Sunday, March 30, 2008
38 wks, 6 days
Today, you've been in the world the same amount of time you were in utero. I would have never considered this fact before Jessica posted this same date/time on her blog. But, when you think about it, this is an exciting moment in your life, Evie.
Photo taken on Friday when the weather was gorgeous and Evie had an opportunity to sit outside in a onesie and rip up grass.
Saturday, March 29, 2008
CPK with Grandma
We decided to head "out 'n' about" on Grandma's final day here. We ran to a few stores and then to Short Pump Town Center. Lunch at California Pizza Kitchen rounded out the afternoon.
Grandma had the works. I had the mushroom with walnut pesto. Evie had the mixed vegetable Gerber 2nd stages.
Friday, March 28, 2008
Teeth, teeth and more teeth!
Grandma Lala (or Lulu, she can't decide what to be called) was in town with us all this week, Thursday March 10 through Sunday March 30. Evie was fussy the first part of the week and we realized that 4th tooth is finally coming up on the bottom (completing the set finally).
Then, while changing Evie on Friday March 28th, she smiled and giggled revealing a tooth that is completely in on the TOP! She never shows us that top section so we had no idea! Funny thing is, its also on the right half of her face.
Like grandma said, she's going to have to turn her head to chew.
Then, while changing Evie on Friday March 28th, she smiled and giggled revealing a tooth that is completely in on the TOP! She never shows us that top section so we had no idea! Funny thing is, its also on the right half of her face.
Like grandma said, she's going to have to turn her head to chew.
Thursday, March 27, 2008
IKEA
Evie looks good in pink.
I think baby's first trip to IKEA IS worth posting.
Grandma Klippstein (Lulu, Lala... whatever) had never been to IKEA but recently experience their catalog on my coffee table. We just couldn't let another month go by in this woman's life without her experiencing everything modern, Swedish, affordable and colorful. I took off work today to help guarantee a painless experience that generally accompanies a Saturday afternoon. We had it all planned out - we packed up our things while Evie ate breakfast and took off immediately following so her morning nap would be timed during the hour long drive north. Perfect!
Evie didn't know what to do with the bin of small toys with all THOSE TAGS! Oh, the joy.
We arrive around 10:30AM and, of course, stayed till after 3PM (whoops! So much for driving home during Evie's afternoon nap). We ate lunch there, Swedish meatballs. Evie had her first taste of garlic mashed potatoes (she ate nearly half of ours! Must have been all the salt but I like to think its that she loves garlic as much as mom). We bought a new duvet cover (I have a collection of comforter covers from IKEA over the years) and many other little things we simply could not live without (including 6 bars of chocolate for only $5). We broke free at $212.93. *sigh*, maybe someday we'll actually be able to go for closer to $100. But who can pass up such an amazing array of must-have's? Even grandma spent $160+/-.
Trying out a possible new item for our kitchen. Its certainly Evie "bang" proof...
I think baby's first trip to IKEA IS worth posting.
Grandma Klippstein (Lulu, Lala... whatever) had never been to IKEA but recently experience their catalog on my coffee table. We just couldn't let another month go by in this woman's life without her experiencing everything modern, Swedish, affordable and colorful. I took off work today to help guarantee a painless experience that generally accompanies a Saturday afternoon. We had it all planned out - we packed up our things while Evie ate breakfast and took off immediately following so her morning nap would be timed during the hour long drive north. Perfect!
Evie didn't know what to do with the bin of small toys with all THOSE TAGS! Oh, the joy.
We arrive around 10:30AM and, of course, stayed till after 3PM (whoops! So much for driving home during Evie's afternoon nap). We ate lunch there, Swedish meatballs. Evie had her first taste of garlic mashed potatoes (she ate nearly half of ours! Must have been all the salt but I like to think its that she loves garlic as much as mom). We bought a new duvet cover (I have a collection of comforter covers from IKEA over the years) and many other little things we simply could not live without (including 6 bars of chocolate for only $5). We broke free at $212.93. *sigh*, maybe someday we'll actually be able to go for closer to $100. But who can pass up such an amazing array of must-have's? Even grandma spent $160+/-.
Trying out a possible new item for our kitchen. Its certainly Evie "bang" proof...
