Look at those dimples!

Lilly has been really active this week and has been making lots of new sounds! I've been repeating everything she says and it seems to make her more talkative so I'll keep on doing it (I read somewhere that you should repeat what they say to enhance their early verbal skills.) She's been eating between 5-6 ounces each feeding and has only been getting up once at night (knock on wood!) We're home alone for the weekend since Dan is going home for a fishing trip so I think that maybe I'll make some cards one day and go to the park the next depending on the weather. We'll go grocery shopping on Sunday and hopefully we won't get too many stares when she's in her Maya!

My new journey.....

is about to begin! Starting Sunday I go back on Weight Watchers. Since Lillian arrived, I intially lost all of the weight that I had put on. Since then, my numbers have creeped back up and I'm not happy with what I see in the mirror. I don't like having my picture taken with Lilly because of the way I look and that's not something that I want for her or me. So.....my new jouney begin. Unfortunately veggies won't be at the top of my menu since I hate most of them (especially if they're green!) I know it won't be easy but I have to at least try. I'd like to lose 80 pounds but I know for now I need a more realistic goal so we'll go with 30 to start off with. I just want to be more comfortable with myself and I know losing the weight is the way to achieve it! So we'll see how it goes......wish me luck!

I know, I know! More pictures of the same thing.....Lillian sleeping! I just can't help myself though. This is Lillian's lullaby that I sing to her by the Beatles......

Now it's time to say goodnight

Good night sleep tight

Now the sun turns out his light

Good night sleep tight

Dream sweet dreams for me

Dream sweet dreams for you

Close your eyes and I'll close mine

Good night sleep tight

Now the moon begins to shine

Good night sleep tight

Dream sweet dreams for me

Dream sweet dreams for you

Close your eyes and I'll close mine

Good night sleep tight

Now the sun turns out his light

Good night sleep tight

Dream sweet dreams for me

Dream sweet dreams for you

Sadly we won't be able to take Lillian to the beach, but she still had to wear her outfit! The bottoms are really big on her, but the cloth diapers helped to fill some of the empty space! She was awake a lot longer today which I have to get used too! I'm just so happy to see her blossom into such an adorable little girl!

Lillian checking herself out in the mirror!

The only frustrating part of parenthood....

Is the advice complete strangers feel compelled to tell you! If I have questions about my parenting skills....believe me.....I'll be the first person to ask. Luckily, being a mom has come naturally to me. I know when she's hungry, I know when she doesn't feel well and I know when she has gas (which is rarely.) Basically I know my own child. I may make a few mistakes along the way, but they're my mistakes to make! Can you tell I'm frustrated?!

I've told a few people this story already but it's a prime example as to why you shouldn't give advice to people you don't know. When we went to the antique fest on Saturday Dan had Lillian in her carrier which carries her in the front. We had a burp cloth under her chin so her head wouldn't be buried into Dan's chest. A man walks up to Dan and says.....is your baby breathing.....you really shouldn't be wearing that?!!! First off, yes she's breathing, like we would be walking around with her if she wasn't.....and secondly, tons of people use baby carriers and if they weren't safe they wouldn't be sold!

I wear my maya wrap (which Lilly is in the picture above) to do the grocery shopping. I prefer wearing her like this rather than putting her in the carts that have the seats that are covered with germs and who knows what else. She falls asleep as soon as I put her into it and if she wasn't comfortable she would let me know. She's actually in it as I type right now fast asleep. All I get are stares when I wear her and when I say stare I mean a hard stare......the type that I find rude and unneccesary. As you can tell it upsets me and I guess it's going to have to be something that I get used too because as long as Lilly is happy, so am I. I feel better now getting that off my chest!

Okay....last but certainly not least, we went to the doctor today to have more blood drawn for Lilly's iron levels. She now weighs............drumroll please...............9 1/2 pounds!!! I was going to take pictures of her at the doctors office but forgot my camera (something I tend to do a lot of lately!) but it was probably for the best since she had to be pricked 4 times......she does however have a Barbie band-aid on her cute little foot which I'll have to take a picture of when she wakes up!

We went to the Antique Festival today and had a great day! Although we weren't planning on buying anything, we like walking around and looking at everything. Lillian did absolutely wonderful and didn't make a peep the whole time (almost 5 hours total!) I ended up getting what I wanted to get last time I was there.....some wooden baby shoe molds from the early 1900's and Dan bought a birdhouse made out of license plates from New England states. All in all it was a really nice family outing!

It worked! Look at that smile!

