Where are the teeth?

She's drooling and chewing and putting everything in her mouth, but no sign of teeth yet. She's got tough little jaws, though. It hurts if she gets your finger in her mouth! (Imagine me breastfeeding!) Ouch!

She won't take a bottle. I want her to take it now and she won't do it. Isn't that something? I FINALLY am ready to make the switch and she pitches a fit!

Wednesday will be her first visit to a nursery--- the drop-in at Eastminster. I have to get my hair cut.
I am upset about it. But it has to be done. I'll fill you in on how that all goes down.

This past weekend I stayed at mom & dad's. O'Hara went to Charleston and I was afraid to stay alone. It was a nice time and it sure is great to not have to really pack anything to go over there! There's already a crib, diapers, wipes, toys, baby towels & washcloths, clothes, a swing, highchair, meds, pacis, bottles, formula, baby food, bowls, spoons, cereal....I could really go on and on! Mom just buys what I buy so she'll have it all at her house, too. (She also has some stuff from Chasie & Parker.) It's wonderful!

This upcoming weekend we are headed to Pawleys for Labor Day. I am excited because Maren will likely enjoy this visit more than the last times. We will be able to take her out on the beach a little more. Yay!

Listening to David play the guitar! She loves this! One day a couple of weeks ago, David played a Phish song called "Sleep" and she fell asleep while listening. It was so cute.
















She's starting to drool a bunch!












First time in a highchair. She looks so tiny in it! But she did great and played while we ate.




















All dressed up for church!

Baby gear PART 2

The Summer Infant HANDHELD Video Moniter. Need I say more? I really don't know how people survived with just sound on these things. This thing gives me SO MUCH PEACE OF MIND. I can even zoom in on her chest or mouth. It can move around the room. It has night vision. You can adjust the volume and brightness. I love it.

Homedics Sound Machine. Another genius invention. It has 6 settings, but the waterfall and the rain block out the most background noise. I cut it on and cut it up. She sleeps. We watch TV. BTW, be sure and put some black electrical tape over the lights on these gadgets because somehow they get stimulated by them! PITCH black is best for baby.

This picture sums up 2 different works of greatness. 1. The bubble. (or any other one-piece outfit that snaps at the bottom.) what's great about it is that it doesn't get all bunched up when you're holding or playing with the baby, and there's such easy diapering access. I don't really like to put Maren in any other stuff, unless it's a onesie with some really cute shorts or skirt over (hints the lack of bunching issue.) 2. Prettymuch anything Kissy Kissy. 100% pima cotton and SO cute clothes. My favorite brand. Buyer beware: Kissy Kissy runs small. If your baby is 0-3 months old and is in the 50th percentile for height and weight, she'll be wearing 3-6 mo. stuff.)

Last for tonight, the one-piece footed, zippered pajamas. Keeps toesies warm, easier to get on at night after the bath when you have to be quick for your fussy, hungry baby. It really does cut that time after bath/before nighttime feeding. I do like the snap nighties too, (and they usually come in cuter designs) but the zipper ease wins.

Goodnight for now!

My favorite baby gear so far PART 1

In no particular order, here are things that I think are great. I wish someone could have told me this stuff before I (and others) spent a fortune on other stuff!

3 Marthas burp cloths. They are pricey. They are great. They wash up to be the softest thing ev. And, they're perfect for an outing, as they are particularly cute!

Huggies Diapers. I am a big fan. I was a Pampers girl until I started to notice my child kept getting diaper rashes. Those Pampers were not absorbing the way the Huggies do. So long Pampers.

Lansinoh breast pads. Obviously, no need to read it you aren't breastfeeding. But, if you are, there really is no better option here. I have tried Gerber and Medela brands and they are bulkier and crinklier. (And also not as easy to open up and stick in your bra.)

The swaddling blanket. Depending on when you have a 0-3 month old, you can get these in thin cotton or flannel! I had both. The key is to get really big ones so you can fold them up good and really swaddle tightly. (Especially if you have a wiggle worm like I do!) This was a true lifesaver for us for the first 3 months solid. Also, that video, "The Happiest Baby on the Block" is no joke. Check it out.

Recent pictures

After Maren's Baptism

David & his girlfriend, Elizabeth Anne

At Pawleys...the whole clan

El & Jeff on their cruise in Alaska

Updated pictures just for you, Rachel!

I took all these pictures last night.

Maren in her Christening gown

Maren's friends

Maren & Harlyn

Daniel & Maren

Sam at our house



These are all 2009 babies and all are April except Daniel! So cute!

Nana's Maren

I think Nana's got a new friend.

I am the only one awake in my house.

my little angel baby

I have had the least amount of sleep and they are the ones sleeping!! I'm about to hit the hay, though.

I've been feeling a little down the past few days, and ready for it to pass.

There have been so many changes in my life and my hormones, that it's not shocking I guess.

Some things I feel good about:

-my family...all of em.

-getting some sleep

-having a safe car

-living in a great neighborhood

-feeling comfortable in my church

Some things I am working on:

-living a more balanced life

-practicing patience and faith

-not cussing or drinking too much

-being nicer to O'Hara

Some things I am struggling with:

-finding balance

-figuring out how much "me time" is appropriate (if any) right now

-being away from Maren--even for short periods of time. (even though I think I want a break sometimes)

-friend relationships. I could go on and on about this one, but won't. It's been hard, though.

Next post will be happier!

Night, y'all!