PICTURE OF THE WEEK

"I can't believe no one told me about this"

I always new that I wanted to be a mother I just never knew how hard the job was and above that, that I would feel like I couldn't do it. The pregnancy wasn't that bad. Minus the back pain, leg cramps and not being able to wear ANY pants, I did okay. The labor, piece of cake minus the already 48 hours lack of sleep I had going into the hospital. What started the "I can't believe no one told me about this" was the breastfeeding, and EXTREME fatigue. Then Zackary's fussiness kicked in. Now for all of you that know me I am not quiet, I don't hold back what I am feeling, I have always been pretty independent, and I don't like to complain but I became/have become a complainer, I have become dependent, and I have become quiet (and I don't like it). And more power to all mom's who can do it all without complaining!

Support...I mean what a novel idea. To some that ask for it they feel small and are portrayed as weak, to others they are given so much support that they might not see the other side of it. I know many mothers don't need support or have anyone (can think of many friends), but I am a social person and I am realizing that the support and communication is essential for me! We are all built so differently and I have always had a strong support system just in general, but a mom support system is so different. I have already proven to myself that I don't need help and I know that I will return to my old self eventually but for now I am just focusing on one day at a time and becoming creative with what we do during the day. I told my friend recently that I have never wanted to be Mormon as bad as I want to now just for the support you get throughout raising your family!!!!!!!!!!

The latest "I can't believe no one told me about this", is how hard it is to start solids and figure out this 30 minute nap thing that Zackary has established!! Zackary is a breast worthy little man! He would rather have his milk any day over his carrots, zucchini, and squash, etc..and only sleep at night...the days are too exciting.

I know that it will all work out, it's just nice processing with other mom's what is going on. So at this point to all that have helped me along my mothering pathway...THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart-you all know who you are! And one more thing....
If it weren't for Ben...well let's just say he is an INCREDIBLE husband, father and friend.

PICTURE OF THE WEEK

Family Moments

Zackary has been a busy baby lately. Last weekend after our music class he had two visitors, my brother Christopher (picture later) and my cousin. My brother doesn't really get down to visit much so it was really nice for Zackary to be able to spend time with him. Then this weekend Grandma Alford came to visit from Illinois. Unfortunately Zackary caught a cold last weekend so he was feeling under the weather and we couldn't do much outside. He isn't sleeping well, and it's so sad when his nose is all stuffy. Today it all was starting to break up and he was really congested. I hope it goes away soon. The above picture is a sick day! It's interesting because unless you are blowing his nose, or it's right before a nap, he doesn't know he's sick, they can't comprehend that..so he is still all smiles. I wish I was like that when I had a cold!

Here is Grandma Alford with Z-Man in his cute PJ's! Thanks for visiting Grandma, it was fun to see you.

Here is my brother Christopher and Zackary. They had fun together playing with his saucer! He loves to smile these days...and it's so cute!

PICTURE OF THE WEEK

1st Tooth!!!

Well I am happy to say that while we were driving to Zackary's music class yesterday I saw something white on his gums and yep, it's his first tooth! I am kind of excited even though I heard it can be torture on the parents (rightfully so). He is doing brillantly so far! I am proud of his first tooth. 7 months and one week...perfect!

Eggs, Bunnies and Baskets

Happy Easter everyone. I turned 7 months on the day before Easter! Easter was fun. Mom and Dad had some friends over and we all played together. I loved all the eggs and gifts from my grandparents!!! My parents had to eat the candy though..lucky!
I am getting really good at transferring things between hands, sitting on my own and playing with whatever mom gives me, laughing, talking, and eating. I like carrots, sweet potatoes, and squash. Mom gives me oat cereal but it's not my favorite. She said we are trying peas, green beans and avocados next. I still don't have any teeth but my doctor said teeth are overrated! It's not as scary anymore when a new person walks in the room, but I still want my mommy to hold me all the time. I love to suck on my sleeves now too, and my new favorite song is the itsy bitsy spider. And just the other day I sucked on my toes for the first time...mom's been teaching me about the piggy's on my toes! My Dad is so funny, he bangs things together and it makes me laugh...today he was throwing one block on top of another, wow...so funny!!!

I love my hat and all my Easter toys Grandma Alford!

Here are all my Easter eggs and my truck Grandma gave me and my lamb and bunny that Angela and Rogan gave me...I am so lucky!