Saturday Night Live

It's been a gloomy, cool, rainy, gray day. I spent the afternoon at a bridal shower. Travis and Campbell spent the afternoon hanging out inside and watched a few movies. They are calling for snow overnight tonight. Snow!!! Tomorrow it will be March! One last little snow is fine with me and then I hope it's time for spring. I am so ready to get out with that jogging stroller more often!! Not to jog...just to enjoy some fresh air. :)

Tonight I decided it was time for a photo shoot around here. What else are we supposed to do on a dreary Saturday night like this? A few of these really show how strong Campbell is getting and how much more alert she is these days. I have been desperately trying to catch her big smiles on film. I got a few that are pretty close. I still think the smiles are way bigger in person but these pictures are pretty cute (if it's OK to say that about your own baby)! Notice Lexi got in on the action - especially the one where she's leaping over the baby! Yikes! I'm not sure if you can tell in these pictures, but as of now, Campbell has big blue eyes, brownish/auburn hair and adorable big cheeks. I'm pretty sure you can see the cheeks... Her eyes seem to be getting bluer so we are wondering if maybe she did in fact get her Daddy's eyes! She seems to have most of his features so maybe the blue eyes are here to stay too. We are baffled by the auburn tint to her hair since we both have such dark hair, but it's so pretty on her! Can't wait to see how she grows and changes.

Not a lot to say...so out of character!

So I've sat down to write on the blog probably ten times this week and had nothing to say! It is not often that I am speechless, really. I don't think it's writer's block, we just have had a pretty relaxing week around here. Campbell and I had lunch with my friends from my old job on Monday. Today we had lunch with my friend Melanie and her mom. Both days, Campbell didn't even know we left the house! She fell asleep before we left and didn't wake up until after we got home. I mean, we don't get out all the time, but she must really think we never leave the house! We also went to a baby class the hospital put on. I guess I'm addicted to classes. I took all the pregnancy classes and I just couldn't get enough! It's just an informal class for moms and babies with a nurse present who sometimes leads a discussion on a topic. It was a good way to spend an hour and a half, fun to chat with other moms and see other babies. Once again, Campbell slept the whole time. I'm going to take her next week and hopefully she'll open her eyes! We had a refresher course in infant CPR - hope I never have to use it! We also had a playdate with Amy and her daughter Emery who is 3 1/2 months old.

Everyday Campbell is cooing more and making new noises. She's still sleeping pretty well, usually not waking me up until close to 5 a.m.! We're almost there! We are working HARD to establish a schedule. Still a work in process for sure...but I'm getting a better sense of when she eats, when she naps, when she's awake. The more we adhere to some sort of routine, it seems the better her mood is, and the better she sleeps!
Tomorrow I'll be at a bridal shower all afternoon so Campbell and Travis will have some good quality time to hang out without me.
See...nothing exciting going on around here but life is good! For someone who had nothing to say, I just managed to say quite a bit! :)

Cousins' Closets

Campbell's cousins' closets are the best place to shop! She is fortunate enough to have all these girl cousins who are willing to share their wardrobes with her. And let me tell you, her cousins all dress so well. Yesterday afternoon we drove up to Alex and Sonia's house to hang out and to grab some more stylish clothes for Campbell!

I want to take a minute to brag about these two nieces. I'm always gushing about Taylor, and now it's time to turn the spotlight to these two. Emerson is six, Peyton is five, both going on fourteen. :) They are absolutely adorable girls...so sweet, extremely smart, and a riot to hang out with. They seriously say the funniest things! At our wedding, I can't tell you how many people came up to me to comment not only on how pretty and sweet they were, but how well-behaved. They are precious little girls that make Travis and I very proud. Emerson reminds me a lot of myself as a little girl. She is sooo chatty - always has a story, a lot of questions, and an opinion about most things. Peyton is a little more quiet, and we think she's going to be very athletic. She is a little shy at times but equally funny when she comes out of her shell. When Travis and I first started dating, I hit it off with Emerson and Peyton right away. We have been buddies ever since. I am so flattered everytime we see them when they come running to me and start screaming, "I wanna sit by Sara!!" These girls have been DYING to see Campbell. They have seen her on numerous occasions at family dinners, but we've never gotten Campbell out of her car seat because we were at restaurants. They came to see me in the hospital and couldn't see Campbell because children aren't allowed in the NICU. One time Emerson told me she felt like she was NEVER going to get to touch her cousin. So they have been patiently waiting since December to get their hands on Campbell. When we arrived, they had just taken baths and gotten in pj's, clean and ready to cuddle!

