Excuse the dust… Updates!

I can’t believe that it has been nearly three months since my last post! Things have been really crazy around here. Every chance I got to sit down, I would think of updating, but it never happened because I would always find something else that had to be done. I vow to try my best to post at least once a week from here on in! I hope you all will stick with me through the gaps in posts and the chaos that I call my life.

So I guess I’ll start catching up by going through the past months. In the beginning of July, my little family moved into our very own place. It is perfect. In just a few months we have really made it home. Christian has his own (spacious) room and carpeted floors to soften his falls.

Christian just had his 9 month well-visit last week. My little “chunka munka” weighs 19 lbs 3 oz and is 27 ¼ inches tall. It’s amazing how quickly he’s grown. We had to invest in a new carseat because I couldn’t handle infant carrier anymore. He seems much more comfortable in his new carseat (still rear facing) and it’s definitely a lot easier! He isn’t walking yet, but he cruises around with the use of furniture or his push toy. Christian has also become what “we” call a “foodie”. He is just learning to mash food before attempting to swallow & loves banana flavored puffs, along with veggies!

And to add to the madness, I just started back at school. Roger Williams University is slightly different than before, in the sense that they have made some beautiful additions to the campus. It’s weird commuting because all I ever knew was campus-life. My four (one hour) classes (3 times a week) seems to fly by and then I am headed back home to my life as a mother & significant other. I’m still in the first week of classes, but I am already disappearing into my books any chance that I get (ie: naptime). I know it won’t be easy, but I will continue and I will succeed.

P.S. Pictures to follow J

Michael's First Father's Day

It's amazing how quickly time goes by and to think that this time last year, we had just found out that Christian was indeed a boy. From the very beginning, I knew that Michael would be a wonderful father, but seeing it first hand has brought me to the realization that he is a better father than I could have dreamt of. Christian adores his Daddy just as much as I do and I know that Michael is in bliss when he looks at him.

In the morning, Mike went for a bike ride, while I got myself and Christian ready for the day. It was Papa's 2nd Annual Father's Day cookout so there was a lot to be done before everyone came over. After Mike showered, he received his gifts from Christian. A card along with a book with Christian's handprint & footprint in. Each year, we will add a page with Christian's handprint and eventually he will start signing his own name. It will be sweet to see how his hand grows and penmanship changes. Christian helped Daddy read his card(s).



Then I took Michael to get his gift from me. I bought him a grill. We're both ecstatic about moving into our own place (IN TWO WEEKS!) and he kept mentioning how nice it would be to be able to grill all summer, and now, he can. :) He is such an amazing cook, that I know he'll make the best dinners, too. So in a sense, it was a gift for both of us.

We enjoyed the day surrounded by family with drinks, games of volleyball, and lots of smiles & laughter from the little ones.

Updates

Wow. It has been a long time since I've last posted (sorry for that). Things have been a little hectic around here.

Mike and I are both working a lot. Still trying to get things in order for our place. We just signed the lease last night - so exciting! We move in July 9th. The countdown has begun - 22 days until move in!

We went to Ikea on Monday. Have I ever mentioned that I LOVE Ikea?! Driving up you feel like you're going to Disney Land. It's AH-MAZING! We pretty much bought everything for our living room while we were there: bookcase, tv stand, coffee table, end tables, dvd rack, cd rack, accent chair and then we grabbed some wine glasses. love, Love, LOVE Ikea!

Our lives have been extremely chaotic. I just recently have been hired at a childcare center (Alphabet Soup) and so I have been getting all the necessary paperwork done (BCI, TB Test, Etc.). I'm hoping to start training on Monday. I will be a substitute teacher, but hopefully by the fall they will have a more stable position for me. I'm very excited because it could potentially be the day care that Christian attends either while I'm working or when I go back to school.

Speaking of school. My schedule is set. I will be returning to Roger Williams University in the fall as a full time psychology major. I'll have class Monday, Wednesday, Friday from 9-1. Not too shabby if you ask me. My only worries (besides getting a babysitter) is that my course load will be tougher than I am anticipating.  I know that my courses will not be easy, I just hope that I can manage that while taking care of Christian and working. This year will be a test. Don't get me wrong, I have confidence, and I will finish. I am up for the challenge.

