Blue Earth, Dinner at Salut and More Baby Clothes

Well, it's been over a week since my last post and, as usual, Meredith and I have kept ourselves busy! We went down and spent Monday through Thursday in Blue Earth, then had a wonderful dinner with friends at Salut on Friday night and got some good shopping accomplished over the weekend!

As I just said, we went down to Blue Earth on Monday afternoon and came back home to Minneapolis on Thursday afternoon. Basically, I looked at my mom's schedule and saw she had 3 days off in a row and I told her that Meredith and I were going to come and visit and hang out! And that's basically all we did. It was nice, as usual. My mom and step-dad make sure I'm fed and are great helps with Meredith. I also got to spend some quality time with both my sisters, my brother, my Grandma Wickersham and my niece and nephew. We even had a girls movie night and watched "The Ugly Truth", which was a pretty cute movie.

The one thing new thing we did try while in Blue Earth was a visit to the local chiropractor for both me and Meredith. My aunt Sheila had told me that when my cousin Jana had horrible colic, she brought her to a chiropractor and it seemed to really help. I had also been emailing back and forth with a friend in Blue Earth who had just done the same thing - so I thought - what the heck, it probably won't hurt and it just might help. Also, the chiropractor just happens to be someone that I graduated high school with and I know he is a very smart and sweet guy, so I would trust him. So, I got and adjustment and Meredith got a free consultation. He basically looked her over and found a few "sore" spots on her and did some pulse therapy on her back. Did it help? I don't think so, but did it hurt - no. He also suggested that I go back on Omega 3 supplements and also to start Lactobacillus supplements. So I am trying that. We'll see.....

On Thursday we packed up and got back home to Minneapolis by 2pm! We just spent that day doing laundry and getting things done at home. Then on Friday Meredith and I went out for both lunch and dinner, and she did great both times! For lunch we met my friend Nicole and her 5 week old, Paisley out at the Blackbird Cafe. We caught up with what's going on and exchanged baby stories. Then for dinner we took Meredith out with us to Salut in Edina for dinner with our friends Sylvester, Danielle, Chris and Greg. It was nice to meet up with friends for an evening out and a great dinner, even though Meredith was with us. She did really well and basically slept the entire time, until the end. Then we just took her out of her baby seat and passed her around to be held. There were a lot of looks and smiles from other restaurant goers. She was quite a hit I have to say!

On Saturday we got a visit from one of our good friends, Kaysie. She also is a surgical resident and she has a one year old girl. So, she was very generous and brought over a bunch of clothes that her daughter has outgrown. It was great seeing her and her adorable daughter, Aidan. And it is always great getting clothes. I have since organized what she brought over and wow - there was a lot. I think we're set for Meredith's first year!

The other two things Jon and I accomplished over the weekend was stocking up on wine and going grocery shopping. We headed over to Surdyk's for their wine sale and bought 4 cases of wine. We have some wine storage in our basement and it was getting very empty (I don't think we had bought and wine in over a year). So, hopefully we won't have to buy anymore for another year! We were also running dangerously low on food. And it is so much easier, and more enjoyable, to grocery shop with Jon's help!

More on Meredith.... I think she is getting a bit less fussy. Or maybe we're just used to it and know ways to calm her down?! She certainly is getting more alert during the day, she smiles a lot more and is very good at tracking us as we move about. She's basically just getting more fun. However, she still doesn't like eating with a bottle and has even become fussy breastfeeding (especially later in the day). That led me to believe that maybe my milk supply was getting too low. So I did end up seeing the lactation consultant again yesterday. What I ended up finding out is, no my milk supply is not low - it's actually still too high. But since Meredith had grown accustomed to my overactive letdown, she is getting frustrated when my flow is more normal (which happens later in the day). And unfortunately there's not much I can do. It just makes me worry that during those sessions, when she spends more time crying and fussing, than actually breastfeeding - that she's not getting enough. They suggested just spending extra time soothing her and offering her to eat anytime she get fussy between feedings. I told them that would make me go crazy and constantly doubt myself since there are many times during the day that she fusses - she's always been that way. So, I said what I had been doing was pumping at the end up these fussy sessions and giving her another 0.5 to 1.5 oz by bottle. They said if that makes me feel more comfortable - to just keep doing that. So, yeah! That means at 10pm I'm spending almost an hour getting her fed before going to bed. But, I guess you just got to do what you got to do. They also reassured me that she's gaining weight well and that she will make sure she gets enough milk one way or another (by taking more in on other feedings when she doesn't get enough). Otherwise she will make sure I know she's hungry! So, I guess I'll just take solace in that. I got to say, I do enjoy breastfeeding when it goes well, but on the other hand - I'm really kind of looking forward to it being done!

