tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-349803792024-02-18T20:09:05.408-06:00Sojourning Strangerlydiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02886538347093284423noreply@blogger.comBlogger331125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34980379.post-7309467222877060712015-06-08T13:33:00.001-05:002015-06-08T13:33:13.290-05:0030 Weeks<br />
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I'm 30 weeks with Baby Girl #2! Thankfully, I am feeling really well and enjoying this part of the pregnancy. I am feeling better right now than I have the whole pregnancy. The whole pregnancy has been fairly smooth so far. <br />
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Evelyn is very excited for her Baby Sister and loves to talk about her. She has been with me to two check-ups and likes to hear her heartbeat. Sometimes she will lay her head on my stomach and say she can hear her. One day she even saw her through my belly button! ;) I think she has a pretty good understanding of what is going on, considering she's only two. One night we were getting ready for bed and she asked, "Mama, who put that baby in your tummy?" I was shocked! Just a few nights later, she asked if the baby is eating in my tummy and what she was eating. Evelyn is sure she is eating chicken nuggets and "mac-ee-roni and cheese!" She also wants to know if the baby can grow in her tummy for a while when she's done growing in my tummy. She is excited for the baby to be done growing and come live with us. She has plans to kiss her, hold her on the couch, give her a high five and tell her "I love you Baby Sister!" Most importantly, she is excited that Mum and Pop are coming when the baby is born! <br />
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My body definitely feels the affects of growing a baby and taking care of a VERY active two year old! I'm thankful for my chiropractor and look forward to my visits. Everything is looking great with the baby and I'm growing right on track. My most recent blood work came back better than normal for being pregnant, which is a huge blessing! <br />
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We are excited for summer to be here! I finished up baby-sitting last Friday and we have big plans for the Summer. We are starting off this week with potty training! Chris' family will be coming at the end of the week and we will be heading down to the Keys next week. After that, a friend from home is coming to visit, my sister is coming, we're staying several days at a resort in Orlando, a church meeting in July, and a few trips to Disney! We're also still hoping and praying we will be buying a home in the next few weeks. I know the weeks will fly by and it won't be long before we're enjoying our new sweet girl. <br />
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lydiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02886538347093284423noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34980379.post-62427004237343490102015-04-03T18:13:00.003-05:002015-04-04T09:24:11.709-05:00Evelyn is 2<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2 Years Old<br />Likes: Mickey Mouse, being outside, dolls, riding her bicycle, chocolate, singing, Walmart, medium rare steak, grits, tapirs<br />Dislikes: washing her hair, sleeping alone, going to the doctor, swimming</td></tr>
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Our sweet and lively girl turns 2 today. She has been so excited for her birthday and talking about it for several weeks. She has had her birthday plans made for a while. One night during her bath about a month or so ago, she decided she would "eat chocate cakes with Bobbie Jo, Jamie, and Audrey at a restaurant" for her birthday. This week we've been talking about her party at the park with her friends and chocolate cupcakes. She also informed us that she needed to go to the zoo to see the tapirs for her birthday. So that's what we'll do. <br />
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This has been a busy, fun, emotional, and exciting year. Evelyn made two trips to Illinois, two trips to Mississippi, a trip to Texas, and a trip to New York City this year. I am thankful for a good traveler (as long as she is thoroughly entertained) and for the excitement when it's time for a trip. Living away from all our family is very difficult, but I am thankful for opportunities to travel. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bike riding through Central Park</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New York City Skyline</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New York City - June 2014, Evelyn 14 months old</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thanksgiving in Illinois</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First experience with snow at Thanksgiving in Illinois - Evelyn 19 months old</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thanksgiving with Cousin Lily </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crouse Family at Christmas</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKttTCl7NxabGYxSt-7LE_eZYWSwI5ZNyGabUsG6TXkUmqIJzmemTLH8wppuxtMy_ZL3Py_iSn3hbxAAasjYXNoDNg565sTpmVZFPzTberXJgcQ17_TiUJCcQU7_N0cWOH4efXiA/s1600/IMG_6571.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKttTCl7NxabGYxSt-7LE_eZYWSwI5ZNyGabUsG6TXkUmqIJzmemTLH8wppuxtMy_ZL3Py_iSn3hbxAAasjYXNoDNg565sTpmVZFPzTberXJgcQ17_TiUJCcQU7_N0cWOH4efXiA/s1600/IMG_6571.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Christmas 2014 - Evelyn 20 months old</td></tr>
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She has developed a love for going to church and often asks if we're going each day. She is learning how to act during the worship service and some Sundays are better than others. In the past few months we've really been focusing on starting teaching her the discipline of worship and why she has to sit still and be quiet. We've been focusing on less toys and playtime during the worship service. I'll be honest, this is very difficult and I want to give up often. But, I remind myself of the importance and the long term implications. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All dressed for church - February 2015, Evelyn 22 months</td></tr>
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One of the big events from this year was our car accident and Evelyn's broken leg. I am still amazed at the mercy of God through that situation. She handled the 6 weeks in the cast like it wasn't a big deal and has no lasting problems. I show her pictures and videos of her time in the cast and she always asks "what happened to Evelyn?"<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7jNq2A31aTmw_5ehmwMzvPLWGpzqME9eepPrAMYGPPD0IWnn3iegy0BQ3wIpBt7T2SkV5erI-92gC_GgJ86fReJ7wC4MIyIpKC2o-RwmLVBSHvrTOG1gTFc_8WFkJLOo-bd9G3g/s1600/IMG_7678.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7jNq2A31aTmw_5ehmwMzvPLWGpzqME9eepPrAMYGPPD0IWnn3iegy0BQ3wIpBt7T2SkV5erI-92gC_GgJ86fReJ7wC4MIyIpKC2o-RwmLVBSHvrTOG1gTFc_8WFkJLOo-bd9G3g/s1600/IMG_7678.JPG" height="320" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Learning to crawl with her cast - August 2014, Evelyn 16 months old</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDagZY_y6niLdpf-HuYOze6QgguAAI-eaGkGJ4lQQlFhgiKolNtJAkzrXdsAD1neCAvw0__oBP_fGLxvEGH9uPBD5_nfyQ0r_3RHJ8FdOy1hoQ2JMH6WZbUMKbVRSnhLEsLyCChw/s1600/IMG_7682.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDagZY_y6niLdpf-HuYOze6QgguAAI-eaGkGJ4lQQlFhgiKolNtJAkzrXdsAD1neCAvw0__oBP_fGLxvEGH9uPBD5_nfyQ0r_3RHJ8FdOy1hoQ2JMH6WZbUMKbVRSnhLEsLyCChw/s1600/IMG_7682.JPG" height="320" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Last day of the cast!</td></tr>
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I am constantly amazed at Evelyn's thirst for knowledge and how she takes in EVERYTHING! She is a very fast learner (except when it comes to discipline) and has a memory like I've never seen. She will remember a person/toy/event months after the fact. When we were in Mississippi for Christmas, she enjoyed playing with a singing Rudolph. When we got to my grandparents' house for this last visit a few weeks ago, it took her about three minutes to look where the Rudolph was and ask what happened to it. She loves to ask names of people when we're out and about. If she learns a checkers' name at the grocery store, she will ask for that person by name the next time we're there. <br />
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I have a feeling she will keep us on our toes and be very challenging to keep engaged when we begin schooling. I'm looking forward to that time, but also a little nervous. She's not one to play with toys much, but loves practical life and learning activities. She loves to do puzzles, but gets bored once she's mastered them. She loves to read books and read to her dolls. Her baby dolls are one of her favorite toys. I believe she currently has 9 dolls, each with names, and she knows them all by name. It makes my heart happy to see her taking care of her dolls and role playing with them like I take care of her. She will repeat conversations that I've had with her. It is sweet to watch. It's also eye-opening to see how she views different scenarios. <br />
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On a skills level, she knows all her shapes and colors. She can sing her ABCs and can identify about half of the letters. She can rote count to about 15 and has recently been doing 1:1 correspondence with more consistency. She helped me prepare treat bags for her birthday party and when we finished, she pointed to each bag and counted 12 of them. She can also sort objects by color. She loves to look at seek and find books. She loves to sing and has recently started enjoying playing "Name that Tune." We will take turns humming a tune and naming what the other person has hummed. Her favorites (and ones she usually picks to hum) are "Twinkle Twinkle," "Mary Had a Little Lamb," and "Nothing but the Blood."<br />
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Evelyn is constantly busy, constantly moving, and constantly talking. She is curious about her surroundings and always has a lot of questions. She is very sensitive to feelings and gets concerned when someone is sad or sick. She loves to give hugs and kisses. I have no doubts she will be a loving and helpful big sister. <br />
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I am thankful for a wonderful year with my girl. I enjoyed recap the year with her before she went to bed last night. I reminded her of all the big events of the year. The days are long, but the years are short. It's a sweet time and I'm thankful for our sweet girl. She is a blessing from the Lord. <br />
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Happy Birthday, Evelyn!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">17 months old</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At the zoo with Mum - September 2014, Evelyn is 17 months old</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Visit with Pop - September 2014, Evelyn 17 months old</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Christmas - 20 months old</td></tr>
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lydiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02886538347093284423noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34980379.post-63808186446260317872015-03-27T10:32:00.001-05:002015-03-27T10:32:31.948-05:00Updates and Baby Number Two It's been brought to my attention by a couple of faithful readers that I've been negligent in my posting responsibilities. I do apologize. Life has been busy the past six months! Let me try to update you quickly...<br />
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After our car accident in August, Evelyn had a spica cast from her chest to her ankles for six weeks. She did so well during that time. I was thankful for my mom being able to be here to help out and mainly keep Evelyn entertained. Thanks be to God, she doesn't have any lasting difficulties from the break. She started walking the afternoon after her cast was removed and was back to 100% in two weeks. <br />
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During the time that Evelyn was in her cast, I started babysitting a little guy from church. He's now almost 10 months old. Evelyn loves having him here and playing with him. It has given me a good look into life with two kids. Some days are quite interesting!<br />
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We drove to Illinois for Thanksgiving. It was great to be with my family. Evelyn did very well on the LONG drive. Just a few weeks later, we drove to Mississippi and on to Texas for Christmas. Again, Evelyn was an amazing traveler. It was fun to be with Chris' family for Christmas and also be able to spend time with my grandparents in Mississippi. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Merry Christmas!</td></tr>
