First Week Back at Work

Morning morning before leaving for work and Lauren's first day at Mariah's. I really tried hard to put a smile on my face, but look at the uncertainty in Lauren's face.

I returned to teaching this past week and what a week it was. Overall, the entire week could not have gone better. As many of you know, I was very anxious about returning to work and leaving Lauren during the day. It's not that I was worried about Lauren's care, I just know I would rather be with Lauren during the day. What I realized this past week was I LOVE teaching as well. I always thought I enjoyed my job, but never realized how much until I had to drive back into that parking lot early Monday morning. Of course I had tears in my eyes, but they weren't because I was going to a place I don't like. After a very emotional week I determined I love teaching, but would rather be with Lauren. So I guess if I have to leave Lauren, teaching is the place for me. Thanks to all of my family, friends and colleagues who made this week as easy as possible. Here's what the week looked like.

Sunday: Geoff left for a business trip, so Steph came up to stay with us and help with Lauren on Monday morning. We had a wonderful time! Steph did a great job of letting me decide what to do all day and didn't mind that at times all I wanted to do was hold Lauren. She was very supportive and even put a little note in my lunch to cheer me up on Monday.

Monday: A very tough morning, but Lauren was smiling when I left her at Mariah's so that made the transition easier. As I arrived at school, my students were busy decorating my classroom to welcome my return. That sure made walking into the room easier.


My colleagues and friends were so helpful with this transition as well. They realized that I might just need some space, yet let me know they were there for me as well. It's great to know I work with such fantastic people. Around lunchtime a beautiful vase full of spring flowers was delivered from my parents and Steph and Jon. What a bright spot to the day!


As soon as I could I left school and picked up Lauren. She had a bit of a rough day as well. Mariah said she was happy except when it was time for naps. We have been struggling with this for a few months, but it was very hard to hear that my daughter was crying so much while I was away. I just kept telling myself it's all part of the transition though. The weather was pretty nice Monday so Lauren and I went on a long walk when we arrived home. The next thing I knew it was 9:45pm. I can't believe how quickly the time goes by in the evening, not to mention how tired I am when I am finally able to sit down. I might as well just fall into bed.

Tuesday: The morning was easier and seemed to flow by pretty easily. Lauren had a much better day at Mariah's and even took two long naps! We took a very long walk in the afternoon, as the temperature was in the high 50s. We seemed to be adjusting pretty well to this new routine.

Wednesday: This was my first day back in the classroom without my sub to assist. The day went really well. I put up the digital photo frame Geoff got me. This way I can watch pictures of Lauren all day long. I had a meeting after school, so couldn't pick up Lauren too early. She had a pretty good day at daycare, but did cry some. Mariah thought it was because of gas!

Thursday: School was fine and it seemed like I was never gone. It's amazing how quickly you can get back into the swing of things. The 6th grade teachers hosted a welcome back breakfast for me. The bagels and company were much appreciated! Lauren took two great naps at Mariah's. We went walking on the inside track after school and ran into our friends Kimmy, Avery, and Reece. It was great to see them. At this point in the week, I was really starting to feel tired. One big difference between my old life and new life is the hours after work, but before Geoff arrives home. In the past, I would do some things, but also rest if I needed to. That's not the case now, as these are my few hours with Lauren. We are so busy spending time together, eating, preparing for bed, and then getting ready for the next day.

Friday! When I woke up on Friday I was so proud of us for making it this far. Geoff is a big help in the mornings, as he dresses Lauren, gets her ready to go, and then packs the car for us. I never thought I would see Geoff out of bed before 6:30, but it happened this week! :) This entire day went well. Lauren and I ran errands after school and then she tried sweet potatoes for the first time and loved them as much as carrots. She's just a good little eater. Mariah gave Lauren a special Valentine's Day present and there were two fun packages from Grandpa and Grandma Spindler and Aunt Sarah and Uncle Rick. We enjoyed opening those as a family.

