And the Luck Continues....

Suzy ended up at the doctor the Wednesday that Scott left for Iowa. The doctor informed me that she had a double ear infection, a cold, and allergies.... Sent us home with three different meds and my brain spinning. How on Earth am I going to take care of her and myself (who was still sick) all alone? I don't know how, but I did it!! I successfully got both of us through week 1 of being home alone..... It was a challenge. I think the good Lord is testing me. If I passed that test alone I may be able to handle the rest of our time alone, as well. That was my very last full week of summer. Not how I wanted to spend it, I assure you. But, we are all better now!!!

She didn't look like she felt too bad did she? She kept her little spirits up as best she could for sure! Look at Barb, always along for the ride!

I really wish I had a roll of that paper at home. I don't know if it would be nearly as entertaining away from the doctor's office, but it would be worth a shot!

Week two of being alone brought more challenges. Suzy is very, very, very mobile. Not only is she crawling, but she is now pulling up on stuff, climbing stuff, and getting into everything (that she isn't supposed to). Gigi and I were sitting in her room talking and I was going through all the clothes that were too small for her to box up. We looked over and Suzy was standing in her closet pulling things from the closet and pulling hangers out of the hanger basket. She is super busy. She cannot be left alone for 10 seconds anymore.

Pulled her Boppy down, bag out, and  hangers are everywhere!

She thinks it is hilarious!

Everything that is not supposed to get Suzy's attention gets her attention. She then wants to play with it, climb in it, or get on top of it. That sweet little baby that used to sit in her Nap Nanny and watch the colors streak across the TV is no longer interested in anything unless it is something that she shouldn't be. Toys.... nah.... she will just climb all over her car seat until she falls off of it, into it, or on top of it and bumps her head. Sally told me that from now on every single picture that she had would have a bruise or scratch in it. She is definitely right. She looks like she has been beaten. Bruises on her legs, knees, and noggin. A scratch here or there is always popular too.

Totally ignores the toys and goes for the knobs.

Her dirty clothes basket is in that corner... She thinks she must have it. Don't worry, I was standing there to catch her I promise!

Again, bypasses the toys.... Car seat is her choice.

Busted!

Baby Doll or diaper bag?? Diaper bag, of course.

I had to go back to school midweek of week 2 (of Scott being gone). This was quite the challenge. I was so nervous, anxious, paranoid, etc. I didn't want to get up too late. I didn't want Suzy to be up when I had to get dressed, because she is bad news in the mornings. She is all over the place. I put her in the bathroom with me last week on a blanket with toys. I looked through the glass of the shower and she was standing against the glass with her face pressed to the shower door. She looked like one of those Garfield dolls that are suction cupped to a car window. I had decided that I would have to wake up extra early and be half way ready before she would wake up (which has been about six every morning). I wake up at 5:30 and I am completely dressed and ready by 6:15 or so... Where is Suzy? Still asleep. When did she wake up? When I woke her up at 7:15. She didn't sleep that late all summer long. My luck, right? This sleeping habit continued through the week, thank goodness. It helped me tremendously. I kept waking up early so I could get stuff done in the morning time. We run at night so I don't have much time to get "housekeeping" things taken care of. The mornings is when I got all that done this week. It was quite nice!! I would love to say that I will keep the habit up of waking up early..... I know that it will fizzle after a couple more days!

Worst Luck Ever- Part II

To finish where I left off.....

Scott's job gave us the news that he would be "transferred" to a job in Iowa. He needed to be there today so he needed to leave Monday morning. I say "transferred" because I don't know how else to put it. He got lucky when Suzy was born. There was a job starting in Memphis so he got to stay at home. The whole time that we were dating, engaged, and newlyweds Scott was "on the road". Him being home the first six months of Suzy's life was just by pure chance (and God watching over me and my sanity). We found out earlier in the week that he would need to leave, but reality didn't set in until Friday night for me. I started cleaning, reorganizing, and decluttering my house. It was almost like nesting again. I was so stressed out that I would feel even more overwhelmed with a disorderly home. I am pleased to say that I got rid of a truck load of junk and have a somewhat clean house. Monday morning rolled around like clockwork and it was time to say the goodbyes. I tried extremely hard (and was very successful) not to get emotional while Scott was around. I think he tried to do the same for Suzy and I. When he said bye to us both and shared "I love yous" he was out the door. He has left for a few days at a time, but nothing like this so when the door shut and I heard his truck pull out of the drive I knew it was for real this time. Our luck had ended. It was back to being "home alone" again... only this time I wasn't alone anymore. I ,now, am blessed with a six month old. The thought still terrifies me. I am not sure that I can handle being a full time mother, special education teacher, and housekeeper. I guess only time will tell. I worry most about Scott. He is so worried that Suzy will forget him or that she will feel abandoned. I tell him he is being silly. She will never feel those things. Scott is way stronger than I could ever be. He has a job that requires him to be away from his family to provide a great life for us. I am so blessed to have him as my husband the father of my sweet Sue. When Suzy's face lights up as he comes through our door in 2 weeks it will all be worth it. Suzy and I cannot wait for him to come home again.

