Juggling via post-it notes and text messages August 29, 2009

Ack. Work. Baseball season. Busy-ness. Life. Interspersed with lots of cuddling, sweet smiles and baby giggles.

Repeat.

I don’t love the stress and craziness associated with juggling career and family, but I love the journey we’re taking together. I love that I’m exhausted by 8:30 at night, but if I feel like eating pretzels or animal crackers for dinner, I can because Joe’s at work. I love that I haven’t watched a Twins game all year (in entirety), yet I always know the previous night’s final score by asking a sleepy someone before I dash out to the door to work. I love the post-it notes on the kitchen counter and the text messages… All the funny things we’re doing to make it our unique journey.

Relaxing our way: Celebrating the arrival of the weekend at a local sportsbar

“Dad, I’m not going to drink this apple juice when you guys have those!”

The biggest news at our house of late is that Noe has a new BFF. That, of course, would be her wonderful nanny, Lauren, who started working for us on Aug. 3. Lauren graduated this past spring with a B.A. in psychology and will begin working on a master’s degree in marriage and family therapy in a few weeks. We had tons of applicants for our opening, but Lauren stood out among those we interviewed. She was searching for just the right kind of people, and we were looking for someone who would fit right in with us like family. Mission accomplished.

Noe literally jumps for joy when Lauren walks through the door each morning. The two make a great pair, and Lauren continues to impress us with her dedication to both quality playtime and new learning opportunities. I also owe kudos to my doula, Megan, for tipping us off to SitterCity.com, the site that helped us find Lauren. It’s a fabulous business that also runs background checks upon request.

Noe and Lauren at the end of Lauren’s first week

In other Noe news, here’s a quick list of her current favorites:

• Eating Cheerios by the handfuls
• Joe’s Madison Mallards hat
• Electrical cords of all kinds
• Listening to music and “dancing” (= wiggling her head, shoulders and butt back and forth while sitting)
• Crawling anywhere and everywhere, esp. areas we haven’t yet baby-proofed
• Long stroller rides
• Being read to — and turning the pages
• Taking baths and silly bath toys
• Oscillating fans
• Pulling herself up to the standing position in her crib (thinks it’s big stuff right now!)
• Sportsbars (OK, she’s only visted a sportsbar once, but she loved it)

I hope you’re doing well as summer comes to a close. I’ll leave you with some more of my favorite recent shots:

Being cute in blue jeans

Exploring in the backyard

Playtime with Lauren

Loving life

Doing So Big

Starting to love the camera

Helping Joe clean sweetcorn for dinner

Leaving her mark on our hearts  – and on her crib rail

Summer of containment comes to an end July 31, 2009

Noe keeps reminding us she’s not too young for things like summer BBQs, swing rides and slumber parties. She turns 7 months old on Aug. 5 and rarely slows down, with the exception of two naps and the 11 or 12 hours of shut eye she grabs each night.

It’s a faster pace around here these days for a reason: Noe started crawling July 27 after a few weeks of threatening (rocking on all fours, creeping here and there, and sitting up from any position). That means the end of The Containment Era for us! We can no longer put her on the floor and trust she’ll stay in the same spot. Such a big girl…

She recently enjoyed her second sleepover at Tess and Ruby’s house. It was a blast for the kids, and Stacy and I were able to catch up over dinner and wine. I always come away from our visits feeling more relaxed and confident as a mother. Kinda like pressing the re-set button and exhaling…

My sister-in-law Cindi took care of Noe last week, and the pair grew so close in just four days. They went on several stroller rides/walks together and played at the local park. We were grateful to leave her in such capable hands while Grandma R. was on vacation. Noe also met Auntie LaVae, who was home from Charlottesville before heading off to Zurich for vacation.

Joe’s been successful at getting me to take Noe “out and about” more, and not worry so much about sticking to her schedule. I’ve been a little better about letting go. I must cling to routines because of what we went through her first three months, when she was so colicky and we never knew what was around the corner. That all seems so long ago now… thank goodness.

Here are recent pics of Noe living it up during her first summer. We hope you’re enjoying yours, too!

She loves Joe’s new Madison Mallards hat, with its bright colors. Can you tell?

Her second sleepover with Ruby (left) and Tess (middle)

Going for a ride in Tess and Ruby’s backyard

Having tons of fun with Aunt Cindi

Toes are a super-convenient snack and way underrated, according to Noe

WAY underrated…

Reading books with Aunt LaVae

Making nice with Zena, Grandma and Grandpa O.’s dog

Getting sleepy and trying to fight it

Out and about at the Como Park Conservatory

Practicing how to “let go” of the afternoon nap, get out and have some fun

We’re baaaaaack July 8, 2009

Yes, I’ve ignored the blog, and yes, I regret it. Sorry for the month-long furlough. No, it wasn’t planned. Life just sorta happened.

