Day 21 - My Little Burrito

Today we went to church for the third time! I'm happy to say that we are getting better with our timing and even ran to the grocery store before church! Church was wonderful and B's sermon was great! I had to feed in the middle of church, but hopefully we'll get some speaker/video back in the nursery soon, so that I don't miss anything! 

After church was an Italian Beef potluck. Anthony and I contributed Banana pudding with vanilla wafers for dessert. There were lots of yummy sides and desserts to go with the Italian Beef sandwiches. I wore Kaycee in the Ergo carrier the whole time. 1. because she was sleeping and 2. because that way I got to keep snuggling her the whole time!

Post potluck, Anthony and I came home for a nap and walk! We snuggled as a little family for our nap and then took a short walk around the block. I'm hoping that walks become a regular Neal family daily activity! 

It was bath night and Kaycee seemed less thrilled with the bath tonight. She cried through most of the bath. But after the bath, when she was clean and lotioned, we wrapped her up like a little burrito. Then I snuggled her in the rocking chair for a long time! I love my little burrito!!

My prayer for today is that Kaycee knows how much her Momma and Daddy love her!

Day 20 - Play Play Play

Today was a day full of playing...

First, Ladies Day!
Second, Jenny/Aunt M time!
Third, March Madness with the Smarris Family!

Today was the first day that Kaycee was out pretty much all day. She went to Ladies Day with Momma at Cardinal Drive. We arrived for breakfast; Kaycee was taking a nap. I got in about 2 hours of uninterrupted fellowship and spiritual uplifting before it was time for Kaycee to eat. After awake time and before nap time, Kaycee decided to scream and cry. I put her in the Ergo carrier and walked her around the Auditorium like a million times. She finally fell asleep around lunch time, allowing me to have good fellowship at lunch.

Anthony came and picked Kaycee up around 1 and took her home for some Daddy/Daughter bonding time, that turned into Kaycee napping and then screaming.  He was able to give her her first bottle!!!  She took it like a champ! While that was happening, Aunt M and I were sitting at Jamba, sipping smoothies and chatting! It was amazing to not worry about Kaycee (because she was with her daddy!) for several hours and spend that time with Aunt M.  I felt refreshed and rejuvenated after our Jamba date!

Then I went home and picked up Anthony and Kaycee and we went over to the C house for the March Madness Final Four games. We ate dinner together, passed around Kaycee, and played together. Man was it a good time!

Unfortunately, I was not smart enough to take any pictures of my day.   Can you believe it? I apparently haven't officially gotten the blogging bug yet, because I didn't remember to take pictures for the blog. I'll do better next time!

My prayer for today is that Kaycee grows up enjoying more days like today, full of play, play play!! 

Day 19 - Lunch With Daddy

Today, Kaycee and I took Daddy out for lunch. He went into work a little early, to allow us more time for lunch. We went to On The Border, a Mexican restaurant for lunch. It was really yummy. We both ordered off the lunch menu and really enjoyed our meals. We ordered Sopaipilla's for dessert, it came with honey and chocolate dipping sauce. Our waiter brought us some strawberry sauce as well. It was definitely better than the honey or chocolate sauce! He earned his tip!! 

(Kaycee and Daddy at lunch)

My prayer for today is that Kaycee goes right to sleep after both night feedings, so that Momma is well rested for Ladies Day tomorrow!

Day 18 - My Sleepy Family

Today was a low key kind of day. It was rainy outside and so Kaycee and I stayed inside! She had really good wake time during the day! We spent some time reading, singing, swinging, playing and mostly sleeping! 

Daddy came home and we played some more. All that playing tired us out! Daddy and Kaycee took a nap together! 

My prayer for today is that sleepy Kaycee sleeps well tonight, which will allow Momma and Daddy to have some quality time together! 

Day 17 - Errands and Potty adventures

Today was shopping day. Momma had several errands to run. I had to go to Chase to talk with a banker, and I did it while Kaycee was napping. I left her at home with Grandpa and Uncle J. I hoped that I wouldn't be gone too long and that she would still be sleeping when I returned.

Alas, she was not. Shortly before my return, Kaycee woke up and started to cry/scream. Grandpa had to go pick her up and sooth her. Of course, when I got home she was a happy camper, hanging out with Grandpa, distracting him from his work. 

