John Deere Green

We have a big weekend in store for us. Lena Kate's Uncle Trent is getting married. Aunt Nancy will be official! Yea. LK has so many cute outfits that fit her right now I'm having a hard time decide what to dress her up in each day! I even have 2 choices for the wedding. Since it is HOT - it is supposed to be 89 degrees tomorrow...and today too-I don't have to worry about her being cold. Fortunately most of my choices have short sleeves and will be perfect. Stay tuned for lots of pics from this weekend. I'm going to bake a buttermilk pound cake this morning. There is nothing like spending your workout time baking a fattening cake! Maybe I'll take a pic and post the recipe for those of you who might be interested. It is my all time favorite pound cake. I don't think it can be beat. It also freezes well and lasts for quite awhile. It is great served several ways. I like it topped with fresh strawberries and cream. My dad likes it warmed and topped with butter for breakfast. Drizzled in chocolate sauce anyone? I usually just eat it plain. You can't beat it, I promise! Don't even try.

Look at the little country girl sporting her John Deere outfit.

Yesterday we went up to TETCO to visit Mommy's work friends for lunch so LK was all dressed up on a cute big girl outfit with a hoodie and bubble skirt :)

I think she is as cute as ever wearing nothing at all!

I was subjecting her to several outfit changes this morning. She was happiest in this one.

Have a nice weekend!

Just a few pics

We've been walking everyday since it has been so pleasant in the afternoons. We love the new greenway close to our neighborhood. it follows the creek and is 3 miles round-trip. It is a good walk. I'll be running it soon, but need my jogging stoller first. I think we've been nearly every day with a friend...or family member. It is nice that we all live so close so we can meet in 10 minutes if we need to.

I love the natural light that comes in to the breakfast room in the morning. Here are a few pics I took yesterday. Lena Kate is only going to be able to wear her remaining 0-3 month clothes for another week or 2 so I've tried to put the cute ones on her these days:)

Let's Rodeo San Antonio

We had a big night out Friday evening while Aunt Amy babysat for us. She was able to get Lena Kate to take about 2 oz from her bottle. This is no small feat! I know she cried for awhile and that is no fun, so big thanks for Amy who took one for the team. One great perk of Lane's company is annual FRONT ROW rodeo tickets and we always have a good time. This year was no exception. Trent and Nancy went with us this year. Here are a few pics. I find the ones of the presentation of the stars and stripes inspiring.



Lena Kate and I also had a fun morning with a visit from Teri and Fieby our friends from Tetco. They loved on her, breathed in her sweet smell (she had a bath this morning since I know Teri LOVES the sweet baby smell) and passed her back and forth after they each started to recognize the glare of the other saying, "Its my turn!" Lane and I enjoyed visiting with them. These girls have so much personality and I am thankful to have them as friends. I'm always amused by our conversations and they are a bright addition to my life. They are both in school and working hard to earn their degrees while also working full time at TETCO. I am proud of both Teri and Fieby. We were supposed to go for a walk. We proceeded to drive to the park, got out and started on our way. I think we got-oh maybe 10 yards-before deciding it was too cold and windy and might rain! We headed back for a tasty chicken salad sandwich lunch. For those of you interested in a good recipe here is the one I used.

4 cups chicken - 1 rotisserie chicken works great
1 cup mayonnaise
1 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard
1 1/2 stalks celery
2 tablespoons fresh flat leaf parsley
1 teaspoon dill ( I may have used a little more I was guessing on this one) Fresh dill would be best, but HEB was out. If you use fresh you should use 2 teaspoons.
4 green onions
2.5 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
1 tsp salt
1 tsp pepper
a shake or 2 of seasoned salt
1 cup mayonnaise

I'm not a huge fan of grapes or nuts in my chicken salad, but you may add these if you like. Also, if you are making a sandwich, it is wonderful topped with fresh avocado slices.

