Last Year in My 20's...

Maybe the title of this post explains why I wasn't too excited about my birthday this year...usually I am! Ryan was all ready to plan a big shin dig, but I just wasn't feeling it! Also...I am a mother now so there are better things to look forward to than turning a year older!

Ryan on the other hand was all excited about my birthday! As soon as I got up to go feed Prestyn in the morning he came in with my present! I read the card after listening to a tearful birthday message from my dad, and teared up from both the card & the phone call! I am surrounded by so much love!

So for my birthday I got a new phone!!! And an arm band to wear it in while I go running...still haven't used it yet! ;) And a very pretty necklace! I also got a day for myself! I went to activate my new phone, get my free birthday spray tan, and spend my birthday money from Nanny! I got new running shoes of course! I am determined to get this baby weight off! I can't blame it all on the baby...I had some weight to lose before I got pregnant, but I can't help that she wanted sweets the whole time I was pregnant! What my baby wants, my baby gets!

The plan was for Ryan to fix my birthday dinner since I didn't really want to go out, and I wanted to spend the evening with our little family...he had to go to the store to get a few things so I decided to start dinner...well I finished dinner & started dessert! haha! We had spaghetti and meatballs and strawberry cake! My sweet husband knows that my favorite, and bought it without telling me! He did such a good job baking it and icing it!

I guess turning 29 isn't so bad...it's next year that I may freak out about! At least I have my husband, child, home, and health! Life is good!

A Beautiful Day

This post is a tad bit late, but we've had lots of beautiful days since and I haven't had a chance to write...today I have a little more time to write since Miss Priss is content just getting sleepy & not being entertained...she's very sleepy lately after her 2 month shots, but that's for another day!

The beautiful day I'm referring to in the title is MOTHER'S DAY! It was my first Mother's Day with this beautiful angel. She really is such a blessing, and I thank God for choosing me to be her mommy! I am overwhelmed with the joys of being a mother!

What better way to start Mother's Day festivities than church service?! But this wasn't just any ol' church service...not that any of them are since we really enjoy our church...but this service was extra special! Parent Dedication took place this morning! It really worked out that the church organized dedication on this day & little miss was old enough to be alert!

From a couple of parents who grew up Catholic & grew up being baptized as babies a dedication for our baby was a little out of the norm. But for us it made total sense! Parent Dedication is a time for us to stand in front of our family, friends, loved ones, and our church with our little miracle to say that as her parents we promise to raise her in a Christ centered home.

It is our hope that Prestyn will grow to know the love Jesus Christ had for her from the moment she was conceived. We pray that she will accept Christ as her Lord & Savior, and live a life with her faith has a foundation in her decision making...

Choosing to dedicate Prestyn in front of our church is the first step on her Faith Path. As long as we continue to set a good example as Christians for Prestyn I believe she will be on the right path. We are such proud parents, and so thankful to have the opportunity to share our love for Christ with our daughter.

Prestyn was an absolute doll, and slept in my mom's arms the entire service! After church we had a nice celebratory lunch/Mother's Day Brunch with my mom, my dad, and Prestyn's Uncle Anthony. I could not have asked for a better start to Mother's Day!

Once we got home P and I took a nice long nap! She must have known it was Mother's Day & let me sleep! It was wonderful! While we slept Daddy cleaned up, and got things ready for our dinner. He grilled for me! We had grilled chicken and veggies! Yum!! And I didn't have to clean up a thing!

Oh and as my 1st Mother's Day gift...Ryan and Prestyn got me the necklace I've been wanting! It's a sideways cross gold chain with a heart charm with a P on it and Prestyn's birthstone (aquamarine). Beautiful!

What's in a Name?

Let's start with the name of the blog...it was originally named "The All American Couple" because when Ryan and I first started dated somebody said we were like The All American Couple being a teacher & firefighter...well now our blog is not just about us, but about us and our daughter. So I'm calling us the All American Family. I always thought the All American Family was a mom, dad, son, and daughter with the son being 1st born of course. Well our daughter is our first born, but she's absolutely perfect so we can go from being the All American Couple to the All American Family. :)

Speaking of our daughter...let's talk about her name! When we first got married we decided on Preston Reece or Prestyn Reese for our first born. Whether it be a boy or girl. Ryan's middle name is Preston. He's named after his great grandfather called Poose. Ryan's mom had shared with me once that she thought about naming one of the boys or having Reece as a middle name (I can't remember which) because Reece is also a family name from her side. I think Poose's grandfather or maybe great grandfather's name was Reece Hughes. Actually the town of Hugh Springs (spelling? that doesn't look right) was named after him. Anyway...when we found out we were pregnant we decided the baby's name would be Pierce Ryan or Prestyn Reese. (We decided to change the spelling of Preston and Reece for a girl to make it "girly-er"). So when she said, "your he is a she!" We began calling her Prestyn Reese. We get mixed reactions when we tell people her name. Most people like it, but some are like, hmmmm, that's interesting. It's 2013! Sure we chose a name typically used for a boy, but at least it's not some weird name like Le-a (Le-dash-a).

