Baby Wearing

 

The Moby Wrap... enough said.

Way to expensive for this frugal mama. But a handmedown from a family friend? Yes please.

Oh the things that can be accomplished without sacrificing the snuggle time with my girl. January 10th is approaching WAY TO FAST. Today's "Moby Adventure" drying my hair and vacuuming. My area rug says thank you Moby :)

A view from the top

Look at this balding beauty.. her baby hair is falling out. Will it turn blonde? Her daddy thinks so.

Who doesn't love a snuggly baby with the cutest fingers, 

wrapped in tight, 

laying against your heart?

Bless the Lord Oh My Soul! God is so good.

Six Weeks Old

 Brynn Marie you are...

December 27th, 2012

On your way out to shop the sales with Mommy.

I told Brynn that all I wanted for Christmas from her was an INTENTIONAL smile. She was a bit late, but today after her morning feeding we were having some "girl talk" and she looked at me with her baby blues and gave her mama the sweetest smile. So much joy radiating from her eyes. I felt it, I felt it deep in my heart. I love her with every part of my being. I have never felt so much love. 

When tears filled my eyes as I doted on my daughter and what she just did I couldn't help but think that this is the love that our Savior has for us. What an amazing love. At only six weeks old I know there is nothing that could take away my love for this girl, and that's how Jesus feels about us. There is something so heavenly about being a parent. I have never felt so close to God. I feel so blessed to be able to experience this love.

Here's our week in Iphone pictures: (Sorry for some repeats)

Daddy went hunting again the night before Christmas Eve. He met us over at Memaw's house to celebrate with the family. Little girl missed her daddy! She couldn't get enough of his love. Me neither little girl, me neither. 

Christmas Day brought Brynn's first snow day! I am so excited that her first Christmas was so special. A white Christmas?!? This is only the second one in my twenty some years of living in Texas. It was beautiful!

One of the best parts of my day is reading a nightly bible story from Brynn's story bible and saying her prayers. For whatever reason I have been doing this at her feeding in the middle of the night, which is usually 2 or 3 am. Silly I know. Mr H took over the nightly feeding while trying to get back on his midnight schedule. I was spying again on our amazing video monitor and got to hear every word. So sweet to hear his prayer for our girl. 

Do you like Brynn's gift from Santa? She doesn't... haha! She doesn't know what to think about it yet. She has mastered the face plant. Today she did hold her head up for a bit on it during tummy time. She is a strong, strong girl! Kicking her legs and constantly moving her arms.

Another one of Miss Brynn's talents? Somehow when trying to capture each moment the middle finger finds its way into the frame. I sent this one to my mom and she called her out. I've been trying to tell that little digit to be more lady like :) 

Snow still on the ground and freezing temperatures have led to many snuggle sessions and that's okay with this mama. School is quickly approaching and I am cherishing each moment with my girl!

Christmas may be over but we are still rockin' the reindeer hat from Aunt May May. I have decided the last few days of December allows this.We bundled up today, braved the cold and headed out to a few shops for the sales. Don't you love her jacket? A resale find. I think we may need to head out again tomorrow for some bargains. I LOVE shopping with my girl! She does so good. 

Love, Brynn Marie 

Photo by: Madie Marie

Brynn's First Christmas

This Holiday Season has been a blessing for so many reasons, the biggest of all, Miss Brynn Marie. Coming in a close second is having daddy off from work. Since we've been married Mr. H has had to work the midnight shift which means sleeping alone and waiting for him to wake up in the morning before the celebration begins. But not this year! Daddy got to celebrate big time and has been sleeping like us "normal people." 

Christmas Eve is spent with Daddy's side. I feel so blessed to have married into this loving family. I feel like a born Hruskocy with all the love they have shown me for the past 3 years. And the love they already have for Brynn?!? There are no words. 10 adults and 7 (almost 8) kids is one home, the room was filled with love.

Daddy and Brynn

 Memaw and her 7 Grandbabies.

She did so well the entire day 2-9pm, but lost it at the end. This will teach us to wait until the end of the night for the family picture taking :)

Love, love, love my family of 3

Precious Christmas Baby

Christmas Morning 2012

Brynn's First Christmas and First Snow Storm

Beautiful (Memaw said they were Angel Kisses sent down from heaven from Brynn's Grandpa )

I stole a few moments for myself this Christmas... not on purpose. I forgot my cell phone at home :( On the drive I found myself overwhelmed with Thankfulness and eyes full of tears. The Lord has been so good to me this year. Two loving families, a growing one of my own, a overall healthy pregnancy and an amazing perfect daughter. Yes, God has blessed my family of 3. When I think about the blessing He has bestowed on me I fall speechless. This Christmas has been the best yet.

