After my orientation today we loaded up the car and headed to my Grandma Jo's. She made us a delicious home-cooked meal of ham, creamed peas and mashed potatoes with, of course, homemade cookies for dessert. She swears she 'can't cook anymore' but deep down she knows she's still got it. She loved watching Evelyn enjoy her first self-fed meal of mashed taters and peas. She had them down her sleeves, on her little legs, everywhere. But I was glad she enjoyed it. Jared and Ev watch TV as Grandma and I did the dishes together, something I miss doing. Something I also miss is eating dinner with my Grandpa Eli. When I was setting the table I asked Grandma who should sit where-I sat in my normal spot, Jared in Grandmas and Grandma sat in Grandpas seat. I didn't feel comfortable with anyone else in his chair-it brought tears to my eyes remembering him in his chair with his cup of coffee after dinner. I'm just not comfortable with it yet. I don't think I've ever really come to terms with the passing of my grandfather. I'm easily upset with thoughts of my Grandpa, something that hasn't happened until now. When I stayed at my cousin Sarahs overnight I came across a picture of her and Grandpa dancing. I looked at it remembering every inch of that face that I will never forget. I took a silent moment to myself to cry. I never realized how much I miss him. I wish Evelyn could have known the Grandpa I admire so much.
Oh, Grandpa, I miss you.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Schedule Malfunction
Do you love my new blog or what? My friend Kelly introduced me to a supercute website with lots of backgrounds to choose from. thecutestblogontheblock.com Love it!
**
My mom called me with a great proposition this morning-she wanted to spend some time with her darling granddaughter and offered to babysit while I took Jared out to lunch for his birthday. Sold! We went to a new bar in Peru about 20minutes away called Cabin Fever. We had a few drinks, ate some good food and really enjoyed ourselves. The bartender was great, she was fun and in a great mood and the food and drinks were very reasonably priced-we'll definitely be going back. It was nice to spend some time alone together and we had a really good time.
Evelyn woke up right before we left and was excited to see Grandma. When we got home she was worn out from singing and dancing and was ready for a nap. She drank a little bottle and fell right asleep. Earlier at her morning naptime, around 9am, I could tell she was tired. After refusing to nurse I slipped her her paci, laid her in her crib and she rolled over and put herself to sleep. So tonight I thought it would be a breeze to get her in bed. This proved to be untrue-she was changed, nursed, rocked and still was unhappy. After finally winding down a bit she wanted to nurse a little more. I laid on her new carpet with her and she drank a few swallows and rolled onto her side which usually means goodnight! But she wasn't ready just yet. I began rubbing her back and the instant I stopped she would rollover to see if I was still there. This wasn't working out, my hand was beginning to tire, so we went back to the rocking chair. She was falling asleep but had to know for sure I was still there. She loves glasses and touching faces and began doing so while I was rocking her. She finally fell asleep with her little hand tightly grasping my nose. It took all I could not to laugh and wake her up. She's such a firecracker, I love her so.
I've been stressing out and getting frustrated about her getting off her schedule. Some days are good, some days are bad. The past few nights haven't been so bad-bed on time last night, regular naps today-but tonight was a late bedtime-an hour behind schedule. I'm not going to stress though. She's gotten offtrack before but once she began attending daycare she resumed her normal schedule. I find comfort in the thought of her attending next week. Hopefully it will all fall into place again. I'll be waking up at 4:30am-no room for error.
Oh! And I almost forgot. Evelyn got up on her knees today. She'll be crawling in no time! Watch out world.
**
My mom called me with a great proposition this morning-she wanted to spend some time with her darling granddaughter and offered to babysit while I took Jared out to lunch for his birthday. Sold! We went to a new bar in Peru about 20minutes away called Cabin Fever. We had a few drinks, ate some good food and really enjoyed ourselves. The bartender was great, she was fun and in a great mood and the food and drinks were very reasonably priced-we'll definitely be going back. It was nice to spend some time alone together and we had a really good time.