Christian is getting smarter everyday. His new thing is to scream (at the top of his lungs) to get attention. I am so.over.it. I love him to pieces, but I will not get trapped into his little game of getting whatever he wants whenever he wants it. It's neither good for him or me. I honestly think it is because he is getting more and more frustrated that he can't walk yet. If I stand him up and allow him to hold my fingers, he walks and walks. It makes me think (and scares the crap out of me) that he will be walking early.

Well, I guess that is all for now. I'll try to post more often. :)

Christian Is On The Move!

Things have been really crazy around here. Mike and I are working a lot and trying to get everything in order (slowly, but surely) for when we move in July. Amist all of this, Christian is really on the move. He's been pulling himself up to standing for a little while now, but is getting sturdier and more active.  Once he sets sight on something he wants, he will do anything to get it! Below is a video of him standing up using Grammy's couch to get Mommy's phone.



Along with standing, he has also mastered climbing. Weekend mornings Mike and I bring Christian in bed with us to play and cuddle. Over the past few weekends he has learned to climb over Mommy and Daddy. With this practice, he has learned to climb the step at Grammy's house that goes from the living room to the hallway. He has done it several times now, perfecting his new skill.

Big Family or One & Done?

Let me just clarify that Mike and I are NOT ready to start trying for Baby #2 any time soon. These are simply my thoughts at the moment.

Whenever Mike and I had talked about children and starting a family, we always agreed that we wanted a big family. We both come from families with three or more children and enjoyed that growing up. I have always wanted 4 children (some may think I'm crazy), but I love children, always have.

Well Mike and I have decided that IF we are going to have more children, we will wait until I graduate college to start trying (which means no earlier than May 2012). I am perfectly fine with that. I want to finish and by that time we will most likely be more stable in every aspect to expand our family. But it does make me think about the age difference. If we don't start trying until 2012, Christian will be almost 4 by the  time Baby #2 is born.

There are different theories about the time between Children. In an article from Parent's magazine they discuss how time plays a factor.  When you're children are 0-2 years apart you "get everything over at once" referring to diapers, sleepless nights, potty training, etc. The downfall? At such a young age, Child #1 remembers what it was like to be mommy's only, but not old enough to understand the coming of another child. Waiting 2 1/2-4 years in between is a repeat process. Once one is out of diapers a new one arrives, etc. But waiting 4 + years results in babysitter syndrome. The older child may resent the younger (and the parents) because the parent sees them as "extra hands". But it is also referred to as two "only children" because one is starting school and you are starting over with the younger.

There have also been studies that show waiting 4 1/2 years or longer between children can result in high risk pregnancies and premature birth. This makes me nervous. But I guess only time will tell.

Also, Mike had mentioned the other day that he does not want a daughter. Semi-joking, of course. He would love to have a "Daddy's Girl", etc. But he fears what comes along with that: period, boys, dating, etc. He said that he will die young if we have a girl simply because his blood pressure would sky rocket. He told me that he was seriously debating having one child because he doesn't want the worry that comes with having a girl. I know he wasn't completely serious, but it made me think. Am I okay with the one and done?

Random Updates

Seems as if I have been neglecting this poor blog. There has just been a lot going on. So don't mind the randomness, I just want to update on all areas.

Friday I received two sets of good news. The first being that Mike and I got approved for an apartment in Winchester Park. We will be moving in on July 9th - so exciting! We will have a place to call our own.

Secondly, I had a job interview and got the job! I will be an on-call/substitute teacher at Alphabet Soup Day Care. Although it isn't a set schedule, I am happy with the arrangements and am hoping for a more permanent position by the fall.

On Thursday night we began operation deswaddle. We didn't really start to swaddle Christian until he began moving and crawling (just so he would get some sleep), but now it is time to break the habit. Babies make associations between 6 and 9 months of age and we fear that if we don't kick the habit now, he will begin to associate swaddling with sleep and will think that he cannot sleep unless swaddled. So far we are going backwards, but I know that it will  get better.

Saturday was The 4th Annual Race for Grace. Grace looked great. It was a large turnout (as usual). Mike, Christian and I met up with Mike's mother, stepfather, brother & niece. It was a beautiful day to be together and support such a wonderful cause. Christian did great. He slept for the entire 3.2 mile stroll. It took us an hour and 15 minutes to complete. Mike however, finished in 30 minutes running.

Yesterday was wonderful though. Especially since neither Mike or I had to work. We attended the race and had no worries about rushing anywhere for the rest of the day. It was nice and relaxing.

