Bubble Guppies

So it has been a year and a half of figuring out a morning routine that allows me to get showered and dressed for work, while Caroline is kept busy.

She is a morning girl, usually waking me up around 6 or 6:30. My pre-motherhood self wouldn't have believed I'd EVER happily get up that early every day. But when I walk into her room and those arms shoot up and she squeals "MOMMA," how could I not be eager to jump out of bed.

Once she's up, had some milk and a fresh diaper, I usually find an on-demand TV show for her to watch. (I know, Mom OF THE YEAR). Right now her favorite show of all times is Bubble Guppies. BTW, thank you Nick Jr. for always having these shows available on demand!

Well this has been our routine long enough that Caroline will bring me the remote and patiently watch the TV as I navigate through the On-Demand menu.

And this is my absolute favorite part. Once we get through the intro commercials and the animation for the show begins, she turns, locks eyes with me and beams the biggest smile I have ever seen.

It's as if I am a wondrous magician who can read her mind and POOF made those guppies appear on screen. She'll hold that smile for a whole three seconds of gratitude before she starts dancing around singing "bub, bub, bubble" and flailing her arms.

Today, I had to remind myself to get my camera out to capture that moment, because it will be gone before I know it. Before I know it, she'll be rolling her eyes at me and challenging everything. But right now, I'm AMAZING . So, yeah, I needed to capture that.

The picture pretty much captures the scene appropriately, blurry from that early morning, pre-coffee haze, TV overexposed in the background and not yet dressed for the day BUT smiling so big that her eyes are squinty. LOVE!

Dear IttyBit

Your dad named you IttyBit last night and I like it.


I can’t believe you are already so big. This pregnancy was so slow at first, but now I only have 3 and half months left. I haven’t even STARTED on your room. I have been mentally preparing for you by looking at pictures of newborn babies and reminding myself how big your sister is. Its amazing how much I’ve already forgotten about having a newborn, the breastfeeding schedule, the bottles, the lack of sleep.

I have planned to have your sister go to the sitter while I’m home with you, so we can have our time together, our time to heal after delivery, our time to bond.

I wonder how Caroline will handle your arrival. I point to my belly and say baby. She thinks it is a game and pushes her finger into my belly button with a big smile. She just thinks I’m the Pillsbury dough boy!

Your dad had a dream the other night that you are a girl. I think this surprised him because he’s been guessing you are a boy. I was so wrong with your sister, that I’m not even wagering a guess.

You are kicking me all the time now. It makes me happy, except when you lodge a limb somewhere painful. Your sister was sick this week and as she slept on us, it seems your kicks were directed at her. A sign of things to come, I’m sure.

I’m a little scared of being a Mom to two little ones. It seems like I’m just getting the routine down with your sister. Please be patient with me little one. I love you very much and will do my best to ensure you are happy and healthy.

Love your momma!