Happy Halloween!

It's Grace's first Halloween, and we are really excited. The first year of a child's life is so much fun because there are so many firsts! We marvel at each "first" that Grace accomplishes, and we enjoy each first holiday, knowing that those memories will remain forever imprinted on our hearts.

Grace has two Halloween costumes. She was dressed as an elephant today for her day care party and as a cow tonight when we greeted the trick-or-treaters that came to our door. The party today was more fun for the parents, I think, than for our little ones. Seeing all of the kids in her class dressed up was a riot! They all looked adorable.

Then tonight Grace and I passed out Halloween candy to TONS of trick-or-treaters. Despite buying a lot of candy, we ran out in less than an hour. Grace took that opportunity to take a nap, still decked out in her cow costume. It was a great day :-)

5 Month Old Girl!

1, 2, 3, 4, 5 MONTHS have passed since Grace was born! It's just amazing that she's five months old already. Grace is our pride and joy, and every minute with her is precious.

She's been doing lots of new things lately. One of the most exciting things is that she's gotten the hang of eating rice cereal, and now she loves it! She first tried it on October 6th, and within a few days, she was opening her mouth for each spoonful. Now she devours her cereal every day! She likes to eat, and that definitely runs in the family.

Grace is also exploring everything around her, reaching for things, and putting anything within reach into her mouth. I love watching her discover the world...she is fascinated by virtually everything. She is particularly intrigued by her Daddy! She watches him closely and takes in all that he does. A Daddy's Little Girl in the making...

Grace loves her bouncer and enjoys playing in it more than almost anything else. She squeals with delight as she jumps around and plays with the various toys on the bouncer. We get a kick out of watching her antics!

She's also getting very close to rolling over from her back to her tummy. She puts her feet straight up in the air and rolls halfway, but hasn't made it all the way over just yet. She's also reaching for her toes when she's laying on her back, and that is too cute! So many new tricks, so little time...

All Bounced Out...

Grace really loves to play in her bouncer. What's funny is she'll be playing away - bouncing, squealing, and smiling - and suddenly, she'll realize she's tired and take a nap. Yes, that's right. She'll take a nap, standing up in her bouncer. Guess it's true that babies can sleep anywhere!!!

Family Time - First Things First

Last night and today I attended a conference. I was gone last night from 6 PM to 10 PM and today from 8 AM to 6:30 PM. I enjoyed the conference, especially because my brother, Billy, went too, but...

The whole time I was there, I was missing Grace and Martin. I've come to accept being away from my family during the workday, which has been a rough adjustment. I've accepted day care as a reality in my life. However, my nights and weekends are my family time.

In my pre-wife and pre-Mommy days, I used to have something going on every night of the week. Now I don't want to commit to much of anything if it involves doing things at night or on the weekends. I want to be home (or out and about) spending quality time and making memories with my family. My priorities have changed, and I'm putting first things first.

An Emotional Rollercoaster

What an emotional rollercoaster the last 5 days have been. Since hearing about Dawn's death on Wednesday, I have thought of little else. I have prayed; I have cried; I have asked, "Why?" I have thought about her husband, her sweet daughter, and the rest of her family. I have remembered every moment of my time with her. Everyone who knew and loved Dawn is still in shock. It's hard to accept the death of a 33 year old, but thank God for faith. I'm not sure how anyone could cope with her loss, or the loss of anyone they care about, without it.

Today I attended Dawn's funeral Mass. It was truly heartbreaking, yet the service was beautiful, and the Bishop brought comfort to a church full of mourners. There were few dry eyes in that church today. The Mass was followed by a short ceremony at the cemetary and then a reception at the church. I think it was good for everyone to come together to remember Dawn and celebrate her life. She was one-of-a-kind, someone whose smile could light up any room! She will be missed.

Please, please, please keep Dawn's family in your daily prayers. God calls on each of us to sustain each other in times of need. This is one of those times when the Body of Christ must unite to support and console one another.

Hot Date for Mommy & Daddy

Last night, Martin and I went on a date to celebrate our 2-year wedding anniversary! We had a wonderful evening together. We got dressed up and went out for a nice dinner, while Grace spent the evening hanging out with her Nana & Pop-Pop.

We drove to Waco yesterday afternoon and got to hang out with my parents for a few hours before our date. Grace cuddled and played with her Nana & Pop-Pop all afternoon, giving them some of her best smiles.

