Baby Update

I failed to let you know, those of you who care, that I did go to MY doctor for the baby "finally". This was almost two weeks ago at 17 weeks. Everything is fine and the doctor wasn't worried about me at all. She said the whole breathing thing is normal and gave me lots of explanations...... The exciting part of the trip was hearing the heart beat "really good" for the first time. The heart rate was 140. My bets are in that it is a boy, but I don't care. I know that you CANNOT go by the heart rate to determine boy or girl, but in general boys are lower and girls are higher. Lindsey never had a heart rate that low. Hers was always in the high 150's to 160's. So, ~~ DRUM ROLL PLEASE ~~ my ultrasound for 20 weeks has been scheduled for 2/4, next Monday, and the guessing game will be over - hopefully! I will drink my Dr. Pepper or Mt. Dew as I did with Lindsey while on the way to the doctors and hopefully the baby will be in the mood to "move"!!!! I will definitely be back to update you all on the news - no secrets here :) I am very excited and anxious. 1 more week to the half way point!

Baby Eviction Letters - Very Cute!

Dear Baby,

Tenant has 56 days in which she can either gather her belongings and vacate the premises, or wait until the final day. After which she will be physically removed from the property. She is being evicted due to a breech of contract and destruction of property. Expansions only to the front of the property, within reasonable limits, were discussed. Not only have these limits been exceeded, but additions to the back of the property were also made. Remodeling and gutting the property was never approved, nor was changing the initial layout and base structure. And due to property damage, there are now leaks in both upper and lower levels of the property. Also, late night parties have been discovered on the property and are not greatly appreciated! Any further problems will result in immediate removal!

Sincerely,

Landlady (your momma)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Dear Landlady,

I'm sorry for any disturbance I have caused. When I originally signed the contract, I was unaware of the enormous task of growing. I will try to control the late night partying, but please know I expect you to join the party come June, per the Feeding Clause in the contract. While destruction of property and leaking seem to be the major cause of complaint, I fear they will only get worse in the weeks to come. I understand that this was not the original intent of my residence, but at this time we may need to revisit the terms of my lease.

I fear that eviction at this time is not advisable as i still have more developing to do.

In the Unconditional Love Clause in the contract, I'm sorry to inform you that you are indeed stuck with me as a resident of your body and home for a long time!

Thank you for your time and your body as housing!

Baby Tenant

P.S. When I originally signed the contract, I was underage and the contract is not legal.

!! Happy 2nd Birthday Lindsey !!

Happy 2nd Birthday to my beautiful "Miracle" ~ Lindsey Ann Morgan Pitcher!

Mommy and Daddy Love You Very Much! And we could never imagine life without you. You are now a BIG "2 YEARS OLD". What a change two years has made in us and in you! I look forward to many, many more birthdays with you! You are sweet, precious, smart, cute, ornery, a "piece of work", a big "mess", loving, caring! You are everything and more that we could have ever asked for in our baby girl! I hope you have a "GREAT" 2nd Birthday!

In this 1st picture she is 0 days old - just born a few hours before! 1-22-06

This was her 1st Birthday party!

Now almost 2 years old in this picture.

I have made a trip down memory lane and came up with a heap of pictures over the last 2 years. I have placed them in the order of date from youngest to oldest. (Enjoy, if you look at them - there's a bunch!) Click on the picture below to view the album - down memory lane.

Lindsey's 2 yr Memory Lane

!! BARGAIN !!

I feel great about my bargain. No wonder everyone tells about their bargains on their blogs. Now I want to do the same. Only one problem, the deal is over. It ended tonight and I would have shared sooner except I didn't get my bargain until 30 minutes before the store was closing for the evening and I wasn't sure how well it would work.

My thankfulness goes out to my dear friend Suzanne and http://www.moneysavingmom.com/.

