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.
Sunday, August 24, 2008
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...
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
The Light at the End of the Tunnel
This was moving weekend.
On Friday, Ray's parents and Patty were here to whip the house into shape before the move began on Saturday morning. The house doesn't even look like the one we bought. More color, less broken stuff, and MUCH cleaner.
The snow storm that hit Friday night didn't even deter us. Ray, his dad, and I did a few loads in the snow. The Hernandez family came out in force Saturday morning to move stuff from the apartment to the house. We got all but a few things out of the apartment on Saturday, which is amazing. Ray and I were able to get the last of it out on Sunday before we left for Easter festivities.
So now we unpack. I'm off through Wednesday to get everything out of boxes, onto shelves and walls, and into cupboards. I have enough done right now that we can sleep, change Elena's diapers, and I can be here surfing the net, drinking my hot chocolate. There is finally a light at the end of the tunnel. Our moving adventure is drawing to a close. We can begin to relax, enjoy the new house, wait for the snow to melt. And then do yard work....
On Friday, Ray's parents and Patty were here to whip the house into shape before the move began on Saturday morning. The house doesn't even look like the one we bought. More color, less broken stuff, and MUCH cleaner.
The snow storm that hit Friday night didn't even deter us. Ray, his dad, and I did a few loads in the snow. The Hernandez family came out in force Saturday morning to move stuff from the apartment to the house. We got all but a few things out of the apartment on Saturday, which is amazing. Ray and I were able to get the last of it out on Sunday before we left for Easter festivities.
So now we unpack. I'm off through Wednesday to get everything out of boxes, onto shelves and walls, and into cupboards. I have enough done right now that we can sleep, change Elena's diapers, and I can be here surfing the net, drinking my hot chocolate. There is finally a light at the end of the tunnel. Our moving adventure is drawing to a close. We can begin to relax, enjoy the new house, wait for the snow to melt. And then do yard work....
Thursday, February 28, 2008
I have but a moment...
It's 5:48 am on Thursday morning. All is quiet for the moment, but I hear Kiki stirring over the monitor. I have been up for an hour, am eating Crispix and taking a minute to read the news.
Our days have been hectic lately. As you may imagine, we've been busy with the house. Ray and I take turns running to do a little of this and that. We can't really take the baby over yet. She gets too bored and probably shouldn't be exposed to the paint and cleaning products (in the hectic life of a new mommy, I've given her VERY LITTLE exposure to cleaning products thus far.) Hopefully this weekend we will be able to complete most of the remaining repairs and updates necessary. (Come one, come all, who wish to lend a hand!!)
Things are really busy at work as well. Still trying to get caught up from when I was on leave. Long/early days this week and next. Ray's car has been in the shop, so Kiki and I have been dropping him off on our way to work/school. Kiki is usually first to arrive at school each morning. I can usually get the best spot in the parking lot.
Kiki is growing fast. For those that were wondering how it would pan out, her eyes are beginning to turn a dark brown, just like her dad's. She discovered her hand last week, and often looks to be acid tripping as she ponders the meaning of it all. She has also learned to scoot. Although she isn't really doing it during floor play yet, she moves around her crib like crazy. Imagine my surprise when I put her to bed with her head on one end of the bed, and got her up the next morning with her completely turned the other direction!!
There is the 6:00 alarm. There is a baby to dressed, a husband to be awakened, bags to be packed, bottles to be fed. But this was a great morning moment for me!!
Our days have been hectic lately. As you may imagine, we've been busy with the house. Ray and I take turns running to do a little of this and that. We can't really take the baby over yet. She gets too bored and probably shouldn't be exposed to the paint and cleaning products (in the hectic life of a new mommy, I've given her VERY LITTLE exposure to cleaning products thus far.) Hopefully this weekend we will be able to complete most of the remaining repairs and updates necessary. (Come one, come all, who wish to lend a hand!!)
