All Mommy Wants...

I almost hate to put this in print, but after these pictures were taken we had several silent nights. We are at four nights in a row of uninterrupted sleep from midnight to 7am...and I am not taking it for granted! Even if it doesn't last these pictures were fun. Thank you to Dawn for the onesie!

Edited to Add: Fitting that this was scheduled to post today. Last night was her worst night yet...we tried unsuccessfully to get her to bed from 10 to about 3...although once down she slept until 8. Thank goodness Daddy is off work and able to help out!

Guest Post from Caitlin

Caitlin decided today that if Rafa could write a blog post, so could she! Here is the message she wanted to send to her Grandma Laura today.

St. Stephen's Day

The day after Christmas is also St. Stephen's Day. When we are in Ireland for Christmas we spend a quiet day at home...with soccer games on all afternoon. The whole family comes together and eats a big meal...usually left overs from the day before.

The Irishman was a bit surprised to find out that things here go back to normal right after Christmas. His parents brought out a giant bag of goodies from home for him...mince pies, Christmas pudding, Tanora, mushy peas, Christmas crackers, HobMobs, tins of Cadbury chocolate, tea, and assorted sweets and biscuits. We spent Christmas with my grandparents, so the Irishman decided to organize his own celebration on St. Stephen's day.

(Click to enlarge...I think!)

We took Cailtin to the beach for her St. Stephen's Day walk. (It was a great chance to try out the Baby Bjorne) It was a quick trip, but sure to be the first of many! One of Morgan's English co-workers stopped by for tea afterwards. We had mini pudding and mince pies using the good china.



The Irishman prepared a feast for dinner. I had NOTHING to do with it...other than entertaining the princess so that he could work. There was a ham, a turkey, mashed potatoes, brussel sprouts, carrots, very stinky and gross mushy peas, and homemade cranberry sauce. That doesn't count the desserts...Christmas pudding and sherry trifle. My grandparents and our neighbors Lyndsay and Dave came over to join us. (Lyndsay is from Ireland and appreciated the goodies my in-laws brought over) We were all stuffed!

Caitlin had an upset tummy but slept through dinner wearing a Liverpool onesie and bib...Dave supports the rival team so her outfit was no accident! She is in the middle of a growth spurt and has been a little off form, but I think she enjoyed having extra people around to fuss over her.

The Irishman made it a special day...he outdid himself.

Christmas Pink

Christmas Celebrations

Pictures, pictures, pictures...

I have enough posts to schedule for the next week and a half...and that doesn't include Christmas day! Here is a quick look at what we have been up to for the last couple of days.

On Christmas Ever we went to visit a 100 foot Christmas tree in our area. We try to take Caitlin for a walk each day, so we figured this was a nice way to start the Christmas celebrations! After a last minute stop at Target and showering and getting all dressed up we headed to GB & GB's to join the family for dinner. We visited for the evening and joined everyone else for to 10pm Mass...and Caitlin slept the whole time. (Although we did walk around the church with the stroller before Mass began to help our cause!)

Once home, Caitlin dozed while Daddy made himself a sandwich and a glass of Tanora...the tradition continues even across the pond! Then we left out a plate of cookies and milk for Santa. Daddy read "The Night Before Christmas" to Caitlin before we all went to bed.

Caitlin gave the first present of the day...she slept from midnight until 7am. We were quite surprised! Santa was good to us all. After opening our loot, we set up the web cam and talked to the Irishman's family in Cork. (Morgan even led grace for their Christmas dinner!) While Morgan and Caitlin napped on the couch I played with my new toys...let's just say we have a clean floor!

After a lazy afternoon we went back to GB & GB's. Grandma enjoyed fussing over her newest great-granddaughter. Caitlin enjoyed it, too. Let's just say she hasn't lost her touch!

When we got home I realized that we never took a family Christmas picture. We tried to use the timer feature on the camera...not quite what I was hoping for, but oh well!

It was a wonderful Christmas...a special one this year for sure!

Merry Christmas!

Here is our Christmas card this year. It turned into more of a birth announcement, but I had fun with it. (Still figuring out how to make the most out of Photoshop Elements...but I'm getting better!) I took the pictures with the stocking on my first day home alone with the baby once the grandparents left. The Irishman had been worried I would find it hard...until I emailed him a few of the 50-odd pictures I'd taken that day!

Merry Christmas from our family to yours!

Christmas Boat Parade

This weekend we were invited to Sue's house for dinner and then the boat parade. We got there as the others started walking to the parade, but we ate, fed Caitlin, and caught up quickly. We had a "Florida Cold Snap" just before this so we even got to bundle up!

There was not much room for stroller parking at the viewing area...and we had three strollers in our group...so we put Caitlin in the wrap for the parade. She was snug as a bug. All that you could see were her little Santa hat and reindeer feet. Sue (in the top right corner) required everyone in the bleachers to say, "Ho, Ho, Ho! Merry Christmas!" to each boat that passed. Is it any wonder she and the Irishman get along so well!