Then it was bath and bedtime. I was so proud of myself for staying up until 11. I thought I would be asleep by 8, but made it.

Saturday: What a great day! Geoff and Lauren went to music class in the morning, giving me some time to wash bottles and then workout. Mariah did such a great job helping Lauren take naps during the week, that we even had some time to nap ourselves in the afternoon.

In the evening, Lauren had her first babysitter. Rita came and watched Lauren so Geoff and I could go to dinner and listen to a band. It was really nice to get out just the two of us again.

Thanks again to everyone who made this week so successful. I sure am glad today is President's Day and I have another special day with Lauren though. She has been napping in her crib for the past hour. Thanks, Mariah!

Carrots and Music Class

Lauren just keeps growing and growing! Last week she started eating carrots, which she LOVES and peas. She likes those too, but not as much as the carrots. Geoff said he used to love carrots so much as a baby that he would turn a slight tint of orange. Looks like Lauren is fast on her way!

As promised, some photos from music class. Oh how we LOVE that class. Last week Lauren started babbling and making noises along with the music. It was so cute.

Lauren's Baptism

So happy in her special baptism gown thanks to Grandpa and Grammie.

Lauren slept during her baptism brunch.

Thanks to everyone who celebrated this special day with us.

When the deacon was talking about how special baptism is, Lauren kept babbling back, but didn't make a single peep when the water was poured over her head.

Lauren and Daddy

Lauren's parents and godparents...so much responsibility

Lauren fell asleep on the way home.

Such a happy girl!

Getting ready for bed after a very special day.

4 month check-up

Lauren and I have been very busy these past few weeks. We continue to walk around the inside track at the Rec Center using the Baby Bjorn. It's amazing how many people talk to you when you have a baby. All of the kids smile and wave at Lauren, while all of the ladies want to know how old she is, what her name is, etc. Quite a few older men tease me about starting Lauren's workouts early. Not only am I able to get a workout in, but our walks have become a social hour as well.

Last week we visited with my friend Jillian and her daughter, London who is 16 months old. London kept waving to Lauren and just couldn't understand why Lauren couldn't move like she could. Lauren was amazed by London and couldn't take her eyes off her. Before we know it both little girls will be running around causing trouble together.

Lauren had her 4 month check-up last Friday. Dr. Siegel was very happy with her progress. She weighs 13 pounds and is 24.5 inches. After her check-up, Dr. Siegel left the room and we waited for the nurse to come back and administer Lauren's shots. However, Lauren was so cozy in the fuzzy blanket I had her wrapped up in that she fell asleep. Imagine waking up to someone giving you shots in both little legs. It was the first time I cried when Lauren cried. I felt so terrible for her. Her entire head turned red and she just screamed. Poor little thing. The shots gave Lauren her first fever last Friday night as well. Everything turned out fine, but Geoff and I were both very concerned for a few days.

Last Saturday was my first night without Lauren. Aunt Stephie and Uncle Jon were kind enough to watch Lauren overnight, so Geoff and I could celebrate our 6 year anniversary in the city. We had a great time and Lauren survived even though Aunt Stephie forgot to give Lauren one bottle! :)

Then, Geoff had to leave for a business trip Sunday afternoon through Monday night. Lauren was not happy that her Daddy wasn't home and decided to cry/scream on and off all night. The only way Lauren and I ended up sleeping was on the couch with me rubbing her tummy. After only one night of a crying baby, I just don't know how parents with colicky babies do it.

Lauren and I also visited Geoff at work and went to lunch with some of his colleagues a few days ago. Lots of fun up in Racine for the day.

Our new adventure has been going to music classes. There is a local child activity center in Highland Park called Sprouts. They have music, craft, and gym classes for children ages 4 months to 5 years. Lauren and I have been attending their 4-12 month music classes on Thursday afternoons. What fun! Lauren loves to shake the little maracas, play the little song games, and watch all of the other babies. I keep forgetting to bring the camera, but I promise pictures sometime.

