Caroline Lou is three months old

It's hard to believe our little sweetie turned 3 months old yesterday. Each month brings new developments and new fun.

Caroline is now enjoying her bath time, which is a relief. She even smiles while we're washing her hair. I honestly thought that would never happen. She is also loving tummy time and can hold her head up so well now. Her legs are strong and she loves pushing her entire body weight up, and bouncing up and down.

When we take our evening walks she gazes up at the trees and loves looking all around taking in her ever expanding world.

Best of all, those sweet smiles of hers just keep coming. She laughs out loud and my heart melts.

Month one and month two.

Happy Mother's Day

I am so looking forward to my first Mother's Day this Sunday. Caroline Lou is my greatest gift and my biggest joy. I love her so much and am so thankful that I get to be her mommy. I'm looking forward to spending the day with my little family just lazing around in our jammies, eating pancakes, snuggling, grilling out, playing, planting flowers, and sneaking in a facial (just an hour or so of "me time":).

I miss my mom everyday. I always think about her a lot on Mother's Day. She was the kindest, warmest, most compassionate, and loving person I have ever known. She had a way about her that made everyone love her and feel at ease. She always spoke well of other people and she truly led by example.

My mom told me every single day how much she loved me and that I was the best thing that she ever did. I now understand that kind of love and am so happy to share that special bond with my sweet baby girl. It's unlike anything else. My mom would have loved Caroline so, so much. I am certain that they would have been the best of friends. I can't wait to share all of my memories of my wonderful mom with Caroline. If Caroline loves me even half as much as I loved my mom, I'll be one lucky lady.

The photos above are of my mom and me sitting in the same wooden rocking chair, each pregnant with our baby girl. Pretty awesome, right?

And, a few more photos to share after the jump...

Croutons

I could eat croutons by the bagful. They're just so good. When I eat salad I usually end up with more croutons than lettuce.

Today I made my new favorite dressing: avocado vinaigrette. It's so tasty and easy to make. I like to make a mason jar full and then use it all week. Yumm-o!

Curtain conundrom

A room full of windows is a wonderful thing. Figuring out window treatments for said room is not.

Our family room is a beautiful room with windows spanning 40 feet all the way around. It's gorgeous. The light pours in everyday and it feels so warm in there. Only in the last few months, when Bob replaced all of the windows (by himself!) have I taken down the lace curtains (eek!) left from the previous owner. We've been there for a year and half...

The problem, now, is that there is a terrible glare on the TV. I've been searching high and low for window treatments that will let enough light in while helping with the glare -- and that won't break the bank. I'm leaning more and more towards drop shade curtains. They are a little more economical than buying nearly 30 panels, and I like how they feel relaxed and homey.

Even more economical? DIY drop shade curtains. I'm thinking about trying this project this weekend.

Bob, stop rolling your eyes.

photo from here

Vanilla bean olive oil ice cream

This recipe for vanilla bean olive oil ice cream makes me want to get an ice cream maker. Doesn't it sound like the perfect summer treat? Mmmm.

Week one, we survived

It's Friday and that means I have survived my first week back in the office and away from my sweet Baby Lou.
Since we had a couple of trial runs with the daycare last week, leaving Caroline on Monday morning was not as tough as I thought it was going to be. I made a point not to linger too long. After a quick chat with her daycare provider, I gave C a quick squeeze, a little smooch, and headed on my way. I figured a short and sweet goodbye was less likely to produce tears than a long drawn out one.

The most challenging part of this week has been getting the pumping at work thing down. Fortunately, I have a private office so I can close my door and get the job done. With one quick spin, I've mastered the transition from fully clothed upper body to hands-free pumping at my keyboard. It really should be considered an art form.

The kitchen, though, is on the other side of the office suite.

I've felt mildly embarrassed carrying my pumping supplies to the kitchen to wash them each time. And then a little more embarrassed when a coworker comes in while I'm in the middle of washing all of my parts. These? Oh, yes, these are the flanges that go on my boobs to I can express milk. I can't help but think that the minute someone sees these parts they immediately think of my boobs. That weirds me out.

Breastfeeding is such a natural and wonderful, thing, though, and I don't want to feel weird about pumping at work and what my coworkers may think. This article gave me a little boost today (along with support from my good friend, Ellie). Next week I'm going into this whole pumping thing fearless (or at least a little less fearful).

The Milk Truck, what an idea.

Happy Friday!

photo by my sweet and talented friend, Justine

Babies laughing

This laughing babies video never gets old. It's the perfect pick-me-up.

Caroline has laughed out loud a handful of times already. It's the sweetest sound.