And we're back...

 

To say an update is long overdue is a massive understatement. However, those of you who have kiddos can surely relate to my online hiatus…I've been a bit busy lately. Juggling a new baby, going back to work, attempting to keep up with the house “stuff”, trying to be the best wife possible & keeping up with Miss Piper’s social life is turning out to be quite demanding. But I love every single moment of it! Its hard work some days but the payoff is too amazing to put into words.

Piper is now almost 20 weeks…aka 5 months!!! At her 4 month checkup she was 26.5 inches and 15 lbs 6 oz. She’s still an overachiever, hanging out in the upper percentiles with the standard averages. And that was a month ago so she’s grown since then. She’s rolled over a couple of times and has achieved the “assisted sitter” status but she isn't really impressed with either. She’d rather stand up and walk around (with assistance of course).  She is still waking up at night to nurse, usually around 2 and 5:15 am. Sometimes this makes for a sleepy mommy but I’m cherishing our late night pow wows for now since they’re not going to last forever.  We got the green light to try rice cereal at 4 months and she didn't really take to it or the whole spoon thing for that matter. So we held off and gave it another try today. She did pretty well. She’s super animated in her faces and has a lot to say these days. Diner time & 2 am seem to be her chattiest moments.

 

As for me…I’m officially a “working mama”. I must admit the anticipation of going back was far worse than physically doing it. The first week or so was a bit of an adjustment period but overall it’s been terrific. I have a new appreciation for OC and all the great folks that I work with. Most importantly, I have an amazing mother in-law (Regenea) and a wonderful nanny (Kristen) that watch Pipey while I’m at work. Not only do they take super care of her but they even help out around the house, cooking dinner, putting the dishes and laundry away, vacuuming etc. This allows me precious time in the evenings with Chad and Piper.  I can’t even begin to say how thankful I am for that and for them! They are such a blessing!

One of the best mommy moments so far was on mother’s day. Of course it was so awesome to be an actual member of the mommy’s club this year. The past couple of years, this day was somewhat of a challenge at times given our journey. But looking back, the tougher times really make me appreciate where we’re at now and where we've been. To add to the excitement of the day, Chad, Piper and I had parent/child dedication at Cedar Creek Church. We stood in front of our church family and pledged to raise our daughter in a Christ centered home. I have been dreaming, praying and hoping for this day for years. It was a moment I will truly cherish forever and give all the glory to God. I also continue to pray for all those “not yet but will be someday” parents. I know it’s a tough road. My hope is that our testimony offers a sense of hope and helps in some small way.

Proverbs 22:6 “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it”.

This photo is how I've spent the last half hour writing this entry…isn't she just precious!?!?! J