5 Reasons Why...

I'm already a terrible parent:

1) I caved and have introduced the pacifier to Norah (when I've clearly stated before I would never do such a thing).

2) During the night, I've let Norah give a few extra whines in hopes that she'll go back to sleep instead of nurse. (This has never worked, but I've still tried it more than once). And the MOST horrible confession - at the most frustrating moments I've even secretly hoped my breast milk would dry up so I would be forced to quit breastfeeding. But, I'm thankful I have an abundance and realize the benefits to breastfeeding..."this too shall pass".

3) I look forward to my nightly showers - the few minutes of alone time where I can just relax and unwind.

4) I'm excited to step away from being a stay-at-home mom and go back to work.

5) I've thought to myself more than once, "So when do Marshall and I get to take a vacation?"

Okay, so really I'm not a terrible parent. I'm just a new (typical) parent adjusting to a new lifestyle. Did I mention breastfeeding is hard? I do think though, realizing the areas of life I need to improve on...makes me somewhat of a decent parent. I have the desire to be a good mom, I just need a little bit of time (and a few breakdowns) to figure out what striving to be a good parent looks like...even if it is a lifelong process.

Hubby, what would I do without you?!

Norah gives a few "coos" to all her Grandparents. She's been told just how loved she is!

Love to all.
SLK

Work - Part 2

I'm extremely thankful Marshall was hired at Market Basket for the summer. I think he'll end up enjoying the mindless job, and I know we will both enjoy the extra cash.

And me? I got a job, too! I was hired today for a new Target store opening up in a town about 20 minutes away (Greenland, NH). I filled out an online application while my mom was here, not expecting to be contacted so soon, let alone hired. But nonetheless, I'm excited. My official title is Guest Service Attendant which basically means I'm there to keep customers (known as "guests") happy. I have an orientation on June 9th where I believe I'll get a better idea of what exactly I'll be doing. The HR woman was very honest with me and said with this position and my degree, I have the potential to move up within the company. I've been interested in management for a while - so we'll see what happens. With both Marshall and I working, some planning and finagling is going to have to happen...but I know we'll figure it out.

Just wanted to share.
Love to you all.
SLK

Summer Work

Today was my first day at my summer job. I'm stocking shelves at a grocery store. I'm getting paid by the hour, working the same type of job that I worked in high school, and it's awesome. I'd forgotten how tiring standing on your feet for eight hours can be, though, so I'm sort of exhausted tonight.

Anyway, just thought you'd like to know that I'm probably the seacoast's most overqualified stock-boy. Hooray.

Stay Gold!

MMK

Birth Day!

How quickly time has passed. Three weeks ago MK and I welcomed Norah Ruth into the world. In just three weeks our little baby has developed tremendously! Norah looks and acts less like a wrinkly (generic) newborn and is becoming more of her own person.

Norah's body is longer, her legs are a bit more chunky (so cute...and quite similar in shape to her daddy's), and her face is longer/fuller. Norah is also awake for longer periods of time and more alert - maintaining eye contact. She has started to hold on to things (fingers, shirts, and even my hair!). She is great at holding her head up and throwing it around, and I'm convinced Norah is starting to discover she has a voice, making more of an "ahhh" sound at times instead of just crying (thank goodness).

I think Marshall and I are starting to pick up a bit on her personality, too. For the most part, Norah is an amazing baby in the sense that she is fairly content or can be quickly calmed when she is upset. She sleeps 2 to 3 hours at a time through the night, waking up to feed, and then falling back asleep. We are figuring out her cries and the type of calming techniques Norah finds soothing. Norah likes her food (maybe I should use the term loves?), hates the pacifier, enjoys being held, and for some odd reason...she is fascinated with her changing pad. HA!

We are falling in love with Norah more and more as each day passes. Hopefully she feels the same! :o) We love watching her grow and discover new things - and I know MK and I are both anxiously awaiting the day Norah can smile...and mean it!

Below is a classic pose we caught Norah in tonight:



I also need to mention how much I love my husband. MK has been such a phenomenal husband and dad already. In just three weeks he has become the Diaper Changer Extraordinaire and has really learned how to meet my needs as a new mom. I can't even begin to imagine taking care of a newborn as a single mom...whew. I realize how blessed I am to have a loving husband who is dedicated to his family. Thank you, hubby, for all you have done and are doing. I love you more now than I ever have before. Let's continue to date each other, deal?! *winks*

Love and miss you all.
SLK

Three New Pictures

Post-bath layabout:




Sneaky peek-a-boo: