Road trip

Well we survived! There was a moment during the trip that I thought maybe we would not...but my wonderful husband and mother got me and Charlotte thru! It is true that it is probably easiest to travel when your children are infants however, I would like to point out that it is by no means easy. It is just easier then when they are toddlers! Overall, it was a positive experience, one I would do again if I was given the chance. The wedding was beautiful and Charlotte attended her first reception and did remarkably well. We got to see a lot of our friends all together which only happens now a couple times a year. If anyone is hosting a wedding in Cincinnati I would totally recommend the Garfield Suites Hotel. It is located in the heart of the city and the rooms are great. We had a suite with a kitchen, main room with couch and nice TV, little eating area, decent bathroom and 2 bedrooms. It was perfect! After the wedding we made the 4 hour drive to Madisonville, KY to visit with the Robinson side of my family. I had not been there in quite a while so the adjustment of seeing someone you love in declining health was a lot for me to absorb. I would not change the experience because Charlotte got to meet her Great Grandparents and Great Aunt/Uncle but it was challenging to say the least. Whenever I return home from a trip to Madisonville I am reminded how lucky I am to have the family I have and the relationship with that family. 


"The love of a family is life's greatest blessings"...this quote says it all!

Firsts

I titled this post "Firsts" because once you have a baby there are a lot of "firsts" to experience. Today for example is the first time I was alone with the babe for 16 hours! Kevin had to unexpectedly work a double which means he left the house at 715am and will not get home till after 1030pm! That makes for a long day for both mommy and daddy! I am happy to report things have been going well for everyone involved! Tomorrow marks another first...our first road trip as a family. We hit the road for Cincinnati to attend our good friends Ryan and Kat's wedding. We are bringing my mom along for the ride for help:) And last but certainly not least we will end the weekend with an extended trip to Madisonville so Charlotte can meet her Great Granddaddy and Great Grandmother Robinson! I am so very excited for her to meet two of the most important people in my life. I myself cannot wait to see them and visit as well but it means the world to me that God has allowed this meeting to happen. I said a prayer today for all things to go as smoothly as they can go and for the weather to cooperate.

                                     I captured her smiling last night while she was sleeping!
                                     I wonder what she is thinking about...probably eating!

                                                                     Another smile

                                                                     Touchdown!

            Sleeping bundle of love...which is why I am able to be working on this post right now!

Perspective

Well today was officially the latest I have ever put all the Christmas decorations away! Today my mom came over and Miss Charlotte slept for 3 whole hours so we could successfully put everything away! Such a good girl we have for a daughter. Yesterday was a good day as Grandma Linda was down from Boardman for a visit so Charlotte got lots of loving, hugs and kisses from her grandma! Today also marks a momentous day in Charlotte's life...her first time in the Columbus Dispatch! While Kevin and I were at the North Market having lunch a reporter took our picture buying some popcorn from one of the booths. Today is National Popcorn Day ( a day I did not even know existed!) so on the front page of the Metro and State section the whole Phelan family is in color in all our glory! I am sure it is not the last time our daughter will be in the paper...she is a mover and a shaker already and she is only 3 weeks old!
Here is the link to the photo:)

http://www.dispatch.com/live/content/local_news/stories/2011/01/19/metro-wildart-b1-0119-art-gnlbb1il-1.html

                                                         The shirt pretty much says it all

Balance

I believe this might be the hardest thing to achieve as a new parent. The balance between what you think you are supposed to be doing and what you actually do. I know I drive myself crazy by thinking of all the things I "should" be doing and not just being happy with what I do achieve. Today I find joy in the little things. We took Charlotte to the weigh station today and ...drum roll.............she is up to 8 lbs 10 oz! On the drive there Kevin and I were guessing what it would be and of course he was right on. I guessed 8.4 and he guessed 8.8! I am just so happy all the hard work of getting the hang of breastfeeding is paying off. She is a growing happy baby! I read on a mother's blog pertaining to breastfeeding a very interesting comment. Someone had posted the question, "is it okay to not love breastfeeding all the time?". This woman's answer really hit home with me. She said of course it's okay and she further pointed out that we do things all the time we do not enjoy because they are the right thing to do. I am not saying that breastfeeding is right for everyone but I myself am so glad it is something my daughter and I can bond over and know I am giving her a gift each time she eats...even if that is every 2-3 hours during the day!! Hahaha!  

Our journey into parenthood...

Well, as I am sitting here on my couch setting up this blog, Asa is sleeping next to me, Charlotte is peacefully sleeping in her swing and the Australian Open is on TV. Life is good! The only thing that would make this scene better is if Kevin was here too! I guess someone has to work around here! Just kidding... my mom suggested I try this blog as a way to remember all the amazing things that happen with our new and improved family. So here goes....