5 Months!

I just can't believe that Audrey turned 5 months old on Christmas day. I can't believe how the time has flown by. It feels like just yesterday I found out I was pregnant instead of year ago. This is around the time we started telling family and friends we were finally expecting. I still remember the incredible loneliness and fear I felt when my doctor said we might have trouble getting pregnant. I don't know why God chose to bless us with the perfect little girl, but I thank him every night for his gift. It is an awesome responsibility and I never want to take it for granted. Everytime I look at her I have an inkling of what God feels for me (us--his children). I am overwhelmed with my love for Audrey. I heard a girl once say she couldn't believe Jesus got on the cross and died for us. She didn't understand why he made such a sacrifice. I UNDERSTAND why Jesus got on that cross. I can honestly say that to save Audrey's life I would give up my own life in a heartbeat. Jesus paid the price for me (us). I cherish my new understanding of his sacrifice for me (us). We are so blessed!

This face just screams of future mischief!

I love her laugh! It makes my heart smile!

Merry Christmas Card

Again, sorry for not getting everyone a Christmas card this year. I just wasn't on my game. I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas and here's to a Happy New Year!

Merry Christmas!

Well I tried to upload Audrey's Christmas picture, but it just isn't loading. I will upload it later. It is our Christmas card picture. Unfortunately we could not get everyone one (I dropped the ball big time!) so next year I'll be johnny on the spot with them! I did the same thing with her birth announcements too! So sorry! Actually, I never did birth announcements.... I started the blog instead.
Anyway, Merry Christmas everyone!
With Love,
The Johnsons

Question.....

Does this bow make my head look big?????

Pediatrician After Hours.....

Thank goodness for after hours pediatricians office! I know I will see this place again in the future, but I hope it is a long time into the future. After my post last night I went to check in on Audrey and she sounded really bad. I go to change her diaper and I notice she is breathing hard using her stomach and I could see her ribs through her skin. Her pediatrician warned me that this could happen and if it did to bring her back in. Well... it happened after hours..... what do I do? So I call the nurse hot line and she tells me to go the after hours clinic. I'm beginning to panic. I get to the clinic and the nurse comes out to check on how serious Audrey is. After listening to her she tells me to go on back... in front of others waiting. It turns out that Audrey did get worse over the course of the day, but she her oxygen level in her blood was a great number so no problem there. The nurse then suctioned Audrey's nose out and got everything clear. It was easier for her to do it then me. I hate when Audrey cries and thrashes around. Super nurse didn't mind one bit. She just pinned her down and suctioned away! So I have had to be a little more tough on Audrey with the suctioning. It seems to be helping. She was a little dehydrated so she gets fed a lot more. She used to drink water pretty well, but now she won't. Not sure why. So until she clears up she will sleep in her car seat and stay upright as much as possible. I'll keep everyone posted!

Our first Cold

I say our first cold because I am sick too! Audrey and I both have a nasty cough, stuffy and runny noses, and lots of congestion! YUCK! I tried to let Audrey ride it out because they can't give her anything anyway because she is just a baby! This morning though it was bad! Thankfully the doctor said her ears and lungs were clear so she is almost out of the woods. The doctor also said no daycare for today so Audrey went to work with me for a couple of hours and then home where she rested and I kept working. Please pray for both Audrey and I as we try and rest and recover this weekend!

Santa Baby.......

Not sure I will ever do this again! Well, at least not at NP Mall. I mean I loved the set up they had and the pictures were great although Audrey was way too tired to actually give us a good picture. She was also over stimulated and was done by the time we finally got to Santa. Ugh! I ended up having to go twice. I took part of Wednesday off to have it done, but I was confused by the process (my fault... I didn't ask questions when I was confused!), so I told the guy directing everyone that I couldn't wait any longer. He then asked me if I had someone to wait in line for me. WHAT?!? Do I look like I have a staff at my beck and call? (That would be nice!). I politely said no, and asked when a good time to come back was. All the times he gave me were for that day. Which did not work for me.
So I was going to give up and then I decided to take one more shot at it tonight. What was I thinking? Oh yeah, I want my daughter's picture with Santa Clause!!!! Poor Audrey. I should have waited for another day, but no.... I forged ahead! This is a picture I took, but the one they took she is actually looking at the camera, just not smiling. She has that "deer in headlights" look. It's pretty cute!

Poll the Bloggers.......

Okay all blog readers, I have a problem that I need your opinion on:

Costco or Sam's?

Returning to Work.....