Pictures to follow, but one quick story first. As I'm hugging Emerson goodbye, she reaches out and pats me on the belly and says, "Sara, it looks like you're going to have another baby right here!" Sonia was mortified, wanted her to apologize. I laughed hysterically, I know she didn't mean any harm. I have lost a ton of the baby weight, but I'm not done yet. So I kind of agree with her! Leave it to kids to tell you the truth, huh? :)

First, a couple of pictures of the girls and Alex and Sonia from our wedding last March. They were perfect little flower girls.

And now some pictures from yesterday...

Uncle Alex with his girls and my girl.

Emerson, Peyton and Campbell

Peyton is so happy to have her moment alone with Baby Campbell.

Aunt Sonia looooooooved to snuggle with Campbell. I was kind of wondering if we'd get to bring her home or if she'd just keep her. While waiting to hold their cousin, the girls had fun dragging each other down the stairs top speed.

Sunday Afternoon

Campbell made it through church today! We were so prepared this time, that is probably why she slept the entire time. Last time, we were unprepared, and so she started screaming. I'm finding out that's how these things go. We got there early, for the early service, so we got some seats in the very back by the "cry room", a room where parents can escape to with fussy babies. No need! She was awake when we first arrived but quickly got bored with it and slept in our arms. I think this is the only age where sleeping in church is actually encouraged. :) When the band started playing, the drums startled her for a brief second and she went right back to sleep. This evening we are heading to Uncle Alex and Aunt Sonia's house. Campbell can't wait to finally get to play with her cousins Emerson and Peyton. I promise to take pictures!

Here are a few cute ones from this afternoon. Is there anything sweeter than a Daddy and his little girl?

Watching an old Western with Daddy before his basketball game.

Mommy, do you see what he's making me watch?

What is this thing rated?? I prefer Disney.

That wore me out.

Sundays are good for snoozing!

When Life Gives You Lemons...Make Risotto

OK, so truthfully, life has not given me lemons. There is nothing "sour" about my life right now. Life is in fact very sweet. But...that doesn't mean that it's always coming up roses here. Yesterday, Campbell woke up with some congestion. She was the most stuffy she's been in her short life. Of course, I immediately convinced myself that she had either RSV or the flu. And that she'd caught either of those in the one hour that she spent in my gym's nursery on Tuesday. Luckily, she is just fine, but due to her sniffles we decided to skip Oasis at church yesterday. I didn't think she needed to go out in the cold wind. So Mommy was trapped inside yesterday and for some reason was feeling very antsy. I was sick too...with cabin fever!!

By yesterday evening, I was like, OK Sara, quit sitting here bored and find something productive to do. I love to cook. It's therapeutic for me. It takes my mind off of stresses, it keeps me occupied, and I really do enjoy making a nice meal for Travis and I. I think I was inspired by the two episodes of Top Chef I watched while my fussy baby slept in my arms. I went to the pantry and found the ingredients needed to make a risotto. If you've ever made risotto, you know that the key is just to stir it for at least twenty minutes straight. By the time I finished stirring, I felt relaxed and renewed. OK, I admit I did have a small glass of the white wine that I used in the risotto...that may have something to do with it. But it was a great stress reliever for me and we had a decent dinner last night. I will remember that next time I'm feeling blah.

Like I mentioned, Campbell spent an hour at the gym's nursery on Tuesday!! Good news is that she did great and I was so proud of myself for working out. Bad news is Campbell's doctor recommended that I not do that again for another two months! :( Today was her two-month check up. She got a glowing report - he is so pleased with her chubby thighs! But he said catching the flu at this age would hospitalize her, and she's definitely at risk for catching it in a nursery with other kids. Enough said! No more nurseries, and I guess she'll continue to go to Bible Study with me rather than hanging in the nursery. She weighed 13 pounds, 8.5 ounces!!! That's the 90th percentile! She was 23 and 3/4 inches long, which was the 80th percentile. I'm glad her height is catching up with her weight. ;) She peed all over the scale - I guess we know now how she feels about all the chubby jokes!! She got two vaccinations today and was very brave - didn't cry at all for the first, and only screamed for a second on round 2. She's a tough little cookie! Her skin continues to be an issue for us. It's SO dry even though we keep her greased up in fragrance free lotions and creams. He gave us a few more strategies so we'll keep trying. He assured me that within a couple of months when it's warmer and we are running the heat less, her skin will improve. I hope so, it feels like sandpaper!

