size bed. I really don't want little teeth marks all over her bed when she's a teenager...and yes, I plan on her using her bedroom furniture for a while...a long while. So, I was on the hunt for a teether for her crib rail.

The baby stores sell something to put on cribs for this purpose, but anyone who knows me would guess that I'm not going to put some ugly, yucky looking plastic thing on her crib. I looked on Etsy and found some super cute pads for crib rails. That was great and all, but I didn't want to pay for what they were going to charge me...and it HAD to match the rest of her room decor. I had some leftover fabric from when I decorated her nursery and I went to work on my sewing machine. Whaaa-laa! Cute, huh?

13 Months Old

2012-01-01T22:17:00.004-05:00

Santa really knew what Allie wanted for Christmas this year. He left her a set of Sticky Bellies for her second year. What fun we'll have photographing her for the next 12 months. Check out how fun the new Bellies are...so girly! We'll have no problem finding the perfect outfit for each month.

It's getting more and more difficult to photograph Allie. She is on the move at all times. I'm lucky I got this one good shot for her baby book.

This month Allie and I traveled to Boston to stay with Todd the first week of winter break. Then the whole family came back to MI to celebrate Christmas. Allie learned how to walk this month. She toddled around the house and played with all her new toys she received for Christmas. Allie started to drink whole milk after her one-year checkup. Allie's pediatrician wanted her to gain some weight...she's a peanut. It took a couple weeks for Allie to get used to the milk, but she eventually adjusted to drinking it from her sippy cups. Allie learned what a phone was used for. She would hold it up to her ear and pretend to talk. Allie graduated from her infant car seat to her toddler car seat. Getting to be such a big girl!

Our Holly, Jolly Christmas

2011-12-26T20:19:00.006-05:00

Christmas this year was a bit different than last year. Last year, Allie slept through a majority of the day. This year...Allie participated in all the holiday festivities, from dinner and dessert, to opening presents.

Allie made gifts for family this year. She made Christmas art with her hand print for Grandma and Auntie Ellen. We hope they like them. Now, every year at Christmas we'll all get to remember how little Allie's hands were this Christmas.

Allie also made a special gift for Dad. She was very cooperative when I went to the pottery place to help her paint her plate. She sat so nicely in her car seat (good thing she still fits in it) while I painted the wording and rim. Dad loved his gift and displayed it on the buffet in the dining room. I LOVE how it turned out!

I even got a little creative this year and made Todd a fun gift. Whenever he comes home, he always wants four things...Arby's, Jimmy Johns, Vernors, and Superman ice cream (all the things he cannot get in Boston). I used a 6-pack of Vernors and hot glued googly eyes and pom-pom noses on the bottles. I made antlers using pipe cleaners and tied a little scarf on each bottle. Whaaa-la! I attached a card with a Jimmy Johns gift card and wrote "Michigan Misses You." Allie and her momma miss him too.

Allie opened a few of her gifts...but Mom and Dad had to help out. She received a lot of nice things from family. Grandma, Auntie Ellen and I all had the same idea. We each bought Allie a recordable storybook. I really like these books. I think it's such a nice way to cherish a family member's voice. Allie will always have her aunt's and Grandma's voice recorded. Todd and I recorded "Bright and Beautiful" together alternating pages. Now, she'll always have our voices too.

Allie and her daddy were pretty sneaky this year. Allie kept quite the secret from her momma! For Christmas this year, I received a gift that I've been longing for. Since the arrival of our Allie (and double rent/mortgage we are paying...and the many $'s we are paying to keep Delta in business), our vacationing has been put on a steady HOLD! We did take a couple short road trips here and there...but no Caribbean islands or exotic trips were in our near future. Until now!!! Check out my fabulous Christmas gift from my two favorite people! Who knew they could be so creative???

We are going to have a blast come August! Some people probably think "A 1 year old on a cruise...she won't remember it." You are probably right, but I will have the best memories to last a lifetime...I can't wait! I'm pretty sure Todd trumped my gift, lol!

Todd and I were so excited to take Allie downstairs in the morning to see what Santa left. I think we might have been a little more excited than her. Allie must have been a good girl this year. He left her a big play kitchen with all sorts of fun kitchen utensils, an octopus toy that lights up and plays music, books, and a bag of animal crackers. In her stocking, Santa left puffs, bubble bath, a sippy cup, more books, sticky bellies for Allie's second year (just in time...she's almost 13 months old) an apple, and an orange (one of her favorite foods).

Allie LOVED her new kitchen. She especially loved the refrigerator part...opening and closing the door and putting blocks in and out. What fun!

Allie's Christmas gifts from Santa, family and friends

After we had some playtime, I cooked us a Christmas breakfast. We all ate fun reindeer pancakes. I think this will be our new Christmas morning family tradition from now on. Aren't they cute?

All I Want For Christmas is You

2011-12-25T21:19:00.001-05:00

This year, all I want for Christmas...is to be with my two favorite people. I'm so thankful to spend two WHOLE weeks with my husband and my Allie girl. Merry Christmas!

I Can Eat With a Spoon...or Two!

2011-12-22T15:30:00.001-05:00

Allie recently decided that she didn't want to be fed from a spoon by anyone other than herself. So, I just gave her the spoon. When she didn't want to let go, I gave her another one to focus on. When she sees the new pre-loaded spoon of heaping applesauce, yogurt, or hummus...she will easily part ways with the one she just licked clean. This is a great system! See for yourself...

Allie does very well with hummus on the spoon. It's very sticky. Applesauce on the other hand is a bit more messy. She's still working on getting it to her mouth faster (and right side up).

Look Out World! Here I Come!

2011-12-20T19:31:00.002-05:00

Our Allie Girl almost has it! I never imagined this day would come. A year ago she was a bump on a log. An eating, sleeping, pooping little thing. Now she is on the move and into everything. She loves to see how long she can swivel Daddy's flat screen TV before Mom runs over to her and says "NO!" or how many buttons she can press on the DVR before she programs recording of some random show we don't watch. Allie is very curious about this world we live in and wants to explore it all. She is making her momma a very tired momma. Now that she is walking, she's even faster and getting into trouble. Look at her go!

'Tis the Season

2011-12-19T15:44:00.000-05:00

Allie was invited to her very first Christmas party. Allie's Boston buddies (and their parents) all got together to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year. The babes were all dressed up. Anja was too cute! They were ALL adorable! Allie loves her friends at her second home and feels so blessed to have them. Allie says thanks to her buddies for the super cute Christmas gifts. You guys are the best!

Tony, Anja, Conor, Allie, Adele

Allie's Visit with Santa Claus

2011-12-18T21:44:00.000-05:00

Allie went to see Santa today. Every year, Santa sets up his workshop for a weekend in the park that is located across the street from our apartment. This was not like the Santa experience you might get at the local shopping mall. There was hot chocolate and cookies...and you didn't have to pay some astronomical amount for a photo.

It was a little chilly out today, but we only had to wait in line for about 5 minutes. Santa camped out in his workshop so we were able to take Allie's jacket off for the photos. You can judge for yourself what you think she thought of Santa.

I'm glad we didn't have to wait in a two hour mall line and pay money for these photos. Maybe Allie will like Santa after she sees all the goodies he's bringing her this year.

First Birthday Bash

2011-12-10T22:45:00.021-05:00

Sign on our front door

All ready to party

Happy Birthday Party Day, Allie! What a memorable first birthday. Lots of food, family and friends. Allie had a great time and only cried once...well, twice. For Allie's first birthday I made the cake, the desserts and some of the decorations. Our house looked AMAZING! We didn't go overboard with the crazy kid parties people have now-a-days...no performers, pop singers or circus acts. We also didn't have the room for any of that stuff. Unfortunately Allie will always have an "indoor" birthday party due to the fact that her birthday is in December.

Allie looked adorable in her pink and black flower print dress, pink polka dotted bow, and patent leather Mary Jane's. I made her birthday hat myself and had a bib made to match too.

Allie cried when I put on her hat. I knew when I made it that she would NEVER wear it for the whole party. I was hoping to just get a few good pictures with it on. I knew I was in trouble when I did a test drive with the hat a few days earlier. She cried when I put it on then too. After a few minutes of tears, and access to mom's cell phone, she soon forgot about it and I managed to get a great photo!

Luckily I have a wonderful friend that let us borrow some really cool decorations. Allie's birthday "theme" was SWEETS and CUPCAKES. The house was decked out in lollipops, cupcakes, candy and balloons.

I made all the desserts and cake for the party. I also made small snack bags for the kiddos and babes. Each one was filled with finger foods that any baby (or two year old) would love...goldfish crackers, pretzels, Cheerios, animal crackers and graham crackers. Each bag was sealed with an "Allie's First Birthday."