 As for me, I am going on day 2 of  being alone. I can say that I have had it easy the past 2 days, though. I had Memaw watch Suzy Monday morning so that I could get my mind off the situation and go do some work in my classroom. Last night was a bit difficult, but we made it through it. Today was Suzy's day at Tattle Tales so I took out some more of my frustrations on my classroom. Gigi came by to get a few things, but I think it was just to check on us :) Suzy had a nap and then we had a photoshoot. I got myself a fancy new camera and decided that today was just the day to take some photos so we could share them with Daddy! I will never hold the talent of my beloved Rachel , but I am glad that I will have a handy dandy camera to take pictures of Suzy's "daily living".

Showing off her new teeth. She is so proud of them.

Lola and Suzy both wanted in my lap.

Suzy always wants Bella. Bella never wants Suzy.

Keep Suzy and I in your prayers as we will soon face the challenge of me going back to work. I know that we will adjust and get in a routine of going to work, coming home, going for a run, getting baths, getting fed, etc.... I hope and pray that this routine comes quickly. I am blessed to have family and friends that are extremely supportive. I know that they are all just a phone call away.

I think it is time for our luck to change..... for the better, of course.

Worst Luck Ever- Part 1

My sweet little Suzy is very active, to put it nicely. I like to describe her as "hyper". She is constantly moving. Constantly crawling, climbing, babbling, etc. She is also very spoiled to having one on one attention. She gets this from either Memaw or me all day, everyday. I started talking to Memaw about how active she was and how busy she has kept me. She and I decided that we should probably start her at a daycare. This would not only help Memaw, but me too. Memaw would have two days a week off and I would have two afternoons (after school started) to get errands done. I went to visit Tattle Tales a couple days later. She is now a 2 day a week "Tattle Taler". We are thoroughly enjoying her time there. She is getting interaction from other people besides family, being around other children, and being exposed to different environments. We couldn't be happier with this transition.

Her teacher, Betsy, sent me this picture of her on her first day there.

We get one of these everyday that Suzy goes to Tattle Tales. Love all the little stickers. Such a good idea for us curious mothers.

Her good work all over the fridge already!

I, Amy Smith, have the worst luck on the face of the planet. Hands down. Worst luck ever. Dont believe me?? Let me just vent for a bit, if you don't mind?!

 Suzy scratched the dickens out of my right eye. It was hurting really bad for an entire day. Then, the next day was extremely red and swollen. It didn't itch or anything, so I decided that the eye problem was strictly from Suzy. Well, the day after that the eye was still in bad shape. I then decided that I had pink eye. So, I went to the pharmacy and got some eye drops! A day later I woke up feeling really icky. Not like sinuses or anything like that... Like nauseated. I am sure I know where your mind is going.... Mine went that same direction. I went to the doctor after having lunch with JoAnne and Kalon. The doctor confirmed that I did indeed have pink eye in the right eye, a bacterial infection, and that I was NOT pregnant. After hearing my symptoms she decided to do a pregnancy test as well. I am please to announce that Suzy will not have a brother or sister anytime soon. That was Thursday.... Friday Suzy woke up feeling icky. This was all cold symptoms. Stuffy nose, cough, congestion, you know... the usual. The problem with Suzy is that since she has already had RSV the slightest cold symptoms turn into a mess quick. I called the doctor immediately and got her back on Albuterol breathing treatments. Saturday morning I woke up feeling like I was swallowing razor blades. I sat at the doctor's office Saturday for them to tell me that I now had pink eye in the left eye and bronchitis.

During all this, Suzy acquired another tooth! So, we had teething thrown in there somewhere, I just don't know where to put it. My mind is mush.

Did you think I was kidding about the bad luck??!!! Well, it gets worse.....