Overall it has been a great holiday weekend thus far. :)

6 Months

It’s crazy to think that Christian is already 6 months old. I remember being pregnant like it was yesterday and giving birth as though it was an hour ago. It’s amazing to think that just 6 months ago Christian Joseph entered this world weighing 7 lbs 9 oz at 19 ½ inches long.



In the first month of Christian’s life I was faced with sleep deprivation along with the hardship of latching difficulties. I resorted to pumping. It was extremely draining. Between feeding Christian every 2 hours and pumping every 3, I was exhausted.



At just two months old, we found out that Christian had a milk protein allergy as we began experimenting with breast milk and formula. After 6 short weeks of pumping, we tried regular, soy, prosobee, and finally nutramegin formula. We also dealt with the possibility that Christian may have had Pyloric Stenosis. Luckily the ultrasound came back clear and so we began treating acid reflux. It was in the midst of this that Christian was baptized at our local church: Church of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary.



In February (at 3 months old), Christian attended his first birthday party, when his cousin, Gabriella turned a year old. In this short time he already began rolling over and holding his head up.



March brought spring weather and Christian’s first trip to the park. He was sitting up supported and playing in his jumperoo. Now at 6 months old, his jumperoo is that of a fun past time.



At 5 months old, Christian began doing “push-ups”. Our days were filled with laughter and our nights with constant visits from me (shushing, patting, etc). We were curious if 6 months was really the “magical age” for sleeping through the night.



Now that Christian is 6 months old, to think of the things he has already accomplished is amazing. Eating solids, sitting up, crawling, and now, making attempts to pull himself up to standing and crab walking. He has slowly, but surely outgrown his reflux as well as his stomach sensitivity. I believe 6 months is the magical age, because now he is essentially sleeping through the night. Although he does wake up around 5 AM, all it takes is a binky visit to get him back to sleep until 6:45.



Christian is now 16 lbs and 26 ¼ inches. It is remarkable how quickly he has grown, and continues to grow. I have come to the realization that with a 6 month old, I will always be on the go and my day will always begin before 7 AM. With the rough times comes the times of joy and endearment. Each day my love for my son and the joy he brings to my life grow greater.

Reaching Milestones

The teething monster is in town. Christian's right rear gums are extremely white/grayish and he is gnawing on absolutely anything he can get his hands on.  Even if I give him a teether he resorts to gnawing on his fingers and they get so red! Poor baby. Weird thing is, I always thought the bottom front teeth were the first to poke through, but maybe in Christian's case it isn't?

Now some good news. Well, sort of. Christian is crawling! It's so cute and I love it, but boy am I in trouble. It's scary to think that he started crawling before he even turned 6 months old. I can't put him on his playmat anymore because he's off it in the matter of seconds. My next investment is going to be a large puzzle piece floor mat and a play yard. Crazy baby. He's growing up too fast! Below is a video, sorry it's so shaky & short!

FOMO

FOMO = Fear Of Missing Out. Christian has it, big time! No matter where we are, if something else is going on,  he's all over it. It is nearly impossible to get him to nap even if he is overly exhausted. He doesn't want to miss a thing, which can be both a good thing and a bad thing.

In relation to this, I'd like to share a text that Christian's Great Grandmother (aka Mama II) sent me the other day. It really made me smile. She wrote, "You know (one of the many things) I love about Christian? When he's in a crowd, it's not just about him. It's about everything that's going on around him. Huge sign of intelligence. He is destined for great things!"

I always noticed Christian's FOMO, but her text brought me to the realization that it is a great quality. I don't think I will have any trouble when it comes time to send him to daycare or a sitter. Of course I will miss him like crazy, but he has such a personality that he will "chat" (coo & roar) with anyone. It's scary/sad to say, but my little munchkin is growing up so fast, already. 

A Tribute To Mothers

I wanted to begin today's post with a few quotes that I have found to be true to the core.

"A mother's love is the fuel that enables a child to do the impossible." - Church Billboard

"A mother is the truest friend we have, when trials heavy and sudden, fall upon us; when adversity takes the place of prosperity; when friends who rejoice with us in our sunshine desert us; when trouble thickens around us, still will she cling to us, and endeavor by her kind precepts and counsels to dissipate the clouds of darkness, and cause peace to return to our hearts." - Washington Irving

My Mother:

Until I had Christian, I never truly understood the love that a mother has for her child. I always knew that my mother loved me with all of her heart, but now I feel it, too.

My mother has always been my best friend, support system, counselor, mediator, taxi, caretaker, the shoulder I cry on, the person I share laughs with, one I go to for advice, and more.