I have been asked by several people how my adjustment to going back to work (as a new mom of the cutest baby in the world--- I believe mine is the cutest!) has been. This is for all my blog followers that are going back to work rather they want to for their own reasons or have to because of financial reasons or for whatever reasons. This is my personal journey and it might not be your case or what you went through so if you don't agree then we need to agree to disagree on this topic.
Okay, back to the post: First off, It's HARD! The hardest thing I ever had to do was leave her at daycare. I have done some hard things in my life (Hey..I'm in HR. I have fired people that I know have nothing but the job they just lost). This took the cake. My heart was being ripped out of my chest by the teacher who reached out her hands for my daughter. To take her away from me. For a whole day. It was awful. My daughter, who has always been independent since day 1 chose the moment I took her out of the car seat to snuggle with me. She rarely ever did this. She always preferred to see what was happening around her then to snuggle with someone. She did snuggle occasionally, but really she likes to know what is going on and snuggling makes that difficult. Anyway, so as I clutch my daughter to me and start to cry in the parking lot saying I couldn't do it, I couldn't leave her, my sweet husband hugged us both and said that we had come this far and to stick with our plan and give this new path a try. He reminded me gently that I was the one who wanted to try going back to work and if after a trial period of honestly giving it a fair shot, I discovered that it was not what I wanted then I could resign. So I have been back to work for 3 short and long weeks now and I still don't know where I stand. I like being back at work. I like doing something with my day besides wash bottles, change diapers, and talk baby talk. I don't like not knowing what my daughter is doing all the time. I don't like not being able to see her sweet smile during the day. I miss her. Terribly. My days do fly at work and I love the fact that when I pick Audrey up she smiles at me. She looks up at the sound of my voice. That is what I love about daycare. I also like that she interacts with other kids or she will soon. She is on a schedule. She doesn't nap much at daycare (too much going on), but she sleeps great at night (8:00 pm-6:00 AM). Her teacher has been with the daycare for 15 years! She is a grandmother type who loves children and I see it in how she cares for Audrey. Still it is hard. I feel torn in two. I am leaning more towards staying at home though. I am waiting to see if a telecommuting schedule will be approved at my work. If it is approved then I will probably stay working full time. This way, I can work and be with Audrey during some work days as well as give her daycare interaction.

So I know that is not a clear answer, but there you have it. It's hard. I don't feel at all how I thought I would feel returning to work. I miss her more then I ever thought possible. I have become more selfish of my time with her on the weekends (I don't do nearly what I did on the weekends before she came along). I stay at home with her and B on the weekends and we just play. Weekends are my favorite time!

I don't know what I am going to do. I am going to give myself until the end of this year to decide. Pray for me during this time. I want to make the best decision for Audrey AND my sanity.

She's growing up!!!

Yep! It was that time again! 4 month shots. They were actually done a little early, but it worked out. She had a much harder time getting over these shots then the 2 month-ers. Screaming fit! It took me 15 minutes to settle her down. B has to take her for her 6 months. I shouldn't always be the bad guy! Here are her 4 month stats:

Wt.: 13#'s & 12 oz (50-75%)
Ht.: 2 feet & 1/4 inches (50-75%)
Head: 40 (25th%)

Exhausted after her shots and crying fit (don't blame her one bit!)

Side note--- look at her chubby little legs!!!!

OUCH!!!

Poor baby!!

Mommy's Favorite Outfit (well one of them anyways!)

SHHHH...Daddy's sleeping!

I just couldn't resist taking this picture when I walked into the den and saw the two of them. B is just dead to the world asleep and Audrey was just hanging out like she always does. She is such an easy baby. She just goes with the flow. She only cries when she is wet, hungry or something really scares her. Sometimes if she doesn't take good naps during the day then she cries at night because she is too tired. This doesn't happen too often though!

Audrey had her 4 month shots Friday. I'll post on that soon!

My favorite thing

Not the greatest picture in the world. I took it while shopping at Kohl's with my cell phone. She was such a trooper. Kohl's was a mad house b/c they had a super sale last weekend and everyone wanted to take advantage of it! Anyway, here is baby Audrey (one of mommy's favorite things!).

Hi-Ho, Hi-Ho, It's off to work I go.....

Well today was my first day back to work after a WONDERFUL maternity leave. It was incredibly hard leaving Audrey behind. Even though several of my co-workers take or took their kids there and said wonderful things about the daycare, I was dying inside and crying outside. It was a good thing B was there b/c as I was taking her out of her car seat, I burst into tears and said that I couldn't do it and started to put her back in the car seat and go home. It was the hardest thing I ever had to do. I hated it, but I promised myself I would give working a fair try to see if I liked it and if it was what I wanted to continue to do. If it is not, then B and I will take the steps to allow me to be a stay-at-home mom. I do like my job and the interaction with people that it gives me, but on the other hand is the cutest face ever that I could also just stare at all day...... that might be a slight exaggeration. Anyway, we made it and Audrey actually took 2 decent naps, something she would never do at home.

For all those who prayed for me today, THANK YOU! I felt them and it helped me make it through.

