Wordless Wednesday

Mike & his best friend showing off the best things they have ever done with their lives....

G - meet your future husband, C

Holiday Recap:: 2009

Christmas Eve

The day felt a little off because there was no snow. Go figure.

BUT G was ready for this holiday show to get on the road.

ahem. HAIR BOWS!!!!

We visited the in laws. Gianna got some fun stuff to play with.

And by some, I mean a lot.Her grandparents got some cute pictures of their favorite granddaughter.

G went to bed pretty close to her usual time after visiting with her other grandparents, aunts and uncle first.

Mom & Dad got to play Santa!!

Christmas Day

we snuggled in bed for a few minutes, which is incredibly unusual for us.

Since her Laugh & Learn House was (obviously) not wrapped - she discovered it in our spare room previously. So when she saw it out - ready to be played with - she was really really excited. (no, seriously, she practically jumped out of my arms)

She got a few more things - and seemed to really like them. And the paper. Duh.

Then we headed to her grandma & grandpa's to have breakfast and open presents with my sisters, mom and step dad.

Lil lil G hung out with Lil G while we ate and passed out presents. You will never guess who had the biggest pile.....

She got tons of fun stuff. And promptly refused to nap. Because TOYSSSSSSS.

We changed her from her pj's to Christmas outfit #1 and let her play. So she would get tired.
Nap #2 refusal coming right up..... remember, TOYSSSSSS!

Next up - Christmas outfit #2 and hello cute!

more TOYSSSSSSSS. and over stimulation. and BOWS!!!

and more cranky.

and still, no nap.

she went to bed at 6p and we didn't hear a peep out of her until 7a.

her loving father put together a few of her toys so she could play the next day. We got a few things too.... and, I am impressed that people (err, my mom) reads AND pays attention to what I write because I got these books and am really excited about it.

it was a pretty awesome first Christmas for her, and us as her parents. The blessings she brings to our life are incredible.

Day After Christmas

(because this TOTALLY counts as a holiday)

TOYSSSSSSSSSS. EVERYWHERE.

I am pretty sure we can open up our own isle at toys-r-us, or really tick off anyone against the use of colorful plastic, with the amount of toys in our living room.

She seems to like everything. mostly.

the dirt off the floor still gets her attention the quickest though. And her shoes.

The Reason

Why do we celebrate christmas?
Who teaches us the reason for such a celebration and joy?

Hopefully your parents taught you - I know that is where I learned about Jesus and the miracles that came from his birth.

Also, hopefully, someone taught you that it's not all about presents and food (even those things are an added bonus) but about togetherness and love.

that is what I hope to pass on to Gianna - we celebrate this time of year for a very special purpose, and the result of that is quality time spent with family and friends.

We are looking forward to the festivities of the next few weeks - and we want to wish all of you reading this a blessed christmas.

Holidays, they are so sneaky

In case you were wondering, bloggerfriends, Christmas is THIS week. 4 days from today.

When did that happen??

I am 90% ready - one more gift to get, a few more to wrap and an outfit to figure out away from being ready anyway. You know, since I had to fight the crazy people on Saturday in order to get my shopping done because I had done pretty much nothing before that. I did get some good deals though, so it paid off I suppose.

I am pretty excited for the holidays this year - you know, being as it's G's first one. But I don't go all out on the whole "first holiday" crap. I want to get her an ornament but I haven't found any that I like - so I will have to keep looking even after Christmas. That is all she needs really.

We always open gifts at my mom's on Christmas morning - this year will be no different, just slightly later so we can do our own thing at home. And the in-laws finally gave in and are coming to my mom's for dinner that day - Gianna and her nap schedule are thankful for this.

This weekend I have been trying to get our house ready for the explosion of toys that I know we will be bringing home, despite my best efforts to steer everyone away from buying her a ton of stuff. I have just accepted it and now I need to get rid of all the "baby" toys so her "big girl" stuff will have somewhere to live. My problem is, I have no clue how to store these things safely. I have piled them all up in a corner of her room for the moment. Internets - how do you store things like baby swings, play mats and the like?

The reason for the season, however, is not at all lost on me. I want to dedicate a whole separate post for that though.

I am just in shock that Christmas is this week and the new year is quickly approaching.

