![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
SIngle Parents?
Jun. 16th, 2007 09:38 amHow do they do it? I feel like I'm swimming up a stream of molasses.
Under-where?
Jun. 14th, 2007 06:55 pmAnyone know where to find toddler-sized underwear? Hanna has some but it seems a bit expensive for every day and everyone else's smallest size seems to be about 3T. (I, well, Ellie needs something more like 24 months or maybe 2T.)
(no subject)
Jun. 8th, 2007 06:05 amJoe is at Ft. Lewis right now, which is south of Seattle. He's been telling me how beautiful it is - pine trees, Mt. Ranier, cool weather, crisp air, and it's making me really long for the Northwest. I keep trying to remind myself that a) one year I lived there it rained 93 days in a row and b) one summer I lived there I could not wear shorts once on a weekend. But I miss the cool weather so much and I actually even miss the rain. I'm so ready to leave PR and would absolutely love to go to Ft. Lewis. Of course, if we go there now, it means almost immediate deployment to Iraq for 15 months due to his skills, experience, current time away from the war, and general lack of personnel. So, we stay for now, but I sure do miss that area.
ION, I spent $101 at Hanna Andersson yesterday. In my defense, they had a sale! Everything I got was 50% off, except some training pants for Ellie. I figured I worked overtime a few weeks ago and got extra money for that, plus it's her birthday. And I wanted to try the training pants. Yesterday, Ellie used the little potty we have for her 5 times. She's definitely interested in it. They are going to move her to the 2+ room at daycare on June 18th. Since they support potty training there, I'm doing what I can to support her current interest. (Of course, if she loses interest, so will I. I definitely don't want to push her.)
ION, I spent $101 at Hanna Andersson yesterday. In my defense, they had a sale! Everything I got was 50% off, except some training pants for Ellie. I figured I worked overtime a few weeks ago and got extra money for that, plus it's her birthday. And I wanted to try the training pants. Yesterday, Ellie used the little potty we have for her 5 times. She's definitely interested in it. They are going to move her to the 2+ room at daycare on June 18th. Since they support potty training there, I'm doing what I can to support her current interest. (Of course, if she loses interest, so will I. I definitely don't want to push her.)
Answered Prayers (sort of)
Jun. 4th, 2007 12:23 pmMy class this summer has been cancelled. No idea why, but i'm not asking or complaining. It's been rescheduled for September 6 until October 25. The two months' reprieve seems like a godsend and I feel like I have a bit more time now to find options. Joe already mentioned taking some time off to come stay with me. That would be cool, although I know he wouldn't stay for two months.
Hopefully Ellie is having a good birthday. They were having a water activity at daycare this morning and then, since my last-hour-of-the-day request was denied, they will take Ellie her cupcakes and little presents for the class around 3. My mom is going to make spaghetti and ice cream pie for Ellie for dinner. (Both are big favorites.)
Our Weekend
May. 27th, 2007 10:31 pmToday has been a great day. Days that are so all around great don’t happen often, so I want to remember this one.
First, we went to church this morning. We just happened to sing one of my favorite songs – it is about praising God during the good and bad in life and recognizing that he gives and takes away and that we should (can?) worship him in the good and the bad. I was holding Ellie and singing and we got to this part about “he gives and takes away” and suddenly I thought about my babies, particularly the two I never had. 33% is a pretty crappy success rate, even if I do know others with worse. But then my mind turned to the 33% I was holding in my arms and I instantly had tears rolling down my cheeks. Because I love her that much. As much as the others were taken from me, she was given to me. She is an amazing gift and if she’s the only baby I ever have, it will be enough. It just felt like the song went straight to me.
We came home and napped (yay!) and I have to say there is nothing quite as wonderful as laying in bed with your peacefully sleeping baby, husband and two dogs.
Then, we got up, took Ellie to my friend’s house, and we went to see Pirates of the Caribbean. It was so good – funny in lots of ways. Joe and I both agreed it was better than either of the other two. I don’t feel like cut-tagging so I’ll leave it at that, but it was a ton of fun.