I made Allie's first birthday cake...but I had no intention on letting her eat this huge cake in front of everyone. I had a feeling that she wouldn't be interested in cake in general, so we cut this cake up for all of Allie's guests. There were also cupcakes for everyone too.

This was my very first attempt at making cake pops...and it was pretty successful. I made cupcake cake pops to go along with the "cupcake" theme. I also made some regular round cake pops just for fun. One cake mix makes a TON of cake pops. They were really yummy though. We also had chocolate dipped strawberries and pink marshmallow pops.

Allie did pretty well opening her gifts. Daddy and Momma helped out. Allie loved all her gifts she received. I decided to create a registry for Allie's birthday. Everyone kept asking what she wanted/needed...I figured it was an easy way for everyone to get her something that she needed...or get an idea of something that she might like. Some of her favorite gifts she received where blocks, a push walker (just in time...she cruises all around the house with it), a riding inflatable horse, clothes, lots of fun toys that make lots of noise, a potty (yep...I registered her for that and she, and her parents, were so excited to get it) and a puzzle with Allie's name on it.

I set aside one of the cupcakes for Allie. She had no interest in eating it. She didn't even touch it! I didn't think she would. As of now, she's not a super huge cake fan. I guess she doesn't know what she's missing yet. We sang Happy Birthday and Allie just stared at everyone while they sang. I'm assuming she was wondering why all these people were in her house and singing together to a song she yet didn't know the words to. After she got tired of looking at the cupcake in front of her, this is where she whined/cried for the second time.

When everyone left, Allie made sure to give them a party favor for coming. Her friends received a new bath toy attached to a jar filled with animal crackers. All the grownups took a bag home of cake pops, chocolate covered strawberries and marshmallows.

It's my Mom-iversary...aka: Allie's Birthday

2011-12-01T22:54:00.002-05:00

Where did this year go? I cannot believe Allie is a year old. I had such mixed emotions today. Normally, moms are excited and happy on their child's first birthday. I'm happy, of course...but, I'm a little bit sad too.

Exactly one year ago, it finally happened. I became a mom and I've been a mom to my Allie for one whole year. But, I'm a little sad today...because my little baby that I've wanted for so very long, is not really a baby anymore. My baby is gone. She's a little person now...a little person that doesn't like to sleep in my arms anymore. A little person that eats real food. A little person that crawls, stands and talks (in some foreign baby language). My sweet baby girl that I've grown to love this past year is no longer. She is now a big girl. A big girl that climbs up my leg because she wants her momma. A big girl that lays her head on my shoulder every time I pick her up. A big girl that I've grown to love more and more each day that passes. I realized today that even though I'm sad that yesterdays are no longer...the tomorrows bring many wonderful days ahead. There are new and exciting journeys to be had. I'll miss my little "bump on a log," but I look forward to new and exciting adventures with Allie.

This month Allie started standing on her own without holding onto anything. Allie learned to walk with a push walker. She cruised all over the house bumping into many walls along the way. Allie's 3rd tooth started coming in. It is the first tooth on the top to come in. Allie is clapping all the time now. She claps for "bye" "more" and "yeah!" Allie started to give hugs. When Todd, Grandma or I pick Allie up, she lays her head down on our shoulders. Allie is very talkative. She babbles often when playing or when she rides in the car. I have a feeling she is going to be very social when she starts school. Allie likes to ride in the grocery carts when her and I go to the store. She smiles at all the people and always receives compliments about how cute she is.

One Year Old and 16 Flights Later

2011-11-27T19:11:00.001-05:00

Today, Allie completed her 16th flight! She has been on 16 flights since the day she was born, all before her 1st birthday. Before Allie, flying was wonderful! I'd read my book, listen to my iPod, SLEEP! Not anymore.

In the beginning, flying wasn't so bad. Allie would usually fall fast asleep in my arms and wake as we were landing. The hard part was planning how I was going to go through security with a bag, a stroller, a car seat, milk...and a baby. Now, I got that down to a science. We have two car seats (one at each home) so I don't have to worry about that. I keep Allie in the stroller until all my stuff is on the security belt and going through. Then I get her out and have the security guys take the stroller through and wand it down by hand...it was too hard to fold and lift it up on the belt all while holding Allie. And after the guy in front of me got his exact same stroller STUCK in the machine three times and held up the line for a good 15 minutes...I'm not going to take that chance and be "that girl."

When Allie turned about 7 months old, the flights became more difficult. She is now very active and doesn't want to sit or sleep. Her hands are everywhere, touching everything. I usually give her some crackers or Cheerios to eat to keep her busy. However, she LOVES to touch everything, including whoever the lucky person is who sits next to us. Having a middle seat is just NOT an option...could you imagine? I know that on every flight, I will have to apologize (more than once) for Allie's slobbery, cracker covered hands.

Once I scheduled our flight during her usual nap time. Bad idea! It never fails... there is ALWAYS someone sitting near us on the plane that wants to play peek-a-boo with Allie and try to make her laugh and smile. This happens on EVERY flight. So trying to get a cranky, tired baby to go to sleep on a very well lit plane with little old ladies playing peek-a-boo with you...not a chance! Allie was not having it. Now, I try to schedule flights during her wake time...if possible. I usually have a stash of goodies to keep her occupied. Toys, cheerios, Delta peanut packets, the emergency escape plans pamphlet in the back of the seat pocket. Flying is stressful with an infant. And like clockwork, as we descend Allie lets out her cries. I still don't know if it's her ears hurting from the altitude, or if she's just had enough..."Get me off this plane!" This is when I get really worked up. The plane shuts off, it's quiet...and Allie is screaming...and everyone is staring. This is when I'm "that girl."

This past flight was a dream...Allie wasn't feeling so well so I gave her Benadryl right before we boarded. During take off, my perfect little girl feel fast asleep in my arms. Why does this not happen on every flight? For the first time ever we also had an empty seat next to us. We hit the jackpot! I gently laid Allie down on the seat and she slept the entire flight. I didn't know what to do with myself. I didn't have a book or a magazine. I didn't bring my iPod. Why would I have these things? I used to bring them and would NEVER use them. So, I stopped. I ended up just sitting and starring at my Allie girl snoozing away, so peaceful. In the future, I'm going to be very tempted to bring Benadryl with me on every flight.

Allie earned her wings

A Boston Birthday

2011-11-26T19:17:00.000-05:00

The Boston Birthday Girl

Allie is officially turning one year old next week. While here in Boston, we thought it would be fun to have a birthday celebration with Allie's Boston buddies. Allie probably has more friends here in Boston than in Michigan, lol. It took a little pre-planning, but I was able to get everything out here we needed for her party. When Todd came back the week before, I sent him with some supplies. I brought the rest when we came.

Allie invited her good buddies Anja, Conor and Adele. All the babes played together while they let their mommies have lunch. Allie really liked her cupcake. I learned from Allie's cake smash that she did not like cake frosting. I tried to give her Cool Whip and she spit that right out too. So, when making the birthday girl her cupcake, I decided to frost her cupcake with one of her all time favorite foods...GREEK YOGURT! I put it in the piping bag and it came out perfectly! Allie gobbled it up. Yummmmy!

Thanks Anja, Conor and Adele for coming. Allie was so excited to share her special day with such special friends. She always looks forward to coming to Boston to see her buddies.

Allie with her buddies Anja, Conor and Adele

Happy 1st Thanksgiving, Allie!

2011-11-25T01:28:00.001-05:00

This Thanksgiving I have a lot to be thankful for. I'm so thankful my beautiful daughter, Allie, is in my life and that she is a GREAT baby (sleeping, eating and developing well). She brings me joy and happiness each and every day. I'm thankful for my family of three. My heart is overwhelmed with love seeing my husband interact with Allie...such a joy. I'm thankful that my husband absolutely LOVES his job and is a happier person because of it. I'm so glad it is all that he thought it would be and more. I'm thankful that my mom is in a better place. This year was hard with her passing but I know it was for the best. I believe she is watching over us and will see Allie grow up into a wonderful young lady. I'm thankful for my wonderful friends in both my homes...MI and MA. Without you girls, I wouldn't be able to keep my head on straight throughout my crazy, unusual lifestyle.

This Thanksgiving, I didn't start off by feeling this way though. I was a little bummed out that I wasn't going to spend Allie's first Thanksgiving in our HOME surrounded by our family. I had envisioned my baby's first holiday's a certain way (long before she was born) and the way Thanksgiving happened this year, was not in my plan. I wondered what Todd, Allie and I would do this Thanksgiving, being away from home. I didn't want to cook the three of us dinner...not worth it. I didn't want to go out to eat...depressing and non-special. Luckily my new mommy friend, Karen, invited all three of us to her house for Thanksgiving dinner. It was laid back, very casual, and a house full of children...it was PERFECT! We felt so welcomed! Thank you Karen for including your new friends in your Thanksgiving holiday. My Thanksgiving turned out to be a good one, when I at one time was convinced it was going to be a depressing one. It made me realize that no matter what I had previously envisioned as Allie's 1st Thanksgiving...all that REALLY matters is that we were all together for Thanksgiving.