I started working my new version of full time on June 1 (30 hours per week, Monday-Thursday). And as I explained to my lovely 20-something sister-in-laws over the weekend, when faced with the choice of blogging OR several other activities during the last 4-5 weeks  (such as reading, connecting with Joe, turning in early, watching trashy reality TV or getting a pedi), I chose “other” every time. Amazing what a little work and a little Noe does to your ever-shrinking personal time.

So, right before I send you on to the PICS (I work in communications. I KNOW my audience), here are some Noe highlights from the last 4-5 weeks:

• As of July 6 (her 6-mos. checkup), she weighs 16 lbs., 6 oz. (59th percentile) and is 25.5 inches long (42nd percentile)
• She’s sitting up and has mastered bending over and picking up every toy imaginable
• She rolls ALL OVER the place, and can roll in ways we never knew possible
• She’s up on all fours and is rocking back and forth (yes, dear sister-in-laws, will get my act together and post video IN MY FREE TIME)
• She currently loves to put her toes in her mouth (yummmmmm)
• She’s eating three meals a day (some combination of cereal, fruits and veggies), takes a bottle before bed, and sleeps 12 hours per night (and now, because I’ve written this and blurted it out loud to everyone, she will probably stop sleeping 12 hours… I am so superstitous!)
• She’s been making strange for quite some time, but no matter how long Joe is on the road for work, she always knows Daddy when he comes home. It’s awesome to see. Such a smartie.
• Anyway, I’d better stop blabbing like a new mom and get on to the pics…

Playing with Grandpa R., one of her FAVE playmates

A typical morning with Grandma Betty, before mommy heads off to work

Hanging’ with Grandma O., who is very good at reading me my German book… Some people say we look a lot alike!

Enjoying one of the three nice days we get all year in Minnesota

Helping mommy water the flowers in front of the house

Modeling my shades from Grandma and Grandpa O.

With Auntie Katelyn (and playing with cousins Tess, Padraig and Gannon)

Heading out the door to a beautiful June wedding, sans Noe

Cheering on the Sun Devils (GO ASU!) in the College World Series

Waking up from a nap in a playful mood

See what I mean by “playful?!”

I love it when they learn how to find the pacifier (and put it in their mouth)

I took a million of these shots and you’ll have to bear with me… I just love them

Sitting up all by myself (it’s easy) as of June 28

Playing at Lauderdale Park with my friend George (but I still don’t like that he took my toy!)

Noё’s Dunking Day May 10, 2009

I’m stealing today’s headline from Grammy Jill’s email. She was kind enough to take video of Noe’s baptism over the weekend via her cell phone (since the parents forgot our video camera on the kitchen counter…).  Long story short — our church does the full on naked dunking — and no, we’re not Baptist. We’re the Catholic Christensens. Noe handled it all like a champ. Good times!

 

So, catching up from last week: BBQ with the Saindon Family; My first days back at work; Grandma Betty’s first days as Noe’s care provider; Noe’s baptism; Mother’s Day… Whew! Enjoy the pics. More commentary when working mommy gets the hang of multi-tasking.

 

Friday night BBQ: Me, Noe and Stacy

All five chicas: Stacy, me, Tess, Ruby and Noe

Daddy reading her FAVORITE book right now, “Gossie”

Can’t get enough of Gossie in her red boots!

A visit from Grandma and Grandpa R… This was extra special since Grandpa R. hand’t seen Noe since she was one day old, in the hospital!

 

Showing her range: Noe sitting up in her Bumbo Seat

 

… and performing in her Exersaucer!

 

Whew! Mommy’s first week back at work was EXHAUSTING!

 

We three Christensens at the baptismal font

 

Noe hamming it up at her baptism after-party…

 

A special shout out to all the women in my life who are like mothers to me: friends, mentors, support networks, pillars of strength, mommy-advice-sharers, friends from way back, mothers of my friends from way back (Mahnee and Marilyn!)… You know who you are. Too many to list here… I’m lucky enough to have an amazing mother, yet you women also rawk my world… THANK you for being you!

Finding Her Voice April 27, 2009

Little Noe’s newest accomplishments are so numerous that I can barely keep up with her… I need to get the baby book updated before I forget these most recent baby milestones.

