Little Moments

Well.... I survived being a working mother for 2 weeks and 2 days, and that was long enough for me! Everybody tells you how exhausted you will be when the baby arrives, and its true. Your tired beyond belief, but nothing compares to taking care of your infant and going in to work and taking care of everyone else. The day is endless and as the old saying goes, there truly isn't enough hours in the day. I have never felt exhaustion like that before. I could fall asleep at the drop of a dime, in a meeting (which I did), out to dinner (which I did), sitting on the couch feeding my son (which I did). The exhaustion was awful, but worse then that, I missed all of Tripp's little moments throughout the day. I wasn't able to steal a smile while changing his diaper, I couldn't make him laugh with my kisses or watch his eyes take in something new for the first time. I even missed him being fussy.

As a teacher, I make a meager salary, but the best perk is having the summer home with my little man. I wouldn't trade this precious time for any amount of money in the world. And I am going to enjoy my time, my son and all of his little moments for the next two months. I'm trying to capture his life to share with all of you, so here are some of my favorite moments with my little man!

Exploring Leu Gardens with my little man and my Mom

Watching his endless supply of expression and trying to figure
 out what his little mind is thinking 

He might look like his Daddy but there is Mommy in there,
he sucks the same two fingers I sucked as a child

The beautiful moments shared over a diaper change 

Taking in the world around him

And the best moments of all........

A VERY BIG special thank you to my wonderful, amazing, loving mother who came down to Florida to take care of Tripp while I went back to work. Without you, I wouldn't have been able to say goodbye to my first class and share in their "little moments" at the end of the school year and the end of their elementary career. We love you Grandmom! 

Life Lessons

Happy Father's Day to my wonderful Dad and my amazing husband. I am so blessed to have such great men in my life, and so is Tripp. Every time I watch Gary with Tripp, my heart swells. I can't find the right words to explain what I feel when I see Tripp intently watching Gary's every move and smiling at his Daddy. Or when Gary comes in from a business trip and his face lights up at the sight of his son. I am so excited to watch you grow as a father and see your relationship with our son unfold. I know you will be an exceptional Dad, because you are already an exceptional man. Thank you for teaching us, making us laugh, feel safe and protected, and for loving us.Today I was able to capture a father son moment. One of many. 

Gary and Tripp watching the US Open. His first golf lesson. 

I also wanted to take a moment to thank the wonderful man who shaped my life. Dad, you have always been my safe haven. Mom and I relived the past laughing and sharing stories of a young girl exploring the world in front of her, headstrong and ready to take it on, but always aware of the strong man at her back. You always knew what was best for me, even when I didn't. I truly believed I was old enough and mature enough to do everything on my own, but you knew better. When we entered the big apple for my first viewing of a broadway play, my eyes were wide and my heart pounding. A preteen girl realized very quickly how grateful she was to have her Daddy by her side. I felt safe in the concrete jungle because your large hands held tight (and I was NOT letting go). In the Bahamas I tested my boundaries and went running into the arms of my father. No matter how old I am, I know you always have my back. I love you Dad. Thank you for always being there. 

Life Lessons

You may have thought I didn't see,
Or that I hadn't heard,
Life lessons that you taught to me,
But I got every word.

Perhaps you thought I missed it all,
And that we'd grow apart,
But Dad, I picked up everything,
It's written on my heart.

Without you, Dad, I wouldn't be
The woman I am today;
You built a strong foundation
No one can take away.

I've grown up with your values,
And I'm very glad I did;
So here's to you, dear father,
From your forever grateful kid.


By Joanna Fuchs

Handsome Men

Grandaddy came to visit! And he got his first smile from Tripp. It was wonderful watching my Dad play with my son. It is a glipse at what life might have been like when I was an infant. As I think back to my childhood, it is filled with love, laughter, and life lessons. But watching my Dad play with my baby boy showed me the softer side of my big strong military father. Hearing him laugh out loud because he is watching his grandson smile and laugh at his mother (daughter) and watching him get so excited at that special bonding moment between Grandaddy and grandson was heart filling. 

