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!

Play Date(s)

We may be short on blood family, but our heart family is alive and growing!  Last Friday, we went to visit Mr. Connor and his family. 

Miss Mia was able to visit with her friend Cadin.  They played together so well - tearing the house apart and making Cadin's room appear to have exploded.

I got to visit with Tiff who I miss a ton!  Even though she and I aren't in the office the same day, we email daily  . . .   my weight loss and venting friend . . . my voice of reason and my sounding board.  My sanity.  Yah, I miss her!

The hubbies also got to be men and talk men stuff - while holding two cute little darlins!

Is there any better way to celebrate a Friday?

I think not!

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!

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

Happy 60th Birthday!

Happy 60th Birthday Mom!

We love you!

~ Jaime (and the girls - and Steve)

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.

Gramma T (Update) (Again)

Miz Aise holds hands today with Gramma T and Daddy.

Gramma T remains in the hospital.  This meant that we'd be heading for Pittsburgh again this morning. 

Silly us, we forgot it was still winter in Western PA.  I'll keep that part of the story quite short by saying --- our fastest traveling speed on the way to Pittsburgh was about 45 on Interstate 79.  I'm NOT ashamed to admit there were some tears of stress.

Did I ever mention this hospital is on top of a hill with lots of hairpin curves where the speed limit is 15mph?  And, sometimes, the front of the car kisses the back?

ENOUGH of the WAH WAH.

Gramma T was excited to see the girls.  She has been moved to a new part of the hospital and doesn't seem to be acclimating as well as we would like.  We visited with Miss Mia presenting the cards we'd decorated the day before.  She was even able to wish Gramma T a Happy Valentine's Day.

Gramma T feels there are snakes attacking her.  She also said there are rats.

It was hard talking with her because we didn't want Miss Mia to get scared but also didn't want to make Gramma T upset.  It was a very fine line we were walking during our conversations today.  Luckily, Miss Mia found the Connect 4 more interesting than the grown up conversations.

Steve helped his Mom hold Miz Aise.

Miss Mia would go over to Gramma T, but really didn't want much to do with her today.  This made me sad as I love my relationship with my Grammas and fear that Miss Mia (and Miz Aise) won't have the opportunity to have the same.

After enjoying lunch with Gramma T, we said our good-byes, gave our hugs and kisses and left for the drive home.

Thank goodness the roads were MUCH nicer on the way home.

Although the wind was much stronger and my car was often shoved into the other lane.

We're attempting to stay positive with the news that Gramma T will be released this Thursday.  Unfortunately, there are a lot of *IFs* that must happen.

* if Grandpa T gets the house ready

* if 24/7 care is available

* if Gramma T continues to eat (no hunger strikes)

* if her meds continue to work

* if her insulin remains controlled

IF ~ such a simple word ~ and yet, so much balances on those two little letters.

Steve promised Gramma T we'd make her some cupcakes *IF* she would only get home . . . . I am being positive and have printed out four new recipes to attempt in celebration.

Toddler Talk

Grandpa:  Is this your doll?  What's your doll's name?
Miss Mia:  No undies on!

Subway Art

I love subway art.  I've been working at one and like how it turned out but know that it needs a lot more work as I forgot some key words.  I'll keep this one framed until I get one exactly right!

Gramma T (Update)

Gramma T has been moved to a Rehabilitation Hospital.  She is now located close to an hour and a half away from us.  This means it is very hard for us to visit her due to my schedule as well as hers (she has PT two times a day for two hours each time).  Add into that the naps the girls need and the fact that Miss Mia refuses to sleep anywhere but home . . . big time headache!

So, the Hubby and I decided to make today into a Gramma Visiting Day.

Papa T and Sis-in-Law Lisa decided to ride down with us.

We left at 830 am.  It was negative seven Fahrenheit when we left, even though the SUN was shining.

We drive and drive and drive (an hour and a half in the car is a long time when my normal commute to work is 8 minutes!).

