A little update about Natalie's first day at daycare:
It wasn't SO bad after all. She apparently had a ball and didn't seem at all excited to see me when I showed up - she was too focused on playing. She (as expected) didn't really nap much today because of all the noise, but I imagine that will change with time. Apparently she loves puppet peek-a-boo ???? and being outside. Sigh.... This is a good thing. It will do (for now). Hopefully the rest of the week goes well.
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Tag
Miriam has tagged me! These are the rules!
1. Link to the person who tagged you.
2. Post the rules on your blog.
3. Share six non-important things/habits/quirks about yourself.
4. Tag six random people at the end of your post by linking to their blogs.
5. Let each random person know they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their website.
Six non-important things about me:
1. I love waterparks. I'm not sure if its because we went to WhiteWater in Branson all the time when I was growing up and its just really nostalgic or what... But, I am REALLY looking forward to when Schitterbahn opens in KC in 2009.
I'd like to go there for my 30th birthday.
2. Many of you know that Kevin and I got engaged after only 3 weeks of dating. I think I would die if Natalie did that. I imagine that many of my friends thought I was absolutely nuts, but 6 years later the proof is in the pudding!
3. I've had a burning desire (since college) to get a nose piercing. I really think they're fun and a little "edgy". But Kevin absolutely HATES the idea so alas... no nose piercing. =)
4. When I was in high school I used to get asked out by "dorks" only. (I'm sure these guys are rather successful and good looking now so if you're reading this.. dont be offended.) I actually told one guy that I had "family game night" one night and couldn't go on a date. What?!?!?! Did I mention that I'm a REALLY bad liar?
5. My first job was McDonalds and I loved it. I started out as the "bun toaster" (yes, its true) and worked my way up through "bathroom cleaner" to "cook" (not on the same day) to "drive-thru girl". One time I was handing a guy a large drink through the drive through window and the lid popped off and the drink sloshed all over him. He cussed me out and drove off. I felt terrible! I couldnt believe it when later he stopped by to apologize and I dropped a cheeseburger that I was holding because I was so nervous. He must have thought I was the biggest clutz!
6. My friend Kera and I started a jewelry and handmade card business a few years ago after The Apprentice came on television. We were inspired by the show and how they did a competition where they had to sell t-shirts in Manhattan and made a lot of money. We hit up all of the craft shows in the area peddaling our wares only to discover that neither one of us were sales-oriented and there wasn't a huge market for stuff like that. Both of us agree that neither one of us could do a home party business... its just NOT our cup of tea.
I tag:
1. Rach
2. Lib
I dont know any other blogging friends who havent already been tagged... =( Anyone, Anyone???
1. Link to the person who tagged you.
2. Post the rules on your blog.
3. Share six non-important things/habits/quirks about yourself.
4. Tag six random people at the end of your post by linking to their blogs.
5. Let each random person know they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their website.
Six non-important things about me:
1. I love waterparks. I'm not sure if its because we went to WhiteWater in Branson all the time when I was growing up and its just really nostalgic or what... But, I am REALLY looking forward to when Schitterbahn opens in KC in 2009.
I'd like to go there for my 30th birthday.
2. Many of you know that Kevin and I got engaged after only 3 weeks of dating. I think I would die if Natalie did that. I imagine that many of my friends thought I was absolutely nuts, but 6 years later the proof is in the pudding!
3. I've had a burning desire (since college) to get a nose piercing. I really think they're fun and a little "edgy". But Kevin absolutely HATES the idea so alas... no nose piercing. =)
4. When I was in high school I used to get asked out by "dorks" only. (I'm sure these guys are rather successful and good looking now so if you're reading this.. dont be offended.) I actually told one guy that I had "family game night" one night and couldn't go on a date. What?!?!?! Did I mention that I'm a REALLY bad liar?
5. My first job was McDonalds and I loved it. I started out as the "bun toaster" (yes, its true) and worked my way up through "bathroom cleaner" to "cook" (not on the same day) to "drive-thru girl". One time I was handing a guy a large drink through the drive through window and the lid popped off and the drink sloshed all over him. He cussed me out and drove off. I felt terrible! I couldnt believe it when later he stopped by to apologize and I dropped a cheeseburger that I was holding because I was so nervous. He must have thought I was the biggest clutz!
6. My friend Kera and I started a jewelry and handmade card business a few years ago after The Apprentice came on television. We were inspired by the show and how they did a competition where they had to sell t-shirts in Manhattan and made a lot of money. We hit up all of the craft shows in the area peddaling our wares only to discover that neither one of us were sales-oriented and there wasn't a huge market for stuff like that. Both of us agree that neither one of us could do a home party business... its just NOT our cup of tea.
I tag:
1. Rach
2. Lib
I dont know any other blogging friends who havent already been tagged... =( Anyone, Anyone???
I Hate It! I Hate It! I Hate It!