We also did a little photo shoot with a pumpkin, which was pretty funny. Grace seemed to like the big unidentified orange vegetable and smiled for the camera. Check out the pictures on our photo site: http://picasaweb.google.com/amberfogarty/BabyGraceWeeks2122

This morning we were up bright and early for Mass, and Grace was awake and alert for part of it. Then she fell peacefully asleep in her Daddy's arms, which was the sweetest thing ever! After Mass, my Dad made us a nice breakfast; then we headed home to Austin. We just got here, safe and sound!

Our 2 Year Anniversary

Today, Martin and I are celebrating two years of marriage. On this day in 2005, we tied the knot and promised to spend the rest of our lives together. Who knew where we would be two years later? On our wedding day, our future was a blank slate. We knew I would be moving to London a few months later, but we weren't sure of our long-term plans. We agreed that we wanted a family eventually, but hadn't decided when or where we would raise our kids.

Now here we are two years later...we have a beautiful four and a half month old daughter who lights up every day of our lives! We have wonderful relationships with our family & friends who have loved and supported us through thick and thin. We own a home and have settled into an amazing life as a family of three. We have been blessed beyond belief, and we are so thankful for all God has done and continues to do in our lives.

Shock & Sadness

This morning I heard the shocking news of the death of my friend, Dawn. I still don't quite believe the news. Dawn was just 33 years old -- a young wife and the mother of a one-year old little girl. At this point, no one knows what caused her death, and the family has ordered an autopsy. This hits so close to home...literally. Dawn and her family are our neighbors. They live one street over from us.

I first met Dawn through work since our jobs often intersected. We got together for lunch in January of this year and began building a friendship, as we talked about her daughter, day care, and how much having children changes your life. I was pregnant at the time, and Dawn was so supportive throughout my pregnancy.

We were both thrilled when we moved to her neighborhood in March and were excited about being neighbors. We talked about our kids playing together and us getting together for barbecues.

After Grace was born, Dawn came over one evening, and we had a lovely visit. She recommended the day care her daughter was attending, and we decided that that’s where Grace would go. I trusted Dawn’s judgment, and she felt so good about the care that her daughter was receiving there.

Grace’s first day of day care was last week, and Dawn sent me the sweetest email, which began "I wish I could come by and give you a BIG HUG (SQUEEEZZZZEEEEEE). I know exactly how you feel, trust me it does get easier."

The next day Grace and I went to her house for a visit. I needed a friend who understood the struggle of those first days of day care, and Dawn comforted me and assured me I'd get through it. While I was there, we talked about us getting together more often and Grace getting bigger so she and Dawn's daughter could play together. It's hard to believe that was last week, and this week she is gone.

It's a harsh, painful reminder that life is so precious. We never know when God will call us home. We need to cherish each and every moment with our families and tell them we love them often. Tonight I spent most of the night holding Grace close to me and telling her and Martin how much I love them. The loss of a friend always hurts, but especially someone so young and full of life. I will always remember Dawn's smile and laughter. She loved to make people laugh, and all who knew her thought the world of her.

Please pray for Dawn's family and friends as they cope with her sudden death. And live each day to the fullest.

Week 2 Begins...

Grace's second week of day care is off to a good start. I managed to drop her off today without a tear, which made me feel a bit guilty. I was kind of mad at myself for being able to leave her without crying.

I had a super-busy day at work today, and I was stressed out at the end of the day because I felt I had so much left to do. I had a tightness in my chest as I felt the weight of my workload and the old familiar tug of the workaholic in me.

I feel constantly torn between my family and work. It's the ongoing struggle of the working parent, I think...a struggle that I doubt will ever get easier. On one hand, prioritizing is a no-brainer now. Family first. Period. On the other hand, I care very much about my job, and I believe in the work I do. Thus, I want to give it my best and deliver the same quality work I always have. Can you have the best of both worlds? I'm not sure, but I'll give it my all. I guess that's all I can do and all anyone can expect of me.

Miss Independence

I've said it before, and I'll say it again -- "Our little girl is growing up too fast."

Grace is becoming so independent. She spends more time everyday entertaining herself. I'm in awe just watching her as she explores and discovers new things. She makes the most adorable faces and sounds while taking in her surroundings.

The last few days she's really grown into her bouncer and loves playing in it. She bounces and dances and plays with the toys on it. She's enjoying playing by herself now and is reaching out to grab anything you dangle in front of her. She's also starting to put everything in her mouth...her own hands, rattles, toys, stuffed animals, anything she can get her hands on. Have I mentioned how awesome it is being a Mom? Wow! It gets better every day.