We signed in at the front desk of the hospital and enjoyed the giraffes which were sporting Steelers garb.  Then, we began the 1/4 mile walk to Gramma T's room. 

Back in her section, we found her in cognitive therapy.  We hung out with her and she introduced us to her therapist.  Then, it was on to physical therapy where Miss Mia helped Gramma T through her exercises. 

Gramma T was much more her normal self on this visit and enjoyed showing off Miss Mia and Miz Aise to all of the doctors and therapists.

Unfortunately, we couldn't stay all day with her.  The Hubby and I decorated her room with some photos prior to saying goodbye, making notes that we needed to round up a bunch of goodies with which she could decorate her room.

Miss Mia said good-bye to the BEAR who guards Gramma T's room.

Then, we were on our way home.  The girls were very well behaved (YAH) the entire day.  I found a pink afghan to send down to Gramma T and the Hubby found some comfy workout pants for her as well. 

Now, I'm trying to think of some Projects that are quick and easy for me to make for Gramma T.  Her side of the room just looks so lonely. It's so sad thinking of her being in that room so far away from everything that is familiar.  I'm thinking the following might help keep her spirits up! 

~ Pillowcases
~ Photo Album (with names)
~ lap quilt

AND I found this cute Valentine Play Dough Cookie Recipe that would be super fun for me to do with Miss Mia and I know Gramma T would love them.  

Let's keep our fingers crossed and keep praying that she'll quickly heal and be able to move closer to home.  Fingers crossed that I get some of the above projects accomplished as well!

Three Months!

Look at all of that hair!  Your sister insisted on the hair band.

My little Cuddle Buddy is 3 months old today!  AMAZING!  Last year at this time, we were still praying God would allow us more than one child. 

Having already gone through the first year with your sister, we're a lot more relaxed and are enjoying you a lot more! 

You still don't really care for a binky.  Yes, there are times when that's the only thing you want, but those times are very few and far between. 

You are just coo'ing up a storm.  You were so loud in your coo'ing the other day that Miss Mia and I looked at each other to make certain it wasn't one of us making that noise!  When you play with Daddy, you start making lots of shrieks as well as belly giggles.  It is so much fun to cuddle on the couch beside you guys and listen to all of the noise you make.

You love being held.  You favorite time is during the night when I cuddle you close to feed you. 

You track objects, but none as much as the little doll Mommy's cousins Mike and Helen bought you.

Daddy dresses you in your Steelers Footie every chance he gets (he had you in it for their win Sunday against the Ravens).

Miss Mia crawls into bed with you and Mommy in the morning and curls up behind you.  She loves giving you kisses and making you coo.

You sit with us at dinner in your high chair, taling much of the time.  When you're not talking, you're watching your sister eat. 

You love being on your kickmat and will swat the heck out of the rattles.  You get all excited at the noise it makes and will kick your feet, wiggling all over the mat.

We call Grandma S your"laxative" as you seem to store up your gross poopies for when she's holding you.  We've now instituted the "you're holding her . . ." rule so Grandma gets to change those messy diapeys!

You still have lots of dark hair and your eczema  is (unfortunately) still all over your legs and belly.  Mommy and Daddy have to put lots of eczema lotion all over you each time you need a diaper change.

I have been packing away most of your 0 - 3 month outfits . . . and feeling a little sad that you're growing so quickly.  Then again, I'm excited for each new day with you - and seeing what new experience we'll share that day!

Gramma T

Pittsburgh from Allegheny General Hospital

The Hubby's Mom, Gramma T, was life flighted to Pittsburgh the other day after showing what appeared to be symptoms of a stroke.

We don't know, at this time, what exactly happened to her. The doctors are observing her and believe she had bleeding on the brain, or maybe a stroke or maybe a stroke that happened awhile ago is somehow exhibiting now. 

It's confusing.

And sad.

