happy two months georgia grace!

I cannot believe my baby girl celebrated her 2 month birthday already!  Monday, September 30th marked two months since she came in to this world.  Time has truly flown by.  I am so thankful for this sweet gift from above.  Baby girl, we love you more and more every day!  

Now a little about my growing baby lady...

Weight: G is currently in the 72% percentile! Yay!  She weighs 12 pounds even and is 23 1/4 inches long.  So happy she is steadily gaining weight!

Health: Feeling so blessed to be able to say we have a happy and healthy baby girl.

Sleep: G has been pretty consistent with her sleep patterns thankfully.  Her bed time is 9:30 every night and she sleeps until 5-530.  Then she wake to eat and will usually fall back asleep until anywhere form 630-830.  I still get up most nights once around 2-3 to pump, but some nights I roll back over and keep on a snoozing... She is still sleeping in her rock and play, on an incline.  I know I need to transition her pretty soon to her flat basinet but I’m nervous.  Although the other day for G’s morning nap I was swaddling her on my bed, getting ready to put her in her rock and play (which gets moved to Matt’s closet during the day because it’s dark – do what ya gotta do people!), and she just passed out on my bed.  Swaddled, cozy and lying flat!  So I let her sleep.  We are going to start letting her nap flat for the next two weeks.  Then, once we get back from Matt’s 30^th birthday vacay we are going to make the transition at night time.  Wish us luck!

Social: G has experienced lots of social gatherings in the past month.  She met some more of her aunties, had a few cookouts, went shopping with mom and went to her first bridal shower!  She’s been busy!  This next month will be no different!  First up, her first vacay for her daddy’s 30^th birthday!

Diet: She is doing great with breastfeeding as of late.  So thankful for that.  I wrote more about that journey here.

Clothes: She’s definitely in her 3 month outfits!  Some are still a little big but they fit way better than her newborn stuff now so we go with it.  I’m pretty sure the first year of this girls’ life is going to be “summertime” because all of her clothes are bright dresses and shorts.  But I’m OK with that.   

Baby Gear Love: Thank goodness for my Medala Breast Pump!  G had nipple confusion some a few weeks ago and it has been a slow process of getting her to easily go back and forth.  Seems once she got the same milk from a bottle she realized she wouldn’t have to work as hard and became a bit lazy – literally kicking and screaming at time when she was on the boob.  Luckily that has calmed down, but when it was bad I was pumping all the time.  Like all the time.  And with the traveling I’ve done this month I couldn’t have gotten by without this pump.  And I have gotten great at pumping in the car! 

Crying: She really is a happy baby, finally!  She still has reflux but now she is a “happy spitter” so they say.  Thank you so much for all of the encouraging emails, messages and advice!  I have taken all of them!

Likes: She still loves to be held and cozy and her favorite nap spot is on her mommy or daddy’s chest.  She also loves this pink blanket she received a few weeks ago.  It’s the softest thing in the world and as soon as it touches her skin she gives me this huge, contagious smile.  It’s the best really.  That kids smile. 

Dislikes: HATES a dirty diaper.  Hates.  Like screams so hard she makes herself sick at times.  So we change her immediately and are currently going through 20-24 diapers in a day.  Yes my friends, you read that correctly.  That’s a lot of diapers.  But we just got our first shipment of Honest Diapers so at least they are cute and environmentally friendly!

Postpartum:  Feeling good and finally back to normal, other than the constant feeling of exhaustion.  Thinking about starting some exercising videos this week.  Just thinking.  We will see if I put my thoughts to action. 

Milestones: OH my goodness she smiles!  Like huge smiles.  And when I wake her up, she has her routine stretches that she does, then I get real close to her face so she can see me and she just lights up.  Melts me into a puddle every. Single. Time.  I love that kid.

Check out Georgia's one month post HERE

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35 week letter to baby girl

Dear Georgia,

You are 35 weeks miss priss!  And we are in excitement overload over here.  Your mama and daddy cannot wait to kiss your sweet lips!  You actually gave us a little scare on Sunday though.  First of all, you had quite the celebratory day on Saturday – filled with sweet friends, yummy food and lots and lots of love.  Well I guess it wore you out, and your mama.  Because Sunday was spent in bed having some major Braxton Hicks.  It scared me a bit because I don’t want you to come 5 weeks early.  I want you to gain weight and be so healthy!  But I’m not gonna lie baby girl, a small part of me felt a ting of excitement and maybe even hopefulness that I could get to meet you early (I told your dad to start packing our bag!).  But ultimately you need to do a few more weeks of cooking.  And I will have to be patient.