Saturday, March 22, 2008
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Da-Da
In an effort to get Evie beyond "mmm-mm-ma-ma!" and "ba-ba-ba-ba" and "aaaagggh!" (sudden bursts of glee), Rob and I have been introducing "da-da". I point to her dada and I tell her that dada takes care of her. I lean in real close while repetitively saying, "da-da-da-da!" She then grabs my teeth and inevitably jabs my gums with a fingernail while shrieking. She does watch my tongue intently; trying to figure out how to put the point of her tongue against the roof of her mouth. Its funny how difficult this phrase can be.
So, tonight, Rob and I kept saying "da-da!" to her while she rolled and wiggled all over our laps before bedtime. She grunts over and over again accompanying all her bursts of pre-bed, non-stop squirms.
And then, like a commercial, "da-da."
Rob: "Did she just..?"
Me: "Yeah. Da-da. I heard it, too."
Evie: Leans backwards smiling, "Na-na."
Close enough.
So, tonight, Rob and I kept saying "da-da!" to her while she rolled and wiggled all over our laps before bedtime. She grunts over and over again accompanying all her bursts of pre-bed, non-stop squirms.
And then, like a commercial, "da-da."
Rob: "Did she just..?"
Me: "Yeah. Da-da. I heard it, too."
Evie: Leans backwards smiling, "Na-na."
Close enough.
Sunday, March 09, 2008
...And I ran, I ran so far away....
Faux Hawk
When Tyler came over, his mom told me about putting baby oil all over Evie's head, let it sit, and then you comb out the cradle cap. I thought Evie just had one stubborn spot up front so I would try it. She hated my rubbing the oil on. I waited briefly, tried to comb it while Evie fussed. I gave up and gave her a bath. The oil didn't really work.
I washed her hair.
I, ...washed her hair again.
I, ...washed her hair AGAIN and even used a hairbrush in the tub to help get the oil out.
These photos are actually of Evie with "dry-post-bath" hair.
So, what else does one do with greasy hair but make it work?
Christian would be jealous.
Its fierce.
By the way, all those photo-op combing sessions DID lead to MAJOR cradle cap "release". I guess it really needed to soak in longer. Holy mole, talk about corn flakes.
One last comment on the photos - the red mark on Evie's face is either from her dragon nails or a plastic toy. I figured why doctor the photo when this is how she really looks today. ;-)
Gross.
When Tyler came over, his mom told me about putting baby oil all over Evie's head, let it sit, and then you comb out the cradle cap. I thought Evie just had one stubborn spot up front so I would try it. She hated my rubbing the oil on. I waited briefly, tried to comb it while Evie fussed. I gave up and gave her a bath. The oil didn't really work.
I washed her hair.
I, ...washed her hair again.
I, ...washed her hair AGAIN and even used a hairbrush in the tub to help get the oil out.
These photos are actually of Evie with "dry-post-bath" hair.
So, what else does one do with greasy hair but make it work?
Christian would be jealous.
Its fierce.
By the way, all those photo-op combing sessions DID lead to MAJOR cradle cap "release". I guess it really needed to soak in longer. Holy mole, talk about corn flakes.
One last comment on the photos - the red mark on Evie's face is either from her dragon nails or a plastic toy. I figured why doctor the photo when this is how she really looks today. ;-)
Gross.
Saturday, March 08, 2008
Play date: Evie learns how (not) to make friends
My co-worker, B, came over on Saturday to help resuscitate our burned-out backyard. Duties included garden weasling the yard to break-up/loosen the soil, pulling out some creeping ivy & monkey grass, and filling in the various potholes Betty (part lab, part gopher) left everywhere. B's wife, A, and son Tyler (who is exactly 3 months younger than Evie, which, makes him 5 months) also came over so we could have a playdate while the men drank beer. I mean worked.
Evie has only very recently flipped from being fussy around new surroundings to now being a bit more intrigued. I think before she saw newness as potential chaos and now she sees the pleasure in discovering new things. Then again, maybe its all me - who knows.
We still cannot leave her side—any distance over 2-3 feet can result in welled up eyes and tears rolling down the cheeks. This separation anxiety thing is really intense. But, she is becoming more bold in her movements and aggressively grabbing things around her. Her newfound confidence in sitting up (very well!) has her freely leaning forward to grab baskets filled with toys or even slightly scooting on her butt to get closer to objects of desire. Tyler, was one of these said objects.
Evie leans forward with arms raised to happily greet Tyler in a chimp-like squeal,"arrrhhhh!!" Tyler instantly responds in tears.
That's my girl.
What? Was it something I said?