Well, I'm heading back to Blue Earth for Thanksgiving - so I better go and pack so I can get on the road early tomorrow! So I hope everyone has a great Turkey Day!

My Grandma still has the touch, she can always get Meri to sleep!

Meredith and her much bigger cousin Brooks

Brook-sey Boy, what a hunk

Our friend Danielle holding Meredith at dinner

Our friend Chris' first meeting with Meri at Salut

Family Photo-Op

All of us out at Salut

Jon and Meri with Kaysie and her daughter Aidan - what a cutie and Thanks for the clothes!

Meredith loves her new mobile (we bought it in an effort to ease her transition to the crib - which is now on hold because I decided that the bassinet works, so why force a change, we'll get her in the crib when her being in the bassinet just doesn't make sense anymore, why stress her and I out, right?)

Meredith is 2 months old!

Meredith is 2 months old today, I can't believe it! Where has the time gone. I'm sure I'll be saying that for the rest of my life! Everyday things are changing, little by little - it's almost hard for me to notice the changes since I'm basically with her every second of every day! But here are a few of her 2 month happenings.....

- She is still sleeping through the night, 10-11pm to 10 to 11am, with 4-5am and 7-8am feedings. Though last night she was pretty restless and ate at 1am and 7am instead - I hope that doesn't become permanent!

-She still can be fussy, in the evenings especially - though her awake and happy times are definitely more frequent. I'm starting to think her fussiness is really due to sensory overload and being tired (more neurological than gastrointestinal). Everyone says that it will end - usually around 3 months and I can't wait for that, though can I really complain, I AM getting to sleep!

- She is starting to smile more and more. I just love it, it is happening everyday now and more and more often, I can't wait until she starts giggling!

- She had her 8 week appointment and she is 10lb 1 oz (35%), 22 inches long (43%) and her head is 37 3/4 cm around (28%) - so I guess she's getting enough to eat (though I still continue to worry!)

-She still sleeps in her bassinet at night, I'm planning on working on the transition to the crib when I come back from Blue Earth this week.

-And she still doesn't have predictable naps during the day. She naps in her carseat and/or stroller if I'm out and about - sometimes the entire time between a feeding. But at home her naps are shorter (like 30 min, maybe an hour sometimes) and she really only naps in her vibrating chair, swing or Baby Bjorn. I'm going to try to "put her down" for naps in her bassinet and/or crib and see if I can create nap times - we'll see how that goes.

-We continue to work on bottle feeding, she still isn't a fan. She takes an ounce or two and then starts in crying. Jon's usually able to sneak in a final ounce or so (for a total of 3 to 3.5 oz) by giving it to her in her vibrating chair after she's calmed down. So at least she takes it, but I'll be happier when she's happier while taking it!

- Breastfeeding is still going pretty well. I'm still using the nipple shield and feel like my production is definitely going down. I think it's definitely still enough, but I find myself offering her both sides because she acts as though she's frustrated just on the one side. It's not the end of the world - most women offer both sides, but considering how much I was overproducing just a few weeks ago, I do worry that my production is on the downward slide. I know using the nipple shield does negatively effect production, but at this point I don't think Meredith would know how to latch on without it - and yes I've tried. But I'll keep at it as long as I can!

Last Week in Review

It was another fun filled week with Meredith and I only have 5 more left. I never thought I'd want to be a stay at home mom, but now I would totally do it if we could afford it. I truly enjoy every day I spend with her.

On Monday we just hung out at home and had our first visit from the cleaning lady. It was

very nice to not have to worry about the cleaning myself. I have a feeling that I will really

appreciate this when I go back to work! That afternoon we also met our friends Nicole and

her 4 week old, Paisley, at Lake Nokomis for a walk around the lake. It is always great getting

outside. We need to enjoy the weather for as long as we can!