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2015 has been a whirlwind so far. In addition to still babysitting, we've started the process of finding a home to buy. We've been renting since we moved to Florida and we're ready to find a place of our own. The house shopping process isn't really something I enjoy. I'm not good at making decisions, especially when there are a lot of options. We currently have an offer in on a short sale house, so we're waiting patiently for word from the bank. <br />
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Evelyn is growing and learning faster than I can process. She will be 2 next week! She is very excited for her birthday and likes to tell everyone "I'm going to be 2. On April Terd. I have chocate cakes." She keeps us on our toes, keeps us laughing, and makes me just shake my head sometimes. I do believe she is a perfect combination of Chris and me. <br />
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The biggest news is we're expecting Baby Number 2 in August! We found out just before Christmas and had a lot of fun sharing the news with our family over Christmas. Evelyn is excited to be a big sister (well as much as she can process). We found out last week that Baby is a GIRL!!! Chris and I were both shocked to find out, but that's what Evelyn was asking for. <br />
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I'm currently 19 weeks and feeling pretty good. This pregnancy has been completely different, for so many reasons. Obviously, I have so much more going on in life than when I was pregnant with Evelyn. I'm not completely absorbed in the pregnancy. Honestly, I forgot I was pregnant for the first several weeks. The first trimester was pretty typical...extremely tired, a few weeks of all-day nausea, and noticing little changes in my body. The second trimester has brought a relief from the nausea, but the exhaustion continues. I have a new appreciation for my bed and bedtime. <br />
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I'm not promising weekly pregnancy updates like I did with Evelyn, but I will try to do better!<br />
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lydiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02886538347093284423noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34980379.post-29150027620784253532014-08-25T07:00:00.004-05:002014-08-25T07:00:54.923-05:00Sweet, sweet morningI'm enjoying a quiet morning, sipping my coffee and doing whatever I want. My girl is still in bed with Daddy and I hear the garbage truck outside. Today is the start of a new routine, a new "normal," a new challenge.<br /><br />I am a morning person by nature. I love to get up at sunrise and enjoy the quietness. Chris isn't a morning person and Evelyn isn't an early riser, so I've fallen into their patterns. But today, I'm starting a routine of getting up early and starting the day. This is mostly out of necessity, but also for my benefit. Next week, I start caring for a cute little guy in our home every day. He will be arriving at 7 each morning. If I get up and have my coffee and quiet time before little guy gets here, the morning will go much better! I'm excited for the new challenge. <br />
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What makes this morning extra special is that Evelyn has stayed asleep for an hour after I've gotten up. She is a light sleeper, especially as the morning grows, and she typically will wake up as soon as I attempt to get out of bed. But she is enjoying some sweet sleep next to Daddy. Happiness. lydiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02886538347093284423noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34980379.post-90894476229077528612014-07-21T11:45:00.000-05:002014-07-21T11:45:21.155-05:00A Church MamaI knew this time would come and I've been trying to prepare for it mentally, but I don't think that's possible. I have had my first (and second and third) experience with what I call "Church Mama Syndrome." Do you know what I'm talking about? It's that experience of carrying your child to a long church weekend and feeling discouraged at the end of the weekend. Hear me out....<br />
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As I sat with my wiggly and sick toddler on my lap for our fifth church service in three days, I selfishly asked the question "What's the point?' I had barely heard any of the sermons, I know my daughter can't understand the sermons yet, and I really hadn't been able to fellowship with many folks. It probably would have been better for me to just stay home, or so I thought in my discouragement. I had become the person I despised seeing at church meetings. <br />
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So what is the point? Why do we carry our children to church when the kids and Mama are just exhausted by the end? How do I worship when I'm taking my child out for correction 5 times in a service?<br />
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I realize there is a major fault in my thinking. Worship isn't about me. Worship isn't about making sure I feel good at the end. Worship isn't about meeting my needs. Worship is about Jesus. Worship is about putting my needs aside and giving honor, glory and praise to my Creator. Worship is about pouring my heart out in praise.<br />
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Sure, being fed spiritually is an important aspect of worship, but it is secondary. Fellowship with like-minded people is vital, but secondary. Encouragement and renewing of the spirit is important in the worship service, but that is done through putting the Lord first in our hearts and minds. <br />
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But the question still remains of how do I, as a mama, worship while training my child? Honestly, I'm still working that out in my mind. I know it will be a weekly challenge, but one I'm resolving to face with a good attitude. I know that worship starts long before I enter the church building. Worship starts when I prepare my heart and mind to praise the Lord, regardless of how much or little I hear of the sermon. Worship begins when I have a servant's attitude about fixing a meal for church lunch, rather than approaching it as "another meal I have to cook." Worship begins when I admit that I am weak and I beg the Lord to give me the wisdom and strength to be the best parent to Evelyn. Worship begins when I show my daughter love through correction. Worship begins when I commit to carry my daughter to church and let her grow up under the sound of the gospel, regardless of what she can understand. Worship begins in my heart. <br />
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<em>"And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not."</em> Galatians 6:9lydiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02886538347093284423noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34980379.post-40668939208200572172014-06-11T11:52:00.003-05:002014-06-11T11:52:58.652-05:00Parent TrainingI recently saw <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/bunmi-laditan/how-to-prepare-for-parenthood-in-11-easy-steps_b_5411134.html" target="_blank">this article</a> someone shared on Facebook and it made me laugh. The funniest thing to me is that I had been composing a blog post almost exactly like this when I read this one. So I'll just add a few additions to the "parent training" from what I've learned in the past 14 months.<br /><br />Here are the 11 steps from the article "How to Prepare for Parenthood in 11 Easy Steps" posted on <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/the-blog/" target="_blank">The Huffington Post</a>:<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<em><strong>Step 1</strong><br /> Hire an actor to shadow you throughout your day. This person should remain no more than three inches away from you at all times. Pay them extra to sit in your lap should you attempt to get off of your feet. Bonus points if they trip you with their body when you're walking around your home. From 3 p.m. to 4 p.m., let them jump on your body. </em></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<em>"Can I close the bathroom door?" No. Hire someone you feel comfortable with, because they will be supervising your waste elimination process. </em></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<em>Every 15 minutes, make this person a snack. </em></div>
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<em><strong>Step 2</strong><br /> Call all of your friends without children. Tell them it's been lovely knowing them, but you're going away. Let them know you'll see them on Facebook. </em></div>
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<em><strong>Step 3</strong><br /> It's important that you get used to completing simple tasks while being a parent. Obtain a pair of handcuffs or a zip tie. Affix one hand behind your back. Go about your day. </em></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<em><strong>Step 4</strong><br /> If you plan on driving while being a parent, borrow three orangutans (ask for strong-willed ones) from your local zoo. Put them in rear-facing car seats. Keep your eyes on the road. </em></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<em><strong>Step 5</strong><br /> Cooking is a big part of raising a family. Buy a copy of Julia Child's Mastering the Art of French Cooking. Visit your neighborhood specialty market and acquire the ingredients necessary for her famous beef bourguignon. Spend the next eight hours cooking. When the meal is done, quickly bring it room temperature. Throw the entire pot against a wall. Clean it up. </em></div>
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<em><strong>Step 6</strong><br /> Parenting may slightly affect your sleep patterns. To prepare yourself for this, find the most annoying ringtone on your phone. Ask a stranger on the street to set up 2-3 surprise alarms between midnight and 5 a.m. Live like this for months. If you think you'll be tempted to complain to someone, let them know ahead of time that their only response to you should be, "This is somehow your fault." </em></div>
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<em><strong>Step 7</strong><br /> A huge part of parenting is constant worry. Smart parents-to-be will get themselves used to living life with moderate to severe anxiety. Hire a skywriter to spell out your full name, social security number, home address and blood type over the nearest maximum security prison yard. </em></div>
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<em><strong>Step 8</strong><br /> Start watching children's television programming. You might hear a popping, crackling noise in your head. Don't be alarmed -- that's just the sound of your brain melting.</em></div>
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<em><strong>Step 9</strong><br /> You may be gifted a child who wants to sleep with you. Joy! Practice co-sleeping by having a carpenter craft a special bed for you. Tell him you want it one third of the width of a standard twin bed. Don't use a pillow or sheets. If this is too costly, you can also just sleep curled up in your bathtub. </em></div>
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<em><strong>Step 10</strong><br /> Turning your car into a parent-mobile is easier than you think. All you need are: </em></div>
<ul>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">
<em>18 individual non-matching socks</em></div>
</li>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">
<em>6 clean diapers in three sizes</em></div>
</li>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">
<em>2 balled-up pee pee diapers (you can find these in your community dumpster)</em></div>
</li>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">
<em>6 cups of random crumbs</em></div>
</li>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">
<em>1/2 cup of strawberry jam or any sticky substance</em></div>
</li>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">
<em>18 broken toys</em></div>
</li>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">
<em>2 handfuls of confetti</em></div>
</li>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">
<em>2 empty juice boxes</em></div>
</li>
<li class="last"><div style="text-align: left;">
<em>changes of clothes for 10 children</em></div>
</li>
</ul>
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<em>Mix these items together on your lawn, being careful to get the jam on everything, then throw it all inside your car and mix thoroughly. Drive around in shame. </em></div>
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<em><strong>Step 11</strong><br /> Visit your local thrift store and buy 10 large garbage bags of clothes. Dump them in your living room. Bring in the orangutans and start folding. Enjoy. </em></div>
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<em>You're now ready. Good luck.</em> </div>
<strong></strong><br />
And now my additions: <br />
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<strong>Step 12</strong><br />