Things are really busy at work as well. Still trying to get caught up from when I was on leave. Long/early days this week and next. Ray's car has been in the shop, so Kiki and I have been dropping him off on our way to work/school. Kiki is usually first to arrive at school each morning. I can usually get the best spot in the parking lot.
Kiki is growing fast. For those that were wondering how it would pan out, her eyes are beginning to turn a dark brown, just like her dad's. She discovered her hand last week, and often looks to be acid tripping as she ponders the meaning of it all. She has also learned to scoot. Although she isn't really doing it during floor play yet, she moves around her crib like crazy. Imagine my surprise when I put her to bed with her head on one end of the bed, and got her up the next morning with her completely turned the other direction!!
There is the 6:00 alarm. There is a baby to dressed, a husband to be awakened, bags to be packed, bottles to be fed. But this was a great morning moment for me!!
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
What's New in the 'Hood?
Elena had her 2 month check-up today. Lots of pokes (boo), a new weight (11 lbs 4 oz), and a belly button check (the infection is gone, inside and out). She was a brave little girl for her Papa and only cried for a short while. Her doctor is very happy with her progress. Next appointment is in 2 months. Hopefully we won't have any illness between appointments this time (knock on wood).
We have the signing for the house on Friday morning. Renovations begin promptly Saturday morning. We have roughly 4 weekends and a few after-work hours to do everything before we have to be out of the apartment. Hopefully things will move along quickly and we start moving our stuff in mid-March; definitely by the end of March.
We have a solid date for Elena's baptism. For those of you interested, plan on April 13 at 1:00pm. I'll be sending out info regarding the location of the church and directions to our new place (cuz we gonna PARty after!)
Elena has found her smile and is working on her laugh (she sounds a bit psychotic when she tries). We are trying to get a good minute or so of smiles on video, but she clams up when the spotlight is on her.
Elena is also beginning to recognize faces. I'm putting together a project for her new room so she can start to learn faces of family members that live far away. If you have a good, clear shot of your face, send it my way. Digital pics sent via email or flikr link are best, since I can print a large size. I hear that babies especially like pictures of other babies' faces (hint, hint, M and L) Thanks in advance for all donations!!
We have the signing for the house on Friday morning. Renovations begin promptly Saturday morning. We have roughly 4 weekends and a few after-work hours to do everything before we have to be out of the apartment. Hopefully things will move along quickly and we start moving our stuff in mid-March; definitely by the end of March.
We have a solid date for Elena's baptism. For those of you interested, plan on April 13 at 1:00pm. I'll be sending out info regarding the location of the church and directions to our new place (cuz we gonna PARty after!)
Elena has found her smile and is working on her laugh (she sounds a bit psychotic when she tries). We are trying to get a good minute or so of smiles on video, but she clams up when the spotlight is on her.
Elena is also beginning to recognize faces. I'm putting together a project for her new room so she can start to learn faces of family members that live far away. If you have a good, clear shot of your face, send it my way. Digital pics sent via email or flikr link are best, since I can print a large size. I hear that babies especially like pictures of other babies' faces (hint, hint, M and L) Thanks in advance for all donations!!
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Superbowl Baby
I know this is a little late, but here is a picture of Elena's first Superbowl. As you can probably tell, the picture was taken a few moments before bedtime.
Jersey courtesy of Uncle Jeff. Football courtesy of the Detroit Lions.
Jersey courtesy of Uncle Jeff. Football courtesy of the Detroit Lions.
Saturday, February 02, 2008
Did I ever tell you...?
So, in the excitement of Elena's birth, I don't think I ever told the story of what REALLY happened when I went into labor.
It was a Wednesday. I came home from work early that day. There wasn't much to do at work, as all elements of my job had already transitioned to the temp that would be filling in for me. I was to the point in the pregnancy where my energy was tapped by about 3pm everyday, so I was grateful that my supervisors were flexible enough to let me go early.
