Alexis' Baby Shower

It is so fun that my cousin closest in age to me is due in just a short few months. She had a wonderful baby shower off Lake Michigan in Milwaukee on Sunday. The morning weather was icy rain with forcasted snow to follow. There were many flooded roads on the way; but, after lunch at the bistro, the rain stopped shortly after we arrived, the fog lifted after lunch, and the view of the lake was as gorgeous as ever. Dannie and I spent many nights at the lake and it was good to visit again. It made me want to spend lots of time at the ocean with Quinn this summer!

Alexis and Quinn

Auntie Jen and Quinn

Great Aunt Carol (my Godmother, not hers) and Quinn

Lake Michigan from the window at sunset

Jen with one of the funniest baby books ever invented

"Do's and don'ts of parenting"/something like that. This page showed how to exercise baby and shows not to have them use a bench press. Jen was crying from laughter by the book's end. Claire said, 'Oh, you're not supposed to do that?' and 'That's a good idea!' to some of the captions.

DESSERT! Bread pudding with raisins, a caramel sauce, banans and strawberries with cream. The meal was AMAZING, but overall not Quinn friendly...we had a rough 12 hours after, but it was worth it if you ask me!

What's THAT??

Well, it's snow. AND duck tape on the snowblower. It has been used very often this year in Grafton. Most of you have seen too much snow, but it's been a year since I've seen this much snow! Notice how high it is across the street where Dad is snowblowing!!!


Caryn was in charge of handing out the forks at breakfast after our sleepover on Saturday. She likes to pose for the camera.

AND, we were playing "choo-choo train" through the house. Alex (the caboose) fell off at some point here and he's not in this photo. However, he was just as excited to be a part of this train as the girls. We walking circles between the kitchen and living room for about 20 minutes. I never realized what exercise you can get with kids around!! :)

We just got back from visiting with Susan Pyzyk (a family friend of many years--we spent many New Year's Eves with their family growing up back in "the day"). We also stopped at Mom's work to show her off as Mom had some urgent work to complete today. She is back to her "normal" self, if she has a normal self. She has been happy and giggly most of the day with just a little fussing when she was sleepy. I think she enjoyed being really warm in her snow suit (as it's 10 degrees with a -10 wind chill outside) and inside the warm Pyzyk house and office. Overall, Grandma R. and all the visitors saw a very happy, content Quinn today.

Not sure what the rest of the week will bring for us, but hopefully Quinn's content days will continue. I'll keep you updated!

Funny Faces Saturday and Slumber Party

Well, so far, so good! Quinn did wonderfully on the plane ride here. It was easier than I anticipated being alone with her in the airport. Everyone kept asking if I needed help (so maybe I wasn't as graceful as I thought!!) but she was a good baby during the flight. There ended up being an extra seat on the flight (although they were 5 overbooked at boarding) so I got 2 seats to myself! Yeah!

She met her Brefka cousins, and we had a big sleepover on Saturday!

Alex was JEALOUS! He was not so excited about meeting baby Quinn (we'll see how he does in June with his new younger brother or sister). He looks slightly terrified.

Caryn wanted to hold Quinn and got herself all ready on the couch; but, she gave silly smiles for the camera. She is very good at "playing mom" and took care of Quinn any time she started to fuss at Grandma's and at Church on Sunday morning.

Liz (but don't call that do her to her face) had mixed feelings about baby Quinn, but loved her just the same. Talk about funny faces Friday (on Saturday)!!!

As you can see, everyone wanted to share mommy's lap when we were getting ready for bed!!!

The Brefka children and Hailey had fun putting the sheets on Grandma's pull out bed to get ready to sleep. Claire was excited that they were all ready for bed and in bed by 7:00!!

I found out what it would be like to have 6 kids under the age of 7. I guess when you have one at a time you learn how to cope with several. You have one then two, develop a routine with each, etc. It has been fun to interact with the different ages and have a break from cooing with Quinn! It's amazing the vocabulary difference between 3 months, 3 years, and 6 years!

Quinn-o-Vision 1.7

Quinn is officially too long for her Pooh wrap-up towel. She has graduated to using her adorable pink duckie bathrobe showing some leg (but no arms...)! You can see her body move in the video...that's from her kicking her legs!!

Also, look who's sitting on the furniture (when propped just so...)

Snow's amusing sights for me

So, this is a big story here! It's on the news after every commercial break and on the every hour on every station. At the first snowflakes, cars were sliding and slipping all over the road causing accidents on major bridges just before rush hour. Clearly people freak at the white stuff.

I'm completely amused at my neighbors shoveling right now because 1)there's only about 1/4 inch on the ground 2) It's like they've never seen a shovel before (Poor lady across the street things she's moving it to the curb...it's falling off her shovel before it gets there...) and 3) it's supposed to turn to rain overnight so I don't think I'll bother shoveling.

Too bad it's dark already or I'd take photo proof that we have snow!

And, it's amazing how warm 62 feels when most of the house (with the exception of the bedrooms where there are space heaters and it has been about 65 degrees) has been without heat the past few days. It was 47 in our living room this morning! The pilot lighter was no good so the nice gas company man came and fixed it for us. YEAH HEAT!!! (yes, I consider 62 degrees heat!!)

Another Penny and Baptism and Visiting

Wow...yet again, the price of the stamp will go up a penny! Why don't they actually find a price that will stick longer than a few months? Just make it 50 cents and keep it there! Heck, with so many bills and what not going paperless and electronic, how many people still use stamps that often? I've used many the past few months with New Years cards and shower thank you cards---but before that, I was lucky to go through 20 in a short amount of time.

