Thursday, May 31, 2012

May Photo Catch Up

I ended up taking less pictures in general this month. This is partially because we were so busy/stressed, but also because I didn't make it a priority. Hopefully June will be different :)

Phil and I are both looking forward to our new normal! He starts his job with a small start-up company this Monday. It'll be strange going from a flexible schedule to a 9-5 work block. However, he is happy to start working and is excited about the work he will be doing. I'm also glad to have better health insurance again!!

As I said in my last post, shortly after cake, Phil and I had a quick dinner. That's about the time we have to seek shelter from the incredible hail storm we experienced. However, here are a few photos we got before that all went down :)

{Cake and Champagne!}
The edge of the window you see is the one that was busted completely. We were amazed that the champagne glass and all the wine glass you see behind the table were not broken at all! It may take me several tries at cleaning Jillian's high chair to feel like I got every single shard of glass that could be on the seat. If nothing else, I do have a Bumbo and tray.

{Phil, Jillian, and Phil's proud parents :)}
His parents really did leave just in time. About halfway home for them, (in the opposite direction of the storm), is the time it got crazy for us. They literally missed it by an hour. Still very happy they got to come down!

{The Dr. and his girls}
Not the most flattering picture of me, but Phil's face says it all. He was so thrilled and giddy! Even though he's a doctor, don't ask for advice about your head cold. He's not that kind of doctor ;)

We didn't take any pictures that night just because we were so concerned with covering the window and making sure we were safe. We contemplated getting a hotel room, but ultimately decided to just stay home. We slept with our door open and lights on so no one got any ideas about ransacking our place. I wouldn't care about losing stuff, but Jillian's room is closer to the door/broken window than our room. I wanted to make sure she was as safe as possible.

{Our busted window}
The interesting thing about this window is that it faces south. Most severe storms move in an ENE fashion, with a few exceptions. This particular night, we had several cells forming NW from us moving in a SSE direction, with a few other cells SW from us moving NNE. This caused two of the large cells to merge on top of the OKC metro area. After the major one, there were still a few cells popping up that were moving SSE. They were not as bad as the first big one, but it was still pretty awful most of the night.

{View from the inside}
We didn't have trash bags large enough to cover the window, nor did we have any cardboard boxes. We picked a sheet set we didn't really care about and Phil hammered it around the window for the night. He also put a few nails on the outside so if anyone tried to open the window to get in, they'd make enough noise to alert us.

{Glass and window pieces on our patio}

{Our front door/stairwell}
I have the door open, but there are a few leaves that were stuck to our door. Leaves are still just everywhere right now.

{Overlooking our patio to the east}
This particular tree has made me worried a few times. One of its larger branches is right over our roof. I figured, if a big enough storm blew through, it might fall through our roof. Well, as luck would have it, a large branch from this tree did fall down, (not on our roof), on Saturday night. I have a feeling that branch would have caused some big damage had it still been attached to the tree!

{Overlooking the patio facing west}
Like I said - leaves and tree branches everywhere.

{Boarded up}
We were one of the last people of the day to get a board over their busted window before the next round of storms last night. {Luckily the storms got here so late, (shortly after midnight), that it was mostly just rain and high winds, (we're talking up to 70 mph).} They did a good job and I'm so glad we got something to cover up. So here's my lovely view for quite awhile. Glass is backordered due to all the damage the storm caused. I'm not sure when they'll replace it. The complex did tell us that there were over 270 broken windows in our complex alone AND a few of the chimney smoke stacks on a few other units are either leaning or completely lying flat on the roof. There's quite a bit of clean up to be done.