We went back to my friend’s house and had homemade pizza and apple cobbler with her and her husband while the two little girls played. Great company, great food, and great drinks ( strawberry margaritas and port, but not together). Ellie gets along so well with their daughter who is about 6 months older. We swap babysitting every few weeks and it’s always fun to have their daughter over. It’s so nice to know that Ellie is having fun and being cared for in a way that makes me comfortable.
So, in all, it was a great day. Last night, Joe and I went to his ROTC end of year ball, which was fantastic. And Ellie fell asleep for the babysitter which was a first and therefore fantastic too.
Tomorrow, the family from tonight is coming over for a very American barbecue – hamburgers, hot dogs, and ribs. It’s my way of making it seem like Memorial Day. Plus all of us are taking off for different parts of the world in a few weeks (Joe leaves first on Friday for 6 week but I won’t see him until the end of August because I’m going to training in Georgia after July 4th, although he may come visit me there for a few days) so this is our last chance for the four of us to hang out until September.
First, we went to church this morning. We just happened to sing one of my favorite songs – it is about praising God during the good and bad in life and recognizing that he gives and takes away and that we should (can?) worship him in the good and the bad. I was holding Ellie and singing and we got to this part about “he gives and takes away” and suddenly I thought about my babies, particularly the two I never had. 33% is a pretty crappy success rate, even if I do know others with worse. But then my mind turned to the 33% I was holding in my arms and I instantly had tears rolling down my cheeks. Because I love her that much. As much as the others were taken from me, she was given to me. She is an amazing gift and if she’s the only baby I ever have, it will be enough. It just felt like the song went straight to me.
We came home and napped (yay!) and I have to say there is nothing quite as wonderful as laying in bed with your peacefully sleeping baby, husband and two dogs.
Then, we got up, took Ellie to my friend’s house, and we went to see Pirates of the Caribbean. It was so good – funny in lots of ways. Joe and I both agreed it was better than either of the other two. I don’t feel like cut-tagging so I’ll leave it at that, but it was a ton of fun.
We went back to my friend’s house and had homemade pizza and apple cobbler with her and her husband while the two little girls played. Great company, great food, and great drinks ( strawberry margaritas and port, but not together). Ellie gets along so well with their daughter who is about 6 months older. We swap babysitting every few weeks and it’s always fun to have their daughter over. It’s so nice to know that Ellie is having fun and being cared for in a way that makes me comfortable.
So, in all, it was a great day. Last night, Joe and I went to his ROTC end of year ball, which was fantastic. And Ellie fell asleep for the babysitter which was a first and therefore fantastic too.
Tomorrow, the family from tonight is coming over for a very American barbecue – hamburgers, hot dogs, and ribs. It’s my way of making it seem like Memorial Day. Plus all of us are taking off for different parts of the world in a few weeks (Joe leaves first on Friday for 6 week but I won’t see him until the end of August because I’m going to training in Georgia after July 4th, although he may come visit me there for a few days) so this is our last chance for the four of us to hang out until September.
Miami and Memorial Day
May. 25th, 2007 03:39 pmIt's pouring rain outside. I love it when it rains here. It's (relatively) cool and it rains really hard with great thunder and lightening. Unfortunately, the power also tends to go out, but that's not all that often.
I've been thinking a lot about how it doesn't seem like Memorial Day weekend. It's not really anything more than a government holiday here - sort of like Columbus Day - a day off but not much else. There's no tradition of summer cookouts, military rememberances, and super sales. It's also not really the beginning of summer. It's hotter than last month, but it's always summer here. I'm not in school so there's no sense of the year ending. I'm not complaining, just noticing how things are different. On May 31st, it will have been one year since we left NC.
We may have some friends over Monday afternoon. Hopefully we will grill and hang out in the pool. That should make it feel like Memorial Day.
ION, Ellie and I had a great time in Miami. Ellie was great on the flight there, sleeping part of the time and then eating and watching Little Einsteins on my laptop. (I'll put with with tiny fingerprints to keep her happy on the plane.) I had a nice drive up to Jupiter (I got to go 80! and listen to NPR!). I went shopping with Joe's mom and she bought me some nice work clothes. I love TJ Maxx so much and I actually found pants long enough for me. Ellie and I then collapsed at home.
