The Secrets about Mommyland.....

The blessings that Lyla brings me far outweigh the sleepless nights and spit ups on my new clothes. I've found that I tend to talk about the hard nights, difficult times and the challenges that being a mom brings to my life. The problem is, the positive parts are so much better! So why don't I talk about those as much? I'm not sure. The secret about being a mom is that it's a feeling only a mom can describe. It's an intense feeling of loving someone but multiply that by a million. Some days I want to hold Lyla and never let go, I look at her and love her more than I ever knew I could. Each day it's more, each moment makes me melt... she's my lovely little girl.

In memory of Pops

I wanted to let you know the sad news that Popa (Jason's grandfather) passed away yesterday.

Most of you know that Popa was an influential part of our lives, especially Jason's. He regarded him as a Father, mentor, loved one, friend and ultimately the one person that was there for him at all times, day or night. He would answer the phone in the middle of a meeting to talk to Jason, no matter where he was or what he was doing, he was there for us. Jason grew up going to his house every summer and striving to be so much like his Grandfather. When Jason would win an award at work or when he got a promotion he was quick to call Pops and let him know. So much of Jason's positive, ambitious, hard working and caring attitude is from his Grandfather. I can thank him for making such a wonderful man and husband. I am so lucky.

Popa looked at life with an optimistic attitude. The grass was always greener on HIS side and he was always happy to share that outlook with everyone that stepped into his life. His family came first in every situation, no matter what was going on. He wanted everyone to enjoy the finer things in life and the simple pleasures. He would say "don't worry about me... worry about yourself". "Eat slow... enjoy the moment." "Stop and smell the roses." He would always stop to smell the roses. Some of you may laugh when Jason does simple things like stop to smell the flowers or take a pause to let everyone know around him what a wonderful day it is and how we should cherish it, but that's what makes an amazing person. He got that from his Grandfather.

He was here for the biggest moments of our lives. On our wedding day, Jason walked to the song "unforgettable" as recommended by Popa. He took us to Maine as part of our Honeymoon and showed me where his loving memories were with his wife. We also went to Italy with him where he showed us a world we would have never experienced. We sipped wine in Tuscany with Pops on the lawn and spoke of our lifes ambitions and he encouraged us to always strive to be the best people we can. He came out here for my graduation day and always told me how proud he was of me. He made me a better woman and wife.

The strong marriage that Jason and I have has been blessed and influenced by Popa. He showed us that marriage is about love, support and it takes work to have a great marriage but in the end family is what makes the world turn. More recently he was here for our 5 year Anniversary. He celebrated it with us, while meeting his great-grandaughter, Lyla, for the first time. He said a speech at dinner and let us know how proud he was of Jason and I. The fact is, I am so proud that I could be a part of his life for 7 years.

He was a Father and Grandfather to Jason, a Grandfather to me, and Lyla's Great Popa.

Please say your prayers for him, and for Jason and his family.
We are all so blessed to have had such a loving, un-selfish, caring, amazing man in our lives.
Squeeze those you love today.
Much Love & God Bless,
Angela

Choo Choo!

Today was Lyla's first fall outing. We headed to Remlinger Farms with the Whitworths. What a wonderful day filled with fun!! Lyla's favorite ride was definitely the train... choo choo! It was the last ride of the day and she settled into her Dad's lap and just watched the scenery with glee. She was so content that I decided maybe we need a train in our house? Is that possible? My favorite picture is of Jason, Lyla and I in the school bus. It's just perfect. Angela smiling....Jason smiling....and Lyla letting us know that she was done posing for the camera in these ridiculous cut out prints.

The day started with Starbucks coffee and Grace took on the canoes right away. Shortly after we went to the petting zoo, not so scary haunted house (note to self, do not bring strollers through the not so scary house...) and then it was lunch. The afternoon ended with Grace's first roller coaster, Lyla's first ride in an Antique car then off on the train. We had so much fun and this is what family is about. Love, laughter, adventure, and memories. Choo choooo!

Kick Kick Kick

Kicking, Gooing and smiling are Lyla's favorite things to do these days. She's lost interest in sleep, she only likes to do that if she's extremely tired and she'll do whatever it takes to stay awake and have fun! I love watching all of her expressions. The gooing is my favorite but a hard one to catch on tape. Every time I bring out the camera... she just stares and stops her constant chatting. Might she be a bit camera shy? I think so!