Also, baptism discussions have resumed again (as some have been asking me for details)! Yes, our darling daughter is almost 3 months old and has not had her baptism yet. It has been slightly more difficult seeing as we are far away and we would be doing it at a parish other than our own. SO, after discussion of our options, we officially have Quinn's Godmothers selected and they are both elated to be chosen; Quinn's Aunt Kristin Brazier (my sister) and Quinn's Great Aunt Carol Brady (Mike's Aunt). A Born Brady Brazier Baby! :)

Dates and location will be discussed and (hopefully) decided when I visit Wisconsin next week. Why wait until next week? My sister Claire is also due in June with her fourth baby. And my sister Kristin is due in March. We were hoping to do all three baptisms together. We were also hoping to have Fr. John, a close family friend, do the baptisms; however, he appears to be full for the summer. So, we have many things to discuss and plans to be finalized. Date is tentative for late June.

ALSO, if anyone that I haven't already heard from is interesting in visiting Quinn and myself on our Wisconsin tour next week, please leave a comment here or email me so we can arrange to see you. My vehicle situation is fragile when I come out and I haven't driven in snow in almost a year, so, I may ask you come see us in Grafton!

Feet

Quinn's favorite thing to do is kick. Since I could first feel her movements inside me, I knew she was a kicker! Well, socks and shoes do not like to stay on her feet as they are in consta-motion. So I took a photo of her cute little foot (blurry because it is moving!!!)!! Any socks out there that may actually stay on her feet so I can put her in her cute outfits (other than sleepers) each day???

Cousins

Upon my organization of my computer files, I came across some old photos of my neices.

Quinn's cousin, Caryn, when she was a wee little one after her bath and Quinn after her bath.





















I think they're related.

New Photos

I don't know if anyone has set up a snapfish account yet, but I've added more photos today....Just an FYI.

"Arctic Blast" and more sleep

After our record breaking day yesterday of officially 68 degrees, today's weather is warning us of an arctic blast--it's estimated to be 20/25 degrees. HOWEVER, they also showed the map from Mn to Maine and it's actually going to be arctic 'back home'. Sorry!! Maybe the warmer weather will travel with the plane next weekend??

We had dinner last night with Jamie, a friend from Mn. She's looking for a co-worker and one of my best buds, Jill K-K, is most likely moving to Minneapolis in the next month (all about WHO you know, not WHAT you know!! But it helps to know things too...) She was enjoying the warmer weather for a change and was excited it was 45 degrees the day before. She is here for a conference so it was unfortunate that she missed the whole day of almost 70 degree weather, but it was still 60 when we walked to dinner. Jamie got to cuddle with Quinn a little and we snapped some photos on her camera so she can show Bryan what she looks like holding a baby (many of her friends are expecting now so she seems to be bitten by the small baby bug!!!).

I got a new watch (Mike bought me a Fossil for Christmas and I loved it, but the band was itchy so I needed a swap). We also had a visit to Men's Warehouse (Quinn usually likes lights, but those lights were too bright so the workers got to hear her scream for about 10 minutes). HOWEVER, it was fun to walk around downtown with Quinn.

She observed wide-eyed all around us as we walked to the subway, fell asleep as soon as the subway started moving, and was awake when we met Mike near Rock.Plaza. After a few minutes downtown, she seemed overwhelmed by the noise, lights, and bustle, (making it difficult to fall asleep) but was quite the trooper. She's usually pretty awake from 6-10pm (which is the time we were gone), but she's used to laying on her back looking at a few toys or the white wall (her favorite thing to look at). She barely enjoyed her diaper change at the restaurant too and that's usually her favorite time to kick and laugh. Again, she was quite the trooper and it was good for me to get out of the neighborhood for awhile and into the "real world" of Starbucks, Duane Reed (like Walgreens) and McD's on every other corner! I forgot what that was like as our little neck of NY only has about 2 of each in our 5 mile radius. :)
We got home about 11, we all went to bed about 11:30---and slept until 7:45!!!!!!!

I GOT 8 STRAIGHT HOURS OF SLEEP!!

It's the best feeling EVER. AND Quinn is pretty much is back to bed again. She was chattering a little big about 30 minutes ago, but is chilling in her crib enjoying her first 8-hour stretch of sleep. My little girl is growing up so fast!

Sleeping, Weather, AARP, Junk Mail, Quinn update

My body has been very tired the last few days (especially). I think I'm catching up on the sleep that I didn't get the last 10 weeks. And yet...I'm not tired when she goes to bed (usually 10pm). She'll wake up most nights about 4am. Luckily, goes back to sleep right after those early morning feedings (which she didn't do her first few weeks).

Her whole schedule was off yesterday as she woke up at 3am and 9am, was awake most of the day, and wanted her bedtime meal at 9 instead of 10pm but wasn't tired so she stayed awake. So, when Gma and Gpa B video called us at 10:30...she was wide awake and crying. Well, about 11:30 when she STILL wasn't going to sleep or playing, I fed her again...and I was awake until 1am or so. Well, she slept until 6:30!!! But, again, to me, only 5 hours of sleep, she went right back to sleep, I got another 2 hours of sleep, and Quinn was still out cold.

So, I decided to do house chores as my Ash Wednesday pennance (I think that's the word I'm looking for here) and take advantage of Quinn still sleeping so I didn't have to worry about her crying or carrying her with me and bonking her on the head with cleaning tools (it happens).

