Tuesday, August 19, 2008

Baby Boot Camp Survivor


The last two weeks Adyson and I were given the opportunity to have some incredible bonding time while Brian was out in Oxnard, Calif., working the Cowboys Training Camp and the first two preseason games.

I was excited and honestly looking forward to this time alone with her. However, the past two weeks turned out to be the hardest I’ve ever experienced both emotionally and physically. It wasn’t Ady; she’s a fabulous baby girl. It was simply the monotony of doing the same things over and over again, not to mention her sudden desire to eat every two hours. In addition, I had to find time to walk Roxy, our dog, twice a day, which I actually didn't mind because it got me out of the house.

After a few days of doing it “Ady’s Way,” I knew I wouldn’t survive if I didn’t adjust a couple of things. So strategizing how I would eat, sleep, shower and stay one step ahead of Ady were my goals. I did have a couple of friends (Jen Wills and Catrina Gibson) and my mother-in-law (Lynn Davis) to bring me some much needed food to keep me going.

In order for me to get through the days ahead I had to get up before she did – and I’m not a morning person. So, I flew through a shower, inhaled a small breakfast, washed her bottles from the previous night and prepared new ones for the upcoming feedings. I also allow myself to nap every once in awhile when she did.

Even with these adjustments, I still found myself chasing my 6-week old daughter and exhausted at the end of the day – but to me I really never had days because they all flowed together.

All-in-all I would not trade those early morning feedings, cuddling in the bed, watching her, oh so cute, facial expressions while drifting off to sleep, and bath time for all the sleep possible. I love my little girl and feel even closer to her than two weeks ago.

No Getting By Uncle Sam


Uncle Sam wasted no time in making Adyson a legal U.S. citizen as she received her Social Security card just three weeks after arriving home. Now Brian and I have a bet going on to see how long it will take for Ady to receive her first credit card application.
However, I’m still trying to track down her birth certificate – I have to pay $23 for each copy.

It’s The Small Things


The highlight of Baby Boot Camp (July 23-August 17) was seeing Adyson smile for the first time during the last week.

She also hates having her diaper, and clothes changed, but she's a very happy baby when all fresh and clean.

Ady has increased her feedings from 2 ounces to nearly five. She averages 3.5 ounces per feeding and actually took 6 within an hour tonight (Aug. 18).

Her second bath was much better than the first. Apparently she’s shy and doesn’t like to be 100% naked. So I covered her up and only exposed the areas I needed to clean at that time. Things went much, much better.