8 months of amazing

when you are 8 months old - the world is a fascinating place.

when you are the mom of an 8 month old - HER world is even more fascinating.

Some things I don't want to forget about her life right now:

• When she is sleepy she rubs her eyes, pulls at her ears and yawns REALLY big. followed by burying her face into her lovie.
• she can stand up. fall down. stand up.
• this past week she figured out how to pick something up off the floor while still standing. it takes very much concentration.
• her voice is a powerful thing. she says "dada, mama & hi" but not with a purpose
• banging on things is super fun.
• she knows her mom and dad and the excitement she gets on her face when she sees us is overwhelming.
• she is very much my daughter - one of her favorite things to do is to play with her shoes.
• she has given a new meaning to "baby proof" - we really try to use redirection rather than removing things from her reach - but like I've said before, she will make a beeline to the one piece of dirt/paper/crumb that you missed! who needs a Dyson....
• yesterday she was wearing pants that were 0-3m. they fit perfectly in the waist. slightly short, but at least she didn't crawl out of them.....
• she has been playing with an empty Gatorade bottle for the past 15 minutes. toys are totally overrated in her book.

She amazes me daily.

I wish I could bottle her determination, energy, and resilience.

Wordless Wednesday

christmas card photo-shoot out-takes

The 7th

December 7th.
The day the most amazing man in my life went to heaven.
My grandpa.

Thinking about the possibility of moving and leaving my family for a better life is scary. But he did it, he moved from another COUNTRY, alone, with only a few dollars to his name. And he made it work. He made it more than work, actually.

I miss him everyday, but obviously I miss him more on days like this one.
Lately I have been thinking of him, and my grandma, a lot. Gianna rubs her ears when she is tired, so did grandpa. It is adorable.

Christmas was grandma's favorite time of year - every time I hear "Santa Clause is Coming to Town" it brings a tear to my eye because she would sing it to me and my sisters all year long whenever we did something we weren't supposed to.

Those two people loved us and each other unconditionally and it hurts my heart that my little girl will never know them.

But what makes my heart swell is the idea that my mom learned what she knows from them and she has already started to pass on that love and memories to her granddaughter.

I have no doubt in my mind that my mom and step dad will mean just as much to Gianna (and all future children) as my grandparents mean to me.

[donate $7 dollars on the 7th]

Wordless Wed Part 2 of 2

see part 1 of 2 here

One of my very best friends married her high school sweetheart 11.21.09

Better Off

We all have those old friends that you can see once a year, but the relationship is so comfortable that it doesn't matter and you pick up right where you left off. Those are life-long friends. Those are the ones you can't live without. I know that I have a few friends that fall into this category and while it would be great to see them more often, when we DO get together it's that much better!!



And then we have people that come in and out of our lives - it's a way of life and we are thankful for their presence for the time they are around and sometimes we are sad to see them go, but it happens. And sometimes, we are glad to never see them again. Sad still, but usually for the better. I have this going on too.



My best friend and I had a HUGE, and I mean MAMMOTH falling out recently. And it pretty much sucks that it happened and it is really sad. But, it is one of those situations where there is no turning back - I am pretty easy on handing out forgiveness to people since I really dislike conflict & I don't live with a heavy heart. BUT I don't forget. The double suck part of this - she is the mother of our goddaughter. AWKWARD. But, we take that responsibility pretty seriously so hopefully we can work out visitation or something....



I really never talk about my "real dad" - sperm donor - whatever. He is pretty worthless and a drug addict/alcoholic (hellooo closet... not so dark in here anymore, huh?). Klassy. It's hard to call someone your dad when you see them once every 3 or so years and talk to them about as much. I could go forever without talking to him and my daughter will not know him because he is the same person he was 15 years ago - not good. But when I hear things about him and the shenanigans he pulls STILL (esp. when they involve my sister) , I am thankful to not be a part of that world. And even more thankful that I do have a REAL dad in my life now.

Hrmph life. The roller coaster continues.
Watcha gonna do but deal with it, move on and hope you learned from the experience.

Thanks for the Crazy

Last week & this week are crazy. And busy.


Last week I spent celebrating my best friend's wedding, stuffing my face with good food & working my ass off.

