I'm so over my house.

Literally.

We have been in this house for nearly 4 years. And I'm dying for some changes. I guess it started when we began decorating Annie's nursery last year. It was the first room in our house that we painted since moving in. When we bought our house, it was pretty much move-in ready for us, so we didn't do any painting/changing at all.

And now, I'm ready for it.

So, we changed our tiny office into a sweet nursery. Then, we changed our guest room/office/catch -all-room into a playroom/office. And I LOVE both rooms. In fact, Annie's nursery is probably my favorite room in the whole house. And coincidentally, it is the only room in the house that I don't want to make any changes to besides organizing!

I have big dreams for my sweet 1,100 square feet house.

But, I also have little pockets. With no moo-lah.

So, I have created a room-by-room re-model/freshen up plan for my house (and put it in a notebook with budgets, pictures, ideas, etc.) Those of you that know me well, know that I love to plan...and decorate. B and I are trying to pinch pennies and figure out ways that we can make this house more LeeLee + B + AL, on a budget. It's kind of funny how our dreams and plans change with age...we used to talk of big vacations and new cars, and now we swoon over hardwood flooring (we WILL have hardwood floors one day!), lighting and countertops. I guess that means we're finally growing up.

I am going to try and take before pictures of each room and give you our "plan of action." Most of the rooms will not have big changes - mainly our master bedroom and bathroom are in for the big overhaul. And by big overhaul, I mean NEW paint!

/br>Hope you'll stick around to see more!

8 months old!

Well, Annie Lou is turning 9 months old next week, so I figured I better get her 8 month old post up....where in the world do all the hours go in a day?

8 months old....

Doodlebug,

Here we are at 8 months old! Mommy finally feels like she knows what she is doing...took us a while to get here, but it was an adventure! You are really so much fun now - you love to dance and play! Everyone can start clapping and singing "Go Annie! Go Annie! Go!" and you will show off like a ham! I can't wait to sign you up for dance classes when you get bigger...you love music, and you giggle when mommy and daddy do funny dances! You are the light of our lives!

No weight and height check-ups this month...you are KILLING mommy's back, though! I have to beg daddy to rub my back each night!

Sleeping patterns:

You are still sleeping through the night like a champ! We are so blessed with a good sleeper!

Eating habits:

You are such a good eater! Blessed again! You still nurse 6 times a day, although I have noticed that you aren't spending as much time nursing. I feel like you know the good stuff (solids) are coming, and you want that! You get so excited when you see us heating up your food...and if we aren't fast enough, you let us know!

Discoveries and accomplishments:

You are starting to get into stuff more - you reach for EVERYTHING in sight! You LOVE books. Love them! Mommy and Daddy try to read to you every night after your bathtime. You especially love the books that your SheShe, Great Granny and Great Papa recorded for you. And you are a talker. You love to talk talk talk! Oh, and we may have a crawler on our hands before too long. You are getting up on your knees and rocking back and forth. Most of the time, if you see something you want, you just roll to it, which makes mommy laugh!

Highlights:

Everyday is a gift with you, doodlebug! I love watching you discover this great big world around you! I hope that you share my love of books and reading, too!

My FIRST Mother's Day as a mommy!

So, before I start this post, I want to say a big THANK YOU and JOB WELL DONE to all the mamas out there. Before I had Annie Louise, I didn't think being a mom would change my life that much - I thought I would still be able to be social, read all the books I want and I would always have it together.

WRONG.

Being a mom is the most beautiful thing ever....but it's a hard job, too! I feel like there are never enough hours in the day, I have a stack of books I haven't touched since giving birth to Annie Louise, and sometimes I feel like I have NO idea what I'm doing.

But, you know what?

It's fine.

I'm so lucky to have this baby girl in my life. I never knew I could love something so much - and I tell her that all the time.

So, hats off to the hardest working women I know! I salute you today :)

Back to MY Mother's Day....

I knew B would have something for me - maybe pretty special, too. I had NO idea that this gift would probably be the best gift I have ever been given (besides my doodlebug).

It's going in the "things-to-grab-when-the-house-is-on-fire" stack.

