As most of my readers know, my sister is a second grade teacher. Her first year has been full of challenges, as her students are not the easiest bunch to teach. But the more stories she tells me, the more I realize how much the environment that we live in influences the way we learn, what we learn, and which tools are available to teach us.
But a shortage of resources doesn't mean a teacher can't be resource-FUL!! My sis told me about donorschoose.com, and that she had something posted on it. When I went to the website and read her proposal, I wanted to cry!! Aside from being a great teacher, my sister is a wonderful writer and I think she has really conveyed the needs of her classroom. It just made me so sad that there are kids who don't know about their world! Our world should be available to everyone!!
In any case, I would encourage everyone to check out the website. Even if her proposed donation item is not for you (but I hope it is) maybe you can find another proposal that speaks to you, a way that you can help kids prepare for the world around them, and to know that there is even more world beyond them.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Thursday, January 01, 2009
An Appeal
We have canceled our cable. It will save us money, and hopefully help me save brain cells. I'm trying to get away from the habit of watching TV at night, and to start reading more. I used to read all the time and have just gotten away from that over the years.
But I don't know what to read anymore!! What is relevant? Topical? Just plain good? What are my friends/family/peers reading?
So, I have recently signed up for Good Reads (goodreads.com). It is a website that lets you "friend" people, similar to other social networking sites. But here you can see the "bookshelves" of your friends, what they are reading, what they have read, their reviews and comments about books, etc. It's pretty cool.
I invite anyone who is willing to share their literary experience with me to sign up for Good Reads, and friend me. Just search for me by first and last name. There are currently only two of "me", so I shouldn't be too hard to find.
I look forward to reading with you!!
But I don't know what to read anymore!! What is relevant? Topical? Just plain good? What are my friends/family/peers reading?
So, I have recently signed up for Good Reads (goodreads.com). It is a website that lets you "friend" people, similar to other social networking sites. But here you can see the "bookshelves" of your friends, what they are reading, what they have read, their reviews and comments about books, etc. It's pretty cool.
I invite anyone who is willing to share their literary experience with me to sign up for Good Reads, and friend me. Just search for me by first and last name. There are currently only two of "me", so I shouldn't be too hard to find.
I look forward to reading with you!!
Christmas Fun
Phew!!! The holidays are behind us and I can take a deep breath knowing that there are no more parties to go to, presents to wrap, or trips to take (although, I wouldn't mind a few more days off from work!)
All in all, we had a wonderful Christmas. Good company, generous gifts, and Kiki was especially fun this year. Though I don't think she really grasped what was going on, she enjoyed her time with cousin Ev and her new toys are lots of fun. She also perfected her "camera face", which I think is a combination of her knowing she should smile and also anticipating the flash. It's so cute, and cracks me up EVERY time!!
While we waited for people to arrive at Grandpa and Grandma's Christmas party on Christmas day, Kiki tried out one of her gifts from Ray and I. I think she liked it.
Here is a video, so you can see her in action. Listen closely for the giggles.
When we got home, Elena enjoyed her other gift from Ray and I (on sale for $30 bucks, score!) I think Elena and her cousins M and L might have to get together for a bake-off, as they are all now equipped with the proper tools.
All in all, we had a wonderful Christmas. Good company, generous gifts, and Kiki was especially fun this year. Though I don't think she really grasped what was going on, she enjoyed her time with cousin Ev and her new toys are lots of fun. She also perfected her "camera face", which I think is a combination of her knowing she should smile and also anticipating the flash. It's so cute, and cracks me up EVERY time!!
While we waited for people to arrive at Grandpa and Grandma's Christmas party on Christmas day, Kiki tried out one of her gifts from Ray and I. I think she liked it.
Here is a video, so you can see her in action. Listen closely for the giggles.
When we got home, Elena enjoyed her other gift from Ray and I (on sale for $30 bucks, score!) I think Elena and her cousins M and L might have to get together for a bake-off, as they are all now equipped with the proper tools.