Laughing with Grandaddy 

Intently watching my Grandaddy 

Handsome little man 

Productivity Schmoductivity

How on earth am I supposed to be productive during the day? If anyone can tell me, that would be great. Because so far, I'm finding it impossible. I have an amazing little boy who captures all of my attention and I wouldn't have it any other way. 

One minute we are playing 

The next, he is sound asleep in my arms

Look at this precious face 

So I say, productivity schmoductivity. I'm spending the day just like this 

Big Shoes

Today was wonderful. How could it not be when the recipe called for quality time with my boys. My husband is wonderful and made sure I had a very special first Mother's Day, and that I did. Throughout the day, I would look at the beautiful baby in my arms and feel so amazingly blessed. He is healthy. He is beautiful. He is happy. He is mine, and I love every inch of him, inside and out. His personality is starting to shine, and what a sunny disposition he has.

There is a lot of pressure placed upon me to be a great Mom, what BIG shoes I have to fill. I have been greatly influenced by a woman who inspires me on a constant basis. She is strong, compassionate, loving, and patient. She is my Mom, and I love her with all of my heart. She has been my biggest supporter and continues to encourage me daily. I love you Mom, thank you for being my rock, my bestfriend and forgiving my teenage years. Thank you for shaping me into the woman I am today, and the Mother I wish to become. Your feet were once steps which I stood upon and learned to dance around the kitchen. Your high-heels were a source of entertainment which would take me to a land of make believe. And now, Those "BIG" size 5 shoes are yet again stepping stones for my life, my journey as a mother. I hope to be able to fill them one day, and be half the mother you were to me. I have high hopes, after all, I learned from the best. I love you Mom. Happy Mother's Day.

Sunshine

My absolute favorite time of the day is the morning. My little man wakes up so happy and we have 2 solid hours of blissful bonding time together. This morning, he was stirring and cooing so I rolled over with my face even to his and he returned with a huge smile. Nothing is more gratifying then having your child smile at the sight of your face. His smile makes my heart swell. Pure bliss. 

All is Right in the World

Sigh. Our baby boy is ok, healthy, and perfect. That is the best thing we've heard since hearing his heartbeat for the first time. We had quite the scare this week. I noticed a ridge and bump on his front right forehead and had our pediatrician look at it to be safe. She felt concerned and wanted to x-ray his skull to make sure everything looked normal. The news that came next was devastating, they thought that his sutures (plates in his skull) were prematurely closing (shouldn't close until 4-6 years of age, he was 7 weeks), she wanted us to see a neuro surgeon. The earliest appointment was a week away. That is torture to worried parents. Over the course of the past week we grieved, got angry, and cried a lot. Then we began accepting the prognosis and preparing ourselves for the likely course of action, surgery on our little mans skull. As much as I tried, there is no preparing for that. Every time I looked at that beautiful baby my heart broke a little more. Thank God, it was a misdiagnosis. His sutures are wide open!! There is some overlap on his right side but that should correct itself as he grows. WHEW! He is a beautiful, healthy, perfect little boy. Poor little guy can't get away from our kisses, the supply is endless!

Happy Easter!

Our first holiday as a family, it was perfect! Thanks to my wonderful and talented Mom, Tripp had a beautiful Easter outfit to wear to church. In my opinion, he was the most handsome man there (tied with his Daddy of course)! After a few obsticles we made it to the 11:15 church service, barely.  Lets just say peanut butter and Gary's elbow was involved.... as we were getting in the car to leave. We regrouped and got to the service before it started and waited in line to grab a seat only to find that there were none left. Amazingly enough and thanks to some kind women in the choir we enjoyed our first Easter service at St. Lukes in the choir loft! The baby was tired and due for a nap but was so interested and awed by the beautiful music surrounding us that he stayed awake for the entire service and was an angel! After the beautiful service and a lovely brunch at First Watch we came home to take some family photo's. Bless the inventor of the camera timer! 

