The Boston Blizzard

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 apartment 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 keeping me in shape.  Allie's first winter is turning out to be a doozy. 

I Love to See You Smile

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

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

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 Allie 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!

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

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

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