And the other thing that mattered is that I had a super cute outfit to put Allie in! It was her only 1st Thanksgiving and there were a lot of photos taken. She had to look her cutest ever!

Allie enjoying her Thanksgiving dinner...crackers, stuffing, celery, pumpkin pie and CHEESECAKE!

Today I Like Quacamole

2011-11-22T19:31:00.000-05:00

Today, Allie likes guacamole. It's not every day that she does. In fact, every day is a surprise when it comes to what Allie will eat for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. What she gobbles up one day, the next she will throw on the floor. In the beginning when I first started introducing solid foods to her, she would put everything to her mouth for a taste. Now, she will only taste things that she either knows she likes, or is something new that she hasn't tried before. But if it's something she has had, and isn't one of her staple foods, most likely she will turn her head away, or pick it up and toss it to the floor. Throwing food is a whole other issue.

Allie LOVED, as you can tell, her guacamole today. It was all over her hands, her face and even up her nose...as you can see from the picture. Tomorrow she probably won't want guacamole though. She has had enough for a bit.

A couple months ago Allie LOVED spaghetti. I made spaghetti or some type of pasta weekly. She really liked the sauce on the noodles I think. She had the easiest time eating a penne noodle. They were easy to grab. If I made spaghetti noodles, I would cut them up and feed it to her on a spoon. Now, I can't get her to eat any spaghetti. Every time I put it in her mouth...back out it comes. No more spaghetti!

Before that it was prunes. Allie LOVED prunes...whole prunes (or as the bag called them now dried plums). After every meal, Todd or I would get the bag out of the cabinet and Allie's eyes would become big and wide. She would start yelling with excitement and wouldn't stop until we handed her a dried purple plum. She would mangle the prune until all of the inside were eaten and only the skin was left. But now, Allie will not put a prune to her mouth. Enough was enough!

There have been a few foods that Allie has eaten all along. When all else fails and she won't eat anything that I give her, I can always turn to one of these things...

Peanut Butter (Yep! Thank goodness she doesn't have an allergy to nuts)
Applesauce
Plain Greek Yogurt
Oranges

Cake Smash

2011-11-20T19:30:00.000-05:00

This photo session was the BEST! If you don't know what a cake smash is...I'll explain it to you. It's the new up and coming thing to do with your baby as he/she turns one. I saw these super cute storyboards online and HAD to do this with Allie. She is only this age once and I couldn't pass it up.

With the help of our photographer, Denise Cantrell, we came up the cake, outfit and background. I picked the color scheme I liked, she found the diaper cover and matching flower on Etsy (love this site...adorable, unique, one of kind things), and I made the cake. My mom baked every single birthday cake I ever had when I was a kid. I learned a thing or two from her.

Allie had never tasted cake up to this point, or frosting. I sat her in front of her giant cupcake. At first she stuck her hand in the frosting. She tasted it, but didn't really care for it. She didn't want anything else to do with it at that point. I broke off a piece of the cake and she immediately grabbed it and tasted it. Yummmmmmy! She went back for more...and more!

Next is when our session ended. Allie pulled on the cake plate and the whole cupcake came tumbling down on her lap. Frosting smeared all over her leg and stuck in between her toes. She screamed! We recently found out that Allie does not like to be messy. I can understand why, because I was told I cried on my first birthday when my hands became messy. A few more pictures were taken during Allie's cries, but pretty much our cake smash was over.

Overall, the cake smash was a success. The storyboard is absolutely adorable. I used this as Allie 1st birthday invitation. Allie received a lot of compliments. I would highly recommend doing a cake smash photo session...the pictures are priceless and you will always have that memory.

Baby Proofing

2011-11-13T19:25:00.001-05:00

Gone are the days where I can freely open up the cabinet that houses the garbage can and cleaning supplies. Gone are the days when I can leave my cell phone, the remote control, my laptop or another electronic device unattended. Gone are the days when I can set Allie down to play independently and run the bathroom for a quick second and know she'll be in the exact same place I left her when I get back. Gone is my freedom.

Our house is officially baby proofed. The baby gate is up. The cabinet locks are on. The door handle locks are on. The table corner cushions are on. My everyday living is a little more difficult. It take a lot of effort to remember that you have cabinet locks on every cabinet in your kitchen...I often will yank them open to get whatever it is i need...and all of a sudden I'm surprised (for the third time that day) and remind myself again "Oh yeah...there are locks on those cabinets." And at least 6 times a day I have to put the corner cushions BACK on the corners of the table because Allie likes to pull them off...all of them off.

I think Allie was a little surprised to find out that her toys (tupperware, pots and pan) are not as easily accessable as they were two days ago. She doesn't seem too bothered by this though. She's usually on to try the next one. Maybe one day one of the these will open again????

11 Months Old

2011-11-01T20:39:00.001-04:00

Allie is learning SO much! She learned how to operate a few of her toys by pushing the buttons with her finger. She also knows how to open and turn the pages of her books. Allie loves taking baths and splashing in the water with her bath toys. Allie learned how to clap her hands and even waved a couple times. Opening the kitchen cabinets and shutting doors are one of Allies favorite things to do. She likes to see what is in all the kitchen cabinets and pull things out to investigate. Allie is pulling up to stand on everything. She is getting really good at moving around the house. Allie likes to hold onto my hands and walk around. Unfortunately, Allie became sick this month with a fever, runny nose, and a really bad diaper rash. One more month to go before my baby is no longer a "baby." I really cannot believe it! It's only a matter of time before she is walking and toddling around.

Happy Halloween!

2011-11-01T02:20:00.000-04:00

I'm so cute, It's scary

My sweet, sweet strawberry! I dressed Allie up as a strawberry for her 1st Halloween. I'm surprised that she didn't pull the hat off because she usually will. She must have really liked it.

All my mommy friends with new babies needed a reason to put their kid in their costume more than once...so we had a Halloween play date. All the babes wore their costumes and we managed to get a few good shots out of the 50 or so we took.

After I decided that Allie would be a strawberry for Halloween, I thought it would be cute to dress up at Strawberry Shortcake. I teach 2nd grade this year and we ALL (kids and teachers) dress up for the Halloween parade and party. Todd was home that day so he was able to bring Allie up to see me. She the perfect accessory to my costume. We were a bit hit!

On Halloween night, Allie went trick-or-treating with her good buddy, Ronald McDonald (aka: Austin). It was a little chilly out that night so we only stayed out for a bit. Allie trick-or-treated to a total of SIX houses! She was very nice and shared her candy with her Dada.

Ready for trick-or-treating with my pal, Autstin

Check out my haul

My Little Pumpkin

2011-10-11T23:15:00.000-04:00

Oh yes I did! I just had to do it! Allie was very content inside the pumpkin (yes, it was a real pumpkin). This day happened to be an 80 degree October afternoon...very unusual for Michigan weather. I stripped Allies clothes off and put her in the pumpkin with just a diaper on. At first she just stood there, probably wondering what the mushy, gooey goop was beneath her feet. Finally I managed to get her to squat down and she then started eating the pumpkin. From then on, she was as happy as a clam inside that pumpkin. I put one of the these pictures in a frame on my fireplace mantle. I'm going to put it our every Halloween and Thanksgiving. It is so adorable!

10 Months Old

2011-10-01T20:33:00.001-04:00

Allie is 10 months old this month and her Boston buddy Adele is 6 months old. Adele and Allie are exactly 4 months apart...they were both born on the 1st (Allie in December and Adele in April). For the most part, Allie and Adele cooperated pretty well for their mommy's photo session. Allie was very intrigued with Adele's mouth. She kept poking her little finger in there. Luckily Adele was a good sport and didn't mind too much when a mysterious little finger was poking around in there.

"No, Allie...I don't have any teeth yet."

Awww...sweet hugs

Tooth number two grew in this month. Allie didn't seem to notice. Allie became very mobile...scooting all over the place. She can transition from her belly to sitting very well. Allie is beginning to pull up to stand and is so proud of herself. She is a little investigator. She crawls all over finding anything to get her hands on and get into. Allie started going to day care when I went back to work. She seems to be happy and continues to nap and eat pretty well while there. Allie is learning how to drink from a straw quickly. She loves drinking water from her cup with the built in straw. Allie and I flew back to Boston for a week to visit Todd. She does pretty well at the beginning of the flights, but by the end, she is ready to get off the plane...and so am I!

9 Month Photo Shoot

2011-09-24T19:33:00.000-04:00

Here are a few of my favorite's from Allie's 9 month photo shoot. It was difficult to get photos of her sitting still. She was on the move! Thanks Denise for some great pics!

