How quickly time flies...

It is hard to believe my little munchkin is already 7 months old...where has the time gone? I have realized I really love this age. He is sitting up like a big boy, taking non stop, and really loving to play. He is still really clingy to me; always wanting to be held. I guess it's really my fault b/c every time he cries, I am right there to get him. Oh well, he will not want to be help forever.

About two weeks ago we started him on solids & that has been really fun! I have decided to make all of his food & to use nothing but organic. It is really easy & I am glad to know what exacly my child is eating. So far he has had & liked pea, apples, sweet potatoes, rasberries, & avacados. Yummy!!! I have carrots, strawberries, & blueberries ready to be made. I will give him those this week.

Thanksgiving was great, but a little overwhelming. We are hoping next year to have Thanksgiving at our house. Here is a picture of Owen at his first Thanksgiving dinner.

We are planning on starting to look for a house at the beginning of the year. We hope to be out of this condo by summer...so, say a little prayer that we find something we both like.

I believe I am going to start back to school in June & I am really excited. I am not sure what I am going to work on....Ed.S, Ph.D, or something I have always want to learn. I will not elaborate on what that something is, but if you know me really well, you will know exactly what I am talking about. It is a passion of mine that I have always had.

Christmas is right around the corner and I am SO excited. We have gotten Owen a few things and plan on getting more this weekend. He really has NO clue about Christmas, but he needs some big boy toys. So, we are getting ones that make loads of noise. Yippee!!!

Well, I am off to clean the house while Owen is asleep & Tony is at the Titans game. I will update more when I have time.

SWL

♥ Half a year gone... ♥

It's hard to believe that 6 months has gone by & Owen is growing up SO fast! He is getting to be a BIG boy. He is talking a lot, saying "DaDa, BaBa" and a few other sounds. Life is crazy here at the Lankford house these days. There are toys everywhere & it seems like they keep on coming.

There has been some sickness in the house...Owen just got over an ear infection & Tony had food poisoning, all in the same week. Life was NOT fun & I was so worn out for taking care of them both. Whew, I am so glad they are both feeling better.

Work is moving right along & I can't believe we are close to half was finished with this school year. We have a fall break the week of Thanksgiving & I am ready to relax and spend time with my munchkin.

On Wednesday we will start Owen on solids...first we are going to try rice cereal first. I will post pics so all can see. We go to the doctor on Friday for his 6 month check up & shots. I have been going my research and we have decided not to give owen all of his vaccines at one time. He will only receive one shot on Friday. I believe there is a link between immunizations & autism. Therefore, we have decided to take things slowly. I am reading a wonderful book What Your Doctor May NOT Tell You About Children's Vaccinations by Stephanie Cave. It has really opened my eyes to all of this.

I have decided to make all of Owen's baby food. I got a really nice food processor and we are ready to roll. That should be interesting. I think his first food will be bananas. Yummy.

Yesterday we had Owen's 6 month pics made & he didn't do well. So, we are going to re-do them today with Angela. However, there was one pic she sent me & I really like it. I hope you do to...

Well, I am off to get some things done with Owen is asleep. I will posted the rest of pics as soon as they are available.

Have a wonderful Sunday & Go Titans!!!

Stephanie

Frustrated...

Why does life have to be come complicated? It always seems like there are a million things that need to be done, issues at home, clothes to be washed, dished to be cleaned/put away, bottle to wash, diapers to change, a baby to take care of, and not a lot of hands to help.

Being a married woman I like to think things within our house are 50/50. However, I feel that some days it's more like 80/20. I was raised that the house is cleaned every-other week, sheets are changed weekly, your spouse is always there to help with whatever it might be, and I am really needing this person right now. I feel like am sinking & sinking FAST. My house is filthy, stuff everywhere (a lot of it is mine, some Owen's), clothes needing to be put away.

Here is how my day goes:

• wake up between 5-6, whenever Owen wakes up


• nurse Owen


• change Owen's diaper


• eat breakfast


• get all of Owen's things together for daycare


• shower


• do hair, make-up, get clothes on


• nurse Owen again


• drop Owen off at daycare


• go to work till 4


• pick Owen up & go home


• nurse Owen


• cook dinner


• nurse Owen


• clean up kitchen, sometimes Tony cleans up


• possibly nurse Owen AGAIN


• put Owen down for the night


• make bottles


• wash bottle/pump parts


• watch some TV or go to bed


• nurse Owen 2-3 times throughout the night


• Start it all over again

See, I have SO much to do & I am so freakin' tired. I don't know how much longer I can do this. I am physically worn out. This is the first semester I haven't been in college, but that is going to change come January when I plan on starting to work on my Ed.D.

I just want some help! So, if you are willing to come over to my house & help me, please call. :)

Well, I am off to lay on the couch, go make some bottles, & get ready for bed.

Maybe next time I will be in a better mood...

Here is a pic to brighten your/my day.

Stephanie

*Sucking*

Owen has started this new thing with his tongue where he sticks it out & sucks his upper lip. It is so cute & it seems like everytime I turn around, his tongue is sticking out.

It seems like he starts something new everyday.

Yesterday we were on the fun all day long. It started out with a soccer game in the morning, home for lunch, went to Sam's for some chicken, Target for some items, & finally to Kroger's for some ice cream. Tony went out last night & Owen and I just stayed at home. It seems like Tony goes out all the time, when in fact, he doesn't. It's just the two of us never get to go out together & it makes me sad.

This week we don't have a lot going on. I hope it will go by quickly & the weekend will be here before I know it. I love being home with Owen & playing with him. Next Sunday he will be 5 months old.

Well, I am going to go get ready to go to my parent's house.

Stephanie

♥ BoTh WaYs ♥

It's official, Owen is rolling over both ways now. Wednesday night Tony & I went out for the first time since Owen arrived. We were over his mother's house and Owen was on the quilt on the floor playing. She said..."he just rolled back on to his stomach" So, I watched him and sure enough he is rolling over both ways.

Owen is starting to make the sweetest sounds. The other morning I heard him in his crib saying "DaDa" and he is also saying "BaBa" Wow! He is growing up so fast & I don't really like it. Owen is really starting to talk and make all kinds of funny little sounds. It seems like there is something new everyday with him.

I believe he is starting to get ready to cut teeth. His hands are ALWAYS in his mouth, drooling, runny nose, & some other things. Not to mention the daycare said something to me about it. I guess only time will tell. Today I am home with him b/c he is not feeling so well.

Next Sunday Owen will be 5 months old. Oh how time flies! Only one more month until he will starting eating some kinds of food. That is going to be really fun! One more month & will are going to have his 6 month pics made. I am SO excited about that one.

Last weekend we bought Owen an exersaucer & it's so cute to see him play in it. There are all these really neat toys attached to it & he loves putting them in his mouth. Our house has become filled with baby toys & it's only going to get worse. :)

Well, I am off to wash bottles, pacies, & pumping items. I will update with pics this weekend. Until next time...

SWL

Where does the time go?

It seems just like yesterday I was pregnant with Owen & loving every minute of it. Today he is getting close to 5 months old & I wish I could freeze time. However, we are moving right along and he is getting sweeter by the day. I absolutely love being a Mother & I can't wait till I have a house full of children.

Some new things Owen is doing:

Grabbing his feet
Sucking his toes
Rolling over like crazy
Making all kinds of gooing sounds
Holding his head up so well
Sleeping is his crib for naps

As you can see, Owen is doing new things everyday. I will post some pics on here tomorrow, the camera is dead. He is the love of my life and I am so thankful God has blessed me with such a wonderful baby.

Work is getting better, I just wished I was lucky enough to be a SAHM. However, I am stuck working...for now. I wouldn't even mind if Tony could stay home, that's not an option right now either. Speaking of work, I believe I am going to go back to school in Jan. to start working on my Ph.D. in education. For some reason I feel like I need to get this last degree & my career will be complete. It's not so much being called Dr. Lankford, it's wanting to go as far as I can.

Well, I need to go do some planning for this week. I will update later in the week with some pics.

Until next time...

