One Word: Amazing

So, I get on Pinterest waaay more then I should. In my defense, I feel like I am doing my family a favor, because I find yummy recipes and new ideas for the house and baby. And sometimes, I come across a Pin that makes me stop and think, and be truly grateful for what I have. Ladies (and gents if you're out there) grab your box of tissues. This is an amazing story of a mother and the birth of her daughter who wasn't what she expected. 

I started to think if Josie were born with Down Syndrome or another birth defect/condition. What if the DS test I took was wrong? How would things be today? Would they be different? Would she look the same, act the same, have the same smile? And I realized that it wouldn't matter. She is ours. We created her, and would love her all the same. I know you won't believe me, but I knew what Josie was going to look like before I saw her. I had gotten to know her for 9+ months and knew what she liked, her routine and schedule, and I imagined a beautiful little girl with dimples, big eyes and full lips, and a smile that would melt my heart. Nick and I are so blessed- we got exactly what we wanted and I realize that others aren't as fortunate. 

Nevertheless, creating a new life and giving birth to a child is the most amazing, extraordinary thing we can do- and we were blessed to be able to do so. No matter what they look like, or what their capabilities are- we were chosen to be their parents and in the end- we are lucky to have them and not the other way around. 

Since reading her post, I have started following her blog and love reading about her family and her outlook on life. She is due with her 3rd child any day (a boy) and Nella is now 3 years old. Please take a few minutes to read her story- you'll be glad you did. 

http://www.kellehampton.com/2010/01/nella-cordelia-birth-story.html

Happy Friday

Congratulations to our friends Laurann and Danny Young 

who welcomed their new son, Camden Joseph, yesterday! 

And now, the many faces of Josephine! :) 

After 2 years and 2 babies, the hat finally fits!

over it

Lil Update

Well, we made it through the week and weekend with Ms.Sickie. I took a few hours of PTO on Friday to be at home with her and even though she sounded a little better, I still freaked out when her temperature rose to 99.9 that night. I called the Doctor and he said we were doing everything right at this point, but if we wanted her to be seen, to come in the morning for walk-in hours. Sooooo naturally I took her in just to be sure- I was afraid the congestion was getting further and further into her chest and was worried about pneumonia or something else. She checked out fine, and just has a case of bronchiolotis, so they gave her a breathing treatment there and put in a prescription so we can give them to her at home too.

It was nap time- that's why she looks so pathetic

treatment at home

Yesterday she finally sounded much better. Still has a cough and some nasal congestion, but not nearly as much as before. The treatments really help her lungs and throat relax so she's able to cough up that crap and get it out. Throughout the entire week, she has been acting just fine and still smiley and playful so thank goodness the virus hasn't bothered her too much- now Mom has a sore throat :(

Here are some recent photos just because....

baking a cake with mom

do those lips look familiar???

her eyes always look more green then any other color- here's hoping!

This little contraption has been my saving grace. It's completely disgusting, but there is no way I could have gotten her nose cleared without it. 

Happy Friday

Hope everyone had a great work week! Our week has been busy with a sick baby. Our sweet thang has had a terrible cough and major congestion all week and we just feel so bad for her. Thankfully she is still sleeping and eating well and doesn't have a fever. She just sounds terrible. So we have been busy humidifying, snot sucking, sanitizing, saline misting, and clothes washing allll week. If she were older, I'd put Kleenex up her nose like Aunt Keri! On top of it all, Riley has a UTI so there hasn't been much rest in the Sarli house. 

More Baby News!

No, Nick and I aren't expecting..wow wouldn't that be crazy! Our very good friends Joseph and Liz Moritz are pregnant with their first due July 21st and we couldn't be more excited for them! I have known Joseph since Junior High and Liz and I became really good friends in college. We were in each others wedding's and have managed to stay close friends through all these years. We can't wait for our kids to grow up and play together! Congrats Joe and Liz we are so happy for you!

On a side note...Keri and Liz both attended a wedding mid October...they are due 5 days apart and the bride is due on the 26th...must have been something in the punch! :)

whoa college! :)

Happy Friday

and some food for thought....

3 Months

Josie turned 3 months today! So far we have had one busy day with a photo session, blowout, lunch at The Pub and finally a nap. It's hard to believe that she is 3 months already-where has the time gone!? But she has grown so much this month and we are even more in love with her if you can believe it. Her 3rd month started out with her sleeping allllllllllll night. Yes, that's right folks she slept from 8pm-7am when I woke her up and it was fabulous. Of course I am still up throughout the night, but I am happy to report that we have a great sleeper! Then her 3rd month continued with her morning nap, followed by a blowout explosion that went through her onsie the sheets and even the mattress pad!

After we stripped the bed I fed her and then we put on our Sunday's best and headed to Sears for her photo session. I wasn't sure how this was going to go because we've never been there and her appointment was at 1130 and shes usually back asleep by 12 so we had a very small window to take advantage of. Thankfully she was in a great mood and smiley as usual so we got a ton of great shots. After the shoot we were off to eat lunch at The Pub and now we are home and she's asleep after her luxurious bath. Here are her stats for the month

     Weight: 14lb 5oz

            Height: 25in (roughly)

Diaper Size-1

     Clothes Size-3mo

Other milestones this month are she is finally holding her head up by herself, chatting up a storm, starting to roll over ( she kicks off the side of her crib), grabbing and holding onto things, laughing out loud, and she is on the verge of teething (yikes). I know you are all wondering how its going with her at the sitters house and we are happy to report that its going really really well. Granted its only been 3 days but Jen said that she is in love with Josie and she is such a good baby. I take two 6oz bottles over with her ( yes, 6oz) and she is on her normal routine for naps and feedings. Even though I miss her during the day, Jen sends me pictures and updates so I don't feel left out and its so much fun picking her up after work when she gives me the biggest welcome smile! 

Here are her 3 month photos from Sears and from me...

she had a blowout after this-hence the face

Happy Friday

Happy Friday to all- I have made it through the last two days of work and am anxiously awaiting the weekend so I can spend it with Nick and Josie. I don't have a picture of her this morning but I wanted to share my new favorite book. My mom got this for me for Christmas and I read it in about an hour. It's for all you dog lovers out there like me, and it did inspire me to write a letter to Riley and Simba- those will be coming soon.

Also check out Keri's blog here for an awesome update! :)

Back To Work I Go...

Well, the time has finally come for me to go back to work. I cannot tell you how quickly time has flow by. It seems just like yesterday I was being induced and getting ready to meet our little Josephine. The last three months have been nothing short of pure joy and delight. Spending every moment ( or most moments) with her has been the most rewarding time of my life. I don't think any first time mom really knows what to expect when leaving the hospital despite what everyone tells us.

I know I've said it before, but she really is the best baby. Nick and I have been so lucky and she made my maternity leave a breeze. So back to work I go, and its not going to be easy- thank god Nick is dropping her off in the mornings, I don't think I'd be able to hand her over. So we will get through this short first week and settle into a new routine.

Things Josie has taught me in three short months

• Patience, patience, patience--this is something that was severely lacking in my life but since having her I have all the patience in the world (when it comes to her- with the dogs not so much)
• Always greet family and friends with a smile
• Take naps
• Schedules change and that's OK
• Be more flexible
• There is always time for The Price is Right
• Slow down and take in your surroundings
• Be sure to burp and poop after eating- you'll feel much better :)

On another note- she slept 9.5 hours last night!!!!

heading next door :)