Is a rename in order?

I was going over some of my old postings and realized that really this blog is about Baikal, and not so much about me. I have purposely tried to not use this site as a therapy session, but believe me, I have my days. Overall, I am doing great and really enjoying my new full time job as wonder woman aka "mom."

Baikal had her two month doctor appointment last week. She has successfully made it pass the 10 lbs. mark which means I feel confident that I am providing adequate milk. This also means that we are going to begin the progression to a 4 hour feeding schedule. Last week I began feeding her at no less than 3 hour 15 minute intervals (I did make some accommodations for her busy weekend). This week we are now at 3 hour 30 minute intervals. It has gone well. I don't feel like I am pushing too hard, since she hasn't been particularly fussy in those additional 15 minutes. Also, I have started to put her in the crib at night awake instead of rocking her to sleep. So far it has been minimal fussing...Excellent!

Baikal is growing bigger and bigger everyday. It is wonderful to see her develop from her newborn stage into a full-fledged Buddha baby!

Baptism

Today was Baikal's baptism. She was baptized at All Saints Episcopal Church. She was great the whole time, no crying or fussing. It helped that I fed her right beforehand. She even fell asleep after the baptism and before communion.



Mom Miller, or Grandma Bookie, made Baikal's baptismal gown. It was the same gown that Matt and his sisters were baptized in.


Here is Baikal with her grandparents. I think they are all too young, hip, and happening to be grandparents!



Paul was also baptized today. We met the Frilingos family through All Saints. His gown was 75 years old and has been used in the family ever since his great great grandmother was baptized in it. WOW!


It was so nice to have so many people at the Baptism. Here are the Miller and Gibsons representing!


Bill Rencher, my cousin, is Baikal's godfather. He is excited about this new role and has already done a great job. Thanks Bill!


Courtney, my sister, is Baikal's godmother. She is posing here with the Baikal's other aunts, Emilie and Susann.

Sunday with Baikal

Today was a nice lazy day. Nothing major to report. Here is another picture.

The Big 3-0

On February 16th, I turned 30. My sister tells the story of the day that I was born something like this: "That day was a great day. I got a pair of red ruffled underwear and a life-sized doll to entertain me for years."




I had a wonderful surprise on my birthday...a three hour use of a limo to take me anywhere I wanted to go! My parents had arranged for a friend to watch Baikal so that I could have a special birthday. It was a total surprise, so I got in the limo and decided to go get a manicure and pedicure at the local Nail, Talk and Tan. I felt oh so important getting in my new ride with my new nails! Afterwards I went to a cafe to read more of my book (Pledged: the undercover story of life in a sorority). The time flew and before I knew it I was back home to Baikal. Later that night Laura and Tom brought over pizza from the mellow mushroom, my old college hangout. Thanks guys! I blew out the candles to my chocolate cake and didn't even make a wish. How could I ask for anything else when I already have so much to be thankful for? Thank you all for the calls, cards, and gifts on my birthday.

Friends

Baikal had a great visit with her pal, Amelia. Amelia is two and a half and such a grown up girl! It was great to get to visit and go out to Dakota Blue for Brunch with her mom, Ginny, and a visiting friend, Melissa. Hopefully some of Amelia's good manners rubbed off on Baikal during the visit. Ginny has been a great resource for me throughout my pregnancy and mommy days. Most of my good ideas have come from her trial and error. Thanks!

Snow

We have snow today in Georgia! Ok, you have to look pretty hard for it, but it is there. Upon hearing the news, I put Baikal in her bunting and started to stockpile water and bread. To all of our friends living in areas that are receiving a foot of snow...stay warm!

Cutie Pie

Baikal has started cooing and laughing. It is the cutest sound to a new mom. I just know that she has a lot to say and is just waiting for the right time to start saying it. Of course, it will be a while before I hear those first words. For now, I'll just continue to imagine what I think she is trying to say.

Also, Baikal has successfully taken a bottle. This is great for me, because it means that I can store my breastmilk and have someone else feed her...freedom! She still struggles a bit at first, but will eventually start to eat. Big thanks to Tim and Beth for suggesting that I move up to a larger size nipple on the bottle and to Ingrid for advice on warming the milk. This baby business is a bit of trial and error for me. So far, so good!

Walking the line

Ever since the doctor gave me the OK, Baikal and I have enjoyed our afternoon walks. It has turned a bit cold here so we have to bundle up a bit for our outings. I am so glad that we have had such a mild winter so far. It has really made traveling with Baikal a lot easier. I can't imagine what it must be like for new moms and babies who live in areas that are covered in snow.

Friday Pictures

Even though there is nothing particularly special going on today, every day with Baikal is a fun day! Here are some pictures from a day of just hanging out.

Sleepy time for Baikal, means active time for mom. It is amazing how little you can get done when you only have 30 minute increments. Baikal likes to stick out her bottom lip while sleeping.



Baikal is awake. When I notice that she is stirring, I run around and try to get the last bit of work done before she notices that I am not next to her.

Hey, where did mom go?


Where am I? Where is mom? I think I might need a diaper change...


Baikal loves to be silly after she eats. She has started making cute baby noises. Sometimes I think I hear her trying to say, "Thanks mom your the best."


YAWN. Lunch was great. Maybe I'll catch a snooze or two before dinner.