Christmas is Upon Us

I know, it has been a while.  I have some summer blogs that were saved as drafts because I had no signal.  I will update those and send them...a wee bit late.

Outside lights have been up for a while.  Tuna got Abbie an inflatable Mickey Mouse Santa.  She loes it!  She screams "mou" every time we pull in the driveway - whether it is inflated or not!  We got our tree in the house today and put lights on it.  Decorating  is tomorrow.  Abbie is slightly afraid of the tree...but is getting used to it.  

I have to say that I did pick out a perfect tree.  

Now, her tree...she was all about decoarting it.  We captured a really cute video, but I can't upload it using this app.

Tomorrow is Christmas shopping and then decorating the house.  

Sunday brings cookie time with grandparents.

Abbie's First Road Trip: Day 3 - July 5, 2013

We got up and moving around 9:00 am.  We had to get packed up as we were moving on to Canyon, Texas where we staying the night.  We gathered everything up, had breakfast at the hotel, and then around 10:30 am headed out.  We actually took the proverbial scenic route through Silverton, TX.  It is amazing because you drive through what seems like gently rolling hills and then all of a sudden canyons and crevices appear out of nowhere!  It is what is called cap rock and it is stunningly beautiful.  We stopped briefly at a scenic outlook and took some pictures.  

When we got to Silverton were took a lap around the town square and stopped at an historical marker.  As we were reading the sign a nice gentlemen came up to us and wanted to know if we wanted a tour.  He said that he was the groundskeeper and that he lived nearby and knew the historic old jail well...but not because he had been in it!  He was a funny guy.  Abbie was asleep so we declined his offer (truthfully, I would have loved to have gotten out and seen the jail and indulged our new friend), but we moved on.

Or next stop was Happy, TX.  Let me tell you, there is not too much that is happy about Happy, TX.  But we took some pictures and moved on from there.

We got to Canyon abut 1:15 pm, but were too early to check-in.  So we went to Sonic for lunch.  We then decided to stop and check-out West Texas A&M University.  We walked around the campus and popped in to the Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum for a quick look.  By then it was time to go back to the hotel to check-in.

We checked-in and then Abbie took a good, two hour nap.  She really needed it as she has really been thrown off her schedule, so that was good for her.  

About 6:30 we headed to Palo Duro Canyon to see "Texas" and have dinner, too.  Dinner was BBQ, again!  Once we finished eating, Abbie and I went to listen to the music, we danced, and we also signed the guest book and put a pin on the map to show where we were from.  About 8:30 the show began and Abbie and I watched the opening number.  She was fascinated by the dancing and the brightly colored dresses, but that was about all she could stand.  We went to the cry room...which is actually just behind the seats and had a live telecast of the play.  The problem is that there were stairs and all she waned to do was go up and down the stairs.  So we went to the flag area...she was fascinated by the flags!  At 9:30 pm we headed back to the car so she could sleep and we would wait for Dad and Guilford.  They came out the car at 9:50...and it was only intermission!  So we headed back to the hotel and hit the hay...lots of driving tomorrow!

Pictures from the day...

Abbie's First Road Trip: Preparing to Leave and Day 1

While Tuna is away working in Pecos, Abbie and  I are going on a road trip.  We were invited by my dad and Guilford to join them in going to Telluride, CO to Kent and Janet's ranch.  We are driving and making a road trip out of it!

Preparation - getting ready for a road trip is a tough task in itself.  Getting ready for a road trip with a one year old is even tougher...especially when you have to consider the fact the we are taking 4 days and two different hotel rooms to get there.  In this situation, I think that you pack the best way you can and see what works.  Ultimately, no way is really going to be easy.  We had to get some long sleeves and were only able to find a hoodie for Abs.  Hopefully, CO won't be THAT cold!  Also, considering food has been a challenge, but we shall see if I packed the right stuff!  We are spending the night at Grandpa and GG's house the night before we leave, so we can get everything packed the night before and then just get up and go.

Day One - Wednesday, July 3rd - Happy Anniversary to Us! - we got up early and at a little breakfast and packed the last minute items in the car.  Miraculously, we were off by 8:05 am (planned time to leave was 8:00 am).  We had a quick stop at Bucee's for ice and then we were on the road.  We traveled up through College Station and Waco then caught 35 West to Fort Worth.  We stopped for lunch at the Dairy Queen right outside of Hillsboro...which, by the way, does not have a baby changing station (even thought is newly constructed and along a busy highway!).  We made it through to Ft. Worth in good time with Abbie only catching a couple of short naps along the way.  We pulled in to the Clarendon Best Western around 5:15 pm.  Clarendon is the town where I have spent time as a child. It is the hometown of an old family friend and fellow State Farm agent, Billy Hearn.  He and his wife, Dolfia grew up there and on several occasions had my family up there for Thanksgiving and 4th of July.  We unloaded, freshened up and headed out to Dolfia's relative's house - the Shadles.  Specifically, Jim and Susie Shadle.  I saw people I haven't seen in over 30 years!  Joeneill and his family were there and many other new faces to me...but they remembered me from 30 years ago!  We had steaks and Abbie and I adventured around while Dad and Guilford chatted with old friends.  Everyone was SO nice and was so happy to have us there.  We headed back to the hotel about 9 pm (it had just gotten dark!) and called it a night.

Pictures of the Day...

My traveling buddy!

Sleeping on the job

Abbie enjoying the beautiful Texas night in the Shadle's hammock

Panhandle sunset from in front of the Shadle's house...what a beautiful end to the day!

