It's New Year's Eve

Momma dressed me in PJs for Pajama Day at school. When we got there, it was not Pajama Day. Poor momma. I played until momma got of work and picked me up. We went home and had dinner. After dinner, I got to play with my play dough. It was so much fun. I tried to stay up until midnight, but I couldn't make it. I kept asking to go to bed. I finally fell asleep around 10:30. I hope you had a great time.

Pancakes For Breakfast....

Today, momma made pancakes before school. I know it doesn't sound like an amazing feat, but momma is not a "cook before noon" lady. She tells me I'm lucky she remembers to put cereal in my bowl. The pancakes were yummy. I don't know what momma is going to do when she goes back to working 8:00 to 5:00.

Momma took me to school today. When we got there, all my friends were playing in the gym. It was nice and warm with lots of room to run and play.

Daddy picked me up from school. We got momma from work. Our next stop was Ulta and Target. I love Target. I got two new totes to put my toys in and a cute apron for when I play with my kitchen. Pictures to come.

Trip to the Dr. Chris' Office

Today, momma and daddy took me to see Dr. Chris. I spent the majority of my time running momma back and forth from the bathroom. Not because I had to go, but because momma needs the workout. After they called my name, I wouldn't stand on the scale. I had a huge tantrum in the room.

When I got to the exam room, I spent the next few minutes running momma back to the bathroom again. After Dr. Chris came in, he listened to my heart and lungs. When he tried to check my ears, I gave him a run for his money. I shook my head, kicked and screams, but he still checked them out. He says I'm as healthy as a horse.

The Ups and Downs of Potty Training

I'm not so sure about this potty training momma and daddy are trying. I did real well yesterday, but not so good today. I had no accidents yesterday. Today is a different story. Momma and Daddy took me to the ENT today for my 6 month follow-up. I told momma after we got in the room that I needed to go potty. As momma and I were leaving the room, the doctor came in. Momma tried to explain, but the doctor said it would only be a minute. I cried when he checked my ears and had a little accident on momma's lap. After momma set me down, I peed every where. I left a huge puddle on the floor. I tried to tell them. Needless to say, momma and I had to change clothes.

Belated Christmas Celebration

I went to grandma and grandpa's house today for belated Christmas. Now that I am not contagious anymore, I got to leave the house. Grandma and Grandpa had my presents waiting on me. My aunts and uncles were there as well. I got a train. Choo-Choo. It is so great. I also got markers and a giant coloring book. My momma says Grandma owes her big. I'm not sure what that means, but it can't be good. I am such a lucky girl.

Shopping Trip

Today, momma and daddy took me shopping to spend my Christmas Cash. We went to TRU. Momma and daddy let me wander through the whole store looking at all the toys. I learned that if I ride in the cart, I can't get test drive the toys. I finally chose more Little Pony toys. I now have all the little ponies and several baby ponies. Momma and daddy let me pay for them myself. I even have change left to put in my piggie bank. After TRU, momma and daddy ran errands and I fell asleep on the way home. It was a fun day!

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas Everyone! I got up bright and early Christmas morning to discover that it had snowed overnight. My first white Christmas. Momma will have to post a picture later. Eventhough I was up and ready to go, momma and daddy wouldn't let me open any presents until my brother got up. Brothers sure can sleep forever. Finally at 9:00, momma let me wake him up. As soon as he got up, I tore into our tree. Santa was so good to me. I got a Kitchen, stroller and clothes from him. Momma and Daddy got me a Sit n' Spin, My Little Pony and dolls with snap on clothes. Here's a picture of me trying to carry my Sit n' Spin. You have to ignore the ketchup on my clothes, Daddy fed me before brother got up.



See me brush my pony. Look more ponies!



Here I am busy in the kitchen. Want to eat?




Here I am with brother. He is not a morning person.



I spent the rest of the day playing with my family. I hope you had as much fun as I did.

Where did August and September Go...

