Big Day

Grace was dedicated at church today. They gave her a bible with her name engraved on it. She did very well. Adeyiza held her when we walked up to the front. I was a bit nervous since our church is so big, but it all went great. We were in the front row for the first time. She loved the music playing. She just watched the band and the colorful lights. Then after the dedication, she went to the nursery. We came home soon after to have some QT before another work week :(

Pappa makes me laugh!

Grammy and Papa are having so much fun with Grace. She loves them!

I know I haven't written in a while. I've just been busy. This was my first full week of school and yes,,,, it felt like 4 weeks. The days go fast though, so that's good. I just watch the clock until 4:00 and then rush home to see Grace. The only problem is that she is going to bed at 6:45 or 7:00. No matter what I do,,, she will not stay awake. This will be great next year when I am a stay at home mom,,, but not this year!!! I would like her to stay up for a while. I do feel for mom and dad sometimes. I know it's a lot of work to take care of Grace. She does not take long naps. Maybe 40 minutes ,,, but that's the longest. She is on the go!!! They were able to go out to eat tonight. We sent them to a very nice steak house. The BEST I've ever been to. So at least they got some time to miss her again:)

Sunday is a big day. Grace gets dedicated at our church. I hope and pray she is not upset during this. Oh, and tomorrow is her first birthday party to go to. She got her first invitation to a party. My friend Jayne, the one that takes all of Grace's beautiful pictures (like the one on our cover of this blog). Yes,,, the not so good ones I take,,, I will post a few that she has taken in the past. She is soooo good. She is going to do more for me SOON! Anyway... I will post more later.

Papa and Grammy to the rescue!!!

Well they are here!!!! So far... so good! Grace has adapted very quickly. Day one,,, she ate from both of them and really didn't cry when they held her. I came to realize that it doesn't matter who is watching her,,,,,, it's still hard to leave in the morning. But,,,, I know she is having a good time. She must be,,,, she goes to bed at 6:45. So that leaves me with less 2 hours to play :(. I am not sure I like that, but what can you do.

The weather has been nice. They were able to take her out for two walks today. Can't do that in Michigan right now!!! They are planning the big "Michigan" day at school. This is the best day of the year. My kids get so excited when they come. To make a long story short, they bring them all sorts of educational goodies that are relevant to Michigan. They even get their own Petosky stone to take home. The day is filled with a Michigan learning experience. And yes,,,, I sit back and relax :) I have 5th graders stop by to see me and say, "Did your parents come this year?" Parents at conferences say, "My kid treats this buckeye (like an acorn) thing like a baby and they won't stop talking about your parents!" It's cute! Anyway,.,,,, that's all for now. I'll try to keep up with my blogs.

Sunday

OK so Adeyiza is taking the computer until Sunday. I will not be able to blog. BUT,,,, I will take some new pictures and post them ASAP!!!!

Big Girl

Look at her!!! I know,,, Big Girl!! She is starting to hold her head up really well. She is a bit tipsy, but she's getting better.

Today she giggled for the first time. It was so cute! She's been so close with those big smiles, but never a giggle until today. SEE ......I knew I was suppose to stay home this week. I would have missed this special day.

Adeyiza leaves for California tomorrow. He has another conference. He will get back Sunday. So my parents are coming on Saturday. They are in for a real treat. Grace is something else! Just wait mom and dad,,,, you'll see!!!!!

What am I wearing?

I thought this was so cute. I got Grace dressed, and right away she kept looking down at her outfit. She would hold her hand out and look up and down at her sleeve. She must have noticed the bright colors and designs right away. She has never noticed her clothes before. Well at least not like this. We had a great day today. We stayed in most of the day. Later on we went for a walk outside. It was nice out, so I carried her around to look at the trees. I used to do that with Mason (nephew). No wonder he likes the outdoors. Now we are going to prepare for Gammy and Pappa to come. Grace has taken over the guest room, so we will need to make room for them. At least this visit they will be able to spend some QT (quality time) with her. I am more willing to share the duties now. Well at least until I get home from work :) Fun times!!!!!

Here it is..........