Train for living in an obstacle course of random toys/household items/small children always scattered around the house. Empty everything out of your pantry and kitchen cabinets. Scatter them throughout the house. Make sure to place the colander in the bathroom floor, put your bag of potatoes in shower, and the pots and pans on the floor in front of the sink. Go about your normal routine for the day without picking anything up off the floor. You can kick things around, but don't bother picking them up. If you forget and pick something up, be sure to have your husband come behind you and put it back on the floor in a more annoying spot. <br /><br /><strong>Step 13</strong><br />
Prepare for packing to go to the grocery store. Find a medium-sized duffle bag. Place 2 changes of clothing for each person going to the store, three mismatched socks, 1/2 package of gum, a handful of food crumbs, 8 random objects around the house, 4 diapers, makeup, a pair of shoes, a box of tissues, and a bottle of hand sanitizer in the duffle bag. If you can still close the duffle bag and lift it, gather random objects from around your home and place them in the bag. Once you can only zip the duffle bag half-way and need to hands to lift it, place the bag in the car. Go back inside to turn off the oven and get in the car. Go back inside again to lock the front door and get in the car. Go back inside once more to go to the bathroom, then get in the car. Go back inside to get the car keys and get in the car. Finally, you can leave to the grocery store. <br />
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<strong>Step 14</strong><br />
Train for "Mommy Brain." Make out a grocery list. Shred it and head to the grocery store empty-handed. Have your spouse write a to-do list, only writing half of each entry, then try to complete the tasks. Set a timer for 5 minutes. Start folding a load of laundry. When the timer goes off, switch to cleaning the bathroom and set the timer for 5 minutes. When the timer goes off, switch to washing dishes and set the timer for 5 minutes. Repeat until all laundry is folded, bathrooms are clean, and dishes are washed. When finished, dump all the laundry on the floor and fold it again. <br />
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<strong>Step 15</strong><br />
Prepare for your heart to be full. Find pictures of people, places, and events that make you happy. Scatter the pictures throughout your home. Spend the day looking through your wedding album and watching your wedding video. Watch a movie that makes you feel warm and fuzzy. Now prepare to experience those feelings in tenfold (and more). There's nothing like the joys of parenting. <br />
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While these have all been true experiences for me, I wouldn't change it for anything. I love being a parent, but it is definitely unlike anything I've ever done before. There isn't any amount of reading or training that could prepare you for what it's like to be a parent. I am constantly amazed at what I find myself doing, just for the sake of sanity, productivity, or entertainment. lydiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02886538347093284423noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34980379.post-16344474433874305812014-05-27T12:15:00.001-05:002014-05-27T12:15:43.088-05:00Guess what!?!Once again, this is going to be a bunch of random thoughts. Kind of like my journal from the 4th grade my mom recently found. I'm looking forward to getting my hands on it and reliving the exciting events of my 4th grade year. Look forward to that. <br />
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Guess what!??! (Apparently this is how I started most of my 4th grade entries, so we'll keep with that format.)<br /><br />Guess what!?!? Evelyn finally had her 12 month well visit (only 2 months late, thank you Florida Blue). We went to a new pediatrician (again, thank you Florida Blue). Everything went pretty well. I was nervous about meeting the new doctor. I am not the average, go-with-the-flow parent, so there are always a lot of questions on my end. I would say I'm a little more than 50% satisfied with this new pediatrician. I'm learning to just let some things go in one ear and out the other. <br />
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Anyway, Evelyn is growing like a weed and doing just great. She is 21 pounds 13 oz (46%) and 31 3/4 inches tall (95%). I already knew she was pretty tall, considering she can now reach things on the edge of the kitchen counter and open the pantry door. It's always exciting to me to see the data. <br />
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Guess what!?!? Evelyn and I survived three days home by ourselves. I don't like it when Chris is gone, but it is often necessary in our lives. But, we kept ourselves busy with playing outside, reading books, going to Disney, shopping, and a Starbucks date. We also watched a little more TV than usual even though Evelyn has about 5 minutes of interest in the TV. I enjoyed Mickey Mouse Clubhouse and Doc McStuffins. :)<br /><br />Guess what?!?! With Evelyn's expanding language skills, I've really been thinking about the process of teaching our children. Why is it that we (as a society) are so interested in our children making animal sounds? Who really cares what a cow says? I'm pretty sure Evelyn gets thoroughly annoyed when we ask her 5 times a day. And what about the animals that we don't how they sound? A turtle, for instance. How does a turtle sound? Or giraffe? <br />
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It's a big responsibility to be teaching a youngin'. I often think about what would happen if I taught her the wrong names for items or the wrong color names. How do we even know that blue is actually blue? How do we know that Adam actually named a giraffe a giraffe? Maybe we've been doing it wrong all these years. <br /><br />Guess what?!?! That's all I have to say for now. Maybe I will have more deep and elegant thoughts in the future. Maybelydiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02886538347093284423noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34980379.post-39147951456685500882014-05-12T15:41:00.000-05:002014-05-12T15:41:03.677-05:00Lazy, Sunny, Florida DaysDays like today make me want to lay on the beach reading a good book and eating watermelon. It's beautiful, overcast, warm (almost hot), and I'm exhausted from a fun week of traveling. However, when such lazy days at the beach aren't possible with a little one. So instead, we've been enjoying a lazy day inside, I bought watermelon and a load of other fruit at the store, and we're planning an afternoon in the pool for the first time this year. <br />
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We had a great trip to Illinois. Evelyn did great on the flights and got way too much attention during the week. We took her to the St. Louis Zoo while we were there, which she loved! The monkeys, fish, and birds were the biggest hit. <br />
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My sister's wedding was beautiful and everything went great. It was fun to be with all the family, have all the grandkids together, and watch my sister glow. She was such a beautiful bride. I'll have pictures to post later in the week. <br />
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Now I need to dig out my bathing suit and get ready to jump in. lydiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02886538347093284423noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34980379.post-31453455834819742862014-05-02T15:47:00.000-05:002014-05-02T15:47:18.638-05:00MayMay is here! Here in Florida, that means the beginning of the hot, humid, and rainy season. Let the sweat pour!<br />
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May also means it's wedding month for my sister! Next week is the big day! We're headed up to Illinois on Monday to start the festivities. I can't wait! <br />
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I've made a challenge to myself for the month of May. I'm going to limit my time on my phone (mainly Facebook and Instagram) for only when Evelyn is asleep. I am so guilty of stopping in the middle of playing with her because I have a sudden impulse to check Facebook. That is ridiculous! So I'm trying to keep my phone close by so I can hear phone calls and text messages and have the camera ready, but not be so hooked that I am carrying it around everywhere. I need to be less attached and more focused on my daughter and responsibilities at home.<br />
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Speaking of Evelyn, she's going to be 13 months tomorrow! I'm not going to do monthly updates anymore, but I can't help track the months in my head. She is a growing, talking, and CLIMBING girl! She is learning new words every day. Some are just repeating what we're saying, but she is able to put meaning to a lot more words now. My favorite things she's saying right now are: "bash" (bath) "bird" "tank do"(thank you). <br />
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I'm working on a summer bucket list. Some of things on my list are fun - visit to the splash park, going to New York City, lots of time in the pool, picnic in the yard. Some things are necessities for my sanity - cleaning out and organizing all closets, cleaning the grout, cleaning and organizing toys, transitioning Evelyn to the crib/her own sleeping space. Some things are for my business - reach out to local businesses, at least one party a month, make more demonstration videos. Hopefully it will be a fun, productive, and profitable summer!<br />
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lydiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02886538347093284423noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34980379.post-10767085208706527032014-04-08T16:03:00.000-05:002014-04-08T16:03:00.257-05:00Evelyn's First Birthday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We celebrated Evelyn's birthday as a family on Thursday night (her actual birthday) and had her party on Saturday. <br />
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We told her "happy birthday" all day Thursday and tried to make it extra special, even if she had no idea what was going on. Chris bought her a swing and installed it, so we spent some time outside playing on the new swing. She LOVES it! Now she has learned to go to the patio door when we ask, "Do you want to swing?"<br />
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We had some of her favorite foods for supper - chicken, peas, and potatoes - and a cake for her to smash. She loved the cake! Mum and Pop bought her a play kitchen. It arrived as we were eating supper, so Chris worked extra hard putting it together. She also got to open some presents from grandparents. <br />
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Saturday was her big birthday party! Chris' dad, mom, sister and niece were all able to be here for the party. We had some of her little friends from church and other church members who have been extra special in this first year of her life. Evelyn did great with all the commotion and took it like a champ. She enjoyed digging into her cake and opened presents as well as you can expect for a one year old.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chris' Family</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0UicmOs78I41tAmodE-uLONx4cJNJYt5-SGqOchEANoZdrV3dj75N8PHdKlcLdOW6JdZKGDRkSNsI6OatJlFe6C1j77DuAlY86w5Rn_ijvcM6dbr9nAcpLSki8N606FF2dtbS9g/s1600/IMGP7308.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0UicmOs78I41tAmodE-uLONx4cJNJYt5-SGqOchEANoZdrV3dj75N8PHdKlcLdOW6JdZKGDRkSNsI6OatJlFe6C1j77DuAlY86w5Rn_ijvcM6dbr9nAcpLSki8N606FF2dtbS9g/s1600/IMGP7308.JPG" height="214" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Evelyn and Grandi</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grandi with her granddaughters</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Evelyn, Grandi Aunt Whitney, and Katelynn</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGbORgmZ4BQQbEc8afM_tE0ePOmxqMQVNGuBcG_W6yUCbdzm-y9YRuv2xFYwejWqJGyBeozcMeRrC22yn4ItbPZhwFj_C-WP_hFBqAtfalu_efSAVLniucmqYA7SfKp9fg0Mk6vw/s1600/IMGP7319.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGbORgmZ4BQQbEc8afM_tE0ePOmxqMQVNGuBcG_W6yUCbdzm-y9YRuv2xFYwejWqJGyBeozcMeRrC22yn4ItbPZhwFj_C-WP_hFBqAtfalu_efSAVLniucmqYA7SfKp9fg0Mk6vw/s1600/IMGP7319.JPG" height="214" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Evelyn and her cousin, Katelynn</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp3dmkyN0juY3zxuHCEidFxvKYo81earPNjNWZ4K3So87Xkvajy84nGXwo7B4NasXee1O_GSt0J6DXSsR64o7TYy6jbXPePnMIHIpZwPFhCiwqeJuSwiYXKfdbEHJrz4oV83I3-g/s1600/IMGP7322.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp3dmkyN0juY3zxuHCEidFxvKYo81earPNjNWZ4K3So87Xkvajy84nGXwo7B4NasXee1O_GSt0J6DXSsR64o7TYy6jbXPePnMIHIpZwPFhCiwqeJuSwiYXKfdbEHJrz4oV83I3-g/s1600/IMGP7322.JPG" height="214" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grandpa Mike with his granddaughters</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBJjoZYkg90cND8pukXltXCF_GYWNOx29FjucenR6wSKuOELl0fGeWcIVzIxCO4Z1T8273Zl2RKOgDg0-LGt1Zg5OT8YdIRuyFl3lvqlsZimlyGk-DysPpYtAFJFegS9rMkOpWOw/s1600/IMGP7326.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBJjoZYkg90cND8pukXltXCF_GYWNOx29FjucenR6wSKuOELl0fGeWcIVzIxCO4Z1T8273Zl2RKOgDg0-LGt1Zg5OT8YdIRuyFl3lvqlsZimlyGk-DysPpYtAFJFegS9rMkOpWOw/s1600/IMGP7326.JPG" height="214" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Evelyn and Grandpa Mike</td></tr>
