Dear Lissie - Two Months

Dear Lissie,

Two months. I've learned so much in such a short amount of time.

* I now know that you definitely need a bath in order to get a good night's rest...and that, for my own sanity, I shouldn't test that theory out anymore.

* I used to think that I was pretty good at multitasking, but you taught me how to fine-tune that skill.

* I've learned that you don't really like it when I pinch or bite your chubby cheeks even though it is awfully tempting (and I still do it anyway).

* I've also learned that even though I dress you in girly outfits and put bows in your hair, some people still think you are a boy.

* I've learned to always bring, not just diapers, but a change of clothes everywhere because you don't like being a naked baby when you have accidents, especially when we're running in the park.

* I know that I shouldn't automatically assume that something is wrong with you on days when you sleep a lot or fuss a lot or eat a lot and subsequently research possible symptoms of diseases when you are perfectly, wonderfully, and thankfully just being a healthy, growing baby.

* Most importantly, though, I've learned the meaning of unconditional love.

I look back at your first pictures from the hospital, and it's hard to believe that you're the same person. You've grown so much (you've finally outgrown your newborn baby clothes!)and have reached a few fun milestones: you're smiling and giggling up a storm (especially when you're in your bumbo or activity mat), sleeping longer at night (average 4-5 hours), and can entertain yourself longer (allowing Mommy to keep up with the cleaning and cooking!).

It hasn't always been rosy, though. I've had my share of breakdowns, but they usually seem to coincide with your growth spurts when you weren't interested in sleeping and were more interested in eating...all day and night. Luckily that only lasted a few days, and you're back to being your mostly pleasant self.

You're also spending more time with Lolo and Lola, which is great because they love hanging out with you...and Mommy and Daddy can enjoy a much needed date night (and Preds playoff game!) every now and then! I'm not sure if Lola appreciated the three-page Word document I created on how to take care of you, though...seeing as she raised me just fine. Lola also thinks its funny when I call her and complain when you're fussy because she says "what goes around comes around." Can you be extra fussy one day when they're babysitting? On second thought, never mind, be extra good - that way they'll keep babysitting :-)

I love you, Lissie. I love watching you grow...just don't do it so fast.

Love,

Mommy


Your first denim experience.


No wonder people think you're a fat boy.


Enjoying your bumbo.



Our little monkey.



Lovin' tummy time on your activity mat.

First Mother's Day

I vividly remember last year's Mother's Day. Justin and I were sitting in Mass when the priest gave a special blessing to all of the mothers. I recall whispering in Justin's ear, "Next year on Mother's Day, we're either going to have a baby or I'm going to be pregnant."

Fast forward one year.

Justin and I are joined at Mass by our daughter, Lissie. I received a special blessing, as well as a carnation from the Knights of Columbus. You bet I said my prayers of thanksgiving while I was there!

My first Mother's Day was wonderful. I woke up to a lovely arrangement of flowers, a beautiful pearl necklace, and a picture frame - one side had a picture of me and Lissie, the other side had a plaster mold of her footprints.



After Mass, Justin went to work while Lissie and I enjoyed a day that included browsing the booths at the Tennessee Craft Fair and a lovely stroll in the park. Justin joined us at Lolo and Lola's house for Mother's Day dinner.

Oh, and Lissie's final Mother's Day gift? Sleeping for 6 and a half hours - her longest stretch ever!

I am blessed to have joined the ranks of motherhood. I can't wait to continue the journey!

My First Easter

Mommy's been preparing me for Easter for several weeks. She's been reading the Easter story to me and telling me everything that happened during Holy Week. She even took me to the Tabernacle on Holy Thursday so I can adore Jesus while she and Daddy went to Reconciliation. Mommy wanted to also take me to Holy Thursday Mass and Good Friday services but was afraid that I wasn't ready for it, so we didn't go.

But, wow - I loved the Easter Mass! The trumpets and the music were amazing! I was quietly taking in all of the sights and sounds until I got sleepy and slept through the rest of it. Mommy and Daddy were so proud of me because I have previously gotten into the habit of fussing during church, but this Mass was different so I tried really hard not to be hungry or get dirty!

Before Mass, Mommy and Daddy took family photos in the courtyard outside of the church. We haven't taken a decent family picture since I have been born because I haven't mastered the art of taking good pictures. Here's what I mean:






I was even having a hard time taking pictures with Daddy. If only he didn't try to kiss me - eww!





After Mass, Mommy and I (Daddy had to work) had Easter brunch with Lolo and Lola at Lorraine's restaurant inside the Cool Springs Marriott. They thought it was delicious. I wouldn't know because I napped the whole time. I did, though, get the obligatory creepy Easter Bunny picture:



We then went to Lolo and Lola's house to hang out, watch the Preds victory, and eat Easter Dinner.




By the end of the night, I was wiped! Hope your Easter was as wonderful as mine was!

Let's go, Predators!

Mommy and Daddy are HUGE Predators fans (i.e. Mommy screams so loudly during games that it scares me!), and I know that they are slightly sad that they can't make it to many games now that I'm here...even though we all know that I'm worth the sacrifice!

Thanks to Matt and Laura, I have a Predators onesie so I was able to help cheer on the team during the playoffs. I think that it's because of me that the team made history and have advanced to the second round for the first time EVER!





Let's go Predators! Take home the Stanley Cup!

My Namesake

Some of you have been wondering about my namesake, so here goes:

I'm named after my maternal great-grandmother, Felicidad,who passed away in 2009 at the age of 91. I got my middle name from my maternal aunt, Christine, who passed away in 1982 at the age of a mere two-months.

My late paternal grandmother, Hilda, is also remembered. Not only do I look a lot like her, but my birthday is 3/9/11, and she passed away on 9/11/2006.

Even though I've never met these relatives of mine, they hold special places in the hearts of Mommy and Daddy, and I'm pleased that they are being remembered through me.

Lola Feling, Lola Hilda, and Auntie Christine - I can't wait to meet you one day, but in the meantime, please watch over me and my family. I love you!

Faces of Lissie

Lissie makes the most priceless faces. We were lucky to get some of them captured on camera!


Contentment


Cross-eyed


Do I have to wake up?


Napping with Lolo is the best! (Notice her bib says "Grandpa's Napping Buddy!"


Puppy Love


Do I have to do tummy time?


Um, may I help you?


What's gonna happen next, Mommy?


Who in the world is bothering me?

My First Bath

My umbilical stump finally fell off on March 28th (at the doctor's office, which was great because it kinda scared Mommy and Daddy because they didn't know what it was!) and that meant that I could take my first real bath!

I didn't like my first bath, as you can see from the pictures. It was probably because Mommy and Daddy put me in the kitchen sink when I wanted to be in a tub. They have since learned better, and I've grown to love taking baths. In fact, you can pretty much guarantee that I'll sleep longer on nights that I have a bath!

P.S. These pictures were taken on March 30th.