The last few months have been challenging for all of us. Between Doctors, colds, allergies, teething, work, work, work and no work. Let's see in the past few weeks, I have been sick and had issues with blood work, My mother has had to have surgery including biopsy, My father has had test with a biopsy, I've been to Vermont, we celebrated EB's 2nd Birthday and the loss of my oldest going to college for another year.

Just many things that seem to have taken over when they shouldn't have. EB is a great child. She is testing her boundaries everyday. I've been gone for 3 days and she has literally not let me out of her sight. I took her to daycare this morning where she completely melted down. I'm padding my Mother of the Year award and already working on my speech. I ended up telling her we would go shopping tomorrow. I need to rework tomorrow to get a day of shopping in as well as all the other things we need to do.

We still need to schedule her 2 year old photographs in the next week. It should be fun. Maybe we will do a clothing change. Don't know. Looking for ideas...

August 3rd through 9th

The last few days have been challenging. E is developing a split personality. One moment she is as sweet and easy going as you please. The next she is a little pill. On Monday, we spent the day cleaning house. As I am work my way through the house, she has been my little shadow. Well, as I am working in the kitchen, I hear this scraping noise behind me. When I turn, I notice that E is standing in the liter box. Gross. I end up having to explain to her that she is playing in the kitty’s diaper.

On Tuesday, I am again working in the kitchen, just straightening things and doing dishes. I hear a coughing choking sound. This time when I turn around, E is spitting something out of her mouth. Does anyone want to guess? My daughter has popped what appears to be kitty litter (I’m pretending that is all it was) in her mouth. At this point, not only am I grossed out, I’m trying to remember if kitty litter is poisonous. I finally decided it was enough to hurt her.

On Wednesday, we take a trip to my work to visit my bff and co-workers. My bff gives E a stress ball that looks like a pink pig. She is playing with it and enjoying it. I put her in her car seat. Next thing I know, she has bitten off the pig’s nose and two of the four feet.

At this rate, I’m not sure she is going to survive this week. Let’s see what today brings.

On the brighter side, she and I had a great time at Starbucks on Monday. I got her one of the Strawberry Banana smoothies. She loved it. Thought she was such a big girl with her own drink and a seat by the window.

Time for an update

Looks like I have been neglectful yet again. Last week, we finished up swimming lessons. E had a great time. She will not get her face wet and will not blow bubbles, but she absolutely enjoyed herself.

Our weekend was busy. We went shopping for E new shoes and clothes for fall. I really didn't get her much for the fall, but she did get several outfits for next summer. I just can't resist a sale. Her foot has grown 1/2 inch since May. Sunday, we headed to the grandparents to show off E's new swimming talent as well as celebrate her cousin's birthday.

I think that covers the last week.

July 6th through July 12th

This week has flown by. E started swimming lessons. She has class Monday through Thursday evening for 2 weeks. It’s been rough leaving work and trying to make the class. But it is worth it. Monday was kicking. Tuesday was blowing bubbles. Wednesday was learning to paddle. Thursday was jumping in from the side of pool. She is doing well for her age. She is kicking. She’s not real aggressive with this; just a lazy little flutter. She is not really blowing bubbles, but she will put her face in the water. We have had a couple of “coughing water” issues. We are having trouble paddling, but she is enjoying it. Jumping from the side was a whole other issue. Not too keen on that. She will take my hands and lean into the water until she falls of the edge. Our whole point with swimming lessons was for her to be more comfortable in the water. If she can swim after two weeks, great! If not, we had a great two weeks of family time and we can keep practicing.

Last weekend, we started transitioning her back to her crib. She has been sleeping in the port-a-crib in our room, but it is time for us to move her to her room. I’m not sure I am completely ready for this. I’m ready for her to be in her room, but at the same time, I miss my baby. She is adjusting. Last night was the first night she slept completely through the night. I have to admit…It was nice to get an uninterrupted night of sleep.

Fourth of July Fun

Yesterday was a busy day for E. The day started with blueberry pancakes and fruit. Of course, my little one is a grazer. So breakfast was at 7:30 and she decides to eat at 9:00. After breakfast, we put together little one’s sandbox. I know better late than never. She loved it.

