Well it's official...Allie is a Panda now!
We attended the LSU orientation this morning and I could not be happier with the fact that we are accepted into one of the best child care programs in Baton Rouge.
When the thought of "day care" came into play back in April (we were initially going to hire an in-home nanny), I must admit, I was not thrilled at all. Even the thought of LSU - 2 minutes away from Ben's work, and in many people's opinions, the best program in Baton Rouge - made me nauseous. People would give their right arm to get into LSU. Thinking about my child going to day care where someone was going to let her scream to go to sleep, be on her back all the time without attention, etc. scared the absolute hell out of me...UNTIL today.
The center is absolutely amazing. The staff are warm and fuzzy, coupled with the state-of-the-art facility...we are in heaven, seriously. The center has Grandparents Day (which will be sad for me this year given mom is gone), the "Tiny Tiger" Homecoming Parade, Christmas party, Mardi Gras Parade and "Tiny Tiger" Fest...this is going to be so much fun. It's amazing how much they do, even with newborns.
Allie's teachers - Mrs. Crystal and Mrs. Annie - are going to make our experience at LSU wonderful. They ensured us they spend quality time with all the children and they are NOT simply left "laying on their backs" - they interact by reading, playing, etc. with the babies. The best part is Mrs. Crystal and Mrs. Annie will stay with the Panda kiddos until they are 2 1/2.
Her Panda classroom is huge, each child has their own bed and the room has it's very own playground, equipped with equipment for 1-year-olds. I cannot gloat enough about LSU!
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Sweet, Sweet Allie P
Allie and her dad after her last bottle of the night
July 17, 2010
Allie in her "A Tisket A Tasket" outfit (so adorable)
Julu 16, 2010
Allie & Papa B
July 9, 2010
Passed out after her last bottle of the night
July 18, 2010
A "tummy time" smile!
July 19, 2010
Hanging with "Marty" the sock monkey on her changing table
July 19, 2010
Her tiger Wubbanub
July 19, 2010
Sleep = A Happy Baby...and MOM!
Motherhood is so funny. It's amazing how you can actually function on 2-3 hours of continuous sleep each night.
Sunday we had a rough night. Allie maybe slept 15-20 minutes at a time and constantly "fidgeted" in her bed...which by the way is IN our bed. She started sleeping with us a couple weeks back (hey, sleep is sleep!) so I bought a small infant bed that fits in our bed for her to sleep in so we could avoid the nightmare of ever rolling over on her. Needless to say, this bed leaves roughly 24 inches on each side for me and Ben to sleep...NOT the most comfortable.
So back to Sunday night. Allie was restless, talked the whole night and just simply could not get comfortable. And her bed was 6 inches from our heads which meant we didn't sleep either. Monday she tried to play "catch up" but she was a total bear!
Monday night, Ben and I hung blinds and pictures in the addition and I finished addressing newborn announcements. We drank our nightly glass of wine and Ben fed AP her last bottle around 11 pm. I moved her bed to the pack 'n play with the thought that we could not have a worse night that Sunday so why not try the switch? We laid her down at 11:30, Ben and I washed faces/brushed teeth, then fell into our comfortable and ROOMY bed.
Allie did not wake up to eat until 4:45 am!!!!! I have not received 5 continuous hours of sleep since my stay in the hospital, almost 6 weeks ago. I am like a spring chicken this morning, I simply do not know what to do with myself!
I'm not getting my hopes up on this being a recurring patten but boy was it nice!
Sunday we had a rough night. Allie maybe slept 15-20 minutes at a time and constantly "fidgeted" in her bed...which by the way is IN our bed. She started sleeping with us a couple weeks back (hey, sleep is sleep!) so I bought a small infant bed that fits in our bed for her to sleep in so we could avoid the nightmare of ever rolling over on her. Needless to say, this bed leaves roughly 24 inches on each side for me and Ben to sleep...NOT the most comfortable.
So back to Sunday night. Allie was restless, talked the whole night and just simply could not get comfortable. And her bed was 6 inches from our heads which meant we didn't sleep either. Monday she tried to play "catch up" but she was a total bear!
Monday night, Ben and I hung blinds and pictures in the addition and I finished addressing newborn announcements. We drank our nightly glass of wine and Ben fed AP her last bottle around 11 pm. I moved her bed to the pack 'n play with the thought that we could not have a worse night that Sunday so why not try the switch? We laid her down at 11:30, Ben and I washed faces/brushed teeth, then fell into our comfortable and ROOMY bed.
Allie did not wake up to eat until 4:45 am!!!!! I have not received 5 continuous hours of sleep since my stay in the hospital, almost 6 weeks ago. I am like a spring chicken this morning, I simply do not know what to do with myself!
I'm not getting my hopes up on this being a recurring patten but boy was it nice!
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Allie & "Marty"
We had Allie's newborn pictures taken when she was 4 days old and received the proofs this week.
