Sleepy Time

I feel as if we are finally beginning to exit the 'newborn haze' stage of parenting. The first month felt pretty much like survival mode as far as Caris' sleep and feeding went.....whatever worked, we did. I look back on those first few weeks when I was sleeping at most an hour at a time and am just glad we made it through. Now that Caris is a bit more substantial and adjusting to her new world,  I am attempting to transition to more purposeful parenting and establish some sort of routine with Caris, especially since I have to go back to work in 5 weeks :(  

I am currently reading two books that have provided insight and guidance in my attempts and highly recommend both : Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child  by Marc Weisbluth, M.D. and Secrets of a Baby Whisperer by Tracy Hogg.  It has been reassuring in some ways because I have found I am doing many of the things they have suggested intuitively. They have definately provided direction and clarification to where we want to go. My main goals are to try to make sure Caris is getting a healthy amount of sleep, gets a routine that is comfortable for her, and has a safe environment to establish trust. I like both of these books because they consider the babies' personality and needs. I am not one that is comfortable with putting her on a strict schedule or letting her cry it out, so this works for us. 

So sleep. Caris has been sleeping pretty decent during the night. In California, she started a good night time sleep pattern and has continued with some minor fluctuations. She usually sleeps from about 11 until 5 and then goes back down for a few hours; she does well with her swaddle at night. We have had trouble getting an early bedtime though; she has been pretty fussy from about 7-10 or so. Daytime is a different story....I feel like I spend my entire day trying to get her to nap. I try to put her down at the first signs of sleep like the books suggest, but she fights it. I try for the whole time and then it's time for her to eat again! The little one will truly only nap if she is moving via the car seat, stroller, or our moby sling (that is why she did so great in California, we were always on the move!). Her best sleep occurs when I take her out, it's a verified fact at this point.  If she stops moving, she wakes up. She won't sleep in her swing long either. I end up running an errand with her or leaving during the day just so she will get some rest. I don't know if that helps or hurts the cause for naps, but I know she needs sleep so I do it....Again. I am trying to be more purposeful. 

Tonight we made some improvements... I hope. We had a bedtime routine with bath, book, change, and swaddle, did two cluster feedings, and I was able to get Caris down in her crib for the first time with relatively little crying by about 8:30. I am nervous this will impact her night sleep, but they say sleep begets sleep so I am hopeful this is just an improvement on her night sleep and won't cause to much change.... we shall see. Right now I am watching the video monitor and she seems to be doing pretty good. I even witnessed some self-soothing! Way to go Caris. We will try again tomorrow and see if we can at least get one good nap in. But for now, I'm proud of how she has done the last few hours. Good night sweet girl! 

Caris' Couture

Our week in California consisted of many celebratory events for the wedding couple. We were able to attend them all with little Caris and fun was had by all. Caris is quite the party girl...she did so great every night and was loving life; she barely fussed at all. Subsequently, her parents were able to celebrate with our family and friends. We also took advantage of the opportunity to dress little Caris in her finest. Unfortunately, she hasn't quite grown into her 0-3 month clothes, so they are a little big :) 

Here is Caris at the Welcome Cocktail Party. The party was held to welcome all arriving guests and was a great evening out on the beautiful patio at the Lodge. So fun

! Her onesie says 'This is My Little Black Dress'. She got to bust out her cute little tutu as well.

The rehearsal dinner was held at a culinary school in Sonoma, Ramekins. It was fantastic!! The White's put on a great party. Pretty in pink to match her pretty Auntie :)

Caris attended the bridesmaid brunch in a cute little rose dress. That was an awesome breakfast!

She had the cutest little flower girl dress, same material as the bridesmaid with a little bow and everything! We couldn't get too many pictures because it was so cold and she had to stay bundled up. 

We are so grateful we were able to spend a week in beautiful Cali at such wonderful events. 

We love the new Mr. and Mrs. White!!

Mr. and Mrs. White!!!

Tara and Bobby's wedding was absolutely AMAZING!!! Tara was a stunning bride and every detail was perfect. The flowers, the tent, the view, the cakes, and the BAND were spectacular. The wedding needed to be in a magazine it was so perfect! Caris, Garrett, and I spent to night on the dance floor and Caris loved every second of it. 