Obert Family Photo-Easter 2011

Tripp's First Easter Basket

His adorable outfit made by Grandmom Martin

SMILE!

My little man smiled at me today! It was very clear that it wasn't a gas smile, however, he was smiling at his gas/my reaction to his gas. He was making his "o" face and I was mimicking him as he starred intently at my face. Then he let out a loud gaseous noise to which I widened my "O", raised my eyebrows, and opened my eyes as large as they could go and I made a high pitched noise. My adorable precious son starred right at my face and gave me a huge grin. His mommy made him laugh. It was the best feeling in the world. His smile made the 3 a.m. changing the best part of my day. I wish I had my camera armed and ready to catch this act, instead I was elbow deep in dirty diaper. Who needs a camera? This moment will forever be etched into my memory. Since I wasn't able to capture this "first" with my camera to share with you all, I will some another firsts. 

First time holding my son

First Bath

My Heart

March 9, 2011 my heart grew larger then I ever thought possible. Everything "they" say is true, "you are in love instantly" "You never thought you could love like this" "The pain disappears the minute you see your child for the first time".  I was in labor for 18 hours and pushing for 3, yet the minute I saw my son, I was ready to do it all over again. So much has happened in the last 6 weeks, here is the short version. My beautiful baby was born weighing 8 lbs 2 oz 20.5 inches long, we hugged, kissed, smelled him and watched him. We got little sleep. Changed 8-10 poop and pee diapers a day... repeat, repeat, repeat. We are starting to get the hang of the parenting concept. Tripp is beautiful and has been a great baby. He actually sleeps really well so far, fingers crossed it continues. My favorite part of the day is our cuddle time, nothing is more perfect then sweet baby breath rhythmically hitting your chest. Up till now I was very unproductive during the day, setting everything else aside to hold him in my arms and watch/feel him sleep. Thankfully, a wise mother introduced me to the moby wrap. LIFESAVER! I can be as productive as I want and still have my sweet baby right there against my chest, listening to my heartbeat, breathing on me- perfection. For those of you who may not have seen him yet, here are a few pictures. I will be more diligent about updating our days filled with firsts and new beginnings.

The dogs have been fantastic with him. Maddie has been protective since we came home from the hospital, it was a few weeks before she allowed any other dog to go near her baby. Radley on the other hand was a bit nervous about the change. She still jumps to with every coo he makes. She is always worried about her baby and checking to make sure he is ok.

That is all I have for today, I'm off to watch my baby sleep. Sweet dreams.

Daily Miracles

I have a new favorite past time.... sitting and watching my stomach move as my baby turns and churns inside. I feel him moving more and more every day and each time it brings a huge smile across my face. The other day I was watching a movie, and he started up. I hit pause and just watched my stomachs little movements for at least a half an hour. He is tricky this boy of mine, so far he only does it when I'm alone. His daddy has yet to see or feel him go. I like our bonding moments, but I want Gary to experience this miracle as well. Hopefully in the next week as he gets stronger, we will get to share that moment together. I'm sure Gary will be glad when I stop waking him up in the morning to try and feel his son's actions in my belly. As promised, here is a picture of my growing profile. 

21 weeks

Thanks to some well versed Mom's I found some great websites for adorable baby items today. I found the bedding we like at www.polkatotdesigns.com. I really wanted a calming room for he and I to go to and relax. I don't want too many bold prints or objects to distract him from sleeping and unwinding. He will have the world at his fingertips but I want a soothing room to unwind from the days adventures. 

I also foundsome great items for the nursery at www.etsy.com. Everything on this website is handmade and can be customized- its fantastic! I love these distressed wood letters for his room, rather then Jackson, it would say Tripp (obviously). 

If you have any suggestions, good websites, or fun products SHARE!!! I love shopping for him. My sister showed me Restoration Hardware's baby section and they have some really cute stuffed animals, onsies, and blankets on there that would go nicely with the theme that is developing in his room. I can't wait to start buying things and getting his room ready! 