It's a handmade book from B with pictures of me and Annie Louise. Throughout the book, B talks about all of Annie Louise's first memories...from when I was pregnant, to her first bath, her first bite of cereal, etc. etc. - then he ends with this absolutely beautiful note about her favorite memory was when she first saw me. Then, there is another note (from Annie Louise) about how much she loves me and all. When I saw the first page (it was a picture of me with a little baby bump), I immediately started bawling like a baby. I couldn't believe all the time and thought he put into - it absolutely blew me away. SWEETEST. GIFT. EVER.

Then, he gives me this GORGEOUS pink sapphire necklace - sapphire, because it's Annie Louise's birthstone and pink, well pink because she's a girl (and we LOVE pink).

So, needless to say, I have had a pretty amazing Mother's Day - I spent it with all of my favorite women and my adorable baby girl.

And you can't get much better than that!

The best newborn baby products...according to Mama LeeLee & Annie Louise!

I have a lot of friends that are expecting or have just had new babies, and one of the most common questions I get is...what do I need??????

I didn't really have anyone tell me what to use - I did get a lot of advice on certain products, but for the most part, I did a lot of research on my own (plus, once you have a baby, you figure out REAL quickly what works and what doesn't work).

So, here is a list of the things I used most frequently once Annie Louise arrived - these things worked well for us, they make not work for you, so just take it as advice! I am by no means an expert :)

1. Diapers (and LOTS of them)

I didn't really use many of the newborn size (we used pampers swaddlers) since Annie Louise was so big at birth, so we pretty much started in size 1. Those first few weeks, you go through so many diapers...who knew something SO small could make a mess SO big! Oh, and LOTS of wipes, too! I bought a few in the containers, and then I started buying the refills so that I have them on hand - it's hard to get out and get things, so stock up now! We use cloth diapers now (we made the switch after the New Year) - we use the BumGenius 4.0 series, and we LOVE them! They are super easy to use (and wash) - but we still use disposables if we are out and about or traveling!

2. Swaddle-Me swaddle blanket -

I wish I would have gotten this thing sooner - Annie Louise was NOT sleeping there for a while, and the doctor suggested we try swaddling her really tightly. Apparently, she was just keeping herself up at night squirming around and moving. Anyways, this thing (we call it the straight jacket) - it literally kept her swaddled all night long, which helped her sleep better. It definitely earned it's nickname of "the miracle-worker."

3. Medala Pump in Style double breast pump.

I use this DAILY. When Annie Louise was just a few days old, my body was trying to figure out how much milk to make, so sometimes I would be extremely engorged, and it was nice to have the pump so I could pump some milk for storage (get some milk storage bags). I also use it while I am at work - my mom is keeps Annie Louise in the afternoons, and she gives her bottles with breastmilk, so I pump once at work. I like the double pump, because it goes faster (I really only need 12-15 minutes to empty). Breast pumps are extremely expensive, but they are worth every single penny! You can also rent them from your hospital, too! We also use Avent bottles and pacifiers - I like them a lot - they are easy to clean, too!

4. A good stroller and diaper bag

I always tell my friends to splurge on 3 things - the breast pump, the stroller and a diaper bag. These are the things that you need to "test out" and you definitely need to splurge on these because you will use them so often. We have the Quinny Buzz stroller (with the bassinet attachment), and I have a Petunia Picklebottom diaper bag. Most people freak out when I tell them how much my diaper bag was, but I absolutely love it. It can be carried as a backpack, which is super convenient while pushing a stroller or carrying a baby. It also has a fold out diaper changing pad (which can be removed to wash) which is handy when you are at a mall, store, restaurant, etc.

5. A swing and/or bouncy seat

These are great to soothe the baby or keep them occupied so you can sit down and eat or whatever. A lot of times after Annie Louise's first feeding, I will put her in her swing while I do laundry/dishes/clean up. She really likes to sit in her bouncy seat, too!

6. A diaper genie

These are good to keep dirty diapers out of sight - I never noticed smelling dirty diapers either. You will want to go ahead and get a couple of the refills for them, because you will go through a lot of diapers when you are first home.

7. Breast pads and nipple cream -

If you are planning to breastfeed, go ahead and get these! I use the breast pads daily (yes, it's true, you do leak) and the nipple cream is good (I used Medela nipple cream) when you are first starting to breastfeed and your nipples are sore. Lansinoh makes nipple "soothies" - put those suckers in the freezer/fridge to let them get cold...OMGEEEEEE! Heaven!