Monday, December 08, 2008
Sunday, November 02, 2008
Kiki's First Halloween
Kiki had a very eventful first Halloween. Her school had a costume parade, followed by a party.
When we got to her classroom shortly before the parade, there was activity everywhere as kids got into their costumes. The room heated up very quickly, so all the kids had some water. Halloween is hard work!
After everyone was ready, the little ones got strapped into the buggy for their big debut, and parents lined the sidewalk in front of the school for the parade. There were some great costumes. Kiki was a bit indifferent to the situation...until she saw Mom and Dad with the cameras. Then she really started hamming.
Once Kiki's buggy reached the end of the line, there was a period of waiting around as the other kids paraded. Kiks got a bit impatient and started crying.
When the parade was over, everyone went back inside. The babies were stripped of their costumes and treated to pizza. Kiki learned the lesson of sharing when she was asked NOT to take pizza from other children (she does love pizza).
After the party, we headed home to get ready to welcome trick-or-treaters. Kiki used the trip as an opportunity to "refresh" herself before the evenings festivities.
Aunt Rae came over for a bit to help prepare for the candy distribution portion of the night. Unfortunately, just about the time Kiki was going to hit the sack, her cousin made Aunt Rae want to do the same, so it was a short visit.
There was one little pack of 4 trick-or-treaters that came right before Kiki went to bed. She just smiled, happy to have more visitors.
All in all, we only got about 20 kids. What a disappointment! We saw tons of kids in the neighborhood, but they all went in the opposite direction of our house!! Not even Ray's super-awesome jack-o-lanterns could attract them to our house.
I think we will need to advertise some good candy in the week before Halloween next year.
When we got to her classroom shortly before the parade, there was activity everywhere as kids got into their costumes. The room heated up very quickly, so all the kids had some water. Halloween is hard work!
After everyone was ready, the little ones got strapped into the buggy for their big debut, and parents lined the sidewalk in front of the school for the parade. There were some great costumes. Kiki was a bit indifferent to the situation...until she saw Mom and Dad with the cameras. Then she really started hamming.
Once Kiki's buggy reached the end of the line, there was a period of waiting around as the other kids paraded. Kiks got a bit impatient and started crying.
When the parade was over, everyone went back inside. The babies were stripped of their costumes and treated to pizza. Kiki learned the lesson of sharing when she was asked NOT to take pizza from other children (she does love pizza).
After the party, we headed home to get ready to welcome trick-or-treaters. Kiki used the trip as an opportunity to "refresh" herself before the evenings festivities.
Aunt Rae came over for a bit to help prepare for the candy distribution portion of the night. Unfortunately, just about the time Kiki was going to hit the sack, her cousin made Aunt Rae want to do the same, so it was a short visit.
There was one little pack of 4 trick-or-treaters that came right before Kiki went to bed. She just smiled, happy to have more visitors.
All in all, we only got about 20 kids. What a disappointment! We saw tons of kids in the neighborhood, but they all went in the opposite direction of our house!! Not even Ray's super-awesome jack-o-lanterns could attract them to our house.
I think we will need to advertise some good candy in the week before Halloween next year.
Thursday, October 09, 2008
Taking orders!!
Just a quick post.
We got Kiki's school pictures today. SO CUTE!!! We order the digital version instead of old school printed pictures. We figure this way anyone who wants a picture can just let us know what size they want, we will custom print, and then we don't have extra photos laying around for eternity.
There are two available images: Image 1 or Image 2. If you would like a print (or prints), just let me know which image(s) and which size(s). Available sizes are:
Wallet (2x3)
4x6
5x7
8x10
We got Kiki's school pictures today. SO CUTE!!! We order the digital version instead of old school printed pictures. We figure this way anyone who wants a picture can just let us know what size they want, we will custom print, and then we don't have extra photos laying around for eternity.
There are two available images: Image 1 or Image 2. If you would like a print (or prints), just let me know which image(s) and which size(s). Available sizes are:
Wallet (2x3)
4x6
5x7
8x10
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Kiki in the 9's
Kiki is now 9 months old. It's so hard to believe, but she's come a long way in 9 months. She had her 9 month well baby visit yesterday, and we got nothing but good news.
