Monday, March 31, 2008
Sick, again.
Julia's got a cold again. Thankfully, this one is not bad. It's mostly just a very runny nose. This time, the cold got me. I started feeling it yesterday evening. If it is quiet here, you'll know why.
Friday, March 28, 2008
Sweet Story
I got a special call from Charlie and Kylelyn last night :-). Kylelyn told me that she and Scott were in the car, and they passed a pond. It reminded them of the pond on The Farm, and that must've reminded Scott of his cousin. Out of the blue, he asked, "Where'd Baby Julia go?" Very cute!
It is my hope that Julia will be good friends with all of her cousins despite distance and any differences in age. It seems we are off to a good start!
It is my hope that Julia will be good friends with all of her cousins despite distance and any differences in age. It seems we are off to a good start!
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
First Easter
Julia and I headed to Georgia to celebrate Easter. Julia had a great time with the family, especially cousin Scott. Scott liked Julia, too - except when his Mom or Dad held her. Then, he let everyone know that it was "MY Mommy" or "MY Daddy." The weather was beautiful, and we had a great time visiting with aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Julia went to church for the first time and made quite an impression. She spent her time in church loudly blowing raspberries, laughing at people, and creating a poopy diaper. When she started to voice her frustration about the diaper situation, I decided it was time to go.
Julia went to church for the first time and made quite an impression. She spent her time in church loudly blowing raspberries, laughing at people, and creating a poopy diaper. When she started to voice her frustration about the diaper situation, I decided it was time to go.
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| At the airport |
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| In her Easter dress |
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| With her cousin Scott |
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| With Mom |
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
First Cold
It's not a fun milestone, but Julia came down with her first cold on Sunday. This morning was the worst of it. She was so congested that it was very difficult to breathe through her nose. That made it difficult for her to eat, so we had to get out the bulb, and no one enjoys that. She hasn't been sleeping well either. Poor, sweet baby.
If you don't hear from me for a bit, you'll know why. I'll be doting on the little one and catching up on things around here.
If you don't hear from me for a bit, you'll know why. I'll be doting on the little one and catching up on things around here.
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Sunday, March 09, 2008
Babybook: 6 month update
Sitting
Julia has learned to sit up on her own. It seemed that it happened overnight a couple of weeks ago. She can be a bit wobbly, but she can definitely sit unsupported. Much of her height is in her torso, so I think it was a bit tricky learning to balance. She seems to really enjoy it, especially when you put a toy within arm's reach. The pediatrician said that we need to put her on her belly more than in the sitting position, and Julia does not enjoy THAT.
Solids
Julia's not digging the solids. She seems slightly more interested in the veggies than the cereals. We started her on rice cereal (not really interested), and then we moved to oatmeal (she was not a fan). Following the doctor's advice, we started with yellow vegetables and tried butternut squash first. She would eat it but wasn't that into it. R tried carrots with her yesterday. He said she didn't really like them, but she was willing to eat 10-12 small spoonfuls. Sweet potatoes are next, and I have a feeling she might like them better than squash or carrots. (I hope she comes to like squash a bit more. I have 3 bags of pureed butternut squash cubes in the freezer!)
Sleeping
We've had a few rough nights lately. I don't know if it is teething or sleep regression, but my super sleeper has been waking numerous times during the night. Last Sunday was particulary challenging (we were up about 6 times), and last night was tough because she was wide awake for hours in wee hours of the night. I hope (for her sake and ours) that we'll all start getting some good rest soon. I get misty thinking of those four magical days of sleeping through the night.
I have started putting her in bed with us more often when I'm really needing some sleep (or want to pretend to sleep in). This has backfired a bit, because now, she's not as happy about sleeping by herself in her crib. I'll back off on our little foray into co-sleeping, even though I'll miss snuggling with her.
Carseat
After the 6 month pediatrician appointment with the news that Julia is 29 in tall (!!!!), I checked the booklet for our infant carseat. The carseat (aka "the bucket") fits babies up to 30 in tall. So, we'll be moving to the convertible car seats soon.
Development
Little Miss enjoys the Exercauser very much these days. (Thanks, Nicole!) Now I replaced the batteries, she likes it even more. It says "Triangle!!" instead of "Tri..ii..i.a.n...gle." She really focuses and works on all the toys. She is able to pull the hanging toys and press the buttons. I'm amazed by her developing motor skills.
She is incredibly curious and swings that little head around when she hears an interesting noise. She likes music and likes when I sing (she is the only one who likes when I sing). She also seems to enjoy watching me dance; often, I'll get some good giggles from her if I dance. A favorite game in the last few days is Peek-a-boo. She'll squeal and giggle with delight.
She's a sweet, funny girl!
Julia has learned to sit up on her own. It seemed that it happened overnight a couple of weeks ago. She can be a bit wobbly, but she can definitely sit unsupported. Much of her height is in her torso, so I think it was a bit tricky learning to balance. She seems to really enjoy it, especially when you put a toy within arm's reach. The pediatrician said that we need to put her on her belly more than in the sitting position, and Julia does not enjoy THAT.