Abbie - 1 and Mommy - 0

Today was cousin Maddie's 8th birthday party.  It was at a place called "Main Event" which is a close cousin of Dave and Busters.  Needless to say, for a newly walking, ready to explore the world, one year old this was sensory overload!  

From the second we walked in the door she was running...everywhere!  I began sweating the moment I walked in the door and didn't stop until we got home.  The second Abbie got in the door she took off running...with reckless abandon!  She was like a pinball bouncing off of people's legs.  She was going up and down stairs (3 steps) like a seasoned veteran...although it was her first time doing so.  She was darting across several bowling lanes, some of which were not our lanes.  She was "introducing" herself to strangers (I guess we need to talk about that one) and even attempting to rearrange the bowling balls.  

I decided to take her to the video game section.  I couldn't keep up.  She tried out Dance Revolution, sat atop the motorcycle game, helped some guys play Pop-A-Shot, was mesmerized by the taillights of a snowmobile game, and just ran amuck with me following close behind, apologizing to folks.  

Today was the first day where she didn't want me to help her with anything.  I could hear her saying, in her baby mind, "I got this mom...I don't need your help!"  Sad Mommy. 

We headed back to the bowling and she slowed down enough to get a few nibbles of pizza (her first time).  She was pretty indifferent to it.  She also sucked down her sippy full of milk...and I'd think so after running the equivalent of a marathon in baby distance.  

I thought the party was winding down, but in fact the kids were about to play laser tag.  I knew I couldn't keep up with her anymore and I threw in the proverbial towel.  We said our good-byes and headed home.  In the back of my mind I know that she could have kept on going, and going, and going...but not this mommy.  I tapped out.  

Here is the only picture from the day...with the birthday girl herself!

I Love Summer!

It has been a busy summer, so far!  The first weekend after school was out I left for Pennsylvania.  My second cousin, Ashleigh, got married in a beautiful historic barn.  

The barn was located near the Frank Lloyd Wright designed house, Fallingwater.  You have probably seen it...the cantilevered house with the waterfall under it.

It is a spectacular area and should not be missed if you are anywhere near there.  We also toured Laurel Caverns, adventured around Cucumber Falls, and tried not to get too lost.  The view from our hotel, The Summit Inn, was spectacular. 

It was great to spend time with family at such a happy occasion.  But I missed my family.  Tuna had just gotten home from a job in south Texas, so he and Abbie stayed home.  But they were sure busy, too.  The went to Brenham with Grandpa and GG, played with the Delco girls, went to a Skeeter's game and just had a great time being together.   Real daddy/daughter bonding time.

This past weekend we took Abbie to Beaver's for brunch!  Yummy!  

Abbie and I have taken it easy this week hanging at home.  Tuna leaves for Pecos tomorrow and we are quite sad about that.  28 days without Daddy is no fun.  Luckily, Abbie and I will be quite busy.  We are heading to Colorado next week with Grandpa and GG.  Then Dallas the weekend after we get back.  Then daddy gets home that Friday!  Yeah!

Abbie is weighing in at 21.5 pounds, has two teeth on the bottom and four on the top.  Our little girl is growing up too fast!  She is saying mama, dada, nana (banana...which is obviously confused for the word more), uh oh, and "dat".  "Dat" is accompanied with pointing and she is trying to ask, "what is that"?  It is too cute...but dang, it lasts all day long!  I wouldn't change it for the world!

I gave her one of my old Vera Bradley purses and she will not put it down. It has to be the cutest thing ever!  You can kind of see her with it below.

How cute is that?  

Tomorrow is swimming with Auntie Dani and a relaxing weekend getting ready for our road trip to Colorado!

School's Out!

So I am finished with school and couldn't be happier...two solid months with my little girl!  Happy, happy, happy!  Although tomorrow will be Abbie's last day at daycare because I am moving my stuff to  my new school!  

I will work this summer on trying to find a balance between staying home with her and getting her out.  I also need to find a group of other moms who have kids so she can get some socialization time.  Hopefully we can find our way to the library, early morning walks, pool time, and just getting out and seeing the world.  The heat will be a factor, but I am sure we can find a nice balance.

We will also be looking for a new daycare over the summer.  I think we have a pretty good lead on a lady in the neighborhood and will be contacting her next week.  I am excited about this prospect!  The teachers at her current daycare really love her and care for her, but the director has done many things that I feel are bordering on unethical.  And if that is what I have seen or found out, then what goes on behind closed doors?

Abbie has recovered nicely from her double ear infection.  She has cut one tooth up top and I am sure the other one is coming.  She is also pointing to everything, yet nothing specific, and saying, "Dat?".  I am sure she is trying to say, "What's that?" and it is so cute!  Of course, it is exhausting, too!  By the end of the day I find myself saying "I don't know"!  She is also walking - unofficially.  It isn't official until Daddy sees it.  But she is definitely walking!  So many changes for Abs!  

5 Days Away and Her First Ear Infection(s)

I spent 5 days away from my little girl over Memorial Day Weekend.  It was the longest I have been away from her and to complicate things Tuna was out of town.  Luckily we had family step-up and she stayed with them.  Preparing to leave for Knoxville, TN for DI Globals was no easy feat.  Making substitute plans for three days for my very "spirited" classes took a week and figuring out how to get Abbie from my mom's to Billy and Joyce's took a bit of coordinating.  And then, as things go, Abbie developed a double ear infection!  Of course she did...!

It started Monday with a call from daycare about her gunky eyes.  Interestingly they were only gunky at school.  Anyways...I get her to the doctor on Tuesday and low and behold...double ear infections.  Then the medicine they give could cause a massive break-out and the ear infection could get worse before it gets better.  No sweat...