I went to Target with 8 printed coupons in my pocket for $3 off of any 2 Huggies products. I had my Dad with me in case I needed him to do some purchasing as well, because I wasn't sure how they would handle that many coupons. I ended up not needing my Dad and was able to use 7 at one time and then found the 8th coupon that I didn't realize I had and went back and purchased 2 more. I couldn't believe they let me use them all at once and... in the same transaction.

What I got:

16 tubs of 72 ct. Huggies Wipes. They are originally $2.39 a piece at Target. Paying the original amount would have been $38.24. Then I saved $24 with my 8 - $3 coupons and only paid $14.24. Wow!

Now if you know me at all I did my math before I purchased. I wasn't concerned about what I paid out of pocket, but I wanted the most for money. So, I did the per wipe division with the large packets of 208 ct and then travel size of 34 ct and came up with the difference that the tubs were the actual better deal per wipe - costing $0.012361 per wipe :)

(p.s. I think I have enough wipes for a while :)

Christmas Posting

Here it is - Finally! My posting for all of our Christmas celebrations! There are LOTS of pics, so hope you enjoy. I broke it down into albums for each event, so hope it's not too cumbersome of a posting.

The celebrations started when we travelled to Indiana to be with Jonathan's family the Saturday before Christmas. That evening there was about 37 of us that got together from my MIL Brinda's side of the family. There were lots of aunts and uncles and cousins and we had a great time.

Cheatham Family Christmas 12-22-07

The following few pictures were taken on Sunday, the 23rd, while we were in Indiana at Jonathan's parents as well. I thought it was cute of the two cousins by the tree. They are exactly 4 months apart, with Lindsey's birthday in January and Noah's in May.

Christmas Sunday 12-23-07 Indiana

We had our immediate Pitcher side of the family Christmas on Christmas Eve morning with Jonathan's parents and his sister and family. I failed to take pictures but we had a very lovely, holiday meal in the afternoon before we headed to Grandma Pitcher's house. We had a great time and all the kids loved their gifts as well as us big kids. Fun was had by all! Thanks for the great time in-laws! :)

Christmas w/ Jonathan's family 12-24-07

Christmas Eve evening we travelled to Grandma Pitcher's - my FIL Jay's, Mom. There we had Jay's siblings as well and had a great get together with cousins and aunts and uncles. We had another meal and everything was great. Thanks for the fun time Grandma - We Love You!

Christmas w/ Grandma Cheatham 12-24-07

We travelled back to Ohio on Christmas Eve night after leaving Grandma Pitcher's and got home a little after midnight. We then had our little family Christmas on Christmas morning before going to my parents for the day. This was a first for us because last year we were at Jonathan's parents for Christmas morning. Lindsey loved all of her gifts, with the biggest being her baby doll Graco stroller and car seat.

Our Family Christmas Morning 12-25-07

We arrived at my parents a little after 2 and had a great meal around 3. It was a feast and Mom put on an excellent holiday meal as always. She SURPRISED me with noodles in the turkey gravy. I felt like my Grandma Zimmerman was back with us. That has to be a must in the line of traditions. They were great. She also made another Grandma Z. tradition of homemade cinnamon rolls and we ALL scarfed them up very quickly. We stayed up into the wee hours and around 2:30 a.m. Lindsey did something she's NEVER done before. I guess she saw that most of the other kids had conked out somewhere around the house and she went and picked out her own couch and crawled up on it and went to sleep - all by herself. WOW! Is all I could say. Since then her sleeping routine has changed and what a big girl she is becoming. You might have also noticed in all the pictures that she got MANY dolls for Christmas. And it's none to many for this girl. She LOVES them ALL! She is a baby doll girl just like her Aunt Belinda was, because she sure didn't get it from me. I had some, but was never into them as much as she is. I think she got a total of 6 and then lots of paraphernalia that goes with them. And, she has no favorites. Each time we leavethe house she seems to always pick a different one to take with her.

Snelling Family Christmas 12-25-07

The following pics were taken on the 27th and 28th. The first pic I just thought was cute! The rest were taken when Katrin and Jenn E. came over for the evening to lounge around at Mom and Dad's. The kids had a lot of fun playing together and the big boys had fun giving the girls piggy back rides.