This week I will be catching up on all the papers & presentations that have yet to complete themselves all while missing out on a few girls nights out....... There are 3 presentations, 2 papers & 1 test between me and then end of this semester. It's going to be a long week...


But I haven't forgotten to count my blessings this week. There ae plenty of people that I am thankful to have (and, if I am being honest, to NOT have any longer*) in my life to share all of the crazy with. Because, you know, I wouldn't know what to do without all of this madness!


The little one still doesn't know what she's gotten herself into.....But hey, at least she's cute like her mama, right?

(more substantial posting and nonsense after this week is over)

*I will expand on this. next week.

Lock Down the Fort

My little peanut has learned something new this past week.....
Look out, this girl is on a MISSION. What kind of mission you ask? Why one to find every single piece of dirt off the floor and put it in her mouth, to tangle herself in every cord she can get her hands on and one that sends her up from her butt to her feet before your very eyes.
She also is starting to crawl with her belly off the floor - but still gets places the fastest doing the army version.

I continue to be amazed at how fast she has gone from nonmobile to rocking and rolling all over the house.

Wordless Wednesday: Part 1 of 2

My husband has stood up for 2 of these handsome fellows at their weddings [with another 1 on the way.]

I have stood up for 2 of these beautiful ladies as they entered into the world of marital bliss. And am excited to stand up for one other one on Saturday.

You will just have to stay tuned to find out which one it is......

*photo by Noble Images

Adventures

My SEVEN month old little peanut has been seriously busy, learning all kinds of new tricks

Like how to peek over her bumpers after naptime. And how to stand up in her crib....

Since she is such a tall girl, we had to move her crib all the way down.
She will even push herself to stand sometimes - then she looks really confused and tries to crawl over you!
She's been busy with the crawling too. Still in army mode, but sometimes she'll sneak in a belly off the floor move.
We even tried her on some table food. She's in LOVE! She misses her mouth 9.5x/10 but hey, she's learning.
And clearly, she is WAY too busy looking cute modeling her baby legs...But, she is still enjoys a good snuggle with her daddy.

Wordless Wed

Trying to find the strength I need to make it through life's bumpy road.

With Him, I know I will find it.

Staying Young

Being a mom of a baby girl, who will become a little girl and someday a big girl, one of the things I want for her is to enjoy her childhood and learn respect for herself.
My husband and I find ourselves saying at least 10 times a day, she will never wear that... say that... act that way... or else!
But here's the problem - In case you have been living in a hole, it seems like 90% of the things marketed to young girls are far from age appropriate. We have these dolls, clothes that don't cover enough skin - sold at stores like this one and tv shows with a more mature content than you would expect.

I got this article via email last weekend and it hit home, big time.
5 years old is the new 15. Sure, it can be cute when they say something funny and outside of their scope of understanding. And I am all for a kiddo who is into fashion, shoes and doing things like her mama. But, as a parent, I feel that we need to teach these young girls not how to act older, but how to act appropriately. A 3 yr old wearing short shorts and showing her belly, is not cute to me. A 4 yr old "shaking her booty", not appropriate. An 8 yr old buying her "boyfriend" presents, absolutely not. These are things that cross the line, in my opinion.

I want my 6 month old to BE 6 months old. Just as I will want her to act 3 years old and not 13, etc. No push in this house to grow up any faster than happens already. It's an uphill battle in that respect since there is such an inherent push to age our kids beyond their years, and seemingly beyond our control. Perfect example - while passing out candy to trick or treaters 2 young girls, no older than 12/13 came to the house wearing LINGEIRE and THIGH HIGHS and GARTERS.... who let them out of the house like that??? The article talks about 2 books, Packaging Girlhood & So Sexy So Soon, that I hope to check out soon - they deal specifically with the over sexualied society and how to protect our kids. We can only sensor so much in our own homes, because it's inevitable that they will be exposed to things at school, at the store etc. We need to take that time to explain why at our house we do x,y,z and not a,b,c instead of just ignoring a behavior or question. The book Oral Sex: The new goodnight kiss is another one I hope to check out as well. I am still in shock that such a book exists to be totally honest.... this speaks volumes of how much society has changed in the last 20+ years.