Natalie started Kindercare today and in the words of McDonalds... "I'm not lovin it". I'm sure its a great place and all, but organized daycare just feels so institutional. We decided a couple weeks ago that we ought to really get on it about looking around since our terrific friend, Heather, couldn't take care of Natalie indefinitely. We'd had our name on the waiting list at one center for a good few months with no word of availability and thought we should maybe submit our name a few other places as we had discovered that EVERY center had an infant wait list. We opted not to go with a home daycare situation since we were leery of dropping our kid off at some person's house we didn't know. There just didnt feel like much accountability.
Much to our surprise... Kindercare (KC) had an immediate opening since not one of the 6 infants on their wait list could start until April. *sigh* So, ready or not, here we go. In KC's defense, I took a tour and it seems like a good center - very kind teachers, happy kids and (according to the set of parents I stopped in the parking lot) satisfied parents. But with all of the things it has going for it, its still a daycare and a place where Natalie will, assuredly, get sick. She also hasnt really been around that many kids at once and I imagine its going to be a tad overwhelming... not to mention she's expected to nap in a crib that's in a brightly lit room full of playing children. (Note to the reader: she only naps well in a quiet room in a swing and KC doesnt have swings). If you think about us, say a little prayer. The next few weeks should be interesting.
Sunday, March 9, 2008
The Attack of the Killer Green Bean!
Here's a before and after picture of Natalie's close encounter with green beans on Sunday. Ahhh.. what if we always made this much of a mess when we ate?
It's been a fairly low key weekend. Natalie got some 6 mos pictures taken on Saturday and I'm excited to see how they turned out. My friend Meggan took the pictures - she owns Sweet Captures and took the pictures of Natalie when she was 9 days old. I know they'll be terrific as she has a very creative eye.
Other than that we've just been hanging around. I talked to my friend Miriam last week and she encouraged me to find a sitter for the occasional night out with Kevin. I asked her what the going rate was these days and she said $8/hr where she lives. Good grief! I remember when I was 16 and thought $7 was ROLLING in it (my average was around $4-$5 per hour I think). Ahhh.. times have changed and I guess it WAS a while ago that I was 16. Ha! Its funny how internally you really dont feel any different, but you look in the mirror one day and go - "really? I dont look 21 anymore? What are you talking about you're not going to card me?" I had this really random dream last night that I was driving in a car (with my mother) and I kept getting honked at by all sorts of guys. The funny part was that ALL of them were in the over 45 age bracket. What this bizarre dream means I have NO idea, but I do remember feeling a sort of disillusionment at not looking 21 anymore. *sigh* Ah well, age is really just a "feeling" anyway. And, like I said... I still FEEL 21. I'm going to take the realage.com test and see how old it says I "really" am. Details to follow....
It's been a fairly low key weekend. Natalie got some 6 mos pictures taken on Saturday and I'm excited to see how they turned out. My friend Meggan took the pictures - she owns Sweet Captures and took the pictures of Natalie when she was 9 days old. I know they'll be terrific as she has a very creative eye.
Other than that we've just been hanging around. I talked to my friend Miriam last week and she encouraged me to find a sitter for the occasional night out with Kevin. I asked her what the going rate was these days and she said $8/hr where she lives. Good grief! I remember when I was 16 and thought $7 was ROLLING in it (my average was around $4-$5 per hour I think). Ahhh.. times have changed and I guess it WAS a while ago that I was 16. Ha! Its funny how internally you really dont feel any different, but you look in the mirror one day and go - "really? I dont look 21 anymore? What are you talking about you're not going to card me?" I had this really random dream last night that I was driving in a car (with my mother) and I kept getting honked at by all sorts of guys. The funny part was that ALL of them were in the over 45 age bracket. What this bizarre dream means I have NO idea, but I do remember feeling a sort of disillusionment at not looking 21 anymore. *sigh* Ah well, age is really just a "feeling" anyway. And, like I said... I still FEEL 21. I'm going to take the realage.com test and see how old it says I "really" am. Details to follow....
Monday, March 3, 2008
Thanks, Mom!
My mom is in town visiting for a bit this week and she offered to babysit for Kevin and me so we could get out of the house sans ankle-biter. Let me tell you it was our our first date in a VERY LONG TIME and we had a wonderful time! We went to an Italian joint called Scotto's and sat in the romantic, dimly lit corner booth. After dinner we sat and just chatted away as we enjoyed being out on our own. Afterward, we stopped at the grocery store to buy night lights for our scared-of-the-dark cats and my darling husband bought me the most beautiful bouquet of roses to top off the perfect evening. Thanks, Mom for being so supportive and giving us a night out! We love you!!!
New Purchase!
Well, craigslist has done it again! We recently spent a whopping $8 on one of the best inventions ever. I had one when I was a baby and now Natalie is enjoying hers. The Johnny Jump Up is sure to get a lot of miles as she loves to spring and bounce just about any time of the day. We're in the market to find something...anything to wear her out so we make sure she sleeps well and this seemed to be just the thing. In all actuality, she is sleeping well at night. Naps are hit and miss, but you can't have everything!