12 27 & 28 2007

We spent New Year's Eve with my side of the family. It was a little family party with no one else there. We had a good time and went and yelled and screamed on the back porch at midnight. It startled Lindsey quite a bit because she didn't understand what was going on and... she was tired. We snapped a family pic of the three of us right after midnight. It was another late night and we left around 3 or 4 a.m. We all had a good sleep in and then we all got back together and went out to eat on New Year's Day evening. We always eat Mexican food on New Year's Day, so we went to Abuelo's, which is an incredible restaurant. They definitely have the best chips and salsa.

New Years at M&D's 2007-2008

Wow, I do believe that actually completes the holiday festivities. What a BUSY time. Hope this wasn't too long, but I didn't see the reason in breaking it all up into different posts since I was finally taking the time to actually sit down and post all of the events. One BIG posting is what you get!

Have a Great 2008! I think we sure will - with lots of exciting events planned for our house.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

The Pitchers

~ Jonathan, Leanna, Lindsey, & Baby ~

Happy New Year!

I have a lot of blog posting to do of our Christmas with both sides of the family. In the meantime, I wanted to wish everyone a Happy New Year from the Pitchers!

I am really looking forward to the new year with lots of exciting things to happen. Not only will our 1 year old become 2 in a few short days, but we will also have another member join our family in June and how exciting all of it will be!

This is the Christmas Card that we had made!

A Visit to Santa Clause

Thursday evening I dressed Lindsey all up in her little Santa dress in hopes for a visit and good pic with Santa Clause at the mall. She briefly sat on his lap right after Thanksgiving and was not happy about it at all, crying, etc. It wasn't the official visit though, so once the time came, I wasn't sure how it was going to go and if we would be able to get a good picture. While we were in line to see Santa I was prepping her and she about squeezed my neck off. I asked her if she wanted to see Santa and she very emphatically told me "NO". Right before we were to see him, I told her she could have a piece of candy if she would sit on his lap and let us take her picture. I gave her the candy before she sat on his lap and she did great. Bribing works - wow! She wasn't the happiest at first, but we were able to get a good smile out of her and Mommy was proud of her and happy. So, another picture with Santa was taken to put in the book so we can go down memories lane for years to come. I hope to do it every year till my children get to "old".

Growing up, I never actually believed in Santa, but the whole idea was a fun thing. We knew "all" presents came from Mommy and Daddy. I really don't care if they believe or not, because that is definitely not the reason for the season, but the picture taking is fun anyways.

To all my bloggers Have a Holly Jolly Merry Christmas - HO-HO-HO!!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Tuesday evening was Jonathan's work Christmas party and I was able to go as well. We left Lindsey with my Mom and Dad for a few hours, which we have only done 2 other times since she was born in order for us to just go out. We have both not been without her at the same time, but for other reasons and still not very often. The reason being is Jonathan and I just can't stand to do anything without her. I want her to be included in everything and to make fun memories as a family. It was an enjoyable time. We went to the Manchester Inn in Middletown, OH. I was finally able to put a face to many of the names that I hear about all the time from Jonathan's work.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

On another note, I think we finished our Christmas shopping and now the joy of getting to wrap them all. We didn't have a big list this year, but I always no matter what am usually buying the bulk of the gifts the week before Christmas.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Enjoy the pics! Click on the pic below for more picture!

Misc Christmas Pics

Doctor's Visit Report

YEAH!! As of yesterday I have now actually seen the doctor and everything looks great.

And..... drum roll please..... YES, we heard the heartbeat and it is a normal fast baby heartbeat. But, all be it, it was a brief hearing. Jonathan was not able to go with me to the doctor this time and so I had my cell phone on speaker in hopes that he would get to hear the heartbeat. I think he ended up hearing it better than me. I was so worried about making sure he heard it that when they finally picked it up on the doppler for a brief few seconds I was trying to make sure the phone was where he could hear it. They only found it once and only for a few seconds. They said the baby was moving around too much and with it still being so early that it was hard to find. It satisfied me in the sense that I know it's a good, fast, normal heartbeat, but not in the sense of really getting to listen to that heartbeat. I still just may have to end up visiting my sister-in-law at L&D after all because 1/16/08 seems like a long ways away to wait and see the doctor again.

