Happy Holidays!!

Hi all! What a busy time of year! I love the holidays but hate how they seem to fly by! Shopping isn't as easy with a baby! I have been way behind this year and then when I do have gifts...finding time to wrap is another story! One picture is our last shopping adventure. Kaia loves to be facing out to see the world! Obviously, she was pooped to say the least!

News on the Kaia front...she now weighs over 15 pounds and has started solids! She still isn't sure what the heck we are doing but she gets a little better every day! She still doesn't even take an entire teaspoon of rice cereal but it has been fun watching her with this new "experience". You should see the faces! And she seems so tiny in her chair. Sean snapped one of the pictures when she was mid-smile...she looks so funny!

We hope you have a fantastic holiday! We are hosting Christmas Eve this year but Sean is working Christmas day. I can't believe 2009 is almost upon us! Pretty soon we get to meet our new little niecephew!! So much to look forward to!

Fun Weekend

So sorry it has been a while since my last post! I started back at work the day after Thanksgiving so we have been adjusting to our life as a "working family"!! Work sucks, especially knowing that I have a really cute baby and hubby at home without me!! This weekend was our first days off together in over a week and we had fun!!

We cut down our tree yesterday and Kaia joined in on the fun! It was cold but she was all bundled and I wore her on my chest as Daddy cut down our tree. We got to have cider and cookies and Kaia even sat on Santa's lap! I guess that was more for me than for her but she could've cared less! At least she didn't cry!! Oh and how could I forget.....we started our day in the best way possible. We got to go play with puppies!!! By now, everyone knows we lost our beloved Griffin the day after we brought Kaia home. Well....we are in the market for a new fuzzball! However, since I have a 4 1/2 month old, right now isn't the optimal time! But, we have met the mommy of our future golden! Right now, the baby is just a twinkle in his mama's eye, but he'll be coming home with us mid August. Just around the time when Baby K is starting to walk so not only will I be chasing her, but a cute little pup as well! There is never a good time to get a puppy so I guess we'll just go for it (in a few months though!).

Today we went to Sean's Dad's house for a Trainor Christmas gathering. It was nice to see people we don't get to see very often and we had a great day. Kaia was very good but not in the smiliest of moods for some reason!! I'll share a few pics from the weekend. I can't believe the countdown to Christmas is already on; guess I better get moving on my shopping!!

4 Month Photos

Stacey did it again! She came over and took Kaia's 4 month pics last week and as usual, she did a fantastic job!! Too many good ones to choose from! Since I've already emailed and posted the blog on facebook, I figured I should post it here as well! Check out http://staceymphotography.blogspot.com/ and scroll down to Kaia's section. You can view the whole slideshow by clicking on the slideshow icon. Enjoy!! Thanks to Stacey from Stacey M Photography....you guys should check her out!!

Today is Grampie's surgery...open heart. Keep him in your prayers! Thanks!

Happy Thanksgiving week!

Congratulations Sean!!!

I am so proud of my hubby! If you remember, he left for 5 days to take a class in Minnesota last month. While he was there, he took "the hardest test ever" to become certified as a Flight Paramedic and we found out today, after several long weeks of worry, that he PASSED!!! Congratulations honey!! Kaia and I are so proud of you. Our smarty pants!! Now he has more letters after his name than I do!!!

I just had to add this pic of Baby K at the wheel! The Trainor's get 'em started early!

Please say a prayer for my Grandfather and our family this week. He is about to have major surgery and we need all the thoughts and prayers we can get!!

Rainy Beach Walk

Since it was such a beautiful day last Wednesday, Sean and I decided to take Baby K to Harkness Park for a walk on the beach! Of course, as soon as we get there it starts to rain! We took a few pics but didn't get to walk like we planned!

I bought a kit to make a mold of Kaia's hand to keep as an ornament. Her little hands are my favorite part!! Of course, since nothing ever works out like it is supposed to, we didn't get our cute, perfect little hand mold like the cover showed! After many attempts, and hardening plaster, we gave up with the hand and used her foot. That didn't come out beautifully either but at least I can see for sure that she has my gigantic feet already! I bought her cute little boots size 3-6 months last week....and they don't fit!! She is only a little over 3 months, poor kid! Here is a pic of our plaster disaster!