Teaching our girls to be girls and to respect themselves is key. 2 year olds don't need professional manicures, 3 year olds don't need to wear makeup and 5 year olds don't need to be worrying about what Johnny thinks of their outfit!

My Husband Rocks

Our schedules have changed this past week since Mike graduated. He is home with our little princess at least 2 days a week, and, I have to say, he is wonderful!
I came home to dinner last night, a clean kitchen and the laundry put away.
Being home all day is hard work but he has surprised me and taken it in stride with very (little) complaint.
G will miss all the extra time with Daddy when a full time job comes around, but for now, I am glad at least one of us is home with her!

Click here to view these pictures larger

photo by Tami Musick

Wordless Wed: Halloween Edition

(courtesy of Tami Musick)

my CRAZY family ready for TOT

Time for Who?

As you loyal readers know, finding time for everything has been my biggest struggle since becoming a mom.
It continues to be that way.
I have gotten better at compartmentalizing my life though - work is for work (or when baby is napping), play time is for Gianna, school is for school (or when baby is sleeping) house work is for after the baby goes to sleep, husband time is for bedtime.

Does anyone see a missing link to these compartments?
No? Look again....
Now you see it huh. There is no ME time.
My nightly routine is this: play with baby, feed baby, bathe baby, put baby to sleep, clean kitchen, make bottles, study &/or work, pass out.
I have to force a shower in there, usually around 10pm. Dinner, I eat if the hubs has made something, but typically, I just don't.

All of that stuff I can deal with, it's just the way things are right now. I might huff and puff about it - but really, I can handle missing dinner.
The one thing that I am CRAVING but can't seem to figure out how to fit it in, is working out, specifially running. This has always been my time to just turn on the tunes & let it all out. I would work out every single day when I was in medical school because it was the most amazing stress reliever (and, I had a pretty rocking body as an added bonus). Now, when I feel like I need this release the most - I can't seem to figure out where it belongs in my day. I would love to tone up this flab, get my frustrations out in a productive way and feel better about myself - but WHEN?
I have contemplated getting up at 5a to do this, but lets face it, I am NOT a morning person. Leaving the house once the peanut is in bed is another option, but all of my other responsibilities would get pushed about 2 hrs later in the night. (but I would surely get a shower those days...)
I am fully aware that those sound like excuses.
But if you can manage my time better for me, I would truly love to hear about it*.

Also - another part of ME time that is missing. The attention to personal detail. Or eyebrow maintenance and haircuts. And tanning (shut it, I don't need opinions on this one).

But alas friends, all of these things: Y membership, waxing, that sun kissed shimmer, all take $$. $$ that isn't falling from any trees around my house lately. In fact, I am pretty sure it is being buried somewhere because I can't seem to find it.... So - I need "economical"* ideas on how to accomplish these things.
Or you can tell me to shut my trap and quit bitching, because I'm a mom now and ME time doesn't exist.

*no seriously, I mean it.

Because I'm the Mom, THAT's why.........

As we all know, part of the glory of becoming parents is so we can do things the way WE want to when it comes to rearing our children.

I can give her formula if I want to.
I can have her sleep in her crib from day one, because, why not?
I can dress her up in cute clothes a million times a day like she is a doll, because PICTURES!

It never really dawned on me that, hey, it doesn't matter worth a damn what anyone else does/says/thinks because I get to make the rules on this one. FINALLY I get to be the one to say "Because I am her mother, that's why" since goodness knows the amount of times that was/is said to me in my life.

It doesn't make sense to me to give her juice before she is a year old, when water if in fact, more thirst quenching. Playing with random power cords does not seem like a good way to entertain her. No, I don't think she will get her ears pierced soon, while it's cute, I just don't see the point.* The idea of a dog slobbering all over her face is not in any way cute to me, in fact, the idea of her being close to a dog makes me slightly nervous. I do not think it's sanitary for her to put her mouth on random things - like chairs, shoes, my hands just because she wants to. Yes, I do put babylegs on her because I like them. If I could get a bow in her hair and shoes on her feet every.single.day - I would. We stick to a pretty strict schedule because I like a happy baby. Also - do not talk to her like she is a) deaf or b)anything less than a human - because she is neither of those. And, when I say something to you about how we do things, and you want an explanation, all I need to say is "because I'm her mom" and that should be enough.