I hit the road back to Miami at 5:30am the next day, after stopping at the drive-through Starbucks. I listened to NPR again the whole way. My training, the reason why I went, was actually informative. I was familiar with the topic, employment based residency petitions, but it gave me some in depth knowledge I didn't have before. Joe's mom said she and Ellie had a great time together and Ellie was smiling and laughing when I picked her up.
I think the highlight of the trip for Ellie was the bus ride from the rental car lot to the airport. She couldn't stop smiling and pointing to all the other buses and talking about them. I guess the plane was old news (although she was also very interested in the planes), but this was her first time on a bus.
We had three empty seats next to us on the plane. I felt so blessed by that. Ellie was able to stretch out and sleep towards the end of the flight. She spent the rest of the time snacking and watching the Einsteins again. It was such an easy flight. I picked up my luggage (all the stuff we bougth the night before wouldn't fit in my little carryon) and we arrived home around 11pm. In all, it was a great little trip.
I've been thinking a lot about how it doesn't seem like Memorial Day weekend. It's not really anything more than a government holiday here - sort of like Columbus Day - a day off but not much else. There's no tradition of summer cookouts, military rememberances, and super sales. It's also not really the beginning of summer. It's hotter than last month, but it's always summer here. I'm not in school so there's no sense of the year ending. I'm not complaining, just noticing how things are different. On May 31st, it will have been one year since we left NC.
We may have some friends over Monday afternoon. Hopefully we will grill and hang out in the pool. That should make it feel like Memorial Day.
ION, Ellie and I had a great time in Miami. Ellie was great on the flight there, sleeping part of the time and then eating and watching Little Einsteins on my laptop. (I'll put with with tiny fingerprints to keep her happy on the plane.) I had a nice drive up to Jupiter (I got to go 80! and listen to NPR!). I went shopping with Joe's mom and she bought me some nice work clothes. I love TJ Maxx so much and I actually found pants long enough for me. Ellie and I then collapsed at home.
I hit the road back to Miami at 5:30am the next day, after stopping at the drive-through Starbucks. I listened to NPR again the whole way. My training, the reason why I went, was actually informative. I was familiar with the topic, employment based residency petitions, but it gave me some in depth knowledge I didn't have before. Joe's mom said she and Ellie had a great time together and Ellie was smiling and laughing when I picked her up.
I think the highlight of the trip for Ellie was the bus ride from the rental car lot to the airport. She couldn't stop smiling and pointing to all the other buses and talking about them. I guess the plane was old news (although she was also very interested in the planes), but this was her first time on a bus.
We had three empty seats next to us on the plane. I felt so blessed by that. Ellie was able to stretch out and sleep towards the end of the flight. She spent the rest of the time snacking and watching the Einsteins again. It was such an easy flight. I picked up my luggage (all the stuff we bougth the night before wouldn't fit in my little carryon) and we arrived home around 11pm. In all, it was a great little trip.
The Weekend
May. 14th, 2007 07:56 am[x-post with Ellie's blog]
So, despite a rough beginning, the week ended really well. On Thursday afternoon, Ellie and I made brownies for her daycare teachers as part of a Teacher Appreciation lunch they were having. Ellie and I had lots of fun making the brownies and licking the bowl afterwards. Friday, after work, we made brownies again since the entire first batch had gone to the teachers.
Saturday, Joe and I decided that we were tired of spending our weekends working around the house, so we got up early and decided to head to the southwest corner of the island. On our way, we stopped at a car wash fundraiser Joe’s cadets were having and then we headed to camp Santiago to get gas, drinks, and let Ellie play on the military planes and Jeeps they have there. After that, we headed back in the car, drove for a while, and then got lost. The southwest corner of Puerto Rico is almost like a savannah – hot and dry. Good ranch lands, I guess, but pretty empty. Since we had the dogs with us, we couldn’t enjoy the beautiful state park beach we saw, but we headed off on a pretty rough dirt road that led us right next to this beautiful beach. The only bad part was that there were weeds in the water. We found a clear spot and spent some time just enjoying the water. I found all sorts of huge shells and large pieces of coral. I found an entire conch shell about five inches long. The dogs had a great time swimming in the water. Unfortunately, Ellie had not slept much in the car so she was pretty tired. And it was incredibly hot. We all piled back into the car and once we had cooled off some, changed into dry clothes. We then drove down to another cool looking town with a beach and then headed to the very tip of Puerto Rico. It was sort of disappointing – mostly salt marsh. So, we headed back north and up and around the island towards home. In the end, it was a nice day away from the house.