I have to add the most recent pic of her after Nonny gave her a bath. I think one of the first few posts had one as well and I can't believe how much she has grown since then! And finally, here she is with Pop, asleep in the chair! And for the record, she NEVER takes a pacifier from us, what is the secret??

Halloween Fun!

Happy belated Halloween everyone! Friday night was fun hanging out at Jac's with the fam, handing out candy and playing Wii! Kaia was rather fussy that night so I don't think she had too much fun. The costume didn't last very long! Saturday night was the annual benefit dance for my late cousin Erin. It was a great turnout and everyone's costumes were hilarious!! Baby K was in a much better mood as well! I'll share pics of everyone...let's see, we have Dog the Bounty Hunter and his preggo wife Beth, Juno and Bleeker, Batman and his little peapod, some FBI woman and I was dressed as the mother of a 3 month old!

I can't believe we are now in November and I am already planning Christmas eve dinner, which I am hosting this year! Kaia is being baptised in less than 2 weeks, Thanksgiving is less than 4 weeks away and I am going back to work this month!! I am dreading going back. Kaia is so much fun now! She smile a lot and laughs when I talk to her. She rolls and uses her hands! I'm so proud!! Happy November all!

Where did my kid go?

I think someone took my colicky, screaming baby in exchange for the happy and smiley one I have now!! Where did she go? I think I'll keep this cutie!!

Kaia has now rolled over from her belly to her back! This is a big milestone for all of you non-parents out there!! Of course, mama (me) is the one who has been working with her on this and who got to see her roll over?? Daddy of course!! I was upstairs making a pie (this doesn't happen often) and Sean yells up to me that she just rolled over! At least I got to see her do it yesterday. We love her!!

Here are a few pics from last weekend. Since Sean was away, we didn't join the gang camping but we did visit. Here is Baby K with Nonny!

Nap Time!

So my child who never sleeps is now sleeping (napping) at 8pm! How on earth will she sleep tonight?? Maybe she is just excited that her daddy is coming home tonight after being gone for 5 days!! We missed him! Kaia and mama had fun together though. We were sad that our Red Sox lost! Kaia sat in her Bumbo chair yesterday, what a big girl!! Of course, we had to take pictures and send them to Daddy!!

We are so excited to meet Auntie's new baby in a few months! Not only am I a new mama but I will be an auntie for the first time as well! More good baby news...my cousin Vicki is preggo with #2, Emma will be a big sister soon! Congrats guys!

Kaia is going to be a crazy hat girl! How cute are they?

Fun Facts!

Here is another one I stole from another blogger! Fun facts!! Here goes...

I AM...a new mommy!
I WANT...my baby to be happy and healthy in life.
I HAVE...more than I need.
I KEEP ...dreading going back to work!!
I WISH I COULD ...be an author and write a fabulous best seller!
I HATE ...my self confidence.
I FEAR...snakes!!! With a fierce passion!
I HEAR...Kaia fussing!
I DON’T THINK...I will be back to the sunny Caribbean anytime soon!
I REGRET...not choosing a different profession.
I LOVE...my family.
I AM NOT...happy with my stretchmarks! Thanks Kaia!
I DANCE...with my baby in the sling...it puts her to sleep!
I SING ...in the shower.
I NEVER...smoked a cigarette!
I RARELY ...drink alcohol. Actually, it has been over a year.
I CRY WHEN I WATCH...Message In a Bottle and I'm sure I will shed tears when I see Marley and Me since the book makes me cry every time I read it!
I HATE THAT ...Sean is so far away right now.
I AM NOT ALWAYS...fashionable.
I’M CONFUSED ABOUT...all the things I should be doing for my child.
I NEED...one night of uninterrupted sleep!!
I SHOULD ...be napping since Baby K just fell asleep!

Kaia slept in her crib last night!! That was a first for us and she lasted a whole 6 hours!! Her and I are alone for 5 days while Daddy is in Minnesota taking a class for certification as a flight paramedic. Good luck honey!!

My Little Fatty!!

Kaia had her 2 month visit this week (though she is 10 weeks already!). She had to get her first shots which wasn't very fun, even for me!! On a good note, she gained 3pounds in 5 weeks and is now in the 75th% for weight!! I am such a proud mommy! I can't believe how much she has changed from only a few weeks ago. Don't get me wrong, she still isn't what I would call the happiest baby (haha), but she is sleeping better and smiling for me often (of course, this is only when I am alone with her so no one believes me!!). Before I know it, I'll be feeding her solid foods. It is true when they say this time flies. I am going back to work next month already! I am so sad about that; I want to be with her and witness all the neat and exciting things she will do. I am fortunate that I don't have to leave her in the care of someone else 5 days a week though so for that I count my blessings!