Stephanie

♥ Things I hate...♥

I have been doing a lot of thinking here these days and there are some things I hate:

• liars
• cheaters
• butt kissers
• people who are fake
• those that dont pull their weight
• not being home with Owen
• people who dont understand me, my family, & the chioces I make
• cleaning
• bugs
• being sick
• cancer
• lack of sleep

The list could go on and on. I feel I am so distanced from some of my friends right now & I need to change that. I have so much going on...work, home, Owen, life, and other things. I feel I can never catch up on things. Work is stressing me out & I hope that will end really soon.

Well, I thought I would update since it's been a while. I don't think there are many if any that read this. Those who do...hope all is well.

Stephanie

♥ LoOkInG uP ♥

Things are looking up for me & the family. Monday we found out Tony's job was safe! Thank God! I have been really stressing out about this for months now. My brother-in-law has a friend who works for MTSU & could possibly have a job for Tony. I am not holding my breath on this, but I am saying a prayer that he has a chance.

There is also a relief at work & I am starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel. We have a huge deadline to meet and I believe I, along with the 6th grade will meet the deadline. Pumping is getting better & I am not as stressed.

Saturday we meet with Angela to see all of Owen's pictures and purchase some. It's going to be hard to decide what ones to get & not get. If I were rich, we would purchase them all. However, we are going to have to *pick* out the best ones & I know they are all great. Angela's work is FAB & I am so glad she found me. Below are four of the pictures she took:

Well, I am going to wake Owen so he can eat before he heads to daycare. Until next time...

Stephanie

Stress....

For the past two weeks I have had a lot on my mind...work, home, Owen, Tony, pumping, teaching, deadlines, & the list goes on. It seems just when things are going good...crap hits the fan. It's been a while since I have posted anything & I don't really know where to begin, but I need to start somewhere.

I will start with the positive:

We had Owens picture made last weekend with Angela Crutcher and what I have seen of the pics, they are FAB! Owen was wonderful for the two hours she was here. I just can't wait to see the others. Well, that's about all for the positives...

Negatives: Owen started daycare two weeks ago and I have really been depressed ever since. I HATE it someone else gets to take care of him, he smells like daycare & not me, he has to take 3 bottles rather than nursing, they don't love him like I do, are they holding him? NO, and I am sure there are a ton more things. He seems to be adjusting to the new place, but I am NOT. I really like it there & they are all so nice...however, I would rather be home!!!

Work...I love teaching, but this year is hard! There are so many new requirments and we only have about three weeks to complete them all. My principal wants us to turn in lesson plans for 9 weeks, go through about 30 kids cume folders, and write an IEP (inndivual education plan) for EVERY student we teach (I have about 150 students), & I am sure there is something I am missing.

Want to talk about stress, PUMPING while at work has become another JOKE! This would not even be possible if it wasn't for a few male teachers who have stepped up to the plate. I just really wished I would have taken off a full year to be home with Owen. Speaking of Owen...he is sick! Yep, thanks daycare! Last night I didn't get but maybe 3 hours worth of sleep b/c Owen was up all night. Today was the same and he has finally fallen asleep. I have said a prayer that he will sleep throught the night. I can't take much more. Tony is going to get up with him tonight if he is fussy & stay home tomorrow with Owen. We called the doctor and we bought a humidifier, nose drops, & Vick's baby rub in hopes something will help.

Tony should know something this week about where he stands with his job at SunTrust. This is the main thing that's stressing me out. The thought of Tony not having a job is really taking it's toll on me. I will let you all know something as soon as I do.

Well, I am off to try to get some much needed sleep & pray that my angel sleeps tonight.

Stephanie

♥ The time has finally come ♥

Well, it's official...my time home is UP! Tomorrow is Owen's first day at daycare and I am so SAD. I am NOT looking forward to it & honestly, I have done a lot of crying. I know I have no choice, but it is killing me.

I don't have to be back to work till Wednesday but I thought I would go ahead back to get my room ready & to get Owen use to his teacher. He will only be there for a few hours tomorrow and Tuesday, but full days the rest of the week.

A part of me is really ready to return to work and the other half just wants to be a Mommy at home with Owen. I try to look at all the positives with my work: no long hours, little time at daycare, a few days off a month, a week off in November, two weeks in December, one in January, & one in March. Not that shabby.

