Fun with baby friends!

Beckett&Leah
Originally uploaded by epmdesigner.

Here's a picture from our recent trip to NP, of Leah and her new friend Beckett. This is very exciting because Beckett's Mommy, Cynthia, is one of my very dearest friends. We date all the way back to high school!

Beckett and Leah are just a month apart and since Leah is my first and Beckett is Cynthia's fourth baby, I thought we might never be able to be "pregnancy buddies." But it's funny how things work out and I was so delighted that we could share all the joys, excitement and anticipation of pregnancy together. It made it a whole lot more fun.

During our visit we had a little baby photo shoot. I think I have about 50 pictures. This one is not Leah's best shot...she's looking a little broad shouldered here. But I love how the babies have their feet sort of intertwined and how they look as if they are almost holding hands. Beckett has such a cute little smile on AND he's wearing the very delicious sushi pajama outfit I gave him (Cyn and I love to eat sushi!), which makes me like this photo even more. I also like how Leah has her hand sort of resting on knee there like a little Tony Soprano. It's just a photo of babies being babies...what could be better?

Making our weekend last all week long!

Great Grandma
Originally uploaded by epmdesigner.

Here's Leah and her Great Grandma. It was such a nice thing to see them together and enjoying each other's company. It was like they had an instant connection. Leah does not like being transfered from person to person. Once she settles in with you she's great...but there is usally tears or crankin' during the hand off. Not with Great Grandma though! Leah settled right in and cuddled up. She also loved meeting her great Grandpa too. He smiled at her and chatted with her, two activities Leah really enjoys.

Today we are off to our first playdate! Some of the ladies and kids from MOPS invited us over. It should be fun. Leah will be the only baby, but the toddlers love her. They love to stare at her and say "baby!" This also gives the other Moms a chance to hold Leah and get their "baby fix." And besides, as the MOPS ladies told me, playdates are more for the Moms than the kids. It is a lovely day for playing here! Enjoy this first taste of Spring!

Oh, I could write a sonnet about your Easter bonnet

Easter Bonnet
Originally uploaded by epmdesigner.

As promised, here's Grammy with Leah in her Easter finery. Leah's arms sort of say "I'm a brute" but the face says, I'm nothin' but cute. There's my attempt at an Easter bonnet sonnet. I'll spare you all any further attempts at poetry (for now). This was the only picture where Leah was actually wearing her bonnet so I figured I'd start with this one. I loved the Laura Ingalls look she had going here.

We headed off to church after this photo was snapped, where luckily there is a crying room. Of course Leah was the only baby of crying age in there. It turned into more of a play room thanks to crowds of pastel-colored clothed children who could not be contained. But there were available seats in there when the church itself was otherwise full to the rim, so Miss Leah saved our backsides (literally!) once again. And after a minute of fussing she fell fast asleep, like the angel baby she is.

Easter Fun!

Daddy & Bunny
Originally uploaded by epmdesigner.

Get ready for a week of Easter pictures! Leah's blogging public was upset that there was no blog friday, so I need to make it up to you this week. We had lots of fun at Grammy McKenna's house this weekend and MANY pictures were taken. I thought you all would especially like this one of Leah and her Daddy on Easter morning. We also helped Mommy's friend Cynthia celebrate her birthday and visited Auntie K's house on Saturday, so it was a full weekend.

You can look forward to some pictures of Leah visiting with friends, hamming it up with her aunties and uncles, meeting her great grandparents and modeling her Easter finest. She's like a baby Marlo Thomas. "Diamonds, Daisies, Snowflakes, That Girl! Chestnuts, Rainbows, Springtime is That Girl!" Until tomorrow...

Spring?

Spring
Originally uploaded by epmdesigner.

Is it really spring? Becasue there's a heck of a lot of snow outside. No worries, nothing to cause a school delay or closing, but just enough to make you want to cry a little or bang your head against a wall. In celebration of the season that almost is, I thought I'd feature this Anne Geddes-type picture the photographer took of Leah. Ahhh, she is such a delicate flower (when she's sleeping). Today we're off to the plant so Pete can show Leah around and I can talk graphic design. I joke that Leah is my little business woman since she attended so many meetings and chamber of commerce functions in utero. Perhaps we'll post a picture of our advenure tomorrow for all to see. Until then, stay warm.

Barking Diapers and Delicious Hands

What, me worry?
Originally uploaded by epmdesigner.