Solids
Julia's not digging the solids. She seems slightly more interested in the veggies than the cereals. We started her on rice cereal (not really interested), and then we moved to oatmeal (she was not a fan). Following the doctor's advice, we started with yellow vegetables and tried butternut squash first. She would eat it but wasn't that into it. R tried carrots with her yesterday. He said she didn't really like them, but she was willing to eat 10-12 small spoonfuls. Sweet potatoes are next, and I have a feeling she might like them better than squash or carrots. (I hope she comes to like squash a bit more. I have 3 bags of pureed butternut squash cubes in the freezer!)
Sleeping
We've had a few rough nights lately. I don't know if it is teething or sleep regression, but my super sleeper has been waking numerous times during the night. Last Sunday was particulary challenging (we were up about 6 times), and last night was tough because she was wide awake for hours in wee hours of the night. I hope (for her sake and ours) that we'll all start getting some good rest soon. I get misty thinking of those four magical days of sleeping through the night.
I have started putting her in bed with us more often when I'm really needing some sleep (or want to pretend to sleep in). This has backfired a bit, because now, she's not as happy about sleeping by herself in her crib. I'll back off on our little foray into co-sleeping, even though I'll miss snuggling with her.
Carseat
After the 6 month pediatrician appointment with the news that Julia is 29 in tall (!!!!), I checked the booklet for our infant carseat. The carseat (aka "the bucket") fits babies up to 30 in tall. So, we'll be moving to the convertible car seats soon.
Development
Little Miss enjoys the Exercauser very much these days. (Thanks, Nicole!) Now I replaced the batteries, she likes it even more. It says "Triangle!!" instead of "Tri..ii..i.a.n...gle." She really focuses and works on all the toys. She is able to pull the hanging toys and press the buttons. I'm amazed by her developing motor skills.
She is incredibly curious and swings that little head around when she hears an interesting noise. She likes music and likes when I sing (she is the only one who likes when I sing). She also seems to enjoy watching me dance; often, I'll get some good giggles from her if I dance. A favorite game in the last few days is Peek-a-boo. She'll squeal and giggle with delight.
She's a sweet, funny girl!
Julia stats: 6 months....off the charts
Weight: 18 lbs (85th%)
Height: 29 in (literally off the charts)
Head Circumference: 17 in
She's such a tall girl! Today, she had three shots, and for me, it seemed even harder than the first two sets. She's so much more aware of her surroundings and so happily curious. It just broke my heart when she realized what was happening. Her face turned bright red, and tears started to fall. I explained to the nurse that I would be happy to take all of Julia's shots, but she told me that it doesn't work that way. :-(
Height: 29 in (literally off the charts)
Head Circumference: 17 in
She's such a tall girl! Today, she had three shots, and for me, it seemed even harder than the first two sets. She's so much more aware of her surroundings and so happily curious. It just broke my heart when she realized what was happening. Her face turned bright red, and tears started to fall. I explained to the nurse that I would be happy to take all of Julia's shots, but she told me that it doesn't work that way. :-(
Tuesday, March 04, 2008
Who needs a Bumbo?
If the Bumbo seat isn't handy, she'll just use Jake to help her sit up. It's the....Dogbo!
Sunday, March 02, 2008
Big Apple Baby
Julia and I took the train to New York to meet up with R who was there on business. Little Miss loved it! I assumed she would sleep on the train, but she had too much fun. She loved NYC - so much to see!!
Phew....she was tired after the big trip!
Phew....she was tired after the big trip!
Saturday, March 01, 2008
Bumbo Fun
Julia has started enjoying the Bumbo seat more! (Thanks, Nicole C!) She also loves the ball. It's easy for her to hold. (Thanks, Nicole A!)
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Fashionista File: Far East Flair
I love this little outfit. It was a gift from Uncle Charlie & Aunt Kylelyn.
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| Far East Flair Fashionista Files |
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
A gift from Uncle Roger
Something tells me Robert did not appreciate the gift from his brother:
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| I'm *not* a Little Hokie. |
10 Years Ago Today: El Fuego
Ten years ago, I was living and working in Atlanta. I was at the office on a Friday afternoon, and I got a call from a friend who said a building in the complex where I lived was on fire. She had seen it on the news.
I called the apartment office and found out it was MY apartment building. It was the end of the day, and I had to endure Friday rush hour traffic before I could get there. All I could really think about was my two kitties, Marianne and Sophie.
When I got to the apartment, it was a bit worse than the worst case. I lost everything I owned. The most devastating part, by far, was the loss of my cats.
I often think about them: Sophie, beautiful and fluffy, who rolled over to have her fat belly rubbed and always want to be in the room with me...at a slight distance. She would occasionally sit in my lap, but if I moved too much -she would be gone. Marianne demanded attention. She would travel under the covers to my feet and curl up there. She was not a particularly pretty cat (with a tail as skinny as a pencil), but she thought she was a show cat.
The loss of the "stuff" wasn't as hard. (Photos and artwork were the only things I truly missed.) It helped that I had renter's insurance. If memory serves, I may have been the only person in the building who did. It was overwhelming to start re-assembling a household. I can remember walking into a mall and thinking, "Where do I start? I need EVERYTHING." For once in my life, I did not enjoy shopping.