Evelyn woke up right before we left and was excited to see Grandma. When we got home she was worn out from singing and dancing and was ready for a nap. She drank a little bottle and fell right asleep. Earlier at her morning naptime, around 9am, I could tell she was tired. After refusing to nurse I slipped her her paci, laid her in her crib and she rolled over and put herself to sleep. So tonight I thought it would be a breeze to get her in bed. This proved to be untrue-she was changed, nursed, rocked and still was unhappy. After finally winding down a bit she wanted to nurse a little more. I laid on her new carpet with her and she drank a few swallows and rolled onto her side which usually means goodnight! But she wasn't ready just yet. I began rubbing her back and the instant I stopped she would rollover to see if I was still there. This wasn't working out, my hand was beginning to tire, so we went back to the rocking chair. She was falling asleep but had to know for sure I was still there. She loves glasses and touching faces and began doing so while I was rocking her. She finally fell asleep with her little hand tightly grasping my nose. It took all I could not to laugh and wake her up. She's such a firecracker, I love her so.
I've been stressing out and getting frustrated about her getting off her schedule. Some days are good, some days are bad. The past few nights haven't been so bad-bed on time last night, regular naps today-but tonight was a late bedtime-an hour behind schedule. I'm not going to stress though. She's gotten offtrack before but once she began attending daycare she resumed her normal schedule. I find comfort in the thought of her attending next week. Hopefully it will all fall into place again. I'll be waking up at 4:30am-no room for error.
Oh! And I almost forgot. Evelyn got up on her knees today. She'll be crawling in no time! Watch out world.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Life In HD
My glasses finally came today. Hooray! I can see again! I can read the guide on DirecTV! But it's a little overwhelming. My vision is almost too clear, I feel like I'm getting a headache. My eye Dr. said to just keep wearing them, I may feel like they're too strong because I'm not used to them. Hopefully it all works out. It's nice to not have to squint all day. I can't tell you how many people I see driving, in the store, at school that wave to me and I have to glare to see them. They all probably think I'm mean :(
Last night my fussy baby was not falling asleep so I gave her a teeny bottle of juice-1/2 oz of juice, 1 1/2 oz water. Now don't worry, I am definantly NOT going to make this a habit. It scares me to start giving her juice knowing it calms her down. My cousin explained to me she gave her kids juice kind of early and they drink alot now. Not that it's unhealthy, just at this age I feel she should be drinking strictly breastmilk (or if you bottle feed, formula) for nutrients. Anyways, last night I gave her a tiny bottle and it was leaking out of her mouth so I took it away and she instantly started crying. Once I gave it back she was fine. This also happened the other day-she was using the safe feeder to eat a slice of cantaloupe and cried when I took the feeder to refill it. It's kind of funny. She is getting so smart! My little monkey.
One more thing, today was Jared's 28th birthday. I planned on not buying him a present or card to let him know how disappointing and heartbreaking it is to not receive anything from your significant other as he did to me on every birthday EVER and on my first Mother's Day-well Mother's Day I got a card at least. Since we've been together I've always made his birthday a special day and you all know my great idea from Father's Day. It really hurts my feelings to not be appreciated on these special days. So tonight we had plans to go to a local bar & grill for dinner. I told him Happy Birthday this morning and that was the end of it. By the time we went for dinner I couldn't hold out. About an hour before leaving I had to run to the dollar store so I stopped by the restaurant we were going to to plan a surprise dessert. A bartender that I am acquainted with explained she would be running to the grocery store and offered to pick out a cake. When we were through with dinner we were enjoying some conversation when they came out with cake and candles and the whole bar sang Happy Birthday to him. He was so surprised! Evelyn totally wanted those candles, too. I let him know how upsetting it was to never have received a surprise like this. I think my next birthday will be good.
Last night my fussy baby was not falling asleep so I gave her a teeny bottle of juice-1/2 oz of juice, 1 1/2 oz water. Now don't worry, I am definantly NOT going to make this a habit. It scares me to start giving her juice knowing it calms her down. My cousin explained to me she gave her kids juice kind of early and they drink alot now. Not that it's unhealthy, just at this age I feel she should be drinking strictly breastmilk (or if you bottle feed, formula) for nutrients. Anyways, last night I gave her a tiny bottle and it was leaking out of her mouth so I took it away and she instantly started crying. Once I gave it back she was fine. This also happened the other day-she was using the safe feeder to eat a slice of cantaloupe and cried when I took the feeder to refill it. It's kind of funny. She is getting so smart! My little monkey.
