Ten Things Tuesday

On this Tuesday, I am thankful for the following:

1. My wonderful, amazing husband Mark. Not only is he so good to me, he is also incredible with Belle. She is so lucky to have him for her daddy. He wins the top spot on my list because of his courageous duty this morning (no pun intended -- and you will understand in a second). At 6:45 this morning when I went to feed Belle, I discovered a MAJOR blowout. So nice that I discovered this once I had already picked her up. It was through her gown, through her swaddle me, onto the sheet, up her back, down her legs and even on her shoulder - can I get a "YUCK"! Mark woke up and came in and helped me clean up the little princess. She was screaming bloody murder, but Mark patiently and so sweetly cleaned the mess off of her (for the ones that did not catch on as quickly, this is where the courageous "duty" pun makes sense). Thank you so much Mark for always being there for the two of us no matter what you have to do.

2. Dreft Laundry Stain Remover. Allows messes such as above to occur, and allows the stains to completely disappear. It is like magic! Belle's laundry shows no signs of the disaster's that occur throughout our day.

3. Belle's Reflux Medications. Belle has a good ole case of reflux just like about everyone whoever had "Chamblee" as part of their name. We are not surprised at all that she has developed this, seeing as when I was a child I was carted from doctor to doctor trying to figure out what was wrong with me. Thankfully, our doctor believes in treating reflux like forest fires - aggressive and quick. Due to a combination of medications and elevating her mattress, I have a much happier child who appears to be much more comfortable. Seriously, we have been doing this for four days now and almost every symptom has gone away.

4. The Little Series Music. This is a wonderful collection of children's music. There are lullabies, silly songs and such. Belle loves to go to sleep to the lullabies. The silly songs are so much fun. I sit her in her Bumbo and I sing them to her doing the silly hand motions. Makes me feel like I am right back in VBS again. Still trying to remember all those crazy hand motions. The best is that Belle tends to look at me like I am a little on the nutty side.

5. Snap 'n' go stroller. This was a recommendation to me from a friend who used to be a nanny. All of my friends complained about their barcalounger-esque strollers saying they were too heavy to use often. This stroller is fabulous because I just pop the car seat into it. That way if Belle is sleeping from the car ride I don't have to wake her up to put her in the stroller. I just pop open this light weight contraption and strap the car seat in. I get so many compliments on it. People act like it is some revolutionary stroller - folks it is 59.99 at Babies R Us and will change your life.

6. Today's gorgeous weather. It was in the low 70's and cloudy. Perfect for strapping Belle into above stroller and going for a walk with dad once he got home from work.

7. My once a month house cleaner. Today I felt like my house was starting to get a tad icky. I had to just do the basics of cleaning because I know my house will be "deep-cleaned" next week. This really brought a smile to my face. I enjoy being able to spend quality time with Belle and get other stuff done during naps besides house cleaning. Thank you #1 for this luxury. This is a small piece of heaven in my life.

8. Old Navy. As I am working to drop the pounds from my pregnancy, I can reward myself with a new pair of pants as I drop clothes sizes without feeling guilty about the price. I am about to go buy my third pair of jeans - which means third size dropped!

9. My mother teaching me to cook. Thank you mom for making me cook with you each summer. These lessons were so helpful for me. I think every food that I made with you those summers I can now make without looking at a recipe. This has been so wonderful during the adjustment period to being a mom. I can cook things quickly and easily because of you! Who knew your lessons years ago could reduce my stress today!

10. The flexibility of my job. I save this for last because I will be starting back to work next week. Yes siree, my maternity leave is coming to a close. My job though allows me many options to enjoy motherhood and working at the same time. I am getting to go back to work as "resource" which basically means that I have to work a minimum of 6 shifts per month. I am getting to stay on the same evening shift which which will be wonderful because Belle will not have to go to day care. I am nervous about being back at "the nation's busiest hospital", but excited to have some adult time!