On Sunday morning, Joe went downstairs to make breakfast, I lay in bed next Ellie, who was still sleeping, and read for about an hour. While I was there, I couldn’t help but think that this was the perfect Mother’s Day – reading in bed next to my sleeping baby. We eventually got up, had a great breakfast (pancakes with fresh blueberries), and went to church. We then came home, did a little bit of housework, and then went for a swim in the pool. After that, we all went out front to wash the cars. Ellie had a good time with the hose. She was in charge of rinsing the wheels, although she needed a fair amount of assistance and supervision. It was a good day and a fun weekend.
In Ellie news, her new favorite activity is to walk the dogs. Or dog really. She does not like to ride in her stroller for walks anymore and instead likes to walk Sebastian. If I try to help her, she is very insistent in her “no, no, Mommy”. I insist on holding her and the leash when cars go by or if we see other dogs/cats, but mostly, Ellie does a good job of walking behind Sebastian holding on to the leash. She probably trips about once per walk but she gets up right away, determined to keep going.
So, despite a rough beginning, the week ended really well. On Thursday afternoon, Ellie and I made brownies for her daycare teachers as part of a Teacher Appreciation lunch they were having. Ellie and I had lots of fun making the brownies and licking the bowl afterwards. Friday, after work, we made brownies again since the entire first batch had gone to the teachers.
Saturday, Joe and I decided that we were tired of spending our weekends working around the house, so we got up early and decided to head to the southwest corner of the island. On our way, we stopped at a car wash fundraiser Joe’s cadets were having and then we headed to camp Santiago to get gas, drinks, and let Ellie play on the military planes and Jeeps they have there. After that, we headed back in the car, drove for a while, and then got lost. The southwest corner of Puerto Rico is almost like a savannah – hot and dry. Good ranch lands, I guess, but pretty empty. Since we had the dogs with us, we couldn’t enjoy the beautiful state park beach we saw, but we headed off on a pretty rough dirt road that led us right next to this beautiful beach. The only bad part was that there were weeds in the water. We found a clear spot and spent some time just enjoying the water. I found all sorts of huge shells and large pieces of coral. I found an entire conch shell about five inches long. The dogs had a great time swimming in the water. Unfortunately, Ellie had not slept much in the car so she was pretty tired. And it was incredibly hot. We all piled back into the car and once we had cooled off some, changed into dry clothes. We then drove down to another cool looking town with a beach and then headed to the very tip of Puerto Rico. It was sort of disappointing – mostly salt marsh. So, we headed back north and up and around the island towards home. In the end, it was a nice day away from the house.
On Sunday morning, Joe went downstairs to make breakfast, I lay in bed next Ellie, who was still sleeping, and read for about an hour. While I was there, I couldn’t help but think that this was the perfect Mother’s Day – reading in bed next to my sleeping baby. We eventually got up, had a great breakfast (pancakes with fresh blueberries), and went to church. We then came home, did a little bit of housework, and then went for a swim in the pool. After that, we all went out front to wash the cars. Ellie had a good time with the hose. She was in charge of rinsing the wheels, although she needed a fair amount of assistance and supervision. It was a good day and a fun weekend.
In Ellie news, her new favorite activity is to walk the dogs. Or dog really. She does not like to ride in her stroller for walks anymore and instead likes to walk Sebastian. If I try to help her, she is very insistent in her “no, no, Mommy”. I insist on holding her and the leash when cars go by or if we see other dogs/cats, but mostly, Ellie does a good job of walking behind Sebastian holding on to the leash. She probably trips about once per walk but she gets up right away, determined to keep going.
Quick Update
Apr. 24th, 2007 09:12 am1. I start my new job next Monday. It's in the same section as where I am now, but I think I have to change offices. I'm excited about more money. I'm stressed about having to interview people in Spanish. I keep trying to convince them to just let me write denials or only to do citizenship interviews (mostly all are in English) but it hasn't worked yet.