Well, we're off to MOPS in a bit, but before we went we thought we'd post. The picture shown illustrates Leah's new favorite activity, sucking on her hand. It is especially helpful and comforting in stressful situations. In the picture shown, Leah was suffering from what Pete calls a "barking diaper." Being the gassy baby that she is, Leah's diapers bark a lot. Seriously, that's what it sounds like. Well, the Little Miss is looking at me with a demure smile that says "please don't reveal all of my personal bathroom secrets to my adoring public. " And being the Mommy (or sucker, or soft touch, whichever) that I am...her wish is my command. I can't resist that sweet little face.

What are those? Feet?

Rockin' Her Robeez
Originally uploaded by epmdesigner.

I think Leah discovered that her feet are attached to her body yesterday. This revelation came courtesy of her cute little Robeez shoes, a gift from my friend Nancy. I took this picture as Leah stared at her feet with an almost frightening, yet funny intensity. She kept kicking her feet out then bringing them together. It was all pretty amusing actually, especially for me. Perhaps it was just the purple leather and applique flowers that caught her eye, or maybe she was just confused about why I had covered her feet with something other than socks or footie pajamas, but whatever it was she took notice (as you can see from the picture). Even the rattle toe booties don't get this sort of response! Well, she's a girl after her Auntie K's heart...Leah loves good, quality shoes. Do they make baby Monolos?

Our Weekend

Leah and Mommy
Originally uploaded by epmdesigner.

Not much to say here, except that we are happy that it is the second day of Spring. Even though it doesn't feel like Spring just yet, there are signs that it is coming! I heard birds singing this morning and the snow has started to melt.

We had a productive weekend. We got curtain rods, curtains and a rug for Leah's room. It really is shaping up to be very pretty. Maybe I'll post a picture of it once we get a bookcase and some art on the walls. Pete went to Buffalo Saturday night to see friends. So Leah and I had a lot of girl time Saturday evening and Sunday morning. Leah and I love to play together. We sing "the wheels on the bus" and play "where is thumbkin?" This picture was also taken by the photographer and I thought it showed a nice Mommy and baby moment. Pete and Leah had a nice Sunday afternoon relaxing, grocery shopping, and hanging out (which allowed me to shower and get a few things done). The photographer got lots of great pictured of Leah and her Daddy too, so I'll feature one of those soon.

Enjoy the day! Mine is already looking like a good one. I actually got Leah down for a morning nap in her crib! The question is...how long will she stay there?

What a Beauty!

Vogue
Originally uploaded by epmdesigner.

This was one of my favorite pictures of Leah taken by a photographer I met at a bridal event, Renee Marquis. She does great work with newborns. Doesn't Leah look lovely? I love the look in her eyes and her rosy cheeks. What you can't tell from this picture is that she is laying over Pete's arm and hanging in mid air. I guess that's why she looks almost like a crawling baby. I'll feature more of Renee's pictures in the weeks to come.

It's been a busy week here. Leah met one potential babysitter and will meet another one today. Like shots, it's more nerve-wracking on Mommy, but that's ok. We opened up a 529 and a savings account for Leah, I actually worked in the evenings (as best I could) and we even got started helping Leah learn to soothe herself and start napping just a little more regularly. I'm getting better at reading her sleep cues with each passing day too.

Next week I'll go to the salon for a haircut (yay!), we will hit another MOPS meeting and visit Pete at work, so that I can meet with some execs about designing their catalog and so that, more importantly, he can show this pretty baby off to his co-workers. Enjoy the weekend!

Slainte!

My Irish Lass
Originally uploaded by epmdesigner.

Happy St. Patrick's Day everyone! Leah owns no green (except for the lime green polka dot and striped socks you've seen her sporting), so I bought her this cutie head piece at the grocery store. She gave an obligatory smile for the camera but was way more amused when I put it on for her. Leah is maybe just a tiny bit more polish than irish, but luckily they have very cute head gear too called wianki. It's a festive crown of flowers tied with ribbons at the back. I'll be sure to get a picture of her wearing one this June at Polish Fest.

This morning we attempted a little nap training. It was not successful (I say as she sleeps on me while I type!). As I may have mentioned before, the kid sleeps GREAT at night in her bassinet but naps are scattered and brief during the day. We are getting ready to transfer her to sleeping in her crib at night so I figured I'd get her taking naps in there during the day so she could get used to it. While I'm at it I figured I'd get her on more of a napping schedule (one morning, one afternoon...is that so much to ask?). It seems Leah has her own ideas on this, but I'm sure if we give it a little time and keep doing what the pediatrician and books say, we'll eventually get our party girl to take the rests she needs (in the appropriate location) and in the process give Mom a break too.

We'll keep you posted. Until then, Erin go bragh, Kiss me, I'm Irish and Pionta Guinness, le do thoil...which means "a pint of Guinness, please!" in irish. Luckily La Leche League actually recommends 1 dark beer a week. I'll be drinking mine tonight after this darn nap training!