Owen is really laughing a lot these days and the sound just melts my heart. He is getting so big & I am not really liking it. I loved the small 8 pound baby & he is much bigger now. Matter of fact, we are going to the doctor tomorrow & I am interested to see how much he weighs.

Well, I am off to get all the things together for tomorrow. I will post tomorrow about his & mine first day apart.

XOXOXO,
Sad Stephanie

*Pacifier*

It has been brought to my attention numerious times that I am Owen's *pacifier*. Yes, that's right, the boy LOVES to nurse! He has to nurse before he goes to sleep, no matter what. I have always said I will NEVER give my child a pacifier until Monday. I went to Target and bought Owen a Nuk & he hated it! It was so funny...I put it in his mouth and he spits it right out. I tried...

I was afraid when he is at daycare & I am not there to nurse he will have a hard time. It is going to be such an adjustment but he will figure it out. I wished I could stay home with him for the first year but that's out of the question. I wished we were rich and didn't have to worry about a single thing...however, that's not the case.

Owen is sleeping really well during the night. Last night he was put in his bed at 8:45 and didn't wake up till 4:45...not that shabby! He is so darn sweet! He could wake up every hour and I wouldn't be mad, how can I?

Other than that, I am dreading heading back to work on Monday. I will only be there about a half day, then to a meet at Vandy, & then to pick up my man from daycare. Tuesday I have to be there at 8 to meet the new 6th graders and then from 8-3 on Wednesday-Friday. I know I am going to ball like a baby when I have to leave him at daycare.

Oh well, I am going to fold clothes...Yippee!

Smooches,
Stephanie

Sprinkling of Water...

Yesterday was a special in the Lankford house, Owen was baptized. The day started off with all the family & friends over for a dinner. It was so nice to have everyone here with us, even though our little condo is very small.

My Nanny was able to make it but was very hard on her. She has Alzheimer's and is going downhill at a very fast rate. She currently lives at a retirement home and when she is not there she sometimes acts a little ill. During the mass Dad told me she was ready to go...saying "can't we just get up and leave?" So, we didn't get a single family picture with my parent's or Nanny.

After we all ate, it was time to start getting ready. Well, we waited till it was too late to get ready. When we were ready to go Owen decided he was going to spit up all over his clothes and mine. So, I had to change him & wipe down my clothes. We go to the church at exactly 5:45...we had to be there at that time to meet with Father Kibby.

When we got there, we changed Owen's clothes and were ready to roll! The whole ceremony was perfect & Owen was really good. I am so thankful for such a wonderful baby, husband, family, & friends. God has truly blessed me! The day was perfect!

My wonderful best friend ML came...THANKS a MILLION! I love you SO much! Also, thanks for the money, you shouldn't have. Life will not be the same without you.

Until tomorrow...

Mommy

♥ Giggle Box ♥

It's official, my baby laughed! I heard Owen this morning about 4am in the bed moving, yawning, & making some noises. So, I got up and went in his room and he was wide awake. I got him up & he was SOOOO happy! I put him on the changing table and was talking to him and then...he laughed! It was the cutiest thing! He actually did it a few times.

I thought I was in trouble because he was so wide awake. I fed him & he went right to sleep...thank God! He is such a wonderful sleeper. He usually wakes up only once in the middle of the night & is up at around 5am. Since I get up in the middle of the night with Owen, Tony will get up with him in the morning.

This morning was no different...Owen wanted out of the crib at about 5:30. Tony always takes him downstairs and puts him in the swing where he goes right back to sleep. He will bring Owen to me when he is ready to eat. Well, this morning Tony came in the room and said "can you help me?" Owen seemed to have a diaper malfunction...he had some leakage out the side. He little gown was covered in Pooh. Yuck! The sad part is Owen doesn't even care if he sits in it.

Other than that, not much is going on at the Lankford house. My friends in from KY and we are going to spend the day together. Tomorrow everyone is coming over for dinner and then we are going to church for Owen's baptism. I will post pics as soon as I can.

Well, I am off to watch some TV & drink my coffee.

Toodles,
SWL

~:Hair Club for Babies?:~

I didn't realize how quickly babies go from having a ton of hair to bald. Poor Owen is nearly bald! He has a ring around the back of his head and a mohawk patch on the top & that's pretty much it. However, there is a lot of new growth on his head. I usually roll the crib on a daily basis with the lent roller.