The first chore I did was clean my bathroom as I hate cleaning ... especially bathrooms...thought I'd get it out of the way first. Then, Quinn was awake so we played and ate and she got a bath and was out cold about 5 minutes after she was dressed again. Then to the kitchen to do dishes, trash, and recycling. I went outside and it's 7 degrees warmer than it is in our house (it's 61 in here)!! I'm in a sweatshirt inside...but outside, t-shirt and I'm warm! Overall, this is truly the oddest winter NYC has experienced in many many years (I'm guessing).
Now, time for a cute photo since all you in Mn and Wi hate me for that last comment...how much snow did you get yesterday???


Look at that eye/cheek! I can't seem to find a way to keep her fingernails dull! She has razors attached to her hands and she loves to have them on or near her face at all times. This means that since birth, she's had some sort of scratch on her face. They give her character...but they hurt me!! Any suggestions, moms????

Back to my stories...
With the US wanting to go "green", they sure do find a way to employ people (although probably machines as there are fewer jobs in the market) to send out TONS of junk mail daily. As you can guess, the next chore was to go through the mail. I do this once a week, and I really should do it daily. Today it took me 45 minutes to open, organize, and shred. Since there was time and money put into the junk mail process, I read most of it to see why it is so important. My favorite envelope was made out to "Mary Born" from AARP. Inside, the letter reads, "We notice you are not yet a member of AARP although you are 100% eligible." I'm tempted to join since I'm apparently eligible.

My blogging point being: has anyone found a way to stop credit card companies from sending application after application for cards we don't want??? Or all junk mail for that matter. This is ridiculous! I'm wasting my time and actual energy (cost which is ridiculous in NYC) to shred paper that will hopefully get recycled! If it's so important we protect our identity, why continue to send out applications with personal info? And, I thought for sure going paperless on our credit cards and all bills would bring us less mail every day. At least I don't need to sift through the junk to find the bills that need to be paid anymore. I still need to take the time to sort and shred...I can't wait until Quinn can help!! :)

As far as Quinn updates on her progress: She's sooo strong! Since birth, she's had amazing control of her head and loved to pick it up and look around. The control of these muscles grows every day. Her arms and legs are almost constantly moving when she is awake and she loves to chill on her back and just kick! When I hold her up in front of me to look at her darling face, she bears most of her own weight on her two legs. Last night, Mike was having her bend her knees, stretch out her legs in a jumping motion and zoomed her into the air above his head--she loved it (we think). Also, she will go to a sitting position almost by herself when we are playing. If I have her half sitting/half laying...she'll lift her head and bend her torso to get herself into a sitting position (especially if it's the time when I'm getting ready to feed her...anything to eat!!). So, already, she's being bribed to be fit...with food. Hmm....we'll need to work on that one!
She's gradually liking tummy time more and more, but not independently. She'll hang out on her mat for awhile, but gets frustrated. So, I put her belly on my belly and she'll pick her head up, her eyes meet mine and I get big smiles (not associated with spit-up or gas!!). She's still learning how to use her arms to help pick up her shoulders to get a better look around, so once we've mastered that, I'm sure independent tummy time will be her favorite!!

She LOVES her bedroom, as she has since birth. The yellows and greens are calming for her. She has looked at the mobile above her head since she could focus that far, but the smiles and coos that come from it when she's in a calm mood are adorable. It is fun for her silent or when it plays music and moves. Once you start the music though, it better not stop or she'll SCREAM! So, unless she starts to be fussy when she's in her crib, I avoid starting the music as it needs to be restarted about every 90 seconds and that's not comforting for me or Quinn.

We've also introduced hand toys and helping her realize she can entertain herself with something other than a white wall (although it's still her favorite thing to look at!). Many of the rattles we have are still a little heavy or large for her to grasp, but we have plastic keys that are by far her favorite.

Auntie Claire and Uncle Tom and family bought an octopus for her car seat that plays music when you pull the crab down...this has been BY FAR my favorite thing ever (even more than her pacifier!!). Quinn enjoys it too. That crab and music calm her down like nothing else when we're out walking and at the grocery store. There are so many new sounds and lights and things that I thought it would be fun for her to hear and see and learn...no. All she wants in the octopus to play music. Last night while I ate dinner, she sat in her car seat and I had her grasp onto the crab and I pulled her hand down. Wow the smile she got from that!!! My goal for her is to have her figure out how to do the entire action by herself...maybe a few weeks yet? Maybe when we're visiting! Wouldn't that be fun?!?!?! Yesterday it was warm, too, so she wasn't all bundled over her head in a blanket so she got to see the sky and people and buildings...I NEVER saw her eyes that wide before. Maybe that's why to slept so long...she needed to comprehend what she saw on our walk??? I wish babies could tell us what they were thinking....

I swear she associates when I eat with how she eats...it's hard to explain. I like to include her on meal time when she's awake. She'll watch closely and smile, start to drool (more) and move her mouth. Actions she doesn't do when she's just chillin'...well she does them, just not with the same intensity. I tell her as I eat that it is so she can grow up to be big and strong.

When we're at the store, I ask her what she wants to eat and she lets me know when it's something she doesn't want...so we don't get it and we try again the next time. Granted, it's probably all completely coincidental when she cries or smiles when I mention food in eat aisle...but it's an interaction none-the-less. Like the commercial for pediasure "I don't think I like chicken/I don't think I like broccoli/I don't think I like waffles"...maybe that girl didn't get to help decide meals in the grocery store when she was 2 months old and now she won't eat food but will drink a nutrition supplement. Crazy kids these days. :)

Hmmm...so that's a lot. I need some people here to talk to on a daily basis!

I'm hungry..PB and J for lunch! I hope I'm in the qualifications for not fasting as I'm feeding a baby too...

