OMG! Is It Christmas Already?

Hubby and I have been so busy and so it feels like Christmas snuck up on us this year.  So prior to thanksgiving I imagined everything I would do to get baby girl in the Xmas spirit but it has been one thing after the other and I've only been able to get some of them accomplished.
We did manage to put up a Xmas tree with some ornaments but it was never done at the same time; Papa put up the tree and half was done with everyone around and the rest was done when we were all in bed.  I put up the ornaments and this year I didn't use our good ornaments, I went with the non-breakable ones from the dollar tree. (Pictures to come later.)  There are some presents under the tree and I finally figured out a big Gift for the baby girl. (I will do a post hopefully.)
Our Christmas card is on the way, I just got an email that it has shipped and I was going to skip our christmas letter this year but have got 2 people ask after it geesh! just when I thought no one actually reads them. So tonight I need to work on one.
 I stood in line at the mall waiting to get Santa pictures with baby girl but she didn't get the hype about the big guy and was not having any part of him, hence the reason I had to sit with her in the picture.  She wanted to run around everywhere and I was unwilling to chase her around the mall.  We got an ok picture and I had to sit next to her (will post soon).
I've got to get ready for a work Christmas party tonight, we've already attended papa's and we usually make our presence known and bid our farewell. lol
I will work on Christmas Eve and when I return I will wrap some last minute gifts (likely half asleep) for the family.  Amidst all of this  I didn't get a chance to think of what I wanted and so when Jude asked me what I wanted I thought he meant right then and my response was just 2 hours of sleep.  He is just going to have to surprise me. Hubby is finally getting a gift he's wanted for years but then I was too broke to buy it, he had already noticed the box and is very excited about it. It was too big to hide.
I bought baby girl lots of religous christmas books and she is learning how to pray; before she eats she mummbles and then make her really interesting 'sign of the cross' and it is so cute ...  before she goes to bed she screams words that don't make any sense but the tune is to the song "praise ye the Lord- Alleluyah- praise ye the lord" I help her with it and when she is done with her prayers, I or papa help her with words we understand lol and she tells us night night!  We can't wait till she can understand the story behind the Birth of Jesus Christ! It is my favorite story and I think amidst Baby Girl's stare at my lips as I read it to her she appreciates it as well.
I plan to somehow squeeze in the cinnamon rolls and apple cider this year again;  I'm not sure when or how but Hubby liked the tradition last year and he's working on baby girl to be in on it to. Because he knows if she isn't, the tradition may justgo bye bye for next year especially if work stays this busy. Here are some pictures for the card, papa did not show up because he was stressed but after that our schedules never allowed us to be off around the same time. Baby girl was not in her best behavior on picture day since she wanted to play with the other kids but overall the picture turned out fair and I'm just glad we got one.

So this year the Christmas card will be featuring just baby girl and it is perfect timing because we have been trying to focus more time on her since our family is growing :) Merry Christmas to you all! I hope you get to all spend time enjoying your families.

Wow! Indeed it has been a while

It has been awhile and for many reasons- (pause) too long to narrate.  I have been through a lot and have learned some very important life lessons. Let us just say it was a difficult road that took me to places I never wish to go again..... oooo there were some trial times, some trial times ... I saw everyone's true colors and it left me in shock for some time.
I may write about it later but for now all I can say is I pray that my in-laws learn to respect themselves.  I also pray that God opens my husband's eyes so that one day he can also join me and set one boundary.  Anyways Hubby came home in July and we've both been quite busy; between fully now caring for my Mother-In-Law who is in her 60s (Doctor's never found anything physically causing her debility but I am some how the cause of this with my special voodoo powers I didn't know I had) and both bouncing full time careers, and our very active daughter ... all of these have allowed me no time for myself let alone family time.
I am always tired from work all day at work and then I go back home to work.  I appreciate everyone who asked after me- thank you.  Baby is all grown up and continues to bring us much joy.  She knows so many words for her age, and knows how to communicate very well via sign language, she also comprehends the igbo language very well and is still doing well at daycare. She is too independent and I am not ready for that.  She puts on her own shows just usually has it in the wrong foot but refuses for me to change it, she wants to feed herself, put on her own lotion, bath herself, and wants to use her potty when I'm using the potty ... I am proud to be her mama but I wished she gave me some time in many things. I will stop here- below are some fairly recent pics of her. I hope all of you are doing wonderful!

