Learning and growing

Nothing is ever all good, nothing is ever all bad.  If you've been around here for a while, you know that's my mantra.  It's what I come back to whenever I have a meltdown.  It keeps me from falling off the deep end when things are bad and it reminds me to soak it up and be present in the moment when things are good. 

 Like this moment.

The baby woke up at three this morning and completely refused to go back to sleep.  I nursed her and her little eyes would droop as usual, but as soon as I went to lay her back down they popped open and she was ready to go.  At five, Drew finally took her so I could get a little more sleep and when I woke up, I found this.  They were playing!  It was the sweetest thing ever!

See?  I don't hate my dog and I'm not going to get rid of her.  Thank you all so much for your suggestions, encouragement and advice.  I laughed when I read about the suggestions for the Furminator because we have one, along with a kabillion other 'dog-hair removal devices.'  If it's made for removing dog hair, I've purchased it.  The only reason we didn't use the Furminator as often is because Maya is like a little kid that doesn't like her hair combed.  She would run at the sight of it and it became easier to let her win than fight a 90-pound dog.  

However, if there's anything that being a new parent has taught me is that the kids can't win.  Just like human babies, furbabies will test you and if you give in, you're doing them a disservice.  Cesar Millan comes to mind - Rules, Boundaries, Limitations.  They - dogs and kids - need them and they like them.  So, I armed myself with treats, we went outside and I won.  

I Furminated the shit out of that dog.

It is now on my calendar and the reminder will pop up on my phone.  Once a week, Maya and I will have a date with the Furminator.  I will also put her back on her regular grooming schedule and I'm looking into changing her food (Thanks Tina!)  I'm taking back my house.

And!  AND!  The angels are coming to my house on Monday. *cue happy dance*

Oh yes y'all - I got a maid!  Well, cleaning lady.  A person who will clean my house for money.  I don't know what's PC.  Who cares!  I got a maid!

She's coming every other week and I'm just giddy thinking about it.  I really hope it works out because it'll be so much easier to maintain the house and leave the deep cleaning to her.  I'm so excited!

Guess what else!

My little baby is holding up her head!

This is happening too fast.

I'm obsessed with baby socks.  I love them.  I may not put my kid in a different designer outfit every day but I sure will put cute socks on her!  I found some adorable socks online and I was thrilled to find a cute outfit on my last Target outing (five bucks on clearance!) so it was time for a little photoshoot.  I was taking pictures and decided to see what she'd do if I put her on her tummy.  She'd been pulling up when I'd hold her on my chest so I figured she was ready.

She's getting there!

Then I rolled her back over so we could continue our photoshoot.

Playing around with Picasa and my camera settings.

Maybe by the time she's a year old I'll get the hang of it.

But how much do you love those socks?!

Could you just melt? 

We're also establishing a routine.  She took a real live nap in her crib today and she's sleeping! in her crib! right now!  Since 9pm!  I fully believe it's because we're finding our way.  Just like you, my wonderful readerfriends said it would, her routine gradually presented itself and I just reinforced it.  I'm watching for her sleepy cues and taking naps really does help to keep her from getting overtired.  I know now that I was letting her get so tired to where nothing but nursing and cuddling right next to me in bed would calm her down.  So, I watched her like a hawk this past week, helped her fall asleep when she was tired and my baby is in her crib!  I didn't plan it - for the past few days I just started putting her in her crib when she's sleepy, taking her out when she fusses and putting her back when she's calm.  Nothing major and no crying is involved.  I refuse to cry it out when there are gentler ways to accomplish the same goal.  She cries, I go to her.  End of story.

I have no idea how long this will last, if tomorrow night she'll hate the crib, but right now in this moment it's working and I'm happy.  Although I will be sleeping in the nursery tonight.  Just in case she needs me.  Just in case she wants to sleep with me.

Since I didn't plan it, I'm the one who's going through withdrawals.  I enjoy sleeping with my baby.  I like hearing her little grunts and sighs, rolling over to stroke her cheek in the middle of the night. Now I'm listening to her on the baby monitor and I'm getting a lump in my throat.  I'm fighting the urge to get her out of the crib and bring her back to bed with me to snuggle in and make our nest.

She's been waking up at 5.  Only five more hours until I can hold her again, maybe less.

I better try and get some sleep myself while I can!  In the nursery.  I need to be close.

Just in case she needs me.