6 Months Old, Already.....







The past six months have flown by. I was sitting around talking to my family the other night talking about how quickly Suzy is growing up and how it doesn't seem like it has already been six months. I wonder what I did before Suzy. Now, we all just sit around and stare at her. She is our entertainment. And, believe me, she is plenty of entertainment. She is busy, busy, busy. She is eating more, doing more, learning more, and sleeping less. She definitely keeps me exhausted and full of life all in the same breath.

Suzy’s Six Month Stats

·         Formula

o       5 oz of Similac Sensitive for Fussiness and Gas every 3 hours during daytime hours

o       6 oz with bedtime bottle with Oatmeal Cereal

·         Baby Foods

o       Stage 1 and Stage 2 Baby Foods

§         Assorted fruits and oatmeal for breakfast

§         ½ container of fruit and  ½ container of veggies for supper

·         She loves all the flavors we have tried except squash!

·         Juice

o       2 oz of Gerber Baby Juice once per day

§         Her favorite seems to be White Grape

·         Weight

o       At Suzy’s last doctor appointment she weighed a grand total of 17 pounds even. She hasn’t gained a lot of weight in the past month. The doctor said that her weight gain would slowly decline due to her being more active. Whew…. I was beginning to think we may have to battle her weight her whole life J

·          A FEW of her Favorite Things

o       Being outside

o       Strolling

o       Barb and her Carter’s blanket

o       Fruit or popsicles (sugar free of course) in her infant feeder

o       Being in the water splashing

o       Bath time

o       Pulling hair

o       Any toy she can find to put in her mouth

Her beautiful bedding is getting removed from her bed if I cannot figure out to secure it better. She is destroying it.

That poor little eye is still turning in :( I am so ready for that to correct itself.

cruising around her bedroom

I told you that she was a busy girl!!

·         What is she doing, now?

o       Crawling

o       Scooting

o       Sitting up from crawling position

o       Pulling up in her baby bed

o       Teething terribly bad (you can see her little tooth about to pop through)

o       Giggles and screeches

o       Babbling

Suzy and I went to Batesville to meet Rachel the Saturday before her six month birthday to get some pictures taken in the sunflower field. These pictures are so different from the ones that we took at 16 weeks. She is sitting up on her own, now. She noticed things that were not right in front of her, which was a huge distraction. She did pretty well considering it was 8 o’clock in the morning and burning up hot already. She is covered in teething slobber in almost every photo!

Suzy is a pretty lucky girl. She has both grandmothers and great-grandmothers on mine and Scott’s side of the family. We knew that we needed to get some generation pictures taken so she would always remember all the lovely people in her life. While Alli (my cousin) was in town from Georgia we jumped on the opportunity to have her take some pictures of the family! I wish the grandfathers could have been present for the photoshoot… Busy men always seem to get out of getting their picture taken.

Mimi!!!

Gigi!!

Mommy!!

4 Generations of Smiths!

Great-Grandmothers-- Nanny and Memaw

Memaw!!

Daddy!!

I cannot wait to see what else will happen in Suzy's life over the next six months!! She is half a year old. I've said it before, I'll say it again, TIME FLIES!!

Happy Birthday America!!

The Sunday before The 4th Suzy and I loaded the car up and headed to Smith Lake for the week with our entire family and several family friends (that we know as our family). Scott didn't get to make this trip due to work. Everyone arrived to the house at different times throughout the week. It was a very relaxed arrival schedule for everyone. Memaw and Ricky went Saturday to meet  Alli, Jade, and Rita (Ricky's daughter and granddaughters). Mom, Dad, Suzy and I convoyed together Sunday afternoon. I am still very nervous about traveling long distances that interfere with feeding times alone. Mom and Dad didn't ride with Suzy and I, but we followed them closely until we were about 15 mins from the lake. Suzy had waited long enough and was ready to get out of the car and eat! We stopped at the last town before entering "NeverNeverLand" (Houston, AL) to get groceries for the night. Mom went in and Suzy and I got in the truck with Dad..... Moms shopping trip turned into Suzy's PlayTime with Papaw.

Look at that smile on Papaw's face. Of course, Lucy is trying to jump out of the truck.... She is super jealous. He used to put Casey and I in his steering wheel and let us "drive" too.

She was really going somewhere, wasn't she?

Oh that face is just priceless!

We all enjoyed the normal activities of the lake until the whole crew showed up Wednesday morning. We laid around, ate a ton, did a bunch of front porch sitting, and played with Suzy. I even kept up with my Couch to 5K when I was there, well.... I did one day. I started out for my run and there were so many knats hitting me that it felt like bugs on a windsheild. I was covered in them when I made it back to the house. It was disgusting. I decided then that I would just have to "catch up" when I got home.( I am proud to say that I am "caught up", too. I am trying so hard not to get behind.)