2. I'm very tired and hungry. I feel like I've been dragging a bit since our trip to DC. Probably just need a quiet weekend, except that I have to work on Saturday.
3. Ellie fell and bumped her head pretty bad on Sunday night. Her bruise isn't a bump anymore but it looks so purple. Thankfully, she's unaware of it. Her newest trick is to go "ooo" in a mock whistle when we whistle to her. It's extra cute because she knows we are going to laugh and she can hardly keep her lips in the little o shape long enough to make any noise.
4. My friend (who was working here for 90 days) leaves on Monday. I'm sad about that - I have had exactly four friends since I got here and she's the third one to move to DC.
5. A bus almost ran me off the road on Saturday. Typical driving for here. However, we were on a steep hill and it was raining. When I started moving forward again, my car slipped off the road a bit and scraped against the guard rail. Yay guard rail, but I'm mad about the scratch on my car.
2. I'm very tired and hungry. I feel like I've been dragging a bit since our trip to DC. Probably just need a quiet weekend, except that I have to work on Saturday.
3. Ellie fell and bumped her head pretty bad on Sunday night. Her bruise isn't a bump anymore but it looks so purple. Thankfully, she's unaware of it. Her newest trick is to go "ooo" in a mock whistle when we whistle to her. It's extra cute because she knows we are going to laugh and she can hardly keep her lips in the little o shape long enough to make any noise.
4. My friend (who was working here for 90 days) leaves on Monday. I'm sad about that - I have had exactly four friends since I got here and she's the third one to move to DC.
5. A bus almost ran me off the road on Saturday. Typical driving for here. However, we were on a steep hill and it was raining. When I started moving forward again, my car slipped off the road a bit and scraped against the guard rail. Yay guard rail, but I'm mad about the scratch on my car.
A Good Day
Jun. 7th, 2006 08:41 pm[cross-post with Ellie's blog]
First things first - we are moving out of the hotel tomorrow and back to Ft. Buchanan. We aren't guaranteed to be there more than a night, but the lady seems confident that if we check we will be able to stay. Unfortunately, there is no internet there so I'm not sure when I'll be able to post again.
So, today was a good day. Joe stayed home this morning and we all went to the pool for a bit. Then Ellie napped until she was woken up by the incredibly loud drilling noise on the floor above us. (Oh, we're sorry. They should have told you about that when you checked in. We could move you to another room if you like?) Anyway, we then left for Buchanan so Joe could finish some things (like working out how we get reimbursed for ten days here).
After the disaster of last night's dinner, I politely declined a nice invitation to hang out with some of the women on post (which I will hopefully be able to do next month) and we all went to the Mall of the Americas. I know - sort of lame if you are a tourist, but what we wanted right now was normal and the mall seemed normal. I got Ellie two cute swimsuits that actually fit her at Old Navy (size 3-6 months) and we went to Zara. I'm sure I've never mentioned Zara here before but it's my favorite store ever. They had one in Rio and we used to shop there all the time. We got Ellie some cute pajamas since the ones I have with me are getting small (size 9-12 months. She's small but not a dwarf. I have no idea why the swim suits are so big on her.) Then we had baked potatoes at the food court, grand total - $10. A little more reasonable than last night and way more enjoyable.
After dinner, we put Ellie in the car and drive through Old San Juan. It was so neat - very colonial looking. I am now more impressed with the city as a whole. It reminded me of Parati, in Brazil - lots of narrow streets and pastel colors. Joe tells me that the best way to get there from Buchanan is to park on our side and take a 50 cent ferry. I plan on exploring with Ellie at some point. On our way back we stopped at McDonald's and got a sundae. In all, it was a nice afternoon/evening and exactly what we all needed.
First things first - we are moving out of the hotel tomorrow and back to Ft. Buchanan. We aren't guaranteed to be there more than a night, but the lady seems confident that if we check we will be able to stay. Unfortunately, there is no internet there so I'm not sure when I'll be able to post again.