On another note, I wanted to post these two photos of a face she makes a lot. These are two pictures I took this past weekend and I'm not sure WHAT the look on her face is saying. Any ideas????
Monday, February 25, 2008
Nausea, Natalie and No NAPS!
So I had some sort of stomach bug this weekend. You know - it just doesnt seem like the weekend when you're sick. I feel like I was robbed. I need another weekend. =) Alas, it's Monday.
Luckily for me Natalie isnt sick. Although she's been a little pistol lately. No naps (can you even call a 45 minute snooze a nap?) and excessive crying paired with a big spike in hunger. All I can guess is teething AND a growth spurt. She's been bouncing off the walls lately eating me out of house and home. Unfortunately we're starting to supplement with formula. This is not my favorite idea at all and in a way I feel a bit like a failure. But I am just not making enough for her right now so I can't very well starve the poor kid. I figure its good that she's still nursing when she is and that's the best I can do for her. Still, I'm kinda bummed.
On a positive note, I am narrowing in on that pre-pregnancy weight. I've got about 5lbs to go. Although, I'm finding that I've acquired a "new" (not so improved) shape that I didnt have at this weight last time. I guess my body isn't quite as ready as I wanted it to be to get rid of the little belly pooch that has decided to hang around. NOW I know why "Mom pants" are all high waisted with that extra room in the front. *sigh* I'm not going down without a fight! I'm going to scratch and claw my way back into my old pants even if I have to hold my breath all day to wear them. ****GASP***** =)
Luckily for me Natalie isnt sick. Although she's been a little pistol lately. No naps (can you even call a 45 minute snooze a nap?) and excessive crying paired with a big spike in hunger. All I can guess is teething AND a growth spurt. She's been bouncing off the walls lately eating me out of house and home. Unfortunately we're starting to supplement with formula. This is not my favorite idea at all and in a way I feel a bit like a failure. But I am just not making enough for her right now so I can't very well starve the poor kid. I figure its good that she's still nursing when she is and that's the best I can do for her. Still, I'm kinda bummed.
On a positive note, I am narrowing in on that pre-pregnancy weight. I've got about 5lbs to go. Although, I'm finding that I've acquired a "new" (not so improved) shape that I didnt have at this weight last time. I guess my body isn't quite as ready as I wanted it to be to get rid of the little belly pooch that has decided to hang around. NOW I know why "Mom pants" are all high waisted with that extra room in the front. *sigh* I'm not going down without a fight! I'm going to scratch and claw my way back into my old pants even if I have to hold my breath all day to wear them. ****GASP***** =)
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Ahhhh.... Vacation.
Well the trip to KC was SO much fun. The travel itself went much better than I thought it might. She slept great on the way there - I was even able to read a book! On the way back, she also took a nap. Something about the hum of the plane. I read my girlfriend Miriam's blog about flying with her twins (they're almost 11 months) and I imagine flying with Natalie is not always going to be so easy.
Natalie had another first while visiting Nana and Papa's house (at two months she laughed for the 1st time there). This past visit she sat up for the first time by herself! Well, by "sat up" I mean she stayed put for a couple minutes when I put her in the sitting position. Of course she was steadying herself on a toy, but she was there long enough for me to snap this photo. The high chair
in the other picture is the same high chair my sister sat in when she was a baby. It's over 20 years old... almost an antique! That's right, Lib... you're old! =)
She didnt sleep well during our stay in KC. But I think it could have been the change in schedule and the different bed. Fortunately, my parents had some good gear to keep her occupied - a borrowed swing and bouncy seat as well as a purchased pack-n-play and carseat. It was nice not having to haul all of the necessary gear through the airport!
During our stay, we drove out to see Mommo and Poppo and Augie. We ate a delicious meal and enjoyed catching up in an all-too-short visit. Mommo and Poppo gave Natalie an adorable quilt with her name and birthday on it and her first doll embroidered with her name too.
We also did a day-trip to Clinton, Mo - the half-way point between KC and Springfield to catch up with my good girlfriend from college, Angie. She just had a baby in December and it was my first chance to meet little Reece. Now 2 months old, she still sleeps quite a bit. Ahhh... I remember those days. How quickly they pass! =)
There were a lot more friends that I wanted to catch up with and a lot more relaxing that I wanted to do, but alas... all good vacations must come to an end. Hopefully we'll be able to make it out again soon!