What sticks out in my mind was how kind and giving people were to me after the fire. My then boyfriend, his family, my family, my friends, co-workers, my employer, neighbors, strangers, the Red Cross... There was an incredible outpouring of generosity and support, and on this anniversary, I most remember that kindness.
I called the apartment office and found out it was MY apartment building. It was the end of the day, and I had to endure Friday rush hour traffic before I could get there. All I could really think about was my two kitties, Marianne and Sophie.
When I got to the apartment, it was a bit worse than the worst case. I lost everything I owned. The most devastating part, by far, was the loss of my cats.
I often think about them: Sophie, beautiful and fluffy, who rolled over to have her fat belly rubbed and always want to be in the room with me...at a slight distance. She would occasionally sit in my lap, but if I moved too much -she would be gone. Marianne demanded attention. She would travel under the covers to my feet and curl up there. She was not a particularly pretty cat (with a tail as skinny as a pencil), but she thought she was a show cat.
The loss of the "stuff" wasn't as hard. (Photos and artwork were the only things I truly missed.) It helped that I had renter's insurance. If memory serves, I may have been the only person in the building who did. It was overwhelming to start re-assembling a household. I can remember walking into a mall and thinking, "Where do I start? I need EVERYTHING." For once in my life, I did not enjoy shopping.
What sticks out in my mind was how kind and giving people were to me after the fire. My then boyfriend, his family, my family, my friends, co-workers, my employer, neighbors, strangers, the Red Cross... There was an incredible outpouring of generosity and support, and on this anniversary, I most remember that kindness.
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Friday, February 15, 2008
A Wonderful Day
On a Saturday with better than average February weather, Oma, Opa, R, and I headed to the park with Julia and Jake. It was a simple outing, but it was such fun.
The athlete in action.
Hurling the ball for Jake.
The happy spectators.
Jake will fetch until he drops.
The end.
The athlete in action.
Hurling the ball for Jake.
The happy spectators.
Jake will fetch until he drops.
The end.
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
First Solid Food
Little Miss tried her first rice cereal today. She didn't dislike it; she was mostly just a bit confused by it. I don't know how much actually ended up going down the pipes, because she had most of it on her chin.
I was going to wait until she was 6 months old, but she's got some of the signs that it is time to start solids - she's seemed interested in our food and she seems very hungry lately.
We'll start out slowly, as recommended by the doctor. One tablespoon of rice cereal today and two tablespoons tomorrow. On Friday, we'll try for three tablespoons. If all goes well, then we can introduce some other grains.
I was going to wait until she was 6 months old, but she's got some of the signs that it is time to start solids - she's seemed interested in our food and she seems very hungry lately.
We'll start out slowly, as recommended by the doctor. One tablespoon of rice cereal today and two tablespoons tomorrow. On Friday, we'll try for three tablespoons. If all goes well, then we can introduce some other grains.
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Fashionista File: Funky Pants
I bought these pants for Julia for the warm weather of the Spring. I had no idea she'd wear them in February.
She likes the pattern:
She likes the pattern:
Wednesday, February 06, 2008
Hold on tight to your feet.
Just when Julia thought her feet couldn't be more fun, she found out she could put them in her mouth. Over the weekend, Robert exclaimed that she had all five toes in her mouth at once. Lately, if she needs something with which to play, I'll just take off her socks. What fun!
She will often fall asleep holding a toy. Today, that toy happened to be a foot:
She will often fall asleep holding a toy. Today, that toy happened to be a foot:
Tuesday, February 05, 2008
Babybook: Rolling Over
Little Miss is on the move now. She has officially rolled over (from back to tummy.) I didn't see it, but two nights in the last week, I put her to sleep on her back and found her on her tummy in the morning. It's fun to go in every morning and see where in the crib I'll find the baby. We're definitely moving out of the "stays where we put her" stage.
For the last few weeks, she has been extremely "kicky" in the crib. We didn't put bumpers in her crib, based on recommendations regarding SIDS. I have found her with her feet tangled in the slats of the crib enough times to think about reconsidering that decision.
Julia enjoys kicking the slats of the crib and mattress. She doesn't seem to be angry or upset when she's kicking; she seems to find it fun. Her latest move is to kick the mattress with both feet in unison. It is especially amusing when she is wearing a sleep sack, as the whole bottom half of her little body pounds the mattress. It reminds me of a WWF wrestling move.
I'm amused and delighted, as usual.
For the last few weeks, she has been extremely "kicky" in the crib. We didn't put bumpers in her crib, based on recommendations regarding SIDS. I have found her with her feet tangled in the slats of the crib enough times to think about reconsidering that decision.
Julia enjoys kicking the slats of the crib and mattress. She doesn't seem to be angry or upset when she's kicking; she seems to find it fun. Her latest move is to kick the mattress with both feet in unison. It is especially amusing when she is wearing a sleep sack, as the whole bottom half of her little body pounds the mattress. It reminds me of a WWF wrestling move.
I'm amused and delighted, as usual.
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