And I am fully aware that this little statement will continue to evolve as she does - and surely it will go from the explaining a statement like "no, she isn't ready to eat table food yet" to "no, you may not have that broken toy" to "no, boys are NOT allowed in your bedroom" before I even realize it.

*I was DETERMINED that she would have cute little earrings as an infant, and then she got here and I liked her ears plain....

My Husband Rocks Friday

I am a serious slacker in this category but, this was a big week.

My awesome husband graduated from broadcasting school this week. And got a special award for being so dedicated.
Woot!

Wordless Wed.

Penguin!!

Mr. Sandman - Please Come Backkkkk

When our little peanut was born, we had a handful of rough nights - but really, she would sleep 4ish hours without a problem. [granted, she screamed her head off from the time she woke up in the morning until bed time usually.. ]

She started sleeping through the night at about 6-8ish weeks. Loved her swaddle and life was grand.

She became too strong for any swaddling blanket I tried & stopped sleeping through the night at about 4.5/5 months.
Granted, she was easy to console with just her binky and her "womb bear" [could.not.live.without]

At 6 months old, she sleeps like complete shit. She goes to sleep usually without a problem. She wakes up screaming her full head off at approx 12:30a, 2:30a, 4:30a & 6a. No, she isn't hungry. We are still having issues with leaking through her diapers, but once she is dry and changed - she still wakes up later.
The past few nights have been ROUGH. I can't just let her cry it out in the middle of the night - there are other people that need sleep in this house too....

Suddenly she is napping for shit too. She freaks out if she sees me leave her room - sometimes its as soon as she touches her mattress. We did CIO today for her first nap, she slept terribly and was awake in an hour (compared to her usual 1.5-2).

If I could sleep while she naps, we'd be ok. But I can't (my employer would probably look down upon that....) so I need your help Internets!!

Any tips on helping her sleep better would be awesome.

Clueless, For Sure.

Every new mom has things that they don't understand.

I find myself in this situation about 1249x a day... And I a only with her for approximately 2 hours a day during the week. Imagine the clueless-ness if I were here all day.
But there are things I DO know - come on, I diagnosed my kid with Reflux before any doctor could. These are the things that are "easy" for me, the concrete things, the things I can see.

My current list of clueless-ness:
- Teething. We do the Hyland's Teething Tablets & Tylenol, but some days that doesn't seem like enough. Clueless on what else to do for her.
- When will she hold her own bottle? She is totally lazy on this one.
- How long does it take for babies to go from laying to sitting. She's got some killer crunches going on for the time being...
- Does she think I am just being a goof when I sign to her or does she maybe understand?
- Eating. Just in general really.
- Does she miss me when I'm gone? Does she even know I'm gone?
- Her brain is likely turning to mush early because I let her watch things like WonderPets & My Friends Tigger & Pooh.....

I think there are more, obviously I think of them in the shower or driving to/from work and forget by the time I get anywhere to write about it.

This whole idea of teaching another human how to live... takes a lot out of a person.

CrankyPants

Hello out there! Not dead, just cranky.

My baby, she is teething. And angry. And awake a LOT at night.

And, I'm cranky because this mama needs LOTS of sleep. Or, a lot more than I have been getting.

Also - life is just generally crazy at the moment.

Stay tuned for a much more substantial, interesting post....

Snipits

• I have about 6lbs to go until I hit my first "goal" weight. Thanks in part to some awesome girls and a Weight Loss Challenge we are doing. Accountability and Motivation all wrapped into one.
• I made some more baby food - sweet potatoes - for roughly $1.50 (2 potatoes), I made 46(!) servings - $.03/serving. I want to do a few more fruits - any suggestions on this??
• My least favorite part about going back to school - my Stats class. I really dislike statistics.
• Husband graduates from broadcasting school in 2 weeks! That brings about a whole lot of excitement. And apprehension. More on this later. (He is totally awesome at what he does though, best decision ever.)
• Because I am *this close* to my "goal" weight - WHY don't my prepregnancy clothes (pants) fit?? Also - how do I get rid of the flabby stomach... I know, crutches and such. Can you add a few more hours in the day so I can get on that? Or provide me a treadmill? That would be sufficient.
• The weather in Ohio has turned cold. FAST. And I hate it.
• We never really eat "dinner" we just find whatever we want in the kitchen and eat it. This will not fly much longer, as in, when little miss gets to table food. Any ideas on quick/easy recipes?
• In desperate need of a night out with the girls. Or a night in. Just some gossip, wine & laughter would be sufficient.
• I'm in a wedding next month, lets hope I make it to this "goal" & don't look like a jackass in my dress.
• I have some new followers - HI!! Nice to see you :)
• Also, check out over there -----> I am listed on momblogs.com. now. cool! (I realize, anyone can be listed, but still!)