After the sandbox, we took E in search of fireworks. Not what she wanted to do. She whined the whole time. To make it up to her, we took her out to McDonald’s for lunch. Cheeseburger and fries.

After her nap, it was off to grandma and grandpa’s (pa-pa). She had hot dogs and mac n’ cheese. After dinner, she spent time in the pool. My parents got her a blow up turtle to play on. It was a hit. I’m going to have to get pictures from them. She got too cold and I had to bring her in the house. She was so mad.

Shortly after that, I got her to go to sleep. I felt bad as she wouldn’t see the fireworks. Lucky me, the rain showers moved in, so no fireworks for anyone. We will save them for another day.

June 23rd through 28th

Another work week has come to an end. E had doctor’s appointments on Thursday. Her pediatrician diagnosed an upper respiratory infection and we are back on an antibiotic. On the upside, she weighs 24.5 pounds. She gained a pound in two weeks. That afternoon she revisited the ENT. Her ears are healing fine, but her hearing is not where they would like it to be. We will have to watch her closely. She has a follow-up appointment in 6 months.

Friday night, she must have had a stomach bug. I had forgotten what kid puke is like. It happened right at bedtime. She projectile vomited all over momma, the bed and the floor. Daddy cleaned up the floor and the bed, while I got in the shower with E.

She woke up Saturday fine. We left the house to get our haircut. On the way there, I could smell puke. Sure enough, it was all over E and the car seat. We had to stop and clean her up. Nothing like a puked covered kid and car seat on a hot summer day. Needless to say, we did not get our hair done.

Sunday E has been able to keep everything done. It looks like it is just a 24 hour bug. E is currently napping. We will see if our luck holds out.

Catching Up...

It’s been a few days since I had a moment to document E’s day. Last Friday, E had tubes done. I was amazed at how quickly the procedure was done. She had a 9:30 surgery time. She went back to the operating room at 9:20 and we were able to take her home at 9:40. She did really well. We stopped by Chick-Fil-A, the Cow Place, to get E breakfast and we were home by 10:30. She was up playing by 4:00. She’s such a trooper.

Saturday, E and I went shopping for DH an anniversary gift. We went to the Mall for a few hours. We ended up getting daddy clothes.

Sunday, we went to church. We let E come to service with us instead of the nursery. Hey, she just had surgery. E and I ended up leaving about 10 minutes before it was over. She wanted crackers. I have a thing about letting her eat during service.

Monday, we took a mental health day from work and daycare. We stayed home all day. By the way, nothing got accomplished as we spent the day just relaxing.

Today it was back to work and daycare. Poor E has been coughing most of the day. I’m a little concerned that it is more than a cold or drainage. We will have to wait and see. It is starting to get unbearably hot. All the activities for the daycare are happening in the morning while it is still cool. This is explains why water play is at 9:00.

Tomorrow the daycare makes Father’s Day gifts. I’ve been trying to teach E to say “Happy Father’s Day!” as part of her gift to daddy. She can say all the words, but can’t put the phrase together. I’ve got 4 more days to get this done.

That sums up the past few days. I’ll try to update tomorrow.

The Park and BAM

It’s Saturday and we are at six days and counting until EB’s surgery. I took EB to the ENT’s office yesterday to be fitted for ear plugs. She ended up having a meltdown when the audiologist tried to fit her. This is just a preview of what is to come with the hearing tests after the surgery. After the trip to the ENT’s, it was off to the hospital to sign paperwork. I was able to get the pre-certification done over the phone, but they insist that you sign this paperwork before the surgery.

Today we took EB to the park today to ride the Train. She loved it. I was so afraid she would freak, but no. A huge smile and waved to people as we passed them. Anytime she claps when something ends means she has blessed it. After the train, she played on the slides and swings.

After that, it was off to BAM for new books. Once a month, we try to take her to get a couple new books. I think it is more for us than her. How many times can you read the same book before you go crazy? She loves that place. The associate was amazed at her pulling the books of the shelf one at a time and sitting on the floor looking at them

Once we got home, we decided to air out EB’s diaper rash. She is absolutely raw. We are now trying Triple Paste. Let’s hope this works.

