Wow. We did it.
October 25, 2012 at approximately 1:30pm, I resigned from my job at Razorfish.
I have hesitated to document this huge milestone for our family until things were in order at the office. However, as suspected, the news is starting to become public as I will need to transition someone (who knows who that will be) over the next 5 weeks. My last day is December 14, 2012 and we could not be more thrilled to close this chapter of our life and start the next.
It's been a long road. Nick & I have spent a lot of time praying, monitoring financials & evaluating life in general to get here, and we are absolutely thrilled & very excited!
I couldn't feel more blessed to have a husband that would do anything for me, for us. Nick, words will never express how much I appreciate your unconditional love & support. I love you. I look forward to being a better wife, mother, friend, daughter, sister and a better Emily. I feel like I will finally be present in my life. I am so happy.
Just wanted to share the good news and I look forward to documenting more in the coming months. Thank you to all my family & friends who have cheered me on and been there for me. It's been a challenging, yet amazing year. I have perspective I haven't had in a long time. Much love and so many prayers of thanks. xo
Oh, and just because this is the world we live in... please do not post this on Facebook. I do want to be respectful to my peers at Razorfish and would like to have them find out from my personally! Thanks so much :)
Thursday, November 8, 2012
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
Happy 1st Birthday
Dear Jake,
It was one year ago today that your daddy and I met you for the first time. You are the greatest blessing we have ever received and we say a prayer of thanks for you every single day.
This past year, our lives and hearts are so full, overflowing in fact. You are the best blessing and the greatest miracle. I thank God for you always.
You have put our life into perspective and taught us patience, unconditional love, complete adoration and most importantly to slow down. Our family is our world and we would have it no other way. This past year, you were born in Chicago, but we made the move across the country to Seattle to be closer to what mom and dad know as home - the Pacific Northwest. We are so thrilled to raise you here. To have you experience mountains, beach, desert, beautiful scenery everywhere you turn, the Oregon Ducks and a place that allows us to spend more quality time as a family.
You have your daddy's personality - super laid back (sorry kid, I am nothing like this). Such an easy baby (well, after month 3). You are definitely a mama's boy and love to hold on tight when we are going somewhere new and unfamiliar. You are obsessed with Lyla... she growing to love you too. Mostly because of your leftovers on the floor under your high chair. You LOVE your blankie and it doesn't matter which blankie - mom and dad's dirty socks will do.
You learned at a very young age how to flirt with the girls and I am fearful of how you will make that work in your favor in your teenage years. You also love food - cheese, fruit, yogurt, applesauce, avocado, mac & cheese, spaghetti, & puffs! You're no feather... weighing in just under 24lbs at your 12 month appointment. You favorite things to say are 'dada', 'do' (although I swear you are saying dog), and 'nana' (thanks, mom). I am waiting for the day when I hear you say 'mama' (your teachers at daycare say you say it from 4pm on while looking at the door waiting for me to get there). When mommy & daddy say 'yay!' you clap your hands and are very excited to give your daddy a 'high five' when he puts his hand up. We will teach you the Oregon 'O' next, look out!
To say this has been the most incredible year of our life would be an understatement. You have stolen our hearts. Your daddy and I love you so very much and don't want to remember what life what like without you. I live for the bedtime stories, holding you in my arms, going in to check on you before we go to bed, that smile when I walk into a room and your arms reaching out for me when you want your mama. Sweet boy, I love you more than words. You are our miracle. Thank you for all that you have taught us these past 12 months. Happy 1st birthday, Jacob William Montgomery.
Love you always & forever,
Mommy & Daddy
It was one year ago today that your daddy and I met you for the first time. You are the greatest blessing we have ever received and we say a prayer of thanks for you every single day.
This past year, our lives and hearts are so full, overflowing in fact. You are the best blessing and the greatest miracle. I thank God for you always.
You have put our life into perspective and taught us patience, unconditional love, complete adoration and most importantly to slow down. Our family is our world and we would have it no other way. This past year, you were born in Chicago, but we made the move across the country to Seattle to be closer to what mom and dad know as home - the Pacific Northwest. We are so thrilled to raise you here. To have you experience mountains, beach, desert, beautiful scenery everywhere you turn, the Oregon Ducks and a place that allows us to spend more quality time as a family.