What a difference TEN WEEKS makes?

I'm in awe...the ticker on my blogger tells me Quinn is 2 months and 2 weeks old. Really? Has time flown by for anyone else here?? She's such a bundle of energy and cries and energy and kicks and punches and cries and energy and diaper-filling spitting up wonders too....I think I covered all the bases.


I snapped a few shots the last few days in the few moments she hasn't been fussing (or I haven't been on the phone trying to arrange my trip back to Mke!!). She still moves non-stop when she's awake and the photos get blurry!!!

Overall, my weight loss is still slowly progressing. With lent coming around the corner, I shall make it my true goal to become more fit! I have noticed small changes in me, but not enough to say I'm changed. It'll be difficult to lose the belly while still making sure baby Q is getting enough. I'm on a modified diet/exercise program, I guess. :) Basically, I ate whatever I wanted while pregnant and I need to learn portion control!!!!!!! I can't eat a box of crackers or 2 candy bars or 2 cups of ice cream or all the jelly I want on my toast/sandwiches/waffles...and think it's okay! I have been hungry often -- but I learned the last few days (again) that's it's hydration issues, not hunger. So I've always got a full glass of water at my fingertips and my "hunger" has been diminished slightly so I just eat better meals and snacks....not snacking all day long!

OH, and you gotta love the pout!!

Blogging Lag Time

Sorry for the lack of blogging lately, but Mike worked hard this weekend to fix our wireless connection and he re-loaded the basics onto my computer. Long story short--I was without a computer most of the weekend. But my computer is faster again--I just need to slow it down by downloading a few games. AND reloading our web-cam so we can visit with the grandparents again. :)

I just booked my flight back home! Which makes me wonder...what is home to me? I have three "homes" and it probably confuses all of you! I call this home...because it's home. And I call Mke home because that's where I grew up. And Mn is home because I spent some great years there too...huh.

So-to specify-I just booked my flight to Mke. I'm so excited for Quinn to spend some time with her aunties and family and any friends who are lucky enough to get to spend time with us that week. If you're around between the 16th and 25th of February--let me know! We'll arrange a time to hang out! I don't get enough time with my neices and nephew (soon to be nephewS!!!) AND it will also give me a chance to sit down and discuss baptism plans with my sisters. And I'll get to enjoy my cousin's baby shower on Sunday! So, the week will be busy, but it should be fun!! Never a dull moment with the whole gang around. :)

Well, Quinn's been screaming most of the day...so no cute photos to post. Maybe a video will come later...

Hard at Play

It's been a busy day so far...

Quinn went from napping, to awake and chilling blowing spit bubbles...

to playing herself to sleep!!

With crying and chattering and eating in between. She sure is getting cuter and cuter every day! She naps better lying flat on her back, but not in her crib. After yesterday of carrying her around most of the day while I got dinner ready (which was good by the way) I learned that I had to find a new solution as I've had some nice back spasms last night into now at this moment. I think she may have gotten slightly used to being held in Dallas as we were out and about and trying to keep her quiet...so she was held A LOT over the weekend.

But for my own sanity...

I need a way for her to sleep here and have freedom to get things done around the house. I thought I'd attempt her chair again today as she has toys that hang in front of her there ... she slept all of 10 minutes and was NOT amused by the toys. And the motor doesn't work regularly on the chair anymore, so it's really just a slightly bouncy chair now. So, I pulled out the play mat Grandma and Grandpa R. bought for Christmas. Eggo was excited for the new toys, but quickly shoo'd away when I put Quinn on the mat. She was slightly overwhelmed at first, but has always seemed to enjoy waking up to entertainment (new mirror in her crib and mobile in her crib seem to keep her content to put herself to sleep after her 4am feeding).

Quinn loves her fist when she has sleepy eyes

Now that I've lost ONE MORE POUND (yeah!) I'm starting to fit into some of my "old" clothes. I'm realizing my old casual wardrobe needs some help! I used to live in work clothes and PJs...now I'm working on a wardrobe in-between. I'm still torn as far as what size to buy! So, my solution so far has been to continue wearing Mike's clothes (hence the "Hallowinona shirt).

I'm also floored that I'm still watching "Days" and that Colleen's alive (I saw a commercial/it hasn't actually come out on the show yet) and that half the cast traveled to Ireland to find a baby and that John just walked out of a psych unit!! How do they keep raising Brady's from the dead, anyway? I could be a writer!!!! I've also started watching "GH" some days and can't believe how many people they're killing on that show. Guess they needed to cut their casting budget!!

As far as today is concerned, I've been busy cooking a 3-course meal for Mike's friend from college, Lars. Mike just realized he lives in New York, so we're having him over for a "home-cooked" meal. Gazpacho w/croutons, beef roast, sour cream & chive mashed potatoes, steamed asparagus with mushrooms, and Snickers apple salad. YUMMY!!!

Glad to be Home

Quinn was very content to be in her bathtub and Pooh towel again today. We had a difficult time making bath time fun in the bowl sink with no way to plug the drain in Dallas.

She has also started self soothing (sometimes) as she's discovered her hands!

And I failed to post photos of the happy couple, Adam and Julie Billmeier sharing their first dance 69 floors overlooking downtown Dallas (very cool reception site!!!).

Nikki's blog

You all need to check out Nikki's blog for adorable photos from Saturday!!! (link on the sidebar/Kachelmyer blog).

More Firsts

Our First Airplane Ride

Sleeping at this time, but the ride out was not quiet for the fellow passengers. Luckily the flight was only about half-full so we didn't bother too many and there was space for us to spread out and learn what will work for future flights! We were lucky enough to be able to take the car seat on the plane with us so we could keep ourselves entertained and not need to hold her the whole flight.