One more thing, today was Jared's 28th birthday. I planned on not buying him a present or card to let him know how disappointing and heartbreaking it is to not receive anything from your significant other as he did to me on every birthday EVER and on my first Mother's Day-well Mother's Day I got a card at least. Since we've been together I've always made his birthday a special day and you all know my great idea from Father's Day. It really hurts my feelings to not be appreciated on these special days. So tonight we had plans to go to a local bar & grill for dinner. I told him Happy Birthday this morning and that was the end of it. By the time we went for dinner I couldn't hold out. About an hour before leaving I had to run to the dollar store so I stopped by the restaurant we were going to to plan a surprise dessert. A bartender that I am acquainted with explained she would be running to the grocery store and offered to pick out a cake. When we were through with dinner we were enjoying some conversation when they came out with cake and candles and the whole bar sang Happy Birthday to him. He was so surprised! Evelyn totally wanted those candles, too. I let him know how upsetting it was to never have received a surprise like this. I think my next birthday will be good.
Friday, October 9, 2009
Slumber Party!!
Last night Evelyn and I had a slumber party with my cousin, Sarah, and her two children, Riley and Renee. They loooved the baby, a little too much at times, and between Renee fetching her toys and Riley causing her hysterical laughter, they made her feel right at home. We had lunch with Karen, Will and Cole, enjoyed a short visit from Aunt Martha and Uncle Jim and spent the rest of the evening laying around playing-after a short visit to Target.* My favorite part of the night would have to be when the babes went to sleep and Sarah and I enjoyed a glass of wine and a movie (Bride Wars-too cute!). It was great to spend some time relaxing together. I wish I lived closer. I enjoyed seeing everyone and wished Evelyn had the chance to spend more time with all of her cousins. Here are some pics of the kiddos in the morning. 
*DO NOT BUY THIS PRODUCT!
This portable baby food dispensing spoon looked like a dream when Sarah and I found it in Target. Scam! Once you fill the handle with baby food a million air bubbles are created causing the food to squirt out whenever you squeeze the handle to dispense the food. Sweet potatoes were spraying all over the table, diaper bag, Evelyn and me-who happened to be wearing a white shirt, of course! Also, the spoon was so deep that once you dispensed an overflowing spoonful of food she barely got any. Between the buildup in the spoon and the spraying baby food about 1/4 of the jar was wasted. Don't waste your money, just bring along the jar of food and a spoon. Way more convenient.
*DO NOT BUY THIS PRODUCT!
This portable baby food dispensing spoon looked like a dream when Sarah and I found it in Target. Scam! Once you fill the handle with baby food a million air bubbles are created causing the food to squirt out whenever you squeeze the handle to dispense the food. Sweet potatoes were spraying all over the table, diaper bag, Evelyn and me-who happened to be wearing a white shirt, of course! Also, the spoon was so deep that once you dispensed an overflowing spoonful of food she barely got any. Between the buildup in the spoon and the spraying baby food about 1/4 of the jar was wasted. Don't waste your money, just bring along the jar of food and a spoon. Way more convenient.***
One more thing, Karen gave us a ducky baby bath that is totally adorable! Although it is terribly cute I think Evelyn may still be a tad too small-she was kind of sliding forward and almost took a nose dive a few times which could have led to inhalation of water, scary!! We will definantly be hanging on to it for further use because she clearly loved the elbow room.
Missing Pictures (Ahh..Mommy Time)
Evelyn's first time eating O's...
Using the pincer grasp to pick up an O...
Using the pincer grasp to pick up an O...
...Initial taste of an O...
...chewing the O....
..and patiently waiting for another with pursed lips :)
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Splish Splash
Evelyn sat in a high chair for the first time tonight! It was so exciting. She giggled and rocked the whole time we ate. It's great that she can feed herself those O's now, it's nice to keep her occupied at the table while I eat my dinner. She fed herself some O's and ate some babyfood between my bites. It was nice.
She has also grown accustomed to the safe feeder. After some advice from my Aunt Levonne and cousin Sarah I found a way to make the feeder more appealing to Evelyn-packing it to keep it's shape and wetting the net before feeding. It is now the highlight of her meals. Last night there was cantalope juice all over her face, clothes and high chair and her hair was hard and sticking to her scalp. She had a blast and was ready for a bath.