Natalie had another first while visiting Nana and Papa's house (at two months she laughed for the 1st time there). This past visit she sat up for the first time by herself! Well, by "sat up" I mean she stayed put for a couple minutes when I put her in the sitting position. Of course she was steadying herself on a toy, but she was there long enough for me to snap this photo. The high chair
in the other picture is the same high chair my sister sat in when she was a baby. It's over 20 years old... almost an antique! That's right, Lib... you're old! =)
She didnt sleep well during our stay in KC. But I think it could have been the change in schedule and the different bed. Fortunately, my parents had some good gear to keep her occupied - a borrowed swing and bouncy seat as well as a purchased pack-n-play and carseat. It was nice not having to haul all of the necessary gear through the airport!
During our stay, we drove out to see Mommo and Poppo and Augie. We ate a delicious meal and enjoyed catching up in an all-too-short visit. Mommo and Poppo gave Natalie an adorable quilt with her name and birthday on it and her first doll embroidered with her name too.
We also did a day-trip to Clinton, Mo - the half-way point between KC and Springfield to catch up with my good girlfriend from college, Angie. She just had a baby in December and it was my first chance to meet little Reece. Now 2 months old, she still sleeps quite a bit. Ahhh... I remember those days. How quickly they pass! =)
There were a lot more friends that I wanted to catch up with and a lot more relaxing that I wanted to do, but alas... all good vacations must come to an end. Hopefully we'll be able to make it out again soon!
Friday, February 15, 2008
KC, Valentines Day and Really Really Late Christmas Cards. =)
Ah, Natalie and I are flying to KC for a nice long weekend. Notice I didn't mention that KEVIN was coming, because he's not. He's staying back to hold the fort down and afford me some fun one on one time with the parentals. But what is key is that I'll be traveling with Nater-bug all by my lonesome! I'm completely packed - bare essentials only - so I dont have to lug 10 million things through the airport. I'm just hoping...no scratch that... PRAYING that she doesn't have a bad time of it on the plane. I also found out yesterday from my friend (who watched her Mon/Wed this week) that her daughter and husband now have the flu. So hopefully Natalie's not going to be coming down with anything like that. I had my flu shot and she's been nursing - which they say helps. Hopefully so!
Kevin and I had a really GOOD Valentines day. I suprised him at his office yesterday for lunch and we had a GREAT time eating at the Cheesecake Factory. We even got dinner to go so that we wouldnt have to cook last night. Then last night we spent cuddling on the couch catching up on all of our DVR'd shows (Lost, American Idol and *much to Kevins chagrin* Millionaire Matchmaker). Oh, I FINALLY got my Christmas/New Years/Presidents Day cards printed and I'm mailing those out this week. Why am I even sending them this late?? Because I dont want people to take me off of their list for next year! And we had pictures taken exactly for this purpose - forget the fact that Natalie is now 2 months older and I dont really like the picture of myself. I'm a little behind the 8-ball, I know. But, why should all of the cards/pictures come ONE time of the year? Why can't we celebrate boring old February with a card? We need something to spice it up! That being said, if you dont receive a card/pic and want one, I may not have your address. So email me and let me know. If you dont have my email address, I'm not sure I want my face plastered on your refrigerator door. No hard feelings. =)
Kevin and I had a really GOOD Valentines day. I suprised him at his office yesterday for lunch and we had a GREAT time eating at the Cheesecake Factory. We even got dinner to go so that we wouldnt have to cook last night. Then last night we spent cuddling on the couch catching up on all of our DVR'd shows (Lost, American Idol and *much to Kevins chagrin* Millionaire Matchmaker). Oh, I FINALLY got my Christmas/New Years/Presidents Day cards printed and I'm mailing those out this week. Why am I even sending them this late?? Because I dont want people to take me off of their list for next year! And we had pictures taken exactly for this purpose - forget the fact that Natalie is now 2 months older and I dont really like the picture of myself. I'm a little behind the 8-ball, I know. But, why should all of the cards/pictures come ONE time of the year? Why can't we celebrate boring old February with a card? We need something to spice it up! That being said, if you dont receive a card/pic and want one, I may not have your address. So email me and let me know. If you dont have my email address, I'm not sure I want my face plastered on your refrigerator door. No hard feelings. =)
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
25 Things About Me (Lauren)
1) I get SO excited about a bargain.
2) I can’t curl my tongue.
3) I collect magnets from places I’ve been.
4) I took piano lessons for 7 years and still have a terrible time reading music.
5) I have hyperhydrosis of the feet and hands. Layman’s Definition: my feet and hands sweat a lot. It’s embarrassing to shake someone’s hand, complicated to keep paper dry when writing and difficult to walk in sandals. (Wearing socks actually helps) Oddly enough its not always present, but it flares up automatically when I start thinking about it. Luckily, I don’t have the embarrassing coupling of odor with it.
6) My hair is naturally wavy. If I don’t put gel in it or straighten it, it’s naturally frizzy.
7) If I meet someone with an accent I automatically start talking with that accent. Totally embarrassing because it’s really not intended and I imagine it sounds all too preposterous (or even mocking) to the person I’m speaking with.