Well,,, I just had to. I had to find a machine that I could use in the house. I know lots of machines are on the market, but I found this little elliptical that I really liked. I got it home and Adeyiza put it together for me. I know I could be paying bills, or saving some extra bucks, but I decided to treat myself just a tad. Plus, it was a great deal. Also, the truth is, going to the gym is getting a little hard. It's not so bad if Grace stays on her schedule, but last week I made it to the gym twice. For those of you who know me really well, that's not cutting it. I can't do that any longer. So, I will use this machine to help with this issue. Plus, when Adeyiza is not here, I am stuck once again. This machine will also be great for Boston. Even if we have an apartment with a workout room, who knows if I can get away to use it. Just thought I would share our new addition!!!

I was just thinking,,,, this reminds me of the one and only time I had a treadmill in my house. That was the best gift ever. I remember crying when I knew what it was. I used that thing until it broke. I got it for Christmas after I came home from college. Yes,,I gained the freshman 15 times 5. No kidding!!! That treadmill saved me! I know this machine will too. I am just so excited! I know this probably sounds silly to most,,,but I'm just dying to work out on a regular basis is all. Tomorrow is day #1. I know it will be grrrrrrrrreat!!!

Who's in the bag????

When my nephew Mason was little, we used to put him in a bag and swing him to sleep. I just had to try it. Although I did not swing her to sleep, she liked it for a minute. Too cute!!! She just sat in it looking at me. She's probably thinking,,, "What is my crazy mom doing now??"

Crazy Hair

OK so I missed yesterday. I can't believe it!!!! I am sorry for those of you who check this daily. We just got so busy. Anyway,, look at her hair. Sometimes I really wonder what's going on with it! It's got a mind of it's own. OK so I played around with it a bit in this picture, but sometimes it is really hard to calm down. Oh well,,,, gotta love it!!!

3 months old today!!!

Wow can you believe that Grace is already 3 months???? Time just goes by so fast. She seems to change every day. For a while Adeyiza had to fight her to go to sleep at 10:00. She would be so tired, but didn't not want to give in. Now,, she is usually in bed by 7:30-8:00. Which is ok, but that takes away from our play time. I don't mind during the weekends, it's actually good. But when I get her home around 5:00,,, I would like more than 2 hours. Most of that is getting her ready for bed anyway. So,,, she ate her bottles with me today. I will keep her on that routine. She is getting very comfortable with them now. OK that's all I have today. Who knows what tomorrow will bring.

Tummy Time #2

NO she is not going bald,,,, I didn't comb her hair in this picture!

Grace is getting much better at her tummy time. She doesn't seem to like it for more than a few minutes, but we are still working on it. Myra is working with her too. She is so much like me. We will both pick her up once she starts fussing. Sometimes it almost looks like torture. I read that you should let them cry or fuss for a while, but NOPE I can't do it. As long as she is making progress,,,, no need for extra crying. I am home starting tomorrow for the rest of this week and next. Even though I feel sooooo bad for Myra, I will enjoy spending the extra time with Grace. Grace had another great day today. She ate all of her bottles with no problem. I know things will be fine when the routine starts again. The scary part is over. The whole bottle issue was a bit nerve racking at times, but I know she will eat now. Plus,,, I will continue to keep the routine that Myra had. That way after she heals, they can go back to it. OK I'll post some new pics tomorrow. I will have EXTRA time now!!!!!

YUM YUM

Well,,,, we aren't sure if Grace is giving us the Texas Longhorns sign,,, or if she truly found her her fingers. These seem to be the fingers of choice. She will put all 3 in,,, or just the 2. It's so cute though. I love it!! It really seems to calm her down. On our way home from school I can hear her sucking away. I believe these are the same two fingers my niece Kaitlyn sucks. Also,,, before I started sucking my thumb,,, I sucked these two as well. Now it's even more precious,,,, Grace already wants to be like her Momma!!!

Speaking of,,, Grace ate all of her bottles today. Myra and I were so excited. She seems to be adjusting more and more each day. However,,, next week I will be taking a week off from work. Poor Myra fell a while back and jammed her finger. Now she has to have surgery. This Friday she will go in for it. She will not know how severe it is until the doctor gets inside to really see what's going on. She has been unable to bend it at all. So, mom and dad are going to drive down to help us out. They will help us watch Grace while Myra gets better. WOW,, we sure are glad they retired this year. We are very grateful they were able to help when Grace was born, and now with this situation. It will all work out!!!