Oh and your dad?  He doesn’t stand a chance.  All day on Sunday, he tended to your mama’s every need and I love to imagine the day he looks into your eyes.  You will have his heart from the very first second.  Your daddy will show you a love that only he can.  A serving love and a selfless love.  A protecting love and a love that overflows.  He’s a good man Georgia.  And I know he’s going to take the best care of us.

I love you.

Love, mama

a picture from my shower on saturday!  more to come later :)

** So excited to share my maternity photos later this week **

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32 1/2 week letter to georgia

via

Dear Georgia,

Lately, everything makes me think of you.  Everything.  I am always listening to songs or reading quotes and thinking to myself, "Yes, I want to instill that in Georgia!"  This little quote was just one of many I have found.  Your nursery is also being filled with Bible verses that are close to my heart.  I hope they will be close to yours too.  Oh and I'm working on an art project with the lyrics to a song I love.  Its plan is to make it in your nursery but your dear ol' mama is not the most artistic person in the world so we will have to see how it turns out.... maybe it could be more of a closet piece.  Either way, despite all of these things I hope to teach you the most important is that you are loved.  So loved.  I can't wait to meet you in 7 short weeks, baby girl!  We love you so much!

love, mama

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25 week letter to gigi

Georgia Grace,

You are 25 weeks today! Holy cow that means in 15 weeks (or less) you will be in my arms. I’ve been thinking a lot about that day lately. Trying to imagine exactly what it will be like. Trying to picture your sweet face. The truth is; I can’t picture it at all. I don’t think my brain or my heart can wrap itself around what that moment will feel like.

So lately I just pray. Pray for you. Pray for your future. For your friends. For your future husband. And for me and your dad. I pray we have patience with each other when you are young and so tiny and we are sleepy and delirious. And I pray that I will be able to soak up each and every cuddle you give out. Oh, I can’t wait for those cuddles. I love you.

Love, mama

PS – Your G-daddy is painting your nursery this week! Eeeek! It’s starting. And your shower curtain came in last week. It’s hot pink. Thank you Lilly Pulitzer. I promise to be a busy little bee these next few weeks and months and have everything ready (hopefully) for you when you arrive. But I know that when I see your little face, none of that will matter! But I still think you’re gonna looooove this shower curtain ;)

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23 week letter to gigi

Georgia Grace,

Sweet sweet girl, I have loved feeling you kick like crazy these past few weeks.  Makes me smile and laugh every time.  I think we’re gonna laugh a lot around here.  I know you’re gonna laugh at me, because I’m kinda goofy.  But you’ll find that out soon enough.  I spent all weekend with people who love you so much already!  Your grandparents and aunts and uncles are gonna spoil you rotten, just wait.  Most of Saturday, your newest cousin, Griffin, was sleeping or eating in my arms.  That was fun.  He’s tiny just like you will be.  Ya’ll are gonna be 6 months apart and probably in the same grade one day!  I can’t wait to see you together.  I can’t wait to see you with all of your cousins.  You will have to handle four boys.  But I have no doubt that you can hold your own.  And good luck to any future boyfriend of yours.  

He’s got cousins, uncles, granddaddies a daddy and a protective mama to go through first. 

Oh I get so excited when I think about the people you have in your life.  People who will love you, protect you and even teach you.  They will teach you things your mama can’t and for that I am grateful.  But you sit tight little one, you’ve still got some cookin to do.  You’re about a pound (or more) right now and almost to your 6 month mark.  So make yourself cozy and stay for just a few more months.  Judging by your recent karate moves, you’re not the most patient person.  Well neither is mama.  But just wait, mama and daddy are getting your nursery all ready for you, and you need to do some growing still.  

Love you so much my 23 week old nugget.

Love, your mama

your first easter basket.  courtesy of your nanny.

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georgia grace lopatka

your mama's 20 week bump

Georgia Grace Lopatka,

I am so excited to share your name. I know a lot of people keep their baby’s name secret until they arrive, but not one ounce of your mama wanted to do that. Partly because I’m terrible at secrets, but mostly because I am just so excited about your sweet name. There is no doubt in my mind you are a Georgia. Your daddy and I have had you named for awhile too – even before you were conceived. Crazy huh? We’ve thought about you that much and for that long. You’ve already been nicknamed Gigi and you’re not even here yet!

your pop pop, daddy and g-daddy

But little one I want you know what your name means and why it is so close to my heart. It starts with Georgia. You see those men up there? The best three men I know right there. Their hearts? All pure gold. The middle one is your daddy – and oh how he loves you so already. The other two are you grandfathers – George Harrison Dodson, Jr. and George Anthony Lopatka (Tony). That's Pop Pop and G-Daddy to you missy. They would do anything for your daddy and I and I know they will do the same for you. Those two George’s will hang the moon in your eyes, just like they do mine.

