Makayla at 6 months old

Makayla Grace at 6 months old… 

Makayla moves around by a combo of rolling, spinning on her belly, and occasionally pushing off with one leg. She gets really frustrated when I place a toy out of reach to encourage her to crawl.  She’s quite a babbler. She enjoys blowing raspberries constantly. And she loves to talk (babble) to people on the phone. She looks for stuff that falls on the floor. Makayla absolutely loves her Bright Starts Pretty In Pink Activity Jumper! She jumps, jumps, jumps with delightful screams of joy and bright blue eyes. She sat up for by herself on November 14th. She is still working on sitting up from the laying down position. She is trying really hard. =) What a joy she is! 

Makayla recently started sleeping on her tummy at night, which has been a big transition for me. She like to sleep face down in the mattress. Now, many of you that truly know me, know that freaks me out. I decided to pinch my pennies and purchased the Angelcare Movement Sensor Monitor. It monitors every movement (breathing). Of course, some nights I lie in bed for hours just listening to the ‘beeps’. I didn’t get much sleep for about a week, but last night she slept pretty good…which means Tim and I slept good as well. Yay!

                                                                                                         Now on with the food conversation! Makayla loves her solids. Somehow I got stuck on making her sweet potatoes and rice cereal, and neglected to move on to anything else. Shame on me for not giving her variety. Per her pediatrician she needs to start meats already. What??? I haven't even gotten to fruit...lol. Makayla is still in the 95th percentile for weight so she is doing great! Yes, I'm still breastfeeding. I've not really decided when I'm going to wean her yet. My goal was 6 months and I did it! Yay for me! Yay for my baby girl! I might try to go for a full year. It would be a lot easier if I was a sahm. We go on January 11^th for Makayla’s 6 month appointment! It’s amazing how time flies when you’re having fun!

Christmas

Christmas 2009

Christmas was so wonderful this year! We went to church on Christmas Eve and enjoyed a wonderful candle light service. It is ever so important to remember that Christ is the reason we celebrate Christmas. Afterwards, we went to Wasabi and ate some very yummy chicken and fried rice. This has been one of my favorite dishes ever since a friend  made it for us after Makayla was born. I spent awhile wrapping presents for our families (moms, dads, sisters, etc..). For some reason, I've made it a tradition to wrap the presents on Christmas Eve. That tradition may soon be changing. I had planned on making a big pancake breakfast on Christmas morning, but we never got a chance to stop by the grocery store. So basically I had a cup of coffee, and we ate nothing. Next year I will do better (maybe)! We happily watched Makayla play with some of her new toys. To our suprise she was quite interested and excited about them. Tim and I were excited watching Makayla see her new toys for the first time. The eyes of a child are so sweet and enthusiastic. A child is a true miracle from God.
Later, we went to my parents house and ate a delicious lunch. Thanks Mom and Summer! They are definitely the "cooks" in the family. (I try) Jazz and Rose came along with us. The poodles get super excited when they go over to their Nana and Papaw's house. That evening, we stopped by Tim's parents house to visit for awhile.
 It was a very long day full of happiness, food, family, love, joy, remembrance, celebration, and a few sarcastic comments (hey, it's gonna happen when you get family together, right?). It was our first Christmas as a family of three! I will have to say that so much has changed in my life since last Christmas. Last Christmas, I was 15 weeks pregnant and so excited to meet our little baby. This year, I am a mom. Being a mom is the best gift I've ever been given. I love Makayla so much more than any words can express. I thank God for this little angel He has entrusted me with and pray that I become a better mom each day.

My sweet baby girl!

Makayla likes Santa!

Makayla with her new toy puppy

Makayla and Daddy

Makayla and Mommy

Merry Christmas from the Finstad family!

Makayla's First Snow!

 Tim and Makayla !

 

Today we woke up to light snow showers! I waited for Tim to wake up and then we took MG outside to see the snow. I made a few pictures that turned out very cute. Though it would have been nice to snow during the week, so that I could have the day off work (lol), I enjoyed looking at the pretty white snowflakes everywhere! Makayla is growing so fast. We are getting Christmas pictures made tomorrow, and I can't wait to mail cards and pictures to friends and family.

Check out the snowball coming right at me!

Our Pretty Little Girl!

Sweet November..a dedication, a birthday, and a wedding!

So far the month of November has been cram packed, and I've barely had time to relax. But we've had some really special moments too. Makayla Grace was dedicated at church on November 1st, my 30th birthday! On that day, Tim and I publicly promised to do everything within our power to raise Makayla in a godly way, prayerfully until she can make a decision on her own to follow God. I actually made that promise to God when I first found out I was pregnant with her. I remember having a scare when I was about 6 weeks pregnant. I didn't want to lose another baby, but I promised God that I would have peace in whatever happened, but that if He chose to continue my pregnancy that I would raise her up to know Him and all his goodness. God has truly blessed me in a very special way. Being a mom is such a gift...the best ever!