You have your daddy's personality - super laid back (sorry kid, I am nothing like this). Such an easy baby (well, after month 3). You are definitely a mama's boy and love to hold on tight when we are going somewhere new and unfamiliar. You are obsessed with Lyla... she growing to love you too. Mostly because of your leftovers on the floor under your high chair. You LOVE your blankie and it doesn't matter which blankie - mom and dad's dirty socks will do.
You learned at a very young age how to flirt with the girls and I am fearful of how you will make that work in your favor in your teenage years. You also love food - cheese, fruit, yogurt, applesauce, avocado, mac & cheese, spaghetti, & puffs! You're no feather... weighing in just under 24lbs at your 12 month appointment. You favorite things to say are 'dada', 'do' (although I swear you are saying dog), and 'nana' (thanks, mom). I am waiting for the day when I hear you say 'mama' (your teachers at daycare say you say it from 4pm on while looking at the door waiting for me to get there). When mommy & daddy say 'yay!' you clap your hands and are very excited to give your daddy a 'high five' when he puts his hand up. We will teach you the Oregon 'O' next, look out!
To say this has been the most incredible year of our life would be an understatement. You have stolen our hearts. Your daddy and I love you so very much and don't want to remember what life what like without you. I live for the bedtime stories, holding you in my arms, going in to check on you before we go to bed, that smile when I walk into a room and your arms reaching out for me when you want your mama. Sweet boy, I love you more than words. You are our miracle. Thank you for all that you have taught us these past 12 months. Happy 1st birthday, Jacob William Montgomery.
Love you always & forever,
Mommy & Daddy
Thursday, May 17, 2012
5, 6 & now 7...
Well, as I have mentioned in several previous posts... I LOVE to blog, but this activity has taken a back seat since returning to work. I dont know how you other girls are able to carve out enough time in your day. I am talking to you, Britney, Emily, Lauren & Racheal! Your are my inspiration.
With the breaking news that MillerCoors eliminated Razorfish from it's agency roster last week, my days have dramatically changed since returning home from Florida. So, now that I have some free time back in my day, I decided to catch up on the past few months.
First, our baby boy is 7 months and 1 week old! I can't believe how fast the time is going - I know everyone says that, but it's so true.
Jake is eating 3 meals a day, sleeping thru the night and full of surprises each day. His favorite foods are fruits and vegetables, but we are experimenting with meats now too. He is sitting up on his own, babbling 'da da da' , laughing, playing peek-a-boo, has 8 teeth (yes, you heard right), is all smiles and exploring his world around him. He found Lyla just last week and is obsessed with her. Lyla isn't sure what to think of him, but she sits still for a bit while he grabs, pokes and prods her. I am working on getting a video of these two in action - it's hilarious and super cute.
On a personal note, I made it to 7 months of breastfeeding (my goal was always 6 months if I could), so feeling pretty good about that. And, now that he is taking formula, Jake's dairy and soy intolerance has since passed, I can enjoy soy sauce, Parmesan cheese, edamame, dark chocolate and all my favorite foods again. After a year and a half of dietary restrictions with pregnancy and nursing, I must say, that it is refreshing. I am feeling like me again.
Our boy is tipping the scales at 19 lbs 8 oz, 27.5 inches long and is busting out of 9 month clothes. We are moving onto 12+ month. Healthy boy. His 7 month photoshoot is tomorrow (the wardrobe doesn't fit, and this mom needs to run to do some shopping before we can have him strike a pose)
Here are his 5 & 6 month photoshoot pics as well as some from mama & Jake Florida trip to see Gread Grandpa Colnon and Nana & Pop Peressini. It was so nice to get to spend a week with my baby. We even bunked up and shared a room for the week, but we missed daddy for sure.
With the breaking news that MillerCoors eliminated Razorfish from it's agency roster last week, my days have dramatically changed since returning home from Florida. So, now that I have some free time back in my day, I decided to catch up on the past few months.
First, our baby boy is 7 months and 1 week old! I can't believe how fast the time is going - I know everyone says that, but it's so true.
Jake is eating 3 meals a day, sleeping thru the night and full of surprises each day. His favorite foods are fruits and vegetables, but we are experimenting with meats now too. He is sitting up on his own, babbling 'da da da' , laughing, playing peek-a-boo, has 8 teeth (yes, you heard right), is all smiles and exploring his world around him. He found Lyla just last week and is obsessed with her. Lyla isn't sure what to think of him, but she sits still for a bit while he grabs, pokes and prods her. I am working on getting a video of these two in action - it's hilarious and super cute.
