Happy Seven Month Birthday!

Dear Aisey,

You're now 7 months old!  You need to stop growing.  Mommy looks at you and cannot believe what all you've accomplished.  SLOW DOWN!  We can't keep you still.  If you're in our lap, you're kicking your feet.  In your chair, you stretch your toes until you almost touch the ground.  You pull yourself up on everything, including the cats, your sister and Mommy.  Momy has to get Daddy to lower your crib mattress as you were standing in the corner crying after she'd placed you there for a moment while your bath was being prepared.

We've started you on foods, but you're really not a huge fan yet.  You did enjoy the pears when Mommy thickened them with oatmeal.  Last Saturday, Mommy had a strawberry banana smoothie and you had a sip.  You enjoyed it.  We'll get you eating some real foods, I promise!

You've increased the amount of milk you're drinking a LOT.  Mommy and Daddy cannot believe how much you're drinking and can't figure out where you're hiding it as you're still just a tiny thing!  You're drinking 4-6 oz milk at a time.  Unfortunately, this means you went through Mommy's freezer stash quicker than she expected and you're now formula fed.  You didn't like formula at first, giving us some horrid looks, but now, you've accepted that Mommy had to switch.

Clothing - most of your onesies are still 3-6 months.  Dresses - Mommy is laughing when she says she's still dressing you in all of the cute 0-3 month ones that you didn't get to wear this winter.  You have piles and piles of dresses and Mommy is trying to wear all of them on you at least one time.  0-3 month onesies would still fit you, but they are starting to get a little tighter when we use some of your bulkier cloth diapers.  So, Mommy has packed most of them up for your little cousin who will be joining us shortly.

Diapers are size 1(s) when we use disposables. 

Bedtime is around 730.  If you aren't in bed then, you make certain to let us know your displeasure. You were having a rough week or two of waking every 2 or so hours, but you're back to waking once to eat and then going back to sleep.  Mommy tries to keep you in the crib, but there are some nights that you just don't agree with that sleeping situation.

You've enjoyed the yardsales we've been to lately.  Mommy tosses you in her Ergo and you just chill as we stroll along.  You also cruise through the mall the same way.

Mommy has a jogging stroller (actually a single AND a double) and you enjoy when we're walking. You're not a fan of when we job, so that's something on which we'll be working.

You like the puppies and giggle up a storm when they give you kisses. Then, when Miss Mia is around, you are a non-stop giggler.  The two of you carry on in the backseat of the car while Mommy is driving.

You don't really have a favorite toy - unless you count your sister. 

If you're upset, Mommy coming makes it all better.

You're not crawling yet, but you're up on your hands and knees constantly.  You're able to move across the floor quickly in a sitting, squirming type action.  Mommy has to keep on your sister to keep everything picked up because you're able to reach everything, no matter where it is located!

Those pesky teeth haven't made an appearance.  You love hearing us sing.  Tickles bring out huge grins.  You're forever making motorboat noises and shreiks.  Your newest little sound is "HI!"  It's amazing how close it is to the word! 

And most importantly, you're just too cute and adorable for words.

Love you,

Mommy

A Sister's Revenge

The moment I found out I was pregnant with Aisey, I was overjoyed.  And afraid.  We wanted Miss Mia to know we loved her and that the new baby wouldn't take all of the time and attention away from her.

We have our moments. Miss Mia will decided that she cannot share her Weebles with Aisey.  She will hide all of Sissy's binkies.  She will do something "bad" on purpose to redirect our attention back to her as we put her in time out for her actions.

But these are rarities.  For the most part, she loves her Sissy.  Her new "fun with Sissy" is laying on her back, letting Aisey crawl (and drool!) all over her.  How cute!

Six Month (Birthday) Pictures

The 20th was Miz Aisey's Six Month Birthday.  So, I wanted to snap some pictures of her. I tried getting one of her with her Eeyore stuffed animal, but I wasn't able to get a good one.  Instead, we snapped a good one of the two sisters.  This is getting harder as Miss Mia does not want in the pictures, she wants to be the one TAKING the pictures.

I honestly don't know which picture I like best . . . she's so danged cute in each of them.  I think I might like the standing one - as that's her new "thing".  She LOVES to stand and will start crying if we sit her down or don't let her have her way.  Yep, she's a little spoiled!