Baby girl glad to say "all done" for her hair

this shirt does not fit her any longer- this was September

My shark- mouth full of teeth

doesn't let me do anything for her

Where Did My Baby Girl Go?

Today was my daughter's first day at daycare and I sure built up anxiety for her for no reason.  Seriously I missed the days when it was just mama and no one else.  We arrived at daycare and at first she was so clingy wondering where in the world we were going and then she saw the kids her age and immediately flew out of my arms forgetting that I was there.  I said goodbye to her and the kid didn't even flinch. Ok I thought she will miss me in a few hours...nooooo each time I called they told me how amazing my child was at adjusting, and how they've never seen this type of adjustment; and how friendly and playful she was; and how she is eating everything and she likes being read to (urghhh! I could have used a little well she fussed a little but was easily consoled).  I was glad though because I was able to focus at work, but at the back of my mind I wished the girl cried just a little ...she does that when I leave her with anyone else including her grandma.
Anyways, after work I rush over there and as soon as I got there she was so excited to see me, she was sitting so well behaved listening to her teachers before she noticed me.  Today's experience was definitely bitter sweet but mostly sweet. I'm so glad she likes her daycare, because it wasn't an easy decision. Boy! do they grow so fast.

Rest In Peace

A Letter To Our Daughter

Dear Angel,

I am writing you this letter because in just a few hours you will turn one.  It means more for me than you know.  For you the day is no different but for me this day was the day our whole lives changed for the best.  This time last year, Mama and Papa held hands together and wondered what you will be; we wondered what personalities you will portray as you grew; we had a lot of questions. And we prayed every opportunity we got.

Few Hours Post Delivery

Mama and Papa Mmeso worked so hard for you, we had a lot of obstacles planning you since we lived in separate states and lost half of each year to the military.  But the time that past I feel like it gave us an advantage because it got our mindset ready for parenthood, we got to enjoy timeless vacays and got to build a stronger bond.  Me and Papa have always been best of friends and we still are, you made us even closer.

You Love The Swing

Despite all of our preparations, you were still a very big surprise, because you were a humongous baby at 9 pounds 4.9 ounces and 21 inches long, but not only that, someone told papa that you would be a boy. I still think it is funny because you came out all girl and as perfect as we could ever have imagine.  Everyone wanted to carry you and play with you.  Right after your birth I was a little out of it and papa had to feed you a bottle :( boooooooo! it got mom a little worried at first but then you caught on to breastfeeding like a champ and we both loved it and we still do.

You Are Always Dancing :)

The next few months flew by very fast for us.  I felt like you were in such a hurry to meet your milestones which sometimes made mama and papa sad :(...we used to joke that you grew about 2 extra  months in utero.  Because the day after you were born you lifted your head on your own, some of your main milestones I recorded; at 3 weeks old you rolled from front to back; and at 3 months old you were sitting up; at 5 months old you started to crawl and you walked at 9 months.  You are an amazing little girl.
But sadly I've been working on trying to switch you to regular milk without success since I plan to stop taking the pump to work.  I am freaking out because you still will not take milk, or toddler formula, or flavored milk- just breast milk and regular food.  Something tells me though that you will adjust better than me.  I will take the pump but leave it in my car because I'm not sure I might follow through. I hope you are proud of your mama because we made it to your one year old bday and I will continue to nurse you after work for as long as the supply stays.  I feel so guilty about doing this though so I plan to show you this letter especially if you decide to opt out of nursing my future grand children.

On The Dance Floor At Ezioge's Graduation Party

You may look just like your papa but I see some of my personality in you.  You love to laugh even when you are sad.  The other day you started to throw a full on tantrum and I just cracked up laughing and you stopped and joined in and forgot whatever it was you were throwing a tantrum for.  I'm sorry chica, your mama does not have the heart to spoil kids so whenever I show you some tough love just remember that it comes from all the love mama has for you.