So, today was a good day. Joe stayed home this morning and we all went to the pool for a bit. Then Ellie napped until she was woken up by the incredibly loud drilling noise on the floor above us. (Oh, we're sorry. They should have told you about that when you checked in. We could move you to another room if you like?) Anyway, we then left for Buchanan so Joe could finish some things (like working out how we get reimbursed for ten days here).
After the disaster of last night's dinner, I politely declined a nice invitation to hang out with some of the women on post (which I will hopefully be able to do next month) and we all went to the Mall of the Americas. I know - sort of lame if you are a tourist, but what we wanted right now was normal and the mall seemed normal. I got Ellie two cute swimsuits that actually fit her at Old Navy (size 3-6 months) and we went to Zara. I'm sure I've never mentioned Zara here before but it's my favorite store ever. They had one in Rio and we used to shop there all the time. We got Ellie some cute pajamas since the ones I have with me are getting small (size 9-12 months. She's small but not a dwarf. I have no idea why the swim suits are so big on her.) Then we had baked potatoes at the food court, grand total - $10. A little more reasonable than last night and way more enjoyable.
After dinner, we put Ellie in the car and drive through Old San Juan. It was so neat - very colonial looking. I am now more impressed with the city as a whole. It reminded me of Parati, in Brazil - lots of narrow streets and pastel colors. Joe tells me that the best way to get there from Buchanan is to park on our side and take a 50 cent ferry. I plan on exploring with Ellie at some point. On our way back we stopped at McDonald's and got a sundae. In all, it was a nice afternoon/evening and exactly what we all needed.
Anniversary
May. 7th, 2006 07:05 amYesterday was our 6th anniversary. We have spent them in Rio de Janeiro, Buenos Aires, Colorado/Iraq, Georgia/Colorado, North Carolina/Iraq, and then together in Sanford. Very international. Anyway, we had a nice day. We went to a 6 year-old's birthday party in the morning with Ellie. Lots of stimulation for an almost-one year old, but she seemed to have fun. Then last night we left her with friends and went to walk around downtown Fayetteville. We had dinner at Pierro's. My food was good. Joe's chicken marinara was tough, but he sent it back and they were very gracious. At dinner we discussed our future - a vacation in the Amazon with my family (hopefully), another baby (but not before the Amazon, hopefully), and where we want to go after Puerto Rico. It would not be good career-wise for me, but we both would be willing to stick around the Army a few more years if it meant we could live in Europe during that time. So, we will see. Dinner was a lot of fun and I only worried about Ellie a tiny bit. It was so relaxing to sit and talk and just focus on the conversation. We got coffee next door when we were done and then walked back to the car. Ellie did okay with my friends - I guess she was sort of unhappy the last hour, definitely missing mom, but they enjoyed watching her, so I guess it was okay.
Today, I'm headed off to the picnic my doula has every year. I went last year - 34 weeks pregnant. It will be fun to see everyone again - lots of babies! Joe is headed to Norfolk today for a 10 day class to get him ready for his next job. Ellie and i will be going to New Mexico to see my parents on Tuesday.
Today, I'm headed off to the picnic my doula has every year. I went last year - 34 weeks pregnant. It will be fun to see everyone again - lots of babies! Joe is headed to Norfolk today for a 10 day class to get him ready for his next job. Ellie and i will be going to New Mexico to see my parents on Tuesday.
Random Stuff
May. 4th, 2006 10:00 amEllie is 11 months old today. It's hard for me to believe. I was looking through my LJ archive this morning - last year at this time I was posting about how lonely I was feeling but how I was trying to appreciate it because very soon I would never be alone again. I bet I have been alone maybe an hour since Ellie was born. I've left her for periods of time, but always because I was doing something else.
Our realtor told me that someone almost made an offer on our house last week and still possibly could. Not in a "we expect it to happen way" but still, it was encouraging to me.
Turns out the movers are coming tomorrow for the small batch of stuff. I have almost everything piled in the guest room. Also, I think I have the dog's flight stuff worked out with American Airlines. Toby is too heavy for their priority service but I think the only downside to that is that we have to drop them off at the Cargo terminal (where ever that is) and not the regular ticket counter.
Our realtor told me that someone almost made an offer on our house last week and still possibly could. Not in a "we expect it to happen way" but still, it was encouraging to me.