Luckily, our family was happy to take care of her even with the ear infections and did and awesome job!  We appreciate them so much!  I missed her so much, but luckily I was super-busy in Knoxville.  But I was very happy to see her when I got back!

Abbie with her cousins Madison and Justin

A silly picture Joyce took and one of my DI-ers made this from the original!

Tuna will be back on Thursday or Friday and we are SO ready!  This weekend my dad and Guilford took Abbie and in and we went to dinner at a place called The Last Concert Cafe.  It is near downtown and is some of the best Mexican food I have ever eaten (thanks Uncle Phil for the rec).  We have given Abbie limes before, but this is the first time we caught it n camera (sorry Abs...I love you).

Abbie LOVING limes...

Grandpa, Abbie and me!

One more week of school stuff and then it is off for the summer!  Yippee!  I can't wait!  No big plans...just time with my little girl!

Mother's Day and Other Musings

Yesterday was my second Mother's Day.  I remember last year we had been home from the hospital for two days and reality was setting in...we had no clue what we were doing!  And to boot Tuna was going back to work the following Monday.  Yikes!  I was going to be home...alone...with the baby.  Did someone sanction that?  As far as I am concerned I probably shouldn't have been! 

I remember when people left the house that Sunday I was in a state of panic.  But when I look at Abbie today I realize the panic was really all for nothing.  She survived the first year (and so did we)!  I got to my second Mother's Day!  I win a prize, right?  I am pretty sure we bumbled our way through the first year and I cannot wait until my next Mother's Day to see what this next holds for us.

This one was somewhat somber as poor Tuna headed out today on a 4 week job in Yorktown, TX.  He was definitely not ready to leave his little girl.  When I picked up Abbie from school today the ladies in the nursery told me he was close to tears.  And this is why I love him so much...he loves his little girl so much.  

We will miss him more than words can say.  But we know it is what is best for our family.  We must sacrifice time together now to build the best future for our daughter and our family.  It is the single hardest thing we have had to do in the 20+ years we have been together.  But these are the times when you realize what you are made of.  I now get the "mother tiger" mentality.  I am the first and last line of defense for my daughter when Tuna is gone.  I know what I will and won't stand for and represent her voice when it is necessary.  This has been good for me...as I have been able to realize a new side of me.  A side that I am proud of.

Happy Mother's Day to all the mommies out there...no matter who or what calls you mommy!  Those fur babies count as far as I am concerned!

A Trip to the Doctor

12 month check-up today.  The doctor said that she looked "perfect".

Measurements:

18 inches head diameter

30 inches in length 

20.4 pounds

All around the 50th percentile...except length was a bit above that. 

Unfortunately, she got 3 shots...one in her leg and two in her arm.  She screamed...but not for long.  We comforted her and tried to make it all better.  She does have a funny scream/cry thing going on right now.  She would quiet down and then let out a loud the loudest scream/cry.  It was hard for us not to laugh!

This weekend will be family time since daddy will be spending the next three weeks in south Texas.  Boo.  Mother's day will be time together.

Abbie's teachers got her a cake for her birthday and they took cute pictures and printed them.  Miss Erica actually got her a very nice gift.  She is too sweet and loves Abbie.

18 more days of school until summer time!

On the Occasion of Abigail Frances's First Birthday

My Dearest Abigail-

Today you are 1.  365 days.  52 weeks.  12 months.  Where did this first year go?  I am not sure I will ever know the answer to that question, but what I do know is that I love you more than anything.   And this last year, that has flown by, has been so wonderful and amazing because you were a part of it.  

One year ago when they put you in my arms I knew that my life would forever be changed.  There were some rough days (and nights) in the beginning.  But slowly we got acquainted with one another and our understanding of one another began to blossom.  And over the past year I have loved you more than I ever knew it was possible to love another human.  

This last year a lot of thoughts have been rolling around in my mind and I want to get them down...as I know that there will be days ahead of us when we don't really like each other that much.  When we get to those days, I want you to read this and I will too.  I will be reminded of what I want for you, for us, and for our family.  So, here goes...

I promise to never talk at you, but to talk to you.  I promise not to just listen to you, but to hear you as well.   I promise to be your mother first and your friend second.  I promise to laugh with you - often.  I promise to always believe in you and your dreams and will support you in your quest to achieve them.  I promise to love you.  No matter what.

Abigail, you are my shining star and my reason for living.  You are the single most important thing to both your dad and me.  Together, as a family we will explore the world around us and show you how to love truly, honestly, and forever.   We will show you what it is to be committed and to put forth your best every day.  

My wish for you, for all the days of your life, is to be a good person.  I hope that you will think of others first and treat everyone with kindness and respect.  Be sure to use your manners with everyone and always remember to appreciate the advice of your elders.  Sometimes it may seem to be silly advice, but it comes with good intentions.  

Abigail, I love you so much.  I love your daddy so much, too.  I cannot wait to see what our future, as a family, holds.  And your future; it is as bright as can be.  Take hold, little girl, and capture your future!  It is yours for the taking!  

I love you more than you will ever know.

All my love,

Mommy

PS - I also promise to blog more.  :0)

Happy First Birthday, Little Girl!

 

Change Is Inevitable

WOW...our last blog entry was July 12, 2012.  It has been nothing but crazy since then and our family has gone through so much change.  Some good.  Some bad.  But in the end, we will find ourselves being better and stronger as a result of it all!  This post will probably be way longer than it needs to be...so let's get to it.