On Monday, we decided to take the girls to visit their Gramma.  She was missing them, and we knew it would cheer her up.

Before we went, I began prepping Miss Mia - telling her that Gramma was in a hospital like Mommy had been when I brought home Sissy.  I told her there were lots of computers hooked up to Gramma, but that she was okay.

The Hubby's Father, Papa T, hadn't told us the full story.  Mentally, Gramma T is not doing as well as we thought.  She is very confused and has to have a sitter with her full time.  She also feels paranoid and that everyone is against her.  I was a little worried with how Miss Mia would react to Gramma slipping between reality and one of her episodes of paranoia.

I needn't have worried.

While we were visiting, Miss Mia was perfect.  Gramma T was exclaiming that there were snakes crawling all over her legs.  Miss Mia, at two-and-a-half, believed Gramma T was playing a game, so Gramma T acting this way didn't upset her. 

Miss Mia showed Gramma T all of the Barbies I had found (finally) this past weekend.  Gramma T showed off her therapy dog - a cute little stuffed animal - that "listens" to her and doesn't tell her she's "crazy" (Gramma T's words, I promise).  Miz Aise just coo'd, babbled and plain old looked adorable in one of the 3-6 month footies Great Gramma S gave her for Christmas. 

We visited for awhile longer, but then had to leave as it takes over an hour to get home and the girls both needed naps.  Miss Mia gave Gramma T her gift (yummy smelling lotions from Mary Kay so she wouldn't smell like medecine) and her hug and we went to the car. 

We let Miss Mia know she had behaved beautifully and that we were very proud of our grown up girl.

I snapped a pic of downtown Pittsburgh to document our trip (taking a picture of Gramma T and the girls was out of the question as I couldn't count on her staying in her normal state of mind long enough to pose). 

The Hubby is doing as well as can be expected after seeing how poorly his Mom is doing.  I'm glad we were able to drive down to visit with her.

I'm writing this on the 19th ~ Papa T told the Hubby that Gramma T is being moved to a rehab hospital a little closer to home, but still at least 45 minutes away (just what we want to hear in Western PA in January!).  This move should have taken place this evening, we'll find out tomorrow.  Papa T is a little upset that Gramma T isn't home with him - but there is no way he would be able to take care of her at this stage, due to her needing 24/7 care.

I'm praying that Gramma T's confusion and paranoia is temporary.  I want the girls to have as much time with Gramma T as I have had with my own two Grams.  As it stands, there will be a lot of trips to the rehab hospital with the girls to visit their Gramma T!

Toddler Talk

Daddy:  Are you Daddy's Girl?
Miss Mia:  No, Mommy's Girl!
Daddy:  Is Miz Aise Daddy's Girl?
Miss Mia:  No, Mommy's Girl!
Daddy:  Well, WHO is Daddy's Girl?
Miss Mia, thinking:  mmmmmm . . . HANSY!
~ Hansy is our male dog who does NOT favor Steve - he's very much a Mommy's Doggie.

Miss Mia:  Mommy, Aisey jump.
Mommy:  No honey, Aisey is too little.
Miss Mia:  No, Aisey JUMP!
Mommy:  No, Aisey is too little.  Maybe in a few months.
Miss Mia:  NO.  Aisey JUMP night.
Mommy:  Hmmm?  Aisey jumps at night.
Miss Mia:  Yep. 
~ No wonder Aisey wakes me up!  She's sneaking out of her bed to go jump on the trampoline!

Tubby Time

Bath time with Miz Aise is a much more rare occasion than it was with Miss Mia.  The poor little gal's eczema is just too bad to bathe her daily. 

So, we just make certain to have as much fun as possible with tubby time!  Miss Mia helps me by getting her sister's towel and washcloth while I fill Miz Aise's tub with warm water.

Sometimes, the Hubby will help by stripping Miz Aise to her birthday suit . . . but tonight, he was out playing the snow we're receiving from yet another stinking snowstorm (I hate winter, by the way).  So, I got Miz Aise undressed. 