In other doctor news, I explained to them how I was having such a horrible time with my breathing and being extra abnormally out of breath. I remember being out of breath some with Lindsey, but I'm not sure that it was this early in my pregnancy. The problem started this time about the same time I started getting sick. I have been slowly improving on the nausea, but my breathing is getting continually worse. I can't do anything without being labored in breathing. Just talking for an extended time or bending over and helping Lindsey with something is just horrible, and to go to sleep is even worse. In years gone by I have had very minor signs of exercise induced asthma, and the doctor is thinking that my pregnancy is making it worse. I was given a peak flow meter to measure the strength of my lungs and I am suppose to track it to make sure that it remains in the same area.

There you have it, there's the report.

ME PG 12w 5d

Here is my first "bump" picture for all my blogger friends.

This was taken at 12 weeks and 5 days.

I still have my very nauseated moments, but they are not quite 24/7 like they were. A lot of the time right now I just seem to be short of breath and weak, with not a lot of energy. When I was carrying Lindsey I was able to have caffeine within the proper moderation limits, but not this time. I have had caffeine in a fairly strong quantity on 2 separate occasions and I was totally miserable both times. The first being a glass of tea, when I didn't realize it wasn't caffeine free and the 2nd being a nice Starbucks coffee that was given to me or I would have ordered it de-caf. So... no caffeine for me, except for the chocolate, of course. Hopefully, we'll hear that heartbeat Tuesday morning. As long as I remember the correct appointment time - haha!

Christmas Sunday

I have always considered the Sunday of the Children's Christmas Program and the Adult's Cantata to be "Christmas Sunday" and everyone wears their new Christmas outfits. I was able to get some very nice pics of Lindsey. I have also posted a few of Lindsey from this past week and also the curling preparation results from Saturday night.

Dec 16, 2007

The reason you see no Jonathan, is because he is verrrry sick. He has been sick since last Wednesday night and went no where on Saturday and Sunday in hopes that the rest would help kick the illness. His work has no slack and therefore work must go on - sick or no sick. He worked ALL day Friday - 13 or 14 hours. He was completely exhausted, but he made it. He is a Route Supervisor, but unfortunately, many times he has to do a route himself plus his main job. Very frustrating at times, such as this past Friday with 16 stops and many hours of driving, not to mention the fever, etc. I sure do hope he starts improving soon though because he is off to work again bright and early this Monday morning.

Saturday, all of our Christmas Program practices were cancelled, due to weather. So, instead of having the Children's Program Sunday morning, they had all the practices Sunday afternoon and both programs on Sunday evening. It worked out great and after both were over it still had only been 1 hr and 20 minutes. They were both very nicely done and very enjoyable.

The Wedding of ~ Mr. & Mrs. Bradley Bishop

On Saturday, Dec 8, 2007, Mom, Lindsey, and I went to Bradley and Jackie Bishop's Wedding. It was very nice and her dress, in my opinion, was one of the prettiest I have ever seen. The back was weaved with ribbon, absolutely gorgeous. Bradley is the brother to Jilayne, one of my very best friends.

I was also able to get some nice pics when we got home and was also able to get a 3 generation pic. Enjoy!

Click on the pic below for more pictures.

Dec 8, 2007

Talk about DISAPPOINTING . . .

Tuesday was scheduled to be my 2nd Doctors visit and we were going to get to hear the heartbeat. I am not a big worrier, but at times I can think about worrisome things and I was ready to hear that heartbeat. On the way there I was thinking, well I will get to hear that heartbeat real soon. We were even on time and early to the appointment and was able to grab a quick bite to eat on the way. We arrived just before my appointment time of 2:00.