I'm happy to be able to share these thoughts with you all. Lately, the blog has been working for me- here's hoping it continues! I'm so excited about every days developments and can't wait to share my thoughts and ideas with everyone! 

Fat Cat

Since finding out we are having  a little boy, it has become more tangible. I'm constantly thinking about how I want to decorate the nursery and looking for cute little boy items for our registry. Speaking of registry, holy overwhelming! THANK GOD FOR MY SISTER! There are so many things on the baby check list and I'm not sure what I NEED, what would be nice and what I absolutely can do without. Heather to the rescue. She is giving me inside tips and pointers into the world of baby products. Even with her help, it is still overwhelming.

I can tell he is growing. 1. I'm getting huge! 2. I am feeling him move around so much more these days and I love it! Sometimes I stop what I'm doing or eat something just to get him going. But back to 1, the topic of my hugeness. thighs, thighs and more thighs is what I see when I look in the mirror. And my belly has popped which I love until my neurotic self starts looking at pictures of friends who are also pregnant and I am much larger then they are or were at 20 weeks (yes Candice, I'm talking about you!). I really need to get pictures of my ever growing self up here. This weekend, I will make time with Gary to take some pictures and post them.

Apparently with 5 months came my belly and my hormones. I was pretty stable until the last week and suddenly I feel like I can't get ahold of my emotions. If I'm frustrated, I cry, sad, I cry, angry, I cry, etc. And once I feel one of these emotions it takes hours for me to settle myself. It doesn't help when I am shopping and feeling frustrated because all of the cute clothes I see couldn't even get over one of my thighs and the maternity clothes are boring me. But on top of that as I try on new pants and stare at my thunder thighs in the mirror my lovely adoring husband says " Your thighs are getting bigger". Geeee, thanks dear! I wanted out of the mall at that very second. After that lovely shopping experience this weekend, I get to school on Tuesday and one of my students tells me I should be Garfield for halloween, he proceeded to explain because he is a fat cat and I could easily pull that off. Oh boys.. I have an 11 yr. old and a 28 yr. old making me feel self conscious, I guess they never learn.

Snips and Snails and Puppy Dog Tails

IT'S A BOY!!!!! No doubt about it, he is a he.

I thought Gary's face would forever be ingrained with the biggest proudest smile. To carry on tradition, his proper name will be Gary Ronald Obert III but he will go by Tripp Obert ( Tripp for the third, like triple). It was surreal watching him move all around during the ultra sound and see all of his features. His profile is the most beautiful thing I have ever seen. Thats my baby, my boy, his face, and its perfect.

Now that we know the gender, we can start planning. We found a crib that we love!

Bedding.... that's another story. Everything is so themed, and I don't want that. I don't want the entire room to be sail boats, or animals, or lambs. What if it doesn't match the personality he is born with. I want a mix, a hodge podge, a collection of things in his room to introduce him to. Luckily, he has a Grandmom that is very talented and skilled who has agreed to take me fabric shopping. I love the idea of designing the perfect room just for him. I have resisted the urge to go baby clothes shopping, but I'm not sure how much longer I can hold out. Especially if I am surrounded by adorable tiny outfits and I now know the sex. I have it in good faith that he will proudly represent Philadelphia! I can't wait to dress him in Phillies, Eagles, and Flyers outfits and sit on the couch with he and his proud Daddy to watch the games. Luckily, his other Grandmom happens to be a huge Philly sports fan and can hunt for adorable outfits back home! This little man is lucky and blessed to have such an amazing family, as are his parents!

I apologize for not posting lately. For some reason, I have had difficulties with this sight. I have tried multiple times every day with no luck. Today at 4:31 a.m. seems to be the lucky day. I always manage to blog in the wee hours of the morning. I will continue trying to keep everyone updated and post belly pictures soon. I finally popped this week. You still wont look at me and go "Man she is pregnant" but I'm getting there. He is growing and developing and will soon be stretching out my belly!