Abigail is growing like a weed!  She is strong, happy, independent, and loving.  She was 7 months old on the 8th of December.  That seems unbelievable to us.  We find ourselves saying things like, "One year ago we found out we were pregnant" or "One year ago I was SO sick".  It doesn't even seem real that over one year has passed since this journey started and now we have this beautiful, amazing little girl that makes every aspect of our lives infinitely better in every way.  Her personality has really developed and for as loving as she can be she can also be equally as demanding.  And as tough as it can be to keep our sanity when she is being demanding we love that she is such a fighter!

Abbie had a busy summer...she swam twice...the first time at Uncle Duong and Auntie Nha's party and again at the Kocher's house after the fantasy football draft.  She loved being in the water and actually fell asleep in Daddy's arms during the first swim!  She also went to the beach this summer.  We visited our good friends the Barrettos at the beach house they rented.  While she didn't swim she loved feeling the warm beach breeze tickle her face and the sand beneath her toes.  Of course, getting all the sand out afterwards was a task in itself!

Swimming Tires a Girl Out!

Beach Baby!

 Abbie really seems to like her school.  We wish we could say the same.  Don't get us wrong, we are happy with the school, but would rather have her at home with one of us!  No one will ever care for her like we can.

Abbie started cereal over two months ago and was rather ambivalent about it.  We couldn't feed her fast enough and she got pretty worked up.  We decided that since she did well with the cereal (didn't throw it all back up) that we would just forge ahead with solids.  She has tried (and likes) peas, carrots, sweet potatoes, squash, and pears.  More will be introduced in the coming weeks, but for now she gets one jar per day with rice cereal mixed in.  The doctor wants us to do this so she can get the iron benefits found in the cereal.

Carrots!

Cereal?

About 3 months ago Abbie rolled over in the middle of the night.  Lisa woke up and found her laying on her tummy in her crib.  Ever since then she is, without question, a tummy sleeper...just like her mommy!  Speaking of mommy, Lisa has witnesses and a reluctant Tuna agreement that we have heard her numerous times saying MAMA!  We are not sure if it is intentional, but dang it, she said it!

First Roll Over!

Can This Even Be Comfortable?

She also has this new habit of blowing air between her lips.  All the time.  It is so funny to hear her do it.  We will have to get it on tape as it is funny stuff!  She smack her lips, and is starting to chat up a storm.  We often wonder what is running through her little mind.  Wouldn't that be interesting to know?

We love Abigail so much and love all the adventures we have been on in the last few months.  We hope to give her more and more experiences that she will be able to look back on with happiness and joy.

First Aggie Tailgate and Game!

First Food Truck...Good Dog Hot Dogs!

Since Abbie has been born we have been asked the following question: "It is hard to even imagine your life before her, right?"  We found ourselves answering yes to that question...but not truly believing it...and feeling bad about that.  But the truth is, we feel like the arrival of Abigail has only enhanced the life we shared together before her arrival.  That time has prepared us for this little girl who means the world to us.  We loved every minute of that life together and she is another chapter in the great adventure. 

Unfortunately, some of the change that has occurred has been a bit more difficult to accept.  As most of you know by now we lost our beloved Golden Retriever, Rosey.  Lisa came home from work in mid-September and found that she had passed away while she was at work.  It was unexpected, horrible, scary, sad, and outright gut-wrenching.  But it was evident that she went peacefully.  Thank God for that.  We miss her so much and are trying to adjust to life without a dog.  But don't worry, we will be getting a dog one day.  We just want to be prepared to put the time in to properly raise a dog, but more importantly we want Abbie to be able to share in the process of picking out, naming, and caring for a dog.  Until then, we will sorely miss the nudge of a cold nose and cuddling with a furry friend.  Well, unless you count this cute little puppy...

Windows won't let me rotate pics sent from my iPhone...sorry!

We miss our Rosey.

We have also experienced two great losses within the last few weeks.  In early November Lisa's Uncle Henry lost his battle with cancer.  It was so unbearable she could not find the words to even express her sadness.  Henry was such a special person to her and losing him, while not unexpected, was still unthinkable.  So, here is what she has wanted to say:

"I never met my grandfather on my dad's side.  He passed away when my dad was just 18 years old.  So in a way, Uncle Henry played two roles for me - Uncle and Grandfather.  He was funny (boy was he funny) even though his jokes had to be the corniest jokes - EVER.  He always had a story.  No matter what the occasion or event he had a story about something that he had heard or experienced or knew of.  He should have written a book.  I learned more about life spending weeks at a time at the Crown B Ranch.  Chickens, pigs, cattle, (insert the "Circle of Life" song here!) etc.  Speaking of which, Anne and Henry loved their "girls" - cattle that is.   I am pretty sure that there was a photo album at one point!  At an early age I learned that it is truly a compliment to have a heifer named after you.  Both your first name and then your middle name.  A heifer birthing a calf - a bull calf - is a miracle.  Thus, Miracle, their first bull calf was born and I was there to witness that.  Oh yea, you should also make certain that no one has a video recorder when you fall off of a 4 wheeler and your ass lands straight in a steaming, fresh pile of cow shit.  This really happened.  Really.  Poor Henry...but he was such a good sport!  Now where is that video?  He constantly wanted to pick the "tick" off of my neck.  He tried for 38 years.  Never play 42 (dominoes) against him.  He was a pro.  And if he was teamed up with Anne, you should fold.  Immediately.  Nothing, and I mean nothing, is better than a Coke Float with Blue Bell Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream.  Especially on a hot summer evening - right after supper.  He taught me that and every single time I make a Coke float with Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream I think of him.  I can't wait to share one with Abbie one day.  When we do, I will tell her stories of Uncle Henry and explain to her what a big heart he had.  He loved Anne so much and their marriage was a model of what everyone's should be.  I will miss Uncle Henry more than any words can ever express.  To end this I will use Henry's own words - 'Love ya kid.'"