Or, so I thought!!!

Somehow, I had remembered the appointment time wrong and did not recheck the appointment card and it was actually at 1:00. A whole hour late. Well, it ends up it's a very un-accommodating doctor's office and I HAD to reschedule.

I DID NOT GET TO HEAR MY PRECIOUS BABY'S HEARTBEAT!

Wow, I was crushed needless to say and left there a devastated person. I am not a crier, but this was a great exception. I cried and cried because not only did I not get to hear the heartbeat, they could not get me in for another appointment until next week on the 18th - grrrrr!!!!!!! I told them that my husband had to take special time off work to come and that it was an honest mistake, but that didn't matter. On top of all that, they said they were running 1 to 1 1/2 hours behind and would not be able to fit me in at all. Uhh, is it my imagination or wouldn't I have just been sitting in the waiting room anyways for the previous hour. I think it was their good excuse to get me out of there since they were running behind.

Needless to say I did NOT have a good day at all! Poor me, I had quite the pity party for myself. My first thought after realizing I wasn't going to get to hear the heartbeat, was to call my sister-in-law and see if she was at work because she works in L&D at a hospital downtown and see, if they could check for the heartbeat - Guess what?? She's on vacation all week! UUGGHH!! I guess it will be the 18th!

HOW DISAPPOINTING!!

(side note - This is not my regular doctor's office, but due to some insurance issues, I won't be able to go to my regular doctor until mid January. I sure will be glad when I don't have to deal with those crabby people anymore.)

YEAH! Our Christmas Tree is UP!!!

Wow, I was actually beginning to wonder when and if it would get put up. Especially since a lot of my blogger friends have had theirs up for over two weeks. I LOVE the Christmas season and the decorations, BUT.... I absolutely despise the mess and the hassle of putting up the Christmas Tree.

Jonathan's work schedule right now is out of this world crazy and absolutely way too busy and has been for about 5 months. I keep hoping that he can slow down, but something else always comes up. He worked almost 80 hours last week, but it' usually at least 60 or more. My point in explaining about Jonathan is... When can he help me????? I have been very sick with the baby and definitely am not up to doing this all by myself. Today, was no different. Jonathan and I both thought that he would be able to make it home at a decent time, but early evening I realized he wouldn't be home for quite a few more hours.

Lindsey was completely out of sorts, for some unexplainable reason and I was feeling verrry stressed. Jenn E. had asked me earlier, if I wanted to do something and I said I hoped to be able to spend time with Jonathan. I called her around 5:30 thinking in the back of my mind that it would be really nice if she would come help me, but didn't come right out and ask. When talking to her, I explained my frustration and how close it was getting to Christmas. She then asked if I would like for her to come and help me. I GLADLY ACCEPTED. So, that's the story. Our Christmas tree and some other decorations are all up. YEAH! Thanks, so much Jenn for the help. I don't know if I could ever be that nice because obviously I didn't want to do my own let alone someone else's - LOL!!

Lindsey was a little better after Katrin arrived. It was still a trying evening with Lindsey since she can be quite aggresive with anyone close to her size or smaller and they usually don't like it. I guess she's around her older cousins too much and she just fits right in with them. But, Katrin endured and they had some enjoyable time playing together. I told Jenn that she was going to think it was Nightmare on our street after having spent the evening here, but I hope she had a somewhat good time :)

Her presence helped greatly with my stamina and drive to get it done. I wouldn't really call myself a loner and certainly didn't want to tackle that project with just Lindsey here. We haven't had a tree up in our house in 3 years. Last year was due to being at my parents house for 7 month, and the year before that I was 8 months pg with Lindsey and there was no way I was going to create that mess when I was still trying to finish up the baby room. We had to have a tree up this year though, if for no other reason, for Lindsey.

Christmas is a WONDERFUL TIME OF YEAR! Here are a few pics. Enjoy!

Click on the pic below for more pics.