She loooves her bath now. She has finally grasped the concept of splashing and has so much fun in the tub. She splishes and splashes and does this new fake giggle. It's so funny. She may have just realized how to laugh but she tries so hard it sounds totally fake. Still funny though. She is so much fun! I LOVE this stage she is in.
She has so much fun playing, smiles and laughs at us-Jareds fave, is eating more solid foods with us at mealtime and is on a pretty predictable schedule. She went to bed right on time again tonight leaving time for mommy to pump a little and give herself a pedicure in her new Espresso Brown fall nailpolish. And FYI, I swear by the PedEgg. Genius!
She has also grown accustomed to the safe feeder. After some advice from my Aunt Levonne and cousin Sarah I found a way to make the feeder more appealing to Evelyn-packing it to keep it's shape and wetting the net before feeding. It is now the highlight of her meals. Last night there was cantalope juice all over her face, clothes and high chair and her hair was hard and sticking to her scalp. She had a blast and was ready for a bath.
She loooves her bath now. She has finally grasped the concept of splashing and has so much fun in the tub. She splishes and splashes and does this new fake giggle. It's so funny. She may have just realized how to laugh but she tries so hard it sounds totally fake. Still funny though. She is so much fun! I LOVE this stage she is in.
She has so much fun playing, smiles and laughs at us-Jareds fave, is eating more solid foods with us at mealtime and is on a pretty predictable schedule. She went to bed right on time again tonight leaving time for mommy to pump a little and give herself a pedicure in her new Espresso Brown fall nailpolish. And FYI, I swear by the PedEgg. Genius!
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Ahhhh...Mommy Time
Checklist from this morning:
- Nurse Evey Bug & feed cereal
- Dust/Vacuum
- Do morning dishes/clean new pump pieces
- Put 6month pictures in a million greeting cards for family & friends while Evelyn whines
- Put Evelyn down for morning nap at regular time (Yess!)
- Make deposit
- Grocery shop
- 4 loads of laundry
- Re-organize linen closet
- Transition Evelyn's closet from Summer/Fall to just Fall
- Teach Evelyn to feed herself O's
That's right, Evelyn can feed herself these apple o's that dissolve in your mouth. I got the cuuutest pictures of her grabbing them and feeding herself but of course my camera's USB cord is MIA. I also got a good video of Evelyn dancing when I turned the radio on and one of her laughing in her new Jumparoo.
Today was a good, productivce day. Job interview tomorrow afternoon but for now I'm relaxing on the sofa with a glass of wine, watching TV...ALONE!!! This never happens! I'm living the high life tonight.
Friday, October 2, 2009
Rain Rain Go Away
After about 2hours of Rock-A-Bye Baby I wish I could just record my voice to play for Evelyn at night. Is anybody with me? Don't get me wrong, I really enjoy putting her to sleep and singing to her. But sometimes it's just like, man! Go to sleep! I know you're tired little babe. That's what I was thinking this afternoon as Evelyn refused her afternoon nap. Skipping this nap led to an unfortunate evening for my friend, Chelsea.
Tonight was my brother Garretts Homecoming football game I promised to attend. The weather was terrible and I was kind of tired but really wanted to go. My friend, Chelsea, agreed to babysit from 4pm til around 9. Evelyn was fussy here and there but was fast asleep when we returned home at quarter after 8. She said she enjoyed the baby but I still feel bad she was fussy. It's just because she missed the nap. Chelsea explained that's what friends are for :)
The Amboy Clippers went into the game with a 5-0 record. The weather was terrible and the team went into the game with a negative attitude. As we sat in the cold, windy rain in our earmuffs, wool socks, turtle necks, sweatshirts, scarfts, winter jackets, hats and rain ponchos, we realized they were giving up in only the 2nd quarter. They weren't playing as a team. Unfortunately, in the 3rd quarter my baby bro was injured and was sent to the hospital. He has a contusion to the bone and a sprained elbow and will be unable to attend PE or football for one week. At least nothing was broken. Poor baby bro.