Aunt Anne and Uncle Henry with Abbie @ 1 day old.

Lisa also lost her God-mother and namesake this past week.  Christine Marsters was a very special person to Lisa and her passing has been difficult to accept.  Chris was a master of words and a master of making you feel important and cared about.  Luckily, Lisa was a recipient of one of the letters that Chris was so famous for writing.  It was dated July 29, 1999 and was written on the occasion of our wedding.  It will serve to remind us of the importance of relationships.  Rest in Peace, Chris.  You are one of a kind.

It has been very difficult to deal with all of theses losses, lately.  However there has been a silver lining...Lisa has been reunited with some dear friends and family members she hasn't seen in decades.  While the occasion has been sad, it has been wonderful to reconnect and share stories of the good times.  This just serves as a reminder to us that we need to provide these types of experiences for Abbie.  We need to surround her with people that love her and care for her and her well being.  We will strive to provide this for her.

Continuing with the theme of change, we both have started new jobs.  Lisa went back to the classroom and is teaching 7th grade ELA in Katy.  A LOT has changed since she was last in the classroom during the 2007-2008 school year.  But she is adapting.  She is thankful for a job and is glad to be back teaching with some of her friends.  Of course, the ultimate goal is to become a school librarian and it will happen when the time is right!

Tuna has completely switched fields.  In early September Tuna decided to leave the landscaping company that he and another person began in 2011.  It would be fair to say that they did not agree on how to run the business and Tuna decided that it was time to move forward.  After A LOT of soul searching and number crunching and sleepless nights we decided that for the sake of our family that Tuna would not continue with the idea of opening his own landscaping company.  Besides, Tuna was ready for a change and an opportunity to work in the oil and gas industry literally fell into his lap.  He is now employed as a Junior Commissioning Specialist with Audubon Engineering.  The job requires travel and as many of you know (or have figured out) he has been in Pecos, Texas since before Thanksgiving.  He was able to come home for Thanksgiving and the company flew him home when Uncle Henry passed away.  But by the time the job he is currently on is finished he will have been gone a total of 47 days.  It has been tough being apart as we have never been apart for that long.  Not in 22 years of being together (outside of college).  Tuna misses Abbie terribly, but we both feel that this will be worth it in the end.  Additionally, we are abundantly thankful that he HAS a job.  The good news is that he will not be gone for this long of a time in the future.  He was there early to train for his position.  He comes home Thursday and we cannot wait to all be reunited.

Thank you to everyone who has been there to support us and offer words of wisdom.  It has been a tough road and we cannot express enough how much it has meant to us for to feel the love and support of our friends and family.  And for those of you who have had to constantly listen to us and our pity party (you know who you are) and has offered advice or just an ear to listen - THANK YOU and WE LOVE YOU!

We embrace change.  We look for change in order to make us better.  But sometimes change finds us when we least expect it and we wish it would just move along.  But when it is all said and done change is inevitable.  We have decided that change will make us stronger and happier and closer and more in love with our family unit - no matter what form the change comes in.  

Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy New Year and a good ole Happy Holidays!  We love you all and feel blessed for having you as a part of our lives!

xoxo,
Tuna, Lisa, and Abbie

The Nguyens - KDK Ranch - Thanksgiving 2012

Things We've Learned Since May 8th

Hello Everyone!
As of today our little Chickpea is 9 weeks and 2 days old.  It is unreal how fast time has gone by and how much Abbie has changed in that time!  What we have decided to do for this entry is make a list of things we have come to realize over the past 9 weeks.  There will be an update that follows the list...

Here are a few things we have learned since May 8th:

1. It doesn't actually take 4+ wipes to change a baby.  There may be a few exceptions, but generally speaking 2 should be the max.
2. Eating together, at the same time, is a luxury. 
3. Don't wait until after the baby is born to finish writing thank yous.  Bad, bad, bad idea.
4. You don't realize how loud you are "around the house" until you have a baby sleeping in it.
5. You don't realize how creaky your bones are until you have a baby sleeping in the house.
6. The first six weeks are hell.  Don't let anyone fool you.
7. There is a Facebook conspiracy.  We thought our baby was cranky and fussy because everyone only posts pictures of/talks about how wonderful their children are on Facebook.  We thought there was something wrong with ours, simply based on the Facebook postings.   
8. We have turned into "those people who only post pictures of their kid".
9. We prefer to call day care, "school", as it just makes us feel better.
10. Our friends and family are SO generous...beyond measure.  Thank you for that.
11. Medical bills are ri-dic-u-lous.  We could go on and on...but that last sentence sums it up.
12. Baby clothes are simply adorable and it is a good thing we didn't know what we were having as we would have spent every last penny buying baby clothes instead of furniture, diapers, etc.  You know, the essentials. 
13. Folding dirty diapers is an art.  It stems from trying to get them small enough to be able to fit as many as possible in the diaper pail.
14. We had no idea how much we could love another human.  It is incomparable and grows each and every day.

Here are a few pictures from the last couple of week:

Abbie's First July 4th!

See...a not perfect baby picture!

2 month picture...kind of funny!