Christmas Tree 2007

Our visit to the hospital to meet ~ Jackson Scott C.

JACKSON SCOTT C.

~ 12/4/07 ~ 3:57 a.m. ~ 9lb 7oz ~ 20 1/2 in ~

We made it to the hospital Wednesday evening to meet handsome little Jackson Scott C. Congratulations, Scott & Suzanne! He is ADORABLE, CUTE, CUDDLY, LOVABLE! I think I'll just have to be his adopted aunt :) I have a few pics to share - enjoy!

Click on the pic below for more pics.

Jackson Scott C. - 1 day old

Lindsey Plays in the SNOW

Well, it really snowed and yes Lindsey got to play in it. Today we went to Wal-Mart and bought her boots and gloves. We spent about 30 minutes outside. She actually wasn't too crazy about it, but I think if she had some cousins to play with her and show her how it's really done it would probably help. She liked it for the most part, but not when she jumped and then fell down. She finally decided that she wanted to swing and so, all bundled up that's what she did and loved it. I got some cute pics that I thought I would share. Enjoy!

Click on the pic below for more pictures.

Lindsey's 1st time to play in snow

Money Saving Deal

Well, I am definitely a shopper and I love a good sale. Ever since summer was ending and we were headed into fall I have wanted to buy Lindsey a snowsuit. I even looked on ebay at some of the expensive ones that are now used for a good price, but I never purchased. I just couldn't justify the purchase - UNTIL NOW! It is supposed to SNOW today. I know Lindsey would love to go out in the snow, but I had no wet worthy winter clothing for her. I was out shopping with my friend, Jenn, Tuesday evening and came across a great DEAL! I had purchased a maternity top at Sear's and with the receipt it printed out some coupons. One, being a 20% coupon off of the kid's winter clothing. I decided to check and see what they had. I ended up getting a $55 snowsuit - coat and overalls that were marked down 50% to $27.50 and then I got another 20% off of that. Making my purchase total only $22. I am very pleased with my purchase and so is Lindsey. We went home and tried it on for size and she thought it was the greatest thing. To top it off, I LOVE the colors - pink and brown. Maybe we will actually get the forcasted snow and I will be able to share some pictures with her in action at a later date. Until then, here's the store photo of the snowsuit.

1st Doctors Visit for our Baby in Making

Well, I went to the Doctors Office, but didn't actually see the doctor. That won't be until next Tuesday. I did have my first visit though and did lots of paperwork, answered lots of questions, blood work, weight, blood pressure. You've got the idea by now. I was quite dissappointed when I asked if they would be checking for the heartbeat and they said not until you see the doctor next week. UUGGHH!!! Oh, well - I guess I'll just have to keep waiting.

Congratulations - Suzanne & Scott!

Congratulations to one of my dearest friends in the whole wide world, Suzanne C. She has now joined the great world of Mommy hood!! She had her baby Tuesday morning, December 4, at 3:57 a.m. A great, big, handsome, adorable baby boy - Jackson Scott! He weighed in at 9 lbs 7 ozs and 20 1/2 inches. He is absolutely beautiful and for proof of this you can check out 2 of his aunt's blogs, who have already posted pictures and see for yourself.

Heather L's blog - http://theloperhouse.blogspot.com/

Amy L's blog - http://orangecupcakes.blogspot.com/

I will hopefully get to see him today, if all works out. He looks like a perfect doll baby - nice, squishy, loveable, and as CUTE as any baby boy could be.

CONGRATULATIONS - SUZANNE & SCOTT - ON YOUR NEW BABY BOY - JACKSON!!

Grand Due Date of Arrival - June 24, 2008!

Well, if you haven't guessed by now - we are growing by one more in this house! I am PG - all 10 1/2 weeks so far. We are going to have another wonderful sweet baby - due to arrive June 24, 2008! We are so very excited.

The following picture is what we gave our parents and family to announce the big news.

A Baby Girl or Boy? Either way we'll be happy to make room for one more! Our Newest Addition is due to arrive June 24, 2008! We are now the Pitcher's of four!