Back To School

2011-09-05T21:55:00.000-04:00

Every Memorial Day I get the same jittery feeling..."Summer is almost here!"

Every mid-June I get the same relieving feeling..."School's out for summer!"

Every 4th of July I get the same feeling of disbelief when I walk into Target..."NOOOOO!!!! Why are they school supplies out? Summer JUST started!"

Every August I get the same sad feeling..."Summer is almost over."

And...every September I get the same in denial feeling..."Back-to-school."

With every summer vacation, comes a back-to-school. It's that time again. It's my 10th back-to-school. Yep! This will be my 10th year teaching. After I complete this school year, my pension will be vested within the state of Michigan. I can collect retirement (if I'm still around to get it...and if there's any to get) whenever I get to the age you collect retirement at.

This back-to-school is a lot different than my past 9. This year I have Allie. I spent all summer with my little pal. We were buddies. We did everything together. We napped, we shopped, we played, we exercised. We were basically inseparable (mostly due to the fact that we don't have a babysitter in Boston). Regardless, this year going back to school is going to be a little more difficult.

I'm not sure how I'm going to make it alone? It's me...and only me...taking care of EVERYTHING! I know I can do it...I would just rather be doing it a different way. I'm also a little nervous about leaving my Allie at day care. She has never been to day care. I know she will be fine and I feel good about having her in day care. She'll get to be away from me and around other people and kids. This is a good thing. But, I would just like to be a fly the wall all day and watch her. Not that I don't trust my day care ladies (they are great!) But I just don't want to miss out on anything in Allie's life. I made her, now I want to see her at all times. Some parents would feel differently about this, but I guess because of my struggles to have her, I don't want to miss a thing. I want to be a part of everything and I want her around me.

How many days till summer?

9 Months Old

2011-09-01T20:31:00.001-04:00

Allie learned how to click her tongue this month. She would watch Todd and I and then do it herself. Allie began to roll all over also. She would start at one end of the room and roll to the other. Todd called it her tactical roll. Allie has a bit of separation anxiety. When Todd or I lave her alone in the room, she cries. Allie FINALLY got her first tooth! It didn't seem to bother her too much. Some new foods she's beginning to like are peanut butter, chili, and spaghetti. Allie is improving at drinking from her sippy cup. She's beginning to reach for Todd and I when she wants to be picked up or held. Allie continues to babble and giggle often. At the end of the month, Allie and I traveled back to MI so I could go back to work.

Hurrican Irene

2011-08-29T19:24:00.000-04:00

Hurricane Irene is both bitter sweet to me. As she plows her way through New England, she caused my plane to delay it's flight. In a way I'm bothered and annoyed by this. I probably should be back home getting Allie adjusted to her mommy's new "work schedule." I should be getting my classroom ready for the new school year. I should be cleaning my house after month of being away. But, deep down I'm also a little glad because now I get to spend a couple extra days with Todd here in Boston. This seemed like a great thing! However, I'm all packed up, my computer is broke, and I have nothing to do. I'm bored! That doesn't happen very often. I don't know if I should be thankful or annoyed. Hurricane Irene is both bitter sweet.

Mom and Baby Class

2011-08-27T02:35:00.000-04:00

When I came out to Boston during my maternity leave, I was desperate to make some friends. Preferably some mommy friends. Todd found out through some buddies at work, that Isis is the place to go. Isis is a Boston thing...I really wish there was something in Michigan similar. There are classes for mom's (dad's too) and babies to attend. You learn about your baby at different stages of development depending on which class you sign up for. During my maternity leave, I signed Allie and I up for a class called Great Beginnings. It was a class for mom's with newborns that took place once a week in the morning for 7 weeks. I was a little excited to learn some new things about being a mom or caring for my baby. What I learned mostly came from discussions brought up by other moms, not so much the topics of each class. I made a couple friends along the way...and that was my goal: to get out of the house and make some mom friends.

This summer I signed up again for another class called Social Butterflies. This class was a bit different in the fact that it was more child centered as opposed to mom centered. During each class Allie and I played with new toys, sang new songs and played with the parachute. Allie LOVED the parachute! A big smile and giggle every time! We did talk about topics each class, but the time frame was very limited and I became annoyed when some moms would jeopardize the entire conversation. Let others have a turn to talk...geeze!

This week we had our last class and to celebrate we had a pool party! Check it out below.

A True Bostonian

2011-08-24T23:25:00.000-04:00

The time finally came when Allie experienced the fun outdoor activities for kids in downtown Boston. Within the Boston Common (a big park in the middle of the city) is a large swimming pool with about 12 inches on water, called Frog Pond. I walked by Frog Pond last summer a few times and dreamed about what it would be like to bring my daughter her next summer...and probably for the next couple summers, let's be honest.

Allie and I met Todd for lunch one day last week. I packed a lunch and a blanket and Allie and I headed to the T. We met Todd in the common and had our lunch. Next we ventured over to Frog Pond. We weren't planning on putting Allie in the pool, but it was such a nice day, the weather was perfect for a mini dip. I pulled Allie's clothes off and stuck her in the water. You can judge for yourself if you think she liked it or not.

After I dried Allie off with a blanket I had packed in my diaper bag, we headed over to the Boston Garden (another big park in the middle of the city, right next to the Boston Common). In this park lives the Make Way for Ducklings statue based on the book by Robert McCloskey. Allie does not yet own this book, but I'm sure she will one day. Only for the fact that we have spent so much time in Boston now and Boston will always hold a place near and dear in our hearts.

The ducks have rhyming names...Jack, Kack, Lack, Mack, Nack, Ouack, Pack, and Quack. I placed Allie on one of the ducklings...we'll say Jack...it was the first one behind Mrs. Mallard. I think it would be really neat to come back each summer we are here and have Allie's photo taken on the ducks.

Today Allie and I packed up our lunch again and headed to the T to meet Todd for a picnic lunch, again. We had our lunch in the Boston Garden and then strolled over to the Swan Boats, another Bostonian thing to do. The swan boats date back to the 1870's. Many tourists ride the boats and experience the full package of the city's beauty and history. We paid our $2.75 per ticket (Allie was free, of course) and boarded the boat. The ride was relaxing and beautiful.

This summer Allie accomplished three very Bostonian activities...Frog Pond, Make Way for Ducklings statue, and the Swan Boats.

Solid Food Update

2011-08-12T21:44:00.088-04:00

Allie is becoming quite the good little eater. Over the past two months she has sampled a variety of foods...fruits, vegetables, grains, meats, and dairy. Some of the foods Allie loves are...

Allie eating a picnic lunch with Mom and Dad in the Boston Garden

yogurt
hummus
toast
prunes
applesauce
Cheerios
oranges
watermelon
peanut butter
crackers

The method we are using to feed Allie is called "Baby Led Weaning" (BLW). This is not the traditional way you would normally feed an infant. Most parents start with boring, bland rice cereal. Then go to single fruit and vegetable purees in jars. They use these foods because they causes the least allergic reactions. If you start solids at six months you don't really need to worry about allergic reactions as much though. Allie, however, does not eat baby food. She eats whole, real, table food. It allows her to control her solid food intake by self-feeding. ALL my friends that have babies thought I absolutely CRAZY for doing this. They thought she wouldn't get enough food, wouldn't develop normally. I did my research. I wouldn't just do something without knowing a lot about it. This has been the norm in many other countries and back in the old days when there were no blenders. It works...so why not?

BLW places the emphasis on exploring taste, texture, color and smell. Allie chooses which foods she wants to eat. Now...one would think this is a great thing. Allie does not always choose the foods on her tray...or any food on her tray for that matter. Sometimes she doesn't want anything at all. Sometimes I don't want to eat either. This happens every once in a while...but for the most part, Allie will try all new foods we give her and most of the time will eat (suck on, gum, swallow) the new food. Self-feeding supports Allie's’s motor development, her hand-eye coordination and chewing. It encourages Allie towards independence and often provides a stress-free alternative for meal times, for both her and I. With our lifestyle, this method sounded like a perfect fit for our family. I did not want to be that parent that plays the airplane game or shovels food into her mouth as she screams and cries.

In the beginning, Todd and I were worried about her choking...but we got over that real fast. She manages just fine. She will gag every now and then (she even threw up a couple times) but she will chew her food with her gums and swallow. Going out to eat is a breeze. We don't have to pack jars of food. We just give her what we are eating.

There is one negative however...it IS messy. Our floor will have lots of bits and pieces of whatever Allie ate for that meal. It's a chore to clean up. She has gotten in the habit of dropping or throwing food. Right now we feed her in the Bumbo chair. It sits on our counter. So, when food falls...it's an easy cleanup. I fear the day we go to the big girl high chair.