She is currently 19 pounds 5.5. ounces, 29 inches long. The Dr. was pleased with how she looked in every way, and was very happy on the motor progress that she has made, as well.
Kiki is all over the place these days. She started the army crawl several weeks ago, with the occasional on-the-knees crawl thrown in for kicks. She also started pulling herself up on furniture about 2 weeks ago. She is now cruising around the room with some significant speed. She walks along furniture to move about the room as much as she can, and otherwise uses the on-the-knees crawl. She will occasionally take the daring step away from the furniture. Terrifying for us, and often painful for her, but I think she is well on her way to taking the plunge into walking. As her school said, we will probably begin to see an increasing amount of "Ouch Reports" coming home.
Poor Squirt is terrorized. Kiki LOVES to pet him, and advances upon him whenever possible. He, on the other hand, misses the days when she could only look from afar.
The most exciting news to come out of Kiki's appointment was the info on new foods. She is now encouraged to start having dinner with Mom and Dad. For the most part, she will be able to have a smooshed version of our dinner. The meal that the Dr. specifically mentioned was pot roast and veggies. I was super surprised to hear this, but it is also very exciting. We are anxious to start trying her with some real foods, but it will also be a bit of adjustment for us, as we have grown accustomed to not even starting preparations for dinner until she is in bed.
Overall, she is a happy, growing girl. She recently discovered the joys of clapping, and clapped the entire way home from school on Friday. She has also taken an extreme interest in her books lately, especially the Touch and Feel Baby Animals Book with the soft bunny she can kiss (read slobber on). She is growing out of her clothes like crazy, largely due to her length. We even had to retire one 12 month outfit yesterday!!
She is currently 19 pounds 5.5. ounces, 29 inches long. The Dr. was pleased with how she looked in every way, and was very happy on the motor progress that she has made, as well.
Kiki is all over the place these days. She started the army crawl several weeks ago, with the occasional on-the-knees crawl thrown in for kicks. She also started pulling herself up on furniture about 2 weeks ago. She is now cruising around the room with some significant speed. She walks along furniture to move about the room as much as she can, and otherwise uses the on-the-knees crawl. She will occasionally take the daring step away from the furniture. Terrifying for us, and often painful for her, but I think she is well on her way to taking the plunge into walking. As her school said, we will probably begin to see an increasing amount of "Ouch Reports" coming home.
Poor Squirt is terrorized. Kiki LOVES to pet him, and advances upon him whenever possible. He, on the other hand, misses the days when she could only look from afar.
The most exciting news to come out of Kiki's appointment was the info on new foods. She is now encouraged to start having dinner with Mom and Dad. For the most part, she will be able to have a smooshed version of our dinner. The meal that the Dr. specifically mentioned was pot roast and veggies. I was super surprised to hear this, but it is also very exciting. We are anxious to start trying her with some real foods, but it will also be a bit of adjustment for us, as we have grown accustomed to not even starting preparations for dinner until she is in bed.
Overall, she is a happy, growing girl. She recently discovered the joys of clapping, and clapped the entire way home from school on Friday. She has also taken an extreme interest in her books lately, especially the Touch and Feel Baby Animals Book with the soft bunny she can kiss (read slobber on). She is growing out of her clothes like crazy, largely due to her length. We even had to retire one 12 month outfit yesterday!!
Sunday, August 24, 2008
An update
I know it has been forever and a day since I last posted, so let me bring things up to date.
Kiki is growing like a weed. 18 lbs. 3.5 oz as of Monday. She has been fighting a sinus infection for about a month now. She is also officially out of the incubation period for chicken pox, so she weathered her exposure with NO POX!! YAY!!!!!!!
Kiki's top two teeth are peeking through, so I think we will start getting a bit more adventurous with the new foods we try. She has pretty much been restricted to baby mush and her baby puffs to this point. Kiks has also begun the "I like to see how far I can spit my food" phase, so THAT'S a lot of fun!