A quick story as well for my own mental records. Skip if you'd like :) I still have a key to the church we got married in, and that my mom worked for before they moved to Minnesota. I tried giving it back, but was told to keep it in cases of severe weather since we live on the 2nd story of an apartment complex. We got the church and made our way to the nursery. It started pouring rain about 20 minutes after we got there and the wind was causing the rain to go sideways. You could hardly see across the street it was raining so hard. Then some small hail started. We had a local station broadcasting on Phil's iPad. One of the major streets we live by is called Northwest Expressway. Well, one of the storm chasers/meteorologists for the station we were watching is what I would call... a drama queen.  He gets SO excited about storms that he almost makes a huge deal about everything. Well, as they are talking about rotation somewhere nearby, this guy cuts them off and starts screaming "NORTHWEST EXPRESSWAY! NORTHWEST EXPRESSWAY!!". Phil happened to be doing something else at that point outside of the room and I didn't know what was going on. So I start panicing. I yelled Phil's name repeatedly while picking up Jillian and the iPad. I start running down the hall toward the basement stairs. At this point, Phil is next to me asking what's happening. About that time, I can hear the hail and it. is. LOUD. I mean, I thought the doors were going to breakdown. As we get to the top of the stairs, the lights flash off and on. I start to think this means a tornado is on top of us. We had to push a table out of the way and we quickly got down the dark flight of stairs. Once we got down there, we sat in some dusty chairs to catch our breath. Phil took the iPad and listened for a moment. Turns out, the meteorologist screaming our street? He meant further north than our location. Awesome. Well, better safe than sorry right? After a few moments, the power was back on for good. (I believe we're on the same grid as a local hospital so that's why we had power.) We then discovered that both of our cell phones are still in the nursery. I offered to run up and get them. As I got to the top of the stairs, the hail is still pounding even though the rain has lightened a bit. I looked ahead and I could see glass shattering and falling out of the panes. It was unnerving! I ran to the nursery as fast as I could, grabbed everything we brought with us and took it back to the basement. After another 45 minutes or so, we ended up deciding to head home. We were in between storms and no other storms seemed to have any rotation or meso-cyclones. When we got back to the apartments, one of the exits was completely blocked by fallen trees and we could tell it was a mess. We hurried inside and surveyed the damage. I'm still shocked that not a single glass item we possess was even cracked. We did lose the programs to my {hopefully} future SIL's med school graduation and a few pages of home information for our house search. Other than that, we didn't even really have water damage. All cats were accounted for with no injures. It was quite a night for sure. 

Obviously, Phil finally finishing his degree opened some kind of cosmic force! Yeesh.

{Completely oblivious to the past 48 hours}

My family and I are huge Calvin and Hobbes fans. In fact, we all own at least 1 book personally. I just went through the series where Calvin's family is robbed while they were out of town for a wedding. There is a particular strip where the dad talks about how he always thought grown-ups knew what they were doing. As a child, he never worried because he thought his parents had all the answers. Had he known most of adulthood would be ad lib, he wouldn't have been in such a hurry to grown up. While a part of me is happy with where we are in life right now, I can agree to this. That's kind of how I felt Tuesday night. Despite being freaked out a little bit, I still had to keep it together for Jillian's sake and safety. {Yes mom and dad, that was me holding it together. Is that you laughing? I can hear you across the country you know...}

I'm so very thankful May is over for so many reasons. We get to move on as a family and find a new normal. If only the new normal included a real window and not just a piece of plywood. I guess beggars can't be choosers :)

Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Finished

I want to give a quick update for now and I can hopefully return fully tomorrow.

Yesterday at 2 p.m., Phil defended his doctoral dissertation. This a 6 year ordeal with lots of struggles and other issue. After a 50 minute Power Point presentation, (which he did really well with), we {the general audience that was not a member of his committee} were asked to leave the room. Phil told his father and I that the next part is the committee asking whatever question they come up with. This can take between 90 minutes to 2 hours. After almost an hour, Phil was excused while the committee deliberated. I think he was the most unglued for the next ten minutes. There was no calming him or anything. Once the longest 10 minutes of Phil's life passed, he was asked back into the room and was congratulated by his committee. He passed with a vote of 5-0!! He finally did it. He earned his PhD!! He was beyond thrilled as he should be. He worked very hard and he deserves it more than anything!

