Monday, May 12, 2008
May 12
I had the best Mother's Day ever. We didn't plan anything, but Greg did whatever I wanted. It was just so relaxing and fun. We mainly spent time together as a family. A lady in Williams Sonoma overheard me telling my sister what a wonderful Mother's Day I had and she said that was so sweet. Greg brought me flowers, a spa treatment and yummy lotion from Mario Tricoci.
On Sunday, we began our day at church, then headed over to my sister's house. She was treating all the mother's in my family to a delicious brunch. There were waffles, strawberries, cream, and croissants that melted in your mouth. Yummo! I was treated like a princess.
Here is a song that sums up how I feel about being Patrick's mommy:
You Are The Sunshine Of My Life
~Stevie Wonder
You are the sunshine of my life
That's why I'll always be around
You are the apple of my eye
Forever you'll stay in my heart
I feel like this is the beginning
'though I've loved you for a million years
And if I thought our love was ending
I'd find myself drowning in my own tears
Whoa whoa
You are the sunshine of my life
That's why I'll always stay around
You are the apple of my eye
Forever you'll stay in my heart
You must have known that I was lonely
Because you came to my rescue
And I know that this must be heaven
How could so much love be inside of you
Sunday, May 11, 2008
May 11 - Mommy Loves You Patrick
Dear Patrick,
Today I celebrated my first Mother's Day as being your mommy. When I first met daddy, I knew he was special. I instantly knew that I wanted to spend my life with him and raise a family. We love each other so much that it was only natural to extend our love and have a beautiful baby.
Growing up, I had the best example of motherhood right in front of my own eyes. Your Mia provided the best care a mother could give her children. She taught me unconditional love. She made it look so easy and I've admire her dedication towards her children. She has shown me how to be the best mother I could be. I hope that I can create a loving environment where our family stays close.
On the day I found out I was pregnant, my life changed. I cried when the nurse showed me your picture of the sonogram. You were beautiful. Then I saw pictures of your 3-D sonogram and I couldn't believe I could see my gorgeous baby boy. I loved being pregnant with you. I enjoyed every kick and hiccup and I loved going swimming with you. The very first time I held you was such an incredible moment. I loved smelling you and holding your "tiny" hands. You just sank into my chest and I felt the most incredible feeling my heart has ever felt.
Each day I get to watch you discover the world through your eyes which is so innocent and pure. My heart melts each time you give me hug or a kiss or a big huge smile. You have been such a delight and bring so much joy to my life. I love you Patrick Andrew! Thank you for being such a wonderful son.
Hugs & Kisses,
Momma
Thursday, May 1, 2008
May 1
I was sent an email to pray for Baby Chase who is only 6 months old. He was born with only one bone on the top of his skull instead of two and he was having surgery. While I was reading the email, tears rolled down my face. I wiped away the tears and just sobbed for this little boy that I didn't know. Then I went over to pick up Patrick Andrew and held him tight. Chase is only two months younger than my sweet boy. I just couldn't get this baby out of my mind. So, of course, I kept him in my prayers, but I had this need to do something for his family.
I received emails about the surgery and even had pictures of the days that followed his surgery. This little boy is adorable. I can't imagine how parents handle their baby having surgery. So, I continued to think about this family until finally, I decided that I would make them dinner. That's the least I could do. Baby Chase's mother didn't have to worry about what to make for dinner for one night. I asked Mia to help me and we made a delicious Italian dinner along with some yummy chocolate chip cookies.
When I went to deliver the food, I met Chase's father Matt. He shared several pictures with me after the surgery and told me about his progress each day. He said that he was sitting up again and even showing signs of crawling. I still get email updates of this sweet little boy. This family has made a significant difference in my life; especially being a new mother and knowing what really matters in life. So, before you go to bed tonight, think about Chase and say a little prayer that he continues to grow strong.
Sunday, April 13, 2008
April 13
Patrick is getting better. Last week was a long week for us. It's been real scary to know that my sister is getting married on Saturday and I'm still trying to help my son get better. He went to the doctor twice because I was concerned with weight loss, but to my surprise, he didn't lose as much weight as everyone thought. I guess that is good news. The doctor said I'm doing a great job at helping him get better. So, we'll see how this week goes.
On a side note, I'm worried about my sister. She got sick too, but her symptoms keep lingering. The groom even caught the bug too. But, the bride can't get sick. Perhaps, she has the jitters. I guess it's time to bring out the rosaries.