2 months old - 07/08/2012

Abbie has changed so much since the last update.  At exactly 6 weeks old she slept through the night for the first time.  We freaked out when we woke up and realized that neither of us had gotten up with her!  Since then she has slept, on average, 10 hours each night.  Last night was an exception as she woke up to feed at 4:30, but she had a rough day yesterday.  She had her 2 month check-up and that included shots!  3 to be exact.  It was so sad...for us!  But Abbie really was a trooper.  She cried more than we had ever heard her cry, but recovered quickly.  We were so proud of her.  Needless to say, she slept all the way home and all afternoon.  We had to wake her up to eat and change, but after that she was back asleep.  That check-up took a lot out of the girl!  Luckily, she didn't get a fever, so we were relieved at that.  At the check-up yesterday she weighed in at 11 lbs 4 oz and was 22 inches.  This puts her in the 50th-75th percentile in both categories, which is good.

She is getting so responsive to us and is smiling and just starting to laugh.  Her cooing and flirting is simply adorable (according to us!).  She definitely recognizes us and responds to us when we smile or talk to her.  This is so heartwarming!  It has been fun to see her little personality develop right before our very eyes.  Literally each new day is different from last.

From the day we brought Abbie home she has been able to hold her head up - to an extent.  At the doctor visit she suggested that she might be crawling and walking a little earlier than normal.  While it is always nice to think of your child as "advanced" in any capacity, the idea of keeping up with her once she is mobile is a little frightening!  But we will handle it as it comes.  One day at a time...

We have had some fun outings to Grandpa and GG's house and to Academy with Daddy.  In fact today, he bought her home her first Under Armor.  Good grief!  A few weeks ago Grummies and Lisa discovered the Carter's outlet in Katy Mills.  Oh. My. Goodness.  Too cute!  Grummies got Abbie a couple of outfits that are too stinking cute (think little pink button up sweater!). 

Rosey hasn't left yet, but there are some days she looks at us like she is about to walk out the door.  We love our Rosey!

That is the latest from our neck of the woods. As always, thanks for following along our journey into parenthood.  It's a jungle out there!

xoxo,
Tuna, Lisa, and Abbie

The Things We Do for Love

Hello everyone! We thought it would be a good time to catch everyone up on the goings-on at our house.  It is probably best that we waited until this week to update the blog...as we are all just now getting in sync.  We love our girl, but it has been tough up until now to understand her and bond with her.  Not the we didn't LOVE her more than anything, but there were some tear-filled moments (mostly from Lisa) of frustration.  Now we are getting on a bit of a routine and this is making everyone's life a lot easier!

As of this blog post Abbie is 1 day shy of being 7 weeks old.  We cannot believe that the time has gone by so fast.  She had her first photo shoot at 16 days old...and the pictures were a-dor-able (at least we think so)!  We are waiting to get a video produced by the photographer and will share that with everyone via Facebook.  They did a really nice job and Abbie was a great model (meaning - she didn't cry or fuss!).  Her last doctor's visit was May 25th and she was measuring right on track.  She had to have a her heel pricked and blood drawn.  She hollered SO much!  Poor baby!  But all the results came back good, so it was worth it in the end. 

We spent the Memorial Day Sunday at Grandpa and GG's house.  It was nice to get away from our house. Abbie didn't really like her carseat, so it was a loud trip from Richmond to Cypress...but we made it!  By 4 weeks she was really starting to become very alert and aware.  She was really responding to us and that was such a neat thing!  Tuna has been strolling her up to Starbucks on Saturday mornings.  He is starting her early on the Starbucks route...by the time she is old enough to enjoy a hot chocolate or tea she is going to know exactly how to get to Starbucks!  Of course, Tuna has already taken her to Academy, too!  We have taken her on several outings and are getting used to what that entails (which seems to be the equivalent to a weekend road trip). But it has been fun to start to show Abbie the world around her. 

We had our first official night out on the 17th.  Grummies (Lisa's mom) sent us to the theater to see The Best Little Whore House in Texas while she and Bonna watched Abbie.  It was great!  We also went to dinner at Max's Wine Dive.  The whole evening was so nice and we didn't realize how much we needed it!

While we have had a couple of nights, early on, where she slept a little longer than she should have, we are officially saying that she slept through the night on June 20th - when she was exactly 6 weeks old.  She has been pretty consistent since then, so we are more than excited about that!  We have a good night time routine.  After a little play time with Daddy, Tuna gives her a bath every evening, Lisa feeds her, and then Tuna puts her to bed.  This seems to work well for us and since Abbie has slept through the night we would say that it has worked well for her, too!

We finally decided on a day care for Abbie (Lisa likes to call it "school" since that, for some strange reason, makes her feel better).  It is right by our house, they have completed some nice renovations lately, and the director and staff are very nice.  So today Lisa took Abbie and got her enrolled.  We have already begun discussing who will take her on the first day.  We both recognize that we are going to be a hot mess having to leave her.    

The end of last week and into this week has been a step for us in the right direction.  We are getting naps under control, feedings under control, and getting a routine established.  Nursing has been extremely tough for Lisa - both physically and emotionally.  But last week, she hit her stride and she has it under control.  It only took 6 weeks!  With the trials and tribulations that Lisa has had it became VERY clear why so many women give up.  It would have been VERY easy to give up and just use formula.  She started with setting goals and has stuck with it.  The one thing we have learned is the importance of a good latch.  That makes a HUGE difference!  HUGE! 

Rosey is still indifferent to Abbie and still has the "when is this thing leaving" look.  We make sure to give her extra love and treats so she doesn't run away!  Abbie is growing fast...and has already outgrown quite a few outfits.  She is growing like a weed!   This past weekend we discovered the Carter's store in Katy Mills.  Let's just say that it is a good thing we didn't know the sex of the baby prior to delivery...we would have spent all the "baby money" on clothes.  That store has the cutest outfits ever! 