We went back to the apartment where his mom was watching Jillian. We toasted to Phil and had a piece of yummy cake. Phil's parents had to hurry home and left shortly thereafter. I ordered IHOP to go for dinner because Phil finally got his appetite back. The sky was looking a little sketchy, but we figured it was just rain. When we were almost done with dinner, we got a text via Twitter about storms headed our way. We ended up retreating to a local church where we ended up in the basement due to the MASSIVE hail. {We're talking up to 5"} In fact, several nearby windows were busted completely out and it was a very scary experience. {I'm pretty sure it was so bad because two storms merged together on top of the metro area and it was just a really bad situation} Once we got home, we noticed one of our windows was completely busted out as well. Miraculously, none of our personal possessions, (minus a few paper items on the table), were damaged at all, but glass was everywhere. Jillian wasn't able to sleep until 11 or so and woke up around 6:45 am. Yeah, not a great night overall.

I did cry a little bit. I just felt like yesterday was supposed to be ALL about Phil and celebrating his amazing accomplishment. Instead, we had to deal with adult stuff and he didn't even get to sleep in today :( We have another round of bad storms tonight so it may end up being the same situation. I can tell Phil's a little sad, but we should get a break weather-wise after tomorrow.

Since I haven't shown off my beautiful girl, I'll leave you with this gem :)
{At Julia's Med School Graduation Saturday}
{Yes, she was asleep nearly the whole time!}

Take care of yourselves and have a good day!

Friday, May 25, 2012

Bigger

I've been in the process of going through Jillian's things. This is partially to organize in general, as well as organize for moving this summer. {Sadly, the home I really like has sold, but there are plenty of fish in the sea :) I digress...} I mentioned in Jillian's 5 month post that she still fits in her 0-3 month outfits. Well, the pants are more like capris and it's getting too warm for her fleece pajamas. With this in mind, I decided to pack up a few outfits.

I will admit that I was a little sad. I did not tear up like I did when I packed her newborn clothes away though. As I started to fold the clothes, I got to thinking.

I can vividly remember unwrapping every outfit we received. Whether it be shower gifts or a special gift from a dear friend. I would wash the outfit after studying carefully reading the care instruction tag twice. After the dryer buzzed, I would place the outfit on a white plastic hanger. I lovingly placed the hanger in the special section of my closet. For a few moments, I would just stare.

Thoughts would whirl around in my head. I thought of how my baby girl would be small enough to fit in those outfits. I thought of how she would wear that precious pink dress to church on Sundays. I thought of all the pictures I would take of her in these different outfits. 

Some days, I honestly can't believe I have a daughter. Now I have a daughter that is outgrowing the clothes I would daydream about her wearing. She is such a blessing to me and I am thankful that she's growing up big and strong!

Besides, what new mother doesn't love having an excuse to go shopping ;)

Tuesday, May 22, 2012

Jillian Tries Rice Cereal

Today was a big day for Miss Jillian! She tried rice cereal for the first time :)

The day started with a little dress-up fun. We got a new dress recently and I was just itching to get it on her!
{Love this girl}

{Of course, we're still practicing the whole sitting-supported thing ;)}

I ran to the grocery store and Phil watched Jillian so I wouldn't have to balance her on those silly carts. Once I got back, we left him alone so he could finish writing his defense power point presentation. Once he was at a stopping point, we decided it was time to try solid food!
{Here it comes...}

{First bite/slurp is in!} 

{"I'm supposed to make bubbles with it, right mama?"}

{A little on the fence in terms of taste} 

{Maybe holding the spoon will change her mind} 

{The experience? Fun! The food? She's not so sure}

We expected her to not be real keen on the cereal. Overall, she did great and we're excited to try again tomorrow!

Monday, May 21, 2012

Taking Photos

I can tell my life is a little more complicated because I am taking less photos of Jillian than I used to! I really need to remedy that. However, I do have a few that are really great :)

{Sit up practice! She's not really steady yet, but we're getting there} 

{I thought I'd help a little. I didn't want her face planting in the floor!} 

{We put her in the swing for a nap and she stayed in this position the whole time. How is this comfortable?} 

{Channeling her inner Fonz :)} 

{Helping dad with his defense presentation while chewing on her "wash-cicle"}
{We named it a "wash-cicle" since it is just a wet washcloth we put in the freezer}

Happy Monday!