It was a great night and I nice way to kick off the Irishman's Christmas holidays. Caitlin and I are enjoying our two weeks off with Daddy!

Beautiful Faces

Caitlin has gotten so much more alert in the last week. Her faces make me laugh. These are random shots I got last week when it was just the two of us.

Splish Splash

Grandma Laura took some pictures during bath time when she was here. It has taken us a while to get the hang of it, but Caitlin seems to be wide awake and enjoying herself these days. (We were freezing her before!) Daddy always puts a washcloth on her middle for warmth, so these pictures should not embarrass her too much in the future. (Not like the pictures of my brother riding a toy horse wearing nothing but a hat and boots...now that is one we loved to show to his girlfriends...speaking of, happy birthday little brother!)

Best Gift

Two posts in one day...this is rare!

For the second week in a row we made it to Mass as a family of three. We got there late at about the same time as usual. The first week we panicked and went straight for the cry room instead of looking for a place to sit. We were a bit calmer this week though and Miss Caitlin slept through the whole Mass with the big people. (Although we stayed close to the cry room...just in case!)

During a quite moment, the Irishman leaned over and reminded me that one year ago we were in New York on our way to Ireland for Christmas. In particular we'd gone to Mass at St. Patrick's. During Communion that day we were led around the church and ended up in front of the nativity scene (or creche, or crib, or whatever you call it where you live). We both had the same thing on our minds...it was a Holy Spirit moment. After Mass we went over and lit candles. We prayed together for a baby as we had for the previous 18 months.

One year later we were sitting in Mass with our little baby girl. It is the best gift of all!

Gifts for Giving

I discovered these gift tags when I was at Costco picking up our Christmas Cards. (More on the Christmas cards later in the week once they have reached their destinations!)


We wanted something small for the kids in my class and our co-workers, so we had the gift cards printed. We attached them to candy canes and wrote them from Baby Cailtin. They were a big hit!

The only down side was that you cannot order them online. Thankfully, the woman in the Costco photo center knows us and she put a rush in for me. It helps to know people...even if it is from your excessive photo ordering!

Multi-tasking

There are two baby products I have recently come to enjoy for their ability to help me in multi-tasking. (Okay three if you count my phone...I can check Facebook and Google Reader during middle of the night feeds...always nice to keep in touch)

The first one is this product. A friend recommended it to me and now I know why. The other day the Irishman asked me to help him out with something. I looked at him and said, "I am pumping, eating my dinner, and checking my e-mail, so no!" He and my mom just looked over and laughed. My time is limited these days...every little bit helps. (Even if it is pretty goofy looking...)

This morning I discovered the joys of baby-wearing. A friend gave me her Ultimate Baby Wrap...she wasn't crazy about it. So far, I am a fan. Caitlin and I vacuumed and mopped the floors this morning. Okay, so maybe I vacuumed and mopped while she slept soundly in the carrier, but that's okay. Even though my floors are never clean, dirty floors drive me crazy. (That would be why I got a vacuum for my 30th birthday and I think Santa is thinking of a steam cleaner this year...) To be able to get my floors done even if just a quick sloppy job was HUGE.

Also in the wrap we've been sitting at the computer blogging...or again I was blogging and Caitlin slept. Regardless, I am a happy, multi-tasking momma!

Also making me happy? The weather! The highs will "struggle to get to 70" today. That is Florida winter. Better yet? It should last for the week. Caitlin has so many long-sleeved Christmas outfits to wear this. Best of all? Daddy is off for the next two weeks, so expect lots of Christmas photos...at the beach, at the park, the holiday boat parade, at her great-grandparent's house...

Happy times!

We're Nuts About Grandma!

Miss you!

Santa Grandma

I know her grandparents are missing her, so Caitlin and I decided to show her grandmothers some love the other day. Who needs Santa when you have Grandma?

1 Month

Caitlin was one month old last week! She is up to 10 pounds and 22 inches long. (75th percentile for weight and 85th for height...she is not taking after my side of the family!) We have noticed how much she's grown already!

Bummed

At Caitlin's doctor appointment last week we asked about a lingering diaper rash. (Thrilling I know...as my mom said...welcome to motherhood!) The doctor gave us two different prescription creams for it.

Which it turns out took a while to fill because my employer did not pay my insurance premiums last month and so they had suspended my coverage...not what you want to discover at 8pm while trying to pick up prescription diaper cream. After a trip to the very crowded post office, several phone calls, and writing a check to my employer for the money they neglected to take out of my already suffering paycheck, they issued an emergency reinstatement of coverage...all for diaper cream.

We used the creams all weekend...and things got worse. So yesterday I called back and they said to bring her back to the pediatricians office. The nurse asked how long it would take us to get there. I told her it would be my first solo trip with the baby...she thought I was being cute...I was referring to the chance of us being punctual. (Not that I have difficulties in that department anyway)

The doctor took one look at her and told me to stop the creams. It is a contact burn...caused by the acidic foods in my diet. I have a list of things to avoid. And I am to limit dairy.

