3 Months ago...

my entire life changed! 3 months ago I gave birth to the most beautiful little girl!

Happy 3 months Molly Grace! I still can't believe you are that old! As I'm writing this, you are asleep on your Daddy's chest and it is the sweetest site I've ever seen! My heart couldn't be fuller! You are so lucky to have a Daddy who is so crazy about you!




You weigh 12 lbs now! You're my little chunky monkey! I love your little rolls and chubby cheeks! They're so kissable.

You are eating 4 oz every 2-3 hours. Sometimes in the afternoon or before bed you will eat 5 oz.

You are such a sleepy head these days! You are usually in bed by 8 pm, will wake up to eat a little between 1 and 2 am, go right back to sleep until 5 or 6 am! Then you take a long nap. You really only cat-nap during the afternoon and evening. Your happiest time is early in the morning. You are in the best mood!




You are talking up a storm these days. You are saying "oooo" a lot and "haaaa". Every now and then we get a giggle or a squeal out of you!

You love your cousins. You will watch Josh and Caleb talk to you for the longest time and laugh! They haven't gotten to hold you yet, but they sure do want to! Caleb loves to tickle your feet!

You haven't rolled over anymore.

You love to stand up and climb up me! You are so strong!

You love bathtime. You think it's so fun to float on your back and kick your legs!




You love to be held and rocked - and I love it, too! You have just this week started putting your arms around my neck when I rock you. My heart melts when you do that!

Copycat

MG has started mimicking us! Yesterday I said "Hi" and she said said something that sounded just like it! Tonight during her bath I said "ooooh" and she said it back to me! It's so fun to hear her 'talk' and laugh!

She's finally starting to enjoy bath time. Tonight I put her in the tub with me and she kicked her little legs and arms! I layed her back and let her float and she was loving it! I hope she loves the water as much as I do!

First "Sick" Dr. Appt.

Yesterday was the first time we had to take MG to the dr. for something other than shots or a well-visit. For the last week she's been super fussy, not wanting to eat, grunting, and just not herself. We took her in and he checked her out and said she's normal! lol He listened to her belly and said he could hear it gurgling. She probably has colic. I'm just relieved to know it's not an ear infection or something worse for her! We got to weigh her and she's 1 oz shy of weighing 12 lbs!




After we left the dr. we went to the mall and bought her her first Bible for her Easter basket. It's so cute! Then we strolled through Target and bought a video monitor in case she decides to sleep in her own room anytime soon! When we left Target we went to eat lunch at Chilis. She was so good the entire day! She didn't cry once. It's so nice to be able to take her out with us now. When she was so tiny and puking all the time it was just too nerve-racking to take her out! We certainly couldn't have stayed out all day! Now she loves getting out and her Daddy and I love to take her with us!



I guess we wore her out because last night she ate at 6:45, only fought me for 30 minutes and was in bed by 7:45 fast asleep. She slept until 3:30! It's funny because when we were getting up every 2 hours all night I was worn out and couldn't wait for her to sleep through the night. Now, even though she's right next to my side of the bed, I miss her so much during the night! I miss those quiet hours in the dark just rocking and cuddling. Sometimes I just lean over and watch her!

Rollin' Rollin' Rollin'

She did it again! She rolled from her belly to her back! I was starting to think the other day was a big fluke! ha! She tried all morning on her pallet in the floor and just couldn't get her little booty over! Tonight after I changed her diaper, she started rockin' and then rolled! Jamey was a little mad because he was in the kitchen and missed it!

She also slept 6 hours again last night!

The little diva has been in a mood today! She woke up happy and smiley, but that only lasted until about noon! Then my child became possessed! We tried to do some cute Easter pics and she had a major meltdown. It was all downhill after that!

March For Babies

The March of Dimes "March for Babies" walk is coming up in April. I'm so excited about this because this year there is a team in Molly Grace's honor! A sweet friend of mine approached me while MG was still in NICU and asked if she could start a team for her. I am so honored that she thought of us. I can't wait to take MG to the walk! It's so appropriate because she loves taking walks in her stroller on nice days! And this time we will actually be walking in her honor! I love it!

And just because I can't post without adding pictures, here she is in her stroller on a trip to the Nature Center! We took a walk on the trail outside and she loved it!