Then after her next feeding, during nap time, Kaycee and I went on our other errands. We went to Aldi (to pick up some more cornbread crackers - yum!) and to Target to grab a few items. I feel like I have been to Target every day since coming home with Kaycee. There is a never ending need for something... 

I took the Ergo Carrier with me on our shopping trips. It was amazing!! I will definitely put her in it when I'm doing large shopping trips like grocery or a long list at Target. It was a lot of in and out of the car seat for our two short errands today, but well worth it! 

(Kaycee's cute sundress, wish it was warm outside)

Kaycee peed on her Momma for the first time today. I was changing her diaper and she was all clean and ready for a new on. I started to put the new one on her body and all of a sudden my hand was wet. Thanks Kaycee! I could have done with out that shower today! 

I couldn't help but share this picture! It cracks me up! It's the "Look Dad, I'm pooping!" picture! Priceless!

("Look Dad, I'm pooping!")

My prayer for today is that Kaycee continues to really enjoy her Ergo Carrier, so that it can be Momma's ticket item! 

Day 16 - April Fools Day

Unfortunately, we did not play any April Fool's day jokes on any one. But we did go see the Framily! It was Kaycee's first introduction to Ollie (their dog), whom we call her Frog (friend - dog)! It's amusing to watch Frama fight off the family to keep Kaycee!

My prayer for today, is that Kaycee rearranges her days and nights. She seems to have forgotten which one she's supposed to sleep during. 

Day 15 - Meeting more Family

Today, Kaycee met more family from Anthony's side.  Anthony took a half day and we drove up to our house in Racine to meet them.  It was a wonderful afternoon, chatting in our living room and snuggling with Kaycee.   They treated us to dinner at Qdoba, where we had more great conversation! It's so fabulous to be with them; they are so encouraging!

Anthony and I are so blessed to have them in our lives. Not only are they great family, but they are wonderful Christians, who encourage us to live a more Godly life. We always feel a sense of rejuvenation when we leave them.

We can't wait for them to come spend some time with us in the coming weeks to help care for Kaycee when I go back to work!

My prayer for today is that Kaycee grows up knowing how loved she is by all of her family, framily and extended family! 

Day 15 - The Night From ...

Last night Kaycee had a HARD time falling asleep. I'm not really sure what was the problem. Of course, I couldn't figure it out. Why would I want to figure out what was upsetting my baby? What good would that do?

She was awake from 8:30p - 12:30a. She screamed for most of that time. I walked her, I rocked her, I bounced her, I snuggled her, I put her in the swing, I sang to her, I talked to her, I shhhed her, I swaddled her, I unswaddled her, I burped her, I put her on my lap, I put her on my chest, I put her over my leg, I did everything I could think of.

Finally, my dad came out to sit with me. Boy was that a relief. I didn't realize how frustrated I was with myself, until there was someone else there. I didn't realize I was losing it and I could have cried at any moment. It was such a blessing to have Grandpa take a turn rocking her and walking her and talking to her and trying all the tricks.

She finally fell asleep, and I as so afraid to move. What if she woke up? What if she screamed again? Could my heart take it? God knew that it probably could not, so he allowed her to sleep for 4 more hours, and let me recoup! Thank you God for your blessings!

My prayer for today is that Momma is able to find the ticket item that calms Kaycee quickly. 

Day 14 - Church Day

Today was Kaycee's second appearance at church! She wore a new and totally adorable black polka dotted dress, picked out by her daddy! She also had a green polka dotted bow in her hair, that didn't make it into this picture. 

She, of course, was perfect the whole time; sleeping and looking adorable! It still amazes me how loved out little girl already is, by our church family. We are so blessed! 

My prayer for today is that Kaycee grows up to be a Godly woman who seeks to glorify Him through her life! 

Day 13 - Picture Day

Today was picture day! JAM came and spent the afternoon with the Neal family taking pictures of our sweet Kaycee. She did mostly great! I few fussy moments and a delayed nap time caused for some "fun"moments. But mostly it was a great afternoon. Kaycee provided some great laughs as we tried to pose her in the cute newborn baby poses. She can't hold her head up, so it proved to be a hilarious mission! 

This is not Kaycee's picture day outfit, but she's just sooo cute! 

My prayer for today is that Momma understands one cry today and can help Kaycee quickly, just one time today!