Thanks to everyone who has come to visit Abbie!  We love that everyone is excited to see her and hold her and we love visiting with everyone.  And thank you to those who have babysat her while Lisa went on interviews.  It means more than you all know.


Here are a few of our favorite pictures since the last blog:

Abbie at 1 month!

Abbie at 1 month giving Dundy the stink eye.

Abbie's first outing to Babies R Us

Tuna and Abbie napping!

We love this little girl to the moon and back!

 Thanks for following along with us...


xoxo,
Tuna, Lisa and Abbie

Abigail Frances Nguyen

Today, it will have been two weeks since Abbie was born.  It is really hard to believe.  There have been many sleepless nights, tears (mostly from Lisa), and wonderful, sweet moments in between.  This is the toughest thing we have ever done and the best thing we have ever done.

This blog may be a little long, so bare with us...we want to chronicle everything we can and there is a lot to catch up on!

Here is Abbie's birth story...
Lisa went to see the doctor on Monday the 7th (Abbie's actual due date) and had an ultrasound.  The ultrasound indicated that the fluid level around Abbie was low and so our decision to schedule her to be delivered on the 8th was the right decision.  Lisa headed home and finalized packing and getting the house cleaned for when we got back home.  We were to check in to the hospital at 10:00 pm.  Around 8:00 pm that night we got a call from the hospital and all labor and delivery rooms were full.  They were going to call us once a room became available.  The call came at 2:45 am.  So we packed up all our stuff, took one last picture of the bump (see below) and headed out to Memorial Hermann Katy.

The last bump picture before going to the hospital.

Last view of the bump before going to the hospital.

The tired parents-to-be...it was 3:00 am!

We got there about 3:45 am and by the time we had filled out their paperwork and hooked Lisa up to various machines it was about 5:30 am.  We were able to sleep until 7:00 am and then the contractions started!  Little did Lisa know she was already having them (she just thought it was the baby moving down low), but once the Pictocin kicked in it was full-on contractions.  By 9:30 am the epidural was administered and that seemed to take the edge off, just a bit.  By this time Lisa's mom, dad, and step-mom had arrived for the big day and at 2:30 pm Lisa's brother had arrived.

This must have been after the epidural...!

By about 2:30 pm Lisa had made it to 7 cm dilated, but Abbie's heart rate was decelerating with each contraction.  The nurses and the doctor thought that it was a result of the Pitocin lowering Lisa's blood pressure to very low levels (90/60 at one point) and this impacted the blood flow to Abbie.  To prevent the decelerations Lisa was moved from one side to the other to sitting straight up in bed.  By 4:00 pm it was decided that she should try getting up on her forearms and knees on the bed.  Well, let's just say this was quite the event that involved an almost somersault over the front end of the bed and almost ripping out her IV all due to her right leg being completely numb while trying to turn back over (you should ask Lisa to tell you the story).  Well, the good news is that in the 15 minutes she was in the "downward facing dog" position - as Tuna called it - she progressed from 7 cm dilated to 9 cm dilated.  The doctor was called in and the pushing was right around the corner.

After a few pushes with the nurse and Tuna helping - the doctor finally arrived.  We didn't know it at the time, but Lisa had made it to 10 cm dilated.  So she pushed with all her might and we hoped that Abbie would be delivered safely.  But it was not to be...Abbie's heart rate was still decelerating and the doctor felt that with 45 minutes of pushing that Abbie could not withstand that kind of stress.  So it was decided that a c-section was the best, safest route for both Mom and especially baby.  Lisa and Tuna had discussed just this scenario and our thoughts were conveyed to the doctor prior to delivery.  We had decided that we would not fight the doctor if she recommended c-section.  It was clear to us that the nurses and doctor had done everything possible to get Abbie here safely via a vaginal delivery and that a c-section was the only option left.

Things happened VERY quickly once the decision was made.  Tuna was given scrubs, Lisa was prepped and wheeled into the OR and from there on out it was like an out-of-body experience for her.  People were bustling around the room getting things ready and then finally Tuna was let in to the room.  He was able to stand-up and watch the procedure from the first cut into Lisa's belly.  The procedure was a very odd experience for Lisa.  It was as if she could feel everything except pain.  Pulling, tugging, pressure, everything but pain.  At one point Lisa looked at Tuna and he gave the thumbs up.  Lisa thought this meant it was a boy...as this was right around the time the baby was being pulled out.  But at 5:26 pm the doctor announced that it was a "big girl" and that is when Tuna lost it.  He was able to see her, but due to the screen Lisa had yet to see her.  Finally, the doctor held her up over the screen and Lisa saw her for the very first time!  Then it was Lisa's turn to lose it!  Tuna then went over to where Abbie was being cleaned up and cared for by the nurses while Lisa was being sewn back up.  As it turns out, the cord was over Abbie's shoulder and she was not aligned properly so that shoulder with the cord over it was being pushed into Lisa's hip bone - thus the heart decelerations.  Below are some pictures from the c-section (warning...some of the pictures might be a little graphic).

Tuna waiting to go into the OR.

The first picture of Abigail Frances!

Showing her to Lisa over the curtain.

Daddy Tuna holding his baby girl for the first time!

And then there were three...

The ID bracelet all 3 of us wore.

