January 30, 2013

A Day in the Life

What I wouldn't give to be this relaxed...

I promise I'm not tampering with the milk!
XOXO- LC

January 29, 2013

M is for Memories: The First Week

Hello Baby,

Mr. C said this morning around 7am:
"Just think, it was around this time exactly last week we held our son for the first time."

And I can't believe how quickly it went by. 
Here's a little recap of your first week:

Day 1: Tuesday aka "D-Day"
After almost 12 hours of labor, 
we heard your first sweet cry at 6:43am Tuesday morning.
It was a long day and kind of a blur, 
but without a doubt the most exciting day of my life. 

You had lots of visitors throughout the day: 
Nain and Tiad, Ninjie and Kpa, Grandma and Grandpa, and our friends
Aunt Natalie and Uncle Jordan brought us lunch, Uncle Trevor brought you flowers,
Aunt Lisa brought me wine, your first Bible (tear!) and a cute notebook, and Aunt Lauren brought you some pretty flowers and 2 adorable outfits from her store

{Geez, are you loved or what?! That was just the first day!}

You took right away to feeding. I struggled a bit and there may have been some tears, 
but I didn't care because I got to snuggle and study all your little new features all day and night. 
Mr. C was right by my side the whole time and without me asking, changed your first diapers.
He is such a wonderful, proud daddy.


Day 2: Wednesday
Although I was recovering from the lovely aftermath of labor and serious lack of sleep, 
I still felt really energetic. 
I even took a couple laps around the post-partum wing, 
smiling as I paraded you around in your bassinet. 

We had a lot of people stop by too:
your Great Aunt Kathy and Uncle Rick, Great Aunt Tina, 
second cousin Shyanne and her sweet daughter Kinsley, and your Uncle Ben and Aunt Ashley; 
and a couple of my favorite friends, your Aunts Natalie and Maddie. 

Day 3: Thursday
Thursday we were discharged from the hospital. I was ready. 
It was overwhelming having so many nurses in and out 
telling us what to do/not to do upon bringing you home. 
I was exhausted and hardly able to retain info, but yet they kept on shoving papers in our face...

Wait a sec..."what did I just sign?, what was that about the umbilical cord again?, 
you want to give me what shot before I leave?"....

Fortunately our friend Will came just in time to see you
and was the perfect relief to the craziness!

I couldn't wait to be back in our own space. 
We loaded up the car and were on our way.
The drive home was short and sweet. (almost 4 minutes if we hit every green light!)
Mr. C drove nice and slow and it was an absolutely beautiful, warm sunny day. 

When we got home, you ate almost every hour or so. (Poor Mommy!) 
Your Ninjie had prepared the house for us and helped us take care of you when you were fussy. 
I'm sure you were just getting used to yet another new environment. 
I'd imagine being a newborn is tough too!

Our friends Aaron and Leah came by late that night with delicious cupcakes and a cute little outfit for you.
I probably got just a few hours sleep that night, 
but those quiet moments in the early morning hours were some of the best. 
When I just got to cuddle with you as we lay in bed. 

You really are such a good baby. 

Day 4: Friday
You were so chill and easy today. 
Mr. C and I had a movie marathon and you just hung out right beside us. Fitting right in.
Aunt Maddie and Uncle Joe came over for a steak dinner. 
And I may have had my first sip of wine in more than 8 months!

I love seeing you with all our friends and family.

Day 5: Saturday
You had your first pediatrician appointment this morning. 
You weighted about 6lbs, 8.5oz. You were so well behaved!
After the check up, the doctor sent us to the ER
 to get blood drawn to check on a slight case of jaundice you had developed. 

My heart sank. I've never worried about anything as much I do for you!
Mr. C stayed calm as we made the trip and spent the afternoon waiting to hear the results. 
Meanwhile, your Grandma drove up from Katy to stay with us for the week. {Thank goodness!}
We also had a few visitors: your Aunt Natalie with lunch, Nain and Tiad, and Aunt Kate. 

Later that afternoon, the local children's hospital came and set up a photo therapy light in your crib. 
Unless you were eating or getting changed, you were to be in it 24/7. 
It was a long night, but we all took shifts.
You did not even cry when you were in there.

Day 6: Sunday
Day 2 of the light box,
 or the "teleporter, microwave, space machine" as we liked to call it.
Marcus and Kate came by with brunch and your KPa stopped by to say hello for a bit.
Your nursery became the head quarters for the entire house.
We never left your side.


Because we were a little stir crazy, we gave you your first bath.


I remember as I laid down for a quick nap around 11:30pm,
with the bright light of the box shinning into our bedroom,
over hearing your Daddy reading to you in the nursery.
All I could think about was how lucky I was.