The first gift mom gave me was Allie's going home outfit with "Marty" the sock monkey attached to the sack with his magnet hands. During the newborn pictures, Ben brought up the idea to have a professional picture taken with Marty as a memory of mom. We did, and the picture brings tears to my eyes every time I see it. It's almost like Allie is "holding onto" mom. His bright colors remind me of her vibrant personality. It's so funny how you look for signs that someone is still with you after death.
Mom was an avid reader and always preached to me to read to Allie everyday. Allie and I fulfill mom's wish each afternoon. When we finish our stories we often talk about Grandma Kim and look at the numerous pictures I have of her throughout the house. Although Allie arrived 30 days after mom left us, my goal is for her to know as much about her as possible through stories, pictures, etc.
Mom - you would be so proud of this little critter. She challenges me daily and I know you would love that! We love and miss you more than you will ever know, mom.
The first gift mom gave me was Allie's going home outfit with "Marty" the sock monkey attached to the sack with his magnet hands. During the newborn pictures, Ben brought up the idea to have a professional picture taken with Marty as a memory of mom. We did, and the picture brings tears to my eyes every time I see it. It's almost like Allie is "holding onto" mom. His bright colors remind me of her vibrant personality. It's so funny how you look for signs that someone is still with you after death.
Mom was an avid reader and always preached to me to read to Allie everyday. Allie and I fulfill mom's wish each afternoon. When we finish our stories we often talk about Grandma Kim and look at the numerous pictures I have of her throughout the house. Although Allie arrived 30 days after mom left us, my goal is for her to know as much about her as possible through stories, pictures, etc.
First outing!
So after being cooped up in the house for almost 1 month, I decided to throw on my "brave" hat and take Allie out today.
First stop...Bed Bath & Beyond for curtains for the addition. I ran in...and ran out in an attempt to hurry up and get the stop finished to avoid an uproar. Who wants to be one of those mom's with a screaming kid in the check out line?
Second stop...Target for dog food, body wash and medium bottle nipples. This was probably my quickest trip to Target EVER. Maybe lasted 10 minutes but again, I wanted to avoid the potential fit.
Third stop...cleaners.
Fourth stop...Hobby Lobby but it didn't happen. After getting her carrier out of the car, I quickly realized the buggies weren't big enough. For those of you who know me, I am an avid Hobby Lobby visitor. They received a strike against them today. Who doesn't have buggies large enough for an infant carrier?
Fifth stop...McDonald's so mom could pick up a grilled chicken sandwich and a glass of tea. And the outburst began at the cashier window. We quickly made it home in time to feed then it was nap time.
This mom stuff is often complicated but probably the most rewarding job in the entire world!
First stop...Bed Bath & Beyond for curtains for the addition. I ran in...and ran out in an attempt to hurry up and get the stop finished to avoid an uproar. Who wants to be one of those mom's with a screaming kid in the check out line?
Second stop...Target for dog food, body wash and medium bottle nipples. This was probably my quickest trip to Target EVER. Maybe lasted 10 minutes but again, I wanted to avoid the potential fit.
Third stop...cleaners.
Fourth stop...Hobby Lobby but it didn't happen. After getting her carrier out of the car, I quickly realized the buggies weren't big enough. For those of you who know me, I am an avid Hobby Lobby visitor. They received a strike against them today. Who doesn't have buggies large enough for an infant carrier?
Fifth stop...McDonald's so mom could pick up a grilled chicken sandwich and a glass of tea. And the outburst began at the cashier window. We quickly made it home in time to feed then it was nap time.
This mom stuff is often complicated but probably the most rewarding job in the entire world!
1 Month - ALREADY?
My baby is almost 1 month, already! Oh my gosh, where has the time gone? It is so hard to believe Allie P has been here almost a month. She is a wonderful child and is such a joy to be around. Given she's our first baby, she constantly teaches us new things (the most important - TIME MANAGEMENT!) and is simply a blessing in our lives.
I am so sad I've already exhausted 4 weeks of maternity leave...I could get use to this whole "stay at home" mommy thing!
We love you Allie!
I am so sad I've already exhausted 4 weeks of maternity leave...I could get use to this whole "stay at home" mommy thing!
We love you Allie!
4th of July Trip to Texas
Over the 4th of July holiday we took a trip to Marshall to introduce Allie Parker to family...most important, Ben's grandmother, Nanny.
Allie also had the chance to visit one of the best places on earth - Caddo Lake!
Little girl was wonderful on the 5 hour trip. We did have a minor trainwreck on the way in an Alexandria, LA bathroom but we made it out ok! LOL
Allie also had the chance to visit one of the best places on earth - Caddo Lake!
Little girl was wonderful on the 5 hour trip. We did have a minor trainwreck on the way in an Alexandria, LA bathroom but we made it out ok! LOL
Allie in her Fourth of July outfit from the Roussel's
Allie & Nanny - her first great-granddaughter
4 generations - Nanny, Robert, Ben & Allie P
Nanny, Allie, Ben & me
Nanny, Allie & me
Nanny & her great-grandchildren - Aaron, Carson & Allie
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