So wow…. I have been slightly behind in blogging.. but I have a great excuse.I have been back at work the past 6 weeks and between work and taking care of Kaitlyn, I have not really had time to breathe! Kaitlyn is almost 4 months old now and I can’t believe how quickly she is changing! I think this reality of how much I am missing out on, has made my decision to stay home next year feel so right! It really is amazing how much she has changed in just the past 6 weeks!
Since I went back to work she has started rolling over. In true Kaitlyn form… she doesn’t do anything the conventional way… most babies go from tummy to back first when rolling… not Kaitlyn. She goes from back to tummy and then stays on her tummy doing little push ups and then she just gets mad… it is so frustrating to watch her feel frustrated… but I can’t do everything for her, and when I try to help it seems to make her more mad. She is going to be such an independent little thing. I can truly say she comes by that honestly!
I am so strong and rolling on my tummy all the time!
Another change is that she is smiling and laughing all the time now. Her personality is so funny. She giggles at the craziest things. Mostly when we sing some ridiculous song… or anytime she watches Cookie Monster on t.v. Which by the way has been another funny development. Kaitlyn LOVES Sesame Street. We kind of discovered this by accident one day when Cookie Monster come on a t.v. commercial and she started CRACKING up! It was so cute!
Watching cookie Monster on the computer.. working on developing my neck muscles and my brain muscles!
One other fun thing that has developed, is that she is grabbing EVERYTHING she can get her hands on, and then it goes STRAIGHT into her mouth. It really doesn’t much matter what it is, as long as she can get a hold of it.
hmmm. what else can I put in my mouth??
She has also grown to love books even more than before. She wants to touch all the colors, and is really in tune with the words. I will sometimes look down as I am reading a book to her, and she is staring at my mouth moving and is moving her mouth back but no sound is coming out. It is almost like she is trying to figure out how to make the words with her mouth.
I love books!!
Now in response to the last line… I must add this… just because she does not talk during book time, does not mean she does not talk… cause boy can she TALK. The other day Josh and I went down to visit our friends Dana and Noah in Gainesville and she talked the ENTIRE way there… which is about a 20 minute drive. She just babbled at her self in the mirror the whole time… then she got the hiccups in the middle of her babbling and it sounding like.. ” OHHHH OHHHH HICCUP…. OHHHH OHHH HICCUP!” Josh and I laughed for a straight 20 minutes.
Just telling my Teddy Bear a story!
The last development that has come about in the past few weeks is we are starting her on a little bit of solid foods. She does not quite know what to think about it. The Dr. thinks she is ready for it though because she is almost 15 pounds, 4 months old and is not sleeping as long through the night any more because she is getting hungry earlier … so we are going to give it a go.
All these new things are so fun to watch happen to her. I am so blessed that I will not have to miss out on these moments now. We will probably be pretty broke for a while… but it is worth every penny I am not making. I will miss my job, but it is a sacrifice I am willing to make for my daughter. And besides I can go back when she is in school too!
I have been asked on a pretty regular basis ” what is the thing you least expected from being a mom?… what surprises you the most?” So in this blog I am going to list my top ten things that have caught me by surprise being a mommy to little miss Kaitlyn.
10.) I am surprised by how much laundry one little person could create!! I mean seriously… I am doing laundry every day for this little one! It has made me become way more organized when it comes to remembering to throw in a load of laundry every night ( which I HATE doing btw)
9.)I am surprised at how much stuff a little one needed… whenever we go somewhere for the day we need to rent a uhaul to get all her stuff where it is needed… I know that as she gets older ( and as I probably get less crazy about what all she ” needs” ) it will not be such a process… but for now it is hilarious to watch our car go down the road packed to the ceiling.
8.) I am so surprised at how busy I am all day. I mean seriously… what do I do? It seems that I feed her and do some stuff around the house and next thing you know it is time to feed her again… and then next thing you know the day is over… I can’t even imagine how quickly the day will go when I return to work 
7.) I am surprised at the reactions I get from people when they see her in a store. Only babies give people the right to come over and start randomly talking to you about intimate details of your life. People come over to compliment me on how beautiful she is ( and I agree) but then go on to ask her age, weight, if she is sleeping well at night etc. It is kinda weird. NO one would come up to me otherwise and ask such things ” excuse me… but you are so pretty… how old are you, how much do you weigh.. are you sleeping well at night?”… but I guess it is nice to meet new people I suppose.