I think I'll start adding at least a recipe a week to share. Since I've been at home I'm having to get creative with dinners. As a SAHM (stay at home mom) I try to cook dinner several times a week. This gives Lane plenty of leftovers to take for lunch during the week as well. Of course, those of you who know me, know that my real passion is baking. I find making a pretty, and even more important - TASTY - cake or cookies is therapeutic. Lane says I should sell them on the street corner. I've been convincing myself for 2 weeks now that I don't need to bake cookies. You see, the problem is that I eat them ALL, or at least most of them. My nephew Charles already knows that when he comes to Aunt Laine's house there are cookies. I think I like this:) This is not conducive to losing weight. I usually compensate by working out more. I just can't give up my cookies. My mother was always baking something. It was quite often a buttermilk pound cake, chocolate chip cookies, or meringue pies. All of which are delicious. Special occasions call for an Italian cream cake. Mom's recipe for this cake is so good. These are a few recipes I'll share in the future. Maybe I'll gain some blog fans with my recipes.

Lena Kate has started talking to us is her own language more these past few days. I've tried to upload a video but after an hour and a half nothing happened. I know that my computer isn't that bad. Maybe next time I'll figure it out.

Here is a cute pic of Teri and Lena Kate as well as a few of Angel Baby.

2 Month Checkup

We just got back from LK's 2 month checkup. She's a big girl. She was 23.5 inches tall and 12.01 pounds. This puts her at the 88th percentile for height and 81st percentile for weight. Her head size was in the 70th %, so her brain is growing nicely too:) Needless to say her doc said we should work towards cutting out the 2am feeding gradually. She doesn't NEED it anymore and this will allow Momma (and Daddy) to get more sleep-at least in the long run. She did get 4 shots. She started to cry after the first one was done and the 2nd ones were done so fast. Those nurses were quick, I give them that. She was more mad about me trying to put her clothes back on than anything, poor baby. Overall she got a good checkup and we have a few things to work on with feeding at night, wish us luck.

As you can see now, she's doing just fine following the "traumatic" event.

HAPPY 2 MONTHS LENA KATE

Dear Lena Kate,

We can't believe it was 2 months ago when we took that bumpy ride to the hospital, had another bumpy ride once there, and left with such a beautiful healthy little girl in our arms just a day and 1/2 later. Since then I've learned many things about you and I love each and every one of them.

I love how you ALWAYS sleep with your arms above your head and you even nurse with at least your top arm cocked behind your head. You always seem so relaxed. I hope that you will remain so trusting in your Momma.

I love how when you are hungry you open your mouth wide, and huff and puff while searching for your paci or dinner like you are starving to death, especially at night. We all know by those sweet little rolls you've grown that you are a well fed little girl.

I love how when I'm feeding you in the dark at 2am I can look down at you eating and through the shadows catch you grinning up at me as if you are in total bliss. Those sweet smiles are worth every waking minute and totally melt a mother's heart.

I love how when Daddy gets home you are so generous with your smiles for him. Last night you were laying on the couch and just enamored with his funny faces.

I love how when you are sleep in your car seat and I get you out your legs stayed curled up under you and you snuggle into my shoulder. You seem so small. I could just stay in those moments forever and smell your sweet head of fuzzy dark hair.

I love how when you smile so big we can all see your dimples...you did get something from me other than the long toes.

I love how you really enjoy your baths. You like to dangle your right leg over in the water below the hammock you sit in. Then when drying you off you like to stare at Mommy in the mirror. I think you really like being able to see 2 of me! This usually after you've been so good playing on the bed while Mommy is able to take a shower every morning and you rarely ever fuss. You are a morning girl for sure.

I love that you let me indulge in photo shoots every single day and the surprised look on your face in so many pics. I hope that one day you enjoy looking at your baby pics as much as I enjoyed mine. Your Mimi was quite the picture takes too.

I love how you are a happy girl even during diaper changes! You could care less if you had a dirty diaper on.

I love how you stretch and yawn with all your might. You seem so grown up in those moments.

I love how you giggle in your sleep. Granny says Jesus is talking to you. I wonder what he's saying?

I love how you are such a good girl when Mommy goes on her nearly daily outings. People comment on how good you are and I always agree and tell them that you are such a good baby.