What a special time for our family and friends to be able to celebrate this special occasion. So many people we love made the effort to come to California to celebrate and it meant so much to our family. Tara and Robert are much in love and are a great match. We were blessed to be a part of this beautiful event. I was Tara's matron of honor, Garrett was a groomsman, and little Caris was a flower girl!  It is so special to see your sister and best friend find the man she was meant to be together and to experience such true joy. 

Unfortunately between bride and baby duties, I didn't take any pictures so I am going to have to steal them from others.....

CONGRATS to the NEWLYWEDS!!!

She was stunning!! Seriously born to be a bride. 

Chillin' in Cali

I've been living the California lifestyle for the past week!!! I was the flower girl in my Aunt Tara's wedding  and helped her celebrate all week. I took my first plane ride, road trip, and visited the spa. Lots of fun pictures and stories to come! We are home and missing the beautiful weather, room service, maid, and pool :( It's been a busy busy week! But I was so great to my parents and started sleeping 5 hours straight through the night! I was a great traveler and loved all the parties. I'll tell you about them soon! Right now I need to rest and unpack and help my momma clean. 

Love, Caris 

Lessons Learned

Our life with sweet Caris has been beautiful. From day one, I have felt a new array of emotions associated with parenthood. The most prevalent has been the overwhelming sense of love and devotion to our little one. Joy with each glimpse of her sweet little face, bright eyes, and little smile. Such helplessness associated with my inability to protect her to the degree I hope too which also translates to increased trust and faith in God to impart his protection on our little family. Uncertainty as to how best to care for Caris' needs....which is where our lessons are learned. 

Every day, hour even, I feel we learn new things about how to parent our little girl. What she needs, what she likes, what works to comfort her. It is such a learning process trying to figure this all out. We try something, see if it works, then try something else. We are starting to get the hang of things but I have no doubt that this is indicative of parenthood in general. Caris is learning too. Together we are figuring things out, hour by hour. 

Some things we've learned thus far: 

Caris is an alert little girl who seems to always be wondering what the next thing is on the agenda. She loves to be 'sitting up' or looking out, checking out her new world. She likes to be held outside under the trees and she checks everything out in her yard. We have figured out to take her out there when she is awake and wanting to move. Caris loves music and loves to dance with her Daddy; it always comforts her in her fussy times so it's a go to move. Her favorite dance move is the 'spin'. Little girl does NOT like her diaper changed or her clothes changed, we are learning to do this things quickly to lessen the disturbance. One very memorable diaper change resulted in three messy diapers, two outfit changes, a dirty changing pad, and a screaming baby. We learned. Caris likes to 'move it move it'; she loves her car seat, stroller, and walks. She likes to learn and stares at her art cards intently. We are still learning how to sleep -  Caris likes to be held and patted because her tummy often hurts. We just purchased the 'Moby' sling (the BEST!!) which keeps her held close and she seems to like to work out with mommy.  We have learned very specific tricks with nursing and digestive issues, but I will spare you from those dirty details.....

Most importantly, I have learned patience. With nursing, crying, keeping the house together, patience and flexibility are key. Caris definately has her own little personality and likes/dislikes. We are figuring it out little by little! We still have to get down schedules and sleeping, but we are working on it. Still have many many lessons to learn. 

Family

What a blessing it is to have such wonderful family surrounding us!!!

 

What a bles

sing it is to have such wonderful family surrounding us. 

Garrett and I were so blessed to be surrounded

 by all of our immediate family on the day of Caris' arrival. Caris is a lucky lady to have so many loving grandparents, aunts, and uncles so involved on our lives. Family is so important to us and we are so grateful for their continued support. 

Everyone meeting Caris for the first time!

Today we are especially thankful for our mothers (and mother-in-laws). We are so lucky to have such wonderful women in our lives that have and continued to shape who we are. They have been invaluable the last three weeks in adjusting to our new little one. 

Happy Mothers Day to our sweet new grandmothers !!!! We love you!!

Lovely

"Isn't she lovely

Isn't she wonderful

Isn't she precious

Less than one minute old

I never thought that through love we'd be

Making one as lovely as she

But isn't she lovely made from love

Isn't she pretty 

Truly the angel's best

Boy I'm so happy 

We have been heaven blessed

I can't believe what God has done

Through us he's given life to one

But isn't she lovely 

made from love"

lyrics - Stevie Wonder - Isn't She Lovely- 

Photos by Garrett.....