Beannachtaí na Féile Pádraig oraibh!
(or a St. Patrick's day blessing upon you all!)

I'm in Love

Happy Lee
Originally uploaded by epmdesigner.

Spring is coming and I am in love with this wonderful little baby! I am so looking forward to the warm weather and all of the fun things I hope to do with her. A few days ago we went shopping for some more rattle toe booties like the ones seen here (they seem to be the only things that stay on her feet). But none could be found. Babies R' Us had some but they were sort of big and loose. No good. Anyway, I also want everyone to know, I have set Leah's hands free (this picture was taken two weeks ago). She is now able to grab at whatever she wants, including Mommy's hair and turtlenecks and Daddy's upper lip. Now that her pictures and baptism are done with she can scratch away if she needs to. We've been trimming her nails, but boy do they grow fast. It's still cold here but the sky is blue and the sun is SHINING! You know we'll be doing our best to enjoy it. If it's sunny wherever you are, you should too!

Recovery

Fun Police
Originally uploaded by epmdesigner.

This was taken at the party we had at Kelley's restaurant after Leah's Christening. The food was great by the way and as usual Leah did her best to fight off sleep. Pete and I have dubbed her the "Fun Police." This is because even when she's sleeping she always has one eye half open (or in this case both eyes) looking out to make sure no one is having too much of a good time without her. I said yesterday that Leah enjoys being the center of attention, but it's not so much that as she loves to be in the center of activity!

She looked a lot like this yesterday too as she recovered from her big weekend. She managed to get her fussy time in in the early evening, and ended it just in time for Daddy to get home at around 8 pm after running some errands and going to an appontment. A Mommy's job is never done. I'm looking forward to spring (for a variety of reasons)! Everyone says the early evening fussing trails off after the 3rd month. I can't wait! Tonight we'll start her sleep schedule. Hopefully this does not disrupt Leah too much. She is an EXCELLENT night sleeper and I wouldn't want to mess with that!

Renewal

The Blue Box
Originally uploaded by epmdesigner.

So it has finally come to this...a day where I couldn't just have one photo, so I have to blog twice. I'm not all about the gifts, but this picture was too cute. This weekend, Leah got her first Tiffany & Co. blue box. While I was pretty excited about the box itself, it's what came inside that was really wonderful. Her Aunties Kathleen and Devon and her Uncle Colin gave her a very pretty silver cross. Leah looked so pretty (as you can see from this picture) wearing it with her christening gown.

I've never gotten anything from Tiffany's, so this moment reminded me of the first time I received a dozen roses and my Mom said, "I don't think I've ever gotten a dozen roses before!?!" I realize now that when your child receives something that you never had, it's almost like you got it yourself. Because now their happiness and good fortune pretty much means more to you than your own.

Leah was herself at her baptism. She cried through much of it. Let's just say it felt like taking the SATs all over again, and I found it MUCH more stressful than getting married. I say she was herself, because when we were up on the altar and she was the center of attention, she quieted right down, allowing the water to be poured on her head and the ceremony to proceed without so much as a tear. Father Fred commented on what a beautiful baby she is and what powerful lungs she has. She's one strong kid.

There is so much more I could write about my little shining star, but she's awake now and is demanding some Mommy-time. There's one more blog below thanking everyone in attendance. It was a fun time and for those we didn't see...we hope to see you soon! In the meantime, we promise to keep blogging if you keep reading and commenting.

Thanks Everyone!

Christening Crew
Originally uploaded by epmdesigner.

Here is the photo taken by Art Director/Priest, Fr. Fred. He insisted on getting one with nearly everyone who came for Leah's baptism! Anyway, I know everyone traveled a LONG way and it seemed like fun was had by all, which made Miss Leah very happy. She is truly a party baby...insisting (despite major crabbiness at times) an staying awake while her guests were around. But she crashed out HARD after you all left and slept until about 7:30 this morning, waking up just to be fed and smile a sleepy smile at us before dozing off again. A real sign of a good party!

Grease Lightning

What you Talkin' bout Mommy?
Originally uploaded by epmdesigner.

So last night, taking the doctor's advice, Pete and I tried to attack Leah's cradle cap and rid her scalp of those yucky scales. For those of you who don't currently own a baby or never have, this is done by massaging baby oil on to the baby's scalp. I can't even begin to explain how much Leah enjoyed this! I should have taken a picture, because by the end of the massaging she looked like Don King. All that hair was greased up and she had a HUGE smile on her face. We decided she is definitely like her Mommy, and will someday love going to the salon and having lots of attention paid to her hair.