At the moment, hubby is trying to get her to sleep, but not having much luck. I’m afraid to go relieve him as they have gotten too quiet. Let’s hope she will go to sleep for him, because at this point, I’m ready for bed myself.

Camo Anyone....

Today was “Camo” day at the daycare. I’m beginning to think I am one of the only parents that takes the time to read the take home papers. Today was the 4th theme day and again there were only a few kids in the class to participate. EB is such a cutie. I’m going to try to upload the only picture I got later.

First Day in the Toddler Room

Today was EB’s first day in the Toddler room. We now drop off in the sunroom. The only problem is I have to walk through the sunroom to get to her room to sign her in and then walk back through to leave. It was not a good day. EB was not happy when I left.

On the brighter side, today was pajama day. EB wore a cute little purple pj short set and reindeer slippers! Tomorrow is “Mix and Match” Day. Can’t wait to see what the kids look like.

Keeping it Brief....

We took EB to Mickey D’s for dinner tonight. You know the kind with the play place. The whole time we are trying to get her to focus on eating, she is yelling at the other kids. We gave up trying to get her to eat. Poor girl ate most of her dinner in the car on the way home after a quick trip to Old Navy to check out the clearance sale.

The Daycare Has Made It Official!

Today we found out that Friday will be EB’s last day in the Older Infant’s room. She will be moving up to the Toddlers Room. It makes me sad to think she is officially considered a Toddler by the daycare. I’m going to miss her teachers. I think we’ve become a little too attached to one of the workers. I was really hoping to put this off until August when we were a few months past her ear surgery. I figured when she went back and was not feeling well, Ann would baby her and I wouldn’t feel as guilty for not being at home with her. Maybe I’ll just take a few extra “sick” days and baby her myself!

The Bubble Mower

Today, we purchased EB a bubble mower. We were on our way to my parent's house and decided to get her something to play with while we are there. She is the youngest grandchild my parents have and there is a little more than 10 years between her and my sister's youngest. Hence no toys for small children.

After we get it out of the box and assembled, we took it outside. I start pushing it, trying to get it primed. EB decided she wants to push it. She must have pushed that silly mower for 5 minutes until it started making bubbles. As soon as she noticed the bubbles, she stopped pushing to chase them. Then she would start pushing again. Every time bubbles would start coming out of the mower, she would stop and chase them. She absolutely loved it. She spent an hour just pushing and chasing bubbles.

After that, I took her for a walk. She visited the duck and the chicken as well as the apple and cherry trees. I tried my best to wear her out. My efforts paid off. She fell asleep on the way home.

A busy day

Saturday, we took EB to the park. It was the first time we attempted this. She loved it. She played on the swings and love the slide. I did get a few pics. We plan on taking her back to the park later this weekend (if the weather will hold) and let her ride the train.




After the park, H and I had hair appointments. While we were there I talked our hair stylist into clipping EB's duck tail. EB did not like the clipping noise. I'm not sure this qualifies as her first hair cut, but we did keep her little curl.

Where did my Independent Little Girl Go..

Not that I don't love cuddling with EB, but for the past week, she has had no desire to play in the evenings. Once I get home, she has dinner with us and is content to sit on me. It is so bad, that when I get up, she will follow me whining until I pick her up. It's really making it hard to get something done around here.

EB the Biter!

Well EB's newest thing is to bite herself when she is mad or frustrated. All you have to do is tell her no and she will bite herself. H had a surprise waiting for him today at daycare. When he went to get EB, Jayme asked about the biting herself. Evidently Jayme made EB mad and she bit herself so hard she left an impression. I don't know what I'm going to do. Hopefully, this phase won't last long.

A Look into the Future...

A picture is worth a thousand words.

"Where go?"

Today we visited my parents. EB turned on the charm. As someone who knows us said "She is the show." After being there an hour, she had "charmed" my parents into giving her fresh strawberries from the garden. I wish I had gotten a picture of her smiling face with a whole strawberry shoved in her little mouth and juice running down her face onto her shirt. One of those priceless moments that you just don't think of grabbing the camera for. She also conned grandma out of cookies, cheez-its and cheese.