Pine Banks Park

2011-08-05T23:14:00.000-04:00

Across the street from our apartment complex is Pine Banks Park. Hidden within the forest of trees is a playground. Last summer when I pregnant with Allie I would often walk through the park. There were a few different trails and plenty of shade. This summer I do the same thing, except I push Allie in the stroller and I don't do many of the trails because they are not paved.

Today Todd and I took Allie to the big kid playground for the first time. We knew there was a "baby swing" but we were skeptical that Allie would fit in it, or like it for that matter. Boy, were we wrong! She absolutely loved it! She sat in there for 15 minutes, smiled and giggled the majority of the time, kicking her feet through the air. I'm glad Pine Banks Park is right across the street, because the baby swing will give us something to do on those days we need something to do.

So Talkative

2011-08-02T22:03:00.000-04:00

I love to hear Allie's voice...except when she's crying. Allie seems to be very social. She likes to "talk" or babble. I often wonder what she is "saying" or thinking. Is she trying to communicate or is she just making happy baby sounds? I talk to Allie often. I hope she doesn't get tired of hearing me talk to her. I think Allie will be a sociable girl when she's in school. She'll probably have a lot of friends and I'm hoping that she'll make friends easily. On the other hand, Allie might be too social...like when the teacher is talking to the class. I just hope she doesn't get into trouble in school for talking too much!

Here is a short video of Allie talking to herself...

8 Months Old

2011-08-01T20:30:00.001-04:00

Allie had a great start to summer. She went in the pool for the first time. Todd bought Allie a floaty and she loved to sit in it under the canopy. Allie would splash in the water with her hands and she even tried to drink it a few times. Allie started to sit up this month without support. She also began to pick up her Cheerios (Allie's favorite food now) and eat them all on her own. She also really enjoyed eating yogurt, applesauce and plums. Allie went on her first roadtrip to Vermont to see the green mountains. She was a very good girl in the car. Allie got really good at making the "d" sound and practiced a lot. She also razzed a ton! She was very entertaining to watch.

Road Trip to Vermont

2011-07-28T21:52:00.002-04:00

Being relocated to Boston does have it's perks...for one, we get to see what beautiful New England has to offer. I told Todd that while he is out here, we ARE traveling and seeing as much as we can. Last summer we toured the city of Boston, walked the cliff walks of Road Island and drove around parts of southern Maine. This past week, all three of us went on a road trip to Vermont, the Green Mountain State.

Our first stop was Ben and Jerry's. We went on a tour of the factory and ate a sample of the new flavor Late Night Snack (vanilla ice cream with fudge covered potato chip cluster and salty caramel swirl)...delicious! Then we bought our own overpriced priced cream. As you can tell, my little friend wanted some.

We stayed the night in Waterbury and the next morning we drove south to Killington. With Allie strapped in the Bjorn, we boarded the gondola to get to the top of one of Vermont's tallest mountains. Todd tried not to look down, or out the window for that matter...he isn't a big fan of heights. Allie liked the gondola, but didn't like being contained in the Bjorn. When we got to the top there were gorgeous views of the Vermont and the surrounding FOUR states. I decided to wear my flip flops (it is summer) to the top not thinking that I would be hiking. With Allie strapped to the front of me, I had a hard time keeping my balance on the uneven ground. We didn't walk on too many trails. I tried to give Allie and the Bjorn to Todd, but he wasn't having that. For some reason he thinks the Bjorn is very manly.

This was Allie's first road trip and first time staying in a hotel. We set up her pack-n-play in the corner and she slept all night long both nights. We brought a handful of toys for her to play with when we had some down time. We made sure to not lay her on the bedspread or the carpet...gross. We also brought the Bumbo and the tray for her to eat in. Overall, our road trip was a success.

Allie playing on the hotel bed

Allie's 1st 4th

2011-07-04T22:44:00.000-04:00

Happy 4th of July! We sported our red, white and blue today in honor of the USA's birthday. We weren't really sure how we would celebrate this year's Independence day, but then we were invited to the Shaver's house in Natick to watch the annual 4th of July parade. We were warned in advance that this parade would last about two hours. I don't know about other city parades, but when i was growing up our hometown parades were approximately 20-30 minutes. We were also warned there would be MANY firetrucks that would blare their sirens often. Really loudly. Todd was a planner and brought along his earmuffs he uses at the gun range. We knew they wouldn't fit Allie well, but they would get the job done. She wore them without a complaint.

Thank you Shavers for including us in your summer holiday. It saddens me at times when we are in Boston, away from our home, especially on holidays you would normally be with your friends and family. It was nice to be included in a family event and have somewhere to go at our home away from home.

Summer's for Swimming

2011-07-03T21:44:00.000-04:00

When Allie I came back to Boston last week for the summer, her Daddy had a little gift for her...a brand new floaty to use at the pool here in our complex. Todd and I took Allie to the pool for the first time. Swim diaper, bathing suit, sunscreen and all. Allie whined for a few seconds when I put her in it, but once she got used to the water temperature she was happy to hang out...literally.

7 Months Old

2011-07-01T20:26:00.001-04:00

Allie is 7 months old and getting so big. What a big month...Allie started eating solid foods. Some of the foods Allie sucked, gummed and nibbled on were carrots, avocado, banana, prunes, pear, watermelon, broccoli and sweet potato. She seems to like the carrots and prunes the best. We also gave Allie toast, hummus, applesauce, apples and pineapple. Toast and pineapple are her favorites at the moment also. We went out to lunch at Chili's one day and ordered Allie a kid's meal. She had grilled chicken and pineapple chunks. I finished working for the school year. Allie is so happy to have more time with me. We went on another play date this month too with 4 of Allie's friends. It's such a great feeling to be free of work responsibilities...and to be able to spend time with my family of three!

6 Month Photo Shoot

2011-06-25T19:35:00.000-04:00

It was about time that I scheduled another photo session for Allie. I know mom's usually take their new baby's photo every 3 months for the first year, but I just let it get away from me and never did Allie's 3 month photos. But....here are a few of my favorite photos from our 6 month session. Allie was very cooperative and smiled a ton. She is a natually happy baby for the most part. Thanks Amy and Jill for some beautiful photos!

6 Months Old

2011-06-01T20:23:00.001-04:00

The weather finally warmed up this month and Allie and I took many walks around the neighborhood after I got home from work. Allie developed a little personality. Talking and giggling so much! Todd and I love to hear her giggle and see her smile. Allie continued to be a great sleeper...sleeping 10 hours at night. She received her 2nd round of immunizations and did not like it at all! I felt really bad for her. Allie was cranky for a couple days afterwards. At the end of the month Allie had her first outbreak of eczema on her face. Her left cheek was very rosy (as you can see in her 6 months photos). I can't believe she is a half a year old! Time is flying by. I'm really looking forward to hang'n with my Allie girl ALL summer.

Allie's 1st Bite of Real Food

2011-05-31T21:12:00.000-04:00

One day short of 6 months, Allie got her first bite of solid food. It was rather funny to see her grab the carrot sticks (that I think I didn't cook long enough) and gum them and suck on them. I don't that Allie has any idea about what to do with "real" food yet.

After a bit of research, Todd and I decided to pass over the baby cereal and pureed baby food and go right into real solid human food. Would you want to eat mashed up peas and beef? The theory is that babies who follow this type of feeding, will be better eaters in the long run and willing to try more foods in the future. I have also learned that babies do not need solid food until really they are a year old...everything before that is just for fun and play...to teach them how to eat so they will be prepared when they do turn one. My friends think I'm crazy and my pediatrician says she won't get enough iron. I guess we will find out at her 9 month check up. I'm not worried. I just want her to have a good experience with food...and a non-stressful experience. I don't want to play the airplane game and I don't want to force feed her just because she needs to finish the jar. This way seems much easier...and I'm an easy going person. It's a perfect fit.

Shots...Round Two

2011-05-28T21:39:00.000-04:00

This doctors visit was a little better than before. I made sure to give Allie Tylenol before her shots. Last time she developed a fever. Most likely she would this time too. The shots were awful...again. I had to hear that painful cry. The one where she hyperventilates and she doesn't breath and her face turns purple. The one that basically screams, "Why did you let them do this to me???"

Allie survived and so did I. She is fast asleep in her crib hopefully not dreaming of big long needles sticking her chubby little thighs.

Giggles, giggles and more giggles

2011-05-23T21:51:00.000-04:00

Recently I found out that Allie is pretty ticklish. I really got Allie laughing here...I love it!

Allie is Baptized

2011-05-15T21:33:00.000-04:00

I was not raised in a faith, although I did celebrate Easter and Christmas. Growing up, I considered myself a Christian, even though I wasn't baptized or attended church (hardly ever). My mother was raised Presbyterian and whenever we travel down south to Kentucky, we would usually go to the Presbyterian church my mom when to as a child. That was about all the exposure I had to God.

