Summer is officially over..

..for me anyways. Why? Classes started! Argh...even though its one semester closer to a degree - it still sucks! When I graduated high school I said ex-nay (no) to a scholarship at a 4-year university and ran away to Atlanta with a guy I got engaged too. Needless to say, him and I are no longer together and I have been working full-time and going to school to get my edu-muh-cation. Doing it this way instead of how I originally should have is taking MUCH longer then it would have - but oh well.

So Monday's I am gone all day at school while Jaliyah stays with my mom. I was worried it wasn't going to go so well because last night Jason took me out for a night out of the house (I haven't done that since Jaliyah was born) and we went and relaxed on the water and stuff. Anyways - while we were gone, Jaliyah was NOT happy and cried herself to throwing up 3 times! She is so dramatic and so very clingy, so this Monday separation will be good for the both of us. BUT I was extremely nervous Jaliyah would not remember who I was! Jason and I left last night when she was sleeping and left this morning before she was awake (we leave at 6am for school and he goes to work). So she didn't see us again until this evening. My mom said she did not cry one time, so that's awesome! I was still nervous she had forgotten about me :(

..SHE DIDN'T! I was soooo happy to see her big smile when I picked her up. Ugh...I love her.

Project 365 (Day 53) - Baby Laughs!

Project 365 (Day 52) - Sunny Days!

Project 365 (Day 51) - Fresh Air

ABC's of Baybee Luv!

(stole from Welcome to Mommyhood)

Age: 23
Bed size: Queen
Chore you hate: Dishes!
Dogs or Cats: I'm deff a cat lover but I love my puppy too
Essential start your day item: My Fiber One bars - mmm
Favorite color: pink and orange
Gold or silver: silver, i hate gold
Height: 5 feet :)
Instruments you’ve played: Piano, like four times.
Job Title: Mother/Student
Kids: 1
Loud or Quiet: loud
Mom’s name: Justine
Nicknames: 'lisha, lil one, short shit, short stuff
Overnight hospital stay: Just when I gave birth to Jaliyah
Pet peeve: People who chew with their mouth open, clocks ticking, and people who don't use common sense..
Quote from a movie: "He is the sweetest guy. Have you ever looked into his eyes? It was like the first time I heard the Beatles." - Superbad
Right or Left handed: Right
Siblings: 2 brothers and 3 step siblings
Time you wake up: Usually 5:30 or 6
Underwear: boy shorts or thong (was that TMI?)
Vegetable you don’t like: Asparagus! ugh..
Ways you run late: I used to be that girl that was ALWAYS on time, no matter what. Not anymore thanks to Jaliyah :) lol
X- rays you’ve had: Arm, ankle
Yummy food you make: Everything, if I do say so myself - but especially meatloaf and spaghetti - and any kind of dessert!
Zoo favorite: monkeys! and if there is white tigers.

Check out the latest GIVEAWAY

Project 365 (Day 50) - Falls-a-commin!

I was so excited for it to be a little cooler today so Jaliyah could wear her cute baby jeans! ♥ We also went to visit her daddy's side of the family and had a little outing..

Project 365 (Day 49) - Daddy's Baybee!

I'm still here!

I know, I know, it's been forever since I updated. Jaliyah has been quite a handful this past week. If you read my last update, I am trying to get Jaliyah to play on her own without needing me right there in her face. She is not quite catching on - there a few times that she passes out on her own from being so tired but other then that our days are filled with a lot of crying because she wants to continuously be held.

Along with all of that, she is teething really bad right now. She is constantly shoving things in her mouth, gnawing on her tongue or bottom lip and of course - crying. Orajel does not work for her, so I let her gnaw on her frozen teethers and we have these popsicles that are wrapped in like..hard plastic so the plastic gets frozen too - so she sucks on those.

I am not doing so well on my mommy-do list lol I've crossed off one! I'm hoping to get the carpets washed this weekend. I need to get a cutter for my scrapbooking before I can start that But I am determined to finish before classes start!

Right now she is (kind of) napping. I see her peeking her eyes open lol I'm glad that she is going through this while I'm on break from school. I go back next Monday for Fall semester - phew. I almost have my associates degree, then on to my bachelor's!