 
Lisa was sent to recovery and Tuna stayed with Abbie.  He actually took her out to the waiting room to meet the family!  Everyone was excited to find out that we had a girl!  Of course, we hadn't decided on a name at this point, but The Chickpea was finally here!  Abbie and Tuna then went to the nursery where she was cleaned up and the family was able to take pictures.  Here is a great picture of Abbie and Tuna (credit to Jace):

Lisa finally made it to a room by 8:00 pm where it took another 45 minutes to get settled and for Abbie to get there.  Then the family was able to come in and see Lisa and hold Abbie for the first time.  We told them the middle name was going to be Frances.  It is a name that has been in Lisa's family for 4 out of 5 generations now.  For some reason, no one in Lisa's generation was given that name.  Up until now it has been used as a first name (this is Lisa's mom's given name...although most know her by Frankie).  Abbie will carry on the tradition by having it as her middle name.  Of course, we still had the task of deciding on a first name!

Abbie and Grummies (Lisa's mom)

Abbie and Grandpa (Lisa's dad)

Abbie and Uncle Jace (Lisa's brother)

Abbie and GG (Lisa's step-mom)

Abbie and Great-Aunt Bonna (Lisa's aunt)

 The first night was rough as nurses kept coming in to check on Lisa and the baby, so sleep was pretty much non-existent.  The hospital has in place what they call "rooming-in" where the baby stays with mom in the room throughout the stay.  While this, in theory is a great policy, we believe that it would have been much better for Abbie to have been in the nursery the first night.  Lisa was locked down in the bed with inflating leg cuffs and was being awaken every hour, for 4 straight hours, all through the night and had been up since 3:00 am the previous morning.  To say that we were exhausted would be an understatement.  We are quite certain that our care of Abbie that night was not the best and we were zombies the next day.  We would also like to add that this idea of taking advantage of the services that hospital offers and the down time it provides was not what we experienced.  Everyone that worked there was so nice, but it was a constant barrage of necessary and well-intended interruptions (like the cafeteria staff calling at every meal if Lisa hadn't ordered anything).  But overall, the hospital staff was very, very nice and caring.

Wednesday we finally decided upon a name for the baby.  The issue was kind of forced when the hearing test lady came in and asked her name.  As many of you know we had 3 names that we couldn't decide between.  Tuna was always certain about Abigail, but Lisa liked the others just as much.  But after a little chat earlier in the day Lisa just stated that Abigail was her name and Tuna just smiled.  Tuna had always liked Abigail - Abbie in particular.  We felt like the name was timeless and all-American and was a perfect fit for our little girl.  We call her Abbie, but her given name is Abigail.  We will teach her both names and eventually she will decide which name she prefers.  And that is how we decided on the name, Abigail Frances. 

We want to thank everyone who came and visited us during our stay.  It meant so much to us that you took the time to visit us, and by us we mean Abbie!  :)  We got a picture of almost everyone who visited and one day will be sharing those with Abbie.  Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!

We couldn't wait to check out of the hospital.  Lisa's doctor would have discharged us on Thursday night, but we weren't prepared.  But that had to have been the longest 4 days...we couldn't wait to get home and start getting settled.  When we were finally discharged on Friday morning we got Abbie in the "coming home" outfit and loaded up the car and off we went.

Getting Abbie dressed in the outfit.

Abbie and Mommy...ready to go home!

Abbie and Daddy

First car ride...home from the hospital.

Lisa's mom met us at home and we took a few pics and spent some time getting settled.  Lisa's mom began a cooking extravaganza that lasted through Monday.  She cooked lunches and dinners each day and a few meals were frozen to eat at a later date.  What a lifesaver she was and when we get to the meals that were frozen we will be so thankful!  Thank you, Grummies!

Grummies and Abbie on her first day home.

A close-up of Abbie in the coming home outfit.

Yup...we went there - prom style pic!

Mommy, Daddy, Grummies and Abbie.

And thank you to everyone who has come to visit us since being home.  It means the world to us.  We would also like to thank Guilford, (aka GG) for also making and freezing a few casseroles for us to have during the coming weeks.

Some have asked about how Rosey is adapting and she seems to be indifferent to Abbie.  Although, she did look at us the other day with an "isn't this thing going away" kind of look.  Sorry Rosey, she is here to stay!

Since we have been home it has been tough!  We knew it be difficult, but it has been even harder than that!  To us, it is like each day is a puzzle and we have to figure out the right combination of things to solve the puzzle.  When Abbie is crying, and we have seemingly taken care of all of her needs, it can get very frustrating.  Luckily we tag team quite a bit in the evenings and that has helped a lot.  A LOT!  The hardest part is not knowing how to help her when she is feeling frustrated too!  But we will get through it!

A couple of milestones...
We believe Abbie had a her first documented smile on Monday, May 14th.  Many people say it is "gas", but when you look at that picture it is hard to believe that is not a genuine smile.  So we are counting it as the first!

Abbie is so happy in the arms of her daddy!

 She also lost the majority of her cord on Monday the 21st.  There is still a little scab left, but a big chunk of it is already gone.

She had her first visit to the pediatrician on May 16th.  The pediatrician was pleased with her progress.  She had already gained back the weight babies lose after birth.  This typically takes two weeks to do, but our little precious has done it in one.  We must have a healthy eater on our hands...  She goes back to the pediatrician on Friday the 25th.

She loves bath time!  Although at this point it is just a sponge bath, she never cries or gets upset.  She seems to love it!

After the first bath...of which she enjoyed!

Well, that is all of the news for now...we will keep updating as time goes on.  And thank you again, for coming on this journey with us!  It seems like yesterday that this blog was started and we shared the news of our family growing.  Wow...

xoxo,
Tuna, Lisa & Abbie

PS - Here is one of our favorite pictures...

Tuna snapped this one early one morning.