Let’s see:

• She’s chattering nonstop and LOVES to hear herself “talk;”
• She started “turning the pages” when we read her current favorite book, “Gossie,” about a little yellow gosling who wears red boots;
• She’s rolling over every day – she also gets really fired up when she is “stuck” on her back;
• Her hand control (and even fingers) is much more detailed. She’s able to tease herself with the pacifier, taking it in and out of her mouth (but she has no clue it’s SHE who’s doing it – ha!). She can hold more types of toys and teething rings;
• She’s also sucking her thumb to soothe herself to sleep, which has been great in terms of being able to leave her alone when she loses the pacifier.

Joe and I have been cracking up all day about that little voice of hers… Today is the first day that she’s chattered almost the entire time she’s awake. And when he and I talk to each other, she jumps right in to try and join the conversation and make herself heard. Girl’s got spunk!!! I’m thankful it started to happen today, since Joe just flew home this morning from a recent work trip. Amazing how those things work out, isn’t it?

Enjoying a stroller ride in the neighborhood last week, when temps reached the 80s

The weather was toe-curling gooooooood!

A little R&R in the stroller is so nice

Noe’s version of “Smart Baby Tricks” – I went in to get her after a morning nap last week to find this…

Yep, here’s another view in case you’re as dumbfounded as I was! So silly how she just left it there and let me take pics.

Visiting Auntie Janelle (and Uncle Joel)

Meeting Uncle Alex for the first time

Chillin’ with Grandma O.

Wishing Great-Grandma a happy birthday

Easter Week Rewind April 13, 2009

Easter Sunday turned out to be one of our greatest days as Noe’s parents — and for the three of us as a family. I’m not even kidding. See, I’m not that far removed from having a super-colicky baby and dealing with my brain turning to scrambled eggs whenever she would wail (and wail and wail).

Ahhhhh, those days are behind me now, but I still appreciate each and every “good day” she racks up. I keep my expectations low and go with the flow. Which is why Easter Sunday was such a gift… We took her to The Hometown (an hour’s drive away) for two stops with family and she was a complete angel all day long.

Our first Easter celebration was with my sisters Jodi and Jean, where we dined on a yummy dinner and coaxed the little one to take a catnap (20 minutes or so?) in her pack-n-play. She conked out for about 30-45 minutes on the drive there and was a very good girl at Auntie Jodi’s place. Next, we stopped off at Grandma O’s house (Joe’s mom and stepdad), where Noe was able to play with Grandma and Grandpa O., Great-Grandma Marlys, Great-Grandpa Fritz and Great-Grandma Ruth…  She loved being held and passed around, and we were lucky enough to get her to nap for 45 minutes before a final feeding and the drive back home. She slept for about 45 minutes on the way home and was an absolute sweetheart in the car for both rides… Whew! What a day. Whomever gave me the Baby Einstein lullaby CD (sorry, can’t remember), God Bless you. She loves that CD while riding in the car.

Noe also checked out the Como Conservatory in St. Paul last week… The place was PACKED, but we met my friend Rachel and her son, Luke, also three months old, and enjoyed the scents of blooming flowers and their beautiful colors. It definitely feels like spring inside the conservatory!

I’m happy to report that Noe weighs 12 lbs., 5 oz. as of April 10. We logged a visit to the lactation consultant Friday morning to double check some questions I had. Everything checked out just great and they are very pleased with her weight at this stage.

Our weather has been SUPERB as of late. Yes, I’m a true Minnesotan (again), complimenting 52-degree weather. We’re supposed to hit 60 on Wednesday, and you can bet I’ll be out and about with her in the stroller, trying to feel the sun on my face. Hope you’re starting to enjoy spring, too, wherever you are!

At the Como Conservatory

Casual Friday

Headed to the doc

Auntie Katelyn babysitting on Friday eve

Back from “date night” in time to finish giving her the bottle

With Auntie Jodi on Easter Sunday

With Auntie Jean

At Grandma O.’s house for the first time – enjoying Easter

With Daddy and Grandma O.

With Grandma and Grandpa O.

With Great-Grandma Marlys

Opening her baby chick beanie baby from Great-Grandma Marlys

Meeting Great-Grandpa Fritz for the first time — and a four generations shot

Alas, D-A-D Homecoming April 7, 2009

Joe came home on Sunday! That’s a big, collective “YAAAAAAAAYYYYYYYYY!!!!” and has been cause for lots of excitement at our house.

In other news from this past week, Noe attended her first bridal shower and survived her very first road trip to get there (it was held in Rochester, in honor of cousin Brian’s fiance, Rory). Aunties Katelyn and Allie road along with Noe and I and were a HUGE help. Good thing Rochester is only 90 minutes away.