Wordless W.

6 months old

13lbs 14oz

27in

told ya i'd update w/ her stats!

Equal

"Motherhood is the great equalizer, become a mother and join a sorority that bridges millennia and miles. But as much as we all have in common, each of us is unique, and as quickly as our children change, we do too."

- Ann Pleshette Murphy

This pretty much says everything that I have been thinking lately.
I hate feeling like I am being judged by other moms (friends...) because I choose to do things differently or because my daughter isn't developing the same as some one else. I do what is right for her and she is a happy girl.
That is what we do as mothers - we provide for our children the best way we know how - it really doesn't matter how/when/why as long as those little people are thriving.
We need to support & encourage one another, because being a mom is HARD.
As much as I enjoy this new place in life - the evolution of it is overwhelming.

Happy Unbirthday

Gianna is SIX months old.
Hello, where did time go? Did I not just birth her yesterday? Are you sure?
WELLL this is what is up with my BIG GIRL!

• She sits up on her own for about 30ish seconds at a time (sometimes longer)
• There is one sharp tooth trying to make its way out
• She responds to her name most of the time
• If there is a mirror around - she will find it and smile really big
• If there is something she wants, she finds a way to get it - usually by rolling across the living room or scooting backwards
• Has eaten: peas, pears, squash, sweet potatoes, applesauce & bananas - likes them all.
• Still refluxy/pukey but she's on good drugs to keep the pain away
• Likes to "talk" to us. Is ADORABLE.
• For sure knows her mom and dad which is AWESOME!!

I can't imagine life without her and those blue eyes. Husband and I get a kick out of everything she does, which is something new every day. She's a pretty cool girl, I think we'll keep her.

Monday is her 6m appt & her GI f/u appt - will update you with her stats.

P is for........

Peas!! And Pears!!

Last week I decided to start the baby-food making adventure.

Because, in case you weren't aware, baby food is expensive. Nothing against Gerber but DANG now that I know what it takes to make the stuff, they are making a KILLING!!

It was suprisingly easier and faster than I anticipated.

Want to know how I did it? Too bad, because I am telling you anyway!

You need:

Food

A blender (or food processor or whatever)

Ice Cube Trays [these were the HARDEST things to find!]

Saran Wrap

Freezer Bags

I bought these @ Target for $1.06.

I boiled them until they were cooked (mushy).

I used my blender to do the pureeing and it worked awesome*.

So - I added the peas.

Then used the water they cooked in and added to just cover the peas.

**Note, DO NOT overfill whatever chopping device you use!! I blended in 2 batches**

I pureed until smooth.

Poored into ice cube trays.
Covered w/ saran wrap & frooze.

Once frozen solid, pop out of trays and store in freezer bags.

Label bags with food and date made!

For $1.06, I made 24 servings.

That's $.04/serving.

Need I say more?

Then I made pears. $.79/lb (I used 2 medium sized pears)

Skin the pears, chop and boil until soft.
Blend until smooth.
Portion out.
Freeze.
Etc.
For $.79 I made 14 servings.
$.06 per serving.

This adventure was TOTALLY worth it (for the cost and of course the benefit of knowing what my princess is eating....). I absolutely intend on doing much more.
I think next on our list will be sweet potatoes and squash.
I reference Wholesome Baby Food a lot (as recommended by a few bloggers as well) which gives great tips, reciepes and ideas.
I has babymaking SKILLZ people!

And, the baby liked it too.....

*I know some people do not have such great luck with a blender, but I wanted to try it before buying another kitchen gadget. Glad I saved the $$!