On a personal note, I made it to 7 months of breastfeeding (my goal was always 6 months if I could), so feeling pretty good about that. And, now that he is taking formula, Jake's dairy and soy intolerance has since passed, I can enjoy soy sauce, Parmesan cheese, edamame, dark chocolate and all my favorite foods again. After a year and a half of dietary restrictions with pregnancy and nursing, I must say, that it is refreshing. I am feeling like me again.
Our boy is tipping the scales at 19 lbs 8 oz, 27.5 inches long and is busting out of 9 month clothes. We are moving onto 12+ month. Healthy boy. His 7 month photoshoot is tomorrow (the wardrobe doesn't fit, and this mom needs to run to do some shopping before we can have him strike a pose)
Here are his 5 & 6 month photoshoot pics as well as some from mama & Jake Florida trip to see Gread Grandpa Colnon and Nana & Pop Peressini. It was so nice to get to spend a week with my baby. We even bunked up and shared a room for the week, but we missed daddy for sure.
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Thank you, mom.
A dear friend of mine just sent this to me... I needed this today to remind me what is really important. This is for my momma. I love you.
Tuesday, March 27, 2012
For Ella Rose
From my sister and brother in law and my sweet niece.....please do what you can to help her legacy live on.
Ella Rose Clark was born on September 26, 2011. Although I had a normal pregnancy, our sweet baby girl was born very sick. Immediately after her birth, she was taken away by ambulance to Doernbecher NICU. Our family spent the next 33 days there trying to figure out what was making her so sick, and doing everything we could to make her better, but nothing could help her. We lost our angel on Octobe...r 29, 2011, but she passed surrounded by her family and friends, in the loving embrace of her mommy and daddy.
Ella was sweet, she loved to snuggle, and she was absolutely BEAUTIFUL! She was the baby in the NICU that all the nurses fought over to take care of, the baby that even when the doctors had the day off would call in to check in on her. Ella is the baby that makes parents want to have 10 more just like her.
Having a baby in the NICU is one of the most stressful experience parents have to endure. Your baby you waited over 9 months to meet is taken away from you and her health and care is left in the hands of strangers. The little things, such as taking their temp, giving them baths, changing their diapers and putting them in those cute outfits, really become the moments you treasure while in the NICU...the things that other mommies and daddies are able to do without a second thought.
In honor of Ella's first birthday, Zach and I are putting together a donation drive for those babies, mommies and daddies, just like us, in the Doernbecher NICU. We know there are a lot of you with new babies, so we ask that you please donate a couple of their onsies, hats or blankets in honor of our angel Ella.
We will be collecting items at our house and will make one big donation of September 26th.
What to donate:
Onsies (sizes premie and newborn)
Blankets
Socks
Hats
Books
*The NICU does NOT allow anything fleece or terry cloth because they can carry bacteria.
Where to send items:
11299 SW Capitol Hwy. Unit 1
Portland, OR. 97219
Thank you for helping our daughter's legacy live on and never be forgotten. - Stephanie, Zach & Ella.
Ella was sweet, she loved to snuggle, and she was absolutely BEAUTIFUL! She was the baby in the NICU that all the nurses fought over to take care of, the baby that even when the doctors had the day off would call in to check in on her. Ella is the baby that makes parents want to have 10 more just like her.
Having a baby in the NICU is one of the most stressful experience parents have to endure. Your baby you waited over 9 months to meet is taken away from you and her health and care is left in the hands of strangers. The little things, such as taking their temp, giving them baths, changing their diapers and putting them in those cute outfits, really become the moments you treasure while in the NICU...the things that other mommies and daddies are able to do without a second thought.
In honor of Ella's first birthday, Zach and I are putting together a donation drive for those babies, mommies and daddies, just like us, in the Doernbecher NICU. We know there are a lot of you with new babies, so we ask that you please donate a couple of their onsies, hats or blankets in honor of our angel Ella.
We will be collecting items at our house and will make one big donation of September 26th.
What to donate:
Onsies (sizes premie and newborn)
Blankets
Socks
Hats
Books
*The NICU does NOT allow anything fleece or terry cloth because they can carry bacteria.
Where to send items:
11299 SW Capitol Hwy. Unit 1
Portland, OR. 97219
Thank you for helping our daughter's legacy live on and never be forgotten. - Stephanie, Zach & Ella.