I Love Mommy

OH yes she does!! This was this morning. I had a half day so I thought I would take her picture really quick. I know,,,, her hair!! It's kind of hard to manage right now. It's so cute but a bit crazy and all over the place. Sometimes it's curly and sometimes it's straight. I always wanted hair like that. She had a good day today and yesterday. She is eating better. Not great yet, but better. Tomorrow is Wednesday,,, the count down begins for the weekend.

Sleep Tight!!!!

This picture was from this morning. She woke up 2:30 to eat and then she had a tough time getting back to sleep. I sometimes let her lay in our bed. But not too often. Just once in a great while. Plus, I had to run down to the gym. At this time it was almost morning anyway,,,, well at least for me who gets up at 4:00 AM to start my busy day. I know one day I am going to crash. I still don't know how some moms work and take care of multiple children..... on top of the house work. I feel like I am struggling now. Anyway,, here is our daily schedule. I get up, go to the gym, come back and shower. I like to get all ready before I wake her up. I pack all of our bags the night before. I kindly wake Grace up at 5:30. I love this time,,, she stretches,,, and her little butt sticks way out. I know you know what I am talking about when you first pick up a tired baby. So- I change her, dress her, and try to get some serious play time in. We read, listen to music, and look at all of her favorite toys. Yes,,, I am serious we do this every morning. I really get up extra early to make time for her. Then around 6:30 ish,,, I load everything up in the car. I have my school bag, breast pump, purse, cooler for her bottles, her diaper bag, and of course her. I can only imagine what someone would think if they saw me. So far I haven't ran into anyone in the parking structure. But I carry it all in one load. Then we are off. We drive for 45 minutes and then she goes to Myra's. I get her out, give her a big hug and kiss, and pass her off. Then,,,,, well lets just say I wait or I mean teach,,, for 8 hours until she returns. When I get her back at the end pf the day,,,, I RUSH home to again, get some play time with her. HOWEVER.... she is so sleepy at night. So it's hard. But I do my best. She always takes a bath at night. She loves it!!! Then, you know the drill. Clean the bottles, pack our bags, and start the day all over again. It's fun,,, but I guess at times a bit exhausting. I wouldn't change it for the world. Well ok maybe,,, I would love to stay home with her. But one day that will be possible. Soon enough!!!!!

Big Day

OK so today we are 3 for 3. She has taken all of her bottles with no fuss! Thank God. Also,, it was her first time going to church with us. Ummm yes,,, I cried until we left her. But she was the only baby so I was relieved. I knew she would be ok. They changed her and put that sticker on her diaper. "Changed with Love" how cute is that! Well tomorrow is a full day. I hope she eats for Myra. We will see.

My Hands

Grace is so funny. I started noticing last week that she was watching her hands. This was so cute. I didn't realize it at first until I really watched her eyes. They follow her hands where ever they go. I just laughed so hard. She entertained herself for a while. Now she is starting to do it more often. I just love it. So I snapped a few pics of her in action.

OK- so this whole bottle thing has taken me back by surprise. When Adeyiza's mom was here, she started taking one every day with no problem(well maybe a little at first). Then Adeyiza would give her one,,,, no problem. NOW,,, no way! BIG PROBLEM !!!! I just don't get what the issue is. We started when we were told to, we found a nipple that she would take, and it wasn't a big deal at one point in time. I am not sure if she is mad at me, or if she is on strike for some reason. But as you know,,, each time she has to take one,,,, it's such a battle. So, today I wasn't going to give in to her. I want to keep the weekends consistent so that she doesn't get all out of routine for Myra. Adeyiza gave her an 8:00 bottle,, NOPE ,, she didn't take it. Then at 11:00 bottle,,, NOPE didn't take it. At this point I was getting very upset (crying,, not mad) because she would turn to me to feed her and I just couldn't let her win. So I tried a 2:30 bottle,,, NOPE didn't take it. So by this time her last feeding was 5:00 AM and that was it. I was starting to say,, I can't do this,,, I am going to nurse her. BUT,,, then something came over me. I thought to myself that this will make things even harder and I am setting her up for failure. SO,,, I tried a bottle at 3:45 and PRAISE GOD she took it. I was so happy. She ate 4 ounces so I warmed 2 more, and she ate most of that. Then we both took a nap after all that. I didn't expect to spend our first day together after a long week like this,,,, but I had to stay firm. Anyway,,, later she again took a 7:15 bottle. YES.. we are on a roll. Later around 9:30 or something,,, I knew she was tired. SO I finally got a chance to nurse her. WOW I miss nursing her. She was so happy,,, I just knew it. Now she is sleeping. I hope tomorrow she gives in early. I want some quality play time instead of fighting to eat all day!!! We will see,,,, to be continued...............................