He is starting to laugh and it is really cute! I absolutely love all the little sounds he is making...they melt my heart. I can't wait for the day he finally can talk, not to mention tell me he loves me back. I have to be the luckiest person in the whole wide world. I have the cuties little boy, wonderful husband, best friends, awesome parent's, and we are all healthy.

I am on the down hill slide for returning to work and I am not liking it. Monday I had a major melt down...I just sat here holding Owen & cried. I got to thinking: the daycare is not going to take care of Owen like I do, change his diapers as often as I do, hold him, cuddle, kiss, play, sing, dance, read, and do other things to/with him. He is NOT going to have the attention like he has now and that breaks my heart. God, why can't I stay home with him forever? I did tell Tony when we have another child I am going to take a full year off...no questions asked!

We are having Owen's picture made on August 11 & I can't wait. That should be fun. I love the person I am going with and I love her work. We are also going to take some family pictures.

I am off to read Owen a book...it's about that time of day~Story Time! I love reading to him and seeing his face when I make sounds, it's priceless. Until next time, Happy Thursday!

God Bless,

Mommy

Sleepy Head...

For the most part Owen likes to fight going to sleep at night. Last night was nothing new! We got him ready for bed around 7, fed him, did a little playing, and he began to yawn. So, we decided to go ahead and put him in the swing.

He stayed in the swing about 10 minutes eating his hand & looking around. After that, SCREAMING! It had been a little while since he had eaten, so I fed him & he fell asleep. Tony took Owen to his crib and we thought "lights out!" Yeah right...

After about 10 minutes he was crying...Tony goes and gets him and brings him downstairs. He is wide awake & smiling...nope, I'm NOT tired! I held him for a while & then sat down b/c he is getting heavy! The whole time this was going on we were trying to watch a movie. HaHa!

I noticed Owen was wet, so I changed his diaper on the ottoman like we always do. Well, while Owen is on the ottoman he cocks his head back to watch TV. I decided to let him stay on there after the diaper change b/c he was happy & still. I always put my foot in his gown so he can't go anywhere. After about 10 minutes I noticed he was still and not moving...Tony got up and he was watching the movie with us. Then another 5 minutes passed and I got worried and Tony got up to check on him and he was asleep. I had to take a picture b/c it was too cute.

I hardly ever allow Owen to watch TV...why?

1. babies/kids shouldn't watch tv...if they do, maybe only 30 minutes a day
2. I would rather play with him
3. I would rather read to him
4. It is a habit I don't want to start!

Others might like putting their child/baby in front of the TV, but I don't. Just our personal opinion. Kind of like I don't let Owen "CIO" cry it out at night to fall asleep. There is loads of research that says this is NOT a healthy practice.

Well, I am going to finish drinking my coffee, fix some oatmeal, take a shower, & enjoy this Sunday.

God Bless & Happy Blogging,

Sleepy Stephanie

Sunny Saturday

What a wonderful Saturday it is! The weather is nice, sun is bring, breeze is blowing, Owen is happy, and I am wonderful. What more could I ask for? I forgot to mention I have a wonderful book to read. Owen just went down for a nap and should sleep for about an hour.

In the past 20 minutes I have changed 2 poopie diapers and 1 wet one. Yippee! We went to exchanged the outfit for his baptism. The one we got was newborn and it fit everywhere except in the length. So, the next size up is 3 months. It's big but will work. It is so freakin' cute. We got it from Strasburg Children and everything in that store is cute! I am going to take a sewing class next month and hopefully learn how to make those outfits. There is really nothing to them...a little material, thread, buttons, and that's it. Such little materials, so much money.

Hopefully this week will go by quickly. A friend is coming down from KY to see Owen for the first time and I am FINALLY going to go out! I know...it's been about a year since I have been out. Saturday we are going to clean the house and Sunday everyone will be over for dinner and Owen's baptism.

Today I swear I heard Owen make a slight laughing sound. It was so cute. Tony was holding him and he snickered. Such sweet sounds. He is making a new sound everyday and I am loving it. I have a meeting Tuesday with someone who is going to take Owen's 3 month pictures...hope that goes well. We are meeting at Starbucks...Yummy! I am getting his pictures made on August 11.