I met Todd and quickly learned he was Catholic. Born and raised within the faith, he attended a Catholic grade, middle and high school growing up. I was happy and a little relieved when I found this out because a part of me wanted to belong...somewhere. Before we were married I took the classes, was baptized, confirmed and accepted communion all in one ceremony. It was a packaged deal. Todd and I were married in the church his parents were married in, Divine Child.

Allie's Godparents

Today was the day that our Allie girl was baptized. She was baptized at the church Todd and I belong to now, Holy Family. We had a hard time deciding who Allie's Godparents would be. After all, they should be two people who will have a close relationship with her, who will be good role models to her, and will be there for her with any religious questions she may have growing up. Those are the responsibilities of a Godparent. We were honored when our good friends Mark and Kathleen Ader accepted the job. We love them like family and they are very close friends...after all, they do live around the corner from us.

The way our church baptizes children is so...they pour or dunk the baby in water then you take the baby to a private room and change into the baptismal gown. Todd and I decided that we would only have the priest pour water on Allie's head. However, at the last minute I had second thoughts. It must have been peer pressure. Every other baby was being dunked into the baby-sized swimming pool, except Allie. I whispered to Todd if he thought we should have Allie dunked too and he said, "no." So I just went with it.

Allie did very well at the ceremony. She only whined a little when the water was poured over her head. Her Godmother helped her change into her vintage gown. This gown was worn by Todd's mom and aunt, Todd himself and his sister, and Todd's two nieces. I'm very appreciative that Todd's mom's agreed to let me hang it up in Allie's room as a decoration. It is beautiful and stunning. It looks gorgeous in her room and Allie looked gorgeous wearing it the day she was baptized.

Now that the ceremony is over, the party food and cake are eaten, and the thank you cards are in the mail (yes, I'm fast) I'm started to regret my decision to not have Allie dunked in the water. I don't really know why. I don't have a very good reason. But, if I could do it all over again, I would have Allie submerged in the water completely. The photographs would have be spectacular.

My Little Hostess

2011-05-14T15:39:00.000-04:00

Allie hosted her first play date. She was so excited to have all her friends over...and I was so excited to see all of my friends! Allie invited her friends...Jack, Tommy, Ellie, Julia and Sawyer. The babes had a fun time playing in the jump-a-roo, exersaucer, swing and on the play mat while the mommies chatted and ate some lunch. Allie was rock'n her fun legwarmers.

No Allie, that is Jack's binky!

Mommy's 1st Mother's Day

2011-05-09T00:01:00.000-04:00

This year mother's day fell on my birthday. It was a double special day...my very 1st mother's day and my 1st birthday with my family of three. Today was a beautiful warm Michigan day. The Ader's invited us to meet them at the zoo for a short time. Todd's parents joined us also because it is her mother's day too...and Allie loves her Grandma and loves spending time with her. Allie rode around in her stroller and enjoyed looking at the animals. I think the monkey's were her favorite. I really didn't want this day to end.

Allie and Grandma

Allie with her friend, Austin

Houdini

2011-05-02T18:58:00.000-04:00

Allie is our little Houdini. From the moment she was born, we swaddled her up in receiving blankets and special baby swaddle blankets. However at night she always managed to un-swaddle herself. No blanket was a match for her. This was a problem because her arms would jerk around and eventually wake herself up...and then wake her mom and dad up. After a bit of research on the Internet, I found something called the Miracle Blanket (aka: the straight jacket). This blanket guaranteed to keep Allie's arm's down and in place. To some, this may seem like cruel and unusual punishment. But to a baby, it as natural as being back inside a mother's womb. Allie loves when we put her in the blanket. She knows it time for sleep and she's off to dreamland in no time at all.

Allie in the Miracle Blanket at 3 months old

Allie in the Miracle Blanket at 4 months old

Within the past couple days, Allie has finally graduated from the swaddle blanket to the big baby sleepsack.

Allie in the Sleep Sack at 5 months old

5 Months Old

2011-05-01T20:23:00.001-04:00

Allie and I traveled back to Boston two times this month to visit Todd. Allie became very talkative and laughed more and more. She began to babble a lot to Grandma, Todd and I. She would giggle when we would tickle her tummy. Allie really began to play with her toys. She loved to sit in her Exersaucer and work all the toys on it. She also liked to lay on the play mat and grab at the toys hanging down. Allie started to pick up her pacifier and put in in her mouth all by herself. Allie began to splash in the tub during bath time. She would kick her feet in the water and get me all wet. By the end of the month, Allie finally was able to sleep without her swaddle blanket. She was sleeping 10 hours straight!

Happy 1st Easter, Allie

2011-04-24T20:42:00.000-04:00

Back to Boston we are for Easter. Allie's Grandma and Grandpa came with us. Grandma was a big help on the plane for Allie's 7th flight.

The Easter Bunny was very good to Allie this year. In her Easter basket she found a teether, some books, butt paste (a Mom and Dad favorite), a sippy cup and what Easter wouldn't be complete with out a chocolate bunny. Allie liked what was in the basket, but she like what the basket was wrapped in more.

Easter day was unusually warm. We all five took the T downtown for a quick lunch and a visit to Mike's Pasty. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Mike's Pastry and I'm sure Allie will too soon enough.

Allie with her Daddy on the T

Easter Bunny

2011-04-04T19:19:00.000-04:00

Allie loved visiting the Easter Bunny. She just sat so properly on his lap and posed for the photos. We were the first one's there and no one else was in line. So I took some extra time getting the photos that I wanted. Isn't she so stink'n cute?!?!

4 Months Old

2011-04-01T14:18:00.002-04:00

Sleeping this month got MUCH better! Allie started sleeping consistently through the night for 9 hours straight. Allie and I came back to Michigan and I went back to work. Grandma and Grandpa got to spend a lot of quality time with Allie. Allie started to not mind tummy time so much and even rolled over from her tummy to her back a few times. She started to giggle too...the sweetest sound Todd and I heard.

Sickness Has Struck Us ALL!

2011-03-28T22:55:00.000-04:00

Allie and I survived my going back to work. The first day was HARD...really hard. I think I called home about three times. Allie was fine. She napped, ate and played well. Things couldn't have gone smoother. My job is a very busy job. I didn't really have time to think about not having my little buddy by my side all day long. We were little friends all this time and now we are spending all this time apart.

Things were going pretty well...for about a week. Then...sickness struck. First it was me. I developed a stomach bug. Todd's mom saved me and came to my rescue. At that point I was back at work for four days, then took three days off. I started feeling better. Then...Allie got sick. She had a cough and was wheezing. The Nebulizer was prescribed by the pediatrician. Allie didn't seem to mind having breathing treatments.

I was starting to feel better...and so was Allie. Todd came home for the weekend to visit. Then things got worse! He missed his flight back to Boston. He caught my stomach bug. I went back to work, but not for long because Todd's mom (our faithful babysitter) caught the bug too! Back at home, callling in for a sub...again. The ONLY good thing about all this craziness is that I got to spend some extra quality time with my Allie girl. I cherish every moment with her. Even if it's a sick moment.

Video Chat

2011-03-17T00:33:00.000-04:00

I can't begin to imagine how things would be...Todd living in Boston and Allie and I in Michigan...without the technology we have today. Texting, picture mail, and video chat make our live much more connected than just a phone call every night. Allie "sees" her dad almost every night. Before bed, Todd and I call each other up on Yahoo Messenger and I place Allie right in front of the computer. She appears to think her dad is there in the same room with her talking to her. She grunts at him here and there, gives a smile too. Todd hopes that by her "seeing" him every night, she won't forget who he is. I don't think Allie will forget her dada even if she never chatted with him. However, it's very loving to see Todd her converse back and forth a little bit each night about the long tiring day they've each had.

Check out this cute video of Allie "talking" to her dad via video chat.

Shots....Round One

2011-03-14T22:35:00.000-04:00

Allie survived her first round of immunizations. I'm not so sure I did. I'm still debating if I'm going to go back for round two and three. This was the WORST! I, of course, had to take Allie ALONE. I have a feeling that Todd won't have to experience too many of these awful appointments. It didn't even start off good either. I think Allie sensed something was up. From the moment we went in to the room, she knew. She started crying the minute I set her down on the crinkly paper to undress her to get her weighed. She cried when the put the tape measure around her head to measure her head circumference.