I could go on and on, but I better stop now and share with you a few other notes with you.

You are now cooing some, smiling often, and sitting and standing up with help, of course. You like to push off with your legs. You hold your head up for a good while before you get too tired and are focusing on people, the TV, Missy, anything you find interesting. You've outgrown a whole box of clothes and will probably be adding to it soon enough.

You have developed a bit of a stubborn streak. For the last 2 weeks you've refused to take a bottle from anybody. You just want the real thing. Last night we made baby steps in that while Daddy was entertaining you on the couch you were playing with the bottle and nipple. I think you may have actually sucked on it a few times rather than just chewing. At least you didn't cry during these moments. We'll get there.

You have outgrown the cradle you slept in the first 2 months right next to Mommy and Daddy's bed. We graduated you to the Pack and Play bassinet, don't worry it is only a few feet away. You haven't learned to sleep through the night yet. You still like your 2am snacks, but you are usually a good girl and go back to sleep until after 5am. You don't cry though, just usually grunt and smack on your fist as you try to eat it whole. I never thought I would love smacking!

Daddy and I are so proud of you and love every minute we've spent with you. Our lives have changed forever and we would be lost without you. We promise to try to raise you as God teaches and be the best possible parents. Thank you for teaching us how to love unconditionally and how to be patient with you as you learn and grow.

I'll sign off with a few features that I just want hold on to forever. I love your long eyelashes and dark eyes, long toes, sweet ears, and Daddy's nose:)

Thanks you for 2 months in the Wonderful World of Lena Kate.

I love you with all my heart,
Momma

Guess what she did???

right after this first picture

and one sweet pic to add to the silly faces above

Hint: This is a little "potty" humor for Lena Kate's Uncle Trent. It was too funny not to share. I hope it brightens your day. It shouldn't be too hard to guess what I'm about to do :)

Big Girl Photo Shoot

She likes to eat her fists when the paci is not available.

Happy girl

See ya later alligator

After while crocodile

Addition to Luck Redefined

As I reread my post entitled Luck Redefined, I noticed that I failed to list special friends as something that God has blessed me with and I'm lucky to have them. I think they are important enough to bear mention:) To all my friends and family - Thank you!

Rock that Baby

We've returned to the city following a nice quiet weekend in the country at my parent's. Lane and Dad working on creating a new garden plot for Mom on Saturday and then we carried on the Valentine's Day tradition of fried shrimp for dinner. It was so yummy. You can't get fried shrimp at any restaurant as tasty as we can make it ourselves. I also baked cookies Saturday morning so we'd have something sweet. Unfortunately Mom was still in the valley with Aunt Bernice so it felt really strange to be there without her around. That being said we went to visit Granny for a few hours both Saturday and Sunday. Granny LOVES to rock babies..so does Lena's Mimi for that matter. I know where she got it from. Lena Kate loves to be rocked by Granny we now know. Both days she was awake, then sleeping in Granny's lap, and then awake again before we left. I know Granny loved getting to see her for awhile. It was so hard to leave each day knowing I'd have to take LK from her. We'll have to return soon! On Sunday Lena Kate was smiling in her sleep and Granny said, "Jesus is talking to her. He's telling her she is a beautiful little girl" I thought that was so sweet and fitting that is was just natural for h er to say that Jesus was talking to my sweet angel. I don't think I'll every forget that new memory. I now know that every time Lena giggles and grins in her sleep, I'll wonder what Jesus told her. I also intent to pass on that note every time I see a baby smile while they are sleeping. How comforting is it to know that Jesus talks to us and comforts us when we are sleeping?


Here is a pic of Granny rocking that baby as she says the last time we visited. I didn't take any pics this time. Shame on me.




Papa was missing Mimi too, but the wonderful thing about a small town community is that they take care of one another. Close friends were checking in on him and making sure he wasn't going hungry :)

The ranch is very dry. The farmers and cattle ranchers are in desperate need of rain. The wildlife is hungry and in need of nourishment as well. Keep praying for rain for this area as well as the rest of the state. We are all in need of refreshment in more ways than one. I hope everyone had a nice weekend as well.