8. Nursing tops and pajamas -

This is all I wore for the first 2 weeks after coming home from the hospital. People won't care what you look like, believe me! So, apologies to all my guests that came to visit! Ha!

9. "Sleep Sheep"

They have one at Pottery Barn Kids - it has a "heartbeat" sound, I think it soothed Annie Louise those first few weeks at home since that was all she heard in the womb!

10. Bottle warmer

We didn't give Annie Louise a bottle with breastmilk until she was around 3 weeks old - and B would take over the "night shift" so that I could sleep some - it was nice to have this because it made bottle warming so easy!

11. Some sort of wrap/carrier

This is nice to have when baby is fussy and just wants to be held - it lets you be free to hold them and have your hands, too! I have the "sleepy wrap", but I know the Moby brand is nice as well. Annie Louise always had a "fussy" time from about 4-6 p.m., and this helped us tremendously!

12. "Brest Friend"

This is my BEST friend, seriously! I still use this thing every single day. I like it better than the boppy, as I thought Annie Louise was up way too high with the boppy. I like how the Brest Friend can snap around you, so if you need to get up, you can still hold on to baby. It has great back support, too! The cover is super easy to wash (I wouldn't dry it), and they have cute patterns as well!

13. A support team

I literally don't know what I would have done without my family (especially B & my mom) - I don't know how women have babies and don't have any help. I would just sit and cry and cry and cry and cry some more when I first got home (hormones make you do CRAZY things). My favorite part of the day was when my mom would get to my house and let me go take a shower...she would tell me to just get in there and cry it out. And I would (more like sob it out). I appreciate my mom even more now because when she had me, she was all the way over in Texas, with no one. I have no idea how she did it. So, mama, THANK YOU!!!!!!

So, mamas out there, what products could you just NOT live without? And always, if you have any questions or comments, feel free to contact me!

Sugars

It's gloom-y and rain-y here in Tennessee, and I'm dreaming about the wonderful weather we had on Saturday.

Dear beautiful, sunny, warm weather,

Please come back. Rain showers aren't nearly as fun.

Yours truly,

LeeLee

Anyways, back to the whole reason behind this post - this is my newest obsession..."sugars" from Annie Louise!

And they aren't just sweet kisses,

they are full-on, slobbery, lick-your-face, may-get-some-tongue-in-there kisses.

And I love them.

Judge all you want. I have always loved kissing my doodlebug on the mouth since she was born. I'm sure some of you think that's weird and strange, but I love it.

And I'm going to continue doing it until she says

"maaaaaaaaama, don't kiss me on the mouth. that's weird."

See that yellow thing in her hand? That's her favorite toy these days, a yellow ball that goes with a bigger, even better toy. But, my child LOVES the yellow ball. When we go to SheShe's house, it's the first thing she looks for when you put her down in the middle of all her toys.

The yellow ball.

It used to be a blue ring (like the link rings that you use to hang stuff off her exer-saucer).

But now, it's the yellow ball.

Hope you all enjoy your day...and mamas out there, make sure you get your sugars!

Birthday parties!

Annie Louise was invited to her first birthday party for a friend - this past Saturday, we went to Ryerson's FIRST birthday party! It was such a beautiful day (not like the day Ryerson was born - lots of rain and floods)! We had such a good time, and it really got me excited for Annie Louise's big birthday that is just around the corner! Lots of ideas are running through my head...but for now, a few pictures from Saturday!

Happy Birthday, Rye Rye! We love you!

Mommy + Annie Louise all smiles at the birthday party!

My sweet friends, Betsey and Megan - so lucky to have these amazing women in my life!

Abi & Tommy with the birthday boy! Love this family!

Months 5- 7...I'm waaaaay behind!

Well, I said I wouldn't get behind, and look at me...I am WAY behind! Honestly, I have too much fun playing with this sweet baby girl all day to even think about blogging! Things have been going so well with us, and our Annie Louise couldn't be sweeter! She is the best baby, and we are just so blessed! I have really enjoyed getting to spend so much time with her these first few months of her life...things may change in that department, but for now, I am just sending us big praises (and lots of big prayers)! Anyways, enjoy reading about our doodlebug for the past few months...

5 months old...