Tonight I am going for a walk...3 miles to be exact. I have really got to start adding exercise to my daily routine. I have been very successful on WW and I lost a total of 39 pounds. No, not all of that on WW. I lost all 28 pounds I gained through my pregnancy and 11 with WW. It is a slow process but this is going to be the last time I lose it.

Well, I am off to read & relax while my little peanut is resting in his wonderful swing. Until tomorrow...

XOXOXO,

SWL

Rolly Polly

This is what I have been waiting for, Owen to roll over. He finally did it last night while in his crib. For the past few weeks he has been getting on his side but not able to make it over b/c of his arm. Well, it seems the arm didn't stop him last night.

I have done a lot of praying that if he was going to roll over, let it be at home and not at daycare. I wished I could have seen it because I am sure it was funny.

I woke up at about 12:30am and heard some noises in there, I figured he was hungry. So, I got up, walked in the room, and stood there trying to adjust my tired eyes. I thought he was on his tummy but I wasn't sure. I leaned over the crib and rubbed him...Yep, that's his butt! He was trying to figure out how to get back over but couldn't and was getting frustrated.

I had to wake up Tony...I knew he would want to see it for himself. He was very confused when I woke him up b/c I never wake him during the night. He later told me he thought something was wrong. Nope, just your son reaching another milestone in his life.

Making sounds is one of my favorite things Owen does. Yesterday he made a snorting sound and I have never laughed so hard. He is changing everyday and it's hard to believe he is almost 11 weeks old.

On another note, I got a call today from the daycare I initially wanted to put Owen in...they were telling me they did have a spot for him in August. What a weight lifted off of me.

Toodles,
SWL

Sounds

Owen is starting to make the sweetest sounds. Yesterday was the start of a new sounds and he did it all day! He is really trying hard to roll over. He gets on his side, face down, and just can't seem to get the arm in the correct spot. It's so funny because he grunts and groans hoping it will help him get over. Once he is over he is going to freak out.

We tried another bottle and Owen likes it a lot more. There is no smacking noise while he eats and he latches right on. I am so glad I decided to try another one before he starts daycare. Speaking of daycares, my time at home is ticking away. I start back to work in exactly three weeks and that should be interesting. I am excited about starting another year with my partners but I really like being home more!

I am off to do a little reading. This is something I love doing but it's so hard to find the time these days. Toodles!!!

Stephanie

Moving...

Some times it takes a friend to help motivate you to do something...walking! As many of you know, I am currently on WW and have been successful so far. However, I do have a LONG road ahead of me! I have lost this weight numerous times and this is going to be the LAST time!

Tonight my best friend came over and we went for a walk. How lovely it was to get out of the house, walk, be away from the hubby and little one, get some fresh air, and just visit.

When she arrived Owen was having a major melt down! This was the mother of all melt downs! Got him calm and put him in the swing for what I thought would be lights out! After we walked, I approached the condo expecting to hear him screaming. Nope, not a peep. I came in expecting him to be asleep and he was wide awake. Here it is 9:15 and he is STILL awake. Are you kidding me?

I don't mind him staying awake if he would sleep through the night...that will not happen. Oh well, maybe one day he will sleep through the night.

Tomorrow I am going to get up and go to church...I need it! I am going to leave Owen home and pray he is a sweet little one. I could take him with me and put him in there for the people to watch him. I am just not that comfortable yet. Also, we are going to my parent's house for my Dad's birthday.

Well, I am off to bed. I am really tired and there is nothing else to do.
Until next time,Stephanie

Cutting...

As some of you know, I wacked my hair off about two weeks ago. I got a total of 8 inches off of it and I really love it. Many of you know I have *tons* of hair and I just couldn't take it anymore.
For the majority of my life I have alwas worn my hair back in a ponytail...now I am forced to dry and fix my hair everyday. I can no longer pull it back in a ponytail. However, I can make pigtails and that's it. I only do it at the end of the night before bed. I can't sleep with my hair all over the pillow.