There were a couple other names that we played around with such as: Oliva, Ava, Addelynn, Abigail, Peyton, Paisley...but we just knew Prestyn was the one! :)

A couple of posts ago I mentioned my mom as Nonna...and mentioned that I would explain how she got that name. When my dad says my mom's name, Diana, it sounds like Donna. So when she's being silly I've been calling her Donna. What better name for my daughter to call her silly grandma than Nonna?!

Letters to Prestyn

My dearest daughter,

Today was a bad off day...I promise I'll write to you after a good day so you know how great you are, but Mommy really needs to write to you today to let out some frustrations...not with you, but with herself!

Just a couple of days ago Mommy blogged about the excellent schedule we had established! You used to only sleep in your swing, carseat, moby wrap, or bouncer...now those things (except the moby wrap) just excite you! Which is good! We want you to observe the world around you...but we were worried if we could ever just get you to sleep on our own!

Mommy got smart and thought she could help you sleep by swaying you & bouncing you like those machines do! And it worked! Which is a good thing because when you're sleepy, and we're out...it's good to know that these are the things that will help you sleep!

Getting you to sleep has been the hardest part of your schedule for Mommy. Eating...we got that down! Playing...going pretty good--just trying to keep you entertained with a variety of activies. Sleeping...we're getting there and were doing pretty good. Until today... :(

Why fix it if it ain't broke, right? Well because Mommy stresses about doing everything right for you! Currently you sleep in a rock 'n' play which is like a hammock. Who doesn't like to sleep in a hammock?! You're so comfy in there, and sleep so good in it!

The problem is your crib isn't a hammock. And eventually you're going to outgrow the rock 'n' play, and need to sleep in your crib. I don't know why, but Mommy thought it was a good idea to try to transition you to your bassinet today. Your bassinet is flat like your crib so Mommy thought she'd start with your naps today. You maybe slept an hour total for your naps today. You were very tired and frustrated...which made mommy tired and frustrated...we both cried...a lot!

Mommy is sorry my sweet girl. Tomorrow will be a better day, and we'll just stick with what we know! You're a baby so we should take baby steps to changes for you...

I love you,
Mommy

Eat::Play::Sleep

After a long 2 days (Husband has been working both days...1st time I'm alone for 2 days!) this is more of me just organizing my thoughts on Prestyn's schedule...but hey! That's what a blog is for, right? It's up to you all whether you read it or not, and whether you find it interesting or not...BTW that's whether...not weather like storms in the sky...I see lots of people do this #annoying

Anyway! When we announced that I was pregnant to our Life Group one very wise mom gave me the advice to read Baby Wise! She swore by it! And so did my next door neighbor...I thought ok! I need to get this book. So a friend of mine who read it, and wasn't a fan of it passed it down to me. I began to read it & thought nope! this isn't for me! When I "interviewed" the pediatrician I asked her about sleep schedules...she said she wasn't a fan of Baby Wise. I thought ok! me either!

But then...once the little bambino came I (being the type A controlling type) needed some kind of routine! A friend of mine who has successfully raised 3 kids referred to Baby Wise. So I thought...maybe I can make this work? She really talked me through the beginnings of it, and I'm sure I'm not done blowing up her phone asking for tips but I have begun reading the book AGAIN. And I see that I am not doing such a bad job at following this so far. I started feeling stressed over the rigidness of the schedule so I'm taking baby steps.

The principle of Baby Wise (or so I think...) is a eat, play, sleep schedule...so for my sanity...here's how our days go :)

7:30 AM feed

8 AM Baby plays in crib (still swaddled) while Mommy pumps

8:15 AM Get Baby dressed for the day (diaper, baby powder in hair, baby massage with lotion, outfit, bow)

8:30 AM Tummy Time in Baby's room on the lamb play mat

8:35 AM Baby plays/falls asleep in swing while Mommy has breakfast and picks up. If Baby doesn't fall asleep in the swing by the time Mommy finishes breakfast Mommy swaddles Baby & lays her down for a nap. (Baby is still sleeping in the rock 'n' play in Mommy & Daddy's room...baby steps!) Baby must be swaddled for nap with a paci & noise maker on high!

