9 WEEKS/BABY'S FIRST SNOW!

 

 9 weeks. 

Baby's first snow!

Never a dull moment with my baby girl. I love being her Mommy!

BEFORE I WAS A MOM.

Before I was a Mom...I made and ate hot meals. I had unstained clothing. I had quiet conversations on the phone.

Before I was a Mom... I slept as late as I wanted and never worried about how late I got into bed. I brushed my hair and my teeth everyday.

Before I was a Mom... I cleaned my house each day. I never tripped over toys or forgot words to lullabies.

Before I was a Mom... I didn't worry whether or not my plants were poisonous. I never thought about immunizations.

Before I was a Mom... I had never been puked on, pooped on, spit on, chewed on, peed on or pinched by tiny fingers. I had complete control of my mind, my thoughts, and my body. I slept all night.

Before I was a Mom... I never held down a screaming child so that doctors could do tests or give shots. I never looked into teary eyes and cried. I never got gloriously happy over a simple grin. I never sat up late hours at night watching a baby sleep.

Before I was a Mom... I never held a sleeping baby just because I didn't want to put it down. I never felt my heart break into a million pieces when I couldn't stop the hurt. I never knew that something so small could affect my life so much. I never knew that I could love someone so much. I never knew I would love being a Mom.

Before I was a Mom... I didn't know the feeling of having my heart outside my body. I didn't know how special it could feel to feed a hungry baby. I didn't know that bond between a mother and her child. I didn't know that something so small could make me feel so important. 

Before I was a Mom... I had never gotten up in the middle of the night every 10 minutes to make sure all was okay. I had never known the warmth, the joy, the love, the heartache, the wonderment, or the satisfaction of being a Mom. I didn't know I was capable of feeling so much before I was a Mom.

TWO MONTHS.

Waiting on this "Winter Storm Janus" they keep talking about. Chesterfield County even closed schools and it's currently 45 degrees. According to the Weather Channel, the temperature will drop to 12 degrees with an inch of snow fall tonight. We'll see. So due to the fact I have to work tomorrow through Saturday, please enjoy Jaselyn's 2 month picture a day early. :-)

8 WEEKS : BACK TO WORK.

Yesterday, not only did my daughter turn 8 weeks, I started back at work, after a struggle, but money is money. My boss is willing to give me (approximately) 30 hours a week, five 6-hour shifts. I will no longer be working 3pm-11pm and pretty much making my own schedule so I still have time to spend with Jaselyn. I'll probably be working every Saturday for the rest of my life, but oh well it keeps me out of trouble. Hotel business is slow and will pick up in the Spring, where I'll (hopefully) go back to full time. Until then, I am still keeping my eyes open for other employment opportunities.

Nonetheless, I adore getting off work and kissing her sweet cheeks and working gets me out of the house and a little time to myself. Today she had a sad face as I buckled her in the car seat which broke my heart, almost as though she knew "we're dropping off Mommy again". Her Mimi (my Mom) said it was about 7pm yesterday she became fussy for no reason (not hungry, nor wet) as though she realized I wasn't there. It's amazing how smart she is.

7 WEEKS.

I've spent weeks dreading leaving my baby girl behind and going back to work. Til today. Here's my story:

My boss took me out of work early November because I was having contractions. Without a driver's license and being the only person working the desk, he was worried I'd go in labor at work. Understandable.

I've kept in contact with him. Hes met my daughter, I visit the hotel regularly and he even came by the hospital to meet her when she was born. I contacted him New Years Eve and told him I'd be ready to come back to work beginning January 13th. Because I didn't receive any benefits (yes, I was a full-time employee), I did not get paid maternity leave or anything and I've put off my bills long enough. I reminded him a week ago to make me a schedule and let me know.

Seeing as TOMORROW is January 13th and I haven't heard a word, I sent him a text message asking if I'm coming back to work this week or what. No response. He has spent almost three months with only ONE other employee (who strictly works graveyard shift), mind you these are 7-3pm 3pm-11pm 11pm-7am shifts, so one would think he'd be more than happy to have the help. But then I hear through the grapevine he has hired someone to take my place. Pretty sure this is illegal and I luckily I have employees to back this up. 

So it looks like it's back to the drawing board. I'll be contacting unemployment as soon as possible. It's a shame because I really enjoyed my job and had a great relationship (so I thought) with my boss. But a door has opened for new possibilities and (hopefully) the potential for more money wherever it may be.

I get to spend more time with the cutie though, so how can I complain?

Shes begun to stretch, kick when she's mad, blow spit bubbles, manages to put her Wubbanub pacifier back in her mouth by herself, beginning to grab and becoming more talkative everyday.

HAPPY NEW YEAR : 6 WEEKS

"Mimi", Jaselyn and I brought in the New Year with a clean house and a good ol' Southern crockpot full of black eyed peas and stewed tomatos with a side of some sweet corn bread. It's a tradition. We all caught the last few seconds before the ball dropped (we watched Lifetime movies instead) and this sweet girl was my midnight kiss. We're excited to see what 2014 has to bring!