Wednesday was July 4th and everyone checked around at the marinas to see where the firework show would be on the lake. They had fireworks at 9:00 PM that night at one of the big bridges and marinas on the lake. Of course, Suzy and I couldn't go to the show because she was dead asleep, snoring by 9:00 AND it was thundering really bad. I was too scared that it would start pouring down on us sitting in the boat. Not my idea of fun.... So, Suzy and I spent The 4th at the house doing laundry and such while everyone else was out enjoying the show. It was quite relaxing and quiet. But, I am definitely ready for her to go next year.

Of course, Suzy had outfits for the holiday!!

She was really showing out for the camera!

Happy Birthday America!!

By Thursday I was about to go stir crazy. I was bored and tired of sitting in the house while everyone else was out on the boats and soaking up the sun. Mom, Memaw, and Teresa volunteered to watch Suzy so they could watch their Soaps. I happily and graciously took them up on their offer. I went down to the water and caught some rays, finally. That afternoon we took Suzy out on the boat for the first time!! She loved it!!

She had to have sunglasses to keep the wind out of her eyes!



 The following day I got even braver and we went for a long boat ride. We got to swim together and play. She loves being in the water. She splashes and yelps the whole time.

She is good at splashing!

Papaw spoils her rotten!

I thoroughly enjoyed our trip to the lake. We were there a total of 6 days. By Saturday I was ready to be home and get back into our normal routine. We were also missing Scott a little :) He was reaaaallllly missing Suzy!! It isawesome to have a home away from home. Going to the lake is getting much easier because I know what to pack and what not to pack. We have a baby bed, swing, bouncer, etc that stays there so it is much easier than the first couple times we ventured there. I hope we will be back soon!

Hobby Hunt

With me being off all summer I thought I would have so much going on and would have so much to do.... Well, I was totally wrong. I wake up so early that I get all my chores accomplished (that MUST be completed) by 11:00 AM, usually. I have been talking to friends about what I could do with Suzy and begging them for suggestions on things to do. I have done as many of the suggestions as I can, but we are still ending up with idle time. Well, I guess I should say that I am idle. Suzy is never idle. She is a busy body. I think she is bored with sitting at home all the time too. We have gone to see the grandparents, visited friends, gone to lunch, been to Happy Hour at Sonic almost everyday, grocery shopped, rode the golf cart, played out side, etc. etc. etc. All these things are great and I am thankful that we can get out and about. But, since it seems like all those things are wrapped up around 5 o'clock every day. Then we have two more hours of "sit and stare at Suzy" time. There are only so many circles I can make strolling her and riding her on the golf cart.

 I decided that I needed to find a hobby. I had some limitations though because I need a hobby that Suzy can partake in with me. I would love to learn to play tennis, get better at golf, go to the gym, take Zumba, etc, but all that will have to wait until she gets a little older I think. The main problem with those activities is that I would have to pay to go the acitivity as well as pay for a sitter to watch Suzy while I went. That doesn't seem to budget friendly to me??

On the way to the beach Thursday Lauren talked me into trying running for my hobby. Lucky me has a great friend, Kalon, that lives nearby and was very excited of the news and wanted to start training with me. We decided that Thursday that we would sign up for The Color Run in Memphis. This run is October 13. We have plenty of time to train before that race. We downloaded "Couch to 5K" to our iPhones and iPods, borrowed a jogging stroller from another friend, filled water bottles, and we were ready to start our new plan to stay busy. I am so thankful that Kalon is doing this with me. Lauren and Taylor are doing it as well, but they are in Batesville so it is hard to be able to run with them. As of today, all of us have started the training. The training program calls for 3 runs per week for 8 weeks total.

Week 1 Day 1

We pulled out of the driveway and headed out on our adventure with all our stuff strapped to the stroller and Suzy strapped in. We got about 1/4 mile down the road and the front wheel of the jogging stroller started jiggling like it was about to fall off. We didn't have it locked. We got that taken care of and went on our way. It was 98 degrees Monday at 5:30 PM. We stuck it out, stayed hydrated, and pushed through. We were so excited when the little man came on the speaker and said, "you have completed the first half of training. Twenty five minutes from start time we were finished with Week 1 Day 1 of the program and were beaming from ear to ear because we thought we did great for our first day. We thought, "heck  yeah!! we aren't as out of shape as we thought we were".....

