Stella's 3rd Month

Christmas was over and we were headed towards New Year's. So, what are the parents of a two month old doing for the big night... sleeping! If I were up at midnight, it would be to feed Stella. We could have cared less because I was getting close to heading back to work and Steve heading back to Albuquerque, so time with Stella was precious. The week directly following was going to be a blur, but we were trying to prepare. We had Stella's trip to the doctor to get her first round of shots since birth, Steve and I were celebrating our six year anniversary, Steve's mom was coming into town to meet Stella, and the week was ending with Steve returning to Albuquerque and me to work. So, we were gearing up!

Looking oh so cute to visit the pediatrician!

First up, Stella's doctor appointment. To say the least, I was not looking forward to this appointment. In fact, I had scheduled it so that Steve would be there for support! Stella went through her initial check-up well, and we found out that she was now weighing ten pounds, six ounces! This was huge for two people who were still being told to watch Stella's weight. Then came the not so great part: shots. In the end, I will admit that Mom cried more than Stella. I'm sorry, but there is nothing worse than hearing your baby in pain. They look up at you with these big eyes saying, "Why is this happening?" It's the worst thing in the world! But, she was a champ and survived the big event.

Stella was only a few days beyond her two month birthday, but she was FINALLY fitting into 0-3 clothes!  It was amazing to me that this little girl was still so little.  But, the pediatrician appointment made us feel better about our little peanut.

The day after Stella's big trip to the doctor, Steve and I celebrated our six-year anniversary.  With the help of Stella's nonna and grandpa, we were able to have a few hours to ourselves.  We had reservations at Harrah's Steakhouse, and we had an incredible time!  I will admit, a lot of the conversation did revolve around our little miss, but it really was a picture perfect celebration of our years thus far as husband and wife.

Meeting Grandma!

The next day brought a rather big anniversary present- Stella's grandma, Lyn!  Lyn lives in Minnesota, so we were not sure when she would be able to get some vacation time to come and meet Stella.  Luckily for all of us, she was able to swing a few days right before I headed back to work and Steve headed back to Albuquerque.  It was her first time meeting Stella (outside of FaceTime :) so this was a pretty special trip!  In addition to this, Steve and I had not seen Lyn since the previous Thanksgiving, so we were very happy to see her.  The three of us always have a great time when we're together (actually, Lyn and I have a great time without Steve too!) so I was prepared to fully enjoy my time with her.

The little giraffe's 1st trip to Cali!

Lyn's trip was short, so we tried to pack as much in as we could.  The main thing that we wanted to do was take her to Tahoe/Truckee.  In addition to Lyn's first trip, it would also be Stella's, as we had not traveled outside of Reno with her yet.  We started in Old Town Truckee to do a bit of shopping.  Lyn and I found what we usually do- jewelry!  We both left Truckee with some lovely pieces and great memories.  Tahoe was more of a drive through than a stop, but it was a beautiful day with great company.

The day after brought the departure of both Lyn and Steve.  Vacation time was over and it was time to head back to work.  We weren't sure when Lyn would be able to return, so Stella gave her an extra big hug.  We were so lucky that she was able to come out and meet Stella, so although short, her visit was very special.  Steve would not be back for six weeks, which was the longest time he had spent away from Stella.  So, Saturday was not the happiest of days for baby and Mommy. 

In the midst of this, I also was heading back to work.  After a little over two months of maternity leave, my students were headed back from break, and so was I.  I was not looking forward to being away from Stella.  I had always thought I could never be a stay-at-home mom, but I was quickly changing my mind!  I loved all the time I had with Stella, especially now that she was developing her personality.  I was also scared that I would miss more "firsts."  I had a feeling that she would do more things that I wouldn't want to miss while I was at work.  The idea of leaving my beautiful little girl to go watch other people's children was something I was not looking forward to.  But, like it or not, I had to report to my classroom in the morning. 

Grandpa and Stella getting acquainted

The only thing that was making my return to work easier was the fact that I was extremely comfortable with Stella's childcare.  So, who would be watching Stella while I was at work?  Her grandparents!  That's right, I am very lucky to have had this offer from my parents.  My dad would be taking on the bulk of the work (as he's retired) but my mom would also be there many days.  This meant that I had a real peace of mind when I headed back on Monday. 




Monday went very well.  There were only a few tears when I got in my car, and Stella is asleep when I leave for work, so she didn't even notice.  Dad had been practicing a lot with Stella on his own, so we both felt confident about our first day trying this.  But, Mom did take off work in case he needed back-up.  Text messages and phone calls were exchanged so I could keep with on Stella, and my iPhone (did I mention I love that phone) filled with videos and pictures got me through the day.  At the end of the day, there really is nothing like coming home to your baby.  They are so happy to see you, give huge smiles, and I always end up home at nap time, so I get a big "koala" session right when I get home.

Who wouldn't love to see this face after a long day at work?

The first week went by fast, probably because I would bolt for the door every afternoon!  I was looking forward to spending all weekend doing my job as a Mom, well the one that I am not paid for :).  My first week back also ended on a three-day weekend, so I had extra day to soak up my little girl before heading back to work.  I think we all pretty much had out routine down within the first few days, and Stella did not even notice the change of Mom being gone for eight hours every day. 

The month ended with a huge sigh of relief.  A month that I had been dreading because of heading back to work was about to be over.  Stella was continuing to grow and progress, so much that we all could not believe that this little peanut was becoming a little girl.  She was all smiles and chatter as we ended January.  Here is Miss Stella at three months old:

January 28, 2012