HI to all my new subscribers! I swear I will go through all the comments later tonight or tomorrow and follow you all back :) Don't forget to enter the GIVEAWAY!

Project 365 (Day 47 & 48)

30 Days of Truth (Day 27 - 30)

This is the last 30 Days of Truth post. I hope you learned something about me and I challenge you all to do it!

Day 27 → What’s the best thing going for you right now?
JALIYAH! Duhhhhh - She is the best thing that ever happened to me and she is what keeps me going and not giving up!

Day 28 → What if you were pregnant or got someone pregnant, what would you do?
If I got pregnant again right now, I would be very shocked and overwhelmed because it is entirely too soon - but I would embrace it and prepare for my new youngin!

Day 29 → Something you hope to change about yourself. And why.
Well, I want to live a better lifestyle, and take care of myself better. I never really cared because I had no reason too, I guess. But now Jaliyah is here and I want to live forever for her! I will be starting a new series soon about my new lifestyle change :)

Day 30 → A letter to yourself, tell yourself EVERYTHING you love about yourself

Dear Elisha,
I love your personality.
I love your ability to nuture and care for people in your life.
I love your eyes.
I love your humor and ability to make people laugh when they need it.
I love that you're a mother.
I love that you try and be a better person each and every day you live.
I love that you're spontaneous.
I love your hair.
I love that you do the best that you can do and don't let anyone talk you down.
I love that you are blunt.
and
I love how you do not change who you are for anyone.
Love,

Project 365 (Day 46) - Rub-a-dub-dub

GIVEAWAY ANNOUNCEMENT

There are TWO giveaways! YES - TWO! Woooo! There will be one here on the blog and another on the Facebook page.

Here are the rules for BOTH giveaways:
1. You MUST be a blog follower.
2. If you enter in the Facebook giveaway, you must also be a "liker" AND follower of the blog.
3. One entry per person on each giveaway (so you can enter once on FB and once on the blog).
4. Both giveaways end September 1st, 2010.
5. Winners will be announced in a blog and Facebook post - you will have 48 hours to contact me with your information (baybeeluvblog@ymail.com) or another winner will be chosen.

I will check to make sure the winners that are chosen have followed the rules - it's only fair :)

FACEBOOK GIVEAWAY: $25 VISA GIFT CARD
Check the FB page for the entry post where you post your comment to enter!


BLOG GIVEAWAY: 1 COPY OF 1001 HEALTHY BABY ANSWERS

Leave a comment on THIS post with your favorite memory from this summer!

Winners will be chosen via random.org - I just thought it would be fun to share memories!

Project 365 (Day 45)

Talkative Thursday's Blog Hop!

Welcome to Talkative Thursday's - Week 4

<center><a href="http://mommyofoneandcounting.blogspot.com/"><img border="0" src="http://i854.photobucket.com/albums/ab104/ShannaEAnderson/pink-BG-1.jpg" /></a></center>

Talkative Thursday's is hosted by Mommy of One and co hosted by Lucas Journey with SPD.

This week's Feature Spotlight Blog is Baybee Luv

You must follow all 3 blogs to participate. 

Announcement:

Link up every Thursday - August 12,19,26 & Sep 1 - and be entered into a drawing to win your button on both our blogs for 1 month.


We also randomly choose a blog each week to feature as the spotlight blog.

RULES:

• Follow the blog in the #1, #2 & #3 SPOT.


• Grab the Talkative Thursday's button, and make a post on your blog, with the button so new follower's know where to submit comments.


• Submit your URL to the linky  below, please have it go to your new blog post with the button.


• Follow as many blog's as you want!!

 If your a new follower, you can leave a comment on this post & on the other host's posting letting us know, and we will follow back.

*NEW* Facebook

Hey momma's! I had to re-make my Facebook page - So please go and "like" the new page (on the left sidebar)!

Thanks SO much guys :) Let me know if you "like" the new page and I'll return the favor and keep a look out at the end of this week for my GIVEAWAY announcement!

Project 365 (Day 44) - Nom nom nom..

Mommy-Do list

I have a 12 day break from yesterday until my fall semester classes start. So I will be taking that time to cuddle a lot with my baby and get some much needed things done; which have been extremely neglected. Here is my list..

