6 Month Portraits

Wow - sorry, long time no post.
We packed our bags and headed out to Greensboro for the weekend of Jan 18-21. Well, it was supposed to be Jan 18-20, but after hauling 1 baby and 2 dogs on a 4 hour car ride for less than a 48 hr trip... you end up extending said trip, one more day.
While there, I had my mother scedule a portrait session for Evie at Portrait Innovations for her 6 month pics. Again, I plan to do these just for her 3 month, 6 month, 9 month and 1 year.
$150 and 97 poses later (yes, those are both real numbers and not exaggerated), here's the photos I decided to have printed up for keepsakes. Please note - they aren't all cropped correctly, these are the roughs.
Now I either need to get more family members to take a portion of these of my hands or we need more wall space 'cause what the hell are we going to do with all these?!.
But as you see, and will most likely agree, how could you pass these up and NOT buy them? Evie is so damned cute... it hurts.
Enjoy!


About this time, we started getting really fussy. Maybe it was the itchy feather boa wrapped around her diaper... or the awkward fake butterfly wings we tried to get her to wear. Maybe it was her damaged pride. Or maybe she was just done and ready to call it a day... but we gave her a bottle and a quick change of clothes for round 2.

I'm back! Where's the camera?

Wait? What? Huh?

I don't care how many times you get in my face with your squeaky voice, it no longer works. I'm no longer smiling and I'm not "such a cute, happy baby." Leave me alone or I'll wail. I'll do it. I swear.

She did kick off her shoes repeatedly in the final pictures, which, sucked cause she looked great in these colors but, MAN, did she do a great job before this point, no?
We were at this place for 2 & 1/2 hours when all was said and done! She slept HARD in my arms while we selected which portraits to buy. She woke up just in time to go home and get grandpa for the afternoon out at a cousin's house.
What a professional.

Splish-Splash

Bathtime has become progressively more fun. Evie can now sit up (she does occasionally fall to the side and bob like a cork). She loves to lean forward and smack the water with her palms, sit back and fling her legs straight out like a frog and suck the water out of any washcloth I have available.

6 month stats

Weight: 18lbs & 6oz
Head Circ: 45.5cm
Height: 26"

Percentile
Weight: 75%
Head Circ: 97%
Height: 60%

So, she's average height with a little extra pudge around the middle and a ginormous head.
Sheesh.

A new year begins, and one is half over: 6 mo's old

Happy half birthday! Time is snowballing. It just goes by faster and faster... and I am happy to say, that it keeps getting more fun.

This past month you joined me at the kitchen table courtesy of Maya's outgrown hanging canvas baby seat. You also expanded your taste buds to include oatmeal, yams (Ok, maybe not so much yams), green peas, squash, pears, very little banana and water. I think it is hilarious that you truly explored water for the first time this past month. Water is such a basic standard in all animal (and plant!) lives... its hard to think this is a new experience for you. It won't be long before you begin feeding yourself and, hopefully, trying to hold your own bottle (you simply won't do it yet!).

You aren't one for mobility. Still. You did roll from your back to your front recently but only once. You HATE being on your belly and show your disgust with whining and waterfalls of endless drool. I'm not too worried. You do roll from one extreme side to the other, roll your head back to look behind you and you're recognizing your name & will turn when we call you, "Evie!" You are stronger than ever with sitting up. You began this month with suddenly flinging yourself backwards but now that is no longer the case. You will fall over to your side or overreach for toys resulting in a tumble. You do have continued need for a spotter, but this is nothing compared to where you were just one month ago.

You are getting stronger legs. You now "stand up" on our laps and have very recently beginning hopping a bit (thanks to your new johnny jump-up swing we attached to the doorway). Its nice to feel how sturdy you are becoming - a lot less floobie.

You are reaching for more things and with a lot more confidence. You sit at the table and are starting to pat your palms on the table top (I'm trying to teach you to simultaneously yell, "bartender! bartender!" but I think that lesson may still be a little too advanced). You grab pads of paper from my hands, pens, telephones, remote controls... and anything else with your arm's reach. You are getting quicker with your grasp, STRONGER clenched hands from which I must pry things and more determined to find the one thing you probably shouldn't be reaching for (like my hot cup of coffee).

Speaking of reaching for things - you are noticing more dainty/detail things like my bangs that fall from my ponytail, an earring, and buttons. You've discovered the dogs more and you like to pet them. You are learning "gentle" and how to softly pat Puck. You do well for awhile and then there's the sudden squeeze & yank toward your mouth. Puck, wide-eyed and panicked, watches you but lets you learn with him standing in as the guinea pig. I'm so surprised by this and proud at the same time. Its nice to see everyone getting along so well.