I was just noticing the other day that she's growing so fast! Her head and fingers look so much bigger to me. Time is flying by and I want to make sure I am here for every new milestone. Lucky me, on Sunday night while sitting on the couch for a little "tummy time" she rolled over. She was calm and proud, and I thought maybe she only rolled because I was leaning on the couch and gave her a hill to roll down. I quickly turned her over and put her back in the original position. With her Auntie Diana there we cheered her on. "Go Lyla Go!" "Rolllll over, rooooolllll over!". Then she did it again! I screamed with glee and picked her up to go tell Jason. Well I think my scream may have startled her a bit because she hasn't rolled since and she was quite shocked by my outburst. At least I was there! Yipeeee!

I'm back at work and it's been quite nice to see all of my patients again. I enjoy my job and am lucky to have such a flexible workplace. I am even able to come home and breastfeed at lunch if I have time. I couldn't imagine a better situation. Lyla is always happy to see me (or maybe it's just the breastfeeding she's happy about).

Jason and I are getting ready for Fall and our pumpkin decorations are up. Lyla has her costume and she's really excited for Trick or Treating! Or so I'd like to think.

Much Love to all of you (anyone???) that reads this.
Angela

Stinkin Cute!

Loving Lyla

I love her.....
nose with the perfect pointed tip
soft blond hair
long piano fingers
toes that have strength
sleepy red eyes that she rolls into the back of her head
no neck that disappears
crooked smile when she's barely falling asleep
new found yell that is so "girlie"
grunts before she falls asleep
drool bubbles
smile
ears like her Daddy's
shy smile when I come home from work
ability to make me melt
I just love her.

Goo!

Lyla has her own language. It's the "goo goo" language. We have whole conversations with the goo goo and it goes pretty well. It typically starts with her smiling at me (which melts my heart) then a bit of bubbly drool comes out of her mouth, soon after that she lets out her drawn out "ggggoooooooo" and I say "goo goo goo" and she smiles quite large, turns her head side to side and says "goo!". We can go on for hours. It amuses me and somehow my ten hour days at home fly by with just the word goo coming out of my mouth. The fact is, I love it, and I love her! GOOOO!

Family

I just love having my own family and Lyla loves her grandparents! She met her first horse, Kat! Oh the joy, I'm sure she had no idea what the big brown thing that smelled funny was. She also probably had no idea why I dressed her up in a bear outfit that her Uncle Raf gave her..... someday she'll understand. I love her so much. My little Lyla.

Likes and Dislikes

Life is getting easier and we are now becoming more relaxed with being first time parents. Lyla seems to be somewhat getting used to her surroundings. She still fussy quite a bit but she loves it when I make funny faces at her and keep her entertained. Just a few of the things she likes and dislikes:

LIKES:
When I say "goo goo goo"
Me touching her cheek and saying "silly!"
Her whole body being bounced and moved while I walk simultaneously.
Milk from me.
Her pretty pretty princess on her tummy time playmobile.
Swinging.
Going for walks in her Baby Bjorn (not all the time though...)
Drooling.
Looking at objects.
Being swaddled.
Her womb sounds bear.
Her bassinet at night time.
Mom & Dad and all family members.

DISLIKES
Not having the center of attention.
Going to bed before she's ready.
Having gas and being constipated (big smiles!)
The first few seconds of car rides.
Unknown faces.
Feeling like she's falling (the morrow reflex!)
Tomatoes, and citrus foods that I eat.
When I change her outfit too many times.

These are just a few things about Lyla, man I love her!

You never know what to expect....

Every single night is different. Lately I've dreaded going to bed. The night is when the "crunch munch" comes out. That's what we call Lyla's grumpy side. When she's happy she's our little munchkin and when she's mad she's our crunch munch! She's on a pretty good routine of sleeping about every 2-3 hours. Sometimes if I'm lucky it's like 3.25 hours! In contrast, at night she prefers to sleep 1.5 to 2 hours and have milk in between. She's a muncher! It may just be a growth spurt phase as today is her one month birthday (I sure hope it is!). So, in conclusion, I dread going to bed as I'm only really going to sleep about 4 hours and will be awake for the other 4. I know it is going to get better, at least that is what my friends say, but I hope it's soon! I don't know how I'll ever function at work on 4 hours of sleep. Please tell me it gets better....

