Winds & Adversity

For 2 days straight, the wind has been blowing, and blowing hard. Interstate 40 has been closed 2 days in a row, due to high winds and low visibility (too much loose dirt blowing around). It was amazing to see all of the semi-trucks parked around town and on the on/off ramps of the freeways.

Today I attended the Gila Valley temple dedication, via satellite. Pres. Eyring spoke about preparing ourselves to attend the temple. I thought it was ironic, or perhaps, prophetic, that he told us that we would feel the winds of adversity as we prepared to go to the temple. During Pres. Monson's talk, the wind blew out the satellite feed twice, but both times it came on again after only a few seconds (I'm sure I wasn't the only one praying for it to come back on).

The wind has been a literal adversary for truckers trying to get across the state of AZ. And so I started thinking about what "winds" are causing adversity in my life. Ken started his final internship this week - that should be a good thing, right? Well, it is, but it's also a challenge. It's 8-weeks of 1 1/2 hour commutes each direction; it's 8-weeks of working 4 days a week, while I work the other 3 days; it's 8-weeks of only seeing each other 2-3 hours each day, 7 days a week. This is an adversity that will soon blow over, but right now, I feel a draft!

I'm a Survivor

I did it. I went back to work today and didn't cry once - at work anyway. Perhaps this was due to supportive co-workers (one even brought me ice cream to make my day better), a loving husband who confidently took care of Amelia, and/ or an answer to prayers. Between pumping every few hours and trying to get back into the work mode, the day actually went by quickly (thank goodness). Here's hoping the next few months go by just as quickly and I can return full time to the job I really love - being a full-time Mom.

Growing Pains

Amelia took her first bottle this week. I think it was easier for her than it was for me. I felt a bit outsourced. And even though I'm happy that she'll take a bottle AND that it has breast milk in it AND that it's a necessity while I'm working, it still makes me a bit sad.

Maybe part of my sadness is that I have to go back to work on Tuesday and I'll miss some of Amelia's growing up moments.

Sigh

Good Times

We had family in town last weekend for Ken's graduation and Amelia's blessing and I'm just starting to feel like I'm getting caught up, but I loved having everyone here. I loved being able to show off Amelia to everyone. I loved that my parents were able to come. I loved that my cousin Kathryn and friend Carol drove my parents here. I loved that Ken's Dad and brother were able to come for the weekend. And I loved that Kathryn was our self-designated paparazzi for the weekend. I can't wait to see all the pictures, but here's a preview of things to come.

Missed Opportunities

So I'm laying in bed last night thinking of all the photo opportunities I missed yesterday. Ken graduated from NAU yesterday with his Doctorate degree in Physical Therapy. Did I take a picture of him in his cap & gown? with me? or with Amelia? Nope to all three. He wanted a picture of him with Amelia and 2 of his classmates and their cute daughters. Did we get the photo? Nope. Do I regret it? Most definitely. He had to buy the cap and gown, so we can re-create the photo op with me and Amelia (and maybe Kat (the designated "paparozzi" for the weekend) can capture it with her great camera), but we missed out on getting pictures with our friends - bummer!

But on a positive note - WAY TO GO KEN! I'M SO PROUD OF YOU!

Small but Healthy

Today Amelia is 2 months old. And she had her 2-month baby appointment.

The stats:

Height: 22"

Weight: 7 lbs. 13 in.

Summary: Our baby is small. She's in the 37% percentile for height, but only 3% for weight. The Dr. isn't too concerned because she seems healthy, alert, and attentive, but she wants to see Amelia again in a few weeks to follow up.

Amelia also had her first immunizations today. I was definitely more nervous than Amelia, and thank goodness that Ken was there. Ken had Amelia so calm before the shots that she was almost asleep, so she handled it all pretty well.

Despite her small size, Amelia is mighty. Her smiles go from ear to ear. She giggles when we play and sing songs with her. And lately she has started "talking" - it is so cute to hear it.

What a BIG impact this small baby has made in our life and we LOVE her.

Bad Parents

A phrase that Ken and I have used quite a bit in the last 7 weeks is "we're such bad parents". Usually this is said after we discover something we should have done for Amelia and didn't. For example, when Amelia was about 2 weeks old, we needed to run to Sam's Club, for something really important (probably ice cream). The membership is only in my name since I got it through work, I needed to get out of the house, and Ken wanted to come (he loves Sam's Club/ Costco), so of course we had to bring Amelia. Ken carried Amelia around the store since she hated her car seat at that point. When we went to leave, the lady at the exit checking our receipt gave us the third degree - how old is she? where is her hat? don't you know it's cold outside? Ken and I headed to our car saying "we're such bad parents". . . and thus it began.

Since then, the phrase has been used on occasions such as when:

* Amelia's hands smelled like dirty feet - apparently you have to unclench their hands and clean in between their fingers.

* I went to a friend's house for fun and threw off Amelia's sleep schedule.

* Amelia scratches her face because I haven't trimmed her fingernails lately - and man, her nails grow quick.

* I realized Amelia wore the same sleeper for 3 days in a row.

Friends have reassured me that all new parents go through this phase, so I have apologized to Amelia in advance and hopefully she'll forgive us for our lack of experience ;)