Day 7: Monday
Mr. C had to go to back to work that morning. Boy did I miss him.
He came in before he started getting ready and gave you a little kiss on the forehead.
I had stayed up all night with you,
only resting my eyes as I fed you.

Later on in the morning, Grandma and I took you back to the pediatrician to check your blood.
While we were anxiously waiting for the results,
Your Ninjie came by with lunch and we all had a picnic in your room.
And finally, after a million years, we heard the great news that the therapy was done!

I'm pretty sure I exhaled for the first time in 2 days!!!

We celebrated and immediately came into the living room to set up my Mommy command center.
Your Auntie Natalie and Uncle Jordan came by with dinner later on that evening.
You loved being held by Natalie!
That night you ate and slept so well. I slept when you did and felt refreshed the next morning!


Day 8: Tuesday
***Happy 1 Week Old to you sweet baby Tripp!***



Counting my many blessings,
XOXO- Mom

January 28, 2013

L is for Love: He's Here!!!

It's gonna be love. 

Mr. C and I became a Mommy and Daddy
last Tuesday morning at 6:43am 
to a handsome baby boy:
Mr. Kerry Lee Cornelius III aka "Tripp".

He was 6lbs, 15oz. 19in long of pure, perfect snugly baby!

And I cannot express the immediate and overwhelming
love I felt when I saw him. 
It's an absolute miracle and blessing that 
he went from this:

{baby Tripp at 8 weeks}

to this:

"This is the day the Lord has made; let us be glad in it."
Psalm 118:24

Ok, going to go hold you now...
Love you sweet boy,
XOXO- Mom

January 18, 2013

L is for Love: Grandparents

Hello Baby,

Besides Mr. C and I's voices, some of the first you'll hear after you arrive 
are going to be from your sweet Grandparents.
And they are going to be the coolest ever
You are one lucky little guy....

You'll be the first grand baby on both sides 
and they can't wait to meet you! 

Let me introduce:

My Mom and Dad-
(nicknames to be determined)

Mr. C's Mom and Dad-
"Ninjie and KPa"

You are already so very loved. 
XOXO-Mom

January 15, 2013

L is for Love: and Lucky.

Hello Baby,

Some days I still can't believe I'm pregnant with you. 
How or why on Earth did I get so lucky? It overwhelms me!
I remind myself of this every day, right after I say 'Good Morning' to you. 
Your entire little self is a direct result of a love Mr. C and I share. 

I'm getting impatient as we wait to meet you. 
It's like I'm too excited to sleep. 
I feel like I know your sweet heart already. 
And let me just say, I'm so honored to be your Mommy. 

Feel like it will be any day now...

Art Print Strength of My Love for You Archival Print 8x10 or A4
{print from here}

XOXO- Mom 

January 14, 2013

F is for Food: Freezer Snacks

I think nesting has officially set in...Again. 
I did have a brief spurt of it a couple months back 
when I reorganized every single closet and drawer in our house. Like a champ.
Then I ran out of closets and drawers. So now I'm focusing on my OCD cleaning skills.

Regardless of how tired I've been feeling lately, 
(ya, 8 1/2 months pregnant will do that to a girl)
I have pulled my energy into sanitizing, vacuuming/mopping, 
scrubbing, and Windexing everything in sight.

Today, however, I decided it was absolutely imperative that I stock up on freezer snacks.
I thought it would be helpful to have some healthy, filling snacks ready after baby gets here.
Oh, and I blame the freezer obsession on Pintrest. 
Maybe tomorrow I'll get crazy and tackle some freezer crock pot meals?!

Here's what I whipped up today:

Yummy Fruit Cups

Ingredients:
(use your favorite fresh fruit, and portion accordingly)


  • Red Apples, chopped with skin on
  • Purple Grapes, whole
  • Grapefruit segments, and juice
  • Orange segments, and juice
  • Strawberries, cored & sliced in half or quarters
  • Bananas, sliced
  • Blueberries, whole
Add all fresh fruit to a bowl (make sure to use juice of grapefruit and oranges). Mix all together and portion into freezer friendly containers. When ready to eat, defrost in refrigerator for at least 4-6 hrs. 

Cranberry, Green Apple, and Grilled Chicken Orzo


Ingredients:
(makes 4-6 servings)


  • 2 c. orzo or couscous
  • 1 1/2 c. dried cranberries
  • 1 large green apple, skin on, chopped
  • 4 c. sodium free chicken broth (or water)
  • Sliced Almonds
  • Boneless skinless chicken breasts, grilled
  • Salt & Pepper to taste
Dressing:
  • 1/4 c. apple cider vinegar
  • 1/4 c. extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 tbsp. maple syrup
  • 1-2 tbsp. fresh rosemary, minced
Cook pasta to al dente in chicken broth or water (I used a even mix of the two)- meanwhile, make dressing. and grill chicken. Drain pasta and put in large bowl. Add dressing while still warm (it will absorb better). Add green apple and cranberries, toss. Top with grilled chicken slices and almonds. Let come to room temperature then portion into freezer containers. When ready to eat, defrost in refrigerator for at least 6 hrs. Eat cold as a pasta salad or zap in the microwave if you prefer it warm. 