On Tuesday we went to visit my Aunt Mary and bring her some lunch at home. She recently

had some very bad luck and ended up falling and lacerating her spleen and breaking a couple of

ribs. They were able to embolize the bleed, so she didn't need her spleen removed. But due to

her pain and nausea afterward, she ended up staying in the hospital for 6 days and is still having

quite a bit of pain. So, we decided to bring her some lunch and then the 3 of us headed to Como

Park Conservatory for a nice little walk around looking at the beautiful plants. That place

always makes me feel good. I think it's the tropical humidity and plants in there - makes you feel

like you are on vacation!

Wednesday was a very busy day. We started off the day very early. Meri ate at 6am and we

were on the road with the dog by 7am. Yep, we were off to Kimball, MN to have Jada debarked!

I know that sounds awful, but I assure you - Jada is her same old self, just with a muffled bark.

Jon says it sounds like we put a silencer on her. She still barks, it's just a lot softer and not high-

pitched. We had to be at the Vet Clinic by 8am and were able to pick her up and go home by 1:30.

In the meantime, Meri and I went to the St. Cloud mall and did a bit of shopping. They actually

have a very nice "Nursing Room" there - so it worked out perfectly. We were home by 3pm with

a slightly drugged up dog. She also had a cyst removed on her back, so she is still on pain medicine

and antibiotics until Saturday, when we remove her stitches as well. And like I said, she is back

to her same old self, barking at everything in sight - it just sounds like she's much farther away

now - it's a lot more tolerable!

On Thursday we were also quite busy. We had our friends Aaron H. and his daughter Audrey

come by for a visit. I went to high school with Aaron and have remained very good friends with

him. He and his wife just recently moved back to the Cities from Wisconsin, so this is the first

time I've seen him in quite some time. He's the same old fun loving guy. And it was great seeing

his daughter. She is 2 and a half and is very busy. It gives me a glimpse into my future life. Then

Meri and I had to get ready because she had her 8 week appointment and vaccinations that day.

Apparently she is doing just great and growing as she should. It was hard to be around when she

got her shots. She cried louder than I've ever heard her cry before. But afterward I just put her

in her carseat and she was asleep pretty quickly. I gave her Tylenol pretty regularly the next day

or so, but really didn't notice an increase in her fussiness (just her usual!)

That night we also headed to my Aunt Kate's for a small family get together because my cousin

Jeff was in town for a few days from Connecticut. For most of my aunts and uncles this was also

there first time meeting Meredith. It was very nice, everyone just adored her and were very

helpful taking care of her so I could eat and enjoy some time relaxing with everyone! I just love

being with family these days! They are so great at helping and supporting me!

Friday we had two big meals out on the town. At lunch we once again met Nicole and Paisley

out at a restaurant called Citizen Cafe. Jon and I have been there for both dinner and brunch. It's

a very charming and delicious neighborhood restaurant not too far from our house. It was, once

again great food and great company. That evening Jon and I also decided we were going to step

our dining experience up a notch and we made reservations at Crave at the Galleria in Edina.

Wow, was that place hopping! You couldn't tell we were in a mild recession by the looks of this

place! This is definitely the nicest restaurant that Jon and I have gone to with Meredith. But

there were other children there of all ages. The food was yummy and they had a jazz band playing!

It was a nice adult evening out, just with Meredith in her carseat sleeping under the table!

The big thing for Saturday was that I was going out in the evening with some girlfriends and

leaving Jon alone with Meredith to feed, twice, and put to bed! I was very nervous about this, but

Jon assured me several times that he could handle it. So, I got two bottles ready for him in the

fridge and I set out for the evening around 6:30pm. I was meeting a group of gals for a celebration

for my dear friend Katie Y. who is getting married this weekend in Las Vegas. We all met out at

the Melting Pot for some fondue, fun and drinks. And I had all of the above. I did text Jon a few

times to see how it was going, and he sent me a couple pics of Meri sleeping so I would feel better.

I got home a little after midnight and Meri was all tucked in and sleeping. I did find out the next

day that the last bottle feeding was a bit of a battle, but Jon just swaddled her up and put her in

her bassinet and when she stopped crying her gave her the rest of the bottle and she went to sleep!

What a great daddy he is! I had a lot of fun out, but am looking forward to the day when I don't

have to worry whether or not her bottle feedings went okay!