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lydiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02886538347093284423noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34980379.post-40726298517692631252014-04-04T08:08:00.002-05:002014-04-04T08:08:34.185-05:00One Year<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Our Sweet Evelyn,<br /><br />Today is the day. You are one year old today! It's exciting, unbelievable, and amazing that we've already been through one year with you in our lives. I have had a lot of mixed feelings as we've approached today, which I think is to be expected. I did have a little cry last night as I watched you sleep. They were tears of joy, fear, and love. I get the most emotional thinking about all the memories through the year and knowing that I can't remember everything. <br /><br />This has been a huge month for you! Most importantly, you have become an expert walker. At 11 months, you were just taking a few steps here and there. Less than a week after you turned 11 months, you just took off walking. You are now walking everywhere and often trying to run. You look so cute toddling around. You love to hold our hand and walk on your own. Thankfully, you still like to be held and carried quite a bit too. I will be sad when that comes to an end. <br />
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<br />Your vocabulary has also exploded this month. You jabber constantly, but you are beginning to have more intelligible words. A lot of what you say is mimicking us, but you do have quite a bit of words you say on your own with intention. You can say "Mama," "Dada," "no," "da" (dog), "go," "hi," "yum," "uh oh," "see" (Wesley), "nose," "fish," "moo," "boo" and "night-night." You also say something that sounds like, "What's that?" while pointing at something. <br />
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We have been working on animal sounds a lot this month. You have an animal puzzle, a book, and a See and Say that you love. You know cow, rooster, and cat fairly consistently. You can repeat most of the sounds, but won't say them when asked. You like to carry the puzzle around the house and repeat the sounds as it makes them. We visited a farm in Asheville, NC last week and you loved seeing the animals. You loved watching the chickens, but you didn't want to pet anything. <br />
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We have also been working on body parts. You will point to your nose (or our nose) and say "nose" when asked. You can also point to your ear, belly, and feet about 50% of the time. This is a favorite activity in the bathtub. You also love for me to sing "Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes" and point at your body parts as we sing. I will tickle your neck and ear as we sing, which you think is the funniest thing! You also love to sing "If You're Happy and You Know It." You will clap along, stomp your feet, and grab your face as we sing. <br />
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This month has been full of a lot of traveling for us. You and I flew to Illinois in the middle of the month. You were an awesome traveler both there and back. Both times you fell asleep as we were taking off and woke up when we landed. I love that! You had a lot of fun playing with Mum and Pop. You also got to see Aunt Tasha, Uncle Isaac, Aunt Heather, Lily, Uncle Bryan, Aunt Jenn, Everett, and Great Grandpa and Grandma Corn. You tried to play with Lily, but she didn't want to play much. You loved Everett and sharing snacks with him! I am excited to go back next month for Aunt Tasha's wedding and see you play with your cousins. <br />
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We also traveled to Asheville, North Carolina this month. The drive there was 14 1/2 hours. I was so nervous the whole time, but you traveled great! I packed new and exciting toys, new snacks, and the iPad which kept you entertained. You had one screaming fit when you were overly tired, but refusing a nap. The trip home didn't take as long (11 1/2 hours), but you did great again! <br />
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You love to chase Wesley around the house and try to climb on him. Wesley isn't such a fan of that, but he tolerates it pretty well. You also love to throw balls and get them. Your favorite toy this month has been your baby doll. You love to kiss on her, give her hugs, and drag her around by her arm. It's the only toy you will get when we ask you, "Where's _____?" Peek-a-boo and hide and seek have continued to be favorite games. You have also learned to blow on your food when I say, "It's hot" and hold the phone up to your ear and jabber. It's amazing to watch you pick up on the little things we do. It makes me more aware of my actions. <br />
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You have gained a renewed interest in climbing in the past week. You have rediscovered climbing on our bathtub. You are constantly trying to hike your leg up and get footing on anything you can. You also love to climb on me when I lay on the floor to play with you. You have figured out how to use me as a ladder to climb up onto the couch, especially if the remote control or phone is up there. <br />
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More important than all these developmental milestones is the fact that you have continued to have an infectious personality. You smile all the time. You smile with your whole face and it makes everyone around you smile. You have also been making your "monkey face" as we call it. I never get tired of seeing it and it makes me laugh every time. You are sweet and easy to please. You have just started giving hugs. You will lean in, lay your head on my shoulder, pat my back, and say "awww." It melts my heart. Your mind is constantly working and I love to see you figure out your world. <br />
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I'm thankful for these past 365 days I have had to watch you grow and learn. It amazes me to think of all that you have learned in a year. You have learned more and gained more skills in this past year than you will in any other year of your life. I am thankful to be the one who gets to spend every day with you and see those changes happen. I wish memories could be recorded forever and stored away so they won't ever be forgotten. You are a beautiful gift and one of my greatest blessings. I'm excited for this next year and new memories that will be made. <br />
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I love you, baby girl! <br />
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lydiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02886538347093284423noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34980379.post-85806840518386062302014-03-03T10:13:00.000-06:002014-03-05T10:13:28.675-06:0011 Months<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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My Little Stinker,<br />
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You have affectionately earned that nickname this month. You seem to be exploring your surroundings and testing your limits more and more each day. I know it's all part of learning and growing for you. I also know it's part of learning how to teach and discipline for your Daddy and me. While this month seems to have zoomed by, it was a month full of big developments for you!<br />
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Most importantly, you have mastered walking this month. It's amazing that at the beginning of the month you were just barely taking one or two steps. You did that for a week or so, then started going about 5-8 steps at a time for about a week. Then you were walking about 5-8 feet at a time. Suddenly, last week, you just took off and started walking everywhere. Now you rarely crawl anymore and you're even trying to run. It's adorable to watch you toddle around, sometimes struggling to keep your balance. You do have remarkable balance, except when you try to run. Your little body will stick out farther than your behind and you finally topple over. You do your best walking when you stick one hand up in the air. <br />
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Now that you are walking all over the place, you enjoy chasing Wesley around. You following him around the house with one hand reaching out to him and jabbering the whole time. He looks completely annoyed as he desperately looks for a hiding place. He will either find a place to hide where you can't reach him, or finally just sit down and let you pet him. I'm thankful he seems to be tolerating you better. I'm pretty sure he realized that you supply a large portion of his food throughout the day, so he better be nice.<br />
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Your vocabulary is growing as you jabber constantly. I can tell you are trying to communicate, as you often make the same sound for the things. Sometimes you just spit out a whole slew of babble, looking quite serious the whole time as if you're really trying to get your point across. You are saying something that sounds like "doh" and "go" when you're chasing Wesley around or when you're playing fetch with yourself. You also are making a "see" sound when you are talking to Wesley. You have started saying "hi" more clearly and frequently. I've heard a "b" sound a few times when I tell you to say "bye-bye." You've also made a "p" sound when I've talked about Pop and a "ma" sound when we talk to Mum on the phone. <br />
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You love to play with your ball-popping ship and have figured out how to put the balls in the top and shoot them out. It's quite entertaining to watch you shoot them out, chase them down, then try to throw them back in the (tiny) hole in the top. You have also enjoyed playing with the activity table Harlow let you borrow. You love the music and will bounce up and down to the songs. You have really started to enjoy "If You're Happy and You Know It." For a while, you would clap on your own as I sang it, but now you just like for me to clap your hands together. You also LOVE to play hide and seek and chase. That can get you laughing harder than anything. And you're pretty good at following our voices to find us when we hide. You have also learned to pull the curtain or a blanket in front of your face to play peek-a-boo.<br />
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Sleeping is getting better. You still nurse 3-4 times a night, but that is usually toward morning. You have become quite a mover though. Since we co-sleep, there are many nights I wake up with you laying across the top of me. I figure if you sleep well (which means I sleep well), then you can sleep however you want! As it gets close to morning, you do become more restless and seem to want to nurse constantly. <br /><br />With just one more month until your birthday, my mind has been swimming with party ideas. I am a little bit sad to see it come, but the enjoyment of watching you grow and learn mostly overshadows that. You are a sweet girl, with a smile that can change the worst of days around. You are quite inquisitive and like to push the limits. You make us laugh often and fill our lives with joy. <br />
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lydiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02886538347093284423noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34980379.post-84766345049862910932014-02-20T14:25:00.000-06:002014-02-20T14:25:53.276-06:00Crunch, Crunch, CrunchI have recently been involved in several conversations about being "crunchy." If you haven't figured it out by now, I'm a little bit crunchy. I used to say I was crunchy around the edges, but I think I'm becoming crunchier all the way through. I breastfeed and have no intentions of stopping anytime soon, I am a supporter of extended rear-facing car seats, I make my own laundry detergent, I had a natural birth, I use organic makeup, I make my own deodorant and shampoo, I use essential oils....I embrace it. (I don't say any of that to brag or boast, just giving clarification as to why I might be considered "crunchy.")<br />
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Well, I have added a little more crunch to my life. A few months ago, I was introduced to Norwex. Norwex is a company that sells chemical-free cleaning and beauty products. I was instantly intrigued about a chemical-free cleaning solution and wanted to learn more. After doing some research and talking with a friend in Texas who is a consultant, I was hooked! Not only was I sold on using the product, but I wanted to share it with those around me. I had been praying and seeking the Lord's will about the possibility of finding a way for us to bring a little more income to help get in a better financial position to buy or build a house soon. If it was going to be something I would do, I knew it had to be flexible, allow me to stay home, and be something I was passionate about. <br />