We don't drink soda, but I am all about the 100% juice. She said to look for things with 10% juice max...I guess I'll be drinking water! I have lovely apples and oranges in the fridge. All of those meals we froze for "after the baby comes"? All tomato based. I am a bit bummed...I will change my eating habits for the sake of the baby's bum, but yuck! Add to that the fact that my migraines seem to be back so I am also back to no chocolate, peanut butter, or caffeine. (I am left with a breakfast of water, whole wheat toast, and a banana. Fun times!)

The diet I can live with, but the worst part of all? No baby wipes. I am supposed to rinse her bum under warm water in the sink. The doctor did it in the office. Caitlin looked so calm and comfortable. It looked so easy.

My first attempt resulted in poopy pants...my pants, her poop. Holding a wet, wriggling baby over the sink is NOT as easy as the doctor made it look. My sinks are NOT near the changing areas. (So my solution of putting a changing pad on the kitchen table...let's just say there was some disinfecting going on...try not to think of that the next time you come to dinner at our house!)

Caitlin goes through a LOT of diapers...2-3 per feeding at 7-8 feedings per day. I should be a pro at this by tonight...I hope!

Santa Baby

We went to a breakfast with Santa Saturday. While the man in red was intended to be the main attraction, Caitlin stole the show. She cuddled right up to St. Nick...and he didn't look like he was ready to hand her back to us.

(And yes, we know that next year will likely be a different reaction, but we will enjoy this while we can!)

Our family photo came a little blurry, but that's okay!

Merry Christmas!

Team Photo

One of the Irishman's co-workers gave Caitlin her first Liverpool Football Club outfit. Here is a "team photo" as Morgan likes to call it.

The Girls

While Mom and Julie were in town, GB and GB had us over for dinner. We took advantage of having all the girls in one spot. We have four generations in one photo. Here is our favorite picture of Caitlin and I with Great-Grandma Betty, Grandma Laura, Aunt Julie.

Comment Love

These days I have been able to post to the blog...usually scheduling a few posts at a time when sleeping beauty takes a nice nap for me to use for uploading pictures and posting. We have a lot of family and friends out of town...and out of the country so this is priority.

I also usually get to read my usual blogs and follow along...via Google Reader on my cell phone during middle of the night feedings. The only down side it that I cannot COMMENT to what I've read via Google Reader on my cell phone in the middle of the night. I have been following along with your lives...and loving it, but please forgive me for the lack of comment love! I'm a little sleep deprived, but I still love y'all!

Time to Shop

Aunt June sent Caitlin her first purse. I may not have quite finished my Christmas shopping, but this little one looks ready to shop until she drops!

Christmas is Coming

I do not have many pictures to share these days because we are still working on a Christmas picture. Caitlin has multiple holiday outfits...and each one gets its own "photo shoot." I thought I would cheat and share this one now. (Don't tell the Irishman!)

My mom is thrilled to be here and loving on Caitlin...but she is missing SNOW!!!! It is snowing in Houston today and she is in rainy south Florida where the temperature in in the 80s. It is a good thing there is a cute baby to make up for it! We have been enjoying all the "Let it Snow" facebook status updates from our Houston friends!

Last night we needed milk so the Irishman took Mom and Julie to Costco. They picked up some peppermint bark...yummy! I may or may not have snuck a piece at 8am this morning when a certain baby girl was fussing...

I just got my Christmas present from my sister. Julie is known for a lot of things, but cleaning is not usually up there on the list. She is however the queen of the Tupperware cabinet. So, instead of a gift I asked her to reorganize our kitchen cabinets. I haven't looked yet, but I hear she has finished the challenge...Merry Christmas to me! (Thanks Sis!)

Now that the kitchen is clean we can start cooking. Tomorrow we are doing our own "Thanksgiving" day. We were not together for the holiday itself, so we decided to make our own. The store is not nearly as crowded when you do your Thanksgiving shopping the week after turkey day!

Today we have Christmas cookies on the agenda. It may not be SNOW, but it will have to do! It is the first Christmas the Irishman and I will be spending in Florida. Without our usual holiday travels (and the 80 degree temps) we have both had a hard time getting into the spirit of the season, but Christmas is coming!

Meow

A Guest Post from Rafa

It is well documented that I am not a fan of house guests. I am not sure what is going on right now, but there has been a constant flow of suitcases into this place. Don't even get me started on the noisy one...she cries and Mom comes running. Seriously. Moses and I even got kicked out of the bedroom at night. What did we do to deserve this? The only saving grace is that Dad bought a package of our favorite treats and bribes us with them from time to time. Yum! Now if only I could eat mine fast enough for Moses not to steal them first...

Mom has a sense of humor. She dressed the little house guest human in a cat outfit. I wasn't buying it! The tail does kind of work for her though...

I just hope they remember soon who is the king of this place!

Meow,
Rafa the Cat