Grace's First Jog

This morning Grace and I went jogging together for the first time! My coworkers got me an AWESOME jogging stroller, and I've been so anxious to use it. Finally, the time has come!

I've been waiting until Grace's neck was strong enough that her head wouldn't bob around in the jogging stroller. Now that she's less of a bobble-head, we can get some exercise together.

Our jog today was more like a walk-run combo since I'm not in the shape I once was, but Grace enjoyed it nonetheless. In fact, she enjoyed it so much that she drifted off to sleep. However, when I got home she woke up full of smiles, which is when I snapped the adorable picture to the left.

After I got home, I decided to to do a workout video. Grace was in her bouncer next to me jumping around while I did my lunge routine. We were exercising buddies! I think she was thoroughly entertained watching me sweat and groan as my muscles begged me to stop bothering them. Our Saturday is off to a great start!

Our plans for the rest of the day are the fun Saturday chores of house cleaning and doing laundry, but we'll top off our day by having a few friends over to watch baseball and have dinner tonight. Gotta love the weekend...

We Made It Through Week One!

It was a rough week, but we made it through. Grace's first week of day care was definitely not easy. It was extremely emotional for all of us, but Grace took it all in stride and already seemed completely at ease in her new surroundings by the time I picked her up today.

After making in through days two, three, and four without crying, I got teary when I dropped her off this morning. Then when I went to visit her at lunch time, she had just fallen asleep so I didn't get to feed her or play with her, and that made me a bit weepy too. I know, I cry a lot. Whoever told me that my hormones would even out, and I'd cry less after having a baby than I did when I was pregnant was dead wrong.

My parents came to visit tonight, and they accompanied me to pick Grace up from day care this afternoon. We had a nice evening with Grace's Uncle Billy and grandparents, the highlight of which was Grace trying rice cereal for this first time. She didn't seem too impressed, but she had a few bites. It was fun for all of us, and we took a bunch of pictures of the momentous occasion. Check them out at: http://picasaweb.google.com/amberfogarty/BabyGraceWeeks1920

After Mom and Dad headed home, Martin, Grace, and I were hanging out when Grace got us both laughing hysterically. I was holding Grace, and I laughed at something on TV. Grace started laughing along with me, which got both Martin and I cracking up. She continued laughing right along with us. It was the coolest thing ever.

What a Difference a Day Makes

I'm proud to say I made it through Grace's second day of day care without crying. What a difference a day makes! Yesterday I met several of the parents of the kids in Grace's class, which helped tremendously in making me more comfortable with her new arrangement. I also spent lunch there yesterday, and that gave me a lot of assurance about how the teachers treat the children. I had another Mom in the class tell me that she thinks the teachers are wonderful and take fantastic care of the kids each and every day.

Grace seems very curious about the other kids in the class. She is checking them out and taking everything in. It's her first time around kids her own age, and I think it's good for her to get socialized early. Soon enough, she'll be having sleepovers and IMing with her friends about boys. I'm not quite ready for that yet, but I made it through today. One day at a time.

Day two. Done.

Hardest Day Ever

Today was Grace's first day of day care. It was one of the toughest days of my life. I started crying last night, cried myself to sleep, and cried most of the day today. Heart-wrenching.

My Mom friends told me that it would be way harder on me than it was on Grace. I'd say that was true. Grace seemed to adjust nicely to her new surroundings, which we expected, because she's been such a flexible baby so far. Martin and I went together this morning to drop her off. I'm certain I couldn't have done that on my own the first day. I needed someone to do the talking because I was crying too much to form a sentence. Martin was my rock. He handled everything and comforted me as well. He's the best.

Thank goodness, the day care is close to where I work, so I can go see her at lunchtime and can get there quickly if needed (like when I'm really missing my sweet girl). Even though I struggled with her first day, I trust that she will be well cared for at her day care because I have a good friend who has been thrilled with the care her daughter has received there. Without her personal reference, I would have been even more of a mess today.

We made it through day one, and I know we'll continue to adjust each day. Leaving your child in anyone else's care isn't easy, but it's an unavoidable reality. I have to keep reminding myself that I survived day care, and millions of others have too. Grace will be fine, and we'll continue to cherish every second we spend with her. Our time with our sweet girl is precious, even more so now that Martin and I are both working full-time.