Daddy

"Fathers, be good to your daughters. You are god and weight of her world" 

Daddy's girl already! 

What an honor to share this journey with such an amazing partner. Garrett is completely in love with his baby girl and has been so involved with her care from day 1. I didn't even have change a diaper until day 3!!! The look in his eyes when he sees little Caris is priceless. There is already an evident bond between these two that I can't wait to see grow. I can't imagine a better father for our sweet daughter. 

'I Love Daddy' socks..tiny ankles!                                      - First sweet kisses from Dad - 

Garrett was in the middle of a round of tests last week and now has finals for the next two weeks. Poor guy had to leave to go take a test 10 minutes after 

my water broke (with reassurance from the doctor we had p

lenty of time and could prolong pushing if needed). He has been such a trooper studying and still spending quality with his new family and taking care of his little girl. He pulls the 

late night shift and it is too cute to see him studying away in her nursery with Caris by his side, his little 'study buddy'. Garrett is the master diaper changer and swaddler! He also gives Caris daily dance lessons, art card instructions, and 'teaching' walks around the house. Caris has also become his photography muse :) It is true joy to see his face light up when Caris' eyes are wide open and engaged and focusing on him. 

Garrett presented his little girl with a treasured 'life day' present: her first pair of beautiful diamond and rose gold earrings that he designed himself (with a matching pair for mom) tucked into a little jewelry box of hand crafted wood from our favorite craftsman store in New Hampshire. It was such a thoughtful and precious gift that I know she will treasure forever. I think she already has him wrapped around his finger :) The best gift a little girl can receive is the love and guidance of a strong father.  What a blessing to Caris that this gift is well established and will continue to grow throughout her life.

And I would know.....

-  With my dad, right before Caris' arrival, can't you see where Caris gets her little nose? - 

"Train up a child in the way which he should go and when he is old he will not depart from it" - Proverbs 22:6

Machita :)

We love our Machita!!

- Mom, me, and Caris- 

My mom, a.k.a Machita and/or Grandma Susie, was such an amazing support the last two weeks. She came down the week before Caris' arrival to help me out with final preparations and to give the house a good cleaning so Garrett could focus on studying. I have no idea where all her energy comes from, but she get can more done in a day than I can in week! Her help was invaluable. 

Mom stayed through the first few days of adjusting to a new baby and pulled the rough 2:00 a.m - 4:00 am shift when Caris was fussy :) She really saved us when we came home from the hospital; we didn't get home until 9:00 pm and I had not slept in 36 hours! Mom had my house clean and my favorite meal prepared, then took the baby and ordered me to bed. I don't know what we would have done without her! She spent the next few days cooking us gourmet meals, keeping my house clean, planting my beautiful flower gardens, and teaching me all things baby. She is the ultimate baby whisperer/nurse :) We were so thankful she was there to help support us that first week.  What a blessing to have such great family

- Caris in her swing from Grandma Susie and her little lamb outfit (Grandma was playing dress-up)- 

- Bath time! - 

- This little rose was mine when I was a baby that my grandmot

her made, Caris loves it!-

- Grandma all worn out - 

We love you Grandma Susie!!!

Thank you!!! Caris misses you :) 

p.s. I still think Caris wants to call you Machita...

My successful sistter Shelby

Shelby you ROCK!!

Just wanted to congratulate my sister Shelby on her 2nd place finish at her last conference track meet!!! You are awesome!

- look at her jump! - 

Shelby has worked so hard the last four years of college high jumping for McMurry's track team. She worked out every single day for hours and I don't think she missed a single track practice, all while doing great in school. It was a huge commitment that she has excelled at. 

- sweet jump!-

WE ARE SO PROUD OF YOU!!!!

                                                 Shelby meeting Caris

Shelby made several trips to Houston for my shower and Caris' birth in the midst of a very busy schedule of tests and track. She is doing great on a huge final project which has been a big undertaking. 

I am so thankful to have such a great sister and friend and Caris loves her auntie :) Shelby also bought Caris her first pair of running shoes and workout clothes! An athlete in the making...? sorry...couldn't not post a picture of the baby!

- does Caris have high jumping legs? Ready to work out with my Aunt!

Congratulations on  a great track career Shelby and good luck with tests!