8) I took Japanese in college and high school but don’t remember much anymore. I was always complimented on my good pronunciation – perhaps because I’m so good at mimicking? (see #7)
9) I rarely can watch an entire movie. This is a new thing (within the past 5 years). I get way too emotionally involved in the characters and get stressed out by their dilemmas. Kevin’s constantly annoyed that I have to get up and leave the room.
10) My feet are flat.
11) If trying to recall something in my mind the first thing that comes to mind is ALWAYS “pizza”. What is up with that???
12) I don’t look into things as much as I should. I tend to accept things at face value and rarely want to know the “why” behind how things work or a purported fact. Not a great quality.
13) I have a zillion and one cookbooks but rarely get the opportunity to make anything out of them. One of these days (maybe with Natalie) I want to make a couple recipes from each one and then get rid of the ones that have gross recipes.
14) I love to dance, but haven’t had much instruction. I can hold my own.
15) I’m incredibly stubborn. It’s gotten me far.
16) I love to ski.
17) I grew up in Missouri and I miss it. I live in Maryland and I’d miss it too if I ever moved.
18) I always try to sing the harmony parts because my voice is really an alto, but I can rarely stay on key picking it out on my own. Inevitably I just sing louder so I can hear myself when I’m singing off key. I know everyone else can hear me too.
19) I dislike the right side of my face. If you take a picture of me I'll either try to make sure its head-on or of the left side of my face. =)
20) If I shake someone's hand, that hand becomes "quarantined" and I have to wash it before eating or touching my face.
21) I'm a very transparent person. I cannot hide it if I'm upset or sad.
22) I've secretly always wanted to be in show biz or be a model. Guess web development is going to have to do.
23) I love dill pickles. I like them in grilled cheese sandwiches (which I call toasted cheese sandwiches), on pizza and even in casseroles.
24) I love making lists and crossing things off.
25) Pizza!
2) I can’t curl my tongue.
3) I collect magnets from places I’ve been.
4) I took piano lessons for 7 years and still have a terrible time reading music.
5) I have hyperhydrosis of the feet and hands. Layman’s Definition: my feet and hands sweat a lot. It’s embarrassing to shake someone’s hand, complicated to keep paper dry when writing and difficult to walk in sandals. (Wearing socks actually helps) Oddly enough its not always present, but it flares up automatically when I start thinking about it. Luckily, I don’t have the embarrassing coupling of odor with it.
6) My hair is naturally wavy. If I don’t put gel in it or straighten it, it’s naturally frizzy.
7) If I meet someone with an accent I automatically start talking with that accent. Totally embarrassing because it’s really not intended and I imagine it sounds all too preposterous (or even mocking) to the person I’m speaking with.
8) I took Japanese in college and high school but don’t remember much anymore. I was always complimented on my good pronunciation – perhaps because I’m so good at mimicking? (see #7)
9) I rarely can watch an entire movie. This is a new thing (within the past 5 years). I get way too emotionally involved in the characters and get stressed out by their dilemmas. Kevin’s constantly annoyed that I have to get up and leave the room.
10) My feet are flat.
11) If trying to recall something in my mind the first thing that comes to mind is ALWAYS “pizza”. What is up with that???
12) I don’t look into things as much as I should. I tend to accept things at face value and rarely want to know the “why” behind how things work or a purported fact. Not a great quality.
13) I have a zillion and one cookbooks but rarely get the opportunity to make anything out of them. One of these days (maybe with Natalie) I want to make a couple recipes from each one and then get rid of the ones that have gross recipes.
14) I love to dance, but haven’t had much instruction. I can hold my own.
15) I’m incredibly stubborn. It’s gotten me far.
16) I love to ski.
17) I grew up in Missouri and I miss it. I live in Maryland and I’d miss it too if I ever moved.
18) I always try to sing the harmony parts because my voice is really an alto, but I can rarely stay on key picking it out on my own. Inevitably I just sing louder so I can hear myself when I’m singing off key. I know everyone else can hear me too.
19) I dislike the right side of my face. If you take a picture of me I'll either try to make sure its head-on or of the left side of my face. =)
20) If I shake someone's hand, that hand becomes "quarantined" and I have to wash it before eating or touching my face.
21) I'm a very transparent person. I cannot hide it if I'm upset or sad.
22) I've secretly always wanted to be in show biz or be a model. Guess web development is going to have to do.
23) I love dill pickles. I like them in grilled cheese sandwiches (which I call toasted cheese sandwiches), on pizza and even in casseroles.
24) I love making lists and crossing things off.
25) Pizza!
Monday, February 4, 2008
Who Does She Look Like?
Ok, from the get go neither Kevin nor I have thought she was the spitting image of either of us. Let us know your thoughts. We'd love to hear your opinions!
Kevin circa 1977, Natalie - Feb 08
Lauren circa 1979, Natalie - Feb 08
Kevin circa 1977, Natalie - Feb 08
Lauren circa 1979, Natalie - Feb 08
Saturday, February 2, 2008
Poor Kev!