Yesterday Jon and I just spent some quality time with Meredith! We made brunch and then

set out on a few errands, to the Southdale Mall and Babies R Us. Then we just made a frozen pizza

and watched some good TV. Pretty boring, but nice after a busy week.

I'm heading down to Blue Earth for a few days now, simply because my mom has a few days

off and I love hanging out with the fam! So, I guess I better feed Meredith and get in the car and go

before rush hour! Here are some pics from the week - oh and some of my baby pics for all of you

people (including my mom and dad) who keep saying how much Meri looks like her dad!

Myself, Aunt Mary and Meri at Como Conservatory -----------Aaron and Audrey with Meri

Left: My Aunt Kate holding Meri (experienced Aunt and child psychologist to boot!)

Above: The family enjoying some wine, each other's company and some great food from Brasa

Me, Meri and Emily W.-----------------------A Night out with the White House, Congrats Katie!

Some pics when I was an infant! So now who do you think she looks like?!

Another Week with Meredith

Well, this was my second week at home by myself with Miss Meri, and it, once again, went just great. I just can't believe how quickly a week can go by and how "busy" my days can be when I'm really not doing much at all (besides taking care of Meredith of course).

My last post was Tuesday, so I guess we're up to Wednesday when we had the Handyman come to do a few odd jobs around the house - bright and early, well 8am, which for Meri and I is a little earlier than we typically get up for the day. He repainted our living room ceiling, removed the toilet-paper holder and retiled that area (because it had broken twice already), cut back our vines from our roofline, cleaned our gutters and fixed a couple of outdoor windows' trim. Everything looked great and he finished the work in less than a day's time! I was very happy with it! Although Jada once again got loose in the neighborhood. This time I was literally just getting out of the shower when the handyman yelled up the stairs that the dog escaped. So, I threw on some clothes and with Meredith safely sleeping in her vibrating chair I went running around the neighborhood in my barefeet shaking a can of dog treats. Surprisingly Jada came right to me without too much trouble. I was very thankful for that knowing that my daughter was alone in the house!

We did also go to Baby Yoga that day as an excuse to get out of the house while he was busy working. And it went much like it had before. Meredith was happy and seemed to enjoy the first 30 to 40 minutes, then she just got crabby and overtired. This time I tried putting her back in her carseat and covering her up. She went right to sleep and I finished the class. I still may go to a few more classes in the last 6 weeks of my maternity leave - though I may be taking a break because of upcoming trips to Kimball and Blue Earth (more on that later)!

Thursday we just got ready for the day and then headed out to run a few errands. We also decided to stop by our friend Nicole and Paisley's house for a quick visit. It's always great to chit chat with other mothers who are going through or have gone through some of the same things that I have. Plus it's just nice catching up and seeing friends.

Friday was a little busy with visitors. My step-brother Aaron stopped by very briefly before heading down to Blue Earth. He lives in Massachusetts and makes it home every few months or so. It was nice that he could stop by and meet his newest step-niece. He has two boys at home and now there is a third on the way! Congrats to him and his wife Melanie!

Then we got ourselves ready and met a few of my college girlfriends at the Loon Cafe downtown for lunch. Two of them work in office buildings very close to that restaurant, so apparently they go there quite frequently. It was the first time my friend Kelly was able to meet Meredith. It was also nice to catch up with what was all going on in their lives. We have plans for lunch again in a couple of weeks and I'm already looking forward to it!

Finally, Jon's dad, Jack, and his wife, Cynthia flew in for a weekend visit starting Friday evening. They arrived around 5pm, checked into their hotel and then Jon picked them up for a little meet and greet with Meredith before we headed out to dinner at Famous Dave's in uptown. Meri was very well behaved, even when Dazy Head Mazy took the stage with their volume cranked.

The next day, Gpa Jack and Gma Cynthia came over after lunch time and we decided to take advantage of the nice weather and we went for a stroller walk. The walk had several purposes - to get us out of the house, to get the dog a walk, to get Meredith to sleep and we also ran some errands. We headed up to the local wine shop and got some wine for the evening, then we ran into the grocery store to get a few items we needed for dinner. And finally we stopped at Caribou so I could get my liquid crack (well it's really a Hot Apple Blast, but I'm truly addicted to them). We then took the more scenic route along Minnehaha Creek back home. Since it was still nice out we sat outside and chatted while Jon tended to his beef brisket that he was smoking for dinner. Meredith hung out with us out their, wearing a hat and covered up in her vibrating chair. That evening we enjoyed our smoked beef brisket, corn bread and fried potatoes for dinner!