When it was time to go, grandma had her and she was giving kisses to everyone. H and I decided to tell her "Bye". My child looks right at us and waves bye-bye. So we walk out the door. Shortly, grandma brings her out of the house. EB waited until we closed the door, threw her arms in the air and said "where go" to grandma. Bless her little heart.

Saturday Should Be Easier

Saturday should come with a guarantee that the pace will be slower. However, today started with a 4:30 am wake-up call. EB woke up and wanted a drink. After getting her some milk, going back to sleep was not on her agenda. I think she is teething and still having issues with her ears. She has been overly clingy. And her newest thing is to shriek at the top of her lungs when she wants something or you aren't doing what she wants. UGH! Nothing like trying to ignore a high pitch whine that is cranked all the way up. Today she would not nap without someone holding her. It's hard to believe that noise comes out of the little angel I held today.

After her nap, we headed out shopping. Looking for EB a birthday gift for her brother. Five stores later we settled for new headphones for the iPod. Hopefully brother will like as they are the cool noise cancelling ones. Home for dinner and a quiet evening at home.

Word of the Day

It seems like we get a new word every day from our little butterfly. Today's word is hello. Of course it is pronounced "Hewo". Would have been even more precious if EB had not been mimicing mommy's sarcastic tone!

What's a Cwaker?

The world knows this is a cracker, but in EB's world...Cwaker. DH picks me up from work today and I am greeted "Hi" by my sweet little baby. The next request I get is for a Cwaker. Go figure, mom = food!

A Quick Update...

Another month has whizzed by since I last updated the world on our sweet baby girl. It has been a month of doctor’s appointments, incident reports at the daycare and fun times.

EB, as she refers to herself, is still trying to kick a nasty ear infection. She just started her third round of antibiotics. Yuck, Yuck, Yuck! She also visited an ENT and will be having tubes placed in June. Let’s hope this cuts down on the antibiotics. Not looking forward to my little girl having surgery, but anything to eliminate her pain.

She has been the “bitee” at the day are in recent weeks. The first time I thought maybe she would learn that it hurts to bite and stop biting mama. But no! The second time, she and another child were having a disagreement about a toy and the other child won. Nasty bruise.

Last weekend, we took EB shopping for new shoes. I thought she would be a handful, as she doesn’t like being poked and prodded. I was so proud of her. We picked out the styles we liked. The salesperson went to measure EB’s feet and EB actually let her. EB tried on the shoes and even walked around the store. She was so grown up. My own little “Amelia Marcos.”
EB continues to be a challenge when she eats. Child loves fruit and milk. I’m raising a vegetarian and DH is not happy. Meat and Potatoes man can’t imagine his precious little girl as a vegan. HA! HA!

Next update will include pictures.

E 18 Months/Easter Photos

March 30th through April 3rd

What an eventful week it has been. E had her 18 month/Easter pictures taken on Monday. H got her to the studio on time, but the photographer was running late. She was not even in the studio yet. E had to wait almost 15 minutes before the sitting started. Considering the long wait time, she did wonderfully. She is such a cutie.

Tuesday was busy at home and at work, but E never seems to notice the chaos around her. She is totally in her own world. DH picked me up from work and E was as happy as a clam eating her crackers and drinking her milk (This is an every day snack). Don’t know what we would do without our Mac and Cheese crackers.

Wednesday was Ladies Night. While M and H are working the bus ministry at church, E and I are at home spending time together. That’s when I noticed the ringworm on the top of her head. Lovely!

Thursday, E went to daycare (ringworm and all). H called the pediatrician. E now has a script for anti-fungal ointment. After H picked her up, he called the daycare to let them know. They requested that E stay home on Friday.

Friday, H and E stayed home together. I called from work a couple of times to check on them. All was fine. I took advantage and went to the gym tonight before coming home. No dinner when I got home. No surprise. H says “Couldn’t get to dinner and watch E.” Nice. E is into everything. Climbs up in the chairs and takes stuff off the desk. I tell her “No!”, she rolls her eyes. I tried timeout tonight. I know have bite marks on the back of my hands. UGH!

