Elle has been a really good sleeper over the past several months but with her getting sick right at the end Christmas break, put her back into sleeping upright once she would awake uncomfortably... Doctor agreed this was the best thing to do with two ear infections and congestion, but now even though she's better, she is now awaking in the middle of the night. And for a few weeks she has not been going back down in her crib once she is up-she goes down great at 8pm, its just when she awakes. We've tried a few methods, the crying it out method...painful but we tried. Once an hour hit, I was in there to rescue her. Her ears still could be bugging her so into the car seat she goes. Last night was the first night she let me just go in there, play with her hair softly until she fell back asleep, and then leave and didn't wake up until 6:45 am. So, with how successful last night went, I am praying the trend continues. Elle continues to get better each day with table food; one day she will scarf down turkey meatballs, vegetables, fruit and the next day she won't touch a thing. It's a work in progress. The sippy cup and ensuring she's getting the milk is the biggest challenge. But in her new school room the babies are up to 18 months and they all are supplemented with a bottle. I found this so strange but in talking with the teachers, the other young parents must have concerns as well. These little tikes are such light eaters and drinkers, they too want to know their children are getting the little extra boost of nutrition. We'll keep working at it but I am not going to beat myself up about her having a few bottles a day while she learns all these new ways of eating and drinking. Her getting enough nutrition is my main concern. She loves her new room though. I was hesitant-they're big kids! They sit at the table and eat real food and drink their milk and go to the "gym". But when I peaked in the door tonight to pick her up, she was loving it. She was doing what they were doing and she looked happy. She'll be fine.
I attended a really good breakfast meeting this morning.....I sit on a regional committee for the network of executive women-women in the Consumer products industry in Cincinnati- we get together quarterly to plan our next networking event and to build relationships within our intimate committee group and to take time to enhance our skills. We talked a lot about Strength finders. Focusing on your strengths and what you're really good at. Be the go-to person for "something". That is going to be my focus for the next several months (among other things, ha) from a personal and career perspective- to really focus and identify what those strengths are. Of course I know what a few of them are through my various jobs, performance reviews, promotions, etc.. but I want to make sure I am truly doing what I am best at so I can continue enjoying my job. Because that is the ONLY way I will continue to send my child to daycare and be apart from her for the entire day- I have to love what I do and have passion for it. Otherwise, it's just not worth it and I'm very lucky to say that I currently really enjoy what I do. I love this industry. It's not fashion or high tech but it's amazing all of the research, analysis, studies, financials and smarts it takes to do business in this crazy Consumer products world. I think Mom still thought I hung out in Grocery stores all day and played with my product on the shelf.
I think Mom and Dad would be proud that I like my work. In Dad's generation, you went to work to provide for your Family. While he made lifelong friendships and got to work with his brother for many, many years, I wouldn't say he "loved" working for Ford for 35+ years. As sad as it makes me that he never got to truly enjoy retirement, what so many of their lifelong friends are up in Harrison doing right this very moment-well, most of them are in AZ or FL for winter, but, thank god he got at least a year. A care free year of sitting on the porch, having a drink, playing pool, riding his bike, visiting a friend, jumping on a plane to visit his brother in Florida, mow his Father's lawn in the middle of the day, played ball with his Grandson, drove down to Cincinnati on a Thursday to "hang" with us, 2pm naps, dinner made by 4.......I know he had some fun. But, it wasn't enough time. He deserved so much more.....
I love you, Dad. I never told you enough- thanks for working so hard all of your life to provide for us kids. I hope Christina and I can continue to make you proud. I'm so sorry about Justin. Can't believe it, Dad.
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