My Luck Redefined

I'm in awe today with the beauty of my own child. I don't intend to be vain or dote on physical appearance, but I just can't stop looking at her. I wouldn't change a thing about my sweet girl. It probably would be better stated by saying I'm in awe with the love I feel for my baby. This too is very true. I'd think she was beautiful no matter what. I've never considered myself a lucky person. I'm an accountant turned mommy. Accountants are calculated, not lucky. Now my brother - he's just a lucky guy. When we went to Vegas last year I asked Gus if he wanted me to place a bet for him....he laughed and said, "No way, I know your luck." He was better off just going and buying a lottery ticket. My Granny is also very lucky. She is s substitute for a bunco club and when she plays she ALWAYS wins. Mom and I joke about why they keep inviting her if she is just going to show up and win. When I'm discussing being lucky I'm referring to times of playing games, the lottery, BINGO, and the likes. I've realized that all those times when I griped about not being lucky I was not looking deep enough to see how lucky I really am. I have a loving God who has blessed me with 2 wonderful parents that are still happily married, a wonderful husband, a very special extended family on both sides, a fairly sound financial situation, and now a sweet, beautiful, and healthy daughter. The list goes on and on. That being said, I will now consider myself a very lucky and fortunate person. All the little things that people think about when determining their luck do not matter when you have all the truly meaningful things in life. Lena Kate is such an amazing addition to my list of reasons to be profoundly grateful to God for what he has bestowed on my family. Sure, we have hardships, but these hardships make us stronger and remember to cherish all the good things in life. I pray that as you read this post or find yourself hiding under the bed like Missy in this pic, you will challenge yourself to recognize all the good that God has provided in your lives.

We are off to the ranch this weekend to celebrate Valentine's Day in the country with Papa. We can't wait. Mimi is in McAllen visiting Aunt Bernice who has been very sick this week. She was doing better yesterday, but we continue to pray for her improvement.

Of course, one of my angel baby

What Lena Kate....

....really thinks about Mommy taking picture of her ALL the time.

I was looking for a random pic to post. Here is a one from our trip to Antigua. I guess our next vacation will need to be kiddo friendly. We may still try to find a good beach-hopefully LK will like the beach.

Bottle Update:

I got a new bottle with the same nipple as her pacifier. She will suck on it a little, then she realizes it is a bottle and that milk is coming out. She refuses to swallow as she gags on the milk. We'll keep on trying. I do think it is progress that she doesn't gag on the nipple and will suck and play with the bottle after her tummy is full. Now it is just getting her to like the bottle when she is hungry. She is still winning the battles, but we will win the war. I'm not sure if that was a good analogy, it seems so violent when I read back through it, but it is accurate in that we will eventually get it all figured out. God is teaching us patience and gratitude. We need plenty of patience to work through our difficulty and graditude for him giving us such a good baby. If she only screams when we try to give her a bottle, I think we will be alright.

Valentine's Day

My sweet husband knows I love flowers so he sent me a special treat. BEAUTIFUL ROSES! Thanks Lane and Lena Kate:)


Lena Kate and I (correction: just me) decided taking some pics in our rockere upstairs with a heart to match her outfit would be great for Valentine's day blogging. She wasn't cooperating so here are the best of the results.





Notice the sheets taken off the bed. LK decided to spit up all down my back which also went all over my pillow and sheets. Thanks kiddo :)