She is still sleeping like a champ. She has been sleeping in her crib every night and not waking up until 5 a.m. Wow!!!! That's pretty much sleeping through the night. Hallelujah!

Virginia is for Lovers

Where do I even start? Since my last post, Campbell has spent an evening with each set of grandparents while we went out, we have taken a trip to Virginia and back, she met her Cousin Taylor and Great Grandma Betty, celebrated her first Valentine's Day and she's been sleeping like a champ! Before I continue, I should note for all the non-Virginians that my cheesy title is some kind of slogan the state of Virginia uses in their travel and tourism ads. I'm not alluding to anything weird...just seemed fitting since we spent Valentine's Day there. And because I got to spend the weekend with the people I love in Virginia!


Starting with this past Thursday, I'm not sure who I'm more proud of - Campbell, or us! We had Travis' parents come down for the evening to keep her while we went out to dinner with two couples. I really wondered if I'd be able to enjoy myself or if I'd be nervous or feel guilty the whole time. The truth is, I didn't feel nervous or guilty at all! I honestly had a wonderful time. We laughed SO much and had such a great dinner, it's like I didn't have time to worry. Plus I knew Gangy and Paw Paw had it under control. We went to a Brazilian steakhouse. If you aren't familiar with it, it's like a meat buffet that is brought to your table. You can eat meat to your heart's content. So delicious...I probably ate more steak in one night than I have in a month!


Friday afternoon we headed to Virginia. My mom had this idea that she and Dad could keep the granddaughters and we could go out to eat for Valentine's Day with my sister and her husband (Valentine's Day also happens to be my sister's birthday). We loved the idea, and once again, had an awesome night out. We had a super tasty meal and a lot of fun getting out with Jen and Leif. I would give anything to live in the same town as them. The only problem is I'm not willing to move. :) Campbell had another good night with these grandparents and we were able to enjoy a baby-free few hours. The only sad part was the waiter brought me a second glass of wine that was on the house, and I had to turn it down since I had to feed Campbell when we got home! :( :)


My niece, Taylor, did so well with Campbell. She "helped" me quite a bit and was very sweet and gentle with her. We were all a bit concerned about how that meeting would go down, so it was quite a relief to see that Taylor loved her new cousin and wanted to be helpful and loving. I must have heard a thousand times, "What Baby Cabel dooning?" She always wanted to know what she was doing and how she could help. SO CUTE. These cousins are going to be very close, I can tell already.


Campbell initiated both of my parents. She spit up ALL over my Dad. She got him good. Then she spit up a little on my Mom, no big deal. Until she sneezed afterwards, and got it all over my Mom's face and in her hair. Disgusting! Mom was a good sport and it was really funny. I warned them about holding her right after a meal. They read the blog, they should know these things! :)


Campbell slept in the car all the way to Virginia and all the way home. Thank goodness!! I know I said if I ever bragged again about her sleep, to come slap me. But I can't resist. She slept both nights in Virginia in her pack-n-play. Both nights she slept until 4-ish (that's a good thing!) and went back to sleep after she ate around 5. We were very impressed she was able to do that in a new setting. Last night, she went right to bed without needing the paci patrol! Then after I fed her at 4:30, she went right back to sleep in her crib without a paci at all! She just soothed herself right back to sleep. Wow! That is a first! I hope this pattern continues, I'm just so proud of her.

There are so many good pictures from this weekend, but here are a few of my favorites.

Happy Birthday, Aunt Jen!
Me and my Valentine

Meeting Great Grandma Betty for the first time. She has the Grandma touch...put me right to sleep!

Taylor "holds" Baby Campbell for the first time. Campbell isn't so sure about the whole thing.

Cousin Taylor and Aunt Jen. Those Hansen girls have beautiful blue eyes!