::Side Note:: Baby used to be the boss...she doesn't like her arms swaddled...she likes them up by her face...well you know what?! Baby doesn't sleep as well with arms not swaddled so we swaddle them now! Mommy is the boss now!

*While Baby is sleeping Mommy gets ready for the day*

10 AM feed

10:30 AM This is a good time to go run errands. Baby enjoys looking out the window as we drive or seeing somebody new. ::Note to Self:: Always have Moby Wrap because if it's time for Baby to go to sleep while we're out putting her in here will put her to sleep!

12:30 PM feed

1:00 PM If we're not still out running errands or having lunch then we play with Baby at home...this may be a walk, read her a story, play in her jungle gym, play on her piano mat, sing songs & play with Baby

1:30 PM Put Baby down for a nap

*While Baby is sleeping Mommy might have lunch or do things around the house...such as blog!*

3:00 PM feed

3:30 PM Play one of the activities listed on the 1:00 play time...or let Baby swing so Mommy can get stuff done around the house! :)

4:00 PM Put Baby down for nap...Mommy has figured out that Baby likes it when she sings to her while swinging her in her arms or bouncing her until she's drowsy and can be laid down.

5:30 PM feed

6:00 PM More play time with Baby! Last one of the day so make it count!

6:30 PM Last nap of the day for Baby! Once the clocks fall back & it is dark at this time this will be Baby's bed time! Which will be good too since Baby will have to wake up earlier once I go back to work! :)

7:30 PM feed

8:00 PM Baby's bath time & gets ready for bed by getting in pjs with a hat & being swaddled!

8:30 PM Baby goes down for the night!

::Side Note:: If Husband is working Baby's awake time is longer after she gets ready for bed...as she hangs out in the bouncer while Mommy takes a bath or shower.

Baby will wake up about 2-3 times during the night to eat while sleeping. Strictly business! Diaper change, feed, back to bed!

I realize how meaningless this probably is to my readers, but it's my blog so don't read it if you don't want to! ;) I just needed to outline the day in writing for my sanity! As soon as I figure it all out I know something will change, but that's ok! Having a good foundation is a good start! Also, Baby is EBF, if she needs to eat before it's time...I feed her! This schedule is just a guideline for me...and it seems to be working well for Baby too!

Next Step:: Transition Baby from Rock 'n' Play to Bassinet...

New Beginnings

There have been several instances where I've wanted to post, but then I realized I would need an explanation for those posts...I wasn't quite ready to explain so I didn't post...but now I am!

Those posts would have been something like this:

"Leaving Baby with Daddy for the 1st time! Fingers crossed she takes the bottle ok!"
"Thank you Mom & Dad for the gorgeous flowers!!! What a nice surprise!!"
"Nonna babysitting Prestyn tonight...let's hope she follows all my directions! ;)"

There was a reason for all of those things...here's the explanation :)

1. Last Thursday I got an email from the principal of the new RISD school that's being built in our neighborhood! As hard as it was for me to put in for a transfer and leave my current school I knew this would be best for my family. I knew a lot of people were wanting to move to the new school so I thought if I don't get it this year...no biggie...I'm happy where I am. Well the email was very uplifting! The principal was asking me to come in that Saturday for an interview! I was super excited! But this meant...I would need to leave Prestyn with Husband to go on the interview...which meant I would need to get a bottle ready! So for the first time...I left Prestyn...Ryan gave her a bottle...and she did great! Oh! and...I was offered a 2nd grade position at the new school on the spot! I gladly accepted!!!

2. I got a call from the Flower Shop saying they had a delivery for me, and asking what a good time would be to bring them by. I thought oooo Husband is sending me flowers for being such a good mommy! It was a lovely surprise to have flowers from my mom & dad congratulating me on my new job!!

3. The parents and new "famil-ty" of the new school were invited to join together for an oppotunity to meet each other, and start the feel of the new school off right! Well...Ryan had to work this evening so Nonna to the rescue! (I'll later make a post on "What's in a Name?" and explain the name!) Yes I'm a first time mom. Yes I had my mom watch a video on how to feed a bottle to a breastfed baby (Ryan did too! So did Dad!) Yes I left written directions for my mom. And yes...I got a little anxiety leaving her...but all went well! I came home...baby was fed & asleep! Success!!