- Deep clean my house, getting ready for Fall!
- Wash carpets
- Organize and file all my mail/bills
- Sell all my old textbooks on Amazon.com (I have about 15 - helloooo mulah cha-cha!)
- Start putting Jaliyah's pictures in the photo album
- FINALLY start scrap-booking Jaliyah's first year
- Get Jaliyah successfully sleeping in her crib every night


Now, I know I am forgetting things and will think of more to add, so I am going to do something fun. I am going to put my list in the sidebar so you all can watch me master or fail the list lol :) I'll cross off things as I finish. --->>>>>>

I was thinking that when I start my scrap-booking I would do something like "Scrapbooking Sunday's" or something like that and post pictures of what I am doing, tips, supplies and more - what do you guys thing? Good idea/bad idea? Let me know!

PS - don't forget to check out Baybee Luv's new Facebook page!

Project 365 (Day 43)

Welcome to Mommyhood, Mommy!

As most of you know, I am a full-time college student trying to get my business degree. I take some of the classes online to allow me to work and take care of my daughter. One of the joys annoyances of online classes is timed exams. Normally, this is not bad because quizzes are generally shorter tests. Final exams are a lot more intense and being that the class I had online this semester was a legal class, there was a lot to know and a lot of rules. So the exam was going to take me at least 2 hours and there was 2 and half hour limit; it was due by midnight yesterday.

I knew that I had to wait for Jaliyah to take a nap to take the test because I couldn't risk having to get up in the middle of the exam and not finish it in time. So out day was normal and then came nap time...and then went nap time..nap time never happened. She would last a few minutes in the swing, or playing on the floor, but not 2 hours worth. Then her teeth were bothering her so her crabby alter-ego kicked in.

So time came and went..I had asked my mom to come over and watch her, she said she would - but that never happened. No big deal, I'll just wait for bedtime - right? She's got to go to sleep eventually right?! - wrong.

That is the face that laughed at me until 10 o'clock at night. She thought it was hilarious that I was trying to get her to sleep.

Finally, at 10, she slept and that left me with exactly 2 hours to complete my exam, turn in my paper, and finish posting on my schools discussion board. My last assignment was completed at 11:59pm. I did not completely finish, so I hope I did good enough on the parts that I did turn in.

In the last four months I have had several no-sleep-nights and crabby-patty days but last night topped it all. I haven't felt that stressed in a long time. I suppose it was my initiation to Mommyhood? I passed ♥

Project 365 (Day 42) - TOES!

30 Day Challenge - Week in Advance (Day 20-26)

Day 20 → Your views on drugs and alcohol.
I'm not sure how to approach this topic - I drink socially, and I feel there is nothing wrong with that as long as people know their limits and do not drive until they are sober. I think alcoholism is a disease and it's a terrible thing for families to deal with. As far as drugs, I do think marijuana should be legalized for medicinal purposes.
Day 21 → (scenario) Your best friend is in a car accident and you two got into a fight an hour before. What do you do?
I'd be the first by her side. Good friends are hard to come by and friends should never let anything come in between them during a time of need. I would hope my best friend would do the same for me!
Day 22 → Something you wish you hadn’t done in your life.
I wish I wouldn't have slacked off in high school! I think that was m biggest mistake so far - I am only 23 and have plenty of life before me, which I am sure I will make more mistakes. But as of right now, if I would have took high school more seriously, I think I would be further into my career then what I am now - but at least I am getting there, right?
Day 23 → Something you wish you had done in your life.
Well, like I just said I am only 23 years old so there's a lot I hope I still get the chance to do. I have quite a long bucket list of things I hope to do in my life, so I will just name a few: Bungee jump! Go to all the states and travel to Italy! I also want to do as many fun travel things with Jaliyah as I possibly can, I got to do a lot of fun things as a kid and I want Jaliyah to have all the good memories that she can possibly hold.
Day 24 → Make a playlist to someone, and explain why you chose all the songs. (Just post the titles and artists and letter)
Ironically, I wanted to start putting together a play list to share with my daughter as she gets older. Right now I only have "In My Daughter's Eyes" by Martina McBride.
Day 25 → The reason you believe you’re still alive today.
I believe everyone has a purpose in life, and I just feel my purpose hasn't been totally fulfilled yet. It's started, and I figured out what my purpose is - to be a mother. My journey is on its way and no where near complete!
Day 26 → Have you ever thought about giving up on life? If so, when and why?
Yes, and I won't get too far into this - maybe in another post. But I was very young and just felt out of place. I was alone and didn't feel I had anyone to turn too. I was naive and felt the "easy way out" would be best. Well it wasn't and I'm glad I'm here. My life is turning out so wonderful and so amazing, and realizing that there is a light at the end of any dark tunnel that you get guided into, is something you should always remember!