Jaclyn is already 20 weeks pregnant and looking adorable! See what I mean about time flying?? How is she halfway through this pregnancy already??? Baby K is so excited to meet her cousin. However, she refuses to tell anyone whether she is having a boy or a girl cousin! Either way, I am sure they will be BFFs!! (Oh and my title to this blog was not directed at you Jac!).

Coolest Kid in School!!

That is what I feel like right now! You will likely see the same on Jaclyn and Anna's blogs. So, thanks to Anna, Jaclyn and I (and Anna) had a brush with fame tonight. She invited us to UConn to see Jodi Sweetin (aka: Stephanie Tanner from Full House)! She was speaking about her life and her battle with addiction. Well, being that Anna is the coolest kid in class, not only did we get to see her speak and have excellent seats but, and you may not believe this, but we got to go with Anna to pick her up at her hotel!! Yes...we rode in the car with Stephanie Tanner!! How cool is that?!! It wasn't a long ride and she was totally nice so it wasn't weird at all. So down to earth! And of course my camera wasn't working right so our pics aren't the best but I will still share. I know you are all jealous!!!

And of course I have to add some recent K pics!! It was my first night out and she stayed with Daddy for 5 hours without me! I won't harp on the fact that she wasn't in her pj's when I got home!!

Ten Things

I'm copying this idea from one of my blogging friends...10 random things. Here goes!!

1. I had Lasik surgery a few years back (you know, to get rid of the contacts) and guess what I had to buy yesterday?? Glasses!!! I thought it was my pregnancy that was making my eyesight bad...nope!!

2. Yesterday was Griffin's 5th birthday. I miss him so much.

3. Kaia is now 2 months old!! Her adorable little christening gown came in yesterday!

4. I have lost all of my pregnancy weight! So why don't all my old clothes fit??

5. I bought my pumpkins and mums this week...so beautiful. I love this time of year! If Sean and I were going to get married again (notice I didn't say if I got married again!!) I would love to do it this time of year, or elope to the islands.

6. I could spend so much money shopping for clothes for Kaia! Have you seen the clothes at Baby Gap?

7. Finding daycare is much harder than I expected. If only I didn't have to go back to work! How can I become a millionaire??

8. We went to the mall for the first time in over 2 months yesterday! It is amazing how we used to take that for granted. FYI-- Kaia was great, aside from a major blowout!!

9. Sometimes I miss school. I can't believe I just wrote that! I have even looked into doctorate programs but then I slapped myself in the face and came back to reality!

10. I'm selling my washer and dryer on craigslist. I feel like an adult now!


I must show you the cutest little feet (see picture!!). I don't want to change her because I love playing with them!!

Camping Weekend

So we took our first camping trip as a trio this weekend and we had a blast! We wanted to try out our new camper and Kaia has proven that this is something she will enjoy for years to come! She was very interested in all her surroundings, so much so that she kept fighting a nap! She was very good at night, she didn't wake the neighbors with her crying...though her parents didn't sleep too much! We are used to it though. We loved our camper and the weather was great. Thanks to all our visitors as well! Of course most of my pics are of Kaia but I couldn't resist. She looked so cute in all her hats!! As you can see, she wasn't always a "happy camper", but I think overall she had fun! Heat and a bathroom....now that is camping!!

Eye Appointment

I am a few days late with this update but I wanted to share details about Kaia's appt with the pediatric opthalmologist last week. For those of you who saw her in her first few days, you may remember the crazy bruising around her eyes. At first it was thought it was trauma from birth but our pediatrician said it was an angioma. An angioma can occur anywhere on the body and is essentially a collection of blood vessels that should disappear before the age of 5. Because it was so close to her little eyes, he wanted her to be checked by an eye specialist. We were concerned about it and hoped her eyes were okay! In the meantime, she developed bilateral tear duct obstructions, which meant she had tons of eye goop because the tear ducts weren't draining! She was quite the site! To help with that, I massaged the areas to help it drain. She hated it but I felt like I was doing something for her! And then one day, picture day actually, her eyes just cleared up!! Even the angioma looked better. So we went to the specialist appt last week. We brought pictures so she could see what we were talking about since she had cleared up. My poor little girl didn't have an angioma but had something called a dacryocele! Apparently this isn't very common and is something similar to a hernia (of the lacrimal sac--by the eye). This went along with the tear duct obstructions. If not treated, surgery is needed to decompress the area. Well, new mommy that I am....I cured her with my obsessive massage of the area!! The doctor said that is what made it go away!! And thank God no surgery is needed! This shouldn't ever come back and her eyes are fine!! What a relief! So this is our first medical story with our darling Kaia! Here are before and after photos so you can see what I mean. And the specialist we saw practices and teaches at Yale and asked us to email some photos of her eyes to use in teaching the med students. She will be famous!!