your dad and your g-daddy way back when

Your G-Daddy helped shape your daddy into the daddy he will be to you – a kind daddy, a loving daddy and a daddy that takes time to teach you things you need to know. Your G-Daddy will reason with you and show how to make good choices. He’ll take you to get ice cream on a Sunday afternoon, probably at Sahara and he will read and play with you with patience like I’ve never seen.  I hear he even does puppet shows!

your mama and your pop pop way back when

Your Pop Pop is the reason your mama is the way she is today too. And let me tell you, I was (still am) a daddy’s girl. I have a feeling my apple won’t fall far from my tree either. Your Pop Pop will help you solve your problems even when they seem too big to solve. He’ll dance with you around the kitchen (don’t worry he’ll let you stand on his feet) and rock you until you fall asleep no matter how long it takes. He’ll bring you and all of your friends Chick-fil-A at lunch just so he can be involved. He will teach you how to throw a football with joy in his eyes, but lovingly sit through 4 of the same 3-hour dance recitals waiting with flowers.

Georgia – these are great men. Rare men. And every time I think about what they will teach you and show you my heart melts into a big ole’ puddle. So my sweet one you are named Georgia after these men – your G-Daddy and Pop Pop.

And your middle name, Grace – well sweet girl – the Lord has shown your mama so much grace – through pregnancy, through marriage and through my stubborn soul. He has shown me grace when I do not deserve it. When I try to take back “control” and do things “my way”, God always answers with grace. And this is something I hope to always do with you. I pray I will always show you grace and even more, that you will show me grace as well. I’m not perfect and this whole motherhood thing scares me. But with love, forgiveness and grace – sweet grace – I think we can figure it out.

I love you.

Love, mama

PS - You grandfathers and your daddy were all college athletes so you better believe you’ll have some tomboy in you. I just know you will be able to rock a backwards hat with the best of em, and sit through hours of college football in your Demon Deacon best… just like your mama :)

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Preggy Update: 18 Weeks

Dear Baby,

Oh how I love you so!  I can’t believe you are 18 weeks already.  Almost halfway done cookin huh?  Stay put please and keep growing big and strong.  On my snazzy phone I get all these pictures of what you “look like” right now and it blows my mind.  You’re the size of a sweet potato?!? Holy moly that seems so big, but so small too.  I can’t wait to meet you.  Hold you.  Kiss those lips.  Snuggle forever.  You got a new cousin last week.  Griffin Russell Lopatka – You and he will be so close in age.  He will help you and show you things.  You have three other cousins that can help you and play with you and teach you too.  Warning: you only have boy cousins.  So, if you’re a boy I think we may start a football team, whatcha think?  And if you’re a girl – well let’s just say I feel bad for your future husband.  Between your daddy, granddaddies, uncles and cousins, your future man will have lots of tests to pass.  And I kinda like it! 

I talk to you a lot now.  You talk back, I’m sure of it.  Dad always asks me what you’re saying, and I can generally decipher what you want – usually it’s ice cream but lately it’s more Girl Scout Cookies – you really love Thin Mints.  Hey, I like your style. 

We pray for you every day.  All the time.  When I think about the things I want you to know and to learn the greatest one is love.  I pray you feel loved the moment you come into this world.  I pray you never doubt my love for you, even if I’m angry or make a mistake.  I pray you learn to love.  And that you love freely and unconditionally.  Your daddy is an amazing example of love.  He shows me love and grace every day.  I’m thankful you have him as an example.  And I feel so overwhelmed because I know you are loved already by so many.  You have an amazing family.  Your grandparents – all four of em – they will spoil you rotten I’m sure – but mostly they will show you love.  You’ve got a lot of aunts and uncles too.  Three aunts and three uncles that are “technically” in the family, and then a whole slew of aunts and uncles who don’t share our name.  Daddy and I have been so blessed by amazing friendships over the years and I can’t wait for you to come to know our friends as your friends and your aunts or uncles because they love you too.

Your mom’s a big pile of mush these days, so I apologize for the sappiness of this letter.  I promise to write some cool – not so mushy – letters later don’t worry.  I’ve got a whole journal already for ya.  Don’t worry; there are some cool, hip letters in there.  But today, all I want you to know is that you are loved.  So loved.

love, mama

PS - You get a name next week when we find out if you're a boy or a girl! 

PPS - I love you!

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