We have had to move into super-baby proofing mode recently, as Kiki is mastering the speedy-tummy-scoot and has started pulling herself up on shelves/furniture/anything she can get her hands on.
Things have been busy around the house, with work, school, house/yardwork, and general summer fun. The Olympics have been on pretty much constantly. I will be happy to see them end, Ray will be very sad. He has enjoyed watching the pursuit for American gold.
Kiki is growing like a weed. 18 lbs. 3.5 oz as of Monday. She has been fighting a sinus infection for about a month now. She is also officially out of the incubation period for chicken pox, so she weathered her exposure with NO POX!! YAY!!!!!!!
Kiki's top two teeth are peeking through, so I think we will start getting a bit more adventurous with the new foods we try. She has pretty much been restricted to baby mush and her baby puffs to this point. Kiks has also begun the "I like to see how far I can spit my food" phase, so THAT'S a lot of fun!
We have had to move into super-baby proofing mode recently, as Kiki is mastering the speedy-tummy-scoot and has started pulling herself up on shelves/furniture/anything she can get her hands on.
Things have been busy around the house, with work, school, house/yardwork, and general summer fun. The Olympics have been on pretty much constantly. I will be happy to see them end, Ray will be very sad. He has enjoyed watching the pursuit for American gold.
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Props to my fellow Blogger blogger
This blog is hilarious. Professionally decorated cakes gone terribly wrong. I warn you, read only a bit at a time, or you will get a laughter tummy ache!!
Cake Wrecks
Cake Wrecks
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
My New Passion
Uh...What's Coming Out of Your Nose?
Yeah, I know. Gross. But that one word pretty much sums up the last 2 weeks with the Kikster. She has had a persistent cold over the last two weeks that has kept us busy in the Kleenex department. Then came the pink eye. Then the sad and sleepless nights (and one LOOOONG weekend!)
When her daycare called yesterday to say that she had developed a cough that was waking other kids, we knew it was time for a trip to the doctor. One sinus infection diagnosis and a dose of Amoxacillin later, she was a much happier baby.
I have to say, this is one part of parenting that I really despise. Yes, I dislike the runny noses and the sleepless nights, but mostly I hate not being able to ask what hurts, to tell her I can make it better, or even to know what is making her so very sad.
Needless to say, when she perked up a bit yesterday, I was quite happy. She and I were sitting on the bed while she played and I tried to put her PJs on. Try as I may, the playing won out, but not before I got the PJs around the top of her head. When I gave up, I thought she would surely pull them off, but she seemed to take delight in her new hat. As she giggled, I giggled in response, which made her giggle more...and you get the idea. Ray captured our fun together.
When her daycare called yesterday to say that she had developed a cough that was waking other kids, we knew it was time for a trip to the doctor. One sinus infection diagnosis and a dose of Amoxacillin later, she was a much happier baby.
I have to say, this is one part of parenting that I really despise. Yes, I dislike the runny noses and the sleepless nights, but mostly I hate not being able to ask what hurts, to tell her I can make it better, or even to know what is making her so very sad.
Needless to say, when she perked up a bit yesterday, I was quite happy. She and I were sitting on the bed while she played and I tried to put her PJs on. Try as I may, the playing won out, but not before I got the PJs around the top of her head. When I gave up, I thought she would surely pull them off, but she seemed to take delight in her new hat. As she giggled, I giggled in response, which made her giggle more...and you get the idea. Ray captured our fun together.
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Oh Happy Day...
My birthday. I've said it before, I'll say it again, I love it. I know it's a bit egocentric, but I love the celebration of it. One day a year when I can really stop and say, "Hey, this is the day I was born. I'm sure glad I was. I have a pretty great life and live in a pretty great world. It needs a little work, but I'm ALIVE and can help make it even better!"
This year was even better, because I had one more person to celebrate with (I love you Kiki-boo). Since my birthday fell on a weekday, I was in my usual 5:00am schedule. Get up to make bottles and prep for the start of baby's day before she decides to start it. When I got to the kitchen, on the counter to greet me was a shirt I really wanted and a card from my dearest husband. What a GREAT start to my day!!
