Life

I'm feeling a bit defeated today. I woke up early and got a bunch (and by a "bunch" I mean...teeth brushed, showered, minimal make-up, stripped bed, load of sheets started, rabbit fed) done before baby girl woke up around 7:30. It helps me tremendously to start the day off like that rather than dragging myself out of bed only when awoken by a fussy baby girl in the next room who needs breakfast. Immediately. 

I know my window of opportunity to accomplish things without distraction is small, so I have been trying to take advantage of it. Despite my efforts to be productive, life seems overwhelming right now. There are lots of things I'm thinking about and wrestling with in addition to just the day to day stuff that has to get done.  I began to make a list of everything I need to do and then I stopped. Lists work well when they're manageable. When they just make you feel worse b/c they're flat out unattainable, I choose to instead just turn to prayer. So my prayer went something like this...

"God, please help me."

It was short and to the point. I definitely think we are in control of our attitudes. I was tempted to take on a very woe is me one not that long ago (we're talkin' 10 minutes), but I'm going to choose joy instead.  

One task at a time.

One day at a time.

Keep my eyes focused on Him.

So here's my sharing some joy in the form of a blog post *smile. (Vacuuming can wait, right?)

Gwendolyn has become quite smitten with her cousin Brookie's grocery cart. This video would lead some people to believe that our little one will soon be walking...we'll have to see about that.

And here she is wearing the same outfit on a different day (we're in between sizes right now people) telling us a detail-filled story. She's started using her hands when talking, which just kills us. You'll be "talking" to her and suddenly she'll put her arms up with hands turned out as if to say, "I don't know." She kind of does it a few times during the "conversation" below.

While we're talking about Gwendolyn, the little toot turned 13 months old this week. I'm not sure I authorized that, but it happened anyway. It's simply incredible the changes she's going through right now. She knows things! Like if you ask her to get her ball she'll go get her ball. Ummmm?! She's a BABY! 

She also knows blankie, baby, cat, puppy, drum, and train. 

She mimics sounds and actions.

She winks.

We're working on body parts. 

She's an expert waver. 

She plays well alone but LOVES it when you get down and engage with her.

She's so sweet and loving and gives "cat" and "puppy" hugs and kisses. 

She politely hands you her food on her tray when she's finished and finally signs "all done" and "more." (We thought the day would never come!)

She loves being chased and playing tag.

She's catching on to using a sippy.

Her personality is really showing - she's fun and gentle yet we're seeing a bit of her strong will coming out, which is all fine and dandy b/c it demonstrates she's right on track developmentally. She knows what she wants and she'll let you know.

Her one year appointment well well although I do.not.like.shots. Ugh. Talk about pullin' on a mama's heart strings. She did very well considering the four pokes and finger prick. Her stats were following her curve perfectly.

Weight: 19 lbs, 14 oz (25%)

Height: 30.5" (75-90%)

Head: 18.5"

Another big change is that I officially stopped pumping yesterday. I had been pumping twice a day while at work until this week when I was finally ready to be done. I went two days pumping only once and was getting only 2 oz total. My friend Margie's text went something like, "Quit pumping." So I did. It's bittersweet and I am fighting back tears just even typing this (part of what I'm thinking about/wrestling with and it goes beyond just stopping pumping); however,  like my mom said, I also know it's something to be celebrated. She takes whole milk well and it'll be a nice break from all the pump piece washing and huge pump bag carrying. I plan to still nurse in the morning and at night, and through out the day on my days home and on the weekends. If you know me, you know I'm overly sentimental so it's hard letting go of certain things. It's not like our nursing days are ending tomorrow though, so I still have that time with her. Like I said, overly sentimental *smile.

Off to change a very poopy diaper...

Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend! And remember, choose JOY!