You've Got Your Papa On Speed Dial- You Love To Use Everything As a Phone :)

  You are a very strong willed child - a trait you got from your papa, I pray that it is put towards lots of good use like maybe you can be something great some day.  You are also a very active child and can't stay still that you got from your mama, which is funny because I am the only one that can tolerate you the longest maybe partly because you are my child.
You have changed me so much and I think of you every minute; I hate it when I'm not with you and I get jealous of those who get to spend time with you.  I have had to give up some of my hobbies and not care as much because I love spending time with you.  Like I am writing this instead of going to bed which means I will be very tired tomorrow but it is the only time I have to do anything because you are in bed.  We love watching you grow and your laugh is infectious.  You can turn a bad day for me into the best day ever and I know I do the same for you.  I know all the funny things to do to get you to chuckle.  I look forward to your continuous growth.  Nda, if you ever grow up and feel that you wished we were different just know that I did my very best and you are blessed and loved.  May God bless you with many more years, good health, a fun child hood ... Happy Birthday!!!

Love,
Mama & Papa

ALL ABOUT THE ELEVENS

I got tagged!!! by awesome Scrolls of an Odd Naija Chic's Thoughts I'm new at this and so I had to read the rules carefully. 

So here are the rules: You are tagged! Re-post the rules; You must post 11 things about yourself; Answer the questions your tagger posted of you; come up with 11 questions and tag at least 11 people to answer them; remember to let them know that you tagged them; no tag backs and finally let the tagger know you answered their questions.

11 Things About Me
1) I am priviledged to be the wife to a wonderful man and mother to an awesome little girl.

2) Before my husband I never gave men any time (because at that time of my life I felt that they were an unnecessary distraction) hence I only had time for two crushes.  The first was a young Igbo Lad who is a great friend of the family and the other is my husband who till this day is the only one that can bring out the little-girl-crush-syndrome that I never believe I had.

3) I am very goofy but I do have a serious side hence the reason I am a practicing Family Medicine Doc. today.

4) I love banana and peanut butter and will always find a way to eat it with everything; one of my favorite is making a bread sandwich with peanut butter and banana (yum! yum!) but I am also allergic to both. (I will not advise eating something you are allergic to)

5) I don't like being put on the spot, I usually freeze at first and then I usually proceed to break a leg.

6) I have 4 siblings and we are very close, we even had a Nwanne na Nwanne dance group back in the day.

7) I am a very easy to please girl and once I did attempt to step in the high maintenance world and didn't last for 5 hours (no offence to those who feel they are high maintenance).

8) I am still breastfeeding my 11 month old and prior to my pregnancy I never thought I would last this long.

9)  Many people think I am very structured, that may have some truth to it but those who know me well know that I am very open-minded, non-judgemental and allow some room in my life for disorganization.  I may be structured but I don't think the whole world should be or that everything around me needs to be.

10) Many know me to be very secretive and quiet but my ultimate close friends find me goofy, silly, and quite the chatter box.

11) I love to sing out loud (I even try to hit the high notes) but my voice is not anywhere close to my hubby's beautiful voice.

How am I doing so far?

Questions From Scroll's of an Odd Naija Chic's thoughts

1. If you had to name the one thing that frightens you most about growing old, what would it be?
To one day not be able to keep up with my daughter.
2. 500 years from now, only one book which exists today will still be available. Which book should it be? The Bible- I believe this special book has a lot of answers to the questions that many of us have.
3. Name something you do when you are alone that you wouldn't do in front of others.
Picking My nose and passing gas and I will never do this in front of anyone, till this day I will not even do it intentionally in front of my husband whom I have known for 9 years now
4. What is the most annoying thing that someone could do to you?
Tell a Lie or describe me as sexy- I feel like the person lying is indirectly calling me dumb or telling me a tale like I'm a child and the sexy thang not that I don't like it but for some reason I do prefer the other words like gorgeous! or beautiful! or breathtaking! ok maybe the last one is a stretch lol
5. If you had only 24 hours to live, what would you do?
Transfer enough money for baby girl to be ok, have a priest hear my confession, give some money to my mom and some for the poor and take off to Dubai with the hubby- It is a lot but I now always worry about babygirl having enough money so that she is not a burden to anyone in the event something happens to me.
6. If you could have one super power, what would you want and why? To be able to be at 10 places at once - there is always so much to do especially now that my husband can't be physically present to help.
7. If a movie were made about your life, what would the theme song be?
I'm not the average girl from your video
and I ain't built like a supermodel
But, I learned to love myself unconditionally
Because I am a queen
I'm not the average girl from your video
My worth is not determined by the price of my clothes
No matter what I'm wearing I will always be Nenyenwa
8. Think of the last time you were REALLY angry. WHY were you angry? Do you still feel the same way?  Because of I was been lied to and yes I still feel that those who lie are chickens, I only fear God
9. What do you think would be the hardest thing for you to give up and why would it be hard to lose?
Now like at this very moment- My gift from God - my baby girl :)
10. What do you do when you are bored?
Lay down and have some quality time by myself but this happens very rarely and when it happens baby girl is sleeping and it is usually for like a minute.
11. What is the best compliment you have ever received
You do a great job balancing your family and work- it completely took me by surprise because I feel like a mess.  My family does come first and I usually make that clear to everyone.