Turns out the movers are coming tomorrow for the small batch of stuff. I have almost everything piled in the guest room. Also, I think I have the dog's flight stuff worked out with American Airlines. Toby is too heavy for their priority service but I think the only downside to that is that we have to drop them off at the Cargo terminal (where ever that is) and not the regular ticket counter.
Elie and I went for a great run this morning. It was great for two reasons. First, I almost turned back after the first five minutes. I was cold, too bundled up, it was windy, and Ellie was crying. But, I decided to do just one more hole (we run on a golf course) and by the time I got midway through that one, I felt energized. I think it was because I had loaded great new music on my iPod. This led to the second reason I felt so great - I ran up all the small and medium hills and about 75% up the really long hills. I don't know where the energy came from but I felt good this morning.
I made Ellie more pears last night. Washed them, sliced them, threw out the cores, blended them, and poured them in the ice cube trays. We are also all out of peaches so I guess I need to get some of them at the store today. I still have apples in the freezer, but Ellie hates my apples.
I made Ellie more pears last night. Washed them, sliced them, threw out the cores, blended them, and poured them in the ice cube trays. We are also all out of peaches so I guess I need to get some of them at the store today. I still have apples in the freezer, but Ellie hates my apples.
Baby Vampire
Sep. 20th, 2005 07:26 amEllie (15 weeks) has two little points that have poked through her gums. She is drooling accordingly. I think her middle teeth will come through soon, but for now, she is a baby vamp.
Virtual Baby Book
Sep. 5th, 2005 08:45 pmA few things to write in the babybook when I get home:
Sep 1, 05 - Ellie laughs for the first time. Extremely cute!
Sep 3, 05 - Ellie starts grabbing for stuff, like my plate while I am eating dinner. She is also making lots of oo and ahh sounds and will change her sound to mimic yours.
eta: I just finished going back and tagging all my Ellie entries. I just roll my eyes at myself those first few weeks of her life. I was trying so hard to sound organized, in control, on top of things. Reading my entries, it sounds like there was this grand plan to cope with a tiny baby. What a crock! I was hanging on by the skin of my teeth and felt like I was just seconds from drowning almost every night. Nights were the worst - it was *so* depressing to see everyone else head off to bed and know that I had a sleep-deprived night ahead of me. Those first 3-4 weeks were *so hard*. I think the turning point was when I finally started sleeping with her in the recliner and then letting her sleep with me in my bed.
Sep 1, 05 - Ellie laughs for the first time. Extremely cute!
Sep 3, 05 - Ellie starts grabbing for stuff, like my plate while I am eating dinner. She is also making lots of oo and ahh sounds and will change her sound to mimic yours.
eta: I just finished going back and tagging all my Ellie entries. I just roll my eyes at myself those first few weeks of her life. I was trying so hard to sound organized, in control, on top of things. Reading my entries, it sounds like there was this grand plan to cope with a tiny baby. What a crock! I was hanging on by the skin of my teeth and felt like I was just seconds from drowning almost every night. Nights were the worst - it was *so* depressing to see everyone else head off to bed and know that I had a sleep-deprived night ahead of me. Those first 3-4 weeks were *so hard*. I think the turning point was when I finally started sleeping with her in the recliner and then letting her sleep with me in my bed.
Life Update
Aug. 26th, 2005 03:53 pmLately, it seems I'm just posting in great big chunks.
( What's been going on )
Lastly, since I left Ellie's baby book at home, here are her numbers from her most recent doctor's visit. We went on Aug 25. She weighed 11 lbs and is now 23.5 inches longs. She's in the 25th percentile for weight and 50th percentile for height. She got 3 shots. She cried a little for the first shot and a lot for the second and third. I was rather proud of myself for not crying since I felt pretty bad. But, as with everything else in her life right now, the breast solves all problems. She didn't have any sort of bad reaction/fever, although she slept a lot yesterday afternoon and last night.