Kalon and I after the first day!

Suzy fell asleep. She worked so hard.

I think it is safe to say that Suzy likes Tucker's stroller.

We did it!!

 Week 1 Day 2

Casey, Ricky, Memaw, and Mom came to the house to pick up some furniture right around 5:00 so they were there when we got ready to head out for Day 2. They told us to be careful because of the heat, but we didn't think too much of it. Well, we should have. It was 100 degrees and the air was completely still. There was no breeze what so ever. And, what makes it even worse is that we were dumb enough to torture ourselves, but we also had Suzy with us. Suzy had her 6 month shots that day as well. I never even thought about it...... We didn't make it throught the first run session before we were about to collapse. We had 8 runs for Day 2. We were almost dead when we turned the corner at the half way mark. That day was one of those days that if Kalon were not with me we definitely wouldn't have made it. It helps to have someone push you along the way and keep encouraging you to push through it. I am glad I was there for Kalon too. She was struggling just as bad as I was. We made it back home and collapsed on the couch. I handed Suzy to Scott and fought to catch my breath. It was the hardest thing I have ever done! Suzy was treated to a popsicle for enduring the heat along with us. She definitely punished me for my stupid behavior at bedtime, though. I will never make that mistake again. You live and you learn, right?

Week 1 Day 3

Kalon and I got smart and didn't do Day 3's run until later in the day. We didn't even start our run until about 8:15 or so. We breezed through it. We did awesome. We now know that Day 2 was so hard because of the heat. It had to have been. We were so proud of ourselves.  I think we could have done Day 3 twice!! I feel like a big ole baby for complaining about Day 2 so much to friends, because it was our fault that it was so hard. I made sure that I told them how easy Day 3 was!! :)


Now that we have a hobby I hope to goodness that we stick with it!! Our final goal is to be able to run an entire 5K by September!! We will see how it goes. Wish us luck.

Beach Bliss

About three weeks ago my mom called me to see if I wanted to go to the beach for Memaw's birthday. Usually I would jump on this idea and never think twice about it. The beach is my happy place for sure. But, this time I had a lot of restraints. Number one, Suzy. Number two, money. Those two were the main problems. After Suzy's battle with RSV we shelled out around 1,200 unexpected dollars. My nice little money cushion was deflated a bit, to say the least. Then, I didn't think I could leave Suzy for 4 days. I then didn't know who could keep her; everyone I know works during the week..... My mom had all that figured out for me. We got a deal on the condo and she had went behind my back and asked Gigi if she would keep Suzy. This is the conversation that took place with Mom and I.

Mom- Do you want to go to the beach next weekend for Memaw's birthday?
Me- I don't really know??? I don't really have the extra money right now and I don't know who I could get to watch Suzy.
Mom- I already asked Linda and she said she would keep her. It won't cost you much money. Quit worrying about it, Amy.
Me- I don't know mom.... can I talk to Scott and call you back later and let you know something.
Mom- Yeah, call me back.

TENS MINUTES LATER (before I even mentioned it to Scott)

Me- Hello.
Mom- I booked the condo. We will be there June 21-24.
Me- Ummmm, you didn't even give me time to think about it....

That's my story and I am sticking to it. Mom says that is "not exactly how it went", but you get the idea!!

Needless to say, I took Gigi up on the offer to keep Suzy and Memaw, Mom, Lauren, and I celebrated Memaw's 68th birthday at Gulf Shores. I had a hard time giving her to Gigi that Thursday morning. I stayed strong until she pulled out of the driveway...... then the tears started pouring. It is crazy how much you can love someone and worry so much about them.

I left my good camera in the condo the night mom decided to take photos.... The iPhone didn't do so great! Oh well..

It was a much needed break, but I was more tired when I got home than I was when I left. I don't sleep well when I travel... Especially not in a condo that has the lightest curtains on the face of the planet. By 6 o'clock AM the sun was beaming in the sliding glass doors. It was extremely nice to get away. We did NOTHING but lay on the beach and read, eat, and sleep. It was just what the doctor ordered. Suzy had a blast with Gigi while we were gone. Nanny stayed the whole weekend with her too!! I am so thankful to have such great family. I missed Suzy like crazy, but Gigi sent me plenty of photos of her throughout the day which helped tremendously.

Lauren and I at Live Bait.

Cheesy beach photo.

I am still trying to catch up from being on "vacation". I don't think I will ever catch up, though?