**Be forewarned, this post is NOT for the faint of heart...OR stomach**
Wednesday night Kevin and I arrived home after a long day at work. Natalie had just eaten and we were spending a little bit of time with her before we put her to bed for the night. Kevin was playing with her - getting her to smile and coo and held her up above his head to elicit just one more smile when she decided that she just couldn't hold onto that last bit of milk she'd just had. Down came the deluge of spitup (why dont you call it puke at this age?) all over his face and into his still open and smiling mouth. That's right... she puked right into his mouth!!
I was hysterical, in a ball of laughter on the floor. It was all I could do to reach up with a burp cloth and blot at the big glob of barf covering his eyelid and forehead. Ahhh... bless him for not freaking out and dropping her right then and there. I believe he was spitting into the sink for a good 10 minutes after that!
The moral of this story is this: NEVER hold a child above your head right after he/she has eaten dinner. =)
Wednesday night Kevin and I arrived home after a long day at work. Natalie had just eaten and we were spending a little bit of time with her before we put her to bed for the night. Kevin was playing with her - getting her to smile and coo and held her up above his head to elicit just one more smile when she decided that she just couldn't hold onto that last bit of milk she'd just had. Down came the deluge of spitup (why dont you call it puke at this age?) all over his face and into his still open and smiling mouth. That's right... she puked right into his mouth!!
I was hysterical, in a ball of laughter on the floor. It was all I could do to reach up with a burp cloth and blot at the big glob of barf covering his eyelid and forehead. Ahhh... bless him for not freaking out and dropping her right then and there. I believe he was spitting into the sink for a good 10 minutes after that!
The moral of this story is this: NEVER hold a child above your head right after he/she has eaten dinner. =)
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Playing on the Mat.
Natalie and I (Lauren) hung out all day long because Kevin had a bit of a stomach bug or food poisoning or some such ailment. It looks like the worst is over for him now, so that's a good thing.
The activity mat in the picture is one of Natalie's favorite things. It was a recommendation by my friend Miriam who has tested the product out on twins with raving reviews. My question is, who designs this stuff? Who sits there and thinks that an archway with a rainbow colored pineapple with legs dangling from it would be loads of fun for a baby? Hmmm... I'm thinking drugs are definitely involved in the design process. =)
Natalie spends most of the time on her back because she's mastered the rolling over thing (from tummy to back). We've yet to see her roll from back to stomach, but she manages to get around the floor if she wants to by scooting on her back. (Hmm... that's where all the hair on the back of her head has gone!)
I love this photo... she doesn't look at ALL surprised to see a purple sea lion in her bedroom. I mean... if pineapples can have legs, the sky has no limit!
Oh, in case I havent mentioned it to you, Natalie is about 11.5 lbs at the moment (10th percentile for her age). Although that seems small, she has increased from 5th percentile in weight from the last visit. So things are looking up! And she managed to sleep another long night last night. So exciting! Maybe we're on to something!
Thursday, January 24, 2008
WHOOOO HOOOOOOO!!!!!
Last night Natalie slept from (get this) 7pm to 630AM!!!!!!! Gosh...we are just so proud *sniff* our little pumpkin is just growing up so fast. Makes me long for the newborn days all over again.... WHAT AM I TALKING ABOUT?!?!!? I got a full night's sleep for the first time in 4.5 months!!!!! Woot!
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
What's Been Goin' On Lately
Not much to report here, other than the fact that Kevin got pooped on three, count em three days in a row. But when the pooper is such a cutie... who can really be too annoyed? =)
One of the times was on a trip out to Super Walmart. Kev and I had just spent the morning and good part of the afternoon staring at the wall trying to figure out what we could do with an infant in the middle of January. We desperately wanted to get out of the house so we ended up opting to go to Super Walmart - of all places. Funny what kids do to you... we were really excited! So we'd gone through the dry goods section of Walmart and were making our way through the groceries. I had JUST passed Natalie off to Kevin because my back was getting sore from carrying her and she wasn't content to sit in the infant carrier. Somewhere between the lettuce and the fruit, Kev turns to me and says, "she just dropped a big one". We looked down and the diaper had completely failed. Poo was running down her leg, covering Kevin's jacket and staining her sock. I lost it and started laughing uncontrollably drawing a lot of unwanted attention to a pretty embarrassed Kevin. Ha! What else could you do? Poor kid had to wear the outfit all the way home and then it was into the tub for the third bath in three days. Ahh.. well at least she likes baths.