I have an adorable pic that I took of Lilly today that I can't upload because Blogger is having issues since they switched formats. I went to the doctor today for a blood pressure check and it's still a little high so she wants me to come back in another month. After my appointment, me and Lilly had to go to the store to get some more bottle brushes and I thought that I would try and find some shoes for her (since all of the ones that she has are way too big.) We found a pair and although they're a little big on her, they stay on her feet. I know some may think that it's pointless putting shoes on a baby, but I think that they're way too cute....and if she had fit in shoes when we brought her home from the hospital she would have been in them from day one! It may be awhile until I'm able to upload pics again but I'll keep trying.....I hope it get's fixed soon!

I know I take way too many pics of Lillian but I just can't help myself!! I took this pic right before it was time for her to eat. She was crying only moments before, but I caught her attention with a rattle! Isn't she the cutest?!!!

Our long weekend in Syracuse

We had a nice long weekend in Syracuse which was nice. We arrived Friday night and went straight to bed so that I could get up early the next morning. Saturday me and Betsy went to the Fair for 4 or so hours. It rained the whole time and we really didn't eat as much as we thought we would, but we still had fun! I got Dan his ribs from Dinosaur BBQ and he seemed to enjoy them even though they had some fat on them! After we dried up a bit we went to visit with Great Grandma Desimone. Even though I remembered my camera I forgot to bring it along with me. Sunday we had the clambake....although I can't stand clams! Me and Betsy ate a little later (I had my coney!) After that we went to visit with Aunt Gina.

Every time that we travel the weekend goes by so fast! I never know how to spread myself out enough so that I get to see everyone.....and now that Lilly is here I know that people want to see her. It almost seems like we spend more time in the car!

Other than that not much else is going on. I'm going to be starting Weight Watchers again once I find my points calculator.....now that I need the darn thing I can't find it!!! I know that it isn't going to be easy for me, especially since I don't like veggies.....but I know that it's something that I need to do for Lilly and Dan.....and maybe myself too! I'm going to take pictures of myself so I can see my progress.

It's hard to believe that Lillian was 3 months yesterday! She's starting to be more active during the day and sleeping a little longer during the night (I can't wait for a 6-7 hour stretch!) We're starting our packing today so we make sure that we don't forget anything! At the top of our list.....mine and Lillians clothes!!!! I don't think that I'll let him live that one down for awhile! It's supposed to rain for the fair but me and Betsy are going to go anyways....less people= more food!!! I have to pick up Dan's favorite while we're there....Dinosaur BBQ. Whenever we're home it's the only thing he wants.....while the only thing I want is a Hoffman coney.....yummo!!!

My life.......Lillian and laundry!

Lillian's first newborn sized sleeper!!!!

This past weekend we went to visit Great Grandma Bombria and once again I forgot the camera! We also saw Uncle Jim, Aunt Colleen, Chelsea, Uncle Tom and Jenna! This week me and Lillian don't have any plans other than chilling out! We don't have another doctors' appointment until next week which has been a nice break. According to my scale which isn't exact, Lillian weighs approximately 8.5 pounds which is hard to believe! Last night Dan fed Lillian as he gets ready for his big day alone with Lillian! Me and Betsy are going to the State Fair on Saturday and since Dad and Mary will be at a wedding Dan will be all alone. He did a great job last night and he will be feeding her once a night for the rest of the week for extra practice.

Those of you who read this entry......please leave a comment of encouragement for Dan regarding feeding her. I'll delete this part after we get a few so he doesn't know!

The small things.......

It really is the small things in life that matter most.....like watching your child sleep. Every now and then I put Lilly on her stomach when she has a hard time sleeping (I watch her of course.) Once on her stomach, she'll fall fast asleep. Today I think that she had her first "real" smile! I was playing with one of her toys and she let out this huge grin so I started shaking it again and she let out another one.....it was really cute and I can't wait for more!

This was one of the outfits that Lilly was going to wear this past weekend. Isn't she cunnin' (like Grandma Bombria would say!)

Today Lilly has officially made the switch to cloth (actually microfiber) and so far so good! I may have to wait a couple more weeks for her thighs to get bigger if she starts to leak, in which case we'll make sure we don't get Huggies! They're a little bulky on her at the moment, but they'll eventually flatten out as we make them bigger. Just for those who are wondering, her diapers are called Fuzzi Bunz and the inside is made of microfiber. A terry insert slips into the middle for more absorbancy. Supposedly, "everything" is supposed to fall off into the toilet when they're ready to be cleaned. I made the decision to use these based on recommendations and not wanting to spend $10 a week on diapers that are just thrown away. These diapers should last her up to 8 months, which is a huge savings.....plus they're cute to boot!

Forgetful Weekend!