The First Bottle of Milk to Explode from Pressure Change

We made a bottle for Quinn for take-off to help her ears thinking it would be easier for us all. Well, it was easier...until the bottle released it's pressure on her face (see milk splatter on her face and car seat) and she seems to be eating more than 4 ounces! Well, she got to nurse on the flight anyway, but she did well and the pressure didn't seem to bother her (as she slept/refused to nurse on landing). Yet again, we learned what to do for future flights!

Our First Visit to the Grassy Knoll
It almost felt wrong to smile for this photos, but we smiled anyway. Since Quinn was born on November 22, the day JFK was shot and died, Mike found it important to take her to the place where it all happened. How can anyone be so sure they know what happened?? Regardless, I can now say I've been there.

Our First Hotel Stay
Apparently I fell asleep on Friday with Quinn and Mike took our photo. This was the smallest hotel room I've ever stayed in and there were things that would make me not recommend Hotel Lawrence in Downtown Dallas. However, it was very close to everything that we did all weekend (walking distance for us New Yorkers...others felt the need to drive) and many of out of town guests were here, so it was convenient. Quinn slept the same not in her bed, so I was greatful for that. She was probably spoiled as I fed her and changed her during the night at the first sound of her stirring (as to not wake up the neighbors with her screaming in the night!!).

Our First Cowboy Boots and First Day in a Dress

We were in Texas for a wedding, how could we resist the pink cowboy boots?? We looked for a hat too, but were unsuccessful with that quest. The dress is thanks to "Auntie" Dannie. It was Quinn's "thanks for being in our wedding" pressent (yes, she wasn't technically visible at their wedding in September, but she was very much a part of the special day!).

Our First Encounter with Another Child
Claire was absolutely in love with Quinn!! Especially her eyes! As you can see, Quinn was interested in another small person too (see her gaze at Claire here)!! How aware she was of this, I can't be certain, but I like to think Quinn's very aware of the people around her already. She would stare pretty intently at strangers and even give an occassional smile.

Our First Entrapment in an Elevator
Yes, one of the reasons we wouldn't recommend staying at Hotel Lawrence in Downtown Dallas. Luckily (I guess) just Mike got stuck inside...with TEN other wedding guests (including the mother of the bride). I came back early (as Nikki volunteered to stay at the hotel for awhile with Claire and Quinn) and went to bed early. However, fire department sirens woke me up and I knew it was somehow related to the Mike and Nate. Then I looked at my phone to discover Mike informing me he and others were stuck in the elevator!!! They all made it out safely (thank God) and were all able to stay calm for the duration (probably close to an hour!).

Home Again

Many days without posting...we were in Dallas!! It was a chilly 30-40 degrees, but we survived (it was colder here in NYC so we did technically go to warmer weather). We have lots of photos, but I'm catching up on being home, so I'll post them later today or tomorrow. Just wanted to let you all know we are still alive and doing well!

Quinn-O-Vision 1.6: Talking with Grandma R

Quinn was in a happy mood yesterday morning and even gave Grandma R. some giggles (as seen below). Unfortunately, the internet connection has been on again/off again so the video camera wasn't set up. Fortunately, I had the camera closeby to get some coo's on tape!!

And they got several inches of snow in Grafton (6-8 from what Mom told me this morning). Heck, we actually saw little ice pellets this morning on the way to the grocery store (it hurt!!).

God Bless America, football, MSG and Healthy Choices

It's a wordy day!!

I find my church-going Sundays to be enjoyable. Not only because everyone "oohs" and "ahhs" over Quinn because she's so adorable, but because each mass ends with the congregation singing "God Bless America". It's something I find touching as they are very supportive to the troops and (since it's NYC) they're still very emotional when it comes to 9/11. Just a touch to the day that I enjoy.

It was as if the parishoners don't see too many newborns. Maybe they just don't see them at the 11am mass?? She was very well behaved. I was nervous as I woke he up to take her with me. However, she was wide-eyed, quiet, smiling and loving the new scenery of statues and blue flowers on the ceiling awning-things. It's a gorgeous church and grounds as it's a shrine to st. Bernadette. She's the calmest she's been in a really long time. Church does good things for her, maybe???

As we left, Monseignor (spelling????) 'scolded' me for brining her out "in such cold weather". IT'S 29 DEGREES!! I responded, "at least it's not Green Bay weather, go Packers" and he said, "oh no! A Packer baby too??" So, they all think she's adorable but seemed bummed to find out she's a Packer's fan. I was wishing it would have been about 10 degrees warmer as I could have gotten away with her wearing her Packer sweatshirt instead of her snow suit.

My BIL and sister have been inspiration for me to change some little things in my life to make me healthier. I did gain a lot of weight with the pregnancy and thought it was more fluid than it ended up being. I am not overweight, I'm actually still at the low end of "ideal" body weight for age/gender/height, but it's not where I was before Quinn. I've always wanted to be more tone, and this is God's way of challenging me to reach that goal!! Even if I never fit into my size 2 again, I'm okay with that. AS LONG AS I have tone abs, arms and legs to show for the size. If I stay flabby, I won't be happy with myself. I realize it took me 9 months to gain the weight, so it's been 2 months, I've got 7 more to prove I can be tone, fit, energetic, and a great role model for my daughter.