6.) I am surprised at how easy going she is. I mean neither Josh or I are super high strung people… but we both are terrible to be around when we are sick… we both complain and moan and groan… it is pretty pitiful, and when we are both sick it is not pretty in our household… but that is so not Kaitlyn at all. She is happy even when she feels like junk! She was running a fever on St. Patty’s day and was just happy and playing all day. 5 minutes after she got her shots for her vaccinations she was smiling and kicking around… I would not have been that way at all! ( here is a pic of K on st patty’s day when she was running a fever just to give you an idea of how easy she is:)
I am so happy even when I am sick!
5.) I am surprised at how quickly and how much she is changing in her appearance. I swear she is growing up way too quickly. I don’t want to rush any stages, but it is so fun to see her little personality emerging! She sometimes looks like me and sometimes looks like Josh… but no matter what she is dang cute ( I am slightly biased on this matter.. but she DID win the ” most adorable baby photo contest for the month of Feb from our365.com winning photo below)
Here is my winning photo from day two of my life!
Here I am at around a month.. I am changing so much!
Here I am at 6 weeks making a mommy face " are you crazy?"
Here I am at 7 weeks making a sly little grin like my Daddy after he makes a corny joke to mommy and wants her to laugh at him!
4.) I am surprised at how much she sleeps. Seriously… I don’t think we can ever have another baby because she has spoiled us rotten with how easy she is… she was sleeping six hours a night at 3-4 weeks and now at 8 weeks is sleeping between 8- 10 hours a night. How did we get so lucky? Also she soothes herself to sleep so easily! She makes life so easy!
I love sleeping! :)
3.) I am surprised at just how much fun I can have with someone that can not even talk to me. I seriously laugh all day at her and the hilarious things she does. She makes hilarious faces, noises and dances that make me laugh. I swear the child is already talking. I will ask her a question and she will respond… now I have no idea what she says.. but I know she is trying to communicate with me. I hope that communication is something she and I can continue to have her whole life… I know it was something I always treasured with my mom and pray that trend continues in this generation.
I am so silly!!
I am an evil genius!!
I love to grin at my mom!
2.) I am surprised at how much I love her… I mean people told me it is unlike anything else… but it REALLY is unlike anything I have ever felt. I love my husband and he is the half that makes me whole… but Kaitlyn is the part that makes us better than whole. She is a piece of Josh and a piece of me and it is so amazing to watch her show those pieces… but then also to show things that neither of us are, and we know those things are what make her uniquely Kaitlyn.
1.) I was MOST surprised at the immediate sense of responsibility that I felt when I held her in my arms for the first time. I know that it is my job to make sure this little life grows up to be a strong woman of God. That is terrifying! It also is an amazing challenge and for those of you who know me well.. you know how much I love challenges. So I am excited to take on this challenge and raise this child the best way I know how. So I will keep praying that God gives me the wisdom and strength to raise her up right 
So happy!
So life has been flying by in the Craddock household lately! We blinked and the next thing you know we now have a child that is one month old! She is growing up so quickly! I am learning so much about just what it means to be a parent.Here is what being a mommy to little Ms. Kaitlyn has taught me:
1.) I would literally give my life for her: We had a tornado warning in our area about two weeks ago. Now normally when this would happen I would be worried about me, but the SECOND I heard that tornado siren go off I was thinking to myself ” ok.. if I get in the closet and guard her with my body one way and then pile pillows around her everywhere else, she would be ok if a tornado came through!” When everything was calmed down it hit me that it is no longer just about me… I am responsible for protecting her from everything… that is so scary, because there is so much in this world that could hurt her… not just tornadoes, but boys and other mean girls in middle and high school. I just pray that I raise her up to know who she is and to always know that she is worth all her weight in gold! This now brings me to the second point of what she has taught me…
2.) I HAVE NO CONTROL OVER ANYTHING!!!: I can not control what happens in this world, or how it affects Kaitlyn. So with this reality.. I have learned to pray for her every night and trust that as long as I do what I can, she will be safe. I could seriously let my mind go INSANE over analyzing every single thing she does or every weird noise she makes, or every time she sneezes, but when it comes down to it, what she really needs is a level headed mommy who has faith that she can tell the difference between what really needs to be worried about and what does not need to be worried about. And also she does not need me to be constantly worried about what the future holds, when I have no control over those things.. She just needs me to pray that God will hold her future in his hands. Then I need to let go and trust he will fulfill his plan for her life just as he did mine when he created her and got her here safely to begin with!