I'd imagine these recipes would be good for anyone that
 needs a 'grab and go' snack item, not just OCD pregnant women, like myself!

Enjoy!
XOXO-LC

January 08, 2013

R is for Random: Reading List Lately

It's raining and chilly here it Fort Worth
so tonight is the perfect night to have a little late night snack:
{thanks to auntie lisa}
to snuggle up with Pip,
(Duke was exiled/on vacation because she is in heat...one baby at a time!)
make some hot tea, and read a good book.

Here's what is on my night stand lately:

Here's some pages I flagged in "How to Rock your Baby":



This was such a quick read and had a lot of good topics.
Best of all they were short and sweet and not overwhelming in the way some maternity books can be...
I'm just getting started on the other two
and will keep you posted on how those are!

XOXO- LC

January 07, 2013

P is for Pregnancy: 36 Weeks, 3 Days!

Hello Baby,

So I might be in denial, just a tad...
because today I'm exactly 36 weeks and 3 days pregnant.
AKA a little over 3 short weeks until we get to meet you! 
Yay!!! and eeeeeek!!!

{hello baby! BELLY!}


Week 36(ish) Milestones:
  • Belly Button is exactly flush with the rest of my belly. It's hilarious.
  • According to my pregnancy tracker, you are the size of a Watermelon (and it feels like it too!) and are approximately 19-22 inches, 6.5 lbs.
  • I've had 2 weekly appointments already. As of last week, things are progressing right on track! (Get ready for some TMI, but I'm 50% effaced but not dilated.)
  • Lately, I've been having more pain in my lower back and it's getting uncomfortable to sleep at night. It's time for a body pillow and heating pad. 
  • An hour long hot bath is a nightly routine. During my break, I may or may not have taken 2 baths a day!...
  • I'm pretty sure I'm rocking a little bit of the "pregnancy waddle". Forget about the high heels, unless it is a super special occasion.
  • As of this weekend, your room is unofficially officially done! (minus the custom crib, but this one is a wonderful placeholder) *pics to come soon!*
  • After the hospital tour recently, we pre-registered. So technically, we are good to go! Finalizing the last of my work maternity leave details still keeps me up at night, but I hope to knock out everything this week.
  • If you must know (and yes, people are asking)...so far I've gained about 25 lbs overall.
  • Mr. C and I STILL have not decided on a name. And we get asked every day! I will say though that we do have a front runner. No, I'm not telling! 
  • My appetite is that of a 16 yr old hormonal high school football player. I literally just looked down and noticed I just ate half a bag of pita chips and tub of hummus. I'm still hungry...
  • Hospital Bag is pretty much packed. Boy, was that a reality check. I had to remind myself I wasn't going out of town on vacation...womp womp. 
Let me just say, we are SO excited/anxious/nervous/can't wait to meet you!
...however, I can still wait until Feb. 1st though, just so you know... :)
XOXO- Mom

January 02, 2013

M is for Memories: Last Christmas Before Baby

1va·ca·tion

 noun, often attributive \vā-ˈkā-shən, və-\

Definition of VACATION

1
: a respite or a time of respite from something : intermission
2
a : a scheduled period during which activity (as of a court or school) is suspended

b : a period of exemption from work granted to an employee
3
: a period spent away from home or business in travel or recreation <had a restful vacation at the beach>
4
: an act or an instance of vacating
{definition from here}
______
Ok, so...guilty. I may have taken my vacation a little too seriously.
Hence my extreme absence from blogging lately. I'm sorry!
I figured since my life is about to change in oh, about 4 weeks...
I'd take advantage of all the laziness and free time I have now. Boy did I succeed!

Here are a few snap shots from our break:
from left to right, top to bottom:
sweet treat exchange at a holiday party : me and Ninjie being silly at billy bobs :
(yes, I went to a bar 8 months pregnant. and I had a blast. don't judge me.)
duke and pip cuddle bugs : pretty tree : Baby C's first pint sized Christmas stocking

from left to right, top to bottom:
auntie ken and I @ woodshed : my lunch dates auntie kristin & mr. easy @ klyde park :
little puppy paw prints in day after Christmas snow :
start of Baby C's toy basket @ Ninjie & KPa's : piles of presents :
Mr. C, me, and Baby in my favorite tacky sweater

Hope you all had a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! 
Sending you all lots of hugs and happy thoughts for 2013!
XOXO-LC