Saturday, May 19, 2012

Bottled

Part of why I haven't updated in nearly a week is due to a combination of things. For one, I'm severely stressed out. I have a lot on my mind lately and it has caused poor sleeping habits. {Anyone else up at 2 a.m.?} Then I've tried so hard to keep it bottled up inside that I have finally succumbed to the internal pressure. Luckily for me, it happened right as Phil came home last night and I got a deserved 20 minute break to recharge briefly.

I don't know if I've mentioned this before, but I also have a problem. I have a tendency to go on online shopping sprees when I'm stressed out. I always justify it by saying "it's on clearance", or "it's for Jillian's nursery", etc. Of course, it's never a lot of money and not constant, but little amounts add up over time. I also always tell Phil what I did pretty quickly so I'm not hiding it from him. However, you can always see the periods where I've been most stressed because the UPS lady will come to our door several times ;)

With all of that, I just couldn't keep up my facade.

Thanks to my homemaker schedule, I've been able to keep up with the laundry and chores I want to despite how I've been feeling. Throw in a teething infant? That's a little hard. Throw in the stress previously mentioned? Ok, I'm toast.

Don't get me wrong, I have plenty of great things going on amidst many many blessings in my life. I just have a lot on my plate at the moment. I know this is not a reflection on my job as a mother and/or wife. I just wish things were a little more resolved. I mean, Phil is defending his dissertation in 10 days. He is starting his new "big boy" job in 16 days. We are purchasing our first home in the next 3 months. It just feels like everything is falling into place at the last possible second. {insert NBA analogy here}


Once Phil starts his job, we'll be able to afford for me going to my therapist I've seen off and on since 9th grade. I love working with her and she's helped me through many phases in my life. Until then, my mom has been my consult and doing a lovely job. {Thanks mom!}

I know this is a phase and we'll make it through. For now, I just need to uncork my bottle and let it out. Cry a little. Scream in a pillow. Whatever I need to do, (that doesn't involve a credit card!).

Sunday, May 13, 2012

My First {Official} Mother's Day

Last year for Mother's Day, I had just recently announced I was expecting my first child. After all my issues with PCOS and miscarriages, I didn't know if and when I would get to have a real Mother's Day. Even though it was early on in my pregnancy, I was thankful for the cards I received from my parents and close friend.

This year, I got to celebrate with my precious girl. She is the reason I have the new label "mother". She is one of the biggest blessings in my life. I know she can't express her love aside from spit bubbles and smiling at me, but that's good enough for now :) Her laugh, her smile... really everything about her reminds me of what a miracle a baby truly is. My heart is very full today!

We went to church this morning, then grabbed some Outback-to-go for lunch. I Skyped with my folks, then got to change in comfy clothes. The rest of the day was full of naps, hanging out with two of my favorite people, and kissing on Jillian's precious face. I received two sweet cards and a new foot bath! Throw in my ice cream cake and I'd say this day was successful. I just hope I can make Father's Day just as special for Phil in a month :)

Happy Mother's Day to all the moms, grandmas, aunts, godmothers, and moms-to-be!

{With my precious girl :)}

{My favorite people!}

Saturday, May 12, 2012

Jillian: {Five Months}


Jillian –

You are five months old today! I honestly can’t believe how fast you are growing. According to our at-home measurements, you are 13 lbs, 9 oz and 24 1/2 inches long.

You are my sunshine! Even when you started cutting a tooth, you really didn’t fuss more than normal. Maybe we’re just getting used to your emerging personality :) You are sweet, a little dramatic, and so funny! I just love when you scrunch up your face while giving a huge smile. It’s my favorite part of every day!

Depending on the brand, some 0-3 Month and 3 Month clothing can either be just about the right size, or a little too short. I tried some 6 Month clothes on you and the length is good, but the width is so huge. You now wear size 1 diapers for the day and size 2 for overnight. We have about 1-½ bags of size 1 diapers left and then we’ll switch completely to size 2.