So the title...New Beginnings....in the past week it's been New Beginnings for all of us! Prestyn had her first bottle. Ryan was left alone with her for the first time. And my mom got to babysit! And the big one...I got a new job!!

With me teaching at the school in our neighborhood not only will our daughter get to go to school with Mommy, but she'll also be at a school with her neighborhood friends! This is such an awesome opportunity! I'm so thankful to my principal who gave me a good recommendation...and to my new principal for opening a new door for my personal and professional growth! I can't wait to see what the future brings!

CHEERS! XOXO

Prestyn's 1st Month

Dear Prestyn,

You are 1 month old! Mommy wants to tear up thinking about how quickly time is already passing by. We are soaking up every moment with you & loving every little precious thing about you! Here's what you've been up to the past month:

* We have figured out that you don't like to sleep on a flat surface. So you sleep in a rock 'n' play in our bedroom. It's the snug-a-bunny kind like your bouncer which you also love. Our first nights at home you would only sleep in your bouncer...those were tough nights. Daddy would sit with you while you bounced until you fell asleep...When we visited the doctor at your 2 week appointment, and talked about you spitting up she said you sleeping on an incline probably helps you so try a swing. We didn't have one, but your sweet friend Saylor Bay is letting you borrow hers & you love it!

* You love morning time! We usually get up around 7 to start our day...You don't usually go to sleep after that feeding like you do in the middle of the night since it's getting bright outside then. You play in your crib while Mommy pumps to make bottles. Then you get dressed. Mommy loves having a baby girl to dress up so she usually has your clothes and matching bow picked out the night before. Even if it's just a onesie there's a bow to match! You just laugh & smile at your changing table while Mommy sings songs to you from your ipod. Mommy puts baby powder in your hair to keep it fresh for the day, and you get a little baby massage with good smelling lotion before putting your clothes on for the day!

* You're not much of a fan of "tummy time" on your lamb mat, but you're getting so good at it! After we get you dressed you have some tummy time on your mat. You began rolling over your first week at home! You don't roll over EVERY time you're on your tummy, but you do lift up with your fists and hold your head up! We ar eso impressed with your strength.

* Mommy's trying very hard to keep you on a eat, play, sleep schedule and you've been doing pretty good with that! So your first morning nap is in the swing...you're kind of like clock work during the day with your schedule! It's awesome!

* You had your first play date with Jaxson. His mommy, Kristina, is friends with your Aunt Kari. He came to our house for the first date, then we went to his house. It was there that you played his piano toy. You loved it so when we left their house Mommy went to Target to get you one which ended up being a gift from your Pap Pap!

* When we lay you on your play mat or in your jungle gym you turn your head to the side and watch TV. Sometimes you watch Puppy playing. Sometimes you look at yourself in the mirror and smile. It's so sweet & fun!

* You eat about every 2 1/2 - 3 hours during the day. At night you wake up to eat about every 3-4 hours. Sometimes longer sometimes shorter. It just depends! We think you've gone through lots of growth spurts since you have a couple of days where you want to nurse constantly!

* Mommy had an interview, and couldn't take you so you had to have your first bottle. Daddy did an awesome job at giving it to you, and you liked it! Daddy figured out though that you may need a bib while eating a bottle since you got a little messy.

* Everybody is so impressed with how alert you are! You love to smile & interact. Your facial expressions really make Mommy & Daddy smile! Even your sad faces are cute. But it really makes Mommy sad now that you have real tears when you cry. :(

* You were born weighing 7 lbs 5 oz. When we left the hospital you weighed 6 lbs 11 oz. It's totally normal for you to lose a little weight after birth. You only lost 9 % so the pediatrician wasn't worried. When we went for your 1st appointment just 2 days after being home you weighed 6 lbs 14 oz. At your 2 week appointment you weighed 7lbs 8 oz. Yay! You passed your birth weight! At your 1 month appointment you weighed 7 lbs 14 oz which is what Mommy weighed when she was born! Here's how you rated on the WHO Growth Chart:

*Weight: 7 lbs 14 oz 16 Percentile
*Length: 21 in. 49 Percentile
*Head Circumference: 37 cm 70 Percentile

You just keep growing and adding more and more joy to our lives every day! We love you very much!! XOXO!