Christmas Day is spent with the Farrell side. Where the H Christmas is a full house the Farrell Christmas is a quiet house of 5. While very different each day is so special.

After a quiet morning from Miss Priss Daddy had the touch today when it came to a fussy baby in the afternoon, Mommy did not...

Christmas Morning... so much love

Even Kali got to come..

She still is a bit unsure about her sister... she looks thrilled right?

After a fun filled 2 days, this girl is tired (her mama too). We are looking forward to a relaxing next few days. With the cold weather I see lots of snuggling in our future. Daddy goes back to work on the 27th so we will be smuthering him with lots and lots of love.

Merry Christmas to all and to all a goodnight!

5 Weeks

 December 20th, 2012

10 1/2 lbs :) You healthy girl you...

I have been taking so many pictures with my phone (I mean alot) so I decided to post one per day to document our weeks.

Left to Right & Top to Bottom

Daddy and I took you to Bass Pro shop to see Santa. You were asleep the entire time and could have cared less. Santa did not do a good job of straightening out your Christmas dress and the picture is awful. Daddy says it's just for documentation. 

Meeting your Uncle Nick for the first time! He is in town for the holidays from Los Angeles and came to visit as soon as he got home, at 1:00am! He adores his nieces and nephews and is a great uncle. 

Running errands with Mom. Headed to Buy Buy Baby for a return :) Sporting your adorable reindeer hat from Aunt May May.

Look at this girl! She is a crazy sleeper...We put her in her crib laying the same way as the crib and this is what we wake up to find, she's completely sideways and SWADDLED! What a mover. Needless to say, we took off the bumpers as cute as they are.

Playing with mommy! :) We love tummy time.

Getting in the holiday sprit. Not too thrilled about your antlers. Daddy was hunting so we had to send him some encouraging pictures to say good luck and come back with a deer :) 

Finishing up some last minute shopping with Mommy! You could barely contain your excitement!______________________________________________

Christmas Eve is tomorrow! We are getting excited. 

1 Month

Brynn Marie, 

Today you are 1 month old! You have brought so much joy into our lives in the past 30 days, it is hard to imagine loving you anymore than we already do. We have prayed for you for so long and we continue to pray for you everyday. You are changing each day, I feel like I blink and you have grown. I am soaking in each look, each snuggle, and even every cry... cherishing it all! You are such a sweet girl. 

Love, Mommy

Sweet Angel, We love you!

Love this girl :)

  Be

 Still

 My Heart...

These past four weeks with our sweet Brynn have been the best days of my life. Each snuggle, each moment with this girl melts my heart a little more. The best part of each day is seeing how my sweet husband is with her. I have never felt more for someone. I am so in love with this man. He is the best daddy to our girl! She has no idea what is in store for her. Dating... ha! It's a no go. She already has him wrapped around her little fingers.

Sometimes we will just be sitting around and I will catch him just staring at her smiling, or just inspecting her tiny fingers or toes and laughing. Oh I love these moments. 

Brynn, Your daddy loves you so much! I cannot wait to see the bond you two will have. It is so strong already. He is going to teach you so many things. Ten manly things for each girly thing you know, in daddy's words. We love, love, love you.

(There's a video that goes with this picture, but it was sworn to secrecy...maybe later) 

Love y'all

Happy Friday Y'all! We are living up this day with early morning snuggles. 

Snuggling from 7 am feeding until 10 to be exact.

 I can't get enough.

She's perfect. (We may be a bit biased)

Don't get me wrong.. there are PLENTY of moments like these. But Oh Lordie, are they worthit. 

Have a great weekend! :)

Speechless

It's hard to believe that 3 short weeks ago I was lugging around this big belly. 30 lbs to be exact  and almost 8 lbs of baby.

This is me on my last day of school/work.. I was hot mess!

Neurotic to say the least.

Me and this Daddy went on one last date night, just the two of us and talked about what we thought our girl would look like. Blonde or brown hair? Brown eyes or green? It was a special night, one I will never forget. Then we tried to get some sleep.

Then on Thursday November 15th at 7:30 in the morning we walked in the hospital, took the last belly pictures (yes a bare belly shot because my girl @ SprinklesandWrinkles said I would regret not) and got ready to meet our baby girl.

