A new edition is coming to our family!!!

Uncle Jason is going to be a daddy! He's already a step dad, but he and Aunt Lynda are having a baby! It is going to be soo cool to have a cousin for you to play with, Natalie! I can't believe I'm going to be an Aunty!!! It's Daddy's first time as an uncle so I think he's pretty excited too. The baby is due on April 1st and we can't wait to hear if it's a boy or girl. :)

Oh, Punky...how is it possible that you are already almost 6 weeks old!! Time has totally flown by....and so far it's been such a blast! Every day is a little bit different...you sure keep me on my toes. Today you laid in the bed with us before we got up and you fell asleep. Then I noticed a wet spot on the sheet....your diaper leaked! Ewwww!! :( Oh well, life will be full of those little accidents...it was worth it to cuddle with you! Of course I may not always be this sweet about it. ;)

I can't believe how much you've grown and changed...it's just crazy how much happens in the first 6 weeks. You are starting to smile a lot more now and you are definitley recognizing Daddy and me. We are still working on you pulling up from your belly, which you don't like very much....but you are using your neck and head a lot more and it's fairly steady....just a little bit of bobble head left in you ;) I can't wait for more smiling (at me :)) and giggling.
My favorite thing right now is when you sneeze....immediately after it you say "Ah-goo" in relief. :) LOVE it! and love you, punkys!
~Mom

Happy 1-month birthday, Natalie!

Yep, today is Natalie's 1-month birthday. She was born 4 weeks ago today!
Happy, happy little Punky! We spent a lot of quality time together today. We did play time and belly time and you are starting to really pull your head up and turn over on your side! I took you into our bathroom today to wash off your pacifier and you saw me in full sunlight....your eyes got really big and we started smiling and giggling at each other...it was SO amazing...I know for a fact that it was NOT gas!! :) I could've stood there all day. Of course it totally made me cry to see you look at me like that and see this dimple that appears on your right cheek when you smile really big. You are going to break some hearts for sure!!

We had a rough evening yesterday with you eating too much, apparently, and projecting puke everywhere...I had to change both of us twice! :( Speaking of projectile puke....:) last week I was coming down the stairs with you and right when we got to the bottom step you burped (after a period of hiccupps) and out flew milk! The dogs scattered and out of pure instinct I stuck out my hand and caught it all!! :) I am now officially a mother! What a reaction without even thinking of it. :) You didn't have a drop on you. We make quite a team.

I'm so tired lately...like the lack of sleep is getting to me. But I am trying to deal with it the best I can. You are worth all the non-sleeping nights I have had and will have ahead of me! I love you, punky girl....and seeing you smile at me today makes everything worth it. I don't even remember the pressure and pain of labor.....just the joy of seeing you and holding you for the first time. We've been together (on the "outside") for a month now....and I can't wait for all the months to come. You are a gift, my angel....and I thank God every day for bringing you into my life. I knew my life felt complete when I married your Daddy....but now it truly feels complete with both of you in my world.
hugs and kisses,
mom

I think you have night and day mixed up....

zzzzzzzzzzzz.........oh, sorry I must've dosed off for a minute. You slept most of the day yesterday, regardless of us trying to keep you up....and so, yes....you were awake...WIDE awake most of the night! It's so hard to try to share your crazy schedule, but at least it doesn't happen all the time. I think all we can do is take life one day at a time and hope for the best each day. But, do you think you could sleep good tonight, Punky?? :)

I feel like having a baby has really made me want to slow down life. For the first time ever I'm not dreaming about what I'm going to do in the future and thinking about where life is going to take me 10 or 15 years down the road....I just want to concentrate on each day...maybe it will help me be less high strung and more laid back.......................................................yeah right. ;)

Something else I've discovered about me is that I am a very protective person. It doesn't matter who is holding Natalie....I am always there and always watching. I wish I could let go a little so I don't seem like one of "those" moms. I also find myself taking things personally when my family members want to be the "cool one" in Natalie's life. Punky, I just want you to know that I LOVE you more than anything and we will have the most fun ever! First I am your mother, but in a close second I will be your best friend and I hope you always respect and adore our relationship as I know I will. I'm sure Dad will have his hands full with us ;) but here's to the Yandle girls taking the world by storm! :) I love you, my little angel....always.
~Mom

Do you see me, Punky?

Twice yesterday I saw your ginormous eyes get wide when you saw me, like you actually are starting to focus on my face and recognize me. :) That is the greatest feeling in the world....and I will never forget that moment as long as I live! You also opened your eyes during a nap when Daddy came home and gave you a kiss....it was such a look of surprise and was so sweet :) You are such a wonderful little girl and we enjoy watching you grow....even though I would rather you stay little and sweet for my own selfishness.....but I can't wait to see every stage of your life.
Are the nicknames confusing you yet? :)
Daddy and I can't help it that we are a family of silly names. He hasn't come up with any for you yet, but I'm sure they will come. I have about 15 so far :) Punky (short for Punkin' is my fave right now).

We've passed 3 weeks!! Our little girl is growing and changing every day. She's learning to hold her head up on her own and is working her arms and legs. She likes to stare at lamps, lights, and sunlight that dances into the house and reflects on the walls. Nothing beats the wonderment in a child's eyes when they begin to discover the world around them. I stare at her so much and I miss her when she's sleeping. She is starting to get used to days and nights....but has little relapses once in a while when she wants to be held and wants to "snack" at 3am then at 4:30am....so we're learning. She actually sleeps really well and will self-sooth herself. I think she's a genuinely happy babyand somewhat independent....she will definitely be a mover and a shaker when she starts to crawl. :) She already attempts it during belly time.

I have my postpartum appt. a week from this Tuesday so I'm anxious to get the all clear to get back to normal! My elliptical and pilates routine are calling me! So ready to lose the baby weight! can't wait to do "baby and me" exercises so I can teach my little one that exercise is important in our lives....even though I was too exhausted to do much of it when I was pregnant. Next time I'm going to try harder to stay in better shape....at least I have this experience under my belt!

I love you, my little Punky!! :)

Ta ta for now!
Lori