Listen to LObert314s Playlist

Time Flies By

Today we are 13 weeks- we have entered our second trimester! I can't believe it has been 13 weeks already, time really is going by quickly. It's a tricky thing, time - the less you have of it, the quicker it seems to go. I'm sorry I haven't posted any updates in a while, but the start of my first school year has been fantastic and hectic. Hopefully, routine sets in and I find myself with some more quality time on my hands instead of work, work, work, work, work.

We went to our monthly appointment last week and got to see the baby again. It has gotten so big! It actually looks like a baby- with eyes, nose, mouth- a profile. It was kicking and waving its arms all over the place. Either we woke it up, or it was in the middle of its daily workout routine. Either way, it was beautiful! It is three inches long and weighs almost an ounce. It may be that small- but my belly sure isn't! I'm currently in the awkward phase. I have a gut but don't look pregnant yet. I feel like everyone who passes me thinks "Girl has go to lay off the junk food". I can't wait to have a full fledge bump. I will be proud when my belly enters the room before me.

4 weeks

13 weeks 

Moms make everything better

MY MOMMY IS HERE!!!!!!!!!!! This week has been stressful and overwhelming! Thank God my mom has come to save the day. Mission: tackle my classroom and get it student ready. Its a relief to know hands will be working while I sit in workshops all day long. One of the things I looked forward to most was of course, Moms home cooking! And what happens? Our oven craps out. Currently it is 5:15 a.m. and I am wide awake. As I took my nightly pee/snack break I realized the oven was on... or was it. Everything is turned off but it is still producing heat. I have no clue how to fix it so I am up and on guard to make sure a fire doesn't start. This awful situation means no home cooked meals from mom tonight. This bums me out beyond words. My appetite is finally back in full force and I've been counting down the days to county fried steak- with all intentions of inhaling it. At this juncture I am rapping my brain to figure out whose kitchen we could barrow. Anyone wanting to donate their facilities? Its for a good cause... BABY IS HUNGRY!!!

Sleep is for the Birds

Apparently when you are pregnant your body is EXHAUSTED but doesn't like you to get a full nights sleep. It is 3:00 a.m. and I am up for my nightly party for 1 (well, I guess 2).

Tomorrow is my last day at Isleworth, bitter sweet emotions are taking place. Shoot- emotions are just taking place all over right now! I'm so excited to set up my classroom and meet my students and finally begin my career but will deeply miss my Members and the beautiful club I have worked in for the last 5 years. It has been an amazing experience that has opened many doors for our family. I am however very excited for a teacher's schedule, especially once the baby arrives! No more weekends!! No more holidays!! Glorious!

Ok- time to try and fall back asleep. Fan on full force because my body feels like it is going through "the change". Poor Gary is going to get frozen out of the bedroom by winter and I will be sleeping with no covers! No matter how crazy my body becomes I am so thrilled to be pregnant and be able to experience all the changes. In the midst of losing control over our bodies, I think we forget how blessed we are to be able to carry our child and be its life source for 9 mos. Over the course of the last year there were many nights I would wonder if I was going to have the opportunity to experience pregnancy so, all complaining aside, it is wonderful!

Sweet dreams!

Proof!

Week 6

First photo

Week 7

The baby plus its strong heartbeat 

Week 8

"The bean"  

The Journey

First off, I want to thank our amazing family and friends for all the prayers and support sent our way over the last year. We are so excited to begin our journey into parenthood and feel so blessed to have the opportunity. A friend suggested I start a blog and I thought "Friend... great idea!" This way those of you in PA can still be a part of our pregnancy and parenthood. 


This week (week 8) the baby is the size of a kidney bean ( we have come to know and love the baby in relation to food). Baby Obert is due to make an appearance on March 14, 2011 which is a wonderful day.. good people and born that day... people like my Mom! We have had the opportunity to see pictures of "the bean" a few times- each time the little heartbeat takes my breath away. 


I hope you all enjoy the updates- we will post pictures of the ultrasound soon!