Eliott DeAnne

The countdown has officially began… Mommy goes back to work in 11 days. This last 7 weeks have gone by way too fast. So fast, I feel like neither Eliott nor I am really prepared for the separation. She is very much a cuddle bug and is still pretty attached to me. So attached that any food source other than me is pretty unacceptable. Daddy and I have been fighting the bottle battle, and I cannot lie… we are losing!!! Miserably!!! Breastfeeding her has been such a great way for us to bond and has done wonders for her. But the time is dwindling now. I feel that my supply is not coming in as much as it used to and with work right around the corner I need to get her used to formula. I have tried to pump but I know that the demand isn’t enough to sustain her. On top of all of that, what I thought was reflux, is quickly becoming colic. We invested in gas drops which really helped at first. Now? NO! She cries with or without them . I am starting to really doubt if this little girl will ever let me go… 

On top of her hesitance, there is a HUGE chance that I will be going back to Scottsdale for awhile. It was a huge disappointment but I am really trying to think of all the positives that I can. Truth be told… the thought of leaving these girls KILLS me. I am ready to have a break though but I feel like she needs me a little more. She is so different than Riley. Riley was always very independent and thirsty to learn life. Eliott is my baby that wants to just be with us. I am afraid to leave her someone else. Not because I don’t think anyone else is capable but more because I am afraid she will develop that need for THEM. I miss my Dad, Mel and Grandma even more at times like these. They were such vital parts of Riley’s upbringing. I always liked the fact that they played such huge roles in her life. I always felt so much safer that when she wasn’t with me because she was with family. I know that whoever we chose to care for Eliott will become like family, but it is just not the same. If this kid would take a bottle I would feel better!!! LOL

Grandma Naomi comes tomorrow and we cannot wait for her to meet Eliott. She is the first grand baby and I can’t imagine how excited Naomi is to finally hold her. Logan and I have plans to have some “grown up” time with Nikki and Kyle on Saturday which leaves bonding time for Lily and Grandma… If the boss takes a bottle so we can go! I am really looking forward to it so I really hope we get to. If not, thats ok too. 

Oh well… hopefully today will be better than yesterday. I am lost as to what to do to help her let go… Maybe I need to let go first

It would only be fitting that Eliott’s first word is GO… and not just GO… but GO!GO!GO! She loves to GO anywhere  with us. Whether it is just outside to take out the dog or to walk around the store with her sister. She is always on the GO! She has finally learned to scoot herself down the stairs but she still tries to just GO faster and walk down. That usually doesn’t GO too well! She always picks herself up, shakes it off, and GOes!

Sometimes I sit back and look at her and wonder “where did all the time GO?” She is just getting so big so fast! Each day her little personality shows more than the previous day. She is so fun. All  she really wants to do is GO everywhere her sister GOes. Riley doesn’t always want that too much but I love it. Riley is her best friend and she loves her so much. I am hoping once Lily gets a little older that Riley’s annoyance will GO away. Here are some pictures of the Lily Bird for your viewing pleasure

Eliott DeAnne Schmucker De Groff has turned officially 1 last week (3-6-10) She is getting to be such a big girl now. She is now sitting in a forward facing car seat which she loves to be in since she can now see the world in front of her while we are driving. She has been sick lately though having been diagnosed having RSV, and a double ear infection from the doctor so we are having to give her antibiotic and breathing treatments for her.

Me and Risa want to thank everyone that came down for her birthday party and for all the gifts for her!! Lily is loving everything and having so much fun.

Here is a video of Lily at her birthday party for everyone that couldn’t come:

Lily has grown and learned a lot in her first year, here is a little memory of what she has done so far this past year.

Lily had not gained much weight from her seven month check-up to her nine month one. So Dr. Hall put us on a mission to fatten her up a bit. So we started feeding her differently. More table food, more meat, more formula, more snacks, more, more, more…

Drum roll please..

Thursday was the weigh in date. She went from 14.14 pounds to 16.08 pounds!! YAHOOOOOOOOOOOOOO. The doctor and mommy were very pleased with her growth. Her next appointment won’t be until her one year check-up.