Why me? (vent)

I needed a place to vent and you all are the lucky ones to hear about it! This week is finals week for summer semester and right now I am over my dads house so he can watch Jaliyah and she can get some grampa time while mommy takes her exam. This particular one that I am doing, or WAS doing, is a 2 and a half hour exam...I was about half way through when somehow (on accident) I pressed the "x" on the corner of Mozilla.

Now, one would say "Ok Elisha, just re-open it and start over" - which would be super frustrating but at least it would get done, right? NO! I can't get back into it - its LOCKED! Students are only allowed one attempt on the exam and after that - nada, zilch, your done!

So..I'm screwed. I just emailed my professor begging and pleading to re-open it for me, so we will see :( SUPER FRUSTRATED! Just breathe...

On a brighter note, as some of you may of saw on my twitter, Jaliyah rolled from her tummy to her back finally - so now when she realizes she can do one complete roll, she will be all over the place!

Project 365 (Day 41) - Take me out to the ball gaaaame..

Today's 365 picture is not of Jaliyah (as I'm sure you can tell) but it's my little brother signing his letter of intent for the college he got a scholarship too for baseball! Yay! On his way to the pros!

New Layout!

Hey everyone
I am think I'm done updating my layout - I did it all myself this time so let me know what you think and if it's too plain or too cluttered or whatever you think. I'm pretty happy with it for right now but I am super picky and sure I will find something I don't think or want to change in a matter of minutes haha


Thanks everyone and you should all check out my friends new blog - her son is so super cuuuuuuute - Dylan Daily!

Project 365 (Day 39 & 40)

BTW - I'm going to be totally remodeling my blog today - so if you come to it and it looks all crazy, excuse my mess :)

mmm cereal..

YAY!!!

Hey everyone! Look over there ------------->>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
and then scroll down a little bit..what do you see?!
100+ FOLLOWERS!
I am sooooooooooooo excited! Thank you guys soooooooo much, and I appreciate all of you! SO much in fact that I will now be doing my first GIVEAWAY! So make sure you look out for that in the next few days!

Jaliyah's sisters are coming over for the weekend, I know she is excited - she loves them. They always try and help me change her diaper and feed her (they are 3 and 4). It's a lot of fun having them here to visit Jaliyah. We will probably take a walk to the park like we always do, get a few movies, and just MAYBE take another trip to Chuck-E-Cheese - wohoo.
Jaliyah is trying so hard to roll from her tummy to her back, but gets super frustrated that she hasn't figured it out - but I know it's coming. Then crawling, then walking, then running, then she's 18! Holy crap..phew.

Reminders: Today is Friday so make sure to check out my Blog Hops page and click on the Friday hops!
Also, I just made my Facebook page - you can "like" it HERE!

ATTENTION!

You're reading it here first! Remember reading about how I let Jaliyah cry it out for a few minutes? Well..this morning we came downstairs for a morning bottle, after she ate I laid her on the floor for some play time like we do every morning. I went on to check my blog and realized it was suddenly VERY quiet, so I go to check on her and find this....

Yes people, that's right - That's Jaliyah sleeping. No - your eyes are NOT playing tricks on you. It must have been a fluke.

So our day goes on and it was just lunch time so she drank her bottle, I put her down for tummy time and folks...it happened again. She laid her head down and talked herself to sleep! No patting, rubbing, bouncing, singing, nothing. I am sooooo proud!

Facebook Page :)

Hey momma's!