Family Fun Friday!

Miz Aisey and Connor - NOT a love match.

First off, I am sorry about the pics - I really don't know why Blogger insists that my upright pics need to randomly be tossed on their sides!  It's also not spell-checking my work!

Last Friday, we had our Heart Family over for Dinner.  It was nothing spectacular . . . we just had Taco Salad and cupcakes. 

What made the night special was the fun we had visiting and enjoying each others' company!

My coworker, Marci, was able to attend, along with her Mom, Georgetta (she acutally just had gull bladder surgery!).  I love those two women - and my girls love 'em as well!


Others who were there were Jen and her hubby, Patrick, Dave and Courney and Tiffany, Mike, Connor and  Cadin.

Miss Mia LOVED Connor and wanted to hold him (that was a big NO!).  She also ensured she was there for his diaper changes.  She's really taking a liking to Tiff and loves to follow her around!

Cadin the Cutie!

  

Miss Mia and Aunt Jen

Sir Dave and his faithful Steed.

 

Aunt Marci with Miz Aisey.





Date Night Success!



These two are unbearable prior to the actual play date.  "Mommy, Cadin coming!" is usually the only thing I hear over . . . and over . . . and over . . . 

Yet, when they get together, they usually end up playing with the toys, or alone . . . and rarely with each other.

They did enjoy their dinner together, so that was a plus!

We'll continue to work on getting them to play together!

Baby Bunny and Mommy Mia

Mommy Mia ran into the bathroom this evening hollering that Baby Bunny had to Poop.  The Husband was a little concerned with this, and went to check on Mommy Mia.  He does not usually carry the camera around, but was carrying it down to me when he stopped in to check on the Poop situation.  When he saw Mommy Mia teaching Baby Bunny to use the potty, he had to snap the picture. 

It is one of my favorite photos at the moment!

The second pic is one Mommy Mia snapped of her Baby Bunny wearing (Mommy Mia's) favorite diaper material.  Unfortunately, this diaper material must make Baby Bunny go potty an awful lot as Mommy Mia was changing Baby Bunny every five minutes!

I'm just glad Miz Aisey doesn't mind sharing her dipeys with Baby Bunny!

Easter Egg Hunt!

Monday, we took our girls to Tiff's Church to hang out with her two boys.  Miss Mia and Cadin got to hunt eggs with another little boy in the 1-2 yo category.  It was so cute to watch them "find" the eggs.  Their excitement had us all laughing.  Miss Mia went to town, and we had to tell her to slow down so the two boys could get some Easter Eggs as well.  I guess her "finding" the eggs over at her PapaT's home was the perfect training exercise!  I'm glad we decided to attend the Hunt!

The last pic is one of Miz Aisey prior to leaving for the Egg Hunt. 

My Little Cat Cora

I will confess - I leave the tv on most of the day.  It's background noise as I have gotten accustomed to working in an environment with a lot of chatter. 

Much of the time, the Food Network is playing. 

Lately, our evenings wind down as Iron Chef America comes on.  Miss Mia will clean off the kitchen table and run to the living room to see what Chef will be picked that evening.  We cheer when Cat Cora competes.  I like the entire "strong female in a male dominated world".  Miss Mia, well, I think she just enjoys rolling the "r" in Cat Corrrrrrrrrrra's last name.

After a long day of working in the office (with some overtime tossed in), I came home to a house smelling of chocolate.  Miss Mia and her daddy had baked a chocolate chocolate chip cake for me.  Miss Mia greeted me at the top of the stairs "Mommy!  I Cat Cora!  I COOK!"

The cake was yummy and I was ever so proud of my little Cat Cora!

Laundry Day

Sisters

Piggy Tails

I had to cut Miss Mia's bangs . . . they were getting out of control.

She kept moving and I ended up cutting more length off than I wanted . . . it was around an inch that I chopped.

She then wanted "Boo Hair" to show Daddy.

For those of you not in the know, "Boo Hair" is what the little girl has in Monster's Inc.

This should not be confused with "Gidget Hair" which are Piggy Tails at the bottom back of her head.

I love that we're starting to play more with hair!  I love love LOVE that she let me french braid it the other night before heading to bed!

