My 2nd Mother's Day

Sunday marked my second Mother's Day as Mommy to my sweet Kyndall Anne.  This time last year Kyndall was only 8 months old and I hadn't even experienced my first full year as a Mother.  I feel like I'm a bit more "seasoned" this time around and therefore this Mother's Day was extra special.  I'm sure I'll feel the same way with each passing year, but it's funny to think how much I've grown as a parent just in 12 short months.

If you know me at all (or read my blog regularly), you know that I'm not one of those Moms who is concerned with "me time".  Honestly, my "me time" comes each night when dinner and baths are done, the kitchen is cleaned, Kyndall and Matthew are asleep and the house is quiet.  That's when I get my "me time" and I'm perfectly fine with that.  I love every single second that I have with my precious daughter, and I never want to make her feel like her Mommy needs a break from her.  I made the decision to become a Mother, fully knowing that it's a 24/7 365 job with no "breaks".  All that being said, the last thing I wanted to do for Mother's Day weekend was spend it alone, enjoying "me time".  I wanted to celebrate with my daughter and my husband----after all, without the two of them I wouldn't even BE a Mother!  So, we spent the entire weekend enjoying as much family time as possible.

On Saturday, we had lunch at Chick-Fil-A (because it's one of the few things Kyndall will actually eat) and then spent the afternoon at the outlet mall.  After several hours of shopping, we walked away with two new outfits and a pair of shoes----All for Kyndall!  =)  While we were out, she bought me this gift, but quickly decided she'd rather keep it for herself...........

Matthew grilled out for dinner that night and we enjoyed playing together in the front yard and taking Kyndall for a spin around the neighborhood on her new tricycle from Aunt Kelly.  It was a perfect day, in my eyes!

My sweet friend Leigh gave me this gorgeous dress and I've been saving it for a special occasion.  I thought Mother's Day would be the perfect time to let Kyndall wear it

Before church, Kyndall helped me open my cards and my gifts.......

Kyndall and Matthew gave me this beautiful bracelet

Nonie and Poppie sent me this sweet charm for my charm bracelet--I love the bow!  =)

Kyndall wasn't really in the mood for pictures that morning (you'll find out why later)

Giving Mommy the stank eye!

There's my happy girl!!



When we dropped Kyndall off in the nursery, she cried---really hard.  I felt bad because she NEVER does this and I always talk about how she has absolutely no issues with attachment.  I figured it was because we've been out of town the past few weeks so I didn't think much of it.  I kept my eye on the screen the entire service, totally expecting our nursery number to pop up but it never did.  When we picked her up, they said she did alright but was a little fussy and they actually moved her into the baby room where there were more workers. 

 

We went to lunch at Sticky Fingers and I treated her to a huge bowl of mac and cheese and a side order of mandarin oranges---two of her favorites!  To my surprise, she ate about 3 orange slices and then she was done.  Still, I didn't think much of it.  We came home and put her down for a nap and I made a quick run to the grocery store.  When I got back, she just wasn't acting like herself and she felt REALLY warm to me.  She's only had a fever once in her life, so I never even suspected that she could be sick.  I took her temp and to my surprise, it was 104!!!  I freaked a little bit and immediately had the Mommy guilt set in for not thinking of this sooner.  By this time it was about 7:00 so I knew we had exactly one hour until urgent care closed for the night.  We packed up quickly and headed out.  The doctors at urgent care confirmed the high fever and immediately gave her a dose of Motrin.  They checked all the usuals like ears and throat and everything looked normal.  They swabbed her mouth for strep and also did a urine test for a possible UTI.  Both came back negative.  Without any definite diagnosis, they chalked it up to a virus and told us to treat the fever with Motrin and Tylenol.  I almost felt like it was a waste of time (and a waste of $100 bucks), but I felt better at least knowing it wasn't anything serious.

 

I took a few pictures on my phone while we waited, so please excuse the poor quality.........

 

 

Whew!  What a way to end our Mother's Day weekend!  The good news is she seemed much better today and she isn't having any other symptoms.  Her fever is down, but she still doesn't have much of an appetite.  Not having much experience with a sick child, I don't know how you Mamas with constantly sick babies do it!  I'm so thankful that Kyndall DIDN'T take after me when it comes to her health!

 

I hope that all of my Mommy friends out there had a wonderful day and that you were celebrated, appreciated and loved on all weekend long.  Being a Mother is the most precious gift I've ever been given and I am thankful for each and every breath I take as Kyndall's Mommy!  I've said it before and I'll say it again----She is my greatest accomplishment and what I'm most proud of.  Without her, there isn't much else.

 

A look back at this time last year......If I only knew then what I know now!  =)