12 Weeks

Molly Grace, you are 12 weeks old! As always, I'm a day late posting, but you keep me pretty busy! You just keep growing and changing everyday. Your colic is finally getting a little better. You're still fussy, but we just hold you until it passes (and by we, I mean your daddy! He sure does love his little girl!). Last night you fell asleep after your 6:45 pm bottle. You napped on the couch until we moved you to bed at 8:30. You slept until 12:30! Mommy was so happy! The rest of the night you slept in 4 hour stretches and I finally had to wake you up at 8:30 am to eat! You're a little sleepy head today! It's cloudy and rainy so I think you and I are going to spend the day in our jammies being lazy! Happy 12 weeks sweet girl!

You were not giving up your paci for these pics! And you did not want to get out of your jammies (or maybe it was me who didn't want to get you out of your jammies! ha!) so we just put a pretty bow on with them. You can still look pretty and be comfy!

These are a few of my favorite things

My life is pretty much consumed by all things baby these days (and I wouldn't have it any other way!). Being pregnant with my first child, I was so excited and overwhelmed as I looked at all the 'stuff' available for baby. Being the OCD, information freak I am, I researched for months! I made list after list of things we HAD to have, things I would like to have, things that were neat... you get the point!

My LO decided to come 7 weeks early, so there was no time for the baby showers that were planned, we ended up rushing out after she was here to get several things and there was no time to refer back to my lists! So, I ended up with lots of stuff. Some stuff I use daily and some is sitting untouched. We've ordered and bought some things here and there as we get to know MG better and find out what she needs and likes, too!

Here are a few of my favorite things...

American Red Cross Soothing Scale


I love, love, love this!! We ordered this scale when we were concerned about her gaining weight. I'm too OCD to wait for her appt. every 2 months to find out! ha! It's so fun to see how she's growing every week - or anytime we want! I love the contoured shape, she lays so comfortably. It plays music which she loves and it's so easy to read! I recommend this to any mom!

Wub-a-Nub Pacifier


I saw these on another blog when I was making my list early on. I really wanted one, but there is nowhere in AR that sells them and I never got around to ordering one before she came. The hospital that I delivered at in Memphis just happened to have them in their gift shop, but they were so expensive and I couldn't see paying that much for a pacifier. On the day we were pretty sure MG was finally being discharged, Jamey and I went down to the cafe in the hospital to eat lunch while we waited for the dr. to round. While we were eating, the nurse called and said we were going home! We stopped in the gift shop on our way up to get her and bought her the green frog Wub-a-Nub. I am so glad we did. It's the only pacifier she will keep in her mouth. We have the same kind of pacis just without the frog attached, but she loves the frog! She will wrap her little arms around it, or hold onto it with her hands. It stays in her mouth better and she can get it back in easier! I love it and am actually looking online to order another today!

Graco Little Hoot



We have the Graco Little Hoot Pack-N-Play. I'm not so crazy about the PNP itself, I have my issues with it! But the owl mobile has saved us many times! She loves it! We use the changing pad attached to change her at night and one night while she was fussing I turned the owls on and she smiled. From then on, we turned it on every time we changed her and she would laugh and grin! Sometimes when she's fussy during the day I put her boppy pillow in the PNP and turn on the owls and she instantly stops crying and smiles! I don't know what it is about those owls, but she has a deep love for them! She's not anywhere near as crazy about her pink, girly mobile on her crib!

Fisher Price Rock and Play Sleeper


When we first discovered she had reflux, she was only a few weeks old and we were miserable and desperate for a solution - especially for sleeping. She would throw up at night and I was terrified she would choke, plus laying flat on her back was just not an option. Someone on my birthboard posted about this sleeper, I researched it a little and ordered it that day! As soon as it was delivered, I put it together and put her in it. She loves it! She slept in it for several weeks until we finally started putting her on her belly. She went from squirming and sleeping 30 minutes at a time to an hour or 2 in this sleeper! Even though she doesn't sleep in it at night anymore, we still use it during the day to nap in or just to let her chill. I attached the much-loved owl mobile to the side and now she's in heaven!

Diaper Genie II Elite


I wasn't really sure how much I would use one of these, I mean we have a trash can and walmart bags. Do you really need a special can for diapers?! Ha! I found out very quickly how much I love this! The 1st grade teachers where I work got me this for my shower gift and I love it!

