I'm sure he meant well...

The other day Brian told me that "He would rather be miserable with me than happy with anyone else." I'm sure that he meant well, but it didn't come out the best! I love you honey, but you have a lot to learn!!

Happy Birthday Grammie!!

Today is Brian's mom's birthday. We went to Sturgis this afternoon for a visit. For her birthday, we told her that she could keep Macie over night on Valentine's Day. This is a big deal for me. I am freaking out a bit, but I know that Macie will be in good hands and it will be nice to sleep through the night!

Happy Birthday Grammie!!

She's A Lot Like Us

Macie is already starting to pick up our bad habits! She has recently discovered the tv and can be entertained by it for a while in her bouncer. Anything that keeps her from screaming is good in my book:)

Eating My Words

My daughter is only 3 months old and I am already eating my words!! Today during Mass, I was filling out a paper and accidentally got ink on Macie's cheek. Without even thinking about it, I licked my thumb and started wiping off her face. HOW DISGUSTING!! I always thought that I would never do that because it grossed me out. I now have learned to never say never! I guess unrealistic expectations go out the window and the reality of motherhood kicks in at birth!

3 Months old....and four days!

On Tuesday, Macie was 3 months old! I can't believe it! Because I am working again, I wasn't able to take pictures until this morning. My sister, Allie, is going to take her 3 month pics on Monday morning. Hopefully, they will turn out well and we can get some good ones to pass out and hang on the wall!
This month:

• Macie has a lot more personality....she can be smiley and full of life, or screaming mad when her bottle isn't warm enough or something isn't going her way!
• She is down to one feeding at night and we started supplementing formula every other feeding.
• I went back to work, so Macie started going to "daycare". She had a rough first week (a lot of screaming during feedings, etc), but it is getting better. I know that she will settle into a routine soon!
• Macie picked up her paci and put it in her mouth...she had a look on her face like "Wow! That turned out nicely!" Brian and I were both shocked, even though we know she had no idea what she was doing!

Look how big I'm getting!!!
Is that not the sweetest face you have ever seen?

Even when I am having a rough day, I get to start and end it with a smile from Macie!

Tin Fish Here We Come!

Friday night, we went to The Tin Fish with the Broeker family to eat yummy fish tacos and listen to live music. Macie was wiped out and slept the whole time. I tried to get a good picture of the three kids, but that was a little difficult. Here is the best I was able to do!

Kyle and Hannah just love Macie and they are so good with her!

How cute! We had a lot of fun with the Broekers...we will have to do this again!

Another New Addition

At one point there were four of my cousins who were pregant along with me....now we all have babies. My cousin, Jamie, welcomed Clayton James Mullins into the world on Wednesday night around 9:00pm. He weighed 6 pounds 6 ounces and was 18 1/2 inches long. His middle name, James, was picked in honor of her father who passed away about a year and a half ago. Little Clayton is a wonderful example of how the circle of life moves on!!

He is such a tiny guy!
I am holding Clayton and Jamie's friend, Jill, is holding Macie. She looks so big and grown up!

I'm so glad that Macie has another new friend!!

Congrats Scott and Jamie!!

The Maurer's or The Melting Pot???

Saturday night, Rachel and Eric had us over to their new house for fondue. It was soo good!! We had a blast and ate for over 3 hours!! We started with cheese fondue, then Coq a Vin, and finally, the best part, chocolate! Macie was so good, and played or slept on the floor the whole time. I guess she wore herself out from all of the screaming at Beth's shower! Thanks Rachel and Eric...we had a great time!

Look at the great stuff we had to dip in the chocolate!
Rachel and Eric's cat, Peanut Butter, was very intrigued with Macie. He just can't figure her out!

Beth and Wil's Wedding Shower

After a long first week back to work, Macie and I headed to Madisonville for Beth and Wil's wedding shower. Unfortunately, I didn't get to see much of the shower because Miss Macie was screaming the whole time, but oh well...the life of a parent! I was able to get one picture of Macie with her Aunt Beth and Uncle Wil.

The time has come...

Today is my last official day of being on maternity leave! I have to return to work tomorrow and I have mixed emotions about it. My little Macie will be 12 weeks old and I have so enjoyed the time with her. It has been a very eventful time off...recovering from two surgeries and all of the holidays: Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years. It is bittersweet because I miss my job and am excited at the thought of daily adult conversations and seeing my kiddos again, but I know that I will also miss Macie. She promised me that she wouldn't hit any developmental milestones while I was at work:) The positive side is that I am very happy with our childcare situation: Mon-Wed my mom will keep her, Thurs she will be with our friend Jordan, and Fri Brian's sister Katie will be keeping her. I'm sure that I will survive tomorrow, but wish me luck!!

Wiped out!!

Annie was watching Leland today and they stopped by this afternoon before heading to our cousin's house. Annie and I were talking, and before long, this is what we found:

How sweet!

Meeting Alexander

One of Brian's best friends, Jesse, and his wife, Casondra, welcomed Alexander Aaron Eckels into the world on Tuesday, December 30th. We traveled across the bridge this morning to meet this adorable bundle of joy. He was 7 pounds 13 ounces and 21 inches long. Congrats guys!!

Another friend for Macie!!
The proud papas! Brian and Jesse are already trying to set-up an arranged marriage. I think the latest deal was some farm land and 3 goats....poor Macie and Alexander don't have a chance with these two!