To Whom it May Concern:

Can you please answer a question for me?
Why, WHY are not all clothes sized the same?
I can grab a pair of pants in one size and they will be too big. I can grab a second pair of pants by a different manufacturer in the same size and they will be too small.
Do you have ANY idea what this does to a girl's mental status? Especially a girl who has, literally, 2 pairs of pants that fit her well because her hips and mid section will not go back to their pre-baby size? A girl with a closet FULL of beautiful clothes that must remain on the hangers and who is in desperate need of some clothes to make her feel better.
The problem with going to the store and purchasing said new clothes, I have no idea what size to buy size there is no consistency and my 5month old doesn't do well in fitting rooms.

AND speaking of that 5month old, I forced her up a size in clothes because I was sick of seeing the same stained onesies on her for the past 5 months. (yes, I JUST put her in 3-6m clothes) The problem I have with baby clothes? Very similar to that of big girl clothes.
So many of her pants are HUGE on her around the waist, but she has long long legs. Which means she ends up in floods. She is going to have cold ankles this winter.

So, in conclusion, I need a wardrobe makeover.
Please take into consideration the fact that it would be very consumer-friendly of all you clothes makers to get together and come up with one, uniform, measurement for each size.
And, I really want to go shopping so I feel un-frumpy.

Hugs,
Andrea

WW

Super Soaker

Gianna earned a new nickname this weekend.
Super Soaker.

We woke her up Saturday morning - she is SOAKED. She peed. all up her belly....
I figured it was just a fluke, she was wearing a different kind of diaper than normal, afterall.

This morning, around 5am, she was all whining in her bed. She peed. up her belly. again. Not to the extent of Saturday, but still. I couldn't blame it on the diaper this time.

I don't know if she is just peeing more than "normal" lately or if she might, GASP, get to move to size 2 diapers..... [this I doubt considering how tightly we need to put on the 1's so they don't fall off] Or those size 1-2 huggies. What is up with those?

But you know what she HASN'T been doing as much of lately?
Puking across the living room! Wahoo to that. Unless, of course, I am dressed nicely - then, naturaly, she throws up all over me, because HELLOO MOTHER I MISSED YOU!
We still aren't switched totally to one formula - I am pretty much at a loss on this one. She's on 2 bottles of Ali/2 bottles of goodstart a day and cranky my BELLYHURTTTZ MOM-EEE in the evenings.
But is it the 2 together? Is it b/c she doesn't like Goodstart? Did the Ali really make THAT much of a difference? Should I just totally switch her and see what happens?

Studying

Lately, I have been amazed at how much Gianna studies things. How she really SEES things.
She looks at them.
Touches them.
Eats them.

It is truly amazing to study her, studying her environment.
And finding her toes.
Because, NOM NOM!

Some things are so simple. Yet so complex.
And these things are the most wonderful discoveries.

WW

VS

You know how I said we were doing "really well" switching her from the Ali?
I shouldn't have said that out loud.
Things have been a little hairy the past few nights.

But, it could possibly be from teething.
Maybe. Hopefully.

Hold it RIGHT there

Every day I am more amazed at the little person unfolding before my eyes.
She even has bed head.
We started w/ spoon feeding last week - cereal it is. She thinks it is pretty fun.
Also, we are working on weaning her off of the Ali and on to cheaper (err... regular...) formula. It is going ok, she has her moments but I think overall we'll be successful with it.
Next step after that is complete - baby food. I want to make my own, but haven't gotten there yet. Any tips on that would be AWESOME!

Also - the little one is gettng teeth. For sure. There aren't any visible bumps or anything in her mouth yet, but OHMYGOODNESS does she chew on everything. And she does this crazy thing where she basically punches herself in the mouth.
I've heard good things about the Highlands Teething Tablets, so those are on the next grocery list for when she get super miserable. Are there any other good tips/tricks to help them get through teething?

I can't believe how much she has changed in the last few weeks, Mike and I were just talking about how much happier she is since her reflux is under better control and her personality is starting to shine through.

The other big development in Miss G's life - she can move.

Not quite crawling, but she can get to where she wants to go by wiggling her way over.

Her mother is not ready for this.

Thanks for all the good $$saving tips and tricks! Check out the sidebar - I added some good websites over there if anyone else is interested.