Yesterday we went to brunch at Hell's Kitchen before Jack and Cynthia left. I think it may become a tradition. We went there with them the last time they visited in August and we all liked it so much we decided to go back. But this time we were relegated to the back dining room, I think it had something to do with Miss Meri, oh well. She once again was very well behaved and slept in her carseat the entire time! After brunch we stopped by the Electric Fetus just to browse around before dropping Jack and Cynthia off at the airport. It was a very nice visit and I was happy that Meredith seemed to be at her happiest and calmest. Maybe it's just me that makes her fussy?!

And as far as Meredith is concerned things are going well. The biggest issue we've been dealing with this past week is giving Meredith a bottle. We had introduced her to bottle feedings when she was 3 and a half weeks old and had done it with some regularity - like every few days since then. But it had been almost a week and a half since we'd given her last bottle so I told Jon we better start doing it again to keep her used to it. Well, last Tuesday and Wednesday she was so unhappy with it. She would take an ounce of milk and then just start crying uncontrollably. She was coughing, weezing, crying, it was AWFUL. Both times I ended up finishing the feeding by breastfeeding just to calm her down, and fill her up since at the most she was taking in 2 ounces. It was heartbreaking to me and I have even ended up in tears a few times. I then was reading up on this issue and it sounds like it happens pretty commonly and can be so bad as to women were unable to return to work because they couldn't get their babies to take the bottle. If that happened to us, I just don't know what I'd do! On Thursday I decided to try it because I have now decided we have to keep at it and do it every day to get her used to it and Jon wasn't going to be home until late that day. All morning I prepared myself for a tearful battle, for both her and I. But, for whatever reason, she took that bottle without even a whimper. But now we're back to Jon giving her the bottle and it seems to be going a little better, but often we still can't get her to take more than 2 ounces and there are still a lot of tears. I just hope if we keep at it we can get back to where we originally were which is her finishing up to 4 ounces without crying at all!

Once again, we have a lot to keep us busy this week and then next week we're heading to Blue Earth from Monday to Thursday morning. I just know these last 6 weeks will fly by. I'm starting to wish I could just stay home forever...... (i never thought I'd be someone to say such a thing!)

Here is how I get things done during the day, I can talk on the phone, take care of Meredith and vacuum all at the same time. Jon says I'm the "modern women"!

Jack McCue, happily holding his granddaughter

The five of us out enjoying some BBQ at Famous Dave's

Meredith getting some quality cuddling in with Cynthia

On a walk, taking advantage of the "Indian Summer"

Hanging out on our back patio

Trying to capture Meredith's elusive smiles.

She is smiling more everyday - it's great!

She just looked so content and comfy, I needed to take a pic

Brunch at Hell's Kitchen

Father and son carrying Miss Meri

Last week was my first entire week off with my baby girl and it went pretty well. I have found that finding at least one thing to get us out of the house every day makes the day go by that much quicker. So, we made sure to keep busy.

First of all, a week ago Sunday I went to my good friend Jen DuBois' Baby Shower while Jon stayed home with Meredith. I had a great time just getting out of the house as well as seeing a bunch of my good college girl friends. I am truly looking forward to meeting Jen's little boy in the beginning of December!

The rest of the days of the week had a similar pattern. I get up around 4 or 5am to feed Meri, then we go back to sleep, then we get up again at 7 or 8am and go back to sleep one more time. Then I set me alarm to get up around 9 or 10am to shower before getting Meri up for her next feeding. Every 2 to 3 days I also get Meredith up a little early to sneak in a bath before or feeding at 10 or 11am. After this feeding Meredith is usually pretty awake and at her happiest (who wouldn't be after sleeping nearly 12 hours !). So, I spend a lot of time talking and singing to her - while doing my makeup and hair (if I'm going somewhere). Then I put her in the Baby Bjorn when she gets fussy, which predictably happens and I get a few things done around the house, oh and I often grab lunch (and I usually don't drop much of it on Meri as I eat over her head!). Then after her 1 to 2pm feeding we run our errands. Then we're home by 4 or 5pm, she eats again and then hopefully daddy's home by then (though last week Jon was gone until 8 or 9pm a couple of the nights!).