OOps

I just noticed that on the last blog,, straight or curly,,, I had both straight,,, here is her curly! This is her curly hair when it's wet. Her hair line is a bit far back,,, but I think it will grow in. Anyway,,, yesterday was a bit busy as well. I thought she would do better eating,,, but nope,, she is a stinker. She maybe ate 3 ounces the whole day. She didn't want to take any of her bottles. I had to feed her at school before I left. This is going to be interesting. I really hope and pray she starts eating. It's hard to focus all day knowing that she may not be getting all the food she needs. Maybe next week she will do better. It's a longer week :( but it may help with a routine. Adeyiza is going to give her 3 bottles today to keep up the routine. So we will see!

Straight or Curly???

I am going to make this quick. Yesterday she did much better. She finally ate bottle #3. So I am very happy about that. BUT,,,,,,, it was the LONGEST day of my life. But enough of the negative talk,,, at least I have a job and she is taken care of right???

So during her bath her hair gets so curly. I usually brush it down and then put her hat on for warmth. So what do you think,,, straight or curly? OK I have to go. It'd Friday.,,,,, thank goodness! We are going to spend every minute together this weekend.

Class Shirt / Day 3

OK so yes it was day 3,,,, but I had to take another 1/2 day. I have everything ready the night before, but I forgot a piece to my pump, so I had to leave at noon. I did get Grace and we went home. She still only ate an ounce while with Myra, but I really think she will do better when she is there all day. I hope tomorrow she eats a whole bunch!!!

Each year we get class t-shirts. My first year I was Hackett's Hedgehogs, 2nd year I was Momoh's Marlines, 3rd year I was Momoh's Manatees, 4th year I was Momoh's Monkeys, and this year we are the Martians. PLUS---- Adeyiza drew the martian for us. This was the first year I got black shirts. See I knew I would be chunky for a bit, so I got a slimming color!!!! Good thinking I know. Grace was my model. She was excited,,, if you can't tell!!! Ok well I am going to bed. These days are a bit more tiring than usual.

Day 2

OK tomorrow is the first full day with out my precious baby girl. Today she did OK,,, she only ate one ounce so I guess that's better than none. I just hope she eats tomorrow,,,, that's eight hours! I hope I can make it all day. I only text Myra ( the sitter) once an hour,,,, just kidding,,, just once in a while. I am more thankful that next year I will be able to stay home with her. Only 4 more months!!!!

On a different note,,,, it's great to see my students again. They've been so good. I say this every year,, but this is the best class. I really love being with them. They are so cute and can just make my day. Teaching has to be the best profession!

I love this picture!!!

Just posting this because I love it! This was after bath time. So fresh and so clean!!!!!

First Day

She is still sleeping,,, so I thought I should let everyone know how our day went. Myra and her husband were kind enough to stop by and pick up a few things for Grace. I am letting her keep some of her favorites at their house so she feels more at home. Of course when they did come,,,, I could not control my tears. This is one of the hardest things I have ever done. It's just SO hard,,, I didn't think it would be this hard,,, well I guess I did. Anyway,,, today we started off to a good start. She woke up at 3:30 and ate. Then I hit the gym, came back, got ready, and realized that I was really starting work. So let's just say from 5:30 - 7:30,,,,, it was very hard to talk. Adeyiza and I loaded up the car, and off we went. We listened to all of her music on the way. Of course she slept, she loves her car seat. We pulled in the driveway, and I just couldn't stop crying. It was so cute though, Myra had her crib set up, her toys in her own spot, and she greeted me with excitement. I know I have it good! I still just can't tell Myra how thankful I am. Even though she refused her bottles, I know with time she will eat. Or at least that's what every one keeps telling me. So I guess we will see how the week goes. I pray she will eat and adjust rather quickly. I just don't like the idea of her not eating all day. The top picture was from today after she got home. She is a sleepy girl. I am going to get her up now and just hold her. OK that's all for today!