Two Months Old

Campbell is two months old today! As you'll see in the pictures, she has finally decided to sleep again!! Last night we had a great night and she has pretty much been napping all day today. I started feeding her a little more frequently, I'd heard that would help with her sleeping. And yesterday she...um...relieved herself...from some stomach issues that had been going on for a few days. While it created an emergency load of laundry, I think our sweet baby feels better and is now able to rest and relax. Sorry if that was TMI. :)

She is a happy, healthy two month old and we just love her to pieces!! This week she has been all about the boys. We had a walking date with a four-month old boy and a playdate with a six-month old boy. I understand Campbell, I fell for an older man as well. It's really getting fun now that I'm able to do more with her. This past month we have been getting better at getting out and about, and the weather is starting to cooperate and make it less of a hassle as well. They say time flies...and they mean it. I feel like we were in the hospital with her just yesterday! But I'm happy to report that with each new day with Campbell, the fear and sadness we felt when she was sick just melts away as we see her thriving and GROWING. Sure, it's a memory we will always have and her birth was extremely special even if it was scary. But it's really nice that it's just that - a memory. Happy Two Months, Campbell Reese! These pictures are all very similar, but I love her expressions so I had to post them all.

Napless in Huntersville

Hi, my name is Campbell, and I'm an awake-aholic.

For some reason today, Campbell has decided to be awake. Just plain awake. She is fighting a nap like it's her job!! And like I've said before, no two days are alike. This weekend, we couldn't wake the child up. She slept all day, all weekend long! Maybe now that she's caught up on her zzz's, she's ready for action. Here is a series I just took of her desperately trying to stay awake, and requiring massive amounts of attention, I must say. We're getting lots of quality time together today, that's for sure!! :)

This weekend we took our trip to Marion to see Travis' family. We only took video, sorry we don't have still photos to share, and I'm not interested in trying to teach myself to upload video. Campbell gave Nanny some big smiles. Quality time for those two was long overdue! Campbell also got to hang with her Gangy and her Paw-Paw Butch, as well as meet her great great Aunt Elizabeth (Travis' great aunt!). She slept in the car the entire time, something we paid for a bit at night over the weekend. If you ever read me bragging about my daughter's sleep habits again, please drive to Huntersville and shake me! I jinxed us! Last Friday, I wrote about how she was only getting up once during the night, and not until 4 a.m. Wrong...since that post, she hasn't done that once. She has been keeping things interesting by waking up as early as 1 a.m. - youch! I've been reading about getting her on a sleep schedule, and now that she's 8 weeks old, we can start to work on it more. We've got a lot of work to do... ;) I guess I should be happy in some ways that she's been so awake today. I hope that means we'll get some rest tonight! Duh, there I go again, trying to talk about her sleeping a lot and probably inadvertently creating a nightmare of a night for myself. Forget I even mentioned it!

This week is jam-packed with walking dates, play dates, dinner out with friends, Oasis at church and ending with a trip to Virginia! Travis' parents are going to keep Campbell Thursday night while we go out with friends, and my parents will keep her Saturday night while we go out for Valentine's Day in Virginia. I'm trying to mentally prepare myself for both nights so I can enjoy myself and not worry. I trust the grandparents wholeheartedly, I just know it will be a little weird for us both to leave her for a few hours. It will definitely be great for Travis and I though. I think we deserve a little Mommy and Daddy time!

On a different note, I will brag about something other than Campbell. I am about the farthest thing from artsy that there is. I must have been absent the day they taught crafts. :) But for some reason, I decided to do a little craft project. I have been meaning to print the blog and put it in a binder so we'd always have it. I bought a binder, then got some batting and some fabric, as well as a glue gun and glue sticks. (Is that how you spell batting, I don't even know!). I went into the sewing store, confessed my ignorance, and got help measuring the fabric I'd need to cover the binder. The supplies cost me a combined total of $9, so I knew that when the project went South I wouldn't be too mad at myself. In college, I made a photo album like this for my little sister in the sorority, so I called on my inner sorority girl for help remembering how to do this project. Surprisingly enough, I did my little art project last night and I think it turned out cute! Now we have the blog in a fluffy little book so I can read it years from now and be embarrassed at all my ramblings. I can also share it with those in our families who aren't computer geeks and haven't had a chance to see the blog. Since we hardly ever print pictures, it's also a nice way to see all the pictures I've taken and posted. I'm very proud of myself. Gluing fabric to a binder might not be a big deal for some, but for me, I feel like I just aced my first test in Home Ec!

Lastly, thanks to the Man upstairs for this glorious weather. 73 degrees in February - now THAT is why I live in North Carolina! Yeehaw!

Some pictures from the last week or so...