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Look What Sprouted Up
Another milestone (we had a ton in about 10 days time!)
Baby boy sprouted 2 teeth... literally overnight. We were in the airport parking garage loading up all bags we brought to Boston to visit my parents and I looked down at Jake while he was smiling and suddenly noticed teeth... two of them! We were shocked that he got them so early at 4 1/2 months.
He is already working on the 3rd & 4th bottom teeth and I am sure even more are going to make an appearance soon. See for yourself!
Baby boy sprouted 2 teeth... literally overnight. We were in the airport parking garage loading up all bags we brought to Boston to visit my parents and I looked down at Jake while he was smiling and suddenly noticed teeth... two of them! We were shocked that he got them so early at 4 1/2 months.
He is already working on the 3rd & 4th bottom teeth and I am sure even more are going to make an appearance soon. See for yourself!
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Things Are About to Get Messy
Jake's first experience with solid food on February 19, 2012!
And verdict is in ... he liked it (even though this picture doesn't show it)! We are giving him 1 - 2 'meals' a day of sweet potatoes or bananas. We are about to try out avocados this weekend. So far, so good. We only had a bad experience with pears (gave him a serious belly ache & some gas).
He now pulls the spoon to his mouth. We had a feeling that this little boy wasn't going to have any issues with food.
And verdict is in ... he liked it (even though this picture doesn't show it)! We are giving him 1 - 2 'meals' a day of sweet potatoes or bananas. We are about to try out avocados this weekend. So far, so good. We only had a bad experience with pears (gave him a serious belly ache & some gas).
He now pulls the spoon to his mouth. We had a feeling that this little boy wasn't going to have any issues with food.
Rolled Over!
Jake actually rolled over for the 1st time on February 27th, 2012 (but no one saw it!). Beth came back to his playmat with his bottle and there he was on his tummy just looking at her.
He has done it a few times more since, but reserves this skill when he wants to dazzle mom & dad.
He has done it a few times more since, but reserves this skill when he wants to dazzle mom & dad.
Photos!
Just hangin in my Sock Monkey outfit (thanks Auntie Jen)
Big Boy drinking his bottle
And playing with toys
Staring contest
Smirking for the camera
Game Face.
Wearing my new hat from Disneyland (thanks Grammy)
4 Months! 16lbs 11oz & 26 inches long
In Boston with my Nanya
I love my Sofie & my stroller sleeping bag
My my track suit with Pop (a drooly mess)
Beautiful Boston weather with Auntie Christa, Uncle Tony and Cousin Peressini in the belly.
Grammy & Pop come for a March visit!
Friday, March 9, 2012
Working and Blogging Don't Mix
Well, I am royally failing keeping up to date on the blog since coming back to work... but Nick sent this article to me today and definitely thought it was worth sharing! Enjoy.
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/kara-gebhart-uhl/mom-judgments_b_1319775.html
Several photos of my little prince will be uploaded soon!
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/kara-gebhart-uhl/mom-judgments_b_1319775.html
Several photos of my little prince will be uploaded soon!
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
4 Months
My sweet Jake,
You are so happy and smiley, and such a snuggle bug... and one growing boy! You have graduated to size 3 diapers and 6 – 9 month clothing. You are one long bean!
You love when your daddy smiles at you and makes funny faces. Your face lights up when he plays with you and tickles your belly. I think bath time is your favorite part of the day (other than when mommy or daddy come home from work, of course). You love the warm water and most importantly…. being naked! I think you would sit in there until you pruned up if we let you.
Your activity mat, mobile and your red ball are your favorite toys. And, you have recently discovered your feet…. those taste pretty good too. You like to pull your feet up to your mouth and are getting pretty close to rolling over. You make it about halfway before rock back to the direction you started. You are so strong and have incredible head control and are trying really hard to sit up on your own… although you aren’t quite able to yet. You are a drooling mess and love to blow bubbles and make funny noises with your mouth when you are talking to mom and dad or Lyla. You giggle and laugh and talk, talk, talk.
Bedtime is no longer a battle. We are so proud of you - you put yourself to sleep after story time in less than 5 minutes in your own room, but are still waking up 1 – 2 times for a late night date with mommy. I love this time with you (even though I need extra coffee in the morning because of it).