Later I will find the time to write and record Brynn's birth story because God's presence was so strong and His power calmed my nerves when labor grew tense but for now...

I am left speechless. I can't find the words to describe the power of what I am feeling. There are no words that can express the immense love I have for my daughter. 

November 15th

Happy Birthday Brynn Marie

Meeting her Daddy

Hello World!

 Pure Bliss.

 Daddy duty. Melt my heart!

 So fresh.

Headed home.

Until I can try to find the words, we are enjoying our squishy baby. Loving each and every moment as a family of 3. I am soaking every moment, trying to freeze this time because I know it will fly by. 

Love.

If you can't get enough (I can't) follow me on Instagram

mrsrusko

 I think I will be blogging a bit more often... 

Loving life!

The Ultimate Girls Day

I was reminded yesterday of all the amazing women I have surrounding me. Girlie errands, text messages, phone calls, and lots of sweet hugs were just what this mama needed to calm her nerves about the upcoming week. God has placed so many amazing, Godly women in my life. My heart is overwhelmed by how blessed our family truly is. I am so proud that Brynn will be able to call these women Nana, Auntie, "Aunts," friends...

After our new "due date" my mom and sister said to get ready, Saturday was going to be our last Girls Day B.B! Before Brynn. The day was jam packed with lots of fun to dos.

8:30- Breakfast with Mom, or Nana, at Swirl Bakery!

(Dominated some delicious sugar biscuits)

9:30- Planned meeting with potential Cleaning Lady- no show. My mom is giving us the ultimate pre delivery present... a deep down cleaning of the house with a maid service! Holy cow! This mama squealed with delight from the news.

10:00- Pedicures a la Nana! Splurged with a manicure as well! Pretty in Pink for our Baby Girl.

Mr. H and I were scheduled for our nephews birthday party at noon but my sweet sister in law gave us the go ahead to stay home due to all the little germies crawling on every crevice at Chuck E Cheese. Mr H got to sleep in, much needed to him and it allowed the girls day to commence.

11:30- Lunch with Grandpa A, my dad and a co worker at Baris

12:00- Girly errands gallore! Kohl's, Babies R Us, Target and Jo Ann's... Oh My!

This was at Target. My feet were aching and the contractions were screaming. I was sure this baby was going to drop out of me with each step. Soooo worth it for the loot that we came home with.

 Brynn doesn't know how blessed she is. Between a few leftover giftcards from showers, and the kindness of Nana and Auntie M we came home with enough baby clothes for this mama to do one more load of laundry! Bring on the Dreft... We are stocked with Baby's First Thanksgiving onesies since she will be making a pre turkey day debut.

I decided to go home and rest. Mr H demanded a nap on the couch while our Fighting Texas Aggies laid the SMACK DOWN on Alabama. Whoooop! I obliged.. the couch never felt so good.

The day wasn't over. In High School I was blessed enough to meet some of the best girls who are still some of the closest friends. They invited me to join their Accountability Group with Mrs. Holly, one of the most kind hearted, Godly, women I know. After a last minute Facebook message all 6 of us met up for pizza and good conversation. I love these women!

(Yikes, a whole day on your feet will swell a mama good!)



Like I said, I am so blessed! This was the best (most exhausting) day but it was just what I needed to remind me of the blessing He has bestowed on my life.

37 1/2 Weeks

How far along? 37 1/2 Weeks

Maternity clothes? Maternity...lots of leggings and Mr. Hs tshirts. I realized that due to Texas' abnormally warm weather I did not have to buy too many maternity clothes, I could live in my maxi dresses and skirts. That made this frugal cheap mama VERY happy!

Sleep: It just depends on the night now. Earlier this week I was sleeping through the night but the past few nights I have been waking up around 3:30 in the morning to pee and then dozing off and on until the alarm sounds. This heavy belly is weighing me down as a turn from side to side.

Miss Anything?  A heartburn free day. It seems to have gotten worse as the days pass. I also miss the ability to bend down to pick things up, shave my legs, tie my shoes, zip my boots... the list goes on and on. I just keep telling myself... A few more days.

Movement: This girl is ready to stretch out! She is so low now that when she stretches out her arms she is literally punching me in my hip. It's caught me off guard a few times. I have been able to see her move and shift from side to side when I finally sit still, I can't wait to see her stretch her sweet arms when she's out.

Food cravings: Still lots of water! It doesn't make the bathroom situation any easier. I am constantly running. That's what I am excited for is a normal bladder :) I haven't had too much of an appetite but I am loving me some Mexican food. Tacos! Or anything spicy.