Wow, it's hard to post when all you want to do is share your big news with all your blogger friends. It has been quite the feat for me to keep this a secret for so long, since we have known for almost 6 weeks. We wanted to tell all of our family in person, thus the delay in order to tell Jonathan's family at Thanksgiving last week. I have told a few friends, but just announced it to my friends at church tonight at the Church Christmas Dinner. Finally I can share with the www of bloggers - my dear friends :) Lindsey is already very excited about becoming a BIG SISTER. When you ask her, she just lights up with a big smile. She loves nothing more than baby dolls. She's just going to think that Mommy and Daddy went out and bought her a real live doll. I can already envision it now - Lindsey caring me the 1 week old baby to me and telling me it is crying. Ahhhh! She's never shown signs of jealousy before and now I think she will think that this is the greatest gift yet. I'll sure have to keep my eyes OPEN! They will be 2 years & 5 months apart.

(Heather Dickinson - I agree with you whole heartedly.) I have been very sick as well. I can't stand the smell of many foods and it's 24/7 sickness, not just that morning stuff. It was the same way with Lindsey. Nothing sounds good to eat, but I make self at some point in the day. It only helps the way I feel for a little while and then it's back again.

As I had said in my previous post about the biggest news I have to share, well I guess I was wrong, this is definitely bigger - HAHA! This posting also explains the previous and the reason I was so adamant on her sleeping through the night. I would like a few nights between the two of good sleep :)

Well, enough of all the details - THAT'S OUR BIG NEWS and we are SO HAPPY!

Sleeping Baby

This little story is a little lengthy, but it is the biggest news I have to share. Sorry, in advance, for the elaboration. It is a very important highlight in the life of me and my baby Lindsey.

Well, for the very unscheduled Mom that I am, and a little bit of honest humble pie, I have conquered a great battle. And, I might add, quite easily. Being a stay at home Mom, with only one child, Lindsey's sleeping pattern was not a concern to me and therefore I never reinforced a good habit. You always have to be careful what you say you will NEVER do as a parent or it might come back to haunt you and this sure did. I never dreamed that Lindsey would be sleeping in our bed with us for so LONG.

But... it all started back when she was first born and we were in the hospital. The 2nd night in the hospital she would have no other way, but being held and she would not sleep in her little bed not 2 inches from my bed. When we arrived home she would not sleep in that beautiful cradle right beside our bed - ON HER BACK! So, wanting to be careful and not take a risk of SIDS and putting her on her stomach, I ended up holding her every night on my stomach. I asked the doctor about this and they said that was fine. Well, after two months, I had to have somewhat of a major surgery and could not hold her so on her stomach she went and she did fine for the most part in her cradle. At 6 months I thought I would move her to her bed, but that was a no go. I was up way too much in the night with her being in her room and she was not a good sleeper of very many hours at all. I tried for a very short time after she was 6 months to let her cry it out and it DID NOT work out. So, I gave in - she was in our bed, because she was too big for the cradle at this point. Then, we ended up living with my parents due to their health reasons for 7 months and there was no room for a bed for Lindsey. She remained in our bed during this time. We have been back home since the end of June and she was STILL in our bed.

Well, ENOUGH OF THAT. Out she went - 4 or 5 weeks ago. I had made up my mind and the fight was on. I was no longer going to give in to those night wakings. She needed to learn how to sleep through the night and put herself back to sleep when she awoke. The first two nights she woke up once and she had to have a good long cry each time and after that - it's all history. We've had a few bumps along the way, but she has never been back to our bed and she can put herself back to sleep when she wakes up. She seems to be in the routine of waking up once after quite a spell and I have to tell her to lay down with her doll, cup and blanket. The reassurance of my voice is enough for her and she goes right back to sleep. 12 straight hours of sleep - WOW! Thank goodness - I HAVE MY BED BACK :) !! Be careful what you say, you might end up eating crow :) And, I guess that's enough honesty for one night.