Just Pictures

Too Cute! Audrey loves to be naked...should I be worried?

We know she is finally asleep when she assumes the arms up position (or arms out)!



Daddy and Audrey after Daddy got home from work!

Yuck!, Daddy learns a lesson!

Last week my husband was feeding Audrey her bed-time bottle. Usually she burps REALLY well for us, but for some reason tonight she just wouldn't do it. So, what is the solution to the problem? Keep feeding her. I've got to be honest with everyone...it wasn't the right solution.
All I remember was talking to B while he was sitting on our couch feeding Audrey when all of a sudden she blew. And I mean BLEW! It was like a volcano of milk. All 5 ounces came out of her mouth and all over her, B and the couch. I laughed. I know it's wrong, but I couldn't stop myself. The look on my husband's face was priceless! To top it all off, while I was getting a towel I hear B yell this: "Oh Man! She just pooped!" Priceless!
Below are the pictures of the clothes only. Trust me, the pictures do not do the incident justice!

The Bluest eyes in Texas!

I LOVE Audrey's blue eyes! I really hope they stay blue. She has a chance. My brother has blue eyes and so does B's brother. I think dark hair and blue eyes are a pretty combination.

1st Trip

Well, I took Audrey on her first trip out of state by myself. Once we got there, we had a wonderful time! Getting there was a whole other story! A trip that normally takes 5 1/2 hours to drive took 8 with Audrey. Here where the challenges: Accident on the highway (not mine) delayed 30 minutes, I had to stop and pump, but Audrey wasn't ready to eat yet. Audrey was ready to eat later and took forever to eat! Twice as long as she usually does. Get back on the road and Audrey had a HUGE explosion in her pants. Had to pump again. Audrey is hating being in the car seat at this point. Stop to feed her again and hope she goes to sleep. No such luck. 35 minutes left to go in the trip and Audrey lets me know she is DONE! So we stop and I hold her and play with her at a truck stop/gas station for 30 minutes and then put her back in her car seat where she proceeds to cry for 25 of the 35 minute trip. Whew!
On the way back, simple. Mainly because my parents went with me to a town they used to live in and I stopped and pumped and they fed Audrey a full bottle that lasted her to McKinney and all I had to do was stop and nurse her for a little bit and then continue home. Easy breasy!

Anyway, we were able to introduce Audrey to my friends, grandparents, aunts & uncles and cousins. She was a hit! We didn't get to see everyone, but we saw as many as we could! Here are the pictures (some of MANY!). They are in no particular order.

Audrey's Great Nanny, Grandpa (my dad) and me.

Audrey had a hair-raising good time!

Aunt S (my dad's sister)

Audrey's great Grandma, my dad and me



Uncle Curly (my brother....he chose his name!) and Audrey

My 1st cousin "H" holding Audrey... she wants a baby brother or sister bad!

"H"'s sister "S" holding Audrey

Audrey's great grandpa (my mom's dad), my mom and me

"A" and "R" (my friend's kids). "A" loved holding Audrey

and kept saying how pretty she was. I couldn't agree more!

and last but not least, Mister. Audrey's friend for life!

So far behind!

It has been a little crazy here at the Johnson household. I was out of town for a week and then at a conference this week. I have a lot to share, but I am behind on some other things so stay tuned!

Mommy's Day Out

Before Audrey was born, B & I decided that while I was on maternity leave I wouldn't disturb him during the night Sunday through Thursday unless I was at my wits end, and he would take "Audrey night duty" Friday & Saturday so that I could get some rest. Well this past week Audrey has been a real stinker at night and has decided that she can stay awake until 4:00 am. Not so fun for me. So last night she finally got it together (probably the newness of being in her room all by herself) and only woke up to eat which B was Johnny -on -the -spot at getting so I had a great night. In addition to that he took Audrey with him this afternoon so that I could get some peace and quiet! I just love that man! So incredibly sweet of him. So now I am off to do some shopping, get a mani/pedi, eat (yes, by myself--- I love to do this!), and do whatever strikes me! Yeah!!!!

Daddy/Daughter time!!!

A big night....

Before Audrey was born I had decided that she was only going to sleep in our room for 6 weeks. Now 9 weeks later (I can't believe that!), she is finally going to sleep in her own bed in her room all by herself! We can still here her with the monitor, but at least now I won't cringe if we cough or sneeze during the night and I won't lunge over B to turn the alarm off so that it doesn't wake Audrey up. She's growing up! I'll let you know how this milestone turns out. I know it's a much bigger deal for me then Audrey. She could care less where she sleeps once she is a sleep. Oh, and for anyone out there who thinks I am traumatizing my child by putting her in an environment she isn't used to, I have had her taking naps in there during the day for the last week so it won't be a huge shock. Enjoy the pictures of the independent Audrey!

