Wow... It's Been a While...

So, my internet has been down since Sunday afternoon. Not much has gone on, just getting things prepared for Big Belles birthday in a couple weeks. Hopefully I can get everything caught up this weekend.

This is what the Belles have been up to:



Not much. Just hanging out. And being ever so cute!

Wordless Wednesday

A Day at the Lake

Today we had our first "Day at the Lake" of the summer! AJ caught 10 fish- that's right, 10! Colleen sat in the water and loved every minute of it; she did try to eat a couple mussel shells though. The water was nice and warm and with the wake from passing boats, it almost felt like the beach. Almost.

She's SO Much Better!

Baby Belle is bouncing again! She got her first dose of Amoxicillin Sunday morning and immediately threw it up. After five more throw ups her belly was completely empty and she dry heaved twice. She wouldn't nurse so I very reluctantly offered her Pedialite in a sippy cup, which she refused (I say reluctantly because we are still exclusively breastfeeding and I have been holding off on giving her anything but breastmilk). She eventually fell asleep and slept most of the day. She got her first good dose of antibiotic Sunday evening and nursed a bit. Monday was much better. She made up for lost time and nursed pretty frequently. Her fever completely broke and she was cutting up and being silly by yesterday evening. Today, she is fully back to normal! I'm always very reluctant about medicating myself and my children. I'd rather let our bodies do the work. However, in this case, Colleen had a low-grade fever on and off for about a week and when it got to 102.5, I gave in and took her to the doctor. My initial thought was that she had "teething fever" but when it got that high, I knew there was something else going on. I'm so glad the Amoxicillin worked because she was so miserable Sunday; it broke my heart! But she's back to herself now! YAY!!!


On another note: after 2 weeks of not having a dryer, we finally got it back fully repaired and drying the first load of the laundry mountain as I type!

A Sick Belle

My Baby Belle has her very first ear infection. I took her to the doctor with a 102.5 degree fever but by the time we got there it was up to 103.7. She may also have an upper respiratory infection. Hopefully the Amoxicillin will clear everything up quickly. I want my happy, bouncing baby back!

I Love... Baby's Breath

Not the floral filler in all the girls' prom corsage, but the actual breath of a baby.

But just breast fed babies (sorry, formula breath is just funky!).

More specifically, MY breast fed baby.

I can't really explain it, but I know you nursing mama's out there know what I'm talking about. Baby's have a few distinct smells, not all of them pleasing, but my favorite, by far, is that sweet smelling boobie-breath. My fondness really comes in handy when Colleen decides to use my face as a chew toy.

I call it "baby-lovin'".

It's wonderfully messy!






Family Friendly Frugality

Wordless Wednesday

It's been a long weekend...

...and it's not over yet.

Thursday I came down with some kind of horrid illness. Friday it was a little worse. Today, a fever was added. I finally broke down and took some Robitussin (nursing approved). That was a big deal because I am so not the self medicating type! Thankfully, through it all I have had a very supportive mother-in-law who entertained AJ at her house during the day and a husband who has waiting on me in the evenings. I'm pretty good when I'm sick. I'm not a big complainer and usually trudge on through whatever ails me. Today, however, I spent most of the day in bed. Which was nice. I'm trying not to let myself feel guilty about not doing anything around the house because I AM sick after all.

The terrible part of the whole thing is that I've barely been able to have my Little Belle by my side (so to speak). She's had to spend most of her day in the swing or co sleeper. Besides nursing and the brief 5 or so minutes she was high on my shoulder away from my face (that bonding was the highlight of my day!) she's been as far away from my germs as possible. I hate it. She's practically been attached to me for the last 3.5 months. And a lot of the times I'm literally wearing her. I'm as spoiled by her cuddling as she is by mine. I love when she's fussing and I pick her up and she falls right to sleep. She just needed Momma's touch.

On a positive note, AJ's had a ball this weekend! She's got to spend a lot of extra time with her Grandmomma, whom she adores!

Here's to a better tomorrow!
(Forgive the cliche...)

Wordless Wednesday

Recently edited photos of my Belles.

Christmas

So these post will be a little out of order. Oh, well...

Christmas was splendid! We woke up at 6:30. I nursed Colleen while AJ watched Curious George until Joseph got things together (put the bike out). When AJ FINALLY noticed the bike and the presents she got really excited. Santa was very good to her. And me. I got a Shark steam mop, spring form pans (can't wait to make cheesecake!), and the Zumba Wii game will be acquired whenever we can find it. Santa finally brought our family a dual screen DVD player for the car, too. It will definitely make those trips to VA much easier. Breakfast was provided by Waffle House carry out.
We visited Joseph's family Christmas Eve and day. We ate so much great food! The desserts were ridiculous! I must brag, after gaining about 5 pounds last year (to my credit, I was newly pregnant), I haven't gained a single pound this year! It's shocking considering all the coconut cake I've eaten!
Next weekend we head to VA to visit my family. I can't wait! They haven't seen Colleen since she was born. Plus, we get to hold on to Christmas a little while longer...


Christmas pictures to follow.