Luck O' The Irish!

March 17 is here (Thank you Granny and Grandpa for the bib) - it is officially one year since my "due" date. And, although Delanie did not officially arrive on March 17, I find myself reflecting a lot on the pregnancy and March 2007 in general. Maybe because this is the first time SINCE March that I feel like I have any time to reflect!

First, let me start off by saying, I technically had three due dates - March 12, March 17, March 18 (notice how far all these dates are from 3/28...). And, as any pregnant woman will tell you, the due date is actually presented more as a date range nowadays. But, nevertheless, we advertised March 17 as our due date for several reasons:
1) I am proudly Irish, my maiden name is Callaghan, which was originally O'Callaghan.
2) I have always been a big St Patty's Day fan - I love to go out and spread my Irish cheer :)
3) Once we heard 3/17 as a possible due date, we brainstormed Irish names: Finn, Clare, Delanie - and of course we all know, one of them stuck, despite the later birth date.

One year ago today, I called into work mostly because I was in disbelief that nothing was going on with this pregnancy. I thought, maybe if I just stay at home and bounce on my yoga ball, watching a "Baby Story" marathon on TLC, something will happen. We went out for a nice dinner, which I affectionately referred to as "The Last Supper." After a restless evening, nothing. Woke up on March 18, got a pedicure and ran errands. And 10 days later, baby at last.

Some reasons why I was miserable, and how they compare to my feelings today:

1) Sleepless nights -
BEFORE: I could not sleep comfortably to save my life. People kept saying, "Get your sleep while you can" or "Enjoy it now." Both were very annoying comments, and I was very sleep deprived those last few weeks.
AFTER: We are very fortunate that Delanie has been sleeping for long stretches since about 3 months old, and she currently sleeps from 7 pm - 6 am. However, I am still exhausted! A neighbor explained that, as a parent, you never sleep the same again. I have to agree - my ears and brain are always working, even in my deepest slumber. And, I guess the biggest adjustment is not being able to sleep when or where I want! No more 4 pm naps in front of the tv! But, I am very grateful for the uninterrupted nighttime hours!

2) Heartburn -
BEFORE: I was on prescriptions AND over-the-counter remedies, a strict diet and forced to sit upright for 2 hours after eating to keep my food from irritating my stomach and throat.
AFTER: I think my heartburn and indigestion are returning, as I sprint to feed myself and Delanie at the same time! I barely have time to sneak in a bite for me before she is making noise, asking for "more." And, sometimes, I even try to finish so I can get a few dishes done before she wants to get out of her highchair.

3) Sore ribs -
BEFORE: I remember physically holding Delanie down to keep her off my ribs, they were so sore from the pressure and kicking.
AFTER: I find myself physically holding Delanie from jumping on my ribs when we are playing on the floor.

4) Fuzzy brain -
BEFORE: My brain seemed so scattered during those last weeks of pregnancy - we still can't find the car keys I lost last February! My memory was especially horrible.
AFTER: Apparently, "fuzzy brain" should be a medical term used to describe the permanent state of the female brain following childbirth. Still scattered, still forgetful, one year later!

March comes in like a Lion...

March has proved to be such a busy month for us! I am well aware of the fact that we have not been writing much on this blog (and I am also well aware that many of you are probably grateful), so this serves to update all three of our loyal readers.

While Dave and Deanna have been overwhelmed at times with work and school, Delanie continues to keep a full social calendar herself. We went to our last Tuesday swim class last week. On Thursdays, we have joined a play group with babies ranging from 3 months - 11.5 months (that's Delanie). Delanie also stays busy with her frequent play dates with Caleb, whom she is currently seeing exclusively. And, yes, Delanie is either crying or near tears in both photos...

In addition to all the fun with other babies, Delanie has had the pleasure of seeing both sets of maternal grandparents over the past week. First, Grandpa and Granny LaFleur came to NC for several days to visit. We went on a walk, played with toys and went out to dinner with Earl (2nd cousin to Delanie maybe?). Grandpa and Granny also came to swim class, where they witnessed just what a ham Delanie can be. She proceeded to do a trick in the water, grin and look at the side of the pool, then wave each time. Even the instructor got a kick out of her antics, as Delanie has really not been into swimming the last few weeks.

On Thursday, the three of us flew to Florida, where we spent a few warm days with Mamo and Papa Foster. We enjoyed seeing an alligator, seeing the Gulf beaches, a QUICK dip in the pool and a trip out to eat at Applebees. Thank you Mamo and Papa for the pretty blue shirt in the first picture! Delanie was the "belle of the ball" as Mamo put it, waving at every opportunity and enjoying the attention of dozens of grandparent-looking people. Her wave is on a 10 second delay, so its quite funny to see her at airports, restaurants, etc. We say, "Delanie can you wave at the man?" The man waves at Delanie, she stares back. The man turns his head, Delanie waves. Her proud parents say, "What a good wave Delanie!" Man turns around. Repeat process. It is rare that people actually "catch" her waving, due to the 10 second delay!

Bathtub Fun!

We just wanted to share how fun the bath can be at our house! Enjoy!

Delanie Climbs Ladder!

Well, after a week, she has learned how to easily climb the ladder on her new climber toy, and enjoys climbing up and playing on top of the platform.

Delanie's New Toy!

Here is a video clip of Delanie checking out her new slide!

The Ladybugs Picnic!

This was the inspiration for Delanie's 1st birthday party theme - Doesn't this clip bring back memories?

Delanie loves this song, we have gone around the house singing it for days. My husband, on the other hand, now loathes it.

11 Months Old!

Wowsers! I am 11 months old! It feels like I went from infant to toddler in the blink of an eye. Mommy and Daddy have tried to measure me, but being a toddler means that sitting still is not one of my current strengths. I am "about" 24 lbs and 31 inches, give or take some, due to squirminess.

Let's start with all the new things I can do. I am easily cruising now, using furniture to move around the room. I do not like when people hold my hands to have me "walk," however. I will immediately fall to my knees. So, I may have to teach myself to walk, by moving from one piece of furniture to the next. I have started using sign language - I can say eat, more, and all done using my hands. The only problem is, I like to use the sign for eat for other needs as well. In my head, it's crystal clear what I'm asking, but Mommy and Daddy are usually a little confused.

I love clapping my hands because now my hands make noise when I clap! I clap when I hear music come on, or when someone starts singing a nursery rhyme. I also click my tongue (this started on my 11 months birthday) then giggle at the noise. I have perfected my pageant wave, waving at everyone at Target, runners during our walks, random animals such as cats and squirrels. I am very friendly!

My vocabulary is expanding, I am trying so hard to say some of the words I hear so often, such as turtle, more and all done. When someone asks me "What does the doggy say?" I answer, "woof."



Eating continues to be an area in which I excel. My parents are trying to provide me with a "balanced" meal, including veggie, fruit, protein and starch, per daycare/state mandates. But, I am not a big meat eater, other than chicken. So, I have started eating Boca burgers, left in the freezer by Uncle Nick. They are yummy! I also ate a scambled egg yolk yesterday, gobbled the whole thing down. I have started using a sippy cup more, as my parents have introduced whole milk to my diet.

Month 11 will surely go by fast, and soon we will be celebrating my one year mark!