2 Months!!!

You stared at this animal for at least 20 minutes!

You were pretty much done at this point, but this was the best picture I could get of you!

I can't believe it has been 2 months already! I am amazed at how much she has changed! Here are her 2 month stats: Weight: 10 lbs. 5 oz. (25th%-50th %); Height: 22 inches (25th % - 50th%) Head: 37 (10th %). Not too bad. Her doctor said she looked good, really good!

Audrey is getting really good at holding her head up. She doesn't look so much like a bobble-head doll. She still has her moments though. She is going through a spit-up phase right now. It's not so bad except for a few cases here and there. She is getting more interested in what is going on around her then she was before. She turns to voices and loud noises. She gets startled alot out of a sleep at loud noises too. We were at church Sunday and everyone started clapping and she jumped and threw her hands up in the air. Fortunately she went right back to sleep though.

That's all for now. Tomorrow is a big day for us so stay tuned!

Belated Congratulations!

A few weeks ago Jeff & Celeste tied the knot! The wedding was very beautiful (the part I saw anyway, Audrey decided to cry during the ceremony!). The reception was very beautiful as well. Congratulations Jeff and Celeste!

OUCH!!!!

Yesterday was Audrey's two month shots! She did really great during her checkup and then she lost it (naturally) when the nurses gave her the shots. She only got 2 shots so the nurses did it simultaneously and man o man, it was a squalling affair! I wisely had a bottle handy and inserted it in loud, open mouth once I had her back in my arms. She had a few rough moments, but mainly slept all afternoon, evening and most of the night. Not too bad! Here are the aftermath pictures!

The band-aid is coming off, but here is one side

The other one....no princess band-aids :(

I got my flu shot so I feel her pain!

New Look

I'm trying out a new look for the blog. I don't know if it will stick, but it is something I like for now. So some posts are in the old font color but going forward it should all look the same!

Long Time Coming

I know it has been awhile since my last post. I can't believe how busy I am. The day is gone before I know it! Between feeding Audrey, sleeping, cleaning bottles, and cleaning Audrey, I barely have time to shower let alone blog! Things are going better in the sleep department. We still have bad nights and right now her nights/days are a little off, but we are trying to fix that. I'm not really sure how though. She is the hardest to wake up during the day! I can keep her awake by not feeding her, but then she wails and wails and I feel bad about that! I get incredibly impatient when I get hungry, so I don't like forcing her to wait a certain time in between meals and I don't have the energy to nurse her every 1 1/2 hours. Any advice from moms out there?
My parents were in town this weekend. They haven't seen Audrey since she was 3 days old. It never bothered me about how far away they live until Audrey was born. Now it makes me a little sad that they won't see her as often as they or I would like for them to. They live about 5 1/2 hours away and that is a long time to drive with an infant plus a hard weekend. Once you get relaxed from the drive up, you have to get back in the car and come home! We'll figure it out though. I wish Southwest flew into Arkansas. Actually it does, just the wrong airport (3 hours away) so it doesn't make it easier to fly in and then have my parents come get us. Ugh! What to do, what to do!
That's all I got for now. Until the next post!

One of those nights....

I have to say that last night was Audrey's worst night ever! I'm not exaggerating either. She didn't go to sleep until 7:30 AM this morning. Which means I didn't go to sleep until then either. Actually that's not true. My sweet husband got up from 2:30 AM to 4:30 AM so I could grab a nap. Which isn't easy for him because he has to get up and go to work at 6:00 ish. Thank you sweetheart! Anyway, Audrey let me sleep for 4 hours this morning, but now her feeding schedule is off with me. Oh well, that is what supplemental formula is for my friends! So here I am barely functioning and she is sleeping peacefully. We aren't sure exactly what the problem is, but I think it has to do with the fact that she hasn't had a good "numero 2" in several days. I called the doctor and am waiting to hear back from them. It's also possible that she just had a bad night. I hope she doesn't get her days and nights confused now she was doing so good!

Anyway on to the pictures!

What is she thinking about???

Her dramtic flare!!!

Audrey and Daddy!

One Month!

I can't believe it has been one month already. Actually longer because I haven't been so great about blogging. Oops! Anyway, this past month has been the most wonderful and exhausting month of my entire life! She is changing so much. We have been really blessed with a great baby. She has her moments, don't get me wrong! For the most part though she is great! Sometimes she can even sleep 4-6 hours at night. No we don't put rice cereal in her bottles to keep her full. She just sleeps on her own and no amount of prodding will wake her. She gets that from me! I wish I had more pictures. I do, but they are still on the camera. I need to go because Audrey is bored and bored equals tears and loud squalls!

Just Pictures

The first bath we gave her......... she was not a fan!



Just hanging out

1 of her many faces she makes

Alert and fully awake for once!