It was torture to see my helpless, darling daughter laid out on the table with only her diaper on. Me holding her little weak arms. She was pinned down while THREE injections went into her dainty, stumpy legs. Then....the SCREAMS! Not just the normal cry you hear from your child when they are upset or hungry or need a diaper change. This was the painful cry. Allie's painful cry is very unique. Sometimes I think that she will never breath again. She cries the longest cry of breath until her face turns purple. At that point, I start to freak out a bit. I tell her to breath! Then she does and she almost hyperventilates...shaking, like she can't catch her breath. It's the most saddest, heart-wrenching thing I've ever seen, or felt. I know getting immunizations is the right thing to do, to protect her. I told Allie this before the THREE long needles went into her legs. Maybe next time will be better...or less painful...for her and me!

At one point of our doctor's visit I was thinking of filming a video of Allie getting her immunizations. Not only could I not do that (me being the only one there...who would have been the one to immediately scoop up our screaming baby to console her?), but now I think I don't want to have to live through that again...ever.

Back to the Real World

2011-03-13T19:23:00.000-04:00

It saddens me to think my 15 week maternity leaving is finally coming to an end. I can't believe it's over. Todd, Allie and I all flew back to Michigan two days ago. Todd came with us to help out on the flight. this was Allie's fourth flight at 14 weeks old. I'm not sure how the next three months are going to pan out. How will I survive on my own? It is possible...there are single mom's in this world. From now on, I guess I will be a "single mom." It's way better than being a "no-mom." We are so very fortunate to have Todd's parents in our life to help out with Allie. They will BOTH be coming over each day to babysit while I work. It's seems silly that I will be leaving my child so I can be other's children...I'm a first grade teacher. I haven't left Allie for more than two hours since her existence. How is this really going to work?

I drove Todd back to the airport today. I'm sitting her staring at Allie as she sleeps wondering what we are doing and why in the world we are doing this? This is some crazy life we have here. I can't imagine what Todd must be feeling right now, waiting to go back to a big city and leaving us here. Leaving his new baby girl five states away. We keep telling ourselves...it's not forever, we will get through this. My new motto in life (for now) is "I just do what I gotta do!" So here it goes... Wish us luck...

3 Months Old

2011-03-01T13:05:00.001-05:00

Allie started off this month by sleeping through the night for the first time! She slept 7 hours straight. It didn't last long...only 2 nights. Allie did get better at sleeping though. She started stretching her sleep to 5-6 hours at night...and sometimes even 7 hours. Todd and I were so happy and proud of her! Allie went on her very first family vacation to Florida. We visited Grandma, Grandpa, Auntie Ellen and Uncle Joe. She was very well behaved on the both flights. Allie went into the ocean for the first time and took a walk outside in the warm sun. Allie started "talking" so much more and smiled when she saw Todd or I. She also found her hands and started to suck on them quite often. 3 months old! I can't believe it! My maternity leave is almost over.

My Diaper Bag

2011-02-24T19:25:00.000-05:00

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE my diaper bag. I get sooooo many compliments on it. It was a gift from my mother-in-law. I did register for a particular one, but I had no idea that she would buy it for me. My diaper bag resembles a purse. It doesn't really look like a diaper bag. It is cute and fun, but functional. There are many pockets inside. It came with a bottle holder, a changing pad, AND a wristlet. This was the best feature. When I go out without Allie (which is not too often) I just pull out the wristlet and off I go. No big bag to carry around. No switching purses (too much work). It's easy!

Before I was ever pregnant I would see moms (and sometimes dads) carrying around a Winnie-the-Pooh or some random baby themed gender appropriate diaper bag. I would NOT be one of the those moms. Just because you have a baby, doesn't me you loose your sense of style. Who care if your fashionable bag is carrying diaper, bottles and wipes. I like cute purses and bags, why would my diaper bag be any different?

The Sunshine State

2011-02-22T16:35:00.000-05:00

Family Vacation! My most favorite thing next to being a mom. My purpose in life was to be a mom...and travel. Every February Todd and I travel to Florida to visit Todd's Auntie Ellen and Uncle Joe. Todd's parents rent a place for the month and we stay with them. We were so excited to be taking Allie with us this year. Allie was a trooper for the 3+ hour flight to Tampa. People around us commented that they didn't even know a baby was on the plane because she was so quiet.

A lot of our time was spent hanging out with family and shopping at the outlet mall (one of the stops we always make when we visit). Todd, Allie and I made our way to the beach one morning. We couldn't go back to Boston and not go to the beach. We made sure to put Allie in a long sleeve onesie and we kept her in the carseat under the canopy until we took our photos. She wasn't old enough to wear sunscreen just yet.

Here is a video clip of Allie's first trip to the ocean.

Allie's 1st Valentine's Day

2011-02-14T23:13:00.000-05:00

This year's Valentine's day was most different than in the past when it was just Todd and I. This year, we had a very special Valentine...our V-Allie-tine! I dressed Allie up in this adorable "Daddy's Love Bug" outfit for the day. Todd bought Allie a giant Reese Peanut Buttercup Heart...and I, of course, ate it for her. I was only trying to do the right thing...babies aren't supposed to have chocolate, you know!

The T

2011-02-13T01:02:00.000-05:00

In Boston there is a subway stop about a five minute walk from our apartment. That was a great feature when we decided to rent here...along with the pool, the gym and the super cute downtown Melrose area. I can leave our apartment and 30 minutes later I will be in downtown Boston meeting Todd for lunch. This was a weekly date the two of us had in the summer we moved out here. In Boston, the subway is also known as the T.

Today, Allie rode on the T for the first time. Our very good friends and neighbors, the Ader's, came to visit us here in Boston for the weekend. We decided to all take a trip downtown and visit the aquarium on this cold February afternoon. It's a little hard to come up with things to do in the winter with a couple of babies (ours and theirs). I captured her first ever ride on the T all bundled up in her Bundle Me cover. You can barely see her in there. She seemed to like the ride.

We are headed to downtown Boston

2 Months Old

2011-02-01T15:57:00.001-05:00

Allie is growing and growing. 2 Months old, already! Allie took her first flight on New Year's Day to Boston. She was a very good baby on the flight...she slept the WHOLE way! Allie and I spent a lot of time together this month. I put Allie in the stroller and we went to the gym in our apartment complex. Allie like to watch me exercise. She cooperated very well! Allie and I took a few trips to the mall and other stores to get out of the house. But, many of our days were filled with hanging out at home...especially when we were snowed in. Boston had record breaking snowfall this January. Allie started sleeping longer at night. Todd and I were happy to be getting a little more sleep. Allie also started cooing and smiling. She was a happy baby in Boston.

The Boston Blizzard

2011-01-26T22:48:00.000-05:00

Ok...so I thought the snow in Michigan was bad...but Boston snow is getting a little ridiculous. A few weeks ago 20 inches fell and we were snowed in for a couple days. Allie didn't mind because her daddy got to stay home and spend some quality time with her. Who thought he would get a snow day? Since then there has been a couple more dumpings of snow. Today, however, another 12 inches. This snow is crazy! Allie and I are feeling a bit cooped up in our appartment here. To help pass the time, I put Allie in the Bjorn and we take a walk in our building. A few laps up and down the halls and a lot of stairs. At least it's keeing me in shape. Allie's first winter is turning out to be a doozy.

I Love to See You Smile

2011-01-24T15:40:00.000-05:00

Most days Allie and I take a walk to the Oak Grove Village gym. She gets to nap in her stroller and I get to watch Ellen while I workout. What a great arrangement! Fortunately, the gym here at our apartment is very empty during the day on the weekdays. It works out perfectly for us.

Today at the gym, Allie decided to smile at me. I'm not sure if she was just very well rested after her nap, or if I looked really silly on the elliptical...or maybe it was gas. But it was the cutest thing she has done thus far.

1 Month Old

2011-01-02T15:34:00.003-05:00

Before Allie was born I bought a set of Sticky Bellies. Sticky Bellies are exactly that...stickies you put on baby's belly. These stickers are genius! What a GREAT way to capture all the changes Allie will have in her first year of life. Much cuter than a piece of paper with the month typed onto it. I'm going to put these photos in her baby book and type up a blurb about what when on that corresponding month with Allie girl.

Allie and I had our first ever monthly milestone photo shoot in Boston. She cooperated very well. I decided that immediately following her nap would be the best time capture her cuteness.

Allie's first month life was filled with family and friends. Many visitors came to meet Allie. Grandma and Grandpa Hammerick came over almost every day. Everyone was surprised at how well Allie held her head up. She just wanted to look around and see what was going on. Allie slept a lot...but Todd and I didn't get much sleep that first month. Allie slept in a bassinet in our room and she wanted to eat all the time. We spent many of the cold snowy days just snuggling inside and packing for our trip to Boston. We all spent New Year's Eve at the Ader's house. Allie slept right up until it was midnight...she wanted to celebrate with New Year with her awesome mom and dad. What a great feeling to bring in the New Year as a family of three!