Sunday, April 6, 2008
April 6
Patrick is still sick. How much can a little baby throw up? Nothing is staying down. He's thrown up all over me, but I don't care. I can always clean up, but my little boy feels sick. I keep wondering, "Will he ever get better"? I didn't know motherhood would feel like this when your child is sick. The wonderful moments are fabulous, but the feeling that I'm having with seeing my son in so much pain makes my heart ache. I'm sobbing at night, praying to God that he will protect my child. I even asked my father and grandmother to protect Patrick. It just seems like he isn't getting better. He's losing weight, I can see it in his diapers. Please give me the strength to hold it together. My son needs me.
Saturday, April 5, 2008
April 5
This was the scariest night since I had Patrick. Greg and I were woken to this frightful cry coming from our son's nursery. Greg entered first and screamed for me to come help him. Patrick was drenched in vomit...all over his head. I was scared. What happened to my baby? The cry was like a sound I've never heard before nor do I want to hear again. He was hurting and I didn't know why. I scooped up Patrick in my arms and ran to get Mia. What do I do? We took off all his clothes and gave him a bath at 1:30 a.m. My baby boy wasn't himself. After contemplating what to do next, we called the pediatrician. I hated to wake someone up so early in the morning, but I needed their help. My child was sick and I didn't know what to do. I love the pediatrician group. She not only talked to Greg, but she talked to me too, repeating the information that she had already given Greg, just to comfort a first time mom's fears. She gave us a care treatment plan which included monitoring his temperature and giving him Pedialyte. So Greg went to get some of that yucky salty drink to give to our child. Patrick continued to throw up anything we would give him. I decided to pull an allnighter to care for Patrick. At 3:30 a.m., I sent Greg back to sleep. Someone needed to get some sleep because it was going to be a long night. Mia went to bed at 5 a.m. and I stayed awake, rocking Patrick in my arms...all night. Around 8 a.m., Mia relieved me and I went to get a couple of hours of sleep. Greg called his parents and we discovered that his mother was sick too. Same symptoms.
This day would be one of the longest days for us. On top of throwing up, Patrick has diarrhea. So our day consisted of being thrown up on and then clean up a runny diaper. Patrick's demeanor was gone. No laughter, no smiles, just a whiny little boy trying to figure out what was happening to his little body. As a mother, all I could do was comfort my little boy by holding him, and just reassuring how much he was loved. Mommy loves you Patrick.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
March 11
Having a baby and trying to pamper yourself is difficult. Okay, so I don't get the massages, manicures or pedicures very often. But I must control my crazy hair. I always schedule my appointment with Mia. It's like a mother-daughter thing, where we both relax. But now, with Patrick....it's not so relaxing. It's getting harder and harder to settle down Patrick in the salon. Next time, Daddy will need to take care of Patrick. My sweet boy wanted attention all the time. Last time, he came with us and he did super. I guess he is getting older and wants to explore more. This appointment wasn't relaxing, so I'm a little disappointed.
After my little pity party, I turned back into "SuperMom" and played with my son all afternoon. He didn't want to take a nap for mommy. Daddy picks him up and *poof*, Patrick falls right to sleep.
Monday, February 11, 2008
February 11
Laughing. Giggling. Playing. That's how Patrick woke up. He's such a happy baby and most mornings this is how he's waking up. Then I hear the sounds of him sucking his fingers. They must taste great because all I hear is smack, smack, yum, yum. When I make eye contact with him, he gives me the biggest smile, followed by a raspberry.
As the days go by, my love for my son grows deeper. I love being his mother. I didn't know it would be like this. I knew that I would have a special bond with my child, but every day my baby surprises me. I tear up just thinking about him and how fortunate I feel to have such a loving child. He's the best!
Mamma's little sidekick is connected at my hip. I don't know when it happened, but it did. He can hear me from another room and he turns his head to find me. Once I pick him up, he pats my face and pulls my head closer to him, then he tires to eat me and ends up slobbering on my face. I just let him have fun and hold him tight and give him kisses. He let's me smoother him with love all over his head, and cheeks, and neck.
Patrick and I have really developed our routine. No longer do I have days where I don't shower until the late afternoon and pray that Greg doesn't come home early to see me in my nightgown. We have it down. Rise and shine after Greg gets up, off to feed him cereal, pump in the morning and then grab a quick bite to eat while he plays with his toys. Then I shower. I'm amazed at how fast the day goes by and then the next thing I know, Greg is opening the door to come home from work. Wow. Feedings, diaper changes, and playing nonstop makes the days go by quickly. Maybe a few naps for the Big Boy.