Bright Starts Pretty In Pink Play Gym



This is super cute, plays great songs and sounds, it's soft and she loves it! This fills up lots of play time during the day!

Dr. Brown Bottles


These are a pain to wash and put together, but we tried every other bottle out there and these are the best!

Medela Pump In Style Advance


This pump is awesome! I probably would have given up pumping a long time ago if it weren't so great! It is better than the one I used in the hospital - and that says a lot!

Snappie Containers


The NICU would give us bags of these at a time to pump into while MG was there. I love them! We ended up coming home with several bags, too. I'm still using them. They are so handy when we are going to be gone for the day. I put 2oz of water in one, a scoop of formula in another and drop them in her bag. When she gets hungry, I can combine the 2, snap the lid, shake it up and she's ready to eat! I'm going to be really sad when I finall run out!

Wrap


I don't have the Moby (although I really want one!), I just bought a piece of material the same size and it works just as well. I got really lucky and actually found the piece of fabric for $2 rather than the $40 for the real thing! This is a must for a colicky or really needy baby. When she's really fussy in the evenings, I put her in it and she's out like a light. Plus I can still do whatever needs to be done with both hands free! I've washed bottles with her in it, gone outside and played with the dog, done laundry...it's so nice! And she's near me hearing my heartbeat which is really comforting for all babies, but especially preemies.

I feel like I've just written a book, so I guess I stop! I think tomorrow will be the 'A Few of my Not-So-Favorite Things"!

Happy Spring!

Today is the first day of spring! I'm so ready to kiss winter goodbye! I am ready for flip flops, capris, sunshine and being outside.



We took Molly Grace to the park for the first time today! We went to Crowley's Ridge State Park and walked around and got some pretty good pictures. She loves being outside. It was a bit windy so we didn't stay long, but we put her in her stroller so she could look around and walked a little bit.



When we left the park we ran to Walmart and got her a super-cute spring outfit and some flower headbands.




Then we ate lunch at Lenny's Sub Shop...I love Lenny's! She was so good all day. She never fussed, never cried, she was happy as could be all day!




I fed her a bottle while we ate at Lenny's. She was mesmerized by the bright lights and music playing! She could hardly eat because she was so busy looking around!

We're on a roll!

She did it again!! Molly Grace slept from 8:30 - 3:30! She stirred a little at 9:45 and had a little bedtime snack! Then she went right back to bed and slep until 3:30 am! She ate a little then went right back to sleep until 6:30! Jamey and I hardly know what to do with all this sleep!

Big Day!

Today was filled with lots of 'firsts' for Molly Grace...

I already posted that Molly Grace slept through the night (well, 6 hours anyway!) for the first time ever!

Molly Grace went on her first trip to the park. It was 70 degrees and beautiful. She loved it when I pulled her socks off!

Molly Grace went to work with me today to visit. Most of the ladies at work have never seen MG in person so she had to make an appearance. Today was Professional Development so there weren't any 'germy' kiddos there to make her sick! ha!

Molly Grace drank her first 6 oz bottle today! She drank 3 oz, wanted a little more so I gave her another ounce...then another...and another! I was a little shocked! Her belly is super full and now she's out like a light in her crib!

Here she is after we got home and got comfy. She had a headband on all day and she has some crazy hair!





Molly Grace has finally grown into her jeans! I've been just waiting to put these on her and I can hardly stand how cute she looks!



Her shirt reads "My finger may be tiny, but daddy is still wrapped all around it"! And no truer words have ever been said!

Sleeping Beauty

Molly Grace just woke up for the first time in 6 hours! She ate at 9 pm, went down (not without a fight, though!) for the night and didn't wake up until 3 am! I woke up at 2:45 am and couldn't believe it! For a minute I thought for sure we had been up and I just forgot! I'm hoping and praying it's because she's ready to sleep longer and not just because she doesn't feel good! I can't tell you how awesome it felt to sleep 4 1/2 hours in a row!!

Rock and Roll

Molly Grace rolled over from her tummy to her back for the first time today!! I don't think she meant to and she was as surprised as we were! ha! We just happened to have the video camera set up so we actually have it on tape! I can't believe our luck!

