3 Months Old

My little girl is already 3 months old, and I can't believe it! These past 3 months have been some of the best I've ever experienced. It is an honor being Keely's mom. I am so glad God chose me for the job. I know Carl feels the same way about being her dad. In some ways, I can hardly believe it has been nearly a year since I found out I was pregnant. It will be a year on October 10, which is really not that far away. That is a day I will never, ever forget. I was thinking that at this time last year, I found out my first IUI did not work. As a matter of fact, as we were walking through the Cowboy Symposium this afternoon, it occurred to me that when we were there last year, Carrie was almost certain she was getting a new niece or nephew. It's funny how things work out. We wake up each day older than we were the previous day, sometimes wiser, sometimes not. I was hanging out with friends last night, and Carl and I were the oldest ones in the room by at least 2 years. My friend, Sam, told me she bought a house, and we embarked on a discussion about how old we've gotten. She has a house, and I have a wonderful kiddo. I love that I'm all grown up. I love that I'm married to the love of my life and that we are parents to our shining Keely Star. Getting older is so much fun. I've decided that Carl and I are going to take Keely to Paris for her 18th birthday. I love that she's so little and adorable right now. I don't want her to grow up too fast, but I absolutely love the thought of how great she'll end up. I just have this feeling that she's going to turn out to be this amazing person who does amazing things. And, I'll get to watch her and help her accomplish her goals and live her dreams. I suppose God must feel that way as He watches us grow and develop. I think He's very honored to be our Father. And, that's the coolest thing ever . . . knowing that our heavenly Father has so much love for us, so much pride in His handiwork that He can forgive the greatest of sinners and love us despite our shortcomings. I am so thankful to have such a wonderful God who has blessed me with an incredible family. He has made Keely in His image, just as He made us all. I pray God will continue to bless Keely and our family. And, thanks and glory to Him who loves unconditionally. May we learn to be like Him more and more each day.

Enjoy the pics!

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What a Week!

This week has been both chaotic and crazy, although it has not been bad overall. I expected the chaos and crazy, given that it was the first week for the kids to report to school. I waltzed in Monday morning with a room that was not finished--had books all over the place--and lesson plans that were not submitted. I was missing my baby girl but ready to see all of the new 6th grade faces that would occupy my classroom for the next 10 months. Although my room was not ready, surprisingly I was. I managed through the chaos of that morning, played some games with my kids, and got all of the first day procedures required by the state finished with very little time to spare. Then, I rushed over to Carrie's to pick up my girl. I'n so lucky to have Carrie around. I honestly don't know what I'd do without her. It is a great feeling knowing that I don't have to worry about Keely being 100% taken care of by the person keeping her. Nevertheless, I am so ready to see my girl at the end of the day! I leave school just as soon as I can possibly get away and speed on my way to Aunt Pete's. Seeing that girl after a day of work is the best part of my day. Needless to say, it's been a chaotic and crazy week, but it's been a good one, too.

Keely has started watching TV! This little monkey watches Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, Dora the Explorer, and the Baby Einstein videos. It is one of the cutest things ever! She was watching Baby Beethoven up until a few minutes ago when she started fussing. I'd look over at her, and she would talk to the TV. So cute! It is hard to believe 2 months has come and almost gone. She's getting so big! I almost already want another one! But, that will have to wait until Keely's had her fair share of alone time with Mama and Daddy. I think she deserves that. She's trying to sit up now. I mean, unsuccessfully, of course. But, I had her propped up on her Boppy the other day, and she started trying to lean forward towards me. What a big girl! She's holding her head up really, really well, and she laughs and coos constantly. She's one of those babies that people say was born talking. She's definitely a Mama's girl. She's still nursing, which means that I get to pump twice at work. Yay (sarcastically). But, she's completely worth it. I'd do anything for that sweet baby girl! Speaking of, here is the first of two slideshows I am posting today. These pics were taken on August 11, 2009 at JC Penny.

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This next slide show is a conglomeration of pictures from the past 2 or 3 weeks. Isn't she just adorable?!

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Have a good week. God bless!