First off, I was disappointed to discover that my "Wheat Thins" contain MSG. Mike tasted them last night (Sundried Tomato & Basil flavored and yummy!) and said...hmm, tastes like MSG. I guess I don't know what MSG tastes like, but there it is on the label!! The front of the box states "sensible snacking w/5 g whole grain and no trans fat and no cholesterol". Hmmm...would've thought I'd know better with my nutrition background!!! I'm bummed...time to find a new cracker to satisfy my cracker cravings! Suggestions??

I have tried to eat better and have a more regular work-out routine this week. I'm taking Nikki's approach of adding fruits and veggies in places you wouldn't look for them (I want that recipe book!!). As we speak, pumpkin, carrot, applesauce bars are baking...we'll see if the twist on Mom's pumpkin bar recipe is as good as the original!! I love the beta carotene that could be involved here!!! Also, I went to the produce stand 3 times this week. I just have to learn to get outside the box of my pan-fried (just in a little olive oil) zucchini w/tomatoes as variety is the spice to life, right?!?! I also had fresh peapods and green beans. I tried some VERY BITTER greens that I can't make taste good w/o tons of butter and salt...so it's not worth it to make them tolerable. I usually eat mostly frozen veggies, but with the produce so close and decent, it's nice to get fresh in every now and then. I'd love to find a farmer's market to get local produce...I'll probably have more luck with that next summer, though. Fruits that taste good are harder to find at this time of year, so I've gone to canned. Still fruit, but with their naturally high sugar content, I'm trying for more veggies!

I've also started walking AT LEAST 1/2 mile on the treadmill every day. That's in addition to any trips to stores, church, the stairs in the house a million times a day, etc. Each day I go a little longer. The first day and first 1/2 mile were awful. Didn't realize how out of shape I was. Since that day, I've gone up to a 5% incline, relatively fast walking pace (3.4 in treadmill terms/about a 18 minute mile) and while carrying 3# weights (doing arm curls/etc during the warm-up/cool down and just walking with them otherwise). When I can do that for a whole mile, I'm going to change to 5# weights at a 6% incline. I'd change to a running pace, but I've tried to run in the past and I've never stuck to it and stopped it altogether. So, to keep with the routine, I'm going to change the resistance instead of the speed. I've discovered it's all been easier as my food choices change. The treadmill has been my saving grace during some crabby Quinn moments this week too. Not to mention I'm bonding with Eggo, as I'm teaching him how to walk with me at slow speeds as he could stand weight loss too!!

I've been doing more research into local playgroups. Most of what I'm finding involves actually going into someone else's home/apartment. I'm a little leary of that, but we'll see if anything else comes up. I still think she's a little young to go to playgroups as it's iffy as to if she's awake, sleeping, or fussy. I'm hoping to get more involved in late February when toys and faces entertain her more. Right now her only interest while awake seems to be eating!

No new photos, sorry. Mike made it back from his trip safely Friday night/Saturday morning (by the time we got back home). He had a good time and put faces with voices he's talked to the past few months. Since this is wordy, I'll try to get some cute ones later. We had some good video chats with both sets of Grandparents this week. They enjoy seeing Quinn "live". It's a pretty remarkable invention, really. And it will get to be even more fun when she can interact!! It will be important to find a routine for that as she gets older so she recognizes the faces and voices that go with the faces for any visits in the future.

Off to do some more housework and enjoy football games that start soon!!!!

GO PACKERS and CHARGERS!!!!

Enchiladas and Snow

Well, yet again the snow didn't come! It was raining pretty hard all night, but wasn't cold enough for snow. They're predicting another "big blizzard" tomorrow...we'll see! This is the second "storm" this week.

Also, I'm not eating enchiladas while I'm Quinn's primary food source! Let's just say she got a really early bath today. This was the final attempt to eat tomato products in about 2 weeks. I guess I'll have to wait awhile to eat the mexican and spaghetti yet!!!

Mike returns tonight...we can't wait to see him again! It's been a whole week!!

Printed onesies

Yet another day.

The photos posted today are 'before bath' and 'after bath'. She was in the water for about 30 minutes this afternoon and was turning into a prune; as you can see from the photo, she wasn't too happy with me. Her hair was dry when I finally took her out of the water!

The first photo is thanks to Lori from the Wyatt MSP office. Mike was excited to receive this piece of pink clothing (we got A LOT of pink for newborns) as it was personalized and adorable!!!

It's labeled as "6-9 month" and the one below "0-3 month", and oddly enough, it was just SLIGHTLY wider in the neck.

I've come to realized that clothing sizes for girls & women mean nothing! Not only with the "girl" clothes Quinn has, but I'm having problems figuring out what "size" I am. I have to be careful when I shop for shirts (as there are times of the day I'm bigger) and one size 6 fits me at one store...and yet all my size 6's I have at home don't fit. I guess I can't pull off "hip-huggers" anymore since the pregnancy seems to have changed those forever-ever.

Quinn's not having a great day overall, either. She's been awake and crying-screaming about every hour after 3 last night and won't quiet unless I'm holding her...and didn't go to bed until well-after our video call with Gma and Gpa Born (and that ended about 11/11:30). She's usually crashed out after 10 and sleeps till 4 and then till 7 and will chill in her bouncy chair except when I feed her during the day. After some talking to Gma Rebarchik, I think she's still in some pain from her shots; so I gave her a mini-dose of tylenol (which she links is really yummy!!).

She's still wide-awake, but she's not crying!! So, that's an improvement!! I think she's missing Dad! He gets home late tomorrow night. I think I'll go shopping on Saturday and give them some quality time together!

