Back to the Daily Grind

Last week was my first week back at work but since Hunter was never very far from me it didn't seem like it.  This week was a different story.  I only had to work a couple of days but Monday was a day trip to Austin! 

Twelve hours and fifteen minutes (not that I was counting or anything) away from my little man + 100s of miles + being on an airplane with no form of contact = a true test in being a working mom.

I have never been one to ease into things so kicking off going back to work this way really shouldn't be any surprise.  I can say that the rest of the week was a piece of cake!  My next challenge will come in December when I will have to be gone for two nights!!!

                                             Can you blame me for not wanting to leave this face?!?!?

Sip-n-See/One Month Today

How time flies when you are having fun and getting very little sleep!

Hunter is one month old today and already on his 2nd trip to Houston.  Joe's cousin, Joanie and Aunts Ruth, Elizabeth and Gay hosted a sip-n-see for the family to meet Hunter.  It was wonderful to get to meet Joanie's little one Belen, who is two and half months older than Hunter, and to see so many family members that we hadn't seen in years. 

I have to say the most special guest was Ms. Van who will turn 100 this year.  She was so excited to get to be around two babies and we were so glad she was up to joining us for the afternoon. 

On the Road

First stop....the farm!

Hunter is 3 weeks old and we are already embarking on our first road trip.  Next week we are both having to work in Houston so we decided to take the week to visit Mama Nelle at the farm. 

Second stop.....Houston for work!

On Tuesday morning we made the drive to Houston and were met by my parents who watched Hunter while Joe and I worked.

Third stop....back to the farm!

Wednesday morning we made the drive back to the farm.  Joe was able to get in some hunting, killed a hog, raccoon, and armadillo.  We spent some quality time with Mama Nelle and even had the chance to spend some great time with Gay and John. 

Fourth stop....back to Houston!

Saturday morning we were back on the road to Houston....again!  We were headed down for the sip-n-see hosted by Joe's cousin Joanie and Aunts Ruth, Gay and Elizabeth. 

Fifth stop....farm...one more time!

The fourth stop was more like a pause because that evening we drove back to the farm to enjoy our final evening in the country. 

Sixth stop....home sweet home!

Sunday morning we hit the road early to make it home.  Hunter is just like his parents and seems to enjoying the traveling.  

We Survived!

We survived the first week!!!

The first couple of days Hunter spoiled us and only got up once at night and most of the time it was me waking him to eat.  But (as I have found out) this was only temporary!

The first night home was probably the hardest, not for Hunter, for me.  The plan was to have him sleep in the room next to us but that didn't last.  I think I put in a good effort, Joe might disagree, but at 1:30 AM I had had enough and the crib moved into our room.  Of course, this still wasn't good enough and by 3:30 AM he was asleep on my chest.  I always thought people were crazy when they told me that their baby slept in their rooms for the first few months but I am one of those crazies now.

A big thank you to the following for bringing us dinner the first few days we were home: The Hills, The Robinsons, The Iveys, my mom and sister.  We also have to send a big thank you to Mama Nelle who stayed with us for the first five days.  She stayed on top of the dishes, laundry, took care of the dogs and I'm sure many other things that I don't even know about. 

Our lives have definitely changed.  I will probably never sleep the same again but my heart is filled with such joy that it doesn't matter.  We have a beautiful, healthy baby boy who melts our hearts!!!

Dear Hunter Alexander

Welcome to the world, precious one! You joined our family at 2:24 pm on September 9, 2010, weighing 7 lbs 9 oz and measuring 20 1/2 inches. It is true what every mom has said that the minute I laid eyes one you I entered a love affair like no other.  You are just absolutely perfect in EVERY single way.

Your Dad and I were convinced that you were going to come early but you waited until your planned arrival.  I wonder if this is going to be a permanent part of your personality?  Are you going to be a punctual person just like your Dad?  I am so excited about the journey we are about to make with each other, learning each others ways, and loving every minute.

I love you, Hunter Alexander.

Love,
Mom


 

On the way to the hospital...

    Our last picture as a family with only four-legged, fur children! *Not pictured...Toro the cat*

This Is It....

9/7/10....never was a date on my radar of potentially important dates until NOW!

9/7/10....marks the final night in our home as a family of two.

9/7/10....is the last time that our only children will be of the four-legged, furry kind.

9/7/10....THIS IS IT!!

 Tomorrow at 9 pm we will be checking into Labor and Delivery at Plano Medical Center to begin 'helping' Hunter on his journey out into the world.  May he enter the world as a healthy and happy baby, knowing he is already loved!