I don't have a picture of her rolling over, but here she is in her new Gap outfit. I think she looks like such a big girl in this outfit! She kind of looks like an 1980s Jane Fonda exercise video! ha!

11 Weeks Old

Happy St. Patrick's Day from me and my little "Lucky Charm"!

Molly Grace, you are 11 weeks old today!

You weigh 11 lbs, 3 oz

You are eating at least 3 oz at every feeding! You eat 4 oz a lot during the day.

You are still getting up every 3-4 hours during the night.

You love to cat-nap during the day, but hate sleeping at night! Sometimes you fall asleep in the living room while we are rocking you, but as soon as we step into the dark bedroom, your eyes pop open!

You are in the best mood early in the mornings. You will smile and laugh. You can melt Mommy's heart with that smile!

I love our days together!

Dear Sleep...

Do you remember me? I know it's been awhile since we spent any time together! Oh how I miss you! If it's not too much trouble, do you mind paying a little visit to Molly Grace? She really needs some quality time with you at night - maybe for at least 6 hours at a time?! Thanks!

Haha! So needless to say, my sweet little princess still does not sleep through the night. Or sleep much at all at night! I'm not sure how she can be a night-owl and a morning person! I've never seen someone so little fight sleep so hard. I think the diva in her is afraid she'll miss something! I finally gave in this morning about 5:30 and put her in bed next to me. I swore I would never start that, but it got us through some long nights in the beginning and at this point, I didn't care what the consequences for the future were, I needed sleep! And guess what - the instant (and I mean the very second) I picked her up and layed her in my arms, she conked out. No noises, no movement, no fighting sleep she passed out! So from 5:30 am - 8:30 am she slept next to me and we were both happy!



In other sleep news, Molly Grace took her first nap in her crib today! She's been sleeping in our room since she came home from the NICU. She was so tiny and I was so afraid of apneas and bradycardias and reflux...that it was just easier to put her next to our bed. I've been thinking of putting her in her own room soon, but it terrifies me! So I'm starting slowly and I let her nap in there today. She slept for an entire hour this morning and looked so little in that big ole' bed!

Show Us Your Life - Favorite Charities

Over at "Kelly's Corner" blog, she does a weekly Show Us Your Life post. I've never participated before, but this week's theme is Favorite Charities. I like this theme so I thought I'd give it a shot!

First off, I am an active member in our local chapter of Circle of Friends. We have different fundraisers and events to raise money for Arkansas Children's Hospital. It's a really great group of women and a really great cause.



I am hoping to become more active in our local chapter of March of Dimes. I was a member a few years ago, but as life got more hectic, I let that commitment slide. After having a preemie myself, I feel really led to become more active. March of Dimes is a nonprofit organization dedicated to raising prematurity awareness and overall infant health. It's a great cause and one very close to my heart!



Molly Grace was born at 33 weeks. I was transported by ambulance to Memphis, TN to deliver in a hospital with an NICU capable of helping her with any complications that may arise from premature birth.



She weighed 5.4 lbs at birth, but got down to 4 lbs during her 2 week stay in NICU. She had a very high bilirubin and needed to learn to eat so she could grow!



We were very blessed that MG was born so healthy. I looked around that NICU many days and thanked the Lord that our situation was not more serious. We saw babies that weighed only 1 lb!

10 Weeks (a day late!)

Molly Grace, you are 10 weeks old and you weigh a whopping 11 lbs 5 oz!! I can't believe you're such a chunk!

You love to be outside and this weather we're having has been perfect for it! We just got back from a long walk!

You've started "talking" to us! You make the cutest little cooing sounds and you've started making a new yell when you're mad at us!

You've been colicky that last couple weeks, but *knock on wood* you did much better the past 2 nights.

You've started sleeping one 4-hour stretch through the night and that is so nice for mommy!

You're napping less and less during the day - I love spending time with you! You like to just lay on your back and look around quietly at times - that's what you're doing right now beside me!

You love going places - walmart, kohls, target - you're going to be a shopper like me! Daddy's a little scared!

Your reflux is so much better now that we upped your Zantac and started supplementing with Enfamil AR. You're a much happier baby and I'm a much happier Mommy!

You are still the prettiest baby I've ever laid eyes on! 6 people stopped me in Walmart yesterday to look at you and tell me how pretty you are! Of course I already knew that!

Pictures