Anything making you queasy or sick: Any foul smell. I have actually thrown up 2 times this past week from a stench. An empty stomach will also send my gag reflex over the edge as well. So a bowl of cereal is the first thing on the agenda when the alarm goes off.

Gender:  My sweet girl.
Labor Signs: Things are definitely moving along. She has dropped and as of Wednesday afternoon I was dilated to a 2 1/2. I am feeling a lot of pressure and the contractions have gotten a lot stronger as the days have passed. As my stomach tightens I can see her ball up on one side of my stomach. I have tried to rest as much as possible this weekend to prepare for the upcoming week. Mr. H has encourage the daily naps which I am so grateful for.

Symptoms:I feel like this girl is going to drop out of my bottom. She's so low. (Sorry for the graphic) This is the reason I have perfected the waddle. I have been quite uncomfortable. Hard to stand for too long, but sitting is just as bad. I have felt my body slow WAY down! When I am at school I think I have an adrenaline high and something else to focus on, so I am on my game but when I get home... game over. Jammies, couch and rest it is! :)

Belly Button in or out? Still staying in.
Wedding rings on or off? On, so glad about this.

Best moment this week: My last girls day, with my mom and sister and then dinner with my old Accountability Group from High School. And completely unrelated to pregnancy... the leaves are starting to change. Fall has arrived in Texas!

Looking forward to: Meeting Brynn Marie! :) The doctor said if I don't deliver on my own before Wednesday (which is completely possible) that at my last appointment this Wednesday I will probably be dilated enough where they will send me home to get ready and then admit me the following morning, Thursday the 15th. I am estatic! This means we will be holding our sweet girl in 4 days and that our Doctor will be in town to deliver her. Answered prayers.

Happy or Moody most of the time: This past week was pure happiness! After our news at the appointment I left with a huge smile on my face. Working a nine hour day, on my feet, has taken its toll and made these past few weeks quite difficult. I am ready to be on maternity leave and snuggle in my jammies with my family of four. Can't forget about Sweet Kali! I can't wait to have no responsibilities (well atleast with teaching) for a while. Lots of hugs and snuggles.

These last few days are precious to me. I am trying to tie up the last to do's before Brynn that means one last load of baby laundry, giving the house one more tidy up, putting away laundry and then working on some sub notes.

 

 

This sweet man.... I cannot wait for him to be a daddy! Hopefully he doesn't scare our girl with his No Shave November Mustache. I would be lying if I said I haven't threatened a midnight chop job on his upper lip! Anyways, he is going to be the sweetest, most loving, supportive daddy to Brynn! He gives the best bear hugs and I cannot wait to see the bond that he will share with our daughter. Brynn doesn't know how lucky she is.

 

It's the final countdown! :) The next weekly picture will be the last picture as we are headed out the door to the hospital. Wahoooooooo!

Holy Moly! 

The latest news is a DOOZY! This baby is coming, and coming soon. 

We had our appointment last Wednesday; it was great. My doctor checked my progress and I was dilated to a 1 1/2. And we got to see our Sweet Girl on a sonogram for the first time since we were released from the specialist. She was so much bigger! There is not a lot of wiggle room left which explains why the somersaults and twists have turned into shifting and jabs. Our girl was measuring at 6 lbs and 15 ozs already! What a chunk... I blame this girl's father! My mom told me that Brynn was already weighing more than me when I was born and this was at 36 1/2 weeks. My doctor reassured me that I would probably carry until 39 weeks. Which meant this baby would probably be 8+ pounds. This made my lady parts tremble a bit...

At this appointment my doctor also told me that the week of Thanksgiving she would be out of town... a little something failed to mention until now. Yes, this would be the week before our due date and if she came at 39 weeks, she would be out of town. Don't freak out, don't freak out. After the initial disappointment I would not let myself be mad or emotional, because this was completely out of my control. I just said a prayer, because our God knows what and who this delivery needs.

We are down to our weekly appointments now so this afternoon I had another appointment. These past two days I have been very crampy in the nethers and feeling a lot of pressure, so I was eager to see how things were moving along. Well moving along they are... My doctor checked me and I am currently dilated to 2 1/2 cm. We are definitely moving faster than last week's progress. This is how the conversation went...

Dr: "When am I seeing you again?"
Me: "Next Thursday."
Dr: "Can I see you on Wednesday?"
Me: "Yes!!!"
Dr: "Because here's how I see it. If you have not delivered by next week when I see you...."