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I feel like the Lord led us to Norwex and I am embarking on this journey. I have become a Norwex Independent Sales Consultant and I will be hosting my Launch Party next Thursday. Direct sales is NOT an area I ever thought I would be in, but I'm trusting in the Lord to bring me out of my shell. It's not as much about the money for me as it is about sharing something I am passionate about and that could make a huge impact in the lives of those around me. <br />
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For my local readers, I invite you to join us at my house for my Launch Party. More than likely, you will receive an invitation and more information about it in the mail. But if not, please contact me. For my non-local readers, you can visit my website to learn more about it and place an order if you are interested. <br />
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My website is: <a href="http://www.lydiacrouse.norwex.biz/">www.lydiacrouse.norwex.biz</a><br />
lydiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02886538347093284423noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34980379.post-48028016964060519792014-02-03T12:21:00.000-06:002014-02-05T12:22:49.594-06:0010 Months<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Baby Girl,<br />
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Today, on your 10 month birthday, I am continually amazed by how much joy and delight you bring to our lives. I don't think I ever laughed and smiled as much as I do now that I'm a parent. <br />
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One of your biggest developments this month is that you have learned how to stand up on your own and you have taken just a few steps. One day you were playing in the kitchen floor while I was cooking supper. When I turned around, you were standing in the middle of the floor, obviously with nothing around to pull up on. I thought it might be a fluke, but then a few days later I watched you do it over and over. You will crawl, then just stand up, bounce up and down, wiggle your feet, then fall back on your behind. You want to take some steps, but you don't quite have the confidence. You took one step while in Mississippi, then another single step a couple days later. Just today, you took three steps at a time between me and Daddy. I know it's just around the corner and you will be running around! Yikes!<br />
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Another big development this month is that we moved you from your infant seat to a new big girl seat. You were very close to outgrowing your infant seat and we had hopes that a new seat would make you happier. After much research and making my head swim, we bought you a Diono Radian RXT. You seem to really like being able to move your arms and legs more, as well as see out the window a little better. We tried out the new seat on a trip to Mississippi and you barely fussed the whole trip! You look so big, yet so tiny in the new seat!<br />
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Not only did you do great on the drive to and home from Mississippi, but you were such a happy girl while we were there. You started the month being extremely attached to me, but you seem to be coming out of that phase a little. You did great going to Papaw, Grandma Kate, and Mum without much of a fuss. You even fell asleep on Papaw's lap one morning and let Grandma Kate rock you to sleep one afternoon. As usual, you entertained everyone with your jabbering, crawling, and curiosity. We were iced in the house for two days and we sure would have been bored without you! <br />
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While in Mississippi, you also learned to wave bye-bye. I have been working on it with you for a while, but you would just flap your arms up and down. You finally started actually opening and closing your hand in a waving motion. Like most kids just learning, you are doing it toward yourself instead of facing out, which I think is just sweet. <br />
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Peek-a-boo and hide and seek have become some of your favorite entertainment. You love when we play peek-a-boo with you and you have started trying to play. I was sitting on the couch the other day, and you pulled up to it and kept putting your head down and popping it up smiling. I couldn't tell what you were doing at first, but once I figured it out you would just laugh when I said "peek-a-boo" as you popped your head up. You also like to play hide and seek. I will crawl behind a door or the couch and call for you. You crawl over as fast as you can and peek your head behind where I'm hiding. When you see me, you laugh yourself silly. You especially like it when Daddy plays and carries you around to find me. It is entertaining for everyone!<br />
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I took you to the movie theater for the first time this month. We went with Sis. Bobbie Jo and Audrey to see Frozen. I was a little nervous about how you would do, but thought it was worth a shot. You didn't pay much attention to the movie at all, but you did very well! You loved the popcorn, even though I don't know how you tasted much of it. I would break off the tiniest pieces and soften them in my mouth before I gave them to you. You were so excited and couldn't wait for more. You also enjoyed the frozen peas and peaches I brought, but still wanted popcorn anytime I put it in my mouth. You started getting tired and fussy toward the end, but never caused much disruption.<br />
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I love watching your mind work as you are learning more and more. You have started being able to work some of your toys on your own. You are curious as ever, getting into all the kitchen cabinets, and trying to figure out how to reach the drawers. You don't like to be left alone. If I put you in the living room to play with toys while I work in the kitchen, it takes you about 2 seconds to be right there in the kitchen with me. You are learning things so quickly these days, including how to charm your way out of getting in trouble. You continue to be an active little thing and rarely stop to take a minute to be still. We love you, sweet girl, and love spending our moments watching you.<br />
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Other things to remember this month:<br />
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<li>You now have 8 teeth!!! Four on top, four on bottom</li>
<li>You were sick with a cold at the beginning of the month and missed your first Sunday at church</li>
<li>You can say "night-night" and often do when you're tired</li>
<li>You have started trying to blow kisses by putting your hand up to your mouth</li>
<li>Can pull the handle on your See n' Say</li>
<li>Had your first food texture issue - mashed potatoes</li>
<li>You have started dancing when you hear music <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />lydiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02886538347093284423noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34980379.post-30467507947598854972014-01-18T14:57:00.000-06:002014-01-21T14:57:44.860-06:0041 Weeks 3 DaysI carried Evelyn in my womb for 41 weeks and 3 days. Today she is exactly 41 weeks and 3 days old. That means that our sweet Evelyn has now been with us outside of the womb as long as she grew in my womb. It's hard to believe. <br />
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It's amazing to think that she was once a single, tiny cell and in only 41 weeks and 3 days she grew into a 7 pound 14 ounce beautiful baby. It's amazing that in another 41 weeks and 3 days she has grown into a 19 pound 6 ounce active baby. It's amazing to think about how much she has grown, learned, and changed since the moment she was born. <br />
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I've thought about this time frame a lot in the past few weeks. One day, I was feeling a little flustered about the fact that Evelyn wasn't sleeping well. It hit me that she hadn't even reached this milestone of being outside the womb as long as she was inside the womb. Why then did I have such high expectations for her? I don't understand when "experts" expect babies to be sleeping through the night or putting themselves to sleep by a few months old. Why do we expect babies to start eating the same food adults when they're barely half a year old? Why do we get concerned when babies are so partial to their mothers and worry that they are going to be a "Mama's girl" or "Mama's boy?" Let them be little.<br />
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My baby girl only knew what my heartbeat sounded like, she only knew the nutrition from my body, she only knew the scent of me for 41 weeks and 3 days. Now, outside of my womb, it's no mystery that she loves to sleep on my chest, nurse all day long, and will reach for me the moment I walk in the room. <br />
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I am not concerned that Evelyn doesn't sleep through the night. I'm not concerned that she cries when someone takes her from my arms. I'm not concerned that she would prefer to nurse over eating table food. I'm not concerned that her best sleep is when being held. She's still a new baby. She's still learning her environment. This time of nursing 3 or 4 times a night is such a tiny snippet of her life. I'm going to embrace it and cherish these moments. I'm going to let her be a baby. lydiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02886538347093284423noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34980379.post-82173727237933714962014-01-05T08:53:00.003-06:002014-01-05T08:57:36.015-06:009 Months<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Little Girl, <br />
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I've made a goal to only focus on the positives of you growing so quickly, instead of being sad that your baby days are passing swiftly. So, now that I've dried up my tears, I can excitedly say "you're nine months old!" <br />
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Undoubtedly, the biggest "first" of this month was your first Christmas. We decorated the Christmas trees and the house right after Thanksgiving. I wore you in the Ergo on my back while we did most of the decorating. It was fun to have you along for this time your Daddy and I have always enjoyed. I was a little concerned with how you would handle the Christmas trees. You were definitely interested in them, but not into them as much as I thought. We probably had to tell you "no" about 5 times a day. Otherwise, you did fine leaving them alone. <br />
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We took you to see Santa for the first time. The photographer was trying to distract you and keep you happy so you wouldn't get scared by Santa. Little did she know, you are a social butterfly. When Daddy set you down on Santa's lap, you just looked up at him, smiled, and tried to pull his beard. I was a little disappointed we didn't get the screaming baby picture, but that will probably come in the future. While we're not "doing" Santa (we're going the honest route and letting you know he's just a character like Mickey Mouse), it was fun to have your picture with him and have that memory. We also went to Christmas Lane during the holiday season. You were interested in all the lights and the people. I'm excited to take you next year and in the future when you can ride the train and be more excited about all the decorations. <br />
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We spent the week of Christmas in Illinois with Mum, Pop, Uncle Bryan, Aunt Jenn, Cousin Everett, Uncle Isaac, Aunt Heather, Cousin Lily, Aunt Tasha, Uncle Brad, and Grandpa and Grandma Corn. You definitely racked up the gifts! You were a little interested in tearing the wrapping paper, but had little interest in any of the toys. That is until we got to the last gift....Mum and Pop got you a pair of maracas. You immediately got excited, grabbed those things, and started shaking. They were a big hit! <br />
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Playing with your cousins was a lot of fun! Everett loved to pat you on the head and try to hug you. You started giving more kisses during the week we were in Illinois. You were constantly trying to kiss Everett or Lily. It was neat to watch the three of you play with the riding toys together or play with Lily's tent she got for Christmas. Lily was especially concerned about you any time we sat down to eat. If you weren't in your high chair when she was, she would point to you and say "high chair" and point to your chair. It was sweet. Lily couldn't quite say your name, but I thought it was sweet that she kept calling you "Lydia." Everyone says your are my mini-me anyway! <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lily, Everett, and Evelyn in matching Christmas pajamas from Great Grandma Corn</td></tr>