Eventful Evening

Well, just to let you know Lena Kate just doesn't like a bottle. She has her father's strong will! There were plenty of things I worried about before she was here. Taking a bottle was NOT one of them. I guess you live and learn. After much crying and pleading from Daddy to "Just try it, you'll like it" she was quite stubborn. Fifteen minutes of stress on both her and us we gave up. It was a standoff. After she gets so upset, there is no reasoning with an 8 week old infant. Bless her heart. She doesn't cry all day or night, but show her a bottle and she shows you her lungs and those oh-so-sad tears. About an hour after her dinner she will "play" with the bottle and let the milk just run down her face. I guess this is progress, but the irony is that when you really need her to eat she refuses and when she is full she'll toy with the idea of the bottle. What do you do? A child teaches you patience, this we are learning. I can say that our saving grace is that she is a good eater when you give her Mommy. Keep praying that we'll have a breakthrough soon. Otherwise, I guess my wish of keeping her near will be a must - bittersweet as it may be. I feel bad having Lane try to feed her since he gets the brunt of the crying when he's been working all day. I know he just wants to see a smile on her face. It isn't fair that he has to handle the only crying she does. I guess we'll have a story to tell her when she gets older.

Then as we sat watching the Westminster Dog Show it started to thunder. We haven't heard that in a LONG while in San Antonio. Then what did we hear? Loud banging brought on by hail at least the size of a quarter. Fortunately, it didn't last too long. We certainly need the rain, but not hail. Lena Kate was oblivious to the excitement. Missy on the other hand was quite scared. She doesn't like loud noises, so she started shaking and tucked her tail -poor pansy dog.

Now, we are off to bed...let's hope Miss Lena Kate tired herself out with that crying. We are so blessed to have such a good baby. We cringe when she cries for 10 minutes....I really feel for those that have a baby with colic. It must be awful. Our Gift from God may not want a bottle, but she is otherwise such a happy laid back girl. Thank you Lord.

Good Night.

What's Up

Ok, Ok, I know you have anxiously been awaiting another post. I intended to do so yesterday, but the internet was down-BUMMER. Last week was pretty busy. We just had fun running around and walking every afternoon. This weekend we went on our first outing without Miss LK. We enjoyed the SA Rodeo Saturday afternoon while Lena Kate's Leelee, Grandpa, and Uncle Trent took care of her. Then we all went out for Mexican food Sat. night. Blanco Cafe enchiladas are YUMMY.

Pride- They say that the mother becomes just "the mother" and everybody focuses on the baby. That is fine with me because I am so proud that she is mine. I want to share her with the world, but deep inside there is the feeling that she is MINE and I just want her to be so close all the time. I feel like she defines me. I'm not sure what did before she came along, but it can't compare. When I go to the store, or anywhere for that matter, without her I just want to tell everybody that I have a sweet almost 8 week old daughter at home and how precious she is. It isn't that I can't go anywhere without her. I'm able to leave her and am confident in the caregivers that I'm close to, but it is like a piece of me is missing. I'm so proud of her, I can't imagine what I'll feel when she has major accomplishments in her life.


Lena Kate has really started watching TV this past week. She just focuses on it and stares. I guess I should find out when the baby learning shows come on PBS so she might absorb something positive. She is still not really liking the bottle. Last night I made the mistake of trying to give it to her first and then passed her off to Lane when she refused and cried her little heart out. I just can't take looking down at those precious dark eyes full of tears pleaing to me to give her the real thing that she knows I can provide. It just breaks my heart. I know they say it is ok for babies to cry some...but the tears just kill me. I tried for about 10 minutes and then Lane tried too...she was just too worked up at that point. She will suckle on the bottle for a few seconds then resort to crying. Pray that tonight goes a little better for Daddy and Lena Kate. It'll make leaving her for more that 3 hours easier on me if I know she will eat when I'm gone. I guess if she gets hungry enough she take it. We know she knows how.

I've tried to think of something very clever to title this pic, but just wasn't too clever this morning. She likes the warm socks...can you see her? I promise she was not harmed in the taking of this pic. I just starting to put the socks on the pillow next to her as I sorted and this is how it ended up..hehe. Any suggestions for a title? Here is my suggestion:

NOT JUST ANOTHER LOAD OF LAUNDRY



She is working on sitting up. She can hang out like this for a few seconds in the Bobby pillow.

She was asleep in this pic. Somehow I caught one of her dream smiles. Can you see the red marks from sucking her pacifier?


Look how long she is getting-the whole couch width. I know the socks look funny, but they stayed on. They remind me of softball socks. I had my first glimpse into her future thinking about going to sporting events to watch her play whatever she chooses when I watched her in this stayin at home outfit.


I want to end with another thank you to my wonderful husband for the sacrifices he makes everyday so that I can stay home and relish in the joys of raising our baby girl. It is the most amazing gift he's ever given me and I want him to know how much I appreciate this special time with Lena Kate. We love you, Lane! You are our hero.

Week In Review

We've had a fun and busy week. Lena Kate did some visiting. On Thursday she stayed with Aunt Amy and Cousin Charles while I got my haircut. This was a splurge I told Lane I really don't want to give up. It just makes you feel good to get a nice haircut. After I got my haircut we grabbed a sandwich and headed to the park. It was such a nice day. We loaded the kiddos up in strollers and took off for a two mile walk...man am I out of shape! We did 3 sets of lunges along the way and I'm sure feeling them today! I must say, it feels really good to finally be on my way back into shape. I have a long way to go. It is funny how your desires change immediately when you have a baby. My 30th birthday is coming up and I've asked for a jogging stroller. Normally, in March all I want is a taste of the new spring fashions....not anymore. Give a pair of comfy pants or workout pants and I'm a happy girl.

On Thursday we went to visit Uncle Gus and Uncle Rod at the VW dealership. It was sweet to see how they wanted to show her off. Then we had a fun lunch with our Tetco friends at Pizza Hut. After lunch we headed over to Rachel's for another visit. We went on a walk with Lena Kate and David. Of course, LK slept again while David was bright-eyed for our walk. We had a very nice time visiting. We hope to see them again next week.

This morning Lena Kate went to visit with Papaw John Farrell. John was one of my bosses at Tetco. He is the President of United Pump Supply (the smaller company that I sent most of my time working on as controller). I enjoyed working for John and we had a great working relationship. He is a good fatherly figure too. He didn't skip a beat when it came to teasing me. We have a weight loss bet to see if I can get back to my pre-baby size by July 1st I believe. I think I can do it....but I'll have to quit snacking on cookies!...or run more. Since I plan to run the Beach to Bay relay with Monica in May, I have two forms of motivation - a race and a bet. If I win the bet I think Lane and I get dinner...I lose, John gets a homemade Italian cream cake....yummy. I sure hope I win. When we arrived at the office John met us outside when he saw us drive up - how sweet. He was quick to say, "Let Papaw hold her." He makes a good Papaw. I know his grandkids sure enjoy when he visits them in Denver. We've just been enjoying the afternoon at home since we haven't been here much this week.

Here are a few random snapshots, I don't have too many good ones from this week. I'll take more this weekend. She's not missing too many meals, can you tell?

Her favorite place to sleep is in Mommy's arms.

Tummytime = sleeptime...zzzzzzzz


Milk, it does a body good.

She got this look from her mother. She already knows how to stick out that bottom lip!

Here is a laugh for you. For some reason I recalled a funny story that happened while I was working at Champs Sports during the summer after I graduated before I started work as an auditor in the fall at Deloitte. This guy came in and asked for a pair of black patent basketball shoes in a size 10, then said, "nah, bring me a 9.5" I brought him the shoes and a few of my co-workers were just standing around and caught the next part. He tried on the shoes and I asked how they were. His reply with a pleased smile, "They are tight." I didn't skip a beat to ask him if he wanted the 10. What I didn't pick up on that the guys, of course, did was that he didn't mean "too small" by tight, he meant they were "cool". Geez, I felt stupid when they all started laughing.

The guys also sent me to the other Foot Locker stores looking for a wall-stretcher. I thought this was something that moved all the shoe displays at once or something. Come to find out they have an on-going joke they play on new employees. You are sent from store to store asking for this thing that doesn't exist. Then you leave and they laugh at you. After going to 3 stores I finally realized they were all laughing at me back at Champs....I think if they sent me looking for the speed-lacer, I might have known from the start.

Hope you enjoyed those memories. It seems so long ago.