Tonight was my brother Garretts Homecoming football game I promised to attend. The weather was terrible and I was kind of tired but really wanted to go. My friend, Chelsea, agreed to babysit from 4pm til around 9. Evelyn was fussy here and there but was fast asleep when we returned home at quarter after 8. She said she enjoyed the baby but I still feel bad she was fussy. It's just because she missed the nap. Chelsea explained that's what friends are for :)
The Amboy Clippers went into the game with a 5-0 record. The weather was terrible and the team went into the game with a negative attitude. As we sat in the cold, windy rain in our earmuffs, wool socks, turtle necks, sweatshirts, scarfts, winter jackets, hats and rain ponchos, we realized they were giving up in only the 2nd quarter. They weren't playing as a team. Unfortunately, in the 3rd quarter my baby bro was injured and was sent to the hospital. He has a contusion to the bone and a sprained elbow and will be unable to attend PE or football for one week. At least nothing was broken. Poor baby bro.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Forever Young
I got an A on my Exam giving me an overall A in my CNA course. Yay!
Tonight during bathtime I noticed Evelyn slow down in the middle of her splashing and just sit for a minute. Thinking nothing of it I let her play a little more and was ready to wash her up. Dipping the washcloth in the water I noticed a spot on her arm. I went to pick it off thinking it must be some kind of lawn clipping from Gary showering before her but when I touched it, it smeared. Around the same time I noticed a foul odor coming from the water. After a little deep sea diving the water began to cloud and I finally found the culprit-a little baby turd! Ewwww. I scooped Evey outta her tub, wrapped her in a towel and had to call in the reinfocements (Gary) to contain her while I cleaned up the mess-I didn't want her sitting on the bathroom floor with a draft from the heat vent or tipping over onto the tile floor. After a little scrubbing and a refill of the baby bath we finally finished bathing and were ready for our ni-ni nurse.
We began the bedtime process with our usual side-lying nurse in my bed when I realized from Evelyn's flailing limbs that she wasn't going down without a fight. Not tonight. I took her to her room to rock her and nurse a little more but she was still too fidgety. We again layed down on the bed and began a little more nursing. She started rolling about and I let her go freely to wind herself down. She ended up on her side at a 90 degree angle to me with our heads together and I gently began rubbing her back in a figure 8 from her shoulders to her little diaper butt while singing a little lullabye. She instantly relaxed and let her body go limp. At about the 37th round of Rock-A-Bye Baby I decided to end the singing but remain rubbing her back. Her head instantly shot up. I resumed the singing and it dropped back down to the mattress. Too freakin cute! After a few more attempts of ending the singing I got the same result and then she finally fell asleep. Laying there singing and rubbing her back was such a peaceful moment. I will never forget how angelic she looked suckling her paci, her arms crossed in front of her and her big diapered butt. I am thorougly enjoying this stage. If they could only stay young...
Tonight during bathtime I noticed Evelyn slow down in the middle of her splashing and just sit for a minute. Thinking nothing of it I let her play a little more and was ready to wash her up. Dipping the washcloth in the water I noticed a spot on her arm. I went to pick it off thinking it must be some kind of lawn clipping from Gary showering before her but when I touched it, it smeared. Around the same time I noticed a foul odor coming from the water. After a little deep sea diving the water began to cloud and I finally found the culprit-a little baby turd! Ewwww. I scooped Evey outta her tub, wrapped her in a towel and had to call in the reinfocements (Gary) to contain her while I cleaned up the mess-I didn't want her sitting on the bathroom floor with a draft from the heat vent or tipping over onto the tile floor. After a little scrubbing and a refill of the baby bath we finally finished bathing and were ready for our ni-ni nurse.
We began the bedtime process with our usual side-lying nurse in my bed when I realized from Evelyn's flailing limbs that she wasn't going down without a fight. Not tonight. I took her to her room to rock her and nurse a little more but she was still too fidgety. We again layed down on the bed and began a little more nursing. She started rolling about and I let her go freely to wind herself down. She ended up on her side at a 90 degree angle to me with our heads together and I gently began rubbing her back in a figure 8 from her shoulders to her little diaper butt while singing a little lullabye. She instantly relaxed and let her body go limp. At about the 37th round of Rock-A-Bye Baby I decided to end the singing but remain rubbing her back. Her head instantly shot up. I resumed the singing and it dropped back down to the mattress. Too freakin cute! After a few more attempts of ending the singing I got the same result and then she finally fell asleep. Laying there singing and rubbing her back was such a peaceful moment. I will never forget how angelic she looked suckling her paci, her arms crossed in front of her and her big diapered butt. I am thorougly enjoying this stage. If they could only stay young...
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