3.) Enjoy and laugh at the little things. Kaitlyn makes the funniest faces and goofiest noises.. and I want to capture each and every one of them in my memory or on film. I could seriously sit around and laugh at her funny faces as she watches the ceiling fans, or when she makes these mad little grunts after she finishes sneezing as if to say to the sneezes… ahhhhh stop happening! I don’t want to ever be so busy or distracted in life that I don’t take time to enjoy and take in each and every hilarious piece of her personality… I want her to know that being just who she is( no matter how silly or goofy) is just alright with me!
4.) I need to be flexible! One night she sleeps almost through the night, and the next she barely sleeps 3 hours before needing to eat. I can try to get her on a schedule, but in reality.. she is so young and there will be a day when she is 13 and does not need me for much of anything it will seem except money, clothes or a ride somewhere to meet her friends who are waaaayyy cooler than me… and I will think to my self ” where did my little cuddle buddy go who used to stare at me so intently while feeding at 3 a.m. ?” So why rush these times.. she will get on a schedule soon enough, and then I will miss these times!
5.) Lastly for my thought of today for what I have learned is … I LOVE BEING A MOMMY.. it is so hard, but so worth it. I suggest it to anyone, but I am so glad Josh and I waited for five years to have her… that time was precious and made us even stronger as a couple and ready to be the parents we need to be.
So yeah… it has been a while since I posted anything, but well… been kinda busy raising a child! Kaitlyn Day Craddock was born on January 26th 2009 at 5:06 p.m. She was 7 lbs 12 oz and 20 and 1/2 inches long! It was a long day filled with laboring, running a fever for me and scary high heart rates for Kaitlyn which ended in a c section for mommy. Kaitlyn was born healthy though and we all were so relieved and happy! She is quite the little personality and we are learning so much about each other each and every day! I never knew I could function on such little sleep and also never knew I could love someone so very much who screams at me all night :) Kaitlyn is very spirited and we see so much of her spunky little personality already! She wants things done a certain way and in a certain timing and if it is not done in that way she lets you know! We love her fun personality so much though! I have lots of fun stories about things she does… but no time right now to tell them, gotta go and take care of my little lady bug! Here are a couple of pics of her and we will post some videos and pics very soon! Thanks for every one who has prayed for our princess’s safe arrival! We love you all!
i'm a thinker!
tummy time!
look at my pretty eyes!
We went to the dr. again today to see the progress I am making… which is NONE!!! Apparently, they thought she has started to drop last Friday, but actually had not.. which I kinda supspected since I have felt little feet back up under the ribs. Also I am still only ONE CENTIMETER dialted.. soooo discouraging! Good news though… because of her size, the fact she has not dropped and the higher risk of a c-section, they are going to admitt me to the hospital on Sunday night and will start the induction early Monday morning! So this little one may just actually be born on her due date! Who knew?!?! Please pray that the fact she has not dropped does not mean she will not drop even when induced and I will have to have a c-section. If it does happen than I am ok with it, but I would really rather not! I just want a healthy beautiful baby Kaitlyn in my arms.. and look forward to that happening no later than Monday! Oh one more thing: we now will be delivering at the Northside in Atlanta, not the one in Forsyth for those of you who need to know! Thanks for all the prayers and support! We will keep you all updated very soon!
I mean that both figuratively and literally. Kaitlyn has finally started to drop and is taking some of the pressure off my poor lungs, but now has found a new home that puts pressure else where Good news though… I went to the dr. today and they said I am finally starting to dilate! I am one centimeter and praying for more to come in the near future. We are still a little over a week from her due date, but I am officially on maternity leave now and am very thankful for a little time to rest before she gets here. We will keep you updated on her arrival. WE CAN’T WAIT!!!!!!!!!