Ahhhh . . . the cuteness!

An Aisey Update

I just updated the Five Month posting.  As I typed it, I thought of how many milestones Miz Aise has met in just the last 10 days!

Miss Aise hates being on her back.  She rolls to her belly and starts creeping . . . and can go from one side of the bed to the other in an instant.

She wants to sit up.  She insists someone hold her - or that she be propped up so she can look all around and be a big girl.

Let's change that!  Miz Aise INSISTS on sitting up by herself!  As of this evening (3.30.11), she sits unassisted for around 2 or 3 minutes.  Then, when she starts to tumble over, she usually puts a hand down and can hold herself from falling. She has been able to sit herself back up as well!

Miz Aisey can now roll from her belly to her back on purpose . . . but usually refuses because she HATES being on her back (have I mentioned she HATES being on her back???)

We gave her a little more cereal the other night.  Nothing great, but wanted to see how she would do, and if she was ready . . . . Miss Mia made her daddy sit right beside Aisey's chair and Miss Mia climbed up in his lap while I fed Aisey.  Aisey didn't love the food so much as the reaction she received from her sister and parents.  It was great.  Unfortunately, Aisey still isn't into the 'eating' part of having cereal in front of her . . . so our entertainment will be on hold another few days.

There - does this make up for my having been a BAD BAD MAMA in regard to Aisey's 5th (month) birthday?



Aisey's First Snow

Oh, stop rolling your eyes and telling me that we've had snow all winter.  I know that!  Believe me, I know that all too well.

No, this was the first time we were able to get Aisey out and plop her in the snow.  Every other time we've had snow, it was so frigidly cold that I was, in no way, taking my little pumpkin out to snap pictures.

This day was different - it was snowing BUT it was around 31 degrees!  Almost a heatwave after this winter!

Miss Mia had a blast as well.  A very nice afternoon, even if there was snow outside!

The 40 Bags in 40 Days Challenge ~ Sea Shells!

I had a huge baggie of sea shells and sea glass from one of my trips to Myrtle Beach to visit Heather.  This baggie would continuously get in the way and I'd move it . . . and then forget about it.

Then, I decided on the 40 bags in 40 days challenge. 

The baggie is gone!

Miss Mia and I actually made a craft project out of them!  She loved picking up the smallest of the shells and saying in this cute, tiny voice "Look at the little babies!"

Thank you 40 bags in 40 days for another excuse to spend quality time with Miss Mia (and for a chance to make a mess for the Husband to clean!).

Good-bye Hansy!

My sweet Hansy Baby died yesterday morning.  It was a VERY unexpected death and we're missing him here!

Please forgive me if I pause every few minutes to wipe the tears.  My Hansy is no longer with us.  Friday evening, at our bedtime, he began acting sick.  I didn't think much of it - he sometimes gets gas-y and would need walked until he went to the bathroom.  So, I made certain Aisey was sleeping and took my doggie outside.  He ran all around the backyard, and acted like he was going to go to the bathroom a few times, but never did. 

I brought him back in and gave him some water.  It was a warm day, so I thought that could be the problem.  He was panting. 

I knew he was sick when he wouldn't eat the ice.

I spent the rest of the night worrying and walking him.  I made certain to give him hugs and kisses and scratch his bum.  I think I knew I was saying my good-byes. 

He never went to the bathroom.  Saturday morning, we called the vet first thing, and they said to bring him in.  Just before the Hubby loaded him into the van, Miss Mia, Miz Aise and I went downstairs to tell Hansy we loved him. 

That was he last I saw my sweet puppy.  The Hubby said, upon reflection, that Hansy left us as the girls and I walked up the stairs. 

He is now resting beside my cat, Fred.  I'll have to find some special flowers to plant for him.

I now have the guilt of the "what if I would've taken him to the vet Friday night????"  But, from the reading, I think Hansy was lost to us by then anyway.  There have been times that Hansy had stomach issues and bloating.  He was fortunate and didn't die from it.  But, because he was older, it was less likely he would survive.  The vet told the Hubby a dog over 6 is less likely to survive a bout of this, and German Shorthairs are prone to it.  I'm not thinking at the moment, or I'd put the name in here. 

I just know that I am missing him . . .