I had eaten two frozen burritos for lunch when I got home, and then rested through the afternoon. After Ray got home, the evening progressed as normal. By 10pm, I was in bed. I needed plenty of sleep to recoop and get up for work in the morning.
Unfortunately, those burritos had come back to haunt me. I was having some pretty annoying lower abdominal pressure. "I really need some sleep tonight. This is just great," I thought. "I hope I can sleep this off."
By the time Ray went to bed, the pressure was no better. At midnight, I was up and walking around, trying to relieve the pressure somehow. I was a few days overdue at this point, so I figured I might as well put some of those techniques from the child birth classes to use for SOMETHING!! I walked, I massaged, I walked more. No relief; it was worse, if nothing else. By 2, I thought, "This doesn't feel the way labor is described, but maybe I'm wrong. Maybe I'd better start timing these pains."
So I started timing. The pains came at odd intervals. 8 minutes, 6 minutes, 10 minutes. No, this wasn't labor. This was bad burritos. More walking, more massaging. God love Ray, he got up every now and again to check on me. I'd tell him there was nothing he could do to help. He'd go back to bed, only to get up a half hour later to check again.
Finally around 4am, we decided to go to the hospital. Maybe the Birth Center in town could give me something to help with the pain. So off we went to the hospital. of course we took all our "going to have a baby" stuff, but this was just bad burritos.
When we arrived at the hospital, I told the nurse that I was having gas pains and just needed an assessment. The glance that passed between nurses was not lost on Ray or I. It was a knowing glance. Here's another woman who is having "gas pains."
A nurse took me into an exam room, strapped on the monitors and within a short time told me that my contractions (contractions?! What?! No, gas pains!!!) were 4 minutes apart. How could this be? When my contractions are 10 minutes apart, I will leave for Ann Arbor. That is the plan. We planned this. This plan has been in place for months. Nope, back up, do over.
At that point everything went into fast forward for a few hours. I needed to get to Ann Arbor. Would we make it? The doctors weren't sure. If we were going to go, it would have to be with some speed. More speed that we could legally do on our own. So the ambulance came, the "going to have a baby" stuff stayed in the car, and we rushed off to Ann Arbor.
Once we got to Ann Arbor, fast forward ended, slow motion began, labor progressed SL-O-O-O-WLY, 19 hours passed, and the rest is Elena's history. As stressful as the situation was at the time, this was a really good lesson for me at a critical time. As a result of this experience, I realized very quickly that I would not be able to plan my life the way I had in the past. I realized that life with Elena would be VERY different!
It was a Wednesday. I came home from work early that day. There wasn't much to do at work, as all elements of my job had already transitioned to the temp that would be filling in for me. I was to the point in the pregnancy where my energy was tapped by about 3pm everyday, so I was grateful that my supervisors were flexible enough to let me go early.
I had eaten two frozen burritos for lunch when I got home, and then rested through the afternoon. After Ray got home, the evening progressed as normal. By 10pm, I was in bed. I needed plenty of sleep to recoop and get up for work in the morning.
Unfortunately, those burritos had come back to haunt me. I was having some pretty annoying lower abdominal pressure. "I really need some sleep tonight. This is just great," I thought. "I hope I can sleep this off."
By the time Ray went to bed, the pressure was no better. At midnight, I was up and walking around, trying to relieve the pressure somehow. I was a few days overdue at this point, so I figured I might as well put some of those techniques from the child birth classes to use for SOMETHING!! I walked, I massaged, I walked more. No relief; it was worse, if nothing else. By 2, I thought, "This doesn't feel the way labor is described, but maybe I'm wrong. Maybe I'd better start timing these pains."
So I started timing. The pains came at odd intervals. 8 minutes, 6 minutes, 10 minutes. No, this wasn't labor. This was bad burritos. More walking, more massaging. God love Ray, he got up every now and again to check on me. I'd tell him there was nothing he could do to help. He'd go back to bed, only to get up a half hour later to check again.