2 Months

Today marks the two-month anniversary of Keely's birth. Happy two-month birthday, baby girl! Because of this anniversary, I thought I would offer some reflections and highlights of the past two months. Here we go.

Reflection #1: Being parents has completely changed mine and Carl's lives. We tend to get frustrated with each other a little more often, but we have this closeness that doesn't shift despite our constant picking at each other. We've always had a close relationship, but it's different now that Keely has entered into our family. I think those of you with kids understand what I am trying to communicate to you. In short, Carl and I absolutely love being Dad and Mom.
Reflection #2: Even though we had all of those fertility issues, we wouldn't change anything about the past two years. I think those complications helped us to prepare for parenthood. Carl and I were able to focus on our relationship and long-term goals during those difficult years. We did not appreciate them while they were happening, but we've both come to appreciate them now. If we had conceived prior to when we did, we might not have ended up with beautiful Keely. No, we wouldn't change them. We certainly hope it is easier the next time around, though. And, I have a feeling it will be.
Reflection #3: Being a parent is hard. We didn't think it would be easy, honest. We knew it would be hard, but we've still had a few reality checks over the past two months. With Keely's thyroid problem, reflux, and milk protein allergy, we've definitely had our fair share of difficulty. Keely is still perfect. We would not wish any of those complications upon her by any means, but we can work with them (and hopefully through them eventually).
Reflection #4: The things we thought were so important prior to Keely's birth seem to take a backseat to her now. I guess that's part of being a parent. I hate to think not all parents feel the same way about their kids. For us it goes, God, family, then friends.

Highlights:
1) watching Keely sleep
2) listening to Keely laugh
3) hearing Keely say what sounds like Mama when she's upset
4) showing Keely off to everyone
5) knowing that she is ours
6) praying for Keely
7) napping with Keely
8) Keely's first vacation
9) shopping for/with Keely
10) Keely's first play date
11) evening walks with Keely
12) hugging and kissing Keely
13) making Keely smile
14) talking to Keely
15) getting through bath time without Keely screaming
16) nursing Keely
17) being able to check Above Average on the doctor's form when asked to compare her to other kids her same age
18) taking pics of Keely
19) watching Carl play with Keely
20) imagining how wonderful Keely will turn out

Another Smile Box to Show Off Our Girl

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These pics are all from the past 3 three weeks. Most of them are from the past 2 weeks. Keely is 8 weeks old today. I cannot beleive she is already that old! I cannot believe summer is drawing to a close already either. I report back to work on Wednesday, and I am already planning to be dramatic the first day I have to leave Keely with my sister. Thank goodness for Carrie, though. I don't know what I would do without her! Nonetheless, I really don't want to leave my sweet girl. I cannot imagine my mornings without getting to watch her sleep and cuddling with her. So, I am naturally holding her all day long almost, thinking I should savor every last second with her. No one ever said I wasn't dramatic. Anyway, while I am looking forward to meeting all the new faces and getting to teach again, I am not looking forward to leaving Keely. It will be hard. So, say a prayer for me that I will do better than I suspect I will. Say a prayer for my sister because I'm not sure she knows what she's getting into. She'll have her 3 kids and my 1 kid until school starts and Ally reports to kindergarten. Two more things, and I'll draw to a close. First, Keely actually made it through bath time without a single cry! Last night marked the first time we didn't hear wailing and screaming while being bathed! We were both shocked! And, very, very proud. Last thing, we got the lab results from Keely's endocrinologist, and her thyroid medication is fulfilling it's duty. No need to up her dosage at this point--YAY! Have a fabulous week, all!

Updates and Pics

So, as usual, a lot has been going on. Carl and I have been busy new parents, adjusting to scheduling, budgeting, and hanging out with our sweet little girl, who just so happens to be sleeping at the moment, giving me a few minutes to update my blog and just breathe. This has been a week of doctor's visits, smiles, and a few disappointments. I'll start with the latter of the three.