Next comes the fun part, combing the scales off. For all you people who love to pick at things like myself, this was very satisfying. Luckily, Leah's case was not too bad otherwise we would have had to do a lot of scrubbing and use some more serious shampoos. Speaking of shampoo, after we got most all of the crust off it was time for a bath. We probably should have washed her hair twice though because we must not have gotten all the oil out and this morning she now looks like Pete's favorite actor, Benicio Del Toro. When I tried to take her picture, in all her greasy glory, Leah gave me the same look feastured in this picture I took last week ("Uum, I don't think so Mommy..."). I ran this picture to spare her the shame of exposing a hairdo brought on by incompetent parent bathing. We plan on washing the little fuzzball again tonight (and Saturday too...) so she can look good for her christening this weekend. I'm sure I'll have some pictures of that to share next week. Have a great weekend everyone.

Hit me with your best shot

Ouch!
Originally uploaded by epmdesigner.

Leah survived her 2-month appointment with her pediatrician. He was very pleased with how she's growing and eating, as well as her night time sleep patterns. It looks as if Pete and I have a lot of homework to do before the 4-month appointment. We need to transition her to her crib soon and set up a bedtime routine, among other things. Here are her stats (becuase everyone always asks):
Height: 23.25" (75%)
Weight: 12 lbs 1 oz (85%...the chunky monkey!)
Head: 40.25 (85%)

Leah also got 4 shots today, as you can see by the hello kitty band-aids on her pudgy little thighs. She did great! The crying got progressively worse with each one, but that wasn't the part that got me. Nope, instead it was that look of surprise ("how could you do this to me Mommy?") that came with each poke that really pulled at my heart strings.

We got advice on her cradle cap and how to better care for her neck-folds (it's like the Grand Canyon in there) but other than that she has a clean bill of health. Even better than that, she's doing extremely well. Let's hope she keeps it up.

We'll see how she survives the shots. Hopefully she'll make it through without too much crankiness or a fever. She's knocked out right now...all that excitement.

"Put Halo Here..."

Cutie Outfit
Originally uploaded by epmdesigner.

That's what my neighbor Jacque said this morning, pointing at Leah's cute little hooded head, when she saw us at the MOPS meeting. Of course, the little Miss was sound asleep and looking very angelic. People should stop over our house after 6 pm sometime for a real "can you smell what The Leah is cookin'?" moment. But those who know children or have babies probably understand the fussy hour (or "witching hour" as Pete likes to call it) pretty well.

I had another picture and topic all set for today's entry, but the outfit I put on her this morning was too cute. It was cobbled together from various gifts and "hand me downs" in a variety of sizes. Some 0-3 months, some 3-6 months. This was Leah's first foray into the world of denim and she seemed to enjoy it. What you can't see is the cute yellow turtleneck onesie she has on under the overalls. It really ties the whole outfit together. Although with Leah turtlenecks should probably be called nonecks. The outfit is precious but the lack of neck visibility does bring added attention to her many chins. Regardless, it was COLD out this morning and I had to come up with some added protection for my babe.

Well, we made it back from our morning activities and Leah is fully knocked out from the cold weather. The shamrock cupcakes I made (see what having a baby does to a person, I'm fully domesticated!) were a hit and thankfully, I didn't have to take too many home. I better go get a few things done before my little angel wakes up!

Takin' Care of Business

TheseEyes...
Originally uploaded by epmdesigner.

First off, how cute are these eyes? I love them. Of course I'm biased being the Mommy and all, but people do comment on them (when they are open and looking around). Leah got a lot of attention today as the "newest member" of my executive dialogue group. It's a group of non-competing business owners and executives who gather monthly to discuss various topics affecting our businesses. Anyway, Leah practically slept through the whole meeting and when she was awake she just stared at her admirers with the same quizzical look pictured here. She was such a good girl.

Tomorrow we'll be doing a more Leah centered activity, attending our MOPS (Mothers of Pre-Schoolers) meeting. There are LOTS of other babies there, so Leah is in her element...but I also wouldn't be surprised if she slept through most of that too. Thursday is her big 2-month Pediatrician Appointment. She has to get a bunch of shots. I'm not sure who it will be more difficult for, me or Leah. If she looks at me with tears in those big beautiful eyes, I just might cry!

You say it's your birthday...

Victorian Portrait
Originally uploaded by epmdesigner.

Ok, so I did not want to pick a picture for today's blog that included me, but I thought Leah loooked too funny in this one...very serious, very Teddy Roosevelt. In honor of Grandma Nowak's 60th birthday Leah was all dressed up in her very fun "dodo petit escargot" outfit from Mommy's friend Oceana. It got rave reviews, especially the lime green mismatched socks ("they came that way people!!"). Only one person thought she was a boy...something I figured could happen since for once we went outside the box and dressed her in something other than pink!