Up, Up and Away...On This New Year's Day

2011-01-02T00:34:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year, 2011! This new year's day our family of three is leaving Michigan behind. We are off to Boston where we will all continue to live together for the next 2.5 months. Todd will be going back to work and Allie and I are going with him while I'm on my maternity leave, which will sadly come to an end mid-March. Boston is a great place (besides the winter weather...but I really can't complain because Michigan winters are no better). The city is great, there is lots to do, but I really don't have any friends there and I fear that I'll be lonely with Allie. I'm sure Alllie will keep me busy, and when I'm not busy I'll probably want to sleep. Our "living situation" is very different from the average family with children. However, I always remind myself that I am very blessed that Allie is in our lives. I will never take her for granted or complain about Todd not being there. Well, I might complain every now and then...I'm only human. But, most days I will just suck it up and do what I gotta do. I am a little saddened to be leaving my home, my family and friends so soon after giving birth to this little angel. This is not how my life plan was supposed to unfold.

Allie was a very good on her first flight. She fell asleep during take off and slept the whole way. I, of course, didn't move the entire flight while she slept on my chest. One of the many sacrifices I will be making in my journey of motherhood. Gone are the days where I would listen to my iPod, read a book or complete Sudoku puzzles. This is the first of many more flights Allie will be taking during her babyhood days.

Merry 1st Christmas, Allie!

2010-12-26T00:52:00.001-05:00

Did I mentions how much I LOVE Christmas? I had the warmest feeling in my heart this morning waking up and seeing presents under the Christmas tree and a stocking bulging full of new toys, teethers and butt paste.

Last night, as our family always does, we have Christmas Eve dinner, desserts and Christmas cookies, then we all gather around the Christmas tree to open our gifts. We do have a system, of course...what family doesn't? The youngest person opens one present. Then the next youngest opens one present, and so on. Usually Todd is the youngest (yes, he is younger than me...only by 2 months though), but this year our Allie girl will have the joy of opening the very first Christmas present. Todd and I took turns opening Allie's gifts for her as visions of sugarplums dances through her dreams. Allie napped the entire Christmas present opening session in various family members arms. She was all swaddled up wearing her "Daddy's Little Girl" outfit that Grandma gave her.

Allie recieved many wonderful gifts from family. She got a very cute keepsake box for her 1st lost tooth and first lock of cut hair from Grandma and Grandpa. Allie received a bunch of cash to start her own bank account. Diapers, wipes and other small toys were wrapped up too. Allie's first Christmas would not be complete without a "Baby's 1st Christmas" ornament...or two...or three.

On Christmas morning (after feeding and diaper changes) Mom and Dad took Allie down to see what jollly St. Nick brought for her during the night. Santa blessed Allie with blankets and books, rattles and toys.

Allie on Christmas Day

This Christmas was by far the most loving Christmas I've had. My heart was exploding with overwhelming joy as I gazed at my family of three on this special day.

It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas

2010-12-18T21:58:00.000-05:00

Oh yes, I did! I couldn't help myself. I put Allie in her stocking for a quick photo shoot. I did this, of course, when Todd was at work. He would have NEVER let me put his sweet, innocent baby girl in a Christmas stocking. Allie was so adorable, too cute for words...and if I didn't get this picture now, I wouldn't be able to in the future...next Christmas she isn't going to fit in her stocking anymore. She didn't like it very much and this was the only decent picture that I managed to get. She was probably freezing...it is winter.

I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Christmas! It is my most favorite holiday. I love the lights, the decorations, and the Christmas trees. I love wrapping presents, watching Christmas movies and SANTA. Christmas has not been the same these past few years. It seemed something was missing. However, this Christmas will be different. This Christmas will be better. Allie will have no idea what is going on this Christmas, but this year will be one I'm sure we'll never forget. We put our Christmas tree up way back in November. Anyone who knows me, knows that I'm always prepare and I have a plan. I knew that after Allie came, putting up the tree would be the last thing on our minds. There was no way that I was going to have Allie's first Chrismas without a tree. Today I swaddled up our little Christmas miracle and placed her under our Christmas tree. Perfect fit! Look what Santa brought us!

Home Alone

2010-12-12T00:37:00.000-05:00

The next couple of weeks will be the test run if I'll really be able to do this whole mommy thing alone. Todd went back to work today and I was left home to fend for myself and for my Allie. I was a bit nervous at first, but it wasn't that bad after all. Our day was filled with so much excitement...diaper changes, nursing, snuggling and napping. I was so proud of myself as the day neared it's end. I'm finally doing it...I'm being a MOM! My lifelong dream is coming true. My heart is so full when I stare at Allie (which is what I do 90% of my day...the other 10% I sleep). I was relieved when Todd came home from work. He was thrilled to give our girl a hug.

Todd giving Allie a hug after a day of working

A Healthy Hammerick

2010-12-06T21:28:00.000-05:00

Allie had her first family outing today...to the doctor's office for her first check up. The doctor said she is perfect. We had so many questions for the doctor...feeding schedules, pacifiers, nursing, bellybutton, baths, gas...so much to learn and know. I'm already overwhelmed. From all the books I read, no amount of reading can prepare you for being a parent, or the lack of sleep. How long does it take a baby to sleep longer than 3 hours at a time?

Allie is fast asleep in the car seat on the way to the doctor's office

Say Cheese!

2010-12-04T21:33:00.000-05:00

Allie's first professional photo shoot was at our house on her 4th day of life. She cooperated very well for her parents (and the photographer). Todd and I were shocked at how successful it was. We for sure thought she would be crying the entire time. Lucky for us, we now have these beautiful newborn photos of her to treasure forever.

...and since Christmas is right around the corner, we thought it would be fitting to combine our Christmas card and her birth announcement which will include this super, too cute for words photo. YES! That is really her sleeping in a Santa bucket.

Welcome Home

2010-12-03T23:15:00.000-05:00

After 3 days in the hospital, Allie came home. It's so nice to be home with her, but I would have stayed an extra day or two if they would have let me. I got to choose when and what I wanted to eat, people waited on me, changed the baby...it was great. Allie's daddy walked her all around our house and introduced her to everything, including her room. I wonder if it will stay this neat and clean when she's a teenager.

Happy Birthday, Alyson Rae!

2010-12-01T18:50:00.001-05:00

My life, my love...my Allie girl. It feels like ETERNITY that I've waited for my precious, beautiful little GIRL (and yes, I'm not going to lie...I really, really wanted a girl, a daughter of my own). She is my world, my love, my everything. To think that there was a time that I was doubtful that she would bless our lives. Our journey of her being was scary and unknown at one time, but she was worth every bit of the wait. I truly believe that God only gives us what we can handle and everything happens for a reason (I know...cliche). How she came to be happened for SOME reason. Allie will always be loved, wanted and will never be taken for granted.

How I went from this...

...to this...

Exactly a week early, Alyson Rae Hammerick made her way into the world. Allie was born on Wednesday, December 1, 2010 at 8:44 am. I starting having contractions here and there at work on Tuesday...but didn't think anything of it. I just thought they were cramps and that they would go away, just like every other time. Around 5:00 pm they were 20 minutes apart, and by 11:00pm they were 10 minutes apart. Todd was supposed to go in for his very first day in the Detroit office on Wednesday, however Allie had different plans for her Dada. At that point, believe it or not, I still thought they would go away. I was trying to not wake Todd up with my squirms of pain every 10 minutes, so I retreated to the living room couch. Around 1:00 my contractions were about 7 minutes apart and I finally gave in. I woke Todd up and off we went to the hospital.

We went through the ER because it was after hours. I chose to walk to labor and delivery. I was more comfortable standing than sitting. To be honest I just wanted to get there and get this show on the road. If I walked I could go at my own pace. As I was walking through the door, I asked for my epidural (I really didn't want to miss it!) The nurse at the check in desk replied with "You have to be admitted first, honey." Unfortunately my show was haulted when the nurses told me they wouldn't admit me until I was dilated to a 4...I was a half...yep, a HALF! What? They allowed me to stay at the hospital in my fashionable gown and walk the halls for an hour...which turned out to be the longest hour of my life. All I really remember is walking from bench to bench, enduring the most awful pain EVER. At each bench my wonderful husband could feed me ice chips and then I was on to the next one. After an hour had passed, I made my way back...only no one came to see me for another 30-45 minutes. My contractions were about 4 minutes apart and I was dilated to 3.5. I think they felt sorry for me because they admitted me.

I walked to my LDR room (labor, deliver and delivery). Got my epidural and Todd and I were left to let nature take it's course. Lucky for me, Allie was ready to meet her new parents. After only 15 minutes I had Todd call for the doctor. We were well on our way. I pushed for 15 minutes with hardly any breaks...I wanted this torture to end as fast as it began.

At 6 pounds 13 ounces our beautiful Allie was born. She is our joy and happiness. Now the rest of our lives can begin.