About two weeks ago, Keely started spitting up a ton. It happened after almost every feeding and sometimes in the middle of a feeding. I didn't know what to do. After she spit up four times in a 35 minute span, I decided to call the doc. Unfortunately, her pediatrician's office was on vacation, so I took her in to see the doctor that was taking her regular pediatrician's calls. He told me that it could be any number of things, including reflux, but he thought it best to just monitor her for now and for me to give him a call if something changed or it got worse. The spitting up continued, although she had days where she wouldn't spit up at all. I decided not to call because I'd scheduled an appointment with her actual doctor for Tuesday of the following week. At that appointment, I mentioned my concern again. Dr. Stripling ordered an X-Ray of her stomach, which was actually called a barrium swallow, which was carried out on Wednesday. I dreaded this appointment, because I was afraid they would have to stick her for the thousandth time. Fortunately, they didn't. As a matter of fact, it was completely painless, except I had to bring her to the appointment with an empty stomach. All they had her do was drink a concoction of barium and water, while they watched it go down on a screen, wash it down with sterile water, and see if anything started to come back up into her esophogus. She did fine, and stuff did start to come back up. I got a call from Dr. Stripling's office Thursday, saying that he wanted to start her on Zantac because she had slight reflux. She started that medication Friday, while Carl and I went to see Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince with my parents and Carrie watched her. I was so sad about leaving my little girl for such a long time. I wanted to see the movie, but I didn't want to leave her. I guess it's mainly because I know I will have to leave her nearly everyday once school starts up. I'm trying to maximize the amount of time I have left with her. Anyway, I managed to get through it. I did cry in the car after we picked her up. I was just happy to see her. I'll talk more about the movie later. Back to the medicine . . .

Keely does not like Zantac. I asked the pharmacy to flavor it, but they told me nothing could mask the peppermint flavor it naturally had. She makes a horrible face every time she has to swallow it. Really, I think it's kind of cute. She's been taking it twice a day since Friday. With the reflux diagnosis, came a referral to a gastrointerologist, whom she saw Monday. Prior to that appointment, the spitting up continued. I mentioned all of this to Dr. Higgins, and he determined she has a milk protein allergy, meaning she is allergic to dairy products, which she is getting through my breastmilk. He told me to stop nursing her for a week, so all of the dairy will get out of my system, and to put her on specialized formula during that time. I have to pump to keep my supply up and eliminate all dairy products from my diet in order to keep nursing her. I'm giving it a shot. I know I can do anything for Keely's sake, and I'm looking at it from that perspective. By the end of the week, I should be able to nurse again, and Keely's spitting up should be completely minimized. It's been going okay so far, but I hate pumping 7 times a day. It sort of sucks.

I had an appointment with my doctor Tuesday, so I had to leave Keely with Mam and Pete. It was not for very long, so it was fine. Those of you who know me best know that I always run 10-15 minutes behind for everything. I always say that I can plan to leave early, get completely ready without falling behind schedule, but still end up 10-15 minutes late for everything. I don't know why that is. It just is. So, I was running late for my appointment and hadn't dropped Keely off at my mom's house yet. I called Dr. Owen's office to let them know I was running behind. I hadn't left my house yet, but I told them I would only be 10 minutes late. Lie. So, I called Carrie and asked her to run out to my car and grab Keely in a very speedy manner so I could make my appointment. She did, and it was funny. Thank heaven for my sister, I made the appointment only 14 minutes late, one minute shy of the timeline they give you to arrive without being rescheduled. Yay for that! Tuesday was also my niece, Hadley's, birthday party at the pool by my parents' house. Carrie gave Keely a swimsuit that matched Ally's. It was so cute! The suit was a little big, but Keely looked adorable anyway. My brother, Allan, spent a lot of time holding her. He was so cute with her! He'll make a great dad someday. The party was fun, and Hadley got lots of good stuff. Keely got a ton of compliments, too.