When I got to work, there were doughnuts to celebrate my birthday, as well as a co-worker's. Yum!! Later that day, cake and ice cream and a card to celebrate our birthdays AGAIN!!! I was allowed to depart from work a few hours early, which was great because Ray and I planned to take our little family to the baseball game that night.
Kiki was an angel at the game. She slept through much of it. When she woke up, she was happy to watch all the colors around her (it was Red Hat Society day at the stadium). Tons of fun.
Lots of cards to open from the mail that night, and they continued to trickle in for a few days.
Then the crowning event for the birthday. As you may remember from my birthday post last year, there is a birthday club in my office. I know I am perhaps bias here, but I think the team that does the June birthdays is the most creative and imaginative team. This year's theme was baseball. The food was cotton candy, little hot dogs, a baseball cookie, popcorn, pretzels, and root beer floats. The room was decorated with baseball themed decorations, and a package of baseball temporary tattoos circulated the room (I AM an MVP!) Then on the table for the birthday girls, Cracker Jacks and, get this, a real baseball signed by everyone on the birthday team and each of our respective bosses. IT WAS AWESOME!!!
So a big thank you to everyone who made my birthday so special for another year. And thanks, Mom and Dad, for giving me birthdays in the first place!!!!
This year was even better, because I had one more person to celebrate with (I love you Kiki-boo). Since my birthday fell on a weekday, I was in my usual 5:00am schedule. Get up to make bottles and prep for the start of baby's day before she decides to start it. When I got to the kitchen, on the counter to greet me was a shirt I really wanted and a card from my dearest husband. What a GREAT start to my day!!
When I got to work, there were doughnuts to celebrate my birthday, as well as a co-worker's. Yum!! Later that day, cake and ice cream and a card to celebrate our birthdays AGAIN!!! I was allowed to depart from work a few hours early, which was great because Ray and I planned to take our little family to the baseball game that night.
Kiki was an angel at the game. She slept through much of it. When she woke up, she was happy to watch all the colors around her (it was Red Hat Society day at the stadium). Tons of fun.
Lots of cards to open from the mail that night, and they continued to trickle in for a few days.
Then the crowning event for the birthday. As you may remember from my birthday post last year, there is a birthday club in my office. I know I am perhaps bias here, but I think the team that does the June birthdays is the most creative and imaginative team. This year's theme was baseball. The food was cotton candy, little hot dogs, a baseball cookie, popcorn, pretzels, and root beer floats. The room was decorated with baseball themed decorations, and a package of baseball temporary tattoos circulated the room (I AM an MVP!) Then on the table for the birthday girls, Cracker Jacks and, get this, a real baseball signed by everyone on the birthday team and each of our respective bosses. IT WAS AWESOME!!!
So a big thank you to everyone who made my birthday so special for another year. And thanks, Mom and Dad, for giving me birthdays in the first place!!!!
Thursday, June 26, 2008
News I can use...
While browsing one of my favorite blogs, 43 folders, I became aware of a Boston Globe article that may revolutionize my life. And thanks to 43 folders, I am so organized, I have time to take a nap!!
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Giving Aunt Sue A Run For Her Money...
Kiki went to the doctor for her 6 month well-baby checkup on Monday. According to her pediatrician, she is basically awesome, which of course, we already knew. All areas of growth are on course. Kiki put on quite a show of being an active baby for the doctor, who was very pleased to see how she is progressing.
Here are her stats:
Weight: 16lb. 11oz (52nd percentile)
Length: 27in. (89%, watch out, Aunt Sue. She might be taller than YOU!!)
Head Circumference: 43.25in. (74%)
Kiki has been experiencing all sorts of new foods. Peaches, barley cereal and apple juice are the latest additions to her repertoire.
She is also making progress on her sitting up and mobilization. She can sit up unassisted, just needs a hand behind her for the occasional backward slip. She is also making more use of her rolling abilities. Now that she can roll front-to-back and back-to-front, she is starting to roll a short distance to a destination.
