4 months!

4 months...

I can't believe Norah turned 4 months this past week. It has flown by.....for the most part. Somedays I can't believe we actually have a daughter, and other days I don't even remember my life without her.

the dairy and soy diaries..

I am still dairy and soy free as of now. Somedays are easy, some aren't. But when you see her cute little smile and see how much better she is doing, it makes it all worth it. Some things I'm really loving to eat these days: Rudi's Organic Cinnamon Raisin bread with all natural almond butter, pasta with olive oil and roasted red onions/grape tomatoes/zucchini, chipotle, chocolate coconut milk ice cream, apple cider, homemade chicken noodle soup. See, it's not that bad!!!

sleep...

After saying I was totally committed to the new sleep book (good night, sleep tight), I decided to read one more book. I primarily did this because I didn't want to start the "sleep coaching" yet anyways because of our upcoming trip to Denver, (I didn't want to suffer through some crying nights only to undo to the progress!) So, I decided in the mean time, I might as well read another book that a friend of mine suggested and was reading, "The No Cry Sleep Solution". I really like a lot of this book, it has some really good points, suggestions, and gentle methods. I do however think I learned the most from the other book. All in all, I feel so much more educated in regards to baby sleep, and sleep in general for that matter. I do feel like I truly failed to prepare for Norah's arrival in a lot of ways. Don't get me wrong, her room looked fabulous, her closet was organized and adorable, my heart was ready and eager, and my arms were ready to hold her. However, I just didn't do much "research" into how to actually live with her and raise her. I've since read a ton, but I do wish I would've read earlier. I think it would have brought me some clarity and peace earlier and also would've started off a bit easier. But oh well, there is no going back - I guess I will just feel a bit more prepared for the next baby. Wow did I actually say that, it must have been a good week in order for me to actually be considering another child someday (not anytime soon, someday though.)

So, to make a long section longer, I've made some progress amidst the indecisiveness.

• Norah is sleeping in her own room in her crib, and I'm sleeping in mine...my room not my crib. I'm occasionally sleeping for a bit on the floor in her room if I think she isn't totally asleep because honestly it's more of a pain to run all way across the house than to simply stand up.
• I'm no longer putting her in bed with me, as much as I really want to and love that feeling, because I don't want to confuse her by doing this sometimes but not always. So, these two steps are huge progress to me, because they were the 2 hardest on my heart. I do think in the long run, her in her own room will be best for us all because we won't all wake each other up. I did find Bailey sleeping on the floor in her room a couple of nights ago, so cute, I think she was protecting and watching out for her.....or maybe just hoping Norah would spit up on the floor so Bailey could lick it up. ha ha.
• And, Norah is still sleeping right now (and it's nearly 8am!) She did wake up at 1:30 to nurse, and again at 5:30, but I got her back down and now I'm enjoying some coffee, I read my devotional, and now I'm updating you all!

pictures....

Here are a few recent pictures. However, you should all know you will get to see some super cute pics coming soon. My friend Megan (who took all of my "maternity pics") took some pics at the park this week, a beautiful 70 degree day in November! So as soon as I get those back I will post them ( I haven't seen them yet, but knowing Meg, I'm sure they will be great!) Sorry these are a bit blurry, they are from my phone. I seem to get so many pics on my phone because I always have it...