We love you so much, you amaze us every single day. No feeling I’ve had in the past can anywhere near match how I feel about you. You are the best thing I have ever done. I have everything I ever could want in life now that we have you. I feel so blessed. I love you, sweet boy. Happy 4 months, Jacob William.
Mama loves you.
Pumping & Planes
As I prepare for my first business trip this week, I am calling the airlines to see if they have a plug for my use on the plane to pump. Ha. This is a call I never dreamed of making... should make for an interesting 24 hours of scrambling to find places to be somewhat discrete.
Where am I headed you ask? Portland... but an entire day of meetings, so I haven't reached out as I won't have any free time. Big, huge bummer.
I am confident I am going to have some interesting stories of how this will go ... travelling with breast milk, pumping in an airport terminal with my hooter hider, or in the bathroom of the plane. Glorious.
I'll just look at my little lover's face and remind myself why I am crammed in a dirty airport bathroom...
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Did Jake Just Giggle?!
A little video from the other night of my conversation with Jake.... and I may have captured a giggle! You decide.
(P.S. I am looking at the camera, trying to make sure that while holding my phone out to record its actually on his face)
(P.S. I am looking at the camera, trying to make sure that while holding my phone out to record its actually on his face)
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Adjusting to Life
Well I am a working mom now. It’s strange and familiar at the same time.
I miss my baby and his sweet face and chubby legs all day every day. I can’t wait for the part of the day where I get to leave and make my way home to him. And that brief time together is the best part time of my day. Ah, I miss him terribly.
I must say that my office job is much easier than my stay-at-home job was, but maybe that is because I have never raised a human before and I have written strategy decks, conducted meetings and presented for clients for years now. Who knows. But we are taking one day at a time and just learning to adjust to life.
Given neither Nick or I had working moms when we were young, I have horrible fears that Jake will forget me and start to prefer Beth (the nanny) over Momma, but I just have to keep telling myself that can never be the case. Because, truthfully, I do want him to love being with Beth too, but I want him to love being with me more. I sound crazy and selfish and guilt-ridden, I know. Again, one day at a time….
With one week under my belt, I can say that weekends with my husband, son and doggy have a whole new meaning. We just hang out together without any plans and it’s perfection! I am so in love with my little family.
Also since my last post, it has been determined that Jake has a dairy & soy sensitivity/allergy. AKA, I must cut out ALL dairy and ALL soy. Ok, dairy isn’t that big of a deal since I have been doing it for 8 years now… however, soy is in EVERYTHING! I am trying not to focus on what I cannot eat, but on what I can (not much). I haven’t taken it as far as to cut out bread (made with soybean oil) or salad dressings (also made with soy lecithin), as I am seeing if Jake can handle just traces of soy. We went to Whole Foods and I bought whatever food seemed appealing that was dairy free, soy free, vegan, gluten free and basically taste free (ok, I am exaggerating a bit), but so far so good. Jake has been a different baby. So happy, content and comfortable. I feel so badly that he was feeling horrible for the first 3 months of his life. I just wish the doctor had suggested testing him earlier…
So, we have one more diaper test on the 30th. And, once everything is doubly confirmed, I will have to start the heartbreaking task of donating my freezer full of breast milk. Kills me. As for now, I pump 3 times a day at work to keep up with how much Jake is taking in (15oz while with Beth) and then exclusively nursing him morning/evenings/weekends. I have no stockpile anymore which really bums me out and doesn’t provide much flexibility. In addition, the formula that Jake could have should I want/need to introduce it is SO MUCH money and most kids don’t even like the taste. I am going to try to get some free samples from the doctor before dropping that amount of cash on something that he may never even take down. However, we are so relieved we finally found the culprits. I wasn’t making it up… Jake had Colic. And for those of you who have never experienced Colic – to say it is stressful and challenging is an understatement. But, we are on the other side now and it’s been so wonderful to see more smiles than tears from our little boy.
Friday, January 13, 2012
Breastfeeding is Hard
So finally, an answer.... we went to the doctor earlier this week because the fussiness/crying just hasn't let up and I was at a loss. The pediatrician asked me to bring in a stool sample to test to make sure there wasn't something else going on and gave me a bunch of tips to help keep our sanity.