I've also re-discovered "snapfish.com" and have started albums with photos I'm posting here and photos I'm not posting. You can edit and order prints from the website for only 9 cents each plus minimal charge for shipping...cheaper than what I've found anywhere else. I figure it could work slick for family and friends if all y'all want certain prints. Heck, I can't print and mail them to you for that price as postage alone is 41 cents!!! So, hopefully everyone will find the website as easy to use as I do. I've also created an album where all the cousins can be posted together so family can see them there. If you want to set up an account, let me know and I'll refer you (I get 20 free prints with each referral accepted). Let me know if there's any problems viewing the albums and I'll see if I'm posting them wrong somehow.

Only one week till Dallas!!!!!!!!! YEEEEEEEHAWWWWW. After that flight, I'll decide which flight to take home in a few weeks (and how long to stay!).

I should put together a collage of all the packer slamming that's going on in the NY Daily News....it's insane! I can't wait to watch the game...NY teams haven't had luck this year so let's hope that streak continues. Wow, Favre is the spokesperson for Prilosec OTC on TLC...huh.

I signed up for a "metropolitan moms" group that goes on tours of museums on Manhattan with their strollers and babies. I'm pretty excited for that. It's 6 weeks and it starts in March. So, I'll have to find a way to master the subway with the stroller before then!!

Well, DINNER TIME for me. That usually means Quinn will wake up hungry and wanting my full attention. Being a SAHM is harder than I anticipated!!! Nikki makes it look so easy! I still look at her an I'm amazed she's mine. I keep wondering how I got so lucky to have such an adorable daughter. I'm glad I get to share some bits and pieces of our days with you.

Two months

Amazing it's been almost 8 weeks since Quinn arrived in this world. About this time 8 weeks ago...Dr. W. was my best friend...I call him Mr. $4000 since yesterday(got the bill)--epidural was placed as my contractions were getting ridiculously painful (about 4 or 5 when peaking if I recall correctly...nothing compared to the +10 I endured after I couldn't push her out!!!!) I have a new respect for those women who go med-less during labor!!!

We had our 2 month appointment with the pediatrician yesterday. He was a different doctor than we saw for the first two appointments, but he was just as nice and wonderful. Quinn was confused because I had already dressed and undressed her twice yesterday and she hadn't gotten a bath yet. She undressed at the doctors office again and she was SOOO elated and anticipated water....instead she got weighed (12 pounds 9 ounces, up 4 pounds), measured (25 inches, up 3 inches), and stuck with two needles...one in each leg! With all hopes of vaccines working, she will not be getting pnemonia!

I never thought it would be so hard to see my lil girl in so much pain! The scream she let out was unlike anything I've ever heard. I suppose it was similar to her scream when she was born--but I very vaguely remember that cry. One benefit, I guess, was how relaxed she was for the rest of the night. Only one other time yesterday did she let out a cry like that...I guess I hold her leg when she eats!!! I found out the hard way.... And I was worried about her as she was so sleepy and I was watching for signs of fever that she slept next to me in her 'safe sleeper' last night (the bed was empty with Mike in Utah). Go figure that she slept 6 hours!! I checked on her about every hour and half -- would've been nice to get that 6 hours of solid sleep too!!

My goal for later today is to get a cute photo of Quinn in her most creative gift we've gotten thanks to one of Mike's co-workers from Minneapolis. And, of course, to make it 1.5 miles on the treadmill without pain!! I always thought I was in such great shape...until I got on the treadmill again (regularily) this weekend. At least the trips to the grocery store, post office, and drug store don't take me a whole day anymore like they did the last few weeks of my pregnancy.

As I type, Quinn is realizing the animals in front of her move when she hits them...she's LOVING IT!! Even if she is half asleep. Couldn't get to the camera in time to get it on video. Her other new hobby is following the animals on her mobile in her crib. Even when it stops and the music stops, she just stares at each one of them and laughs.

She's growing up so quick!!!!

Only one more week until our big trip to Dallas. Mike will be attending a hockey game with Adam and the guys on Thursday. Adam's sister also contacted me and we'll be going to dinner and possibly shopping or a museum that night to keep ourselves entertained. We'll see how Quinn is to see how much we get done!!!

And what's with "Days" these days??? Belle's scalding the psychic...EJ's telling on Stephano...John's revived from the dead...huh.

My social life isn't so exciting, is it?? I didn't think it would be so hard to find local playgroups and new moms....

Tired Smiles

Well 8pm is usually bathtime...as it was today!!! That's a 3-6 month onesie she's sporting!

Once she's clean, Quinn likes to kick back and soak....she scoots herself into this position....

And here is her "I will start screaming soon because I'm clean, relaxed, hungry and tired" smile.

Her two month check-up is tomorrow already (as we're headed to Dallas next week)...TIME FLIES!!

Quinn-o-vision 1.5

Sorry my commentary is always so cheesy, but someone should talk until she can!!

She's smiling more and more every day and the camera just can't catch it in time, so the video will have to do!

Don't forget to vote! :)

Please Vote!!

Please help me choose how I want to fly (alone) with Quinn when I go to Milwaukee in February for my cousin's baby shower. Voting in the column on the LEFT. PLEASE VOTE! (Yes, this is a vote to help me, not a plea to vote in the primaries that may be coming to a state near you!)

Don't worry, Minnesota, we're planning a tentative trip home in late March/April to come see you too! It's easier then, though, because there are direct flights from JFK (which is the closest airport/easiest to get to).

I'd ideally like JFK as I could drop off the car and Mike could take it home (he flies into JFK on Thursday that week after a business trip and could expense the parking).

Time to feed hungry baby (then maybe I get lunch?)