We’re anxious to know how much Noe weighs. At her last doctor appointment March 25, she tipped the scales at 10 lbs., 11 oz.  She’s also working on some teeth. Yes, that’s right. I’ve been remiss not to mention it before, since the symptoms (sucking her hands and drooling up a storm) started back in the ninth week. She’s not pushing a tooth through, but the teething pain is there and her gums are really bugging her. As a result, I had to open up the teething toys, wash them and pop them in the fridge sooner than I expected. She sports big smiles when you take a cooled teething toy and rub it on her gums.

Other than that, we are enjoying some family time with the three of us at home in the mornings and waiting for the weather to continue warming up. We are dying to take the stroller for a spin in our neighborhood. Looks like this will finally be the week, with the temps creeping into the 50s again.

Welcoming Daddy home Sunday morning!

Meeting cousin Brian for the very first time

With cousin Brian and his fiance, Rory

Getting completely ignored by me at home

She’s 12 Weeks Old Already March 31, 2009

Where does the time go? Noe reached the 12-week mark yesterday, and it feels like the last month (after the super-colicky stage) flew right by. She’s changing by the day now and learning new things so quickly…  Her smile still lights up my gray, dreary, wintry Minnesota days. Seriously, I think I’m going to start taking hits off her Vitamin D dropper pretty soon!

What’s New? She’s definitely developing her motor skills, learning to use her hands and legs in intentional ways. She can hold objects now, and in the bath, she’s able to splash her legs and feet and move them into the running water. She’s also thinking about flipping over (gets the legs going and then “swings” her body over to one side while lying on her back). She’s still discovering lots of different sounds, coos, laughs, etc., and testing them out. She clasps her hands together all the time now, at will.

What’s She Been Up To? Noe had her first “lunch date” outing last week. We met my friend Katie and her 10-month-old daughter, Emma, at CPK. Although Noe naps best at home in her crib and doesn’t sleep well (at all) in the car seat or stroller,  it’s good for mom to get out of the house (see gray, dreary Minnesota reference, above). She also had a visit from Auntie KJ, who flew in from Chicago for the weekend. Noe loves playing with KJ and had a blast tooling around the mall in the stroller, showing her the local sights. And hey, I’m not going to complain too much about a baby who naps best in her crib. After 6-7 weeks of nearly ZERO daytime naps, we are in a wonderful place now. And I’m WAY superstitious, so that’s enough talk about that.

My Turn: Time to celebrate little milestones… She turned 12 weeks and I “toasted” myself with a glass of white wine after feeding and putting her down for bed last night. Here’s to three months of exclusively breastfeeding. Wooooot! It hasn’t been easy, but we’re doing it. Yay!

Now it’s on to the photos…

At CPK with Emma

Playing with KJ, her favorite Chicagoan

Practicing for the 2030 World Cup

More “futbol” practice

Playing with baby kitty in the bouncy seat

The Pink Jammy Girls March 24, 2009

Noe attended her first slumber party last weekend, at Tess and Ruby’s house. Tess and Ruby are the daughters of our good friends Mike and Stacy. Here’s a shot of the three girls the morning after their sleepover:

Left to Right: Ruby (almost 7 mos.), Tess (almost 3) and Noe (almost 3 mos.)

Noe adores her “cousins” Tess and Ruby… For more photos from the slumber party, click here!

OMG – We Did It March 20, 2009

Whew! Flying to Florida and back (alone) with a 10-week-old is quite an adventure! We did it, we survived and we learned that Noe loves to fly. Yeeaaah. That’s my girl.

When I say “WE” did it, I don’t just mean Noe and I. It was a complete group effort, with tons of support from Joe, our parents, KJ (who kept reassuring me that Noe would do just fine), Megan (who provided outstanding newborn travel tips) — and some angels along the way.

The angels were people who appeared at the most opportune times and offered to help. They were truly unbelievable, from the woman in MSP just past the security gates who held Noe while I put on the Baby Bjorn carrier, to the woman who held her on the plane so I could go to the bathroom, to the couple in the jet-way who commented that her cry was “soft and cute,” to the young father and son sitting ahead of us who offered kind words of encouragement… they all helped us out. We believe my Grandma Vivian and Joe’s Grandma Lala both had hands in sending them my way. And yes, I promise to pay it forward next time I travel. Fo. Shizzle.

So, it’s on with the photos as I’m sure you don’t need more rambling on from me… As you’ll see, we had great weather in the F-L-A, and Grandpa Dave and Grammy Jill were also there to lend loving, helping hands. Noe is a lucky girl! Joe and I even managed a date night at our favorite beach hangout — and got to toast with “Uncle” LaVelle and Dan-o from Baltimore.

On the last day, we realized we didn’t have a family shot of the three of us — and we were home alone, so Joe improvised. Cheers, all!