Anyway, Jake tested positive for a milk protein sensitivity. As most of you know, I can't eat dairy anyway, with the exception of Parmesan cheese and dark chocolate (for some reason these things don't bother me). However, his doctor has now asked that I cut out any and all dairy, even my beloved dark chocolate, AND all soy products. Truly, his mother's child! In addition, I have been cutting out caffeine to see if that helps as well. I, of course, will do anything to make my baby feel better, but man this is gonna be rough. Thank goodness there is still wine. Ha.
I am waiting for a call back from his doctor on what I should do with the 150+ ounces of breast milk I have stored up in the freezer for my return to work on Tuesday. Ugh, devastating. I hope I don't have to throw out all that liquid gold.
Anyway, it could be much worse. He is healthy and gaining weight just fine (topping the scales at 15lbs 9oz to be exact). And, I will to do anything in my power for my son, but wow! Breastfeeding is hard!!
Anyway, Jake tested positive for a milk protein sensitivity. As most of you know, I can't eat dairy anyway, with the exception of Parmesan cheese and dark chocolate (for some reason these things don't bother me). However, his doctor has now asked that I cut out any and all dairy, even my beloved dark chocolate, AND all soy products. Truly, his mother's child! In addition, I have been cutting out caffeine to see if that helps as well. I, of course, will do anything to make my baby feel better, but man this is gonna be rough. Thank goodness there is still wine. Ha.
I am waiting for a call back from his doctor on what I should do with the 150+ ounces of breast milk I have stored up in the freezer for my return to work on Tuesday. Ugh, devastating. I hope I don't have to throw out all that liquid gold.
Anyway, it could be much worse. He is healthy and gaining weight just fine (topping the scales at 15lbs 9oz to be exact). And, I will to do anything in my power for my son, but wow! Breastfeeding is hard!!
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
And ... 4th Trimester Complete!
We all survived the first 12 weeks!
Tummy Time
Hi Mom. I love the bright light of the phone....
but not as much as sucking on my hands.
Happy 12 weeks baby boy! We love you soooo very much.
Aren't Babies Supposed to Nap?!
Once again, I have been absent to the blog world. As well as the phone call world, email, IM, text messages, etc. Apologies. After all the books I read before having a baby, I had no idea what my days would be like! Not sure you ever really do until it's your turn. I love the time at home with my son though.
My sweet boy, I love you more than words, but you do not nap!!! Nick and I have been going crazy trying to get this child to sleep during the day. I thought when I had a newborn that I would have at least a few hours a day where he was sleeping to pay bills, catch up on email, scan Facebook, etc - not this child.
After reading pretty much every sleep book out there and testing out any and all advice, I have had come to the realization that I just don't have the textbook child. Jake is an amazing night sleeper, sleeps 12 hours a night with only one feeding around 2 or 3am, so I can't complain too much, but the days are VERY busy given I can hardly set him down to eat a meal or go the bathroom.
And, although it took me awhile to come to terms with it, Jake is colicky. Our pediatrician said so at his one month appointment, but I was in denial. We are finally down to about 1 - 1 1/2 hours a day of crying which is more normal and much more manageable than the 4+ hours we had before. Insane and so difficult on some days.
I am very busy trying to keep him from crying so we rotate through toys until he is bored, walk outside, drive around in the car, run stupid errands to get out of the house, etc. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. Depends on the day.
So after driving almost all the way up to Wisconsin to keep him asleep in the car, walking until my feet ache with him in the ergo pack, rocking and rocking and rocking, nursing him, running the vacuum for noise, singing and reading stories, I have come to the conclusion that Jake just doesn't nap like the other babies. So working on this schedule now...
6am: Good morning!
6am - 7:30am: Playtime
7:30am: Nap #1 (20 - 30 mins... Emily gets dressed for the day and finishes a cup of coffee)
8am - 10am: Playtime, drive to gym for my workout, and Jake plays in the newborn room
9am or 9:30am: Mom works out for an hour - 'Emily Time'. I am addicted to my classes at Equinox and Dailey Method
10am or 10:30am: Nap #2 (20 - 30 mins on the drive home from the gym with a couple mins to spare for me to make a bite to eat)
10:30am - 12pm: Playtime!
12pm or 12:30pm: Nap #3 (20 mins to 2 hours, most often 20 mins. Depending on how much time I have, I check email, pay bills, shower, do laundry, write thank yous, blog posts, return a phone call, etc)
Sometime between 1pm and 2:30pm Jake wakes and we play again
3pm to 4:30pm: I desperately try for another short nap if his other 3 were all 20 mins
Then, we play again until bath time....