Finally around 4am, we decided to go to the hospital. Maybe the Birth Center in town could give me something to help with the pain. So off we went to the hospital. of course we took all our "going to have a baby" stuff, but this was just bad burritos.
When we arrived at the hospital, I told the nurse that I was having gas pains and just needed an assessment. The glance that passed between nurses was not lost on Ray or I. It was a knowing glance. Here's another woman who is having "gas pains."
A nurse took me into an exam room, strapped on the monitors and within a short time told me that my contractions (contractions?! What?! No, gas pains!!!) were 4 minutes apart. How could this be? When my contractions are 10 minutes apart, I will leave for Ann Arbor. That is the plan. We planned this. This plan has been in place for months. Nope, back up, do over.
At that point everything went into fast forward for a few hours. I needed to get to Ann Arbor. Would we make it? The doctors weren't sure. If we were going to go, it would have to be with some speed. More speed that we could legally do on our own. So the ambulance came, the "going to have a baby" stuff stayed in the car, and we rushed off to Ann Arbor.
Once we got to Ann Arbor, fast forward ended, slow motion began, labor progressed SL-O-O-O-WLY, 19 hours passed, and the rest is Elena's history. As stressful as the situation was at the time, this was a really good lesson for me at a critical time. As a result of this experience, I realized very quickly that I would not be able to plan my life the way I had in the past. I realized that life with Elena would be VERY different!
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Her Smile Isn't the Only Thing Infectious...
I am happy to report that Elena is over her stomach flu bug. I am also happy to report that the same bug is done being passed around the house. That's right, we all got it.
By Thursday night, it was obvious that I was coming down with the flu. My dear baby was very considerate and slept through most of the night, so I was not up and down with her through my nighttime shift, and was able to get a little sleep.
By noon on Friday, Ray was clearly the next victim. Luckily, we had already made arrangements to visit his parents in Troy for the weekend, and they welcomed us with open arms, despite our germs.
Ray's dad did baby duty all Friday and Saturday night, giving Ray and I two solid nights of sleep, something we have not had since Elena was born. It was heaven!!
Unfortunately, the germs didn't stop their momentum. By Sunday morning, Ray's mom had the bug. This is a tenacious illness, but we are all feeling better now!!
On a lighter note, unless some other crazy thing happens in the interim, we will be homeowners by the end of February. We won the auction for the house we wanted. Yay!!!
By Thursday night, it was obvious that I was coming down with the flu. My dear baby was very considerate and slept through most of the night, so I was not up and down with her through my nighttime shift, and was able to get a little sleep.
By noon on Friday, Ray was clearly the next victim. Luckily, we had already made arrangements to visit his parents in Troy for the weekend, and they welcomed us with open arms, despite our germs.
Ray's dad did baby duty all Friday and Saturday night, giving Ray and I two solid nights of sleep, something we have not had since Elena was born. It was heaven!!
Unfortunately, the germs didn't stop their momentum. By Sunday morning, Ray's mom had the bug. This is a tenacious illness, but we are all feeling better now!!
On a lighter note, unless some other crazy thing happens in the interim, we will be homeowners by the end of February. We won the auction for the house we wanted. Yay!!!
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
She's In The System
Elena has been initiated. She has joined the ranks of children across the nation who are bound by an unfortunate circumstance. She caught the flu at daycare.
Yes, it's true. I got a call just before 5:00 today to say that she had thrown up. By the time I got to the facility to get her, she had thrown up again (on a teacher.) She threw up a few more times at home and is now sleeping in her chair. She has been banished from daycare until she had a doctors note.
Poor, Kiki. Hang in there baby!!
Yes, it's true. I got a call just before 5:00 today to say that she had thrown up. By the time I got to the facility to get her, she had thrown up again (on a teacher.) She threw up a few more times at home and is now sleeping in her chair. She has been banished from daycare until she had a doctors note.
Poor, Kiki. Hang in there baby!!
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