Lauren keeps growing

Everything is slowly getting back to normal around our house after the holidays. In fact, it's very quiet around here now, as Aunt Stephie and Uncle Jon moved into their new apartment last week.


(Who put me in this box?)

So now it's just the three of us trying to figure out family life. We realized last weekend that this might be the first full week when we are on our own. Thanks to all of our family and friends who have helped out since Lauren's birth. Without your support and guidance we wouldn't be where we are today!

One thing I realized throughout the past months is that life is never predictable with a baby. Just as I thought Lauren was on a wonderful eating and sleeping schedule, everything changed last week. From Thanksgiving until the first week in January, Lauren was sleeping from 8-8 and eating every three hours during the day pretty regulary. I was rested and knew how to plan my days ahead of time. Oh, but wait, last week Lauren decided to wake up every night sometime between 3-5am and then preceeded to be awake anywhere from 20 minutes to 2 hours. She rarely needed anything when she woke up, just some attention, but would not fall back asleep. So after 5 days of trying to figure out what the issue was, we introduced Lauren to baby cereal on Sunday evening. I was so excited about this adventure and thought it would be lots of fun, only to find out the first cereal experience from Lauren's perspective would not go the same way. She just couldn't understand why the cereal wasn't coming fast enough. Each time I took the spoon away to put more cereal on it, she cried. Toward the end of the feeding she figured it out and calmed down a bit.



When I fed her yesterday she was much calmer and smiled during the majority of the feeding.



She is also working on rolling over. Last week she rolled from her stomach to her back numerous times and seemed to love it. When she plays on her back, she is often able to get onto one side, but can't quite get all the way over.



Lauren loves to play with her new toys. The Whoozit and Skwish from Cousin Jude have become favorites very quickly. She also loves her rattle, phone and stuffed dog named Otter from Grammie and Grandpa.



We started going on walks at the local Rec Center. Lauren rides along in the Baby Bjorn as I walk around the track. She has become quite the star, as everyone asks what her name is and how old she is. We are still working on taking naps up in her crib. She is doing much better than a few weeks ago, but is still not predictable. In fact, she is sleeping next to me on the couch right now. Lauren has pretty much mastered sucking her thumb, especially around nap time.



Another fun game we have started is riding around the house in the clothes basket. Everyone thought I was crazy when we started this game, but Lauren just loves it. There are only so many activities that work during the sub-zero temps here in Chicago. I think we will take a wagon ride around the basement this afternoon. Fun times!

Spindler Family Christmas

After arriving home from San Diego, Lauren had one day to rest and then we headed up north to Grandpa and Grammie's cabin. Up there she enjoyed her first sleigh ride, played with her toys while the "big kids" played cards, and was spoiled like crazy. Grandpa spent lots of time reading Snow Friends, while Grammie rocked her to sleep during her daytime naps. The week ended with a magical first Spindler Christmas for Lauren.

PS I forgot to add that while reading Snow Friends, Grandpa was teaching Lauren how to say Otter. His nickname is now Grandpa Otter. Wouldn't it be funny if she ends up calling him that one day?

Playing with Grandpa


First sleigh ride


Hangin' with Grandpa and Grammie


WOW...a wagon!


First wagon ride in the snow

Trip to San Diego

Here are a few photos from our trip to San Diego. Lauren was a rock star on the airplane and enjoyed meeting Geoff's family members. We had a good time, even though the weather was not what we had hoped.

PS I forgot to add that Lauren discovered how to suck her thumb while in San Diego. As parents we are currently having the debate as to should we try to stop her now, or just let it go. She is just so dog gone cute with her thumb in her mouth.


Lauren's first plane ride.


Christmas on the beach


Hangin' with Grandpa and Dad in the desert.


Geoff with Jude and cousin Katherine with Lauren.