Let’s see how the weekend goes.

Isn't time out supposed to be easy at this age?

We’re just started trying to use time out with Evie. Yesterday she was pulling on the cat’s tail. I know nothing new, but she seems to be much more aggressive lately. So H decides to put her in time out. He tells her to go to time out. She looks at him, walks across the room and sits down. H has her sit for a minute, tells her that pulling the tail hurts the cat and tells her to say she is sorry. She signs sorry and H lets her out of time out. She was only out of time out for a minute and she is pulling the cat’s tail again.

This time, I send her to time out. She goes and sits down. She then starts giggling and playing. UGH! I tell her that pulling the cat’s tail is a no-no and she needs to tell the cat she is sorry. She looks me in the eye and shakes her head no. I repeat myself a little firmer and she still shakes her head. I say to her she can go to night-night instead. She nods her head.

I take her to her room, turn on the music and start rocking her in the rocking chair. After the first song, she sits up and looks at me. I tell her if she tells the cat she is sorry, she can get up. She signs sorry and off she goes. She not bothered the cat yet.

A Little Exercise Anyone?

Since the beginning of the year, I've been working to get back in shape. I really want to lose the baby weight (right!). Since work is interfering with going to the gym, I rummaged in the garage and found the yoga ball. Nothing like working on core muscles.

Well, here's the new problem:

What can you do????

Please Don't Bite Your Friends

When H gets to daycare to pick up E today, he is told that there is an incident report he needs to sign. E had bitten one of the other kids over a toy. Yep a toy! Of course, I've been warning them for the past few weeks that she has been biting me and we have been trying to get her to stop. Of course to make matters more interesting, it is the little boy who is always greeting E in the morning. Fortunately, she did not break the skin.

Here's the best part:

Describe Actions Taken by Staff: I told E "No Biting" and showed her the red place on the other child. She seemed remorseful. I told her to say "I'm sorry" in sign language which she did and she gave him a hug, too.

If adult life could be that easy....

Memories

As I was rocking E back to sleep during her nap today, I find myself thinking back to another nursery 20+ years ago. That nursery was so much different than this one. Where this one is carpeted with brand new matching furniture and all the works, the other had a wood floor. It was painted white with wood paneling acting as wainscoting. There was a maple secondhand Jenny Lind crib with Teddy Beddy Bear bedding purchased by grandpa and grandma. A mobile and decorations on the wall made by me. The washer and dryer where in the closet.

As I continue to rock E, I try to remember if I did this with her brother. Did I put aside all the household chores just to rock him to sleep? Did I take the time to baby him as I find myself doing for her? I can remember the important things like his first birthday, first time to play in the snow and the puppy he got for Christmas. I just don't know if I can recall the everyday things that were just as important.

Is it the fact that I am older and know that she will be the last baby I have that I make the time now that I should have made then or is it true that you have a favorite? Can you really love them both, but still love one more? Maybe it is connecting with one more than the other? Not looking for an answer just some deep thoughts I had today.

Watch What You Say...

I see that my resolution to keep up my blog this year has gone by the wayside. I guess I'm in the majority of people who break their resolutions within the first month of the new year.

This past week, one of the daycare workers ask if I had noticed that E was more vocal this week. Of course we had. This morning, I look at her as said "Are you stinky?" E looks right at me and says "Stinn-ky!" It's official, I have to watch what I say around her or I may get a surprise from my little angel.

Uh Oh!

I had my first big boo boo. I was sitting on the couch playing with my brother. We were playing with the expired coupons momma gives me. I'd give them to brother and he beeps them like the cashier at the store. I dropped two of them over the edge of the couch. When I went to get them, I feel. I hit momma's carrier for her laptop with my mouth. I bit my upper lip and split my gums open between my upper two teeth. I was bleeding. It hurt so bad. Momma let me put ice on it and gave me popcicles. Momma is worried about my teeth.