I just made a Facebook page where you'll be able to get all the links to my posts, but where I will also provide even more information that you won't be getting on here. This will include different articles and extra entries for giveaways.

Please go "like" the Baybee Luv Facebook page in the right side bar or just click HERE!

Thank you guys SO much,


BTW - When I get 100+ followers is when I will be having my first giveaway so watch out for it!

What to do...What to do..

I know this is a touchy subject and everyone has their opinions, but "crying it out" seems to be my only option now. Jaliyah is a little over 4 months old now and she cries every time someone is not in her face or playing with her. Some may think 4 months is too early for this, and I used to think that. But I go to school full-time and have serious homework to do. Usually I just wait for her to go to bed and I do it, no matter how late I stay up, but now I'm getting behind - I only have 6 classes to go until my degree. Finals are this week - its crunch time. I'm doing all this to make a better life for us. Plus when I go back to work, I'm not going to be around her all the time and then what? I don't want her miserable while I'm at work crying and screaming the whole time. I know no one said this was going to be easy, but why does it have to be so hard? It breaks me heart. I love her!

I decided that it's time. I knew I wasn't going to let her cry for hours, only 7ish minutes. Then I would just come in her sight so she can see me but not play with her. So that's exactly what I did and she did surprisingly well - yes she cried the entire time. But as soon as she saw I was in the room she calmed down to just a whimper. She now is just playing and rolling around.

I know it's going to take a few times doing this and it's going to be a process but I know it'll be good for both of us. I want her to know that yes I will always be there but she can be by herself and be okay too - that I will still be there when she is done.

Haulage! (2)

Kohl's was having this ginormous sale - up to 80% off. So of course, my step-mom and I took a shopping adventure. I repeatedly told my self "Elisha, you won't spend money, just LOOK!" ...right. Anyways..we picked up almost an entire summer wardrobe for next summer for both Jaliyah, and my niece Ariana. Wanna know how much we spent? Buckle your seat belts..

For 12 outfits each (because they must match at all times), the total at normal price was $406. WE spent $115 and some change :D How AWESOME is that. While we were there I picked up 3 pieces for this fall/winter at 50% off..


Then I ventured to Meijer for formula and of course I had to spend money on things I did not go in there for, so I got..

Each of the shirts were only $3.19. I also picked up a couple plain white onesies/T-shirts to layer under.

Project 365 (Day 38) - Talkative baybee!

Project 365 (Day 37) - Tummy Time Photoshoot

Momma time - almost!

Guess what I got to do today?

Just guess..

TAKE A REAL SHOWER! I know, I know - you are jealous, and you should be - nanananana! It was a REAL shower, not a jump-in-speed-racer-3.5-minute-cut-yourself-shaving shower. I got to relaxxxxxx for a whole 15 minutes. I even got to do my version of a mommy-no-time pedicure. Whew, how exciting.

Anyways..Miss Jaliyah rolled from front to back today! So proud and don't forget to look out for her link to vote for her in the Gerber contest - It'll start in the beginning of September. You know..I am 4 months postpartum now and I always heard that it was possible to lose a lot of hair postpartum but it never happened to me...until now. I lose clumps and it's totally pissing me off because I already have thin hair. ugh. But on a bright note - I just signed up for my Fall semester classes - only 4 more classes until my Associates!

I decided to cut down on the overload of posts, every Monday I will be doing the 30 Day Challenge questions a week in advance in one big post. That is what the post is below me for this week.