You sleep through the night now. Who-hoo! Its funny to think how DIFFICULT the first month was getting up every 2-3 hours but, after getting used to it, it was tolerable. Then, when you shrank to 2 midnight feedings, I couldn't imagine the insanity of the scattered first month with you. After your 1 midnight feeding nights, I couldn't imagine getting up twice in a night and hadn't a clue how it didn't bother me before. Now, I think a bomb could go off at 3AM and I'd sleep right through it. I'm now realizing how people say its so hard to consider having a second kid after you get through all the crap with the first. No offense Evie, but midnight feedings are crap. ;-)

You began eating your toes this month. I had no idea that baby foot COULD stink, but yours sure do. I've begome more diligent about scrubbing your toes (I always did brush them before but now I make it a point to fish in between your toes with a washcloth. You like to suck all the water out of the other end of the washcloth while I go to town.


You still love baths–kicking the water, splashing and bobbing like a cork. You love it when you throw you in the air, let go and catch you. You love being fake dropped. You squeal when we blow rasberries on your neck or belly. You LOVE being scared - we will jump out and yell BOO!... you jerk, blink and laugh hysterically. You love being sarcastically mocked. If you cry or whine for no real reason I mimic your cries while groaning, "Its so hard being a baby! I poop in my pants! I don't know how to cook! I don't have a job. I take naps!" You always stop and laugh at me. Its good to know you don't take yourself too seriously... or maybe its me you don't take seriously, uh-oh.

You traveled to Ohio for the first time. You have now officially been to DC, North Carolina, and Ohio. You are becoming quite the little traveler. The realization that mom & dad will have help once we get to our destination is fuel for us to keep traveling with you. You also do great with strangers and EVERYONE referred to you as a "happy baby" this past week. You fuss a lot these days (and at a rather constant level. Teething? Cold?) but you never really bust out a cry so we never seem to mind much and we know how to get you happy again. You adapt well to new surroundings and adjust your routine to one that works when we are on a holiday with you. Again, more motivation to keep going out and about with you.

You got your first real cold this past month. After returning from Ohio, you awoke during the night with a 101.4 fever. We never took you to the doctor since you returned to normal the next day and you see the doctor for a check-up within the week. Besides the incredibly snotty nose (it looks like raw egg whites!) and periodic wha-wah's, you seem OK. Phew!

Our current nicknames for you: Boo-boo, Faker, Piglet, Evie-Peevey, Drooly-Julie.

Ohio for the Holidays: Its a Wrap

We ventured to Stow, Ohio for this Christmas holiday. The trip lasted from the Friday, Dec 21st departure at 5:30PM until the arrival home at 12:30AM on Friday, Dec 28.
All-in-all, not a bad trip. Was I worried it would be otherwise? You bet your sweet bippy.
We left at night per many friend's advice - kids in cars during the day is a fate worse then hell. So, off we left at night. The drive turned out to be rather perfect (we did decide to take the slightly out-of-our-way, round-a-bout Washington DC side roads. We saved ourselves about an hour of stop & go traffic that our friend G ended up sitting in when he decided to go through DC).
Evie slept the whole way. Around 1AM, just shy of our final destination by a half hour, she cried... in her sleep... and we held our breath. When we carried her into the house, I told Grandma and Grandpa Ullman to NOT WAKE her but they did anyways (I'm a little annoyed at this point but also understanding - Grandpa han't even met her yet so, of course, he is excited). Evie ends up staying up till 2:30AM and wailing until 3:30AM when we try to get her back down for a near hour. By 7AM, she is up and wide awake. We hand her off to grandma with feeding instructions... and back to bed we go.

Rob and I enjoyed a lunch out, just the two of us, our first day in Ohio. Franklin's Deli for subs and conversation. We then head to none other than Gabriel Brothers for cheap fineries before heading home just in time for Evie to be up from a nap. We eat a light supper before heading over to K & K's for a Holiday Poker Party. Evie stays home with the grandparents - its a parent's-night-out event!
At the party, Sloane gives Evie the cutest darned onesie from the Gap, diape(RED), and red sweats, treasu(RED). Ivy gives Evie a fantastic Deathcab for Cutie onesie (How did she know Eve's mom's love for Deathcab?). Damned, Evie only prepared cookies - we have a lot to learn for next time.
Rob plays poker in the garage while I sling back drinks with the non-players in the basement bar. By midnight we decide to call it a night. I drive home (Rob's had multiple shots afterall) and I am unhappy to report... that I shouldn't have been driving either. I didn't think this was the case until the next morning when I see photos posted of us... that I don't recall taking. Its been a long time since we've had a night out that I think I forgot personal responsibility.

On Sunday, Dec 23rd (my father's 61st birthday back in NC), Evie discovered what will be her new staple face throughout the entire trip - the sad clown (what IS this?). Later that afternoon, we attend the Ullman family holiday gathering. A fine mixture of non-drinkers and light conversation. This... can get boring. The baby really helped. Its great to now have a built-in exuse to leave, *ahem*, less than exciting family events.
We took a new family portrait that afternoon and asked Claire what she thought of her new baby cousin, "I don't care," she mumbled while walking away. How awesome. Such honesty, I wish we didn't lose this kind of rawness as we get older. We should all just tell it like it is. Then again, after a night of drinking Christmas Ale a few nights later - my telling it like it is leads to trouble, but I digress...