My Two Favorite Things

I had to snap a few pictures of Grace doing her two favorite things. When I show her the babies, she opens her arms and starts kicking really hard while giving them a big smile. In the picture it looks like she's opening her arms for a hug!!!! It's so cute. Also, her books. I think one day we read 8 books in a row. She just looks at each picture and stays so focused. I keep going until she is ready to move on to something else.

Well the time is here. Tomorrow is back to school. I have this pit in my stomach that is getting worse. I keep remembering all the positives that are going to come out of this. I also keep reminding myself how fortunate I am to have Myra to watch her. However, I could read and play with her every day,,,, all day! We have so much fun together. I just pray that she adjusts to this new transition very soon. As of right now, not many people can hold her besides me, with out her crying very hard. I know part of this is because she only knows me and Adeyiza.....and that's it. When you don't have family around to pass her off, they only know what's around them. So I can't blame her, but I just hope she isn't fussing all day until I get back. I hope for only the best. I will try to blog every day still. It may just be a bit hard at first. So just in case I don't, that's why. Wow,,,, I still can't believe it's that time! Time goes by so fast.

Daddy's Girl

Yes, Adeyiza thinks I am camera happy these days. I have to admit,,,, I am! Once I see her doing something cute,,, I hurry to get the camera. In this picture we were still in Winnipeg. I laid her down next to him, and she kept looking at Adeyiza in the cutest way. She would turn her head, then look at him again. She was doing this over and over again. I just had to take a snap shot. I love when the two of them have precious moments together. I look at the pictures later and think ,,, WOW I love them both so much!!!!!

Happy New Year!!!!

Happy New Year to you all! I tried to get some pictures of Grace's ears and the quilt that great grandma made. Although I had to wait until I was 12 years old to get my ears pierced, Grace had her ears pierced at 10 weeks old. I never thought I could do it, but I knew that it was a tradition in Adeyiza's family. His mom did it with her piercing gun. She did all of Adeyiza's sisters, and many other babies in the past, so I knew Grace was in good hands.

Wow- I can't believe it's 2010. I am not saying to run out and buy a journal, but I started one our first year of marriage called Daily Blessings. I include big and small blessings that happen in our lives or our families life. I guess I could branch out to my friends lives, but that would be too thick. I just write down the date and the event that happened, and keep in a safe place. Then before new year starts, we read them to see all the blessings we (or our family) had in that previous year. It is really fun because you do forget what happens as the days go by. I am going to list just a few BIG ones (b/c I have so many) that you all can see. Maybe you already do this,,,, if not, give it a try this year. It's a lot of fun to reflect on all the events.

1/12 His brother engaged

2/14 Andy and Krista married

2/20 POSITIVE PG test

2/25 Doctor confirmed pregnancy

3/14 Adeyiza starts drawing medical pictures for hospitals

4/17 1st doc. apt. with Adeyiza Baby looks great

4/20 Teacher of the Year

5/1 Mom and Dad visit us

5/13 18 wk check-up It's a Girl!

6/8 Trip to Michigan

6/9 Parents Retirement Party

6/21 BABY SHOWER IN Michigan

6/25 Wilhum died -yes it was a blessing,, he had to go!

7/1 Adeyiza's Last YEAR Chief Resident

7/1 3 rd anniversary

7/28 Adeyiza Sister visits

8/16 Middle Name Given for Grace : Onyayivi

8/13 Adeyiza had an interview in BOSTON

9/5 Adeyiza brother got married

9/25 My work gave me a BABY SHOWER my kids surprised me with one too

10/3 Mom and Dad driving to TEXAS

10/15 GRACE ONYAYIVI MOMOH born 6:52

10/19 Adeyiza takes a Fellowship offer in BOSTON

10/29 MOM AND DAD leave

10/31 Adeyiza's mom comes to stay with us

11/27 First Thanksgiving with company Grace and Mummy

12/13 SURPRISE Sister and Grandma are coming

12/15 30th Birthday with sister and Grandma

12/21 Traveled to Winnipeg

12/25 Grace's first Christmas

OK anyway,,,, I have many more, but these are big ones. 2009 was a busy year for us and our family members. I do write down big ones like traveling to and from safely. Both of our parents travel a lot, so it's a huge blessing to arrive and return safely. Especially these days!!!

May many blessings be with everyone this year 2010!!!!!!!!!!!!!!