30 Day Challenge (Day 14-19)

Day 14 - A hero that has let you down (Write a letter)..
Dear Rick,
I started this blog to meet new mommy's and share all of my experiences with other momma's. I know you don't read this but I know this is something I should get off of my chest either way. This is about something that happened very recently. I hope you can somehow understand how you've hurt me in such a tremendous way.
Last year, our uncle who we were very close to, suddenly passed away. From all that tragedy, came some (what I thought was) good. We met some of our family that we never even knew existed and gained more family. I thought it was so cool because family is so important and to know we had even more out there, and they were now in our lives was nice. Much to my dismay, they were not such good people and those true colors did not take long to show through. They were racist.
I actually conceived Jaliyah the day our uncle passed away, but did not find out until the following month. Jaliyah's father, as you know, is a wonderful African American man. Our family has NEVER had a problem with this and we were not brought up in any racist form. However, these new "family" members were brought up quite different. They called me inappropriate names, called my daughter outrageous things, told me and other family members they would have nothing to do with my daughter. Soon after I found out I was pregnant, you found out you were having a beautiful daughter too. Soon after that, these particular family members found out they weer expecting as well. With that, came more remarks. I was told their daughter would never be allowed to play with theirs, because she is mixed.
I cut them out of my lives, and they no longer even know I exist. I refuse to put my daughter in that position. I thought you felt the same about your niece. I was wrong. Come to find out, a week ago they were at your house. How dare you. I never expected this from you. You have these disgusting, ignorant, assholes in your home that think your only sister and only niece are dirt. I never thought you would do this to me.
I know it's hard for people to understand who have never been a victim of discrimination and racist remarks, but I am your sister. I expressed to you how I disliked these people that claim to be family and how much it hurt. I don't know what else to say to you...

Day 15 - Something or someone you couldn't live without, because you've tried living without it..
Now, I know I haven;t tried living without her - but kind of. I could not live without Jaliyah. She just completes me. Before her, I had 2 miscarriages, I even made it to 12 weeks with one. I didn't think I would ever had a child. But lo-and-behold, here came my miracle. I couldn't imagine my life without her and she has completed my number one dream in life - to be a mother.

Day 16 - Someone or something you definitely could live without..
Laundry. I HATE laundry, why must I do it? I'm going to invent a machine that walks around my house and picks up all the clothes and magically cleans them...I swear I will.

Day 17 - A book you've read that changed your view on something..
Honestly, I haven't come across a book that's done that. However, I do love to read and my favorite author is Lurlene McDaniel - check her out :) I cry during every book lol

Day 18 - Your views on gay marriage..
Do what makes you happy. I think ever single person deserves all the same rights. Gays are people and people have rights. Period.

Day 19 - What do you think of religion? or What do you think of politics?
Uhm..I believe everyone has their own beliefs and that is just fine with me, I will never push mt religion or what I believe onto anyone. As far as politics, hate it and I hate when people are obsessed and constantly talk about it and everything that is said is related back to some political issue. ugh.

Project 365 - (Day 35 & 36)

Jaliyah's auntie doing her first "airplane" - loved it!

30 Days of Truth (Day 11-13) Catch up again..oops :)

Something people seem to compliment you the most on..
Does this mean physically? If so, then my eyes. They are a nice hazel color and I don't know, I guess people like them lol Fortunately, my daughter inherited my eyes but with her daddy's eyelashes and oooooooo she is going to be a heart breaker!

Something you never get compliments on..
Again, physically? If so, uhmm...my height lol I am a vertically challenged 4'11! I get "made fun of" a lot for it. But that's ok, I enjoy being little. Although, Jaliyah's dad is 6ft tall so I'm pretty sure she is going to pass me up height wise by 8.

A band or artist that has gotten you through some tough ass days. (write a letter.)..
Dear Christina Aguilera,
You and I have gone through many similar things in our personal lives. You have written about your experiences, challenges, recovery, and moving on from those obstacles. I have been able to put on those certain songs and realize that eventually, it will pass and I will be ok - just like your song "I'm OK". You now have a wonderful little boy and he has changed your world, as Jaliyah has for me. Your music has changed with it and our lives just seem so similar. Thanks for helping and lifting me up even when you didn't know it!
Elisha ♥

4 Month Update

Today Jaliyah turned a whopping 4 months old (at 10:03pm to be precise). She can now..

• Roll from back to tummy, and tummy to back
• Yell at me
• Give me quite the attitude when yelling at me
• ALMOST push up on her hands when she is having tummy time, but completely mastered on the elbows
• I've heard her (a few times) graduate from cooing to babbling
• Hold her bottle when she feels like it
• Reach out for things/toys
• Eat cereal!
• LAUGH!

She got her second set of shots today, she did slightly better then the first time - but still had the no-breathe-cry. She checked out good with just a few spots left of thrush to get rid of. Jaliyah weighs in at a whopping 16.10 lbs and 25 inches long