When we got to the tub, she started kicking her feet and her eyes were focused on the tub.  Someone is starting to like er bath time!  She was just all coos and smiles in her tub. 

Her sister helps entertain her by moving some tubby toys before her eyes while I get her all clean - I LOVE the Johnson's Apple bath.

We play a few minutes before I whisk her from the tub, towel her off, get tons of lotion on her and the get her all snugly in one of her fleece sleep sacks. 

Then - it's time for Miss Mia's Tubby Time.  Miz Aise sits in her bouncer chair and watches while Miss Mia using her Tub Crayons to draw on the wall . . . Miss Mia would live in that tub if I gave her that option.

Just a nice way to spend an evening . . . kinda like an unappreciated moment of zen for Mommy and Her Two Girls.

By the way - we used some of my leave in conditioner on Miss Mia's hair because she's been asking and I promised her at the next bath . . . what beautiful curls!  I'll have to try it again a little earlier in the evening next time - and snap a picture of those curls!

Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday Goobie!

WOOTS on Wednesday!

This week . . . well, I'm feeling kinda sad.  This is my last day of Baby Leave.  *SIGH*.

How am I going to handle not being able to snuggle my babies when I feel like it????

BIG SIGH.

So, I need to look extra hard to find some WOOTS.

* How about having a company that actually pays at least some of my baby leave!

* Cuddles with both My Two Girls.

* Miss Mia's talking - it's amazing how complex her sentences are at this point.  I sometimes forget that the conversation I'm having is with my 2 1/2 year old!

* My parents and Miss Picky made it safely home from their short trip to visit family in Michigan.

* Miz Aise's giggles.  They are beyond cute.  And they are happening more and more frequently, to include during the night!  It is so fun to wake up to giggles!

She's Not My First Born!

I remember bringing Miss Mia home from the hospital and following every piece of advice to the "T".  I worried about how to carry her, feed her, diaper her and dress her.  Speaking of dressing her, I think she went through 10 wardrobe changes a day.  She drooled?  Change her.  We're moving from the living room to the family room?  Change her.  We need to wear the 1000 newborn outfits we received as gifts?  CHANGE HER!

Now, I have Miz Aise and I have to laugh.  You can so tell she's not my first born.  The main reason - this gal really hasn't worn any of the fussy, cutesy, unbelievably uncomfortable outfits I would thrust Miss Mia in.  Nah, Miz Aise is more the footie and sleep sack type gal.

Miz Aise spits up on me . . . so be it. I almost wear the spit up with pride.  And, I don't bother changing her because I know there is going to be more.  As long as she's not soaking wet, let's give her a little time and change her with the next diapey change.

She's focused on the tv?  Okay.  That means she can see (and I'll admit it, I'm kinda glad when she focuses on the tv, giving me a little breather!!!!)  I was horrified when Miss Mia would focus on the tv.  I instantly felt like the world's most horrible Mom and would try to distract her - even if she was a 3 month old and just excited by the movement and color.

She IS sleeping "all night".  I was tricked into saying that Miss Mia didn't sleep all night.  It wasn't until later that I found out "all night" is defined by the experts as one 5 hour stretch.  Yes, Miz Aise is sleeping a 5 hour stretch.

I know there will be many more of these instances as we go along.  No, I'm not going to be totally relaxed . . . Miz Aise will not be given a basket of chocolate for her first Easter, I will again make my own baby food and I may be even more diligent with her food consumption (just because I see Miss Mia is already trying to feed her grown up food). 

And - what really shows that she is not my first born . . . all of that advice that I'm still getting . . . yah, go ahead and give it to me if you really feel the need.  But, guess what - I'm probably not going to follow it.  And those horror stories you feel it's necessary to share?  Go ahead and share 'em.  I have my own.  Just don't get upset when I share some of mine with you in return!