Just another Sunday

Nothing new in the Trainor household; well, we did buy a camper last week! If you have never been, don't knock it! It is such a fun way to relax and hang with family and friends. And now we actually have our own bathroom! Goodbye tent camping!! And luckily we have a big group that enjoys it as well!

Kaia has been a little better sleeping wise lately. She almost made 5 hours last night, her best yet!! I thought something was wrong! She still looks just like her daddy though! What the heck?? I do all the work and she doesn't look a thing like me!

Here is a picture Sean took of us this week, not the best image of me but Kaia looks cute! Hope everyone has a fantastic week!

Time Flies

How has it been almost a year already since we were in Europe? On the other hand, it feels like that was in a different life. It's funny how much you change as a family and individually once you have a child. Maybe some day we'll visit again with Kaia!

Kaia had been having a bit of trouble gaining weight in the beginning but I am proud to report that she gained 1 pound and 1 oz in 2 weeks, per doctors orders! She is now 8# 11oz, my little fatty! She is smiling more and more and I love it!

Enjoy a few photos of Spain, Italy and France (or things I found interesting)!

Unsexy New Parent Photos!

So I am sure you all have pictures of those days when you aren't looking (or feeling) your best! Sean snapped a quiet moment of Kaia and I; of course I hadn't showered and was completely exhausted! Then I took one of him multi-tasking while giving Kaia her supplement formula. (Long story....I am breastfeeding but she still needs a bit extra to help her gain some weight!). The last pic is of her lounging with her Daddy watching a movie! She didn't last long in that position though! This job is hard work!! She seems to be getting bigger every day and I love all her little faces and expressions. She evens opens her mouth now when I kiss her...so cute!! Now if only she would sleep better.....

Happy 1st Anniversary Anna & Eric!!

Parenthood

First, congratulations to my cousin Jenn and her husband Jay on the birth of their adorable daughter Brienna! We are so happy for you guys!!

We have been parents for 3 whole weeks now! Crazy! People tell you how hard it is but I don't think you can fully understand until you experience it yourself. What no one told me was how much it would change my feelings for my husband. I have always loved him, more than anything, but seeing him in daddy mode with the baby that we made together has opened up a whole new type of feeling. He is amazing and now I find myself worrying not only for my daughter, but my husband too! I worry if he is getting enough sleep and how he is adjusting to our new roles. I want to make sure he still feels important and knows how much I love him! I don't think anyone ever told me about this change!!

Since I write this blog....thank you honey for all your help and I look forward to raising our beautiful daughter together! I love you!!

And thank you everyone for all your help as well. We are so blessed to have such wonderful family and friends! Bye for now!

Stacey has done it again!

Our friend Stacey (from Stacey M Photography) came over last week for Kaia's first pics! She is an amazing photographer, we are so lucky to know her! Check out her blog staceymphotography.blogspot.com to see Kaia's slideshow. You can also see our maternity pics in her archives, love those as well! I highly recommend her for any photos you are considering! Thanks again Stacey!

How have 2 weeks passed already??

Kaia is 2 weeks old today! Where has the time gone? Before we know it Sean will be back at work and I will still be adjusting to my new role as Mommy! She is gaining weight which is evident in her fat little cheeks! I love her expressions and all her little noises. Stacey came over today to take Kaia's first pictures. Please check out her blog over the next few days to see the pictures and slideshow. Stacey is an amazing photographer and we thank her for being so talented! Staceymphotography.blogspot.com

Here are a few of our latest pics....sponge bath, Sean vacuuming with his little buddy! We love her, even though she doesn't let us get much sleep at night!