This weekend we traveled to Shushan to visit with Grandma Bombria and we did the unthinkable.....we forgot two very important items! I forgot to bring my camera.....I realized that I forgot it on the MA/NY state line which is almost an hour away. Then, to top things off................Dan forgot mine and Lilly's luggage!!! I had the most adorable outfits picked out for her to wear. I only had an extra onesie in her diaper bag. Luckily, Kathy gave us some outfits and Pat's next door neighbor let us borrow some onesies for the night. Once again luck wasn't on our side when I noticed that Lillian was leaking through every pair of diapers that we put on her (I don't recommend Huggies......very flimsy!!!!!) I switched her to the newborn size when we came home last night and today I'm washing her cloth diapers so she can start wearing them tomorrow. We had a wonderful weekend visiting everyone.....only wish I had my camera to catch it all. I'll be making a traveling list today to make sure we don't forget anything next time!

WHAT A SCARE!!!!

I just got back from the store and started going through our mail. Our insurance sends us a breakdown for all fees (which I hate) on all of our services. We're used to receiving 5 or so of these each week from Lilly's stay in the hospital. Today we received another 5, plus this one that was in a different envelope. At the top of it, it states that this is not a bill.....but at the bottom it states that if it isn't taken care of within 45 days the claim will be denied! So I read through it thinking that I needed to get something from the hospital. I called our insurance and was told that it was standard procedure and not too worry......good thing because I don't think that I have $118,000 on hand! $118,000!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I just about died when I totalled everything up! Lilly though, is worth every penny!

I don't think that I've uploaded this picture before and it's one of my favorites from when she was in the hospital. Today me and Lilly are going to get some chores done and start packing for this weekend. Lilly gets to see Grandma Bombria which I know she's excited about!

This picture is already posted but I've been trying something new......digital scrapbooking! Instead of making an actual scrapbook, everything is done within the computer. This is my first try at it, so I'm sure they'll eventually get better!

My big girl.....well not really!

Well.....we made it through her appointment today! When it came time for her shots I decided to look the other way, especially since I saw the size of the needles before they poked her! She cried for a little bit and then pooped herself out. She's up to
7 lbs 7 oz and 19 1/2 inches long!!! Dri. Gurski is extremely happy with her progress and says that she is one healthy little girl! She has to go back again next month for another iron test since her last sample had clots in it. Other than that she is doing extremely well! The above pic is her all tuckered out from her hard day!

Thank goodness for digital cameras! I find myself wanting to take pictures of her on a daily basis which I’m able to do with this camera. Lilly has outgrown 6 of her preemie outfits thus far! Unfortunately she seems to be in the in between stage in which most of her preemie clothes are too small but all of her newborn outfits are too large! I know the day will come when she fits into them…..but I just want to get her all dressed up! Tomorrow Lillian is getting her vaccinations and hopefully it won’t be to rough on the both of us! Then on Thursday I have an appointment with my new primary physician to get my blood pressure under control. Need to make sure I’m nice and healthy for my Lillian (and Danny too!)

Lilly's weekend

Lilly certainly is one well loved little girl! This weekend Grandma and Grandpa Schlie and Aunt Betsy visited and we kicked off the weekend by having a picnic at Spencer State Park. Lilly slept most of the time, but enjoyed her time outside nonetheless! She then spent the rest of the day in someones loving arms.....which she thoroughly enjoyed! Typically, I only hold Lilly a couple of times for an extended period after her feedings. Although I would love to hold her all day (especially since she's so stinkin' cute).....I don't want her to depend on me holding her all of the time.....in other words I don't want her to be spoiled! Last night was a rough one, although I know that it could have been worse. Hopefully tonight will be a better one!

I just love watching her sleep. You can tell she's having the most wonderful dreams when she smiles and waves her arms around. Every now and then she gets the shakes like her daddy! Today we went grocery shopping since the cupboards were empty! Tomorrow, Grandma and Grandpa Schile and Aunt Betsy are coming for a visit and Lilly is just soooooo excited!

Bathing Beauty

Lilly has been enjoying her baths lately which has been nice! She's starting to fit into some of her newborn onesies, but for the most part everything is still too big. Sometime next week she'll be making the move into her cloth diapers. I'll have to post pictures because they're certainly not the cloth diapers that everyone remembers and they come in such stylish colors to match her outfits! I probably won't enjoy the cleaning aspect of them, but it will be worth it in the end!

What a cute little smile!

Lilly has been wide awake lately after I feed her and she was being so cute last night after her feeding....so I thought I would take some video. She's outgrown another one of her outfits which I'll be donating to the NICU. I'll be keeping a few of my favorites for her memory box, but I figure that the rest are better off being used rather than sitting in a box in storage.