No teeth new yet, although the drool is flowing freely enough to imply that more are not too far away.
Here are her stats:
Weight: 16lb. 11oz (52nd percentile)
Length: 27in. (89%, watch out, Aunt Sue. She might be taller than YOU!!)
Head Circumference: 43.25in. (74%)
Kiki has been experiencing all sorts of new foods. Peaches, barley cereal and apple juice are the latest additions to her repertoire.
She is also making progress on her sitting up and mobilization. She can sit up unassisted, just needs a hand behind her for the occasional backward slip. She is also making more use of her rolling abilities. Now that she can roll front-to-back and back-to-front, she is starting to roll a short distance to a destination.
No teeth new yet, although the drool is flowing freely enough to imply that more are not too far away.
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Pool Party
Kiki's Aunt Rachael has been concerned. She knows how Kiki likes to splash in the tub and felt that Kiki needed a pool. So after about a week of urging from Aunt Rachael, Kiki got a pool.
After considering several models, we decided on the whale pool. It's a blow up pool that is large enough for Kiki and either Ray or I (we could probably all fit on a hot day if we squeezed.) The whale's tail inflates to create a shaded portion of the pool, and there is a working blowhole.
Ray was a trooper and inflated the pool himself. The weather has been so hot lately, it only took about 20 minutes for the inch and a half of water to heat up to an acceptable temperature for Kiki.
We changed Kiki into the bathing suit that her Grandma R bought her. When we put her in the pool, she happily started splashing and playing. I got in the pool with her while Ray took pictures, and then we switched places. About 15 minutes after she got in, the wind picked up, so pool time ended for the day.
We got the pool on sale for $10.00, so I would say that it was a pretty good deal. A few pictures of Kiki's pool experience are below.
After considering several models, we decided on the whale pool. It's a blow up pool that is large enough for Kiki and either Ray or I (we could probably all fit on a hot day if we squeezed.) The whale's tail inflates to create a shaded portion of the pool, and there is a working blowhole.
Ray was a trooper and inflated the pool himself. The weather has been so hot lately, it only took about 20 minutes for the inch and a half of water to heat up to an acceptable temperature for Kiki.
We changed Kiki into the bathing suit that her Grandma R bought her. When we put her in the pool, she happily started splashing and playing. I got in the pool with her while Ray took pictures, and then we switched places. About 15 minutes after she got in, the wind picked up, so pool time ended for the day.
We got the pool on sale for $10.00, so I would say that it was a pretty good deal. A few pictures of Kiki's pool experience are below.
Wednesday, June 04, 2008
A Trip Down Memory Lane...or Street
The other day a friend and I were reminiscing about PBS programs from our childhood. It made me start thinking about some of the segments I used to love. I remembered specifics skits and got a little teary thinking about how I'd never see them again. And I thought about how my friend and my husband look at me like I'm crazy as I describe the skits in my memory (it was the late 70s/early 80's, they were a little weird). And then I got to thinking about how great the Internet is, and how you can find just about anything, so I started looking. The following are some of my all time favorites from Sesame Street and the Muppets. Enjoy!!
A loaf of bread, a container of milk, and a stick of butta...
Geefle and Gonk (let's get some cooperation going!)
The Ladybug Picnic (1,2,3..4,5,6...7,8,9...10,11,12)
The Lost Boy and the Yo-Yo Guy (this one is a bit trippy...)
Rainy Day (I sing this to Elena in the car on rainy days)
Baby Eating Chocolate Cookie (I see Elena's future here)
Orange Opera
Robot Breakfast (I was never a big Muppets fan, but always thought this one was AWESOME!!)
A loaf of bread, a container of milk, and a stick of butta...
Geefle and Gonk (let's get some cooperation going!)
The Ladybug Picnic (1,2,3..4,5,6...7,8,9...10,11,12)
The Lost Boy and the Yo-Yo Guy (this one is a bit trippy...)
Rainy Day (I sing this to Elena in the car on rainy days)
Baby Eating Chocolate Cookie (I see Elena's future here)
Orange Opera
Robot Breakfast (I was never a big Muppets fan, but always thought this one was AWESOME!!)