Excuse the "boxing gloves" but we had to be vigilant about the scratching this weekend, as Leah was getting her real portrait taken by a photographer yesterday. More on that later. Let's just say there are a few with bunny ears and a fuzzy purple rug...something I thought I would never do, but I just got caught up in the moment! She'll probably hate me someday, but I looked at Pete and he approved of the shots (I think he was caught up in the same moment) so we went with it.

Leah really enjoyed Grandma's party, especially meeting her cousin Jack and seeing her cousin Maddy again. Maddy and Leah really love each other, it's pretty cute. But the biggest news here is that it is going to be 47° today!!! I better be off so Leah and I can get out and about before the weather turns on us again. It's supposed to snow here the rest of the week...

Lovely Day

Can't you see I'm trying to sleep?
Originally uploaded by epmdesigner.

Leah had a GREAT day yesterday. I took this while she napped for about three hours...the longest stretch she's slept for during waking hours in a very long time. Towards the end of her nap I almost didn't know what to do with myself (hence the picture taking). It has been quite a while since I had a chunk of alone time like that. It felt great I might add, and it was so nice to see my baby sleeping peacefully. There has got to be a proverb somewhere, in some culture, about the joy of a well-rested baby. Taking some much needed zzzs really shows off her happy personality when she's awake.

Leah is finally beginning to incorporate her blanket into her napping style. She got into this pose all alone, although she does like to sleep with her hand in front of her face pretty regularly. Isn't she the sweetest? I think this blanket might actually become her "blankie" someday. She's starting to show a bit of a preference for it. Although, I have a feeling Leah will want to call it her "special blanket" or something. She doesn't have much tolerance for baby talk and regulalrly rejects "binkies" (believe me, we've tried)...spitting it out and shaming the giver with a look that says "How dare you try to tempt and trick me with this milkless nipple!"

Hopefully Leah will sleep just as well today. We have a big weekend ahead of us. Grandma Nowak's 60th birthday. It should be fun. Enjoy your weekend everyone!

Good Morning Starshine!

Kickin' it with Celeste
Originally uploaded by epmdesigner.

There are a few toys here in the Nowak household that we can't live without...the bouncy seat, the play gym and "Celeste" (as in Celestial) seen here. There is a sun on the front, and a moon on the reverse side. Leah can stare at Celeste for what seems like hours, but is actually more like minutes when you are talking "baby time." Believe me though, they are minutes I am thankful for. She also loves to kick and grasp at the various rattles and squeaky things hanging from Celeste. It's a pretty cute sight to see.

One of the best executive decisions I've made for my business was when I decided to tie Celeste on to my office chair with some ribbon. Now I can work at the computer and watch Leah smile and play. It doesn't always work, but it works enough and that's all I can ask for. So thank you Celeste. And may your smiling yellow face bring hours, or minutes (*smile*), of happy smiling to my Leah's own beautiful face. And maybe a few moments of respite for this happy but very tired Mommy.

Relaxin' with Daddy

Relaxin' with Daddy
Originally uploaded by epmdesigner.

Things are busy here. I have been doing a lot of work lately...invitations, baby announcements, dealing with prospective clients and answering lots of email. Still, it seems I can barely keep my head above water with it all.

After a long day of very enjoyable Mommy/Baby time, Leah gets to spend a few moments with Daddy. This allows me to eat and work a little. Pete is the perfect cushion for her when she wants to sleep, and is the best "burper" in the house. He is very patient with her when she's feeling fussy, even when he's had a long day at work. Leah appreciates that. We put on the outfit pictured, just for him. He especially liked the very cute jailbird/long shoreman cap. Hopefully Leah will be as happy and mellow today as she looks in this picture. It's cold outside so stay warm everyone!

Tummy Time

Tummy Time
Originally uploaded by epmdesigner.

You can blame this "artsy" picture on 4 years of art school. I know, the mirror thing is sort of old, but the little tear running down her face brings a whole new emotional dimension to the picture don't you think? Leah loves her tummy time on the quilt Laura lovingly made for her. The turtle toy from Auntie D helps too. It's actually tough to get pictures of Leah when she's playing like this. She's always moving and swinging that bowling ball head of hers around. She's getting very close to rolling over though, we can feel it. She keeps throwing her back leg over she just hasn't thrown it far enough yet. We'll keep you posted. Enjoy your day. We'll be cozied up here. There's a winter wonderland outside!