His wet kisses.  Tripping over him in the kitchen.  Yelling as he and Miss Mia share her dinner.  Smiling as he would nuzzle Miz Aise.  Laughing as Miss Mia would give him treats.  Sighing as he chewed yet another piece of firewood into a pile of sticks in the living room.  Feeling blessed that he would come running to check when one of the girls started a real cry (of pain or fear) and not one of their usual cries of orneriness or wanting dinner.  Thanking God for such a patient dog as he endured Miss Mia pretending he was a horse.  Loving that I had him for as long as we did. 

Hans loved to have his bum scratched.  He figured out a great way to trick our one cat, Simba, into scratching it for him . . . Simba loves sleeping on the arm of the couch.  He is cranky when he doesn't get his sleep and will box ya.  Hansy would go up to him and put that big nose right in Simba's face.  Then, he would quickly turn around so his butt would get "boxed" by Simba.  I was never able to get it on video, but it was one of the most hysterical things . . .  Hans would keep it up and Simba never seemed to figure out he was being used!

Hans loved to sunbathe . . . and I would often come out of my office to see my doggie and both kitties hogging up all of the sun in the formal room.

One day, he got jealous because the cats were in my bed and he wasn't.  It was a picture watching that clumsy oaf as he jumped up in my high bed and tried finding a place to lay.  He decided he liked the floor best - but he would steal clothing and blankets sitting on my cedar chests or couches and make them into a bed. 



There are so many more Hansy stories I could tell - like how he would stand on his hind legs and walk . . . freaking out my aunt one night - but I'm unable to think of them all at the moment.

Hansy, I'll miss you.  You were a great doggie!  Please know that I'll not let your sisters forget about you as they grow.

Baby Bites

Miz Aise sits with us at the dinner table each evening.  Usually, it just means we get to enjoy her giggles and storytelling.

The last few days, she's too busy watching us eat to giggle and coo.  Tonight, she was so intent in her observation, that I began getting a complex!

I decided to allow her to have some rice cereal as a test to see if she was ready to start eating "solids".

The spoon was on its way to her mouth when she shrieked and opened wide!  She enjoyed her "bites" of cereal.  Yes, a lot of it dribbled down her chin (especially as those pesky hands seemed to wanna get in on the fun, grabbing at the spoon and jumping in her mouth), but she ate very well.

Miss Mia and Daddy were right there to watch and cheer Aisey on.  In fact, Miss Mia was so excited, she cheered each spoonful.  She had to check on the cereal in the bowl, watch the spoon moving toward Sissy's mouth, observe each bite Sissy would eat . . . I think she would've shoved me out of the way and taken over feeding Sissy if she (Miss Mia) would've felt a little more confident in her baby-feeding skills.

Again, I won't be pushing the issue, but will start watching her actions and giving her a few bites of cereal should she continue to be interested.  If she is consistently interested over the next few days, I will start an actual schedule of feeding her each evening.

Another first - another reminder at just how fast time does go.

Important Dates:
3.10.11 ~ Aisey eats her first cereal.

Thankful Thursday ~ Grammas!

Aisey visiting Gramma T who is improving every day!



Miss Mia is so her Grandfather S's Granddaughter - this is how he "smiles" for the camera, too!

 I am so blessed to be raising my daughters so close to both sets of Grandparents.  The girls see my parents almost daily.  They see the Hubby's at least weekly, if not more often.  This past Saturday, the Hubby took the girls to visit his parents while I completed some overtime for work. 

Then, Miss Mia and I made two different versions of bread and invited my parents up for dinner.  The Hubby made spaghetti and meatballs to go with the homemade bread.  A Cesar Salad rounded out the meal.  We sat around the dinner table, enjoying the meal as well as simply being together.  Miss Mia had Aisey right beside her.  Papa S fed Aisey while we ate.  Gramma S had to go on a Potty Run with Miss Mia halfway through our meal.

After our meal, we hung out in the family room, enjoying the warmth of the fire.  Gramma S sat on the floor playing with the two girls.  Papa S sat on the couch and was used by Miss Mia as a jungle gym while he cooed to Miz Aise. 

I sat in the background, snapping photos and enjoying the interaction between my girls and my parents.

I wish every child could enjoy their Grandparents as frequently as my girls!