Thursday, May 22, 2008
T is for...
Tummy Time...
Elena has been working hard on her tummy time lately. She is getting really good at holding her upper body up, even without the assistance of her hands. she can also, get up on her knees, but not at the same time that her torso is up. She can also getting her legs kicking SO FAST when she is on her belly. I con;t know how soon she'll be crawling, but she is gonna be a GREAT swimmer!
Tunes...
We got the new Barenaked Ladies children's album. IT IS AWESOME!!! I love it so much. I bought it for Elena, but I have been listening to it non-stop. I would recommend it for any parent who is tired of hearing the same old kids songs.
Tub...
Elena has graduated to baths in the big tub. She loves her baths so much and kicks her feet so hard, that she was sliding herself right off the seat of the baby tub. I was afraid she was going to hurt herself, so into the big tub she goes. She can kick and splash and play with her turtles and be a happy little baby.
Tooth...
This was going to be T for Teething, but I got side tracked. So we had one day of a bit of crabbiness and then there it was. 1 little tooth (bottom, middle) and another trying to poke through.
Elena has been working hard on her tummy time lately. She is getting really good at holding her upper body up, even without the assistance of her hands. she can also, get up on her knees, but not at the same time that her torso is up. She can also getting her legs kicking SO FAST when she is on her belly. I con;t know how soon she'll be crawling, but she is gonna be a GREAT swimmer!
Tunes...
We got the new Barenaked Ladies children's album. IT IS AWESOME!!! I love it so much. I bought it for Elena, but I have been listening to it non-stop. I would recommend it for any parent who is tired of hearing the same old kids songs.
Tub...
Elena has graduated to baths in the big tub. She loves her baths so much and kicks her feet so hard, that she was sliding herself right off the seat of the baby tub. I was afraid she was going to hurt herself, so into the big tub she goes. She can kick and splash and play with her turtles and be a happy little baby.
Tooth...
This was going to be T for Teething, but I got side tracked. So we had one day of a bit of crabbiness and then there it was. 1 little tooth (bottom, middle) and another trying to poke through.
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Baby Whirlwind
Elena is just a little busy baby. She really enjoys her Jumping Jack jumper. She spends lots of happy time bouncing in the doorway as Mommy does dishes or Daddy makes dinner. She also got an Exersaucer today. She hasn't tried it out much yet. Today was a busy day and she was just too tired to focus on her new toy. She tried out the saucers at Grandma and Grandpa H's house, as well as at school, and LOVED it, so we have high hopes.
Elena also started veggies this past week. Green beans have been the pick of the week; peas will start on Wednesday. She REALLY loves her beans. I admit, I tried them as well. They are really good (I can't say the same of the rice cereal.)
There isn't too much else happening in our household. We are all very excited by the news that a new cousin for Elena is on the way! We are also starting to get the yard into shape. Ray's uncle was very generous, buying and tuning up a lawn mower for us. How much fun it is to be mowing the lawn again!!
Here are some new Kiki pics.
Elena also started veggies this past week. Green beans have been the pick of the week; peas will start on Wednesday. She REALLY loves her beans. I admit, I tried them as well. They are really good (I can't say the same of the rice cereal.)
There isn't too much else happening in our household. We are all very excited by the news that a new cousin for Elena is on the way! We are also starting to get the yard into shape. Ray's uncle was very generous, buying and tuning up a lawn mower for us. How much fun it is to be mowing the lawn again!!
Here are some new Kiki pics.
Friday, April 18, 2008
Milestones
Elena has had another busy month. This is the Month of the Young Child, so they have had activities at school. Today was pajama day, so she was super cute in her polka dot PJs.
She was baptized earlier this month. We were so busy planning to party, and subsequently partying that we forgot to take any pictures. Luckily, there are lots of shutterbugs in the family, so there are lots of pics out there. Some of my faves can be found at Cousin Jill's website.