This brings me to yesterday, which was Wednesday. Keely had an appointment with the endocrinologist to evaluate whether the medication she takes for hypothyroidism was working properly or if the dosage needed to be upped. This appointment was pretty rough on her. The endo didn't really tell us much that we didn't already know. He said that a lot of children with this condition that take the thyroid medication end up very bright. He even added, "It makes me wonder if I should have taken thyroid when I was young," in a joking manner. He also said that we can no longer give her a compounded form of the medication because there is no guarantee she's getting the same amount of the medication in every dose. So, we have to give her the pill form, which we crush up into teeny-tiny pieces using this cool pill crusher we bought at the pharmacy, and mix it with breastmilk. We put that concoction into a pacifier that has a medicine dispenser attached and let Keely suck it down. We tried this for the first time last night, and it was a huge success! We liked Dr. Varma just fine. He wants to see Keely every 3 months for the next while. She had to have blood drawn from her heel, which kind of offset her for the rest of the day. She wasn't very happy. I felt so sorry for her because I didn't know what she needed. It was sad.

Keely is six weeks old today, and she's having a pretty good day so far. She's sleeping on the couch, propped up on her Boppy pillow, at the moment. She looks so sweet! I am so glad we're not getting ready for a doctor's appointment right now. Unless Keely gets sick, we won't have another doctor's appointment until her 2 month on August 13. I'm taking off work for that, and it doesn't even bother me to do so. We adjusted Keely's schedule to see if we could get her down to one night feeding, instead of two. We started it Monday night, and so far she's adjust quite nicely. We get her up at 3 to feed her, and she goes back to sleep until around 6. She starts to cry then, so I give her her plug or move her into her swing. If she keeps crying, I take her to bed with me and cuddle. She does wonderfully then. We get up at 7, so she can eat again. After that, she usually goes back to sleep until close to 10. She is such a good baby! I just love being her mommy. It's the best feeling in the world.

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One Month Old

Golly! I cannot believe our little girl is already a month old! Today marks the one-month anniversary of Keely Star's birth. One month ago was one of the happiest moments in my life. One month ago I finally laid eyes upon my little girl, something I'd been waiting to do for what seemed like forever. One month ago I was in labor, trying to convince myself that I could go through it all without an epidural. One month ago I was both terrified and elated, knowing that I was about to become a mom and hoping I would be a good one. One month ago I was looking at my husband and wondering if he was more terrified than I was. One month ago tears filled my eyes when the nurse told me our little girl had dark hair and I thought, "Maybe she's going to look like me." One month ago I heard the precious sound of our baby crying for the first time. And I knew everything would work out just fine.

We love our little Keely Star. She's amazing, and being a parent is amazing. I always knew it would be, but there's a difference between knowing and experiencing. We are lucky to have such a wonderful opportunity as playing the roles of Mommy and Daddy. For that experience, we are eternally grateful to God above. I pray Keely's life is a testament to Him, that we can raise her to live such a life, and that she gets to experience His many blessings, just as we have.

Well, the girl is screaming, so I am going to go get her and hug her till she realizes she's okay again. I love this job!

The Week in Pictures

Don't I look sweet in green?!



I like to cuddle with Mommy and Daddy mostly, but my new frog is okay most of the time. It says, "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" on it.



Mommy says this is one of her favorite pictures. Aunt Mamy and Uncle X got this outfit for me.



My cousin, Ella, and I were twinkies on Wednesday. Mommy and Aunt Pete say Ella and I are going to be best friends, just like they are.



My cousin, Ally, likes to hold me. She is so sweet with me!




Mommy found this ridiculous but adorable bow for me to wear. Daddy didn't like it very much. Mommy didn't really care, though. Aunt Pete gave Mommy a ton of Ella's old hairbows, and she bought several more. Now, I have a bow that will match everything! Yay!





It's been a better week this week. I've grown up a bunch! Yesterday, I didn't cry much at all! I even decided to let Mommy and Daddy sleep most of the night last night. I only woke up so I could eat. Mommy and Daddy sure are proud of me. We are getting along great! Mommy took me to get weighed yesterday, and I am already 8 lbs. Here are some things about me that you might find interesting.



Name: Keely Star Kline

Birthday: June 11, 2009

Likes: Mommy's milk, my swing, blankets, cuddling with Mommy and Daddy, visiting Mam and Pop, my cousins, aunts, and uncles, stylish clothing, music, and my pacifier

Dislikes: waiting at the doctor's office, taking my medicine, and having my diaper changed