So, on Monday our big outing was to Target and Michaels to find picture frames for some of the professional photos we had done. Meri got quite fussy at Michael's, so I got to use one of those lovely changing tables they have in bathrooms. I'm not looking forward to those in the future, especially with a kicking 2 year old! Thankfully Jon was home at a descent time that day, because Meredith was fussier than usual.

On Tuesday we met my friend Nicole and her daughter Paisely (and Nicole's sister Jenna) out for lunch at a local diner. The lunch was great and it was fun talking about baby stuff while our two little babes slept so quietly in their car seats! Later that day, Meredith, the dog and I took advantage of the rainless day and took a little walk with her stroller up to Caribou Coffee and then back along the Minnehaha Creek. I grabbed an absolutely delicious apple cider and a scone! I look forward to making the walk again soon - maybe today!

On Wednesday we decided to try baby yoga. And I would have to say, Meredith wasn't quite sure what to think of it. It is a yoga class designed just for mom's and their babies. We were there with about ten other moms and babies. We stretched out our yoga mats and laid a folded blanket at the end of it to lay the baby on. The first 15 minutes we massaged and stretched the baby. The next 15 minutes we held the babies and did yoga poses with them. And the last 30 minutes we do the yoga poses while the babies lay on the blankets. We do try to engage them by moving our hands and feet over their heads and occasionally touch them. Meredith do fine the first 30 minutes, but wasn't happy being ignored on the blanket. I also think it was a little sensory overload for her and she fell asleep as soon as she got into the car seat at the end. They said it takes a few times before the babies get used to yoga and then they start to enjoy it, so we'll go again this week and see what happens.

Thursday was a very busy day. We headed out after her 11am feeding and returned briefly at 4:30pm and then weren't home again until 8pm! We went to United Hospital (where I work) so that I could get my seasonal flu shot and the H1N1 nasal mist. Then I took the opportunity to show my baby off to my coworkers. We had a great time and it was nice to see my work colleagues again! I then took the opportunity to feed Meredith in our on call room before heading to my 6 week postpartum checkup. That ended up taking a lot longer than I had hoped and Meredith was pretty fussy. I'm sure she was pretty sick of sitting in her car seat all day. We got home just in time for her to eat at 5pm. Then we went to our first Happy Hour, yep you heard me right, happy hour! We met some of my fellow anesthetists out at new restaurant called Cooper (an Irish Pub in St. Louis Park). And don't worry, Meredith wasn't the only baby there, she had her 3 week old friend, Paisley, to keep her company. Meri did pretty well, she slept for awhile in her car seat, then she started to fuss - but I barely heard her because the place was so loud and packed with people. I decided that was how it should be done, bring Meri out to places where it is so loud that if she starts to fuss, no one can even hear her - not even me! So I took her out of her seat and sat her on my lap, she seemed to have a grand old time just looking around at all the people!

Then on Friday we were home-bodies because we had to get packed and ready to head down to Blue Earth for the weekend, which did take all day long! Jon and I had to carefully coordinate our departure so we could make the 2 hour drive in between feedings - which was quite a feat. Jon ended up leaving a surgery early so we could get on the road, then we hit traffic and weather. Meri did pretty well, but I'm glad we were in the car together because I spent a lot of time putting her pacifier back in her mouth! When we got to my parents house they had to get a little bit of cuddling in before I fed her. Then we finally all ate dinner together at around 8pm. We had just enough time to chat a bit, then we all headed to bed!

On Saturday morning we had to get ready and be at my mom's friend Brenda's house for my final baby shower. It was a few of my friends, some relatives and a bunch of my mom's friends. I had a great time showing Meredith off and we got a bunch of lovely gifts. We got a lot of cute clothes and in sizes that we need. I don't think I'll have to start buying Meredith any clothes until she's one year old! I've spent a large part of the last couple of days washing and organizing these clothes. All the thank you cards will be another project to get to in the next week or so!

Then that afternoon I got to catch up with my bestest girlfriend, Sheila. She came over to my mom's to visit and see Meredith. She had surprised me and visited us in the hospital before we came home, but hadn't seen Meri since. She was going to be in town with her son for Halloween and was going to go out that evening. I had thought I would try to meet her out that night, but ended up just staying home with the family instead.

