Michigan Trip: The Wedding and a Whole Day Away from Baby Girl

Last month, while in Michigan, I was honored to be part of the most beautiful wedding. It was perfect. And magical. And fun. And gorgeous. And PERFECT.

Every detail was carefully thought out and executed. It was a dream.

I had the BEST time and will never forget it.

S and A were getting hitched and I got to be the matron of honor. I am so happy that I got to spend this day with them. I admire them and their relationship very much. They make it look effortless and seem like they truly have a BLAST together. I love it. They are perfect together and there is nothing fake or forced about it. They will still be this happy and in love in 60 years, I know this for sure.

A little bird poop on the groom right before the ceremony ain't no thang...

While I was at the wedding my dear friend M came and watched my baby girl. I've been away from Makaela before but this was the longest stretch (about 15 hours). At this time Makaela was new to foods, and was still drinking quite a bit of breastmilk. I was nervous about having enough milk for her, because as you may recall, some leaked on the plane. But I knew, worst case scenario M could always bring Makaela to me at the wedding for a quick feeding. Fortunately, it didn't come to that and there was plenty of food and milk to keep my girl going while I was away.

M was such a doll. She took Makaela swimming in the pool, took her on a walk at the beach, brought her tons of toys to play with, went out to lunch with her, facetime'd with Daddy and kept her happy all day long (all while she was teething! her first two teeth popped through 3 days later). She is a miracle worker. I never worried and knew that she was in good hands. I am so thankful for what M did. I am always blown away by my wonderful friends' kind hearts and generosity.

It was really nice to have this day be baby-free. I mean, I love spending time with my girl, but this day was for spending with my favorite bride!! We drank delicious coffee and ate yummy sweets while getting our hair did, we took a "detour" to the wedding venue which was full of laughs, we got ready in the bridal studio and jammed to old school Christina and other late 90s/early Y2K hits, and had a blast with her amazing photographers (they were so sweet, they even worked around my need to pump! haha).

Once the wedding started, the fun continued. S and A wrote their own vows, and they were the PERFECT (I know I keep using that word, but it's true) balance of funny and sentimental. They even snuck in a surprise tribute to their mamas. They made me get teary eyed in front of the whole crowd.

The reception was the best party ever. I didn't pass out or choke during my speech, so that was good. There was delicious food, yummy cupcakes, tasty local craft beers, late night pizza, smores at the fire pit, cigars on the balcony....I told you....every detail was perfection. The music was awesome and we danced the night away. That bride and groom know how to throw a par-tay.

Afterward, a giant school bus came and shuttled anyone who needed a ride back to their hotel or to the after party at Applebee's. Holla! I skipped out on the after party, but heard it was awesome. I'm not surprised.

First day of Daycare

So I guess this title is a little misleading because Mak's first day of  real daycare was actually back in August and since then she has gone a couple more times. (She's been babysat a few hours here and there with family and friends ever since she was itty bitty).

We are fortunate to live only a 3 minute drive from the daycare. In fact, if I stand in my driveway I can actually see the building from my house!

The daycare offers hourly care so it is perfect for what I need it for....dropping her off when I have meetings or appointments or heck, if I just want to get a pedicure.

I like the daycare and feel comfortable leaving my little girl there. There are several adults in the room at all times, and cameras running 24/7. They give me a sheet upon picking her up that details every diaper check, every bottle and every nap. They also give me verbal updates when I pick her up, which is sweet.

If a child takes formula, they offer several kinds that they supply for you. Since Mak is a breastmilk girl, we just bring labeled/dated bottles of breastmilk for her.  They also offer age appropriate food for your kiddo if you're interested. All included in your hourly charge.

Before I took her the first time they told me I have to label EVERYTHING of hers. So I put together a "daycare diaper bag" and labeled her bottles, her pacifier chain, and her clothes.

After I picked her up, I saw they had also labeled her LOL. Guess I didn't know she was included in the "everything."

By golly, gotta label that baby!

The first time I took her she did GREAT, but this most recent time she struggled a little. She's been a bit of a mama's girl lately, so she didn't like mama leaving her. But I have decided that daycare is good for her and for me. I like that she gets used to being around other adults and children alike.

After I picked her up last time she was "talking" much more than usual. I like to think she gave me a run down of her day. She gets to socialize and see how other babies and adults work, which is great. The added bonus is I get some time to do my own thing.

The plan is to start taking her at least one day a week for 2-3 hours. Independent woman, holla.