The trials and tribulations of being a parent. Trying to balance adult time while getting enough sleep.  I had a perfect girls night! A lovely friend of mine got tickets for Christmas from her husband to see Justin Timberlake and all he asked was that she find a friend to go with.  I was that lucky friend!!!!  I almost forgot how much fun it was to go out for a nice meal with a good friend and do something completely out of the ordinary.

The reason I mention all of this in Annabelle’s weekly update is that the concert was on a Monday, we had a really busy schedule for the rest of the week and by Friday I was completely dead on my feet.  I hate to admit that at some point during the week I went a little crazy due to lack of sleep.  I remember the days when Dusty and I had something going on every night of the week and were eager to go to our favorite restaurant for a drink at the end of the week.  Now, as Friday approaches, I’m thrilled when I see nothing on the calendar and can be in bed before 9pm.  Annabelle, what did you do to this super awesome couple that were always up for doing something before we had you?

Happy belated Valentine’s Day.  Annabelle celebrated Valentine’s Day with a party at school and got her very first card in the mail from her great-grandma Dee Dee.  Another lesson as a new parent, even the youngest of children celebrate holidays at school.  Thank goodness for the note that went home with Annabelle a week or so before the holiday letting me know what kinds of things would be best to give for valentines.  Annabelle gave little containers of play dough with her valentine card.  My favorites that Annabelle got were bubbles, a pair of socks, a balloon, a toothbrush, and chocolate chip cookies the size of pennies (because I got to eat the mini cookies).  Annabelle’s favorite seemed to be the heart-shaped balloon.

Quick note, I always thought it was weird when parents called what I viewed as daycare as “school” but here I am doing it myself.  I’m not sure if it’s that the staff go by Ms. (fill in first name) which makes me think of a teacher, or if it’s that I work at a school and so when I talk to Annabelle I ask her how school was or how much fun she had with her friends at school, or if it’s that now that she’s going to daycare I feel like she’s learning things just like she will be when she’s actually in “school. “

Annabelle’s sleeping great.  She goes to bed sometime before 730pm and if she wakes up before midnight we comfort her by rubbing her back, talking to her and playing some music.  Most of the time she goes right back to sleep.  And then when she wakes up after midnight we change her if it’s necessary (this is when she usually needs it) and I nurse her before putting her back to bed.  She’s been waking up just twice a night.  Life is good!

Annabelle had peas for the first time this week.  I was a little worried she wouldn’t like them because, well, who really likes peas but you would have thought it was the best thing she’s ever eaten.  She eagerly waits for that spoon to hit her mouth.  Next week we’re trying winter squash.

Annabelle is still working on sitting by herself.  She’s a bit wobbly and after a few moments starts to lean and then fall to one side but she’s getting better!  She’s got the tripod down but needs just a little more stability.

This week’s outfit might be one of my favorites. Annabelle is wearing daddy’s Flywheel onsie as a tribute to her love of amazing WordPress hosting and to Valentine’s Day.  She’s also wearing a pair of DIY jeans I made from Dusty’s old jeans and a pair of DIY TOMS inspired shoes I sewed while she was taking a couple of naps over the past. I’ve also made her a few sensory play toys and a doll I’ll share at some point.  And of course, I love the bibs I’ve made for her. We use them all of the time.  I spend a lot of my free time finding baby-related sewing patterns and tutorials that I can make as well.  I’m sure Annabelle will be embarrassed that she had to wear clothes that her mother sewed and had homemade toys but I think it’s absolutely adorable.