And it's raining again!! This is not helping my plan to run to the post office and pick up laundry (as there's no way to keep Quinn dry!)...

Cool Nights

The weather turned colder today...it's only about 50 degrees and sunny with less wind than yesterday. It's really a tough way to live out here.

With the warmer weather, there has been no reason to put the extra heater on in Quinn's room at night. It's not cold in there, now, by any means, but there's not a constant hum of the heater or blowing air. I was a little worried it would get too chilly for her during the night with it off, but thought I would try it out anyway as I can add blankets. She LOVES to kick (as I learned once I started to feel her move through labor and until the c-section was completed!!) and her blankets are rarely still on when I pick her up from naps/sleep (no matter how night the wrap job). Since the extra heater has been off, Quinn's first "stage" of sleep at night is 5-6 hours!! Since I was getting up every 3-4 with her just a few days ago, I'm awake and thinking there is something wrong when she's not up too!! We'll see if these stretches of sleep continue, or if she'll go back to only sleeping a few hours when the weather cools down again next week.
Prior to this, I learned from Nate and Nikki that if she was sleeping poorly at night in her room, to check the temperature. They discovered after awhile that Claire slept better when her room was cooler. Well, we'll see what Quinn's ideal temperature is. And I must admit the heater is usually on at night so I don't get cold while feeding her at night!! Our bedroom is usually about 5-10 degrees cooler (we have a heated blanket) as the overall house temperature is set to about 62 degrees. And must I add that radiator heat is amazing???

Well, back to the daily grind of dishes, laundry, and mothering.

Things I'm excited for today

1. Quinn is still healthy, getting pudgier somehow, growing, and wearing 3 month outfits (some newborn, not many).

2. I lost another pound (so far) this week ...BECAUSE...

3. This weather kicks a**! Today it was 58 when I woke up at 8am! It's got to be near 65 or so today. I'm warm in a light sweater. :)

4. I can walk without pain! I took a walk to the FAR grocery store Sunday (a little over a mile each way) and bought tons of groceries and carried them home for my strength work-out. Yesterday, Quinn and I walked around BayRidge as I had my final MD appointment for a year (Not planning on seeing her again before that!!!). Today, we went to the store to see if they had cat food larger than 14 oz (they don't), a new clock radio (didn't have any), and Mountain Dew (finally--they had something I was looking for!!). Everyone thought Quinn was a boy because I have her in an adorable "Dad's Team" outfit and apparently red stripes and sports mean you're a boy (see side bar/she's wearing her Gopher onesie today too). Crazy stereotypes. Anyway, now we're off to the grocery store to get Daddy some OJ (not excited he's feeling under the weather--he went to bed several hours before me last night!!!??!!!).

5. Quinn is giving us REAL smiles!!! I love week 6!! Too bad they're short lived and there are no camera shots of them yet.


OFF TO WALK SOME MORE!!!

Quinn-o-vision 1.4

When Quinn is awake, it's near impossible to get her to look one way for a good photo! These pictures were taken just moments apart...notice how her head and arms are in different positions in each one!!

And a movie that is long overdue!!! We do not have our cam set-up yet, but once we do, we will be able to have live conversations with whoever wants to chat. :) WE LOVE YOU ALL!!

Obama and Huckabee take Iowa

Just in case you live under a rock and haven't heard.
I really haven't done my research on the candidates, but I don't need to decide until November, right?

ALSO, they're predicting 50-60 degrees and sunny for the next few days! And I thought only in the midwest did the weather go from 5 degrees to 50 in TWO DAYS!! Well, at least it will get me out of the house and into the fresh air (besides taking the garbage to the curb and getting the mail).

Not Much New

It's been a few days again since a posting, but not much is new in our lives. Quinn's "schedule" is whatever she wants it to be (I'll blame that on her Irish genes and name) and I'm along for the ride. She tends to sleep longer stretches at night, usually 4-5 hours at a time, so that has been helpful. I still don't have the camera batteries charged, so there still aren't new photos or video clips.

She's pretty much the same as she was a few days ago. She's as long as a pillow now (referring to my posting a few weeks ago where she was ALMOST as long as a pillow). She's still gaining weight. About half of her newborn-3 month outfits are too small, I'm starting to pack them away already! Grandma R sent a few outfits last week with Christmas cookies (shopped the Christmas clearance racks!) so we have some nice options for clothing right now. I think I'll take a trip to Kohl's soon too, to find more cute outfits on clearance (of course). We have her 2 month appointment in a week and half so we'll find out how much she's growing with more exact measurements.

I have my doctor follow-up next week and I think I'm doing great, all things considered. I hope to walk at least a mile on the treadmill every day, and if I walk to/from errands it doesn't count in my mile. Hopefully I will add miles on as I get stronger. I've been a week without pain medication, and really just have twinges of pain when I do too much. So, really, not too much new! We'll see if my doctor has any words of wisdom next week.

We're hoping to make trips to Wisconsin and Minnesota before May to visit friends and family; we'll keep you updated on those trips. My cousin has a baby shower in February, so I'm hoping to make that trip! We will keep our eyes open for inexpensive airfare. Additionally, let us know if you're planning a trip out to visit us so we can take that into consideration!

Hope everyone had a fabulous New Year's Eve and that 2008 is treating you good so far! It's been cold here (actually cold--about 15 degrees plus wind chill today!!) so I haven't gone anywhere with Quinn. It takes about 30 minutes just to get the two of us bundled up appropriately to go anywhere!

Thanks for the Christmas cards, too. We have many from all our friends and family across this great nation. We did not get any out before the holiday, but we will have birth announcements/happy 2008 cards coming soon!!