She is the most amazing woman I know. I never really knew just how much she did until I became a mother myself.  Difference is, she did it alone, working, and with three children under the age of four. My appreciation for her goes to the moon and back.  I realize now, that I would be lost without her.

I love you, Mom!

To all the other Mother's & Mother's to Be:

Remind yourself everyday, that you are an amazing Mother; that you can do this! On those days that you feel at a loss and are unsure if you will make it through, look at your child. His/her eyes will reassure you that you are doing it right. You are the best mom you can be! I will share with you two little secrets that I have come to raise Christian by: Mother Knows Best (always) and do "Whatever Works".

My 1st Mother's Day

My first Mother's Day was spectacular. It was better than I had ever imagined, Mike made sure of that.

The night before Mother's Day, Mike insisted that he would get up with Christian in the middle of the night, which was a gift in and of itself. I had worked that night, so I knew I would be tired. 

In the morning, Mike got up with Christian while I showered and got ready for the day. As I was getting ready, he brought me a dozen beautiful roses along with two cards, one from himself and one from Christian. I LOVE reading his cards. He always writes the best messages that get me all teary eyed. 

Next he brought me my first gift. It was a tote purse/diaper bag that I had wanted. It is amazing! He ordered from a website called Gilt Group. That was more than enough of a gift. But he said he had two more surprises. Now I knew he had been working on something for me the night before, but I wasn't sure what.

He brought in two collages. One was a small one with the message "The First 6 Months of the Rest of Our Lives". And the second was a collage that he made spelling the word "love". It was amazing. He had put so much time and effort into it and I couldn't have been happier with my gifts. :)

Mike then told me that he would like to make two more, together this time. One to say "live" and the other "laugh". I got lucky with such a sentimental sweet heart. :) 

After Mike gave me all of my gifts, we headed to brunch with his Grandmother, Father, Uncle, Brother, Sister, and Niece. We went to The Cheesecake Factory - yum! And Christian sat in the restaurant highchair for the first time. Later we spent some time with my mom for dinner and dessert before calling it a night.

It was definitely the best Mother's Day I could have asked for and more!

Christian Joseph

Just thought I would share a little about my pregnancy and the birth of my beautiful son, Christian.

Mike and I found out that I was pregnant on March 23rd, 2009. Immediately we had some scares. I ended up hospitalized at 8 weeks pregnant for dehydration. The good that came of this was our first ultrasound and hearing our little "bean's" heartbeat.

I suffered severe morning sickness for the first 13 weeks or so of pregnancy. I was still living in my dorm at school and taking classes. I remember vividly leaning over the "porcelain God" one morning before an exam. Let's just say having morning sickness and waking your floor mates was not a fun experience.

Shortly after finishing my second semester at RWU, I fell down the stairs at home. It wasn't hard and only two or three steps, but it was definitely enough to scare me. Mike and I called the doctor and thankfully everything was alright. At about 25 weeks, I fell again. This time at work. I remember crying for hours because I felt like a horrible person. I thought for sure I had hurt my unborn child.

Then the worst scare happened. We got into a car accident two days before our baby shower. I was 32 weeks pregnant and we had been rear-ended. I don't think I have ever been so scared in my life. After spending the night in the hospital, we had a beautiful shower with family and friends.

I did a lot of walking and working throughout my pregnancy. Including walking around Niagara Falls. It was my and Mike's last trip before the baby came.

Christian Joseph Mollis arrived 6 days early at 7:50 PM. It was a short labor, but hard non the less. He is the greatest gift I could ever receive. It is because of him that I realize how much a mother loves her child. Christian has been a blessing in our lives and continues to be every day.

Welcome

Welcome to my crazy, unconventional life as a young mother. I have put this off long enough. It is time that I share with others my struggles with judgement, acceptance, trials, tribulations, worry, and joy.

Ever since I was a little girl, I imagined what my life would be like: graduate high school and go on to college where I would find the love of my life, graduate college, get married, buy a home, and start a family. I still have all of these dreams, I have just chosen to achieve them in a different order.

Michael and I met at the end of my junior year of high school. I was seventeen and he was the mysterious 21 year old that I had always heard stories about. We met at a benefit dinner for a mutual friend who had been diagnosed with cancer. Little did we know what a simple hello would turn into. Over the next three years we would face devastating news along with newborn bliss. We had begun the rest of our lives together.