Trying Times

I have to admit that the last several days have been rather trying. From the potential government shutdown (umm not getting paid, what?) to baby issues, the last several days have been exhausting. I've learned several things in the last couple days:
~ It's time to get better educated about politics. My voice may be small, but it's not silent.
~ A proactive doctor is a blessing.  Caitlyn has a cough that doesn't have to do with any sinus or chest congestion. The Dr. is taking a proactive stance to make sure that it isn't anything serious.
~ Baby Tylenol is the shizs! Caitlyn had her shots today and has been pretty sleepy/grumpy since then. I can't imagine how she bad she would be feeling if we didn't have the Tylenol.
~ A long walk with Caitlyn and Bailey on a beautiful day does wonders for my attitude.
~ A woman is never too old to need her parents.
~ Pictures of Maui still take me back to the island. If I close my eyes, I can still smell the pineapple, feel the warm sun on my face, and hear the waves rolling in.
So with that said, I leave you with an image of my happy place.

Neglected

Dear Mom,

Remember me? Your first child. I've been trying to get your attention by reminding you that:
~ we eat together (sitting by me whining)
~ we enjoy walks (peeing on the guest bathroom rug)
~ playing (stealing a baby rattle and storing it under the bed)
~ staying out of your way (curling up on the other side of the couch pouting)

I just want you to know that I still love you despite that darn baby!

Love,
Bailey

Bittersweet

Dear Caitlyn, 

Today you are two months old. I can't believe how fast the last two months have gone. They have been filled with so much joy. As I reflect today on all that you have brought to our lives, I can no longer imagine life without you. 

One day when you are old enough to understand, I will explain to you how bittersweet today is. Last year, my Grandma passed away on this day. She is the one that named me Snick and would have called you Baby Snick. She would have been so in love with you. Last year this day was Easter Sunday. Easter will forever be a hard day for our family no matter what date it falls on. 

I woke up this morning wanting to put you in a bubble so that you would always be protected from pain. I quickly realized this was impossible. I cannot protect you from loss anymore than I can turn the tide. While this will be hard to understand for a long time, the hardships in life are what make each day beautiful. Every hard thing that I have been through has made me a stronger person who appreciates each day that I am given. What I can do is promise is that I will be there for you as long as I can. When life gets hard, Daddy and I will be there for you. We will never be able to make it all better, but we will do all that we can to be there for you. 

(pic taken a couple days before Adam went back overseas)

While you will not understand for a long time, I want you to know that even when your Daddy is overseas he is still here for you. You are his world. When he has to go, it is never anything we have done. His job is takes him away from us, but you need to know that he does this job to make the world a safer place for us. You are the most important thing in his life. He constantly asks about you, wants pictures of you and talks about what all you guys will do when he gets home. 

I'm not sure that we will ever be able to explain what you have done to our lives. I can tell you that life has never been better than it is now. Each day is new and exciting. Our lives have never been more filled  with joy than they are now. 

We love you, little girl! 

Mommy and Daddy

Happy Thought

She is my happy thought!

Another Goodbye

Yep believe it or not, this is a non-Caitlyn post. This is one of those random oh-yea-military-life posts. I found out this week that a dear friend/former co-worker is headed overseas as a defense contractor. Tomorrow Caitlyn and I will be going to his last happy hour at work. He has been itching to get back into the field for over a year now, so I am very happy for him. However, I am really dreading another goodbye. I will never get used to all the goodbyes that military life brings us. The one good thing that I have learned is that it's never truly goodbye but simply "See you later." Send me hugs. I'm going to need them.

Staying in Touch

Because we don't live in the same town as our families, I send out a "Daily Pic" of Caitlyn to her grandparent's and uncle's. Let me tell you, holy crap did I start something with that one. If I don't get the picture out by noon, I start getting text messages. "Where's my picture?" My Dad is wondering how she will feel when she is 16 and getting her picture taken everyday before school. What do you do to keep your friends and family in touch with your kids? Are you lucky enough to live in the same town?

Life Changes

Don't get me wrong, I'm still in Mommy bliss mode. But let's get "real" for a few minutes. My ottoman is now decorated with baby gear (see above photo). Never mind that my living room now has a swing, a baby papasan chair and a play mat decorating it. MAJOR change! 

 Caitlyn can't tolerate dairy right now which means I can't have a few of my favorites things like cheese, chocolate and ice cream. Oh and don't forget no butter on anything. Paula Deen would die!  

Other changes? Cleaning the house when I can. Not getting the dishes done every day. For those that know me well, this is a HUGE difference. I'm a clean everyday kind of girl especially if I'm home. What I didn't do everyday was laundry. Umm change - Caitlyn gives me a load almost EVERY day. How can something so small make so much laundry? 

Bailey has had to deal with a major change as well. She doesn't get all the mommy attention that she used to. Luckily, she loves Baby C so we haven't had to deal with jealousy issues. Plus she gets to go on lots of walks these days! 

These are just a few of the major changes that we are dealing with over here. The biggest change is that life is no longer just about me and Adam. It's now all about this precious little girl. That change I love! 

Sleeping Beauty

I don't know about you, but I sure wish I could sleep that soundly.

Playing dress up

Back in the fall,  my mother-in-law bought a beautiful antique dress for Caitlyn. We played dress up the other day and took some pictures. So much fun! 

Lessons Learned

I find each new day brings new lessons learned.

~Grandpa's are made useless by the presence of their granddaughters

~ Advice from the Grandma's has been invaluable

~ Babies need mommy cuddles. Likewise sometimes, mommy needs baby cuddles

~ People love giving baby gifts especially if they are pink, frilly or fuzzy

~ I no longer have a choice but to slow down and take each day as it comes. 

One Month

Ms. Caitlyn was a month old on Friday. Where did the past month go? We spent the weekend meeting lots of "greats." As in great-grandpa's, a great-great aunt, and a great aunt. She also got to meet one of her uncles and some of my friends. It was a fun weekend! 

Things I Love

Waking up to a love note from the Hubs
Caitlyn's smiles, cuddles, noises, expressions, and just everything that she does
Sunny skies
Skyping with the Hubs
Bailey's acceptance of the big change in her life!

But more than anything, I love how loved this my little girl is. Her grandparents, aunt, uncles and everyone that meets her just can't get enough of her!