It use to take me about 20 minutes to do my hair, now it only takes me about 10. I swear I have lost two pounds by having it cut. I am happy with it and I can see myself going a little shorter next month. ;)

Whats New:

Yesterday Tony and I went and looked at another daycare that I like better. I just pray they have a spot in a few weeks when I need on.

Owen is getting so freakin' cute! He has these little cheeks, rolls on his arms and legs, biggest blue eyes, and he's all MINE!!!

Like in the Lankford household has never been happier with the addition. I just can't wait till he's a little older and can talk! I talk to him constantly and I wished he could talk back. He probably thinks my Mommy is CRAZY...all she does is talk and read books to me.

Next month Owen will be 3 months old...where has the time gone? We are going to have his pictures made and I can't wait! I think I have found someone I like, I am going to meet with them soon.

Being a Mother has always been what I wanted and I can't imagine someone mistreating a baby/child, but it happens everyday! I wished I was rich because I would have a house full of kids! However, I am a poor teacher with little money and a lot of student loans...two children is enough.

Well, I am off to read a book while my little monkey is napping. Talk to you all soon!

Love,

Mommy

Sleep...Anyone?

Can someone help this baby go to sleep???? Last night Owen was up till 9:40!!! All I could think was..."you have got to be kidding me!" He took mini naps all day but nothing out of the norm. For some reason he wanted to be up with us.

The doctor said last week that he has two teeth sitting right on the top and yesterday all Owen was doing was rubbing his gums, fussing, and wanting to chew on my fingers. Not to mention that morning he woke up a lot to nurse.

All is well here and we are doing great. It will not be long till I have to go back to work and he is in daycare. I really don't want to think about it but it's something that's got to happen.

Well, I am off to get ready and enjoy the day. It's raining and I love it...I would like it better if I could be in the bed all day. ;) However, I have a little bird that needs all of my attention.

SWL

OUCH!!!!

My sweet baby got his first round of shots on Thursday and all I can say is...OUCH!!!! He got three in one leg, two in the other, and a liquid oral dose! I had to hold his hands down and yhat was so darn painful! He took it like a champ and all is well now.

I was happy to know he is gaining weight! He weighed 12 pounds 3 oz. and has grown to 24 inches. Owen is getting so big! The doctor said everything is looking good and we are scheduled to come back in two months.

Owen has reached a milestone...he is sleeping through the night. Well, let me explain...some nights he goes to sleep at 7 others 8-9 and doesn't wake up till 4am to eat, then goes right back to sleep till around 530!!! This pattern has been going on all week and I am so happy!

Time is ticking down and it's getting closer and closer for me to return to work. I am not looking forward to that but it is something that has to happen. We have found a daycare that we are happy with and he is scheduled to start the first Monday in August. I know I am going to cry like a baby when I have to leave him there.

I have been thinking about going back to Nursing school to finish my nursing degree. Why? I would love to work 3 days a week and possibly even Tony being able to stay home. Just a thought! I could finish in 16 months and have my BSN. I am not going to do anything till 4 more years of teaching.

Also something else I did...I got 8 inches wacked off of my hair last week. I feel lighter and it looks cute. I was afraid of Tony not liking it but he does. I will put a picture up soon.

Well, I am off to finish getting ready. As soon as I got out of the shower my little man was ready to eat...so, I had to make him happy. I will update soon!
Stephanie

Love...

As each day passes I have realized that I now know what *true* love is. Look at the two most important men in my life. Each day that passes Owen is changing so much. He is making the cutiest little sounds, grunts, smiles, and expressions that just melt my heart.

Tony is on vacation this week and it's nice having him home once again. Since he spent the first 6 weeks with us he is really liking being back home with his little dinosaur. He has two more weeks of vacation this year.

July is a busy month with the holiday and my preparation for returning to work. The last Sunday of July Owen is getting baptized at the Cathedral on West End. This will take place during the afternoon mass. How neat it this: When I finally took the step to get baptized in to the Catholic Church I was a month pregnant with Owen. Now Owen is going to have the same thing done, at the same church, and by the same priest...how neat is that????