Never wake a sleeping baby

I've learned a lot in the last two weeks and maybe my brain will function enough to write a few of these things down.
It's difficult to care for a newborn baby. I've observed that there are two types of babies, the fussy ones and the relaxed ones. I've been blessed with a beautiful, perfect, FUSSY baby. So now that I've realized that, I need to adjust my life to her patterns and cries.
The most important lesson I've learned in the last few weeks is to trust my intuition and my motherly instincts. Everyone will have their ideas and options but I must follow the ones that I believe are best for Lyla.

The first two weeks Lyla was not sleeping. She was crying, screaming and acting as if it was the

end

of the world. I had no idea what I was doing wrong. I was feeding her when she wanted, walking with her, holding her, loving her... but nothing would make her happy. After my visit with my wonderful Pediatrician he let me know that I had broken the world record for marathon feeding. I was breast feeding her for about an hour or more at a time. Apparently, it was only supposed to be 10 mins per breast!?! Who knew? (Well not me...) Therefore she was being over-fed and over-full in turn causing her to be a unhappy full little girl with too much food in her little belly. This was making me an unhappy little momma with sore breasts and major sleep deprivation. If you can imagine I was sitting about 8 to 9 hours a day just feeding her! So since Friday I have been following his recommendations of 10mins and life is good! She seems happier and doesn't let out the killing scream at all hours of the day, it's now limited to most hours of the day. (smile) So I've learned to not breastfeed at all hours, limit your time.

The second most important thing I've learned is that Jason and I have an amazing marriage. For being home 2 weeks together with a screaming newborn and no sleep, we did not even snap at each other once. Not one single time. We supported one another, helped each other and kept our sanity together. There's no way I could have made it through those two weeks without him. Today is his first day back at work and I miss him dearly. It's so crucial to have a strong relationship and I am forever thankful that we are married.

Lastly I've learned that many moms don't want to admit how hard it is to have a newborn but I'm open and honest. I don't hold back, I let anyone know what the truth is no matter how I may sound. It's a tough road and even though I was ready for it.... it's hard.

Now.... never wake a sleeping baby.

Baby Story

So it's taken me a bit to get back to the computer to actually

sit down

and be able to write something, but here I am.

The Labor story:
It was Thursday June 18th, 2009. The due date given to us by the Ultrasound Technician and Jason's estimated due date. For the past 2 weeks I had been "leaking" a bit of fluid but the on-call Doctor told me he thought I was "wetting" myself. Even when I went in for my weekly visit (my Doctor was on vacation at this point) and I told him that fluid had been coming out he assured me that as the pregnancy moves forward that we can wet ourselves. So, I believed that I was a 29 year old female that was now peeing my pants. I moved forward with working and finishing out my week and looking forward to the future. My contractions got worse day by day and they were outrageous when we were driving. Still I just kept doing my usual activities. Thursday morning was a bit different. I woke up with even more of a leak and decided that it wasn't right. My Doctor was now back in town and told me to immediately come in.

He said it was a simple test, if the yellow strip turned blue it meant it was my water breaking and that today would be my day. The look on Jason's face when the strip turned blue was unforgettable. It was our day. He told me I was not to leave the hospital and to check in immediately to Labor and Delivery. My water may have been broken for over a week at this point and my chance of infection was high.

I checked in at around 11:30 and my Labor and Delivery went quite easy! I decided that I wanted to wait as long as I could to get an Epidural so that I would not slow down my labor. So I waited until 8cm and then I got my epidural. It only numbed my right half, which was fine. Until then I was able to go in the jacuzzi tub (twice with Popsicles) and walk around the hospital. I worked through my labor by looking at my scrapbooks, listening to music, cracking jokes and trying to stay active.
She was born at 8:53pm happy and healthy! There were only a few complications during the post delivery period but all manageable.
7lbs 11oz 21 inches long... LYLA GEROSA FULTON graced this world with her presence.

Overall the delivery was smooth and I wouldn't change anything about it. I loved having Popsicles in the jacuzzi and feeling alert and prepared.

What they don't tell you:
Contractions can be 2 minutes long
You can only push for 3 hours for your first pregnancy
Epidurals can possibly numb only half your body
The post partum period is harder than anyone will ever admit.... more blogs to follow!

Ok, back to mommyhood..... I should be sleeping right now because she is actually asleep in her new swing!
XO

She's Here!

Just a quick show of her beautiful face..... Baby Story to Follow!