My Questions
1) Share one word that describes you
2) What is the one misconception about you that you would like to correct?
3) You are gorgeous, smart and have accomplished a lot but would you change anything about yourself? what would it be?
4) Do you have one movie that you can watch over and over again?
5) What is your favorite type of movie? drama vs comedy vs action and so on
6) Whenever you look in the mirror what do you see? would you change anything about the reflection in the mirror? what would you change?
7) Name two things you have to do everyday?
8) Do you have a bad habit that is even annoying to you but you have tried to quit and can't?
9) Remember your last fight (physical or verbal) and share what it is about- it is ok if it is personal and you don't want to share.
10) Do you talk to yourself while driving (mostly complaining about pedestrians or other drivers)?
11) When dating the opposite or same sex, what is usually the deal breaker that makes you say I will never see that guy or gal again?  If you are married or in a relationship, think back when you were dating.

My Tags
Rhapsody
Till My Dying Day
Mrs K
Lady Ngo
Amy
Mommy Delicious
Okeoghene
9jaFoodie
N.I.L
Adellemaria
http://destinysayshomeiswheretheheartis.blogspot.com/
http://www.mynewhitmanwrites.com/
http://toinlicious.blogspot.com/
http://gbemisoke.blogspot.com/
http://www.naturalnigerian.com/
http://www.naturalnigerian.com/
Ok and everyone else

Appreciate Your Spouse

Baby Girl Loves her Papa's bald head lol

I learned that this month is spouse appreciation- so I'm dedicating this post to the hubby.  We really don't need a month for this.  Too many a times we forget to say how much we appreciate our spouse.  Though I consider myself pretty good at complimenting my husband, I still feel like once in a while we ought to go all out.  So today is the day he gets a blog dedication lol
I truly lost track of how much my husband does for us until this deployment. We have had many deployments but this is our first deployment under one roof.  He has been gone since January of this year and I have felt like I'm carrying the whole world on my shoulder and any minute from now I might just break.  But every time our daughter smiles at me I regain strength to keep going.
Just to mention a few of the things he does: I really did think I was sleep deprived when he was here but I've had to redefine sleep deprivation because now I do have bags to show for it.  I hardly get any sleep especially when baby is having a bad night- if he were here and she cries, he would say baby let me take this one and if he doesn't succeed he brings her to me in bed because he doesn't want me to get up.
On Saturdays he lets me sleep in and starts the weekend chores or gathering the things we will need to prepare the week's menu.  On some Sundays he gives me a break and bathes baby girl to get her ready for church,  I never have to worry about the car because he changes the oil himself and washes and waxes better than a professional.  Once in a while he gives me a well deserved massage without expecting 'anything' in return.  However he doesn't seem to mind it if it goes in that direction.
When he returns from work he takes baby girl from me, and even more so I love how he takes note of everything concerning his daughter in the case I am ill or overwhelmed.  I actually thought this was normal until I met the men that can't find their way around their kids room, or can't do the laundry, or can't change the diaper or can't cook or runs away once the kid starts to cry I mean the list goes on.  I am not criticizing any of these men, it must work for them in their household.  From the very beginning I kicked everyone out especially at night and hubby and I worked it out and he never complained.  I thought everyone did that... No?
 Now that I am back to work and have little time to spend with her, it was very difficult to adjust to my role and 10 million things I had to do- because of this I have yet to truly enjoy my weekend off.  To be honest,  though I have always known how good hubby is, I must say I am very proud to be his wife.  So hubby if you are reading this, I really thank God for giving me such a wonderful husband and blessing baby girl with a great father.  And If I don't say it enough, I truly appreciate all that you do for us. Happy Spousal Appreciation Month.  Stay safe and come home soon.