(WHAT?!?!?!? I had to pick my jaw up off the floor)

      "I will see you again next Wednesday and you will probably be far enough along where we    

       will be able to admit you the following morning!"

Yes... now you can cue the freak out! One week or less? We will be meeting our daughter! So stinkin' excited. We will have all of our questions answered. What color hair will she have? Who will she look like more? Will she have her daddy's big brown eyes? 

Good thing I started working on my "Before Brynn" to do list last week. The car seat is in, my hospital bag and the diaper bag is packed. Now it's just the house stuff that we are working on. 

So until next time... we are just playing the waiting game. 

We cannot wait to meet you Brynn Marie! :)

 

36 Weeks

 (Yikes... the camera died after this picture so it was a one and done shot... not my favorite)

 

How far along? 36, almost 37 in this pic. Just behind on the posts :)

Maternity clothes? Maternity...lots of leggings and Mr. Hs tshirts. Hoping this cooler weather will stick around. It makes recess duty bearable.
Sleep: I am back to sleeping through the night. Thank the Lord! I have been VERY lucky. I truly believe that after a full day of Kindergarten this is the only way I am able to make it through the night. This heavy belly is definitely weighing me down as I sleep on my side.

Miss Anything?  Moving at full speed. Doing anything really at fully speed. I told Mr. H I think I have perfected the waddle. The side to side waddle increases as the day progresses and my pace slows down.
Movement: Oh yeah! Mr. H is convinced that she is going to punch her way out of my stomach. He gets a kick out of watching her kick and punch creating lots of quick bumps. She is most active in the evenings.

Food cravings: Still lots of water! And still loving the La Crouix soda water... I tried a new flavor! ORANGE! It tastes like Sunkist but with no sugary syrup. Glorious. I indulged in a Friday morning treat at Shelly's Donuts to celebrate the end of the week! The sausage rolls reminded me of College Station because this is where I first had Shelley's. Memories.

Anything making you queasy or sick: This week the blood pooling subsided but my gag reflex is back. Brushing my teeth on an empty stomach has proved to be VERY difficult.

Gender:  My sweet girl.
Labor Signs: Braxton Hicks contractions throughout the day. They are getting stronger and stronger, sometimes taking my breath away. No true contractions. We are down to weekly appointments now and Thursday I was dilated to a 1 1/2 cm. Progressing but very slowlyyyyyy. I think we are ALMOST ready to get this show on the road. 
Symptoms:I feel like this girl is going to drop out of my bottom. She's so low. (Sorry for the graphic) This is the reason I have perfected the waddle. I have been quite uncomfortable. Hard to stand for too long, but sitting is just as bad.

Belly Button in or out? Still staying in.
Wedding rings on or off? On, so glad about this.

Best moment this week: We had our 36 week sonogram! (More to come) My officer put in the carseat this week! This mama vacuumed out the car to remove any crummies and later that night we are ready. So now she could truly come anyday and we would be able to bring her home. It has been so crazy driving around this weekend and seeing a carseat in the rear view mirror. I can't wait to look back and see her sweet cheeks.

Looking forward to: This Thursday we have our 36 week sonogram! Since we were released from seeing the specialist I have missed seeing our girl dance around on the screen, so I cannot wait to see how much she has changed. After measuring big at 32 weeks my doctor told me if she was big and I was "growing a toddler" we would talk about inducing. I would love for this all to happen naturally but along with the that news we found out that she is sunny side up, facing out. This does not call for a c section (praises) but it would cause back labor, which I have only heard nighmares about. This position explains the pains in my lower back already. 
After the sonogram, I have my regular check up which will now turn into weekly check ups and then my breastfeeding class. Mr. H gets a pass for this one :) 
Happy or Moody most of the time: Ups and downs. I have been feeling a lot of anxiety this past week. Most of it has to do with getting prepared for my long term sub and parent teacher conferences. School is wearing on me. I almost want her to come tomorrow to alleviate this madness. But when I am at home, I have been relaxing and getting ready for Brynn. 

I have 3, maybe 4 lists in my Iphone having to do with pregnancy and delivery. 1. Before Brynn; things to do around the house. 2. Hospital Bag; what to pack for mama. 3. Diaper Bag; all the sweet cuddlies for our girl. and 4. A little something special for Daddy.

Daddy likes to snap candid pictures to be... Funny? Well he caught me in the middle of a braxton hicks contraction and our Sweet Kali was right there through it. She is never far away from me now. I think she knows something is coming. Kali is going to be the best Big Sister!