I turned 30 and it's hard to believe. I don't really think 30 is old...it's just older than I was before. Honestly, turning 30 made me think about the many years that have passed too quickly. I've been thinking a lot about my quiet times with God. These days my quiet time is more likely to include singing to God before my work day begins, praying during the 'moment of silence' "silently" at work, and praying before I go to bed at night (that is if I don't fall asleep first). It is time to get back on track...the right track. I am reminded of Matthew 6:33-34 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. 


One more update..a pretty important one! My sister, Summer got married to Joe on November 7th. I am so happy for them and hope their marriage is filled with many happy memories and much love. I pray that she will be as happy and in love with Joe as I am with Tim. I will have to say that I have the best husband in the world and I am majorly blessed to be married to him! MG had a very long day meeting so many new people. She got to meet her great grandmother which was really special. I was really proud of Makayla; she didn't cry once for the 8 hours she was out of the house that day. Of course, I felt so bad for messing up her schedule, and by the end of the night she was exhausted (we all were). So that is the update for November so far. It's been very busy, but I am going to slow down, take time to enjoy every moment, trust in God, and make time for Him! I know that doing so will make me a better mommy and a better wife. God Bless.

Makayla's Baby Dedication

My Birthday Cake and MG's Cake (Summer made these!)

Not enough time....

I know, I know....she is the cutest baby ever!

 

 

There are not enough hours in the day, and there are not enough minutes in the hour! At least when it comes to spending time with Tim and Makayla. It has been 4 weeks since I went back to work, and time is flying by. My days seem busy and exhausting. Friday nights seem to be my crash night. I end up falling asleep around 7:00, only waking up to nurse Makayla. Then by Saturday morning, I feel guilty for not spending more time with Tim and MG, for not unloading the dishwasher, for not doing the laundry, for not vacuuming, and so on. I am obviously still adjusting to being this person that can do it all....unfortunately, I'm just not that person.

Nana had to take MG to the doctor this week. She has baby eczema, and it got pretty bad over the last week. It is so hard to watch Makayla cry and scratch until it bleeds :( Fortunately, her pediatrician gave her some medicine that has helped a lot. She is feeling a lot better today. Thank the good Lord!

So, here I am just loving the weekends! I get to spend all day hanging out with my daughter and husband. Usually we reserve one weekend day to just completely relaxing...it's nice! Then we spend a little time tidying up the house...necessary but not so much fun. I use to enjoy cleaning by the way, but now I'd rather spend time cuddling with MG and watching her smile. Makayla is 15 weeks old today. I love watching her grow..she is so amazing! but it also made me a little sad when I packed up her 0-3 month clothing. Time really does fly when you're having fun.

Here are some new pictures I thought I would share!

Nana dressed Makayla Grace up in this cute little animal print outfit. 

Makayla Grace with Daddy all geared up for game day. Go Vols!

Makayla in her jumper for the very first time on 9-26. She was really interested!...for about 10 minutes. We'll try it again in a few weeks.

First Week Back to Work

My first week back to work was how I expected....difficult and exhausting. Each morning as Tim would leave to take MG to Nana's house, I would feel sick to my stomach. Literally, I felt like I was going to vomit, but I never did.  People kept saying, "Don't worry, it will get easier!" That entire statement is just a bit annoying in my opinion. Yes, I will have no choice but to get used to it, but it will never be easy to leave my daughter with someone else. A lady I know went back to work just three weeks after having her baby, some go back in six weeks, and some get the luxury of staying home. Thankfully, I was to able to stay out for 11 weeks with Makayla. It was the most wonderful 11 weeks getting to know my beautiful daughter. She does something new everyday, and she is getting so big so fast. After weeks of staring and smiling at her own feet, she finally found them yesterday! Way to go Makayla! Now, about my week at work. I had more work to catch up on than I had expected. I am a teacher so you can only imagine...well, maybe you can't imagine because most people have no idea the amount of meetings and paperwork that come along with the job. Add that to getting to know my students, giving assessments to find out what they've learned, and smiling at all the other teachers I pass in the hallway, when all I really want to do it catch my breath! Oh and did I mention the fact that I pump  any chance I get? I was super busy and very drained by Friday. In fact, I fell asleep on the couch Friday at 7:30 pm. The fact that I have a job that I enjoy makes this whole transition manageable.  A friend called to check on me and graciously reminded me that God placed me where He wants me. That reminded me once again that it's not all about me. 
I feel so blessed that MG's Nana is taking care of her. You see, if me and Tim have to work, then my mom would be the only other person I would want taking care of my little girl. I sure missed Makayla so much, and I know this week won't be any easier. MG smiled so happily every day when I picked her up. My daughter's smile melts my heart.