5:30pm: Bath time (he loves loves loves the bath)
6ish: Nick gets home from work
6:30pm: Lights out for Jake
And then I pour myself a glass of wine and Nick and I eat dinner and catch up on the day before going to bed ourselves by 9pm, or Nick meets with his tutor as he continues to study for the GMAT.
My goodness.... some days I so envy the moms that have the great napping children so they can count on a couple of hours to actually start a task and complete it. I know I have a busy boy on my hands and he is just terrified he is going to miss out on a minute of fun, so he fights sleep like no tomorrow. This is totally going to the child that always says 'I am not tired, mom' even though his eyes are red and puffy from playing so hard during the day. Beth, the nanny, is in for it when she takes over on the 17th of January. Although, I'd take this challenge on any day.
Some photos of my little love bug from December (catching up from the holidays).
My sweet boy, I love you more than words, but you do not nap!!! Nick and I have been going crazy trying to get this child to sleep during the day. I thought when I had a newborn that I would have at least a few hours a day where he was sleeping to pay bills, catch up on email, scan Facebook, etc - not this child.
After reading pretty much every sleep book out there and testing out any and all advice, I have had come to the realization that I just don't have the textbook child. Jake is an amazing night sleeper, sleeps 12 hours a night with only one feeding around 2 or 3am, so I can't complain too much, but the days are VERY busy given I can hardly set him down to eat a meal or go the bathroom.
And, although it took me awhile to come to terms with it, Jake is colicky. Our pediatrician said so at his one month appointment, but I was in denial. We are finally down to about 1 - 1 1/2 hours a day of crying which is more normal and much more manageable than the 4+ hours we had before. Insane and so difficult on some days.
I am very busy trying to keep him from crying so we rotate through toys until he is bored, walk outside, drive around in the car, run stupid errands to get out of the house, etc. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. Depends on the day.
So after driving almost all the way up to Wisconsin to keep him asleep in the car, walking until my feet ache with him in the ergo pack, rocking and rocking and rocking, nursing him, running the vacuum for noise, singing and reading stories, I have come to the conclusion that Jake just doesn't nap like the other babies. So working on this schedule now...
6am: Good morning!
6am - 7:30am: Playtime
7:30am: Nap #1 (20 - 30 mins... Emily gets dressed for the day and finishes a cup of coffee)
8am - 10am: Playtime, drive to gym for my workout, and Jake plays in the newborn room
9am or 9:30am: Mom works out for an hour - 'Emily Time'. I am addicted to my classes at Equinox and Dailey Method
10am or 10:30am: Nap #2 (20 - 30 mins on the drive home from the gym with a couple mins to spare for me to make a bite to eat)
10:30am - 12pm: Playtime!
12pm or 12:30pm: Nap #3 (20 mins to 2 hours, most often 20 mins. Depending on how much time I have, I check email, pay bills, shower, do laundry, write thank yous, blog posts, return a phone call, etc)
Sometime between 1pm and 2:30pm Jake wakes and we play again
3pm to 4:30pm: I desperately try for another short nap if his other 3 were all 20 mins
Then, we play again until bath time....
5:30pm: Bath time (he loves loves loves the bath)
6ish: Nick gets home from work
6:30pm: Lights out for Jake
And then I pour myself a glass of wine and Nick and I eat dinner and catch up on the day before going to bed ourselves by 9pm, or Nick meets with his tutor as he continues to study for the GMAT.
My goodness.... some days I so envy the moms that have the great napping children so they can count on a couple of hours to actually start a task and complete it. I know I have a busy boy on my hands and he is just terrified he is going to miss out on a minute of fun, so he fights sleep like no tomorrow. This is totally going to the child that always says 'I am not tired, mom' even though his eyes are red and puffy from playing so hard during the day. Beth, the nanny, is in for it when she takes over on the 17th of January. Although, I'd take this challenge on any day.
Some photos of my little love bug from December (catching up from the holidays).
Zoo Lights at Lincoln Park, although we were there for maybe 15 minutes. Jake wasn't into it.
Christmas Eve after Mass with Mom
In Jake's Christmas PJ's with Dad before bedtime
The Montgomery Family stockings
Christmas Morning! Santa came (and Jake slept until 7:30am!)
Merry Christmas
Santa's Little Helper
Shopping in the city
Little boy is in there...
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