( What's been going on )
Lastly, since I left Ellie's baby book at home, here are her numbers from her most recent doctor's visit. We went on Aug 25. She weighed 11 lbs and is now 23.5 inches longs. She's in the 25th percentile for weight and 50th percentile for height. She got 3 shots. She cried a little for the first shot and a lot for the second and third. I was rather proud of myself for not crying since I felt pretty bad. But, as with everything else in her life right now, the breast solves all problems. She didn't have any sort of bad reaction/fever, although she slept a lot yesterday afternoon and last night.
On a totally different note...
Aug. 10th, 2005 09:38 am...some happy stuff.
Ellie is now smiling consistently. I suppose her first smile was somewhere around July 25th or so, but by August 1st she was smiling most of the when you smile at her. It really truly melts my heart every time.
She is also getting close to rolling over. She can get about 3/4 of the way over now, but she always gets hung up on that arm underneath.
We finally have the hang of side-lying nursing and it's pain free. Ellie has been sleeping next to me at night and nursing her this way is so easy. Now I get what everyone was talking about. She has also been waking only once at night. All this has combined to make me feel so much better in general. I wake up now to this snuggly little baby curled up against me. Usually I wake up before she does. When I move, this squirmy little body curls up to get closer to me. More melting occurs.
Ellie is now smiling consistently. I suppose her first smile was somewhere around July 25th or so, but by August 1st she was smiling most of the when you smile at her. It really truly melts my heart every time.
She is also getting close to rolling over. She can get about 3/4 of the way over now, but she always gets hung up on that arm underneath.
We finally have the hang of side-lying nursing and it's pain free. Ellie has been sleeping next to me at night and nursing her this way is so easy. Now I get what everyone was talking about. She has also been waking only once at night. All this has combined to make me feel so much better in general. I wake up now to this snuggly little baby curled up against me. Usually I wake up before she does. When I move, this squirmy little body curls up to get closer to me. More melting occurs.
NC Bar is over
Jul. 27th, 2005 10:14 pmI am done. I feel as if I am done with the planned part of my life. For the last 3 years, I knew I had to take the bar exam. For the last 10 months, I've been planning Ellie's birth. Now that both are over, I feel as if my life is a wide-open. Of course, Joe will be home in October - that's one reference point. But for the last 2 months I've been so focussed on just getting to tonight. I'm not sure what to do with myself. Right now I'm mostly dreaming of taking Ellie for walks somewhere where it isn't so freakin' hot. And maybe some shopping. If I start to lose weight, now that I won't be simply sitting and reading all day, maybe I will buy myself some new clothes. I don't think the old ones will fit, at least not the tops.
So Friday we are heading to Minnesota for my dad's heart surgery on the 4th. I'm so relieved we are leaving Friday and not tomorrow. Of course, my mom is exhausted too, so there's no way we could leave tomorrow, even if we wanted to.
I just have to say this so I can stop thinking it:
I really I hope I passed the test. I worked very hard and studied very hard. There was a lot of stuff I know I got right. But there was this one evidence question that I know I got wrong. I'm resisting looking up the other answers because it won't change my score any and I have no idea what happens if you answer wrong. It's possible to get a bunch of points, even if you have the law wrong, if you discussed the right stuff. So, I just have to wait. I should know by the end of August. I think that's when I'll really celebrate. For the moment, I'm just relaxing.
So Friday we are heading to Minnesota for my dad's heart surgery on the 4th. I'm so relieved we are leaving Friday and not tomorrow. Of course, my mom is exhausted too, so there's no way we could leave tomorrow, even if we wanted to.
I just have to say this so I can stop thinking it:
I really I hope I passed the test. I worked very hard and studied very hard. There was a lot of stuff I know I got right. But there was this one evidence question that I know I got wrong. I'm resisting looking up the other answers because it won't change my score any and I have no idea what happens if you answer wrong. It's possible to get a bunch of points, even if you have the law wrong, if you discussed the right stuff. So, I just have to wait. I should know by the end of August. I think that's when I'll really celebrate. For the moment, I'm just relaxing.
Ellie update
Jul. 6th, 2005 07:27 pmEllie had her one month appointment today. She is now 20.5 inches long (gained 1.5 inches) and weighs 8 lbs, 3 oz (a gain of 2 lbs, 5 oz since we got home).
I've added a few new pictures at the bottom of the page here.
I've added a few new pictures at the bottom of the page here.