When you caught your cold, your feedings suffered. The doctor informed us that 7 - 8 oz is too much for your little tummy at one time! Now we usually have you at 5 feedings a day and you have between 6 and 6 ½ ounces for the first four and 6 to 7 ounces for the last bottle. You are still exclusively on Similac Advance formula. We will try rice cereal sometime in the next 3 weeks.

You are still taking Zantac twice a day for your reflux.

Bath time is still a favorite of yours as long as the water is warm. I tried to give you a cold bath after you got really hot outside and you DESPISED it. I mean, within 3 seconds, you were about to scream. I quickly removed you from the tub and promised never to try that again.

Even though you love playing with new people, you are starting to cry as we leave you in the nursery at church. Even our normal tricks to make you smile will make you cry because you know we’re about to leave. I think it’s a little early for separation anxiety so we think you just love us a lot :)

You had your first sickness this month. Shortly after you started putting your feet in your mouth, you caught your first cold. Overall, you weren’t extra fussy and mostly had a runny nose and ate less.

We have teeth! Towards the end of April, I noticed a small sliver on your lower gum. Now your lower right tooth is out and about! We can see the left side is coming too. You didn’t complain much with the teething so we hope that trend continues. I will miss your gummy smile, but I just love your smile period.

You have gotten really close to rolling over. You’ll get to your side and you seem to get stuck. I know you’ll get there, baby girl! Lately, you’ll stare at your hand and move it back and forth, or open and close your palm. Other times, you look at us and turn your wrist back and forth. We know you don’t mean to wave just yet, but we call it your “princess wave” and it’s adorable!

Your favorite toys are Piglet, your monkey, and your links/your activity mat. Your favorite songs seem to be “Here we go Loopy Loo”, (I replace Loopy Loo with Jilly Jill), “When the Saints Go Marching In”, and “Where is Thumbkin”. Your favorite book is “Chicka Chicka Boom Boom”, but you do enjoy being read to no matter what the book is. You are starting to help us turn pages on your board books! You love to be kissed on the cheek and chin, and you love it when we lift you over our heads. Your laugh is our favorite thing to hear!

You consistently sleep between 9 ½ and 10 ½ hours at night and we are very thankful for that. You are fighting naps more than you used to. Once we get you to sleep, you’re out for at least 30 minutes.

Tummy time is not so bad anymore now that you’re closer to rolling. I still have to save you from time to time, but it’s not such a dramatic event now. You are scooting your butt a lot more so you’re clearly ready to get around! I have a feeling that you’ll be all over the place once you learn to crawl.

We are so happy to have you in our life baby girl! It’s exciting to watch your change and we love you so much :)

{She's such a sweetie!} 

{Smiling at her daddy} 

{This face is all mama! She may look like her daddy, but she seems to have my personality}
{Heaven help us!}

{HAHA Clearly she was interested in taking pictures}
{She has been "chewing" on her hands a lot more once her teeth came in} 

{Scooting off the chair!} 

{Ma! I said no more pictures} 

{Gosh I love her :)}
And some comparisons :)




Wednesday, May 9, 2012

Jillian Update

I thought I'd share a few photos of my favorite gal today :) She's almost up to the same amount of pictures I have of myself... and she's not quite 5 months. Is mama a little picture happy? Oh of course ;)

This was taken this weekend. We went up to Tulsa to visit Phil's folks and you can tell they're pretty proud of their grandbaby :) We made sure to take plenty of books and Grandma read to sweet Jillian.

We put on a summer-y dress yesterday because it was pretty warm down here. It's size 6 Month, which I am not ready for! It's still big enough that you can tell it doesn't really fit her well. She did look super cute though! I sure love that smile :)

I took this yesterday of her teeth. That's right, I said teeth! You can she her first one really well and now you can see the beginning of the next one. What a big girl!

This is her special "Goodnight Moon" bunny that jingles. We got it at Kohl's during our trip to Minnesota. I LOVE that it looks like she's talking/laughing with the bunny. You know, two buddies just chillin' on the couch ;) 

How sweet is this face? I never grow tired of that beautiful girl.

Happy Wednesday y'all!

But I Know What It Feels Like

This post is going to be awfully vulnerable and hard for me, but I really want to finally say it out loud. I got permission for my daughter ...