Happy 4 Month Birthday Mackenzie!!

It's hard to believe that our little peanut is four months old! Time sure does fly by! We had a great check up today with the doctor. She now weighs 8lbs 13oz. and is 22 1/2" long. The doctor recommended we stick with the Similac Alimentum (mixed at 24 calories/ounce) until at least 6 months of age. At six months, we will start cereal/solids and consider mixing a 20 calorie/ounce formula.

Mackenzie is interacting more and more every day. She is "cooing" a lot! She is sure to fill me in on what her and daddy did while I was at work. She is full of smiles and giggles that just melt your heart. She is also really following mommy and daddy and reacting to our voices. She hasn't rolled over yet. But, we have noticed her on her side when we get her up from her naps. Another big milestone is sleeping throug the night. Over the past week and a half she has slept through the night about five times. We are hoping this becomes the norm as we welcome extra sleep!

Stay tuned for more to come....

Updates....work, home, life.....

Well, it's been about 3 weeks since I have been back at work full time. I am not quite sure when I will get used to the fact that I am leaving my little girl. Or maybe I'll never get used to it? We are very fortunate that Andy is now going to be home with Mackenzie for 12 weeks until we put her into daycare. Although it does make it easier knowing the he is home with her it doesn't take away the fact that I feel like I miss out on so much.

And work....well, it's work. I feel like I am working backwards and forwards and I'm not quite sure when I'll be "caught up." But, I am doing the best I can. There is only so much one person can do in 8 hours. So, I'll continue to do what I can and see what happens. But, once the clock hits 4pm my mind immediately focuses on my little miracle waiting for me at home.

Mackenzie....she is a cutie pie! She is doing LOTS of smiling and cooing. It's amazing how you could be having the worst day and the instant she smiles or "talks" to you it all disappears.

It is so true what they say...your life will never be the same. But, I really couldn't imagine my life without her! She is my 'lil peanut. Well, little is slowly becoming just an expression. After changing her formula due to a milk protein allergy we had to go back for 2 weight checks. At the first one, she lost an ounce and was down to 7lbs 7oz. But, when we went back on March 9th she weighed 8lbs 1oz. We go back for her 4 month well visit on March 24th and we are anxious to see how much she has grown.

Mackenzie and Mommy ran for the first time together on Sunday, March 7th and then again on Thursday, March 11th. Mackenzie was so excited that she put herself right to sleep. The Osika Family enjoyed the beautiful weather this evening and did our first run as a family. We look forward to doing many more in the future! I also ran in my first race, post-baby. I did the Run 4 Luck in the rain and wind on March 13th. I ran 4 miles in 35:13. I was happy with my first race!!

Well, I'm going to sign off now....I'm exhausted.....in just a few short hours it all starts over again....gym, shower, work, MACKENZIE time, house stuff, sleep!

Love ya!

With mixed emotions...

....I head back to work on Wednesday, February 24th. It's hard to believe that Mackenzie will be 3 months old on the 24th and already time for me to leave her to head back to work. I am full of emotions over the thought of leaving her. I am feeling sad, guilty, scared, overwhelmed, worried and so much more.

I am so sad at the thought of leaving Mackenzie. I have enjoyed every minute of being at home with her (yes, even the lack of sleep or the fussy nights). I love picking her up in the morning and saying "good morning beautiful!" I love that she has the ability to make me melt with every smile. I love snuggling with her during the occasional nap. I love our conversations during feedings or when I am dressing her. I love seeing her so calm and relaxed during her baths. Yep, I pretty much love it all and it brings tears to my eyes to know that our time together will be limited now that I'll be back to work full time.

I feel guilty that I will be at work and missing out on her daily activities. I feel guilty that I'll miss some of her big milestones while I'm away from her for a majority of the day.

I am scared that she won't remember me. She has gotten so used to seeing me every time she wakes up and now I won't be there.

I feel overwhelmed. I am going to be pulled in so many different directions that I won't know which way to turn. I feel obligated to give 100% in everything I do and if I don't I feel like I am letting everyone down (especially myself). I am the type of person who feels the need to stay at work late until the job is done (which it never is). I feel like if I don't work late my superiors will look down on me or think that I'm slacking. However, I will feel even more guilty if I don't leave work on time every day as my #1 priority is my family.

I am worried that I won't be able to fit it all in...family, "me time," work, daily responsibilities (clean, groceries, dinner, etc.).

I have no doubt that Mackenzie will be well taken care of while I'm at work (since Andy will be home with her for his 12 weeks of FMLA). I also know that I am very lucky to have such a supportive and loving husband. Andy never ceases to amaze me in all he does for Mackenzie and I. We wouldn't be able to do it without him.

I just want to be the best....the best mother, wife, daughter, sister, friend, employee that I can be. I hope I can manage it all.

Addition to the Horn Family

We just found out last night that my sister and her husband will be welcoming a baby boy, Carter, to the family in July 2010. Mackenzie will have a cousin to play with this summer! She will teach him all of her tricks!

Can't wait to meet my nephew!

Best Wishes from the Osika Family!!

SNOW DAY!

SNOW DAY!!

Well, we just had our second significant snow storm in the matter of one week. We had our first "Blizzard" on February 5th/6th with our second one yesterday into today. We probably accumulated at least 3 feet of snow between these two storms. Needless to say, Mommy and Daddy are ready for spring. Daddy is tired of shoveling and Mommy is feeling a little claustrophobic. But, we made the most of Daddy's snow day today and enjoyed our family time. Mommy even took some Valentine's Day pictures of me today.

Happy Mackenzie....PRICELESS

Mackenzie had been fussy for about a week at each feeding, which was very unlike her. She was always a very happy baby, even at feedings. After a visit with the pediatrician he ruled out reflux and decided she may have an allergy to cow milk protein found in most formulas. The pediatrician switched Mackenzie's formula from Similac Neosure to Similac Alimentum. The doctor said it would take 4-5 days for her to get readjusted and to call if nothing has changed after a week. Well, it's been three days and I wouldn't say Mackenzie is back to normal quite yet. At this point I would do anything to get my happy little girl back. It kills me to see her crying and upset.

Mackenzie's old formula=$15....Mackenzie's new formula=$25.....Mackenzie's Happiness=PRICELESS!!

Our Little Miracle....

GREAT news from the cardiologist yesterday!!! The hole in Mackenzie's heart is well on it's way to being completely closed. The doctor told us it generally takes about 9 months if it's going to close on it's own. Mackenzie is following in those foot steps. The good news meant no more follow up appointmnets! Hip Hip Hooray! No more worries about her tiny little heart.




Our little girl truly is a miracle. She has been a fighter from day one and continues to get bigger and stronger each and every day.



We love her to pieces!