My Little Photographer

Miss Mia loves the camera.  I have to place my camera on top of my bookshelves so her little hands can't grab it.  Her Daddy has my old camera.  He's not so good at putting it up.  So, Miss Mia's little hands can usually be found pressing the buttons while she snaps her pictures.

Today, it seemed the camera was a part of her.

Her money on my desk.

Her house.

Aisey's Car Seat.

Miss Mia's Dinner.

I will encourage her in her picture taking habit . . . I loved uploading her pics and seeing the world through her eyes.  It was too fun!

This Last Week

We had an interesting and busy last week!  It started with Miss Mia and her Daddy getting a horrible case of the 'flu.  This was Miss Mia's first time being sick.  The poor gal didn't know what to do.  But, she was a trooper.  She would cuddle with us on the couch or the snuggler and watch movies.  She tried to play a few times, but would quickly tucker out.  Unfortunately, she wanted milk, but would toss it up each time she would try it.  It was so hard trying to explain to her that she couldn't have anything but water and watered down juice until her tummy could handle more.  Fortunately, by Monday morning, the virus was done tormenting the gal, and she could have her beloved milk.  She's now back 100% and is eating like a normal toddler again!

Friday night, we had a 60th birthday/anniversary party for Mom and Dad.  I'd made 100 cupcakes the night before and had them on the counter.  Then, we just had John and Marilyn, John and Kristy and Dave and Courtney over. We had Cheeseburger Quiche and Quesidillas for dinner.  It was a nice, simple evening; just what Mom wanted.  Company didn't leave until almost 10 - and Miss Mia was a champ the entire time!  She wasn't overly fussy and handled the way-past-her bedtime night very well. 

After company left, Miss Mia refused to wear a pull-up.  She had been throwing small fits prior to this, but would quickly back down as she was still recouping from the 'flu.  This night, she was having none of it.  So, we went with big girl undies! 

She was dry the next morning!  We did the same last night - and she was dry again this morning!  YAH!

Miz Aise had her 4 month appointment this week - a nice one.  We're waiting on introducing foods to her as her weight is still on the low(er) end.  She'll get her foods when she's ready.  She's been starting to drink down around 5 oz at a time with her bottles . . . so it looks like foods will be started shortly!

Miss Picky made Varsity Cheerleader again!  So proud of her!

Today . . .  ugh.  I did tax paperwork.  HATE it. 

Gramma G still remains in the hospital.  She should be released on the 9th.  I have yet to visit her since we've had that icky virus here.  There is no way I'm risking her getting this from us! 

Gramma T is home.  I'm not exactly certain how she's doing.  Seems the "snakes" are still attacking her, but that she is starting to make more sense.  Again, haven't been able to visit with her due to the 'flu.  We did ship some cupcakes to her as she has been asking for some.

I am keeping my fingers crossed for a smooth week!  I begin training yet another newbie, so I have to actually go to the office 4 of 5 days (sigh). 

~ Jaime

Catchin' Up Again

So, my goal of a picture a day is no longer possible as I missed two days since January 1st.  But - I'm totally good on the "year in 52 pics" goal . . .

I'm still going to try for a picture a day - I think it's just a great idea and a great way to document my two girls growing like Sunflowers!

Here are just a few pictures from the last few weeks . . . with the single digit temps, my manditory overtime, and visits to Gramma T in the hospital (2 hours away), it's kinda hard to find new poses . . .

Look deep into my eyes . . . .

Sissies in Mommy's bed with their Teddy Bears.

Miz Aise with her bear, Coeur.

Miss Mia 'helping' Gramma T with her physical therapy.

The girls resting on Gramma T's bed while the adults visited.

Miss Mia likes to change outfits 3 or 4 times a day and requested I take pictures.  She was posing up a storm.  Yes, she is standing on her potty stool she carried to the cabin so she could get this exact pose.  I SWEAR I did not pose her or tell her what to do.

Miss Mia looking like a big girl and making Mommy realize her first little baby is no longer a baby.

Miz Aise getting in a nap prior to us heading out for a visit with Gramma T in Harmarville Rehab.

Miz Aise is starting to grab items . . . and each one gets hauled INSTANTLY to her mouth for a drool-fest.