Just when we got ourselves settled...

I've been putting off this post since it is sad. I have one week left at home with my girl.

I just don't know how to feel about going back to work. I want to work. I love my job. I miss it and the people I work with. But I do NOT want to leave my baby. It is hard to think about what she'll do all day, who will hold her, change her diaper, smile at her, feed her a bottle. I know I can't expect to be the only person in her life, but it seems so soon. Wasn't she just born like last week?

So, I'm trying to soak up every minute I have left at home. I'm sort of in a state of intentional denial. It will happen regardless of whether I think about it or not, so I choose not to think about it. On to other things...

Day went for her 2nd round of shots this morning and did so much better than the first time. I think the trick was giving Tylenol 30 minutes before and nursing her immediately before. She didn't even seem to notice the first shot. She screamed at the 2nd one, but by the time the nurse got the band aid on her and I picked her up, she stopped screaming. Much to my relief because the first round was traumatic. Next round, June 16... our 8th wedding anniversary.

We attempted our first family church service on Palm Sunday. We made it through the first 10 minutes, then Day started crying. We walked over to the nursery where she'll be going to daycare and talked to her teacher, Miss Jackie. She picked Day up out of the carrier and got a big smile! Then she took her around to the other teachers and introduced her as "Day Day, Caston's lil' cuz". I'm going to try to remember that next Monday when I drop her off. She'll be in good hands.

The next Sunday we tried again, and Day made it through the whole service. The Easter bunny brought her a stuffed bunny and a book. She used my Easter basket that my grandmother Mamie made me when I was a little girl. Here are some pictures from Easter...

Most weekends, Ken will get up with Day around 7:00 AM and let me sleep in. It is my treat for the week, and I look forward to it like Christmas. One morning a couple of weeks ago I woke up to the following: the smell of something burnt, dogs running through the house, all the doors to the outside were open, music was blaring, Day had only one snap secured on her onesie, the left side of her diaper was slung down on her hip, she had something sticky and a stunned but happy expression on her face. I was trying to absorb it all and assess everyone's safety when Ken explained, "We been partyin'." (proof below)

For those of you who gave us Wal-Mart gift cards as shower gifts, you have a special place in heaven. The swing we bought with those gift cards has been the best investment we have made so far. She naps in it every day and wakes up SO HAPPY! There is a mirror above the swing and when she spots that cute baby she gets the best open mouth grin...

My dad was here to visit last weekend and got lots of quality time with both his grandbabies. Day and Caston aren't very interested in each other yet, but that will change soon enough. Caston has gotten so big, and to think they are only 9 months apart. It's great to get a preview of all the stages through him. He is so much fun!

Instead of mourning the close of my time at home, I'm going to try to look forward to things to come. We have David and Christina's wedding in Georgia on Memorial Day weekend (our first out of town trip), Caston's first birthday party, and a beach vacation planned for June. Not to mention, a long awaited special Mother's Day for me! (I used to dread Mother's Day. Sorry, Mom... no offense, you understand.) So, lots of exciting firsts to think about. If you see me, please encourage me. If you pray, then pray I can make it through this next big transition.

One more thing I have to share. I get this look of adoration when she nurses. Right now, I'm pretty much her favorite thing ever. We are so in love. Can you tell?