S.A.H.D. Week

After working on Monday, I had the fortune of being a Stay At Home Dad (SAHD) for the rest of the week, and let me tell you, WOW. It is definitely a lot of work as Meg mentioned to me while she was home, but to see Mia grow up right in front of me each day is something I will never forget. You quickly forget about having to do the daily chores because once you are done it is back to spending more time with Mia. A happy, smiling, talking, and starting to laugh Mia.

We actually took a stroll over to her daycare which she is starting next Tuesday so Mia could meet the teachers and they could meet her. She immediately started to stare at everything in the infant room and it just made me feel so comfortable knowing she was happy already. We'll see how it goes next week though. I can't believe it is already Friday of my SATD week and my daughter is already 3 months old (yesterday).

While doing some work from home this afternoon, and Mia sitting on the couch with her Teddy, I was startled by some giggles, to see the rest you will have to check out the Video in the "Getting Ready for NOLA" album on out photo/video website. What a reward to end my week at home. See you all soon and I am sure we will have a blog and plenty of pics of NOLA and Aunt Eli's visit this weekend.

So Many Changes

It's been a while since our last post, so I thought I would help Mom out now that she is back to work. Since she last wrote we've noticed some big changes in Mia, especially with how constructively active she is becoming. Seeing her smile every morning has become a daily routine and those hands could keep her occupied all day long, along with her Teddy.

Mom was very sneaky these past few weeks as she kept my surprise birthday party a complete secret, even when she left the house at 8 that morning and had me drive Mia to my parents while she stayed behind. I thought I would always figure these things out but she did a great job and I love her for that, and thank everyone that reads and was there for a great night at the OPG. While I was being surprised, Mia had her first sleepover with Nina and Papi in Upton. Although it was nice to sleep through the night, it was tough being in such a quiet house without our little one to stare at when we wanted. Thank you Mom and Dad for taking such good care of her Saturday night and again this week as Meg went back to work.

That's right, after 12 weeks away from work, Mom headed back to the office on Tuesday. She had a tough time leaving that first morning but as the week went on she became a little more comfortable knowing Mia was in good hands. Next week I will be home with Mia and the following week she starts day care 3 days a week. Dad is old, Mom is working, and Mia is leaving the house, wow we really have had a lot of changes. Until nex time - thanks for reading and checking out the new pics.

Happy Valentine's Day!!

So I have spent the last week thinking about the last 2 months of my life.

• Prior to Mia being born, laundry was done once a week at the local laundrymat. Josh and I could save everything and do it all at once while we had dinner and a drink at the grille next door. Now, doing 3 loads of laundry a day is completely normal for me. I have logged in approximately 500+ trips and and down to the basement.


• Prior to Mia being born, dishes were done when we felt like it. We don't have a dishwasher, so it always seemed like such a chore. We would much rather order out and throw out the paper plates than fill the sink with dishes. Now, I clean bottles multiple times a day, eat lunch at home every single day (using real dishes) and somehow manage to get them done within 24 hours of them being used.


• Prior to Mia being born, I was never content to sit at home on a weekend night. Now Josh and I not only stay home, but we are in bed early. Just like it was a Tuesday night.


• Prior to Mia being born, someone smiling at me wasn't a big deal, little noises annoyed me and the only toys in the house belonged to Docket. Now, my heart melts when Mia smiles, her noises let me know how she is feeling and the toys scattered about remind me how much fun it is to play with even a 2 month old.

Tuesday is my first day back at work. I am ready to go back and have adult conversations on a daily basis, but I am really going to miss my days home with Mia. We have had a good time - and I really do love our schedule we have developed. I know that every working parent goes through these feelings, but it is truly one of those experiences that when it happens to you, you think it is the biggest deal. I know that being at work all day will only make our time together at night more special.

Tomorrow Mia goes back to Dr. Gonzalez for 2 more vaccinations. Saturday she will be going to Upton to spend her first night away from home with Nina and Papi. I know she will have a lot of fun - and I know that Nina and Papi are really looking forward to spending time with Mia.

For all those that read - Happy Valentine's Day - and more to come next week.

This is what a vaccination does......

This morning Mia had her 2 month appointment with Dr. Shirley. I have been dreading this day for awhile. I, personally, am terrified of shots and I wasn't sure how I was going to keep it together watching Mia receive a total of 4 vaccinations. Well, apparently, the State Department of Health issues only so many vaccinations to each pediatrician, and Dr. Shirley is currently treating a number of babies, so she was out of 2 of the vaccinations Mia was supposed to get today. Another trip is required for us next week - but Mia did get her polio vaccination and her Diphtheria, Tetanus and Pertussis. It wasn't nearly as traumatic as I thought it might be, and Mia seemed to bounce back shortly after getting her two shots in the upper thigh.