She's been doing well sleeping. She's regularly going to bed around 630pm and then we wake her up before we got to bed (around 10pm). Then she'll wake up once on her own anywhere between 4:30am and 630am... Then she'll go BACK to bed until Kevin wakes her up to go to the sitters (730am) or sleep until about 930 if we dont stir her. Kev and I were commenting tonight that even though it would be nice to keep her up longer at night, it IS nice having time together. We've tried keeping her up later to hang out with us and it is a disaster! She definitely gets beyond the tired zone and gets so overly exhausted that she can't go to sleep. It ends up being a big cry fest and a VERY long night.
Speaking of long night... I need some good sleep tonight so I'm going to sign off. But before I do... what's your favorite two player card game to play? I've been wanting to play cards for the longest time, but I don't really know any fun two-player games. **Kevin hates speed games, so if you have any non-speed game recommendations, offer them up!
Friday, January 18, 2008
The Attack of the Stealth Poo-bomb
Kevin here... thought I'd share my morning working from home while caring for our
little lovely, flowery, precious princess... via a little poem. :)
Here it goes...
The Attack of the Stealth Poo-bomb
Working from home and enjoying it so
Natalie started crying, why I didn't quite know
Its time to change an innocuous “pee-diaper”
I new it was time, Natalie was getting quite hyper
Pee I thought, by my normal sniffing habit
Knew it must be, as my trusty nose would have it
Hastily I set about taking off to put on new
when behold I found an abundance of oozing, gooey poo!
Whoa momma I said, as I saw the carnage
the diaper wasn’t just wet, it was slightly orange!
Oh Crap! I said as I lifted her bum
then seeing her back I felt kinda dumb!
twas all over her and her changing pad
was a big huge mess that smelled pretty bad!
“Sigh”, I did and the clothes came off
but seeing her totally poo-covered now, I started to scoff!
Only a bath would fix this now
but with only me at home (and poo-covered), I wasn’t sure how
to wash little Natalie all by myself
I’ll tell you what, I coulda used a house-elf!
It wasn’t easy but soon we were done
and now Natalie’s clean and its time for some fun!!!
little lovely, flowery, precious princess... via a little poem. :)
Here it goes...
The Attack of the Stealth Poo-bomb
Working from home and enjoying it so
Natalie started crying, why I didn't quite know
Its time to change an innocuous “pee-diaper”
I new it was time, Natalie was getting quite hyper
Pee I thought, by my normal sniffing habit
Knew it must be, as my trusty nose would have it
Hastily I set about taking off to put on new
when behold I found an abundance of oozing, gooey poo!
Whoa momma I said, as I saw the carnage
the diaper wasn’t just wet, it was slightly orange!
Oh Crap! I said as I lifted her bum
then seeing her back I felt kinda dumb!
twas all over her and her changing pad
was a big huge mess that smelled pretty bad!
“Sigh”, I did and the clothes came off
but seeing her totally poo-covered now, I started to scoff!
Only a bath would fix this now
but with only me at home (and poo-covered), I wasn’t sure how
to wash little Natalie all by myself
I’ll tell you what, I coulda used a house-elf!
It wasn’t easy but soon we were done
and now Natalie’s clean and its time for some fun!!!
Thursday, January 10, 2008
I Don't Read.
I'm actually quite embarrassed to admit this since my Mom has a library science masters... but I dont read. My parents and my sister love to read, but me... I dont read. This has bothered me for some time now, but I've always had the excuse of being too busy. Well, its actually bothered me a lot recently. I cant hold my concentration when reading a little article now without my mind wandering from topic to topic. so I've decided I REALLY need to attempt to reign in my brain and increase my vocabulary and general knowledge. I'd like to start with some reading candy... something to keep me interested and that I'll be able to speed through. My brain isnt quite ready for "war and peace". So, I'm open to suggestions. What have you read that you just couldnt put down???
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
Responsibility.
Do you ever struggle with feeling boring? (i.e. Would I like to be friends with me?) I think I've decided that no... I wouldnt like to be friends with me. I'm too busy at home to be spontaneous anymore and the stuff I've got to talk about is diapers, nursing issues and when I'll have time to scrapbook. Um...when did that happen? Ok, "4 months ago" probably would be a good answer, but I guess what troubles me is that I feel like it happened a while before that... before even being pregnant.
If you dont know this about me already, I'm a bit OCD. My house has to be clean (its not at the moment, but its driving me mad), I love organization, I have a spending problem when it comes to groceries and stocking the pantry/freezer, I can be militant about working out and dieting and I'm a bargain hunter to the point of insane. But I look back to my pre-marriage days and I was fun and much more carefree - not afraid to drive liberally over the speed limit, order a pizza at 11pm, sleep in until noon on Saturdays, plan spontaneous trips/outings, etc. Maybe its the whole "being an adult" thing that's squelched my creativity, but the reality of fines for traffic tickets, extra lbs, needing to care for family and get things done has set in. Ahhh.. if only I could blame this on Kevin, but sometimes I think life just happens. And with this stage of life come lots of responsibility. And maybe you could say that with responsibility comes "boring". =)
Dont get me wrong... I like my life. I love being married, having a baby and taking care of our home. I just cant help but feel that I might be a little boring to others at this stage in the game. One of my New Years resolutions was to blog more.. well I've wanted to blog several times this week and really been at a loss for what to say. Natalie's been hitting the hay around 530 every night. I have a big scrapbook day this Saturday and am busy getting pictures together for it. Every night we come home and stare at the fridge and say... "whats for dinner". Why cant we be the Jetsons? Where's Rosy when you need her? Last night we went to bed at 930. You see my dilemma? Hmmm.. so just hang in there folks. We'll be back to the land of the un-boring one of these days. I'm committed to finding it again. Because being "responsible" is really just no fun!