Annie Louise,

I know I say it everyday, but you are the BEST baby! Everyone always comments on how happy and sweet you are - you are just a joy to everyone! This month, you have been smiling a lot more (especially when someone smiles at you), you talk constantly - I mean all. the. time - it's adorable, and you LOVE bouncing in your bouncing seat. It's so funny to watch you bounce in that thing, it looks like you are going to shoot out of it! We are loving getting to watch you grow and grow, and we are so blessed to be your parents!

No height and weight check-up this month!

Sleeping patterns:

You are still sleeping through the night, but you have started waking up a little earlier in the mornings (like 4:30 a.m.!!!!), so we may start rice cereal soon!

Eating habits:

Still eating 6 times a day - every 3-4 hours!

Discoveries and accomplishments:

You roll over a lot - you can roll from your back to your belly, but then it's like you get stuck. And man, do you get mad! With our help, you can pull up from lying down...you are really starting to notice everything around you, too, and this makes mommy nervous!!!!

Highlights:

Hearing you babble more and more...I have a feeling you are going to be a talker, like mommy! You are really smiling, too - you'll smile anytime someone smiles at you! Such a happy baby! You also have discovered that you can hold your own bottle, and you no longer want someone to hold it for you...such an independent girl!

6 months old...

Annie Louise,

Well, this month hasn't started off so great! You have been sick for the first time! You have an awful stuffy (and runny) nose, and you have been quite fussy! We took you to the doctor for your first "sick visit" - Dr. Rosser said your ears and nose looked perfect, you just may have a runny nose! You had your first ever fever, and mommy went nuts! Thank goodness SheShe was there to talk me through everything, or mommy probably would have gone bananas! Oh goodness, I guess this is just the first of many illnesses for you...what is mommy going to do!?!

Weight: 15 pounds, 8 ounces

Height: 26 1/2 inches

*Dr. Rosser says you are a little on the lower-end for weight, but he says "not to worry" because you are probably going to be a lean girl...but you are in the 90th percentile for height!!!

Sleeping patterns:

All night long, baby! You are such a good sleeper! And you have a nice, long nap in the mornings and another nap in the late afternoons!

Eating habits:

We started rice cereal!!!! So, you are eating rice cereal a couple of times during the day, always after you nurse! You are still nursing/having a bottle six times day!

Discoveries and accomplishments:

You have learned to say new consonant sounds, including DA DA. And your daddy, he is over the moon with joy! You say da da allllllll day long. It actually makes your mommy kinda jealous. You also have 2 teeth! They popped through on the bottom, and they are so stinkin' cute! AND, you are sitting up now!!!!

Highlights:

You went to your first birthday party for your cousin, Grant! PopPop dressed up as a clown, and you LOVED it! You love to be the center of attention!

7 months old...

Annie Louise,

WOW, I can't believe you are 7 months old! You are getting to be such a big girl!!!!! You are into everything now - it's like you have discovered that you can reach for things, and you are always reaching for something. The remote control, the phone, pillows, ANYTHING you can get your little hands on is fair game! Is this only a sign of what's to come?! You have still been battling a runny nose, so mommy took you to the doctor (again!), but they said you were perfectly healthy! I love you so much, doodlebug, you make my life complete!

No height and weight check-up this month, although I KNOW you have gained since we have started SOLIDS!

Sleeping patterns:

You definitely have a nighttime routine down - usually go to bed around 9 p.m. and sleep until 6:30 a.m. or later. You are officially sleeping in your own crib - mommy was a nervous wreck for a few days, but you are just fine in there!

Eating habits:

We have started solids, and you are in heaven! You are such a good eater! You especially love squash and sweet potatoes, not to mention bananas! We eat solids 3 times a day (breakfast, lunch and dinner), but we always nurse before we eat. So, you are still nursing/taking a bottle 6 times a day! (This helps keep mommy's milk production up)

Discoveries and accomplishments:

You are really "playing" now - you LOVE your Baby Einstein exer-saucer! You love to watch the lights and listen to the music - and you have discovered that you can pull things off the little rings! You like to play with your little kitchen, too! Mommy and Daddy know all the words to the songs, ha! You are now grabbing a hold of things and pulling up! Time for us to start thinking about baby-proofing everything!

Highlights:

We have just loved watching you discover this great big world around you! You are such a flirt, too - you are always smiling at everyone! And now, you have started laughing! It's the cutest sound I have ever heard, and I try to tickle you as much as possible so I can hear that sweet giggle! We are trying to teach you to say "hi!" and wave, and I have a feeling you are going to be waving soon!