Today I went and paid my money for Owen's daycare. I can honestly say this is the HARDEST thing I have ever had to do. It breaks my heart to think someone else will get to be with him during the day. I think it is even harder because I LOVE my job...this is what I have spent so much money on, my education. I know he will be fine, but I just wished I was home with him.

I must go and wash some clothes while my little sweet one is asleep.

Until next time,

Stephanie

Where does the time go????

Where does the time go? Owen will be 2 months old next week and it seems just like yesterday I was pregnant. I do miss being pregnant, feeling him move in my tummy, being able to have milkshakes and not feel guilty, and just the joys of being pregnant. Although I loved being pregnant, I will not be pregnant anytime soon!!!! I really want to enjoy Owen and all he has to offer.

Tony has been back to work for two weeks and him not being here makes a huge difference. Taking a shower is a little tricky...I have to make sure Owen is full and not fussy, put him in the bouncy seat, and jump in. I try to be quick but he has been doing great!

My days a numbered at home...I wished I didn't have to work at all. However, it makes it hard not to go back to work b/c I love my job, but I love being at home more. These days you cannot afford to stay home and raise your child unless you have a ton of kids. I think I have 5 more weeks of being home. I have not worked since mid April.

Owen is changing everyday:

• smiles a lot


• makes the craziest noises...Tony says they sound like dinosaurs


• has found his hands and puts them in his mouth


• is getting really chunky

We go to the doctor next Thursday and I hope everything goes OK. The doctor is going to make a decision about his feet. If he is not happy with them, we are going to see a children's orthopedic doctor to help correct his feet. He will also start getting his vaccunations...*cry*

Until next time,

Stephanie

Being a Mommy...

I never knew how much being a Mom would change my life. Owen is going on three weeks old and he is so perfect! He is everything I have ever wanted and then some. I do miss him kicking me in my tummy. However, it is really nice to have him here for me to kiss, cuddle, and hold.

He is growing like a weed! He has gained 1.4 pounds in the past 13 days, grown almost an inch, and doing great! Tony is really liking being a father and being home with him. It is funny how you dont mind getting pooh on your hands, getting a little pee on you at 2:30am, sneezed on, or anything else that comes along with being a parent.

Tony has three more weeks here at home with me and Owen and I am going to miss him once he goes back to work. I am going to HATE going back to work in August and having to put him in daycare. However, I know it's for the best!

I am going to try to post more often and keep up with the pictures. For now, I am going to make dinner while the little bird is asleep.

Hugs,
The Lankford's

38w 3d

It's hard to imagine that I only have 11 more days till Owen arrives. I feel wonderful, waddle like a duck, tummy is huge, boobs are large, hands are a little swollen, and I am fat as a cow. But hey, I am going to be a Mommy!

Today Tony and I are going out for a little shopping, I am going to get my brows waxed, and my friend Karen is going to paint my toe nails. Yippee! If I could reach my feet, I could do it. It is a challenge to even shave my legs, which I did today. I swear, it's like running a marathon to even shave my legs. I get so tired and start to breathe heavy.

His room is ready, I have lots of diapers, his bag is packed, and all is looking good. I still have to pack my bag...I will do that tomorrow. I don't want to cut things close and not be ready when nature calls.

Tonight we are going to my brother-in-laws for dinner and UFC fight. I am sure I will be asleep by 10. It is nice to get out of the house every now and then...I know times will be limited once the little one arrives.

Well, I am off to do a little shopping. I will update tomorrow.

Stephanie

Oh Baby...

The countdown is on...only 12 more days till my little Owen makes his way into the crazy world. Yes, this world is so CRAZY...look at what happened Monday in Virginia. It really scares me to think that these are the things he is going to have to deal with growing up. I hope that he grows up in the loving home like I did, have two parents that support him no matter what he wants to do, show him how to love, be respectful, and all the other things I learned from my parents.

It is hard to believe the 9 months are over with and now it is time for him to come into my life. I am so ready but scared. I think it's normal for a new mom to be scared. I don't doubt that I am going to be a wonderful Mommy...b/c I know I am. Parenting is trial and error. If you make a mistake, change it and don't do it again.

Being on bed rest gives me a lot of time to think and wonder what life is going to be like one he arrives. I am ready for the challenge and look forward to being a MOMMY! Until next time...

Stephanie