Josh and I went to the doctor yesterday morning for the first of my weekly checkups. I was hoping for them to say… ” oh look you are already dialated and she should come any day now”… not so much what was said. I have not dialated yet and have been given the go ahead to make it back to work for these next two weeks. This is a blessing because I can be 100% prepared for the sub to take over my class, but also it was slightly dissapointing because I am getting to the point of just SO tired and SO big that it is hard to manuever around much. So we are praying the next two weeks at work are not too hard on my body or Katilyn’s, and that she will be here SAFE and sound when SHE is supposed to! It is so easy to try and rush things, but I know God has had the perfect timing for this little one from day one and I have learned that HE is in control, not me! So I paitiently wait… any fun ideas on how to keep my mind off how ready I am to have her here?? ( let’s keep these PG people… )
So , Josh and I are very sneaky and surprised our parents with some 3d pictures of Kaitlyn for Christmas. We also gave them each a DVD of the ultrasound session. It was so neat to let them experience that with us, since that is something that they have yet to be able to be a part of. Here are a few of the PRECIOUS pictures of Kaitlyn we got. I can not wait to meet this little one for real…she needs to hurry up and get here!
She has a dimple!
Yes those are toes in her face!
With a smile like that.. we are in TROUBLE!
Already thinking and showing off how smart she is!
seriously so stinking cute.. look at those cheeks!!!
Never too early to start singing!!!
So the date of Kaitlyn arriving is fast approaching. Both mom and dad are excited/anxious about this little one’s arrival into the world. We know she will be a joy and a challenge and are looking forward to both. Both of us have been keeping VERY busy with work. Mom is trying to get her classroom ready for a sub to take over for three months, and is trying not to worry too much about missing that time. She knows once she is home with Kaitlyn the classroom will be a distant memory for the time being, but she wants to make sure her sweet 5th graders are left with everything they need to do well on their big test when she gets back in April!
Dad is working away for his dad and working very hard on various websites! Lots to do before she gets here!!! We have had a fun Christmas season so far and are thrilled about the break from work to just relax for a bit before our world is changed forever ( in the best way possible!) Here are some current pictures of the nursery and updates on it and a picture of Mommy and Kaitlyn in front of the tree! Merry Christmas everyone!
Mommy and Kaitlyn at 34 1/2 weeks... getting so big! Merry Christmas!
Mommy and Daddy learning to be STRONG for when I arrive!
Nursery is ready to go.. all we need now is Kaitlyn! Check out cute new curtains and mobile! Thanks Grandma Dowdy!
Curtains on the other window! Looking good!!
Dad was very excited to figure out how the Pack and Play was put together!!!
Look at the CUTE final product though! So worth all the effort!
We are so blessed to have such amazing friends and family that love us and want Kaitlyn to have all she needs! We have had a couple of more showers the past two weekends. The first shower was thrown by my mom and her friends , and they went in and got us our pack and play!!! WOOOHOOOO!!! Also my Nana and Aunt Becky and Uncle Mitch helped out as well. It is so nice and I know Kaitlyn will look adorable in it! They also made Kaitlyn an “Honorary Hunny” which is what they call their group of friends and gave her lots of adorable presents that each had a theme tied to it as what she had to do to be a hunny! For example they gave her one present that said she had to love to go to the beach and she got adorable sunglasses and a bikini!! TOO CUTE! It was lots of fun and I am so thankful to all the hunnies for their love and support! Here are some pictures from that shower:
Here is the certificate Kaitlyn got for being an Honorary Hunny!!
Opening the big present... the PACK N PLAY!!!
Just one of the many cute presents for Kaitlyn!
You have to have style to be a Hunny! She got lots of CUTE outfits!
Three generations of women!
All the Hunnies!
The second shower I have had thrown for me was by one of my very best friends Kellie Durden! She was my piece of sanity last year at my old school and I miss working with her a lot! She did a great job bringing together all my old teacher friends from Cumming Elementary and my new teacher friends from Fair Street Elementary together for this super fun shower! I had so much fun sharing in this time with so many wonderful women! Kaitlyn got lots of cute stuff and I know she is very loved by all the messages left for her in her nursery rhyme book from Melinda! The necklace game got a little heated, but other than that it was good ol’ wholesome fun! Love all these ladies and am so grateful to have them all in mine and Kaitlyn’s life!
Here are a couple of pictures from this shower!
mmm check out all the YUMMY food!
Such a precious cake!
The ridiculously cute diaper cake made by the amazing Miranda Willingham!
Fun new friends from Fair Street!
Much missed friends from CES!
Kaitlyn got so many precious clothes!
We are so blessed! Some of my wonderful CES friends got us our high chair!!