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You did really well on the flight up and back from Illinois. I was a little nervous about it, considering you are SO active! Our flight up there was early in the morning, and I figured you would take a nap for most of the flight. Well, you did fall asleep right when we were supposed to take off, but we ended up being delayed an hour. Thankfully, you didn't do too bad on the plane. We kept you busy with carrot sticks to gnaw on, tons of toys, drinking water from your sippy cup, and standing up and playing with the seat. You also enjoyed playing and being silly with the man across the aisle from us. I was thankful for him! You did sleep the last 30 minutes of the flight. The trip home was about the same. <br />
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In other news, you are now pulling up on everything! Once you pull up on something, you will let go and work on your balance. You can keep your balance for about 15-20 seconds. You have also attempted standing on your own, but can't get much farther than up on one foot and one knee. In addition to pulling up, you are a climber! As soon as you pull up to something, you hike your knee up in attempt to climb. So far you have only been able to climb on the ledge to the bathtub and your stool from Mum. Aunt Whitney bought you a little push toy for Christmas and you can walk behind it. Most of the time, it's just you being pulled along because it's moving. Thankfully you don't show a ton of interest in it yet. It was fun to watch you walk with it, but I'm not ready for you to figure out the walking thing! <br />
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You are growing in all sorts of ways, my girl! You are getting very tall, but thinning up some. You wear 9 months and some 12 month clothes. The 9 months fit well, but pants and dresses are too short. Your hair has really grown this month, too! I don't know if it's actually getting more red, or just because it's getting longer and thicker, but so many people at church have just recently noticed that your hair is red. I hear it from at least one person every Sunday. It's getting long enough that you sometimes wake up with bed head. It's so cute! You have gotten two new teeth this month, with two more just breaking through the gums (they will make 6 total). You continue to do well with getting teeth, and only have had a few days where you're extra clingy and want to nurse a lot. <br />
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I could go on and on, but this has already gotten long enough. You continue to be a joy and light in our life. I am thankful for you each day and can't imagine life without you. Your Daddy and I love you to the moon and back! <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You got to meet my best friend from school, Brittney, and her daughter, Kennady, while we were in Illinois.</td></tr>
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<li>Other things I want to remember this month:<br />
<ul>
<li>Seems to recognize signs for "more," "all done," and "milk." You will sign "more" about 75% of the time when prompted. You just started signing "milk" on occasion.</li>
<li>You LOVE playing peek-a-boo</li>
<li>You have started tilting your head sideways and shrugging your shoulders. Sometimes you will tilt it from side to side quickly and it looks a lot like Wesley turning his head.</li>
<li>You and Wesley have a love/hate relationship. You love to chase him and try to play with him, but he's not so excited by you.</li>
<li>We've had two incidents of you putting things in your mouth and me having to dig them out - a rock and a piece of fabric ribbon. </li>
<li>You LOVE playing with yourself in the mirror. It's fun to watch you as you're amazed by seeing your hands move or smiling at yourself in the mirror.</li>
<li>You are down to 2 naps a day, with an occasional third nap.</li>
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lydiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02886538347093284423noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34980379.post-71696732512548541992013-12-13T20:56:00.002-06:002013-12-13T20:56:37.710-06:00Say what?It's started...I've already caught myself saying crazy things to Evelyn. Examples?<br />
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"Please get your finger out of my nose."<br />
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"There's a blueberry in your ear."<br />
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"No, no. You can't chew on Mama's dirty sock."<br />
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And my favorite...<br />
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"Don't touch the toilet with your carrot."<br />
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Yes, I said that to my daughter. She was gnawing on a baby carrot. I had to use the bathroom and I was afraid to leave her alone with the carrot, so I brought her into the bathroom with me. She has discovered the toilet and thought it would be fun to touch it with her carrot. Nasty!<br />
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lydiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02886538347093284423noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34980379.post-52302620835629570292013-12-06T15:41:00.000-06:002013-12-06T15:41:54.959-06:008 Months<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Our Sweet Evelyn, <br />
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Another month has flown by and you're now 8 months old. Just when I didn't think it was possible, you have become even more of a delight this month. Your personality (and temper) has developed a lot this month. You have matured and grown tremendously. All of this growing has brought a lot of fun, but also some challenges. <br />
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The biggest thing that happened this month is that you have mastered crawling. I think it was just a day or two after you turned 7 months that you started crawling. One day you were doing a scooting/sliding action across the living room floor to get to Wesley, and the next you were crawling across the bedroom floor. You have figured out how to get what you want pretty quickly. Last week, you figured out that you can move a lot faster if you get up on your hands and feet. Honestly, you look a little like a gorilla, but it's still cute. <br />
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Crawling has brought on the need for discipline. Like a normal child, you are very curious about what is around. For the most part, you are over playing with the lamp cords. Wesley's bowl is still very tempting to you, but it has been better since we moved it. It's neat to watch your little mind work as you figure out that you're not supposed to be doing something. You enjoy following me around the house, but get mad if I don't acknowledge the fact that you worked so hard to crawl from one room to another following me. We enjoy playing a little game in the kitchen where you grab onto my pant leg and I have to get free and run to the other side of the kitchen. You think that's just hilarious. <br />
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This past week you have started pulling up to standing more and more. You were doing it here and there before, but now you will crawl right over to the couch and pull yourself up. You also like to pull up on the tile ledge of the bathtub and against the mirror. I've considered spanking you for pulling up because I'm not quite ready for that milestone. <br />
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We have been having more fun with food this month. Food is still very much fun and entertainment for you. New things you have tried this month are: peaches, blueberries, black-eye peas, frozen green peas, black beans, mashed potatoes, chicken, turkey, ground beef, honeydew melon, cantaloupe, pumpkin pie (thanks to Daddy), and chocolate pudding (again thanks to Daddy). You love peaches and blueberries in the morning. Frozen peas are a lot of fun to keep you entertained while I'm working in the kitchen. We celebrated your first Thanksgiving this month. You had your own little feast with us at the table. You had turkey, mashed potatoes, sweet potato, broccoli, green beans and carrots. <br />
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You have started to really like fun, silly songs. Of course, all of the classics are fun (ABC, Twinkle Twinkle, Row Row Row Your Boat, etc). Pat-A-Cake is one of your very favorites. You usually start clapping your hands as soon as we start singing. You also like "I'm a Little Teapot, " complete with the motions. A medley of any of the songs will usually work to keep you happy for a few minutes if you're on the verge of getting upset. <br />
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I am very thankful that you are very content to entertain yourself on the floor for quite a while. Since I like to enjoy holding you for naps (and that's about the only way you will sleep for more than 20 minutes), I have to get things done while you are awake. You will usually play with toys, crawl around following me, or chase the dog for 30 minutes to an hour before you get bored. You love to play with balls. You will play fetch with yourself, throwing the ball and crawling to get it. When you get tired of playing by yourself, you are happy to get on my back in the Ergo and ride along while I work. <br />
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Your temper has become more apparent this month. You will throw a temper tantrum if you get something taken away from you. We have started disciplining for throwing fits, which happens quite often. It's the most pathetic thing when you stick that poochy lip out. You have also started throwing yourself backward when you're mad. That's a lot of fun...not. <br />
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I'm pretty sure you're going to be a talker. You are constantly jabbering, from the moment you wake up until you fall asleep at night. And most of the time it's loud! You have added two new sounds this month: "na-na-na" and "mmmm." We're still trying to figure out if "na-na-na" is "no" or "Mama." You certainly hear both a lot. You say "mmmm" when you're eating something especially tasty. <br />
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You are such a happy baby. For the most part, you really are easy to entertain, you just need to be busy all the time! You can sleep for 30 seconds and be awake and happy for 2 or 3 hours. It's crazy. You love to laugh and smile. You are ticklish under your chin, but only when I pretend to "eat you." You are also ticklish on the chubby part of your thighs and booty. A good squeeze there can get big, belly laughs out of you. <br />
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You and Daddy love to play and be rough together. You love when he tosses you high in the air. It makes you squeal with delight. You also love when he puts you on his shoulders. You just smile and pull his hair. Daddy and I love to just sit and watch you play or play with you. You have become a lot of fun. We love throwing the ball and watching you crawl to get it, getting you to "talk" to us, playing peek-a-boo, or letting you crawl all over us on the floor. <br />
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You're a delight and pure sunshine. I love having you crawl around at my feet. I love when you want to cuddle after you've been spanked. I love when you come crawling toward me with your mouth open for a kiss. I love you, sweet girl, even when I've had to correct you for the fifth time in three minutes. <br />