If you dont know this about me already, I'm a bit OCD. My house has to be clean (its not at the moment, but its driving me mad), I love organization, I have a spending problem when it comes to groceries and stocking the pantry/freezer, I can be militant about working out and dieting and I'm a bargain hunter to the point of insane. But I look back to my pre-marriage days and I was fun and much more carefree - not afraid to drive liberally over the speed limit, order a pizza at 11pm, sleep in until noon on Saturdays, plan spontaneous trips/outings, etc. Maybe its the whole "being an adult" thing that's squelched my creativity, but the reality of fines for traffic tickets, extra lbs, needing to care for family and get things done has set in. Ahhh.. if only I could blame this on Kevin, but sometimes I think life just happens. And with this stage of life come lots of responsibility. And maybe you could say that with responsibility comes "boring". =)
Dont get me wrong... I like my life. I love being married, having a baby and taking care of our home. I just cant help but feel that I might be a little boring to others at this stage in the game. One of my New Years resolutions was to blog more.. well I've wanted to blog several times this week and really been at a loss for what to say. Natalie's been hitting the hay around 530 every night. I have a big scrapbook day this Saturday and am busy getting pictures together for it. Every night we come home and stare at the fridge and say... "whats for dinner". Why cant we be the Jetsons? Where's Rosy when you need her? Last night we went to bed at 930. You see my dilemma? Hmmm.. so just hang in there folks. We'll be back to the land of the un-boring one of these days. I'm committed to finding it again. Because being "responsible" is really just no fun!
Tuesday, January 1, 2008
Ahhh... Sleep at last.
Well, one night of it so far. =) We tried the rice cereal thing and it didnt really add hours to her night of sleep. It was fun to watch her try to eat off a spoon though. She was REALLY wanting to feed herself and kept trying to grab the spoon from Kevin's hand!
So last night we just put her to bed around 530 (I know...early, but she was so tired) and she slept until 1230. She was up for 15 minutes to eat and then slept until 630 and then went BACK to bed until 10am. WOW! Now if she can just do something like that on a night I have to go to work the next day!
We normally keep the house around 65 degrees when we sleep at night and with all the stuff you read about babies suffocating with blankets in the bed you have to be really careful about how you bundle. I get a kick out of the gear she wears to keep her warm and I thought I'd take a picture...
It's amazing to see the development she's had within the past week even. She's been grabbing at toys and her feet and seems more aware of her surroundings. She'd love to sit up on her own, but that's still yet to come. The Bumbo seat is a great thing and propping her up seems to work too. This picture reminds me of Lilly Tomlin in the big rocking chair...
New Years Eve was the most uneventful its been for me since 2001 (when I first moved to MD). We were supposed to go to a party, Natalie in tow, but we were both so exhausted and she fell asleep rather early so we opted to stay in and eat the dip we had planned to take to the party and watch movies. We both kind of made ourselves sick on dip - although it was good - and drifted off to sleep around 1130. That's right folks... we couldnt even make it to midnight! Ah well. Welcome to life with kids!!!
So last night we just put her to bed around 530 (I know...early, but she was so tired) and she slept until 1230. She was up for 15 minutes to eat and then slept until 630 and then went BACK to bed until 10am. WOW! Now if she can just do something like that on a night I have to go to work the next day!
We normally keep the house around 65 degrees when we sleep at night and with all the stuff you read about babies suffocating with blankets in the bed you have to be really careful about how you bundle. I get a kick out of the gear she wears to keep her warm and I thought I'd take a picture...
It's amazing to see the development she's had within the past week even. She's been grabbing at toys and her feet and seems more aware of her surroundings. She'd love to sit up on her own, but that's still yet to come. The Bumbo seat is a great thing and propping her up seems to work too. This picture reminds me of Lilly Tomlin in the big rocking chair...
New Years Eve was the most uneventful its been for me since 2001 (when I first moved to MD). We were supposed to go to a party, Natalie in tow, but we were both so exhausted and she fell asleep rather early so we opted to stay in and eat the dip we had planned to take to the party and watch movies. We both kind of made ourselves sick on dip - although it was good - and drifted off to sleep around 1130. That's right folks... we couldnt even make it to midnight! Ah well. Welcome to life with kids!!!
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