Christmas Eve (no puns intended), we go to Panara Bread to upload pics for my parents to see. I could honestly send them a flip-book of Evie's entire day and they still wouldn't be sick of seeing pictures. This is rather sweet. They are truly enjoy seeing how cute she is on a daily basis. Proud grandparents, I guess.
We then hit Swenson's on the way home. Rob could eat Swenson's 5 days in a row and still not be fully satisfied. Eh*, they are OK (*ducking Galley Boy's being thrown at my head for writing this).
Christmas Eve night is spent in - traditionally, Rob's mother's family comes over to enjoy lasagna, meatballs, ham and cookies. Evie misses EVERYTHING! We take a picture of her by the tree in a new dress, etc, etc. Before the extended family shows, however, she fusses and falls asleep mid-bottle at 5:30PM. The family bumped up the festivities just to meet her and here she crashes out an hour and a half earlier than she EVER has. *sigh*. I put her to bed, with tights & dress still on thinking it will be a quick nap, but she doesn't wake until 7AM Christmas morning. Oh well.
The mass gift exchange then transpires (being an only child, I had to open 1 gift at a time to thoroughly enjoy the gift opening process over an hour's long duration. Rob's bigger family tears open, flings, sets aside and tosses around gifts in a flurry lasting only 10 minutes... its crazy!)

On Christmas Day we wake up and go over to Rob's sister's house for breakfast & more gift exchanging. It amazing the AMOUNT OF TOYS the nieces got... had... have... whatever! I'll simply post a picture of me with Evie in the 'Land of Plastic' for you all to enjoy.
Christmas evening we went over to J & M's to see Ivy (and enjoy delish snackies while watching babies play). Sloane came over and the play room was open for business.
We then went over to the Harsch's for Christmas night with more babies, adults with cocktails & Christmas cheer. Frances got Evie a slick screen-printed onesie featuring Mr T's head atop R2-D2's body. Damned, again with the cool gifts... we gotta step this up next year.
Frances wanted to kiss Evie (the baby) good-bye. Too. darned. cute.
After dropping Eve off at home to go to bed - we head back out to the infamous Zephyr for Christmas Ale (remember I talked about this earlier in this post?). Well, Rob now refers to this as my "liquid truth" because after just 2, I get sh*tty and start blabbing for all to hear. I find the sound of my voiced opinions hilarious which, fuels my fire even more. Rob suggests we leave after I begin a near fight between G and K... I remember nothing the next day until Rob begins recounting the night's events. I raise my hand, "Tell me no more." How embarrassing. Thank God they only make this beer once a year and you can only get it in Ohio. I apparently can't handle it. Of course, that won't stop me from thoroughly enjoying the 6-pack we brought back with us, heh heh. I'll be sure to not have you over when I decide to have a drink. That way, we can maintain our friendship.

December 26th. Off to Toodly-Doo (Toledo, OH) to visit my grandma in the hospital. This is Evie's only remaining great-grandmother so this was a memorable (well, for us) pilgrimage. Great-Grandma had a spell while out of the nursing home for Christmas Eve and now she is in the hospital with a cold. She doesn't look too well, but my aunt fixed her up for photos. Evie found touching her face fascinating.
My aunt and 3 uncles showed up to meet Evie. This visit was a little impromptu & quick but nice since we get in town so rarely.
A few hours in the hospital is plenty and we head back to Stow (a 2 hour drive back) while Evie catches some Z's.
Rob decided to head out this night to catch up with friends. I stayed in - the emotional day takes its toll on me. I'm drained. I opted to stay in and chit-chat for hours with Rob's mom. I think I made a wise choice.

December 27th, Thursday. The night we head back home.
We spend the day packing up and picking up the pieces. We head over to Rob's aunt's workplace to introduce Evie (since she decided to sack out so early Christmas Eve, some of Rob's family never got the chance to meet her). We then head over to another Aunt's house to spend time with a few more family members that we didn't really get the chance to talk to at the Ullman family gathering.
Later, Evie seeks solace in the arms of her grandma while we pack up the car. By the end of the week, she really took a liking to being carried around like this.
After the car was loaded and we stood in the living room... coats on... a few moments of quiet... Rob's mom looks at me with Evie in her arms, "Well, ...I suppose you want me to put her in there," glancing at the car seat.
Yup.
So we bundled her up (PJs on and pacifier in place) and off we drove. Another night of driving for us, sleeping for the baby.
We got in at 12:30AM and crashed out by 2AM.

A good time was had by all.
I can't believe Evie's first Christmas is over.