A Friday Afternoon

Today is Friday, but not just any Friday. It's the last Friday before I go back to work. Don't get me wrong, I really enjoy my job and I know I was called to be a teacher, but I was also called to be a mom. So Monday will definitely be bitter-sweet for me. Last night I sat on the couch and just cried. I am so afraid that Makayla will feel abandoned and wonder why I'm not with her. Yet in my heart I know she will have fun days full of learning and laughing with her Nana, my mom.  I am trusting God and know that He will help me get through this transition of going back to work. But most of all, I pray that Makayla will have an easy transition and she will know how much I love her! I have been soaking up this extra time with Makayla. I love how we gaze into each others eyes as she drifts off to sleep holding onto my finger. I love the way she smiles and squeals with delight when I tickle her tiny feet. I love kissing her soft,chubby little cheeks. She is Mommy's little angel.

p.s. I found a great website for christian working moms. If you're a working mom, I hope you get a chance to check it out.

MG has found her hands and her feet

MG is so adorable. For the last few weeks she has had this obsession with her hand. Sometimes it seems as though she could fit the entire fist in her mouth. ToO fUnNy! Speaking of pictures , we had Jason of J. Davis Photos come over yesterday and take pictures. I can't wait to see the portraits. Makayla did awesome. She hasn't been feeling well for the last several days so I was worried she would be fussy. She slept for a good portion of the shoot and I think it will make for some really amazing photos of our gorgeous baby. She didn't smile as much as she usually does, but that doesn't matter...I am such a proud momma!

Time seems to being flyng by these days

I can't believe that Makayla Grace is already 10 weeks old! Time really seems to be flying by these days. The other day someone asked me what Makayla is doing that  is 'new' now. Well, that was hard to answer because she is learning new things every day. It is pretty amazing to watch a baby grow. She smiles more than any baby I've ever known. She first smiled at only 2 days old. MG was holding her head up the week we brought her home from the hospital. She was really strong from the start. She was honestly trying to sit up at 6 weeks old....now at 10 weeks she is still trying. Of course, I know that probably won't happen for a little bit longer, but man this little baby girl is super strong and seems more mature than other babies her age. Of course, she is tipping the scales at about 15 pounds already. WOW! I am actually pretty proud of myself. Her pediatrician said he usually doesn't see breastfed babies at the 97% in weight, so I am doing great. That really reassured me and made me feel proud of the fact I am giving her the best I have to offer. MG really loves her Baby Einstein gym. She loves to grab at it and kick the music box. It is fun watching her...and well I watch and play with her for hours a day. She is such a sweet baby!

The day I fell in love again!

I fell in love with Tim 7 years ago, and on June 27th I fell in love all over again...twice! I fell more in love with Tim and I met my beautiful daughter to whom I fell madly in love with. Makayla Grace was born two weeks past her due date. She was born at a very healthy weight of 8 pounds 13 ounces. I knew I would love being a mom, but I didn't know just how that love would feel. It's amazing and it's really hard to describe. Now, let me tell you that the delivery was NOT easy..even with an epidural, which doesn't work for back labor by the way. I was in labor for over 20 hours and ended up needing a c-section. I was so disappointed that I had to have a c-section and my disappointment increased as I realized after coming home from the hospital that c-sections suck...they really are horrible. So as many of you know, pain plus lack of sleep equals a little postpardum blues. Oh no! I mentioned the baby blues...seems like no one really warned me about that and no one seems to talk about it either. ( This is a topic I will write about on my website). Luckily, my baby blues drifted away as Tim and I learned how to work the sleep schedule. Sleep equals a better parent! It may not be the 8 hours I was use to but those 4-5 hours in a row were wonderful! At two months old, Makayla is now sleeping 6 hours a night and it is FAB U LOUS! So anyhow, the day Makayla was born was the day I fell in love again!

Finally I am blogging...

I finally have a blog! I am brand new to blogging but I've been wanting to for years...but didn't know exactly what to blog about. Now I have my daughter  and I thought it would be absolutely perfect to write about my journey as a mommy. So the journey has begun. I am also working on a few informational websites that deal with "mommyhood" so I will keep you posted when those are ready for publishing. I truly hope you enjoy reading about my journey as a mommy. Please 'follow me' through this jouney. God Bless.