Poor Lilly had to go back to the doctor today to have more blood drawn because the lab said that they didn't get enough. I thought that her little band-aid was so cute so I thought that we'd take a picture!

My sweet pea!

My little sweet pea is getting bigger! Lilly had her appointment with Dr. Gurski today and she's up to 6 lbs 8 0z! The poor thing had to have blood taken today to get her iron levels, but other than that she did well. She has to get her immunizations at her next visit which won't be fun for either of us, but after that Dr. Gurski said that her appointments will be more spaced out since she's doing so well. She's still a little small for the newborn clothes, but hopefully she'll be able to start wearing them in a couple of weeks!

She's two months old!

It's hard to believe that two months has passed already and that she's been home for a whole month! Each new day with Lilly truely is a blessing. I thought that I would try and take some pictures of her after she ate because she typically falls asleep.....not today though! It's as if she knew what I was going to do. I did my best with my little wiggleworm!

Lilly went to the eye doctor again today and he said that everything looks great! He said that she should start recognizing me within 3 months, although I already know she recognizes my voice! When we got home from the appointment I left Lilly in her carseat for a little bit since she was sleeping. When I glanced down at her I realized just how big she's getting! Tomorrow is our day "off" and then we get to see Dr. Gurski on Thursday for another weight check. Hopefully the temperature will go down later this week so we can resume our daily walks.....it's been way too hot!!

Lilly's Collection!

After putting the clothes Lilly received from the shower yesterday on hangers, I went to the closet and realized she has more clothes than I do! Too bad she's too small to wear any of it yet. At least I know that once she is big enough to wear everything, she'll be one well dressed little girl!

Our busy weekend!

What a great and fast weekend! We spent Friday night at Grandma Bombrias and left early the next morning for Syracuse. Saturday was spent visiting with Great-Great Grandma Desimone, Grandma & Grandpa Schlie, and Aunt Betsy and Uncle Justin. Yesterday, Aunt Betsy and Grandma Schlie held the most wonderful shower for Lilly......they did an absolutely wonderful job and we are so very thankful! I was so happy that everyone was able to see her and had a chance to hold her! Although we received many of the gifts shorlty after she was born, I was so thankful for everything that we received yesterday.....everyone was far to generous! After a long day and an even longer ride home, Lilly was all tuckered out and was happy to see her crib. Hopefully she'll go back to sleeping 3-4 hours in between each feeding but if not I'll be happy that I get to see her more often......even if my eyes are half open!

My little wiggleworm!

Last night when I went into Lilly's room to get her ready for her bottle I found her in this position! She completely wiggled herself out of her swaddle and was facing the wrong way.....it was so cute! When I moved her so I could straighten up her crib, her eyes were so wide open and bright. It's a shame the camera doesn't show the vivid blueness of her eyes!

VOTE FOR LILLY!!!!

I entered Lilly into a photo contest at photowow.com and thought that I would ask everyone that looks at her blog to vote for her! Her entrant number is 38568 and here is the link....

http://www.photowow.com/new1/?directory=frames_contest/index.asp&page=/new1/templates/photocontest/%3FcontestID=

I'm not able to rotate the video, but still thought that I would add it since it was so cute!

Today I decided to get Lilly all dressed up since we were going to see Dr. Molinari and I thought that we'd try and see if the outfit that she wore home would fit her a little better! Although it's still a little big (even though the tag says it fits babies up to 5 lbs), she's started to fill it in a little. My appointment went well, although she doesn't want me having another baby anytime soon so I can get my blood pressure under control (which I agree with.) Lilly enjoyed her time out. I think she enjoys all of the comments she gets.....she always hears "she has the most perfect little features!" I took another video of her in the boppy pillow today. Right before it's time for her to eat, I put the pacifier in her mouth and ask her to hold it for me so I can get her bottle ready.....she always holds it!

While heating up Lilly's bottle I decided to put her inside my boppy pillow to make sure she wouldn't wiggle all over the couch. When she stopped crying I went over to her and she was fast asleep. Lately, Lilly has been eating more and she's been waking up between 2-3 hours after each feeding. The lack of sleep has started to hit me, so I've started sleeping in a little bit so I'm not a zombie throughout the day!

It's hard to believe this tiny little thing weighs 5 lbs 5 oz! She had her doctors' appointment today and everything looks great......although she decided to christen the examining table by peeing all over it....TWICE!!!!

I got Lilly dressed up today in an outfit that she received from our neighbors and I thought that she looked absolutely adorable! I thought that her doctors appointment was today but it's actually tomorrow which gives me another reason to get her all dressed up!