Elena also had her 4 month well-baby visit. The doctor was very happy with what she saw. Elena is now 14 lbs 5.5 oz (60th percentile), 25.5 inches long (89th percentile), and 41 inch head (50th percentile). She is also (dum-da-da-DA) teething!! This explains the drooling, fussiness, and the steel trap biting.
The other big news for Elena was that she started eating cereal. She has taken very well to it. She seems to think it is quite yummy, thought her stamina isn't that great yet. A proud daddy got lots of video of her first time with cereal. He also got one of a little indiscretion that she will NOT be happy about when she is 13.
Finally, she has spent a lot of time kicking her legs. It seems to be one of her favorite things to do. Luckily, it's happy kicking from a happy, happy little girl.
She was baptized earlier this month. We were so busy planning to party, and subsequently partying that we forgot to take any pictures. Luckily, there are lots of shutterbugs in the family, so there are lots of pics out there. Some of my faves can be found at Cousin Jill's website.
Elena also had her 4 month well-baby visit. The doctor was very happy with what she saw. Elena is now 14 lbs 5.5 oz (60th percentile), 25.5 inches long (89th percentile), and 41 inch head (50th percentile). She is also (dum-da-da-DA) teething!! This explains the drooling, fussiness, and the steel trap biting.
The other big news for Elena was that she started eating cereal. She has taken very well to it. She seems to think it is quite yummy, thought her stamina isn't that great yet. A proud daddy got lots of video of her first time with cereal. He also got one of a little indiscretion that she will NOT be happy about when she is 13.
Finally, she has spent a lot of time kicking her legs. It seems to be one of her favorite things to do. Luckily, it's happy kicking from a happy, happy little girl.
Friday, April 04, 2008
The Quick and Dirty
I have been so busy with work and an active baby lately that I have neglected my poor little blog. So, for those if you who use this site as the main means of keeping track of us, here is the quick and dirty run down of what's been going on:
3/13ish-Sarah's email review of the "Lullabies from the Axis of Evil" CD is read on Jumping Monkeys Episode 36. They also mention Elena's birth and she is instant internet SuperStar.
3/21-Elena's school pictures come in. We realize that we can take much better pictures and will not be purchasing any of these!! (Ask Rae and Sue, she looked a bit odd.)
3/22-Per AAA "You need a new roof."
3/23-Move completed.
3/24-Per roofer "You will get a new roof."
3/30-Elena learns to roll, back to front. She also learns she never wants to stay on her back again.
3/31-Lots of rain, basement floods, Ray triumphs over drain snake and empties the basement of water.
4/2-Elena learns to roll front to back. Not so easy as the other direction! Needs a little more practice to do it consistently.
4/3-Per roofer "Your roof will go on this weekend."
You can fill in the gaps with lots of time at work/school for everyone. Free time filled with visit from family (Elena is very popular) and time spent playing. I'll try to keep the blog up a bit better, but you know you've heard this before. Just don't abandon me completely and I'll do my best to keep updated.
Until next time...
3/13ish-Sarah's email review of the "Lullabies from the Axis of Evil" CD is read on Jumping Monkeys Episode 36. They also mention Elena's birth and she is instant internet SuperStar.
3/21-Elena's school pictures come in. We realize that we can take much better pictures and will not be purchasing any of these!! (Ask Rae and Sue, she looked a bit odd.)
3/22-Per AAA "You need a new roof."
3/23-Move completed.
3/24-Per roofer "You will get a new roof."
3/30-Elena learns to roll, back to front. She also learns she never wants to stay on her back again.
3/31-Lots of rain, basement floods, Ray triumphs over drain snake and empties the basement of water.
4/2-Elena learns to roll front to back. Not so easy as the other direction! Needs a little more practice to do it consistently.
4/3-Per roofer "Your roof will go on this weekend."
You can fill in the gaps with lots of time at work/school for everyone. Free time filled with visit from family (Elena is very popular) and time spent playing. I'll try to keep the blog up a bit better, but you know you've heard this before. Just don't abandon me completely and I'll do my best to keep updated.
Until next time...
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