That night we went "Trick or Treat"-ing with my 4 year old niece, Madison and my nephew Brooks. Meredith was a peapod, Brooks was a frog and Madison was Tinkerbell. We put the babies in the strollers and went around the neighborhood near my sister's house. We did make a stop across town at my Gma Wick's then headed back to my mom's where my brother, sister-in-law, step-sister, step-bro-in-law and their son, my mom and step-dad and my sis, bro-in-law and Madison were. We all just hung around, the men talked smart and drank - while us girls hung with the babies and chatted. It was a fun and relaxing evening. We even stayed up until 11pm (an hour past our usual bedtime), taking advantage of the time change early!

The next morning was my nephew Brooks' baptism. Jon and I are his Godparents, which we are very honored to be. However we did get some guff from the pastor because Jon and I currently do not belong to a church, nor have we been to one. This baptism, as well as the birth of our daughter, has made us think about looking into and possibly joining a church - so there may be more on that later. My mother held Meri during the church service. She slept almost the whole time. I just took her for the last 10 minutes and held and bounced her in the back of the church. After church we all headed to my sister's house for a little lunch. I think there were 30+ people in her little home, but it worked. We ate, chatted, fawned over Brooks and Meri, and watched Emily, Andrew and Madison open the gifts. After gifts and feeding Meri, Jon and I quickly threw her in her car seat to make the trip home.

But the weekend wasn't quite over.... we got home, I fed Meri while Jon unloaded the dog and the car - then I packed Meredith up once again to head over to my coworker, Mary's home in the Highland Park area of St. Paul for my friend Nicole's work baby shower! Mary always throws a good party, and this was no exception. There were a bunch of my colleagues, who are also my friends, there and there was great food. I love getting together with a bunch of people, there is never a shortage of people willing to hold my baby girl and I get to have actual adult conversations with real people! I had a wonderful time and got to catch up on work gossip. It's amazing how quickly I've forgotten about all the things that tick me off at work. It has been nice to get away from that, but nevertheless, I am looking forward to going back to work - just a little bit though!

So, that was my week! I'm home with Meredith again this week and so far, we've been keeping busy. Nothing exciting though, just trying to get chores done. Yesterday our big adventure was getting groceries. Since I went alone, I used the Baby Bjorn so I could actually have room in the shopping cart for groceries. It worked great! We'll definitely do that again. And so far today, we had people come over to clean our vents and chimney and do a check on the furnace. They also left the gate open when they left, so I got to go on a little chase to get our dog (luckily a kindly dog walker saw Jada run out, knocked on my door and then helped me catch her, all while Meri napped in her vibrating chair). Tomorrow we have a handyman coming to do a bunch of projects, and we hope to do baby yoga again. Thursday we're going to hang out with Nicole and Paisley and Friday we're having a visit from my step-brother, lunch with friends downtown and Jon's dad and step-mom fly in for the weekend. Busy, busy, busy!! I had no idea I'd be so pressed for time while on maternity leave!

Here are a bunch of pics from the past week.... Hope to post again soon!

Day One of Halloween outfits, check out the following pics,

she was dressed up almost the whole week!

This is what happened to our pumpkins, darn squirrels!

Here's us out at Happy Hour!

Here's the quilt my friend and coworker, Amy Vertruba,

hand-made for Meredith - isn't it BEAUTIFUL!

My niece, Madison, holding Meri

My friend Malinda's first introduction to Meredith

Look at all these gifts, thanks everyone!

My nephew Brooks and Meredith together. He's still quite a bit bigger than her!

A visit from my bestest pal, Sheila. And we're even wearing matching shirts!

Jon and I and our little pea pod!

Out trick-or-treating with my sis, nephew and niece

Good thing the outfit was so warm, it was a bit nippy out!

Back at my mom's, all the kids in their outfits, including my step-nephew, Riley!

The beautiful outfit Meri wore to Brooks' baptism,

we bought it when we were in Nice, France in May

And here's the sweater she wore over it. Her Gma Stone (Jon's mom) knit it for her!

Brooks in his baptismal gown, which was originally made for MY grandmother by her mother. It's been worn by many of my family for baptisms!

Meri in her outfit, what a cutie!

My sister and her family!

My Gma Wick, the baby whisperer - she can always calm babies down!

Meri sleeping happily!

Another pic of our family!

At my coworker's house for the party, she thinks she can handle both of them!