Dr. Shirley was AMAZED at how much Mia has grown. When she was born, we were advised that preemie babies take almost 2 years to catch up to their counterparts. We were told not to compare her to other babies the same age because there really isn't a comparison to make. Josh and I have struggled NOT to do that. It is hard to look at Mia and realize that in reality she should be compared only with a 5 week old baby. Well, today, Mia proved the medical community wrong. She weighed in at 10 lbs. 13 oz which put her in the 50th percentile. In 2 months she has gone from the 3rd percentile to the 50th in terms of weight. Josh and I nearly fell over when Dr. Shirley explained all of this. Mia is also 22 inches long, which puts her, once again, in the 50th percentile. In 2 months, she has gone from the 25th percentile to the 50th in height. In simple terms, Mia is thriving and her parents could not be happier! This weekend is Josh's 30th birthday - and I don't think he could have received a better gift.

This weekend doesn't hold too much for us. We are heading to a birthday party tonight and then Josh has his family birthday dinner on Sunday. Unfortunately, I am not feeling so hot. I have another abcessed tooth and am on multiple medications until I head for a root canal on Feb. 18th. I certainly hope that Mia doesn't fear the dentist as I have in the past, and really works on taking care of her teeth. I can only tell her that it will save her a lot of pain and money in the long run. What is extremely funny is that throughout my pregnancy, I have consistently had the same issues as our friend Karen Kennedy. We both had a root canal completed while pregnant - and Karen had another one done last week. I guess all I need to do is check in with Karen to find out what I should expect in the months to come.

Life is great at home and Mia is doing really really well. More blogging to come next week.

HACHOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Well....thank God it is Friday! This has certainly been a week that has been both challenging and rewarding.

Nola arrived last Friday morning for a weekend visit. We spent a lot of time together with Mia - bathing her, rocking her and singing all together. Saturday Nola took Mia out for a walk to Watertown Square and Josh and I were able to go see the BC vs Virginia Tech basketball game. What a stressful ending, but I am happy to report that the Hokies pulled through and went home with a win. Sunday Josh left for a business trip to Florida and Nola, Mia and myself went to the Natick Mall. I have NEVER seen so many people with strollers and babies. It was like a contest. Every time you passed someone, they looked back to check out your baby. Is it cuter than the last one they passed? It actually made me laugh outloud!

Sunday night I came down with a 24 hour stomach bug. It was vicious, but thank God it was quick. I am not sure what I would have done had my Mom not been here. She spent Monday taking care of me, Mia, Docket and Maddie. For those of you who do not know my Mom - she does not like Maddie (our cat) - and that is putting it kindly. I know this took a tremendous amount of strength out of my Mom - and she was exhausted on Monday night. I really can't thank her enough.

Tuesday Mia and I went to see Dr. Shirley. Mia has been struggling a bit lately with gas and has been uncomfortable. So - we wanted Dr. Shirley to check her out and make sure all parts were working as they should. It was suggested that Mia sleep in an elevated crib and if that doesn't work by our next appointment, then we are going to start adding rice cereal to her formula. Such a big step for such a little girl!

Wednesday Mia woke up with no voice. While completely heartbreaking - you have to find some humor in a crying baby that is making no noise. So - another phone call to Dr. Shirley - but this time we were told that we are just going to have to wait it out. As I write this, Mia is definitely still hoarse, but beginning to sound MUCH better. Hopefully we can rid our house of all the germs and start anew. I hope the warm weather we are supposed to have next week will allow us to open some windows.

It is still amazing to me how much she grows and learns each and every day. She has started to recognize some toys that are in her crib and really enjoys just staring at them and making noises. So far her favorite is the bear that Mrs. T gave to her for Christmas. It never gets old.

I only have two weeks left at home before it is time for me to head back to work. At the beginning of maternity leave, I thought this day wouldn't come fast enough. Now that it is looming in the near future, I am having second thoughts. I have come to enjoy and appreciate every single minute I spend with Mia and I love our little schedule we have at home! Heading back to work is going to be really hard - and pretty terrifying. To think about how much she has grown and all the new things she is doing (thumb sucking, smiling etc.) makes me wonder how I am going to motivate myself to get to the office. I am sure I will be blogging much more on this subject in the near future.

Tonight I am heading out to dinner with Aunt Allie and Aunt Danielle. It is girl's margherita night and I am sure there will be some stories to share later on.

Keep your fingers crossed that the groundhog doesn't see his shadow tomorrow. I would like spring to come early this year!