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lydiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02886538347093284423noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34980379.post-21571692320633520712013-11-23T12:30:00.001-06:002013-11-23T12:30:53.721-06:00A Crawling, Curious Baby and Other Random ThoughtsWe have a crawling baby in the house now (well, we have had for about 3 weeks). It brings with it a whole new level of parenting. The disciplining and training have begun. Our curious little girl is into everything! Her favorites are the dog's bowl and the wireless router on the bottom of the end table. She was interested in lamp cords, but a few firm spankings on the hand have quenched her desire to play with those. The hand spankings (hand slapping sounds so....cruel) have slowed her down when going for the dog's bowl, but she's still a little interested. She now stops and considers for a moment before reaching for it. She does occassionally change her mind and crawl on to something else. <div><br></div><div>In addition to the crawling, Evelyn is also starting to pull herself up some. Again, she has favorite spots to practice this skill. She scares me most when she pulls up on the tiled ledge of the bathtub. The whole time I'm hurrying to move her, I have flashes of her slipping and busting her head. </div><div><br></div><div>In other (not baby related) news, we are preparing for the holiday season. 95% of the Christmas shopping is done. We are gearing up to decorate next week and looking forward to starting new traditions. My mind is turning of fun, family traditions we want to start with Evelyn. I'm looking forward to reading Chriistmas/winter books, Christmas pajamas, pictures in front of the Christmas tree, looking at Christmas lights, evenings in front of the fire (probably with the a/c turned up full blast), and making ornaments. Chris and I have always loved the holidays, and it's just so much more fun with a little one. </div><div><br></div><div>Let's not forget Thansgiving next week. I've enjoyed the season of reading "thankful" posts on Facebook and even contributing a few of my own. While it's always nice to pay special attention to our many blessings this time of year, I long to be better at maintaining such a thankful attitude throughout the year. </div><div><br></div><div>One last thought...I typed this post on our new iPad (family Christmas present). It's quite nifty. I'm not sure how to edit and do spell-check, so forgive me if there are many errors. :) </div><div><br></div><div>Have a blessed Thanksgiving! </div>lydiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02886538347093284423noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34980379.post-47024692441282166842013-11-05T13:46:00.000-06:002013-11-05T13:46:53.290-06:00Why I Love ALDII know I've shared my love for ALDI here on the blog before, but I just have to sing their praise today. There has been a coupon floating around Facebook for $10 off a $40 purchase at ALDI. When I first saw it, I was bummed that it was marked only for use in a few northern states. I also thought it was odd, because I had heard that ALDI does not accept coupons. Well, late last week, I saw the coupon again. This time it was marked "accepted at ALL ALDI locations." I printed it off and thought I would give it a shot when I next did my grocery shopping. <br />
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That brings us to yesterday. I had my list and my coupon in hand as I headed to the store. I carefully added up my purchases in my head to be sure I would hit the $40 mark (which I knew I probably would). When I got up to the check out, my heart was racing. "What if they don't take it?" "What if there is some question about it? "Will I be bold enough to push it or will I just move on?" <br />
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Sure enough, I presented the coupon and the checker didn't know what to do with it. She called out the manager who told me they weren't taking the coupon. I questioned him, since it clearly says, "accepted at ALL ALDI locations." He explained that it was a problem they were informed about in which someone got ahold of the original coupon (only accepted in the northern states) and doctored it and was publishing it. I was bummed, but also understood. He asked to make a copy of the coupon to use for reference, but I just let him keep it since I wouldn't be needing it. <br />
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Well, as I was loading up my groceries in the car and returning my cart, I hear someone shouting "Ma'am, ma'am" and see the manager waving toward me. I go up to the door and he tells me that he is going to accept my coupon after all. He brought me in and gave me $10 back. He kept apologizing to me, but I kept telling him he didn't need to apologize. I was thankful for him wanting to please his costumer. I am a faithful shopper and tell everyone I know how much I love that store. I will continue to make my Monday afternoon appearance with gladness. lydiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02886538347093284423noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34980379.post-417449926547333552013-11-03T20:52:00.000-06:002013-11-03T20:52:04.400-06:007 Months<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Weight: 18 lbs 13 oz (Oct. 28)<br />
Height: 26 3/4 inches</td></tr>
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Pumpkin,<br />
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Another month already? Time is just zooming by! You're now closer to being one than you are to being a newborn. I'm not sure how I feel about that. While every day just gets better and better, it makes part of me a little sad that you're growing and becoming more independent. <br />
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We've had a fun month of playing, exploring, and learning. You are picking up new tricks all the time and never cease to amaze me at what you can figure out. I'm pretty sure you have figured out that you can control your Mama and Daddy pretty easily. Just give us one of your big, sweet grins and you'll get anything. Or scream at the top of your lungs and we'll do anything to get you to stop. :)<br />
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As with each month, this month has brought some firsts for you. You went to your first pumpkin patch and on your first hay ride. Despite it being ridiculously hot that day, you were such a trooper. You also experienced your first time at the park. The weather has been so nice the past two weeks and we're spending more time outside. You love the swing! You smiled and kicked your legs like crazy the whole time. You also got to experience grass for the first time this month. You kept picking your feet up at first, but soon started kicking around in the grass. I was a paranoid Mama the whole time, but it didn't do me much good. You still ended up with bug bites all over your hands and feet. <br />
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You still haven't figured out crawling yet. You can get up on all fours easily and rock so fast that I think you're going to take off sometimes. It looks as if you're ready to just crawl across the room at any moment, but you haven't quite figured out the movements. You can wiggle around in a circle or go backward, but not forward. This month you have mastered going from all-fours back to sitting really well. <br />
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Your Daddy thinks you're going to skip crawling and go right to walking. You pull yourself up to standing by grabbing the sides of the bathtub. I think you've figured out you're not supposed to do it, because you always look at me with a little smirk. This week you've also been able to pull up against my leg if I'm standing next to you or playing on the floor with you. You can easily pull yourself up if we're holding your hands, but you haven't tried it in the crib or against furniture. <br />
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One of my favorite parts of this month has been that you wake up jabbering most mornings. It doesn't take long after your eyes pop open that you are just jabbering away. And you're loud too! Almost every morning, Daddy rolls over and says, "You're loud, kid." When he rolls back away from you, you reach for him and say "da-da-da-da." I realize it's mostly just babbling noise, but I think you're figuring out that "da-da" has a meaning. I try to emphasize, "Yes, Daddy" when you say it to encourage you to put the meaning with it. You and I also have a game that you think is so fun. When you're saying "da-da-da," I will say, "no da-da-da. Ma-ma-ma." You just smile and keep saying "da-da-da." Anyway, while Mama and Daddy are trying to wake up, you love to wallow around in the bed. You try to climb all over us, play with some toys, or hit us in the face. It's fun to just spend a few minutes together before we get going with the day.<br />
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We have been playing around with food more this month. You have tried avocado, broccoli, squash, green beans, carrots, sweet potato, and zucchini. Your favorites have been broccoli and zucchini. You mostly play with everything or suck on it to get the taste. You're not a fan of actually swallowing much, but it's getting better. You sure do know how to make a mess though! You've continued to practice with a sippy cup and also a straw. <br />
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Your strong personality is showing more and more each day. You are silly and laugh a lot, but you also are quick to let us know when you don't like something. You are pretty much either happy and playing, or fussing about something. I wouldn't say you are a laid-back child. You are a thrill-seeker and love to throw yourself upside-down or be tossed in the air. You love to jabber and do so loudly. I have a feeling you're going to be a loud talker. You have started to try mimicking sounds and actions. I've been working on some sign language with you this month. We've also been working on clapping and waving. You will clap your hands together, but not on command or with any reason. <br />
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More than the big firsts and memorable moments, I want to remember the simple joys of the day to day life. I want to remember the way you've started turning toward me with a big open mouth and love to kiss. I want to remember the way you smile and giggle when I put our foreheads together and rub noses. I want to remember the way your eyes roll back when you nurse. I want to remember the way you've started sucking in air, kicking your legs, and laughing when you see Wesley run by. I want to remember the way you get fussy when Daddy tries to kiss you when he needs to shave. I want to remember the way you can reach and find the tiniest strand of hair hanging down from my pony tail and pull hard. I want to remember the way you've started patting me on the back when I pick you up. <br />
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I love watching you grow and learn. Sometimes I like to just sit and watch you stare at something. I wonder what you're thinking in those moments. I can definitely tell you're soaking up your surroundings. Our days together are precious. I often wish I could just capture snapshots of sweet, fun, and cute moments to share with the world. But then I often want to just keep those moments to myself. It's a blessing and privilege to be the one to stay home with you every day. I am honored to be the one to experience your first memories. I wonder what the next month will bring. <br />
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lydiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02886538347093284423noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34980379.post-48961073020255983582013-10-07T20:57:00.000-05:002013-10-10T16:04:50.959-05:006 Months<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Weight: 17 lbs 14 oz, 79th percentile<br />
Height: 26 1/2 inches: 73rd percentile<br />
Head: 16 1/2</td></tr>
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My Girl,<br />
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You're six months old now and just as precious as ever. This has been such a fun month, yet one that has made my head spin. You are learning and growing faster than I can process. It seems like you are learning something new every time I turn around. <br />
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You have become a pro at rolling now. You can flip from your back to your front quite easily and do so often. It's a little more uncommon for you to go from back to front, but you can. You are much happier being on the floor now that you have figured out you can choose if you want to be on your back or tummy. When you are on your tummy, you are constantly tapping your left foot on the floor. It's rather cute. <br />
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It's amazing to think that just 4 months ago I was fighting with you to do 5 minutes of tummy time and worried about your torticollis. This month you have learned to get up on all fours and rock back and forth. You put your head down and it's obvious you are trying to figure out how to crawl. You can scoot backwards, but haven't figured out the forward motion yet. I'm not in any hurry for you to figure it out. I know that once you start crawling you are going to be into EVERYTHING! You also like to try to get into a sitting position from all fours. It usually results in you falling on your face. You're a tough little thing though and don't put up much of a fuss. You continue to scoot around on your back quite well. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Up on all fours</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is what happens when you can only go backward</td></tr>
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You have also mastered sitting unassisted this month. It's so nice to put you down with a few toys and let you play while I take care of something else. Mum bought a new toy for you to play with on the floor and you do a great job sitting and playing with it. You still occasionally fall backward or tip over if you're reaching for something. You are trying to sit yourself up from lying down, but you can mainly get your head and shoulders up and get frustrated. </div>
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We have reached the fun stage of you grabbing at everything! When I hold you, your hands are constantly going for my glasses or necklace. Your stretch arms can reach things I would never imagine you can reach. It has become difficult to hold you on my lap while I eat, because you are swiping at the plate, throwing my napkin down, trying to grab my drink, or sticking your hand in my plate. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trying an apple</td></tr>
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We have been playing around with some food this month, but you still aren't showing much interest. You have tried apples, blueberries, carrot, celery, honeydew and sweet potato. Each time you take a few licks or maybe one small taste, but get bored quickly. Most of the food I've put in the mesh feeder, but some we have fed you off our plate. <br />
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Your personality is really coming out now. You are such a happy, social baby with a strong will. You jabber and "sing" all day. Sometimes I catch you staring at me and you will smile at me with one glance. You love to play pat-a-cake and sing silly songs. The jumper is still one of your favorite activities and now you enjoy playing with your new ball-popping toy from Mum. You like to mock your Daddy when he makes noise at you. It's fun to think that in just a few months those babbling sounds will turn into words. I know you have a lot to share! <br />
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You have learned that your mouth can do all kinds of fun things. You like to blow spit bubbles, stick your tongue out and suck on it, and try to give kisses. You're not very consistent with the kisses, but if I make kissing sounds and say "give me a kiss," you will often open up and attack my face. It's sweet and slobbery.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">See my tongue?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Another delightful month has come and gone. Another month full of smiles and giggles. Another month full of sweet kisses and warm snuggles. Another month of joyful days. I love you to the moon and back. Keep growing, sweet baby!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eating paper is a favorite hobby</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Other milestones I want to remember:<br />
<ul>
<li>Sitting in shopping cart</li>
<li>Paying more attention to Wesley and pulling his hair</li>
<li>Sleeping in crib for part of the night and co-sleeping the rest of the night</li>
<li>Transferring objects from hand to hand</li>
<li>Reaching for toys and working to get toys out of reach</li>
<li>Got a second tooth on the bottom</li>
<li>Playing with and using a sippy cup (usually with a little water, sometimes pumped milk)</li>
</ul>
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lydiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02886538347093284423noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34980379.post-22534880363725860542013-09-18T14:12:00.001-05:002013-09-18T14:12:12.470-05:00ShoppingI've decided that Wal-Mart's slogan should be, "where you won't believe your eyes." Because that's how I feel every time I go in there. I really shouldn't be all that surprised by what I encounter there, but I am each time. Today the cashier noticed Evelyn sucking on her thumb (which she rarely does) and went on and on about how it's better for babies to use a pacifier than their thumb. She was carrying on about her daughter who has a 1 month old and won't let her have a pacifier because she read it wasn't good for babies. I just smiled at her, loaded my cart, took my receipt and told her to have a nice day. <br />
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Speaking of shopping, Evelyn got to sit up in the card for the first time yesterday. Typically, I wear her in my wrap when I shop, which works pretty well. However, she's getting heavier and stretching out the wrap so that I am constantly adjusting it while shopping. We're getting an Ergo carrier soon, which I think will work a lot better. <br />
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She liked sitting in the cart alright, but wanted to be held when she got tired. She did throw a fit when I wouldn't let her have my shopping list (the child loves paper). I tried making her happy with the toys from the diaper bag. Ultimately, she was happy when I gave her a plastic produce bag to play with. I got some looks on that one. I wanted to say, "Listen, it's either the plastic bag or she screams. Take your pick." <br />
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lydiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02886538347093284423noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34980379.post-18835989180440322052013-09-03T21:22:00.000-05:002013-09-03T21:22:02.960-05:005 Months<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Weight: estimating 17 1/2 pounds</td></tr>
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<br />
Princess,<br />
<br />
You can't be 5 months already. It's just not possible. I must admit that I've been a little sad to see you turn 5 months. That means you're just one month away from being half a year old. I'm trying not to blink too much, because I know you will be one before I even know it. <br />
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This month has been full of changes. You are growing and changing every day. It's hard for me to keep track of all you're learning, because you are learning something new nearly every day. I thought I took a lot of pictures and videos before, but now it's my only hope for remembering this special time. <br />
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We started this month by transitioning you from the car seat stroller to the jogging stroller for walks. You love being able to see out and look around as we walk. You enjoy taking in the sights for about 15 minutes, then carry on with your nap. You look so big, yet so tiny in the stroller. <br />
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As I wrote last week, you also transitioned out of your rock n play at night. We've tried the pack n play some, but most nights you end up just sleeping in bed with us. It does make nighttime nursing a lot easier and we love having you close to us. In addition to not sleeping in the rock n play anymore, we also had to wean you off of being swaddled with the Miracle Blanket. We're using a sleep sack now, but you're still adjusting to your arms flailing around and waking you up. <br />
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This month you have become too big for your bouncy seat and swing. You sit in your high chair in the kitchen while I'm working or at the table while I'm eating. We also added a new toy...your jumper. Boy do you love that thing! The funny thing is you always fuss when we put you in it, but then as soon as we turn on the music and give you a little starter bounce, you love it! You've figured out how to play with most of the toys on it, even turning the pages on the little book part. You love the jumper so much that you rubbed a little blister on your big toe this week from so much jumping! <br />
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You have finally rolled over some this month, though I wouldn't say you've mastered it. You did it 3 times on day and a few other times here and there. Being the little turkey you are, you will get your whole body over except for the arm under you, but then flip back and give up. I'm not in too much of a hurry for you to get it down, because I know that you will be rolling all over the house. I'm satisfied with knowing that you do know how to do it. <br />
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Your main mode of independent transportation is scooting on your back. You bend your legs and push off with your feet, inch-worming around on your back. You can go pretty fast and get around quite well. I let you scoot around on the carpet at church last Sunday and you came home with a rug burn. You are constantly scooting off your play mat or blanket on the floor. It makes you very frustrated when you scoot into the corner of your crib and get stuck. <br />
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One of the biggest changes this month is that you got a tooth! One little tooth on the bottom. Thankfully, it wasn't too miserable of an experience. I am thankful for your amber necklace to help with the pain. Sleeping has been a bit sporadic and you have been nursing more frequently, but you haven't really been very fussy. <br />
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You and I took a trip up to Illinois to meet some more of your family this month. We flew on a big airplane and you did great! I was so proud when we landed in St. Louis and two men behind us were shocked because they didn't realize there was a baby in front of them. You had a great week in Illinois and got thoroughly spoiled. You were able to meet your Great Grandpa and Grandma Corn and spend some time with both of your cousins. <br />
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You are a joy and a delight, my girl. Your personality is developing more and more with each day. You love to smile and laugh. Your smile is absolutely contagious. Just this month you have started smiling at everyone you see as we're out and about. You love when your Daddy comes home and gives you kisses. Sometimes you like to play hard to get and turn away from him right as he's going to kiss you. You continue to discover your voice more and more. You jabber up a storm and squeal constantly. This past Sunday you squealed through most of evening services. Your jabbering has started to include some "da-da" sounds. I have been quick to let you know that "ma-ma" is a better sound to make. <br />
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There is so much more I could tell you, yet not enough words to say it all. As I tell you countless times a day, I love you, I love you, I love you. You are my sweet girl and my joy. I love spending my days with you and kissing you as much as I want. I will never get tired of feeling your soft skin on my lips and smelling your sweet milky breath. <br />
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Other things I want to remember about this month:<br />
<ul>
<li>Graduated from infant insert to just sitting in the baby tub (supported)</li>
<li>Started reaching for and playing with bath toys</li>
<li>Started playing with/chewing on Sophie the Giraffe</li>
<li>Reaching for toys out of your reach</li>
<li>Watching Wesley and smiling/laughing at him</li>
<li>Can sit up with Boppy pillow behind you</li>
<li>Love to pull yourself up to standing when we hold your hands</li>
<li>Started reaching hands up if I go to pick you up</li>
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lydiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02886538347093284423noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34980379.post-38868841859030828472013-08-28T17:27:00.000-05:002013-08-28T17:27:36.810-05:00A Woman's WorkYou know the old saying, "A woman's work is never done?' Well, do I know it's true! I've been working at cleaning the house today and trying not to feel a little discouraged as I went.<br />
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Just as soon as you get the dishes all washed and the kitchen cleaned up, it's time to make the next meal. Just as soon as the dusting is done, the dog shakes and there's fur all over everything. Just as soon as you feel caught up on the laundry, you realize everyone in the house is wearing clothes that are now dirty. Just as soon as you sort out the mail pile cluttering the desk, the mailman pulls up with today's mail. <br />
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Despite the constant state of disarray the house seems to be in, I'm thankful. A sink full of dishes means we had a meal to eat. Dog hair on the furniture means we have presence of "man's best friend." A pile of laundry means we have sufficient clothes to wear. Mail cluttering the desk means...well, usually bills, but occasionally a nice card or letter. There are blessings among the mess.<br />
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(On a positive note, I would like to brag on my sweet girl. She was so good today while her Mama furiously cleaned the house. We rewarded ourselves with a nice swim in the pool. She was a splashing fool!)lydiahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02886538347093284423noreply@blogger.com3