All in all, this was a very successful play date for us. I think Evie is getting older and like I was mentioning before, becoming more intrigued in her surroundings (like exploring Tyler and the toys he brought). We were also within our own home. I plan to push play dates a bit more as the weather gets nicer and see if we can't keep Evie from getting sick of just the two of us all the time. This kid needs stimulation (and friends)!
Tyler's owners
Evie has only very recently flipped from being fussy around new surroundings to now being a bit more intrigued. I think before she saw newness as potential chaos and now she sees the pleasure in discovering new things. Then again, maybe its all me - who knows.
We still cannot leave her side—any distance over 2-3 feet can result in welled up eyes and tears rolling down the cheeks. This separation anxiety thing is really intense. But, she is becoming more bold in her movements and aggressively grabbing things around her. Her newfound confidence in sitting up (very well!) has her freely leaning forward to grab baskets filled with toys or even slightly scooting on her butt to get closer to objects of desire. Tyler, was one of these said objects.
Evie leans forward with arms raised to happily greet Tyler in a chimp-like squeal,"arrrhhhh!!" Tyler instantly responds in tears.
That's my girl.
What? Was it something I said?
All in all, this was a very successful play date for us. I think Evie is getting older and like I was mentioning before, becoming more intrigued in her surroundings (like exploring Tyler and the toys he brought). We were also within our own home. I plan to push play dates a bit more as the weather gets nicer and see if we can't keep Evie from getting sick of just the two of us all the time. This kid needs stimulation (and friends)!
Tyler's owners
Wednesday, March 05, 2008
8 Months old (a late post)
Sorry gentle readers, I have been remiss. Evie suffered a cold, or what we think was a cold, about 2 1/2 weeks ago. A week into this cold, I than began to get catch it (so did Rob). After a week of feeling icky (sore throat, tired, stuffy head and ears), I began to feel better. OK, maybe not "better" but I was definitely getting around and functioning at work & home. Then WHAM! This past Saturday, I progressively lost my voice and went downhill quickly. I thought I had a sinus infection (don't ask or I'll give you all the snotty details) and I felt worn. Actually, more "abused" than worn... my entire body ached head to toe. By Sunday I was getting some chills and a slight fever. On early Monday morning I awoke to a nosebleed from all my nose blowing. I anxiously awaited my doctor's appointment that morning at 10AM. The doctor did a flu test, which came out negative, and she prescribed a Z-Pack to knock out whatever it was that now had me on day 10 of illness. I missed work Monday, Tuesday and now today, Wednesday, since I still sound hoarse, have coughing fits and it feels like someone punched me in the sternum.
Evie and I have been napping a lot lately and, unfortunately, both relying on Rob for our errand running and meal making. I plan to return to the land of the living tomorrow and with that..., enough about me, here's more about Evie's 8th month:
Evie! You've accomplished a lot this past month. So much, its all running together and I am realizing I really must jot these things down as they happen or I begin to forget how long ago something actually was.
You have 3 teeth now, well, almost. We can see & feel the top-most ridges to your bottom 3 teeth. Yup, 3 bottom teeth. I think the American Dental Society has said that babies get their bottom 2 "cutters", then the top 2 "cutters", and then it moves on from there. But not you. No - you went right for the odd numbers all at the same time. Smart girl - I love odd numbers. I also like your defiance against the general laws of nature. You're atypical kid, and I like it.
Besides my obvious obsession with your teeth, dad and I have also been fascinated with your sleep patterns. We've noticed how you like to really shift all over the place during your naps so, as of late, we bought you warmer PJ's and got you out of the sleep sack at night. I admit, it worries me when you have moo-cow (he's a small square blanket with a cow's head) covering your face. I have occasionally woken in the middle of the night to check and put him off to the side. But, I am finding that you like to bury your face. You also like to sleep sideways or in the corners with your feet up on the bars. You like tight spaces. You also, for some reason, gravitate to the spit up pad like its a small bed within a bed. Do you like terry cloth texture? Do you prefer pink? Do we maybe just need to change the sheets more often? Here's a series of pics taken weekly throughout February.
I haven't tried any more strange foods on you besides the avacado and hummus. I have begun "sharing" my morning cereal with you. I give you the milk off the spoon and watch it dribble down your face. You don't actually eat it but its become sort of ritualistic now. You got a little demanding this morning, in fact, but due to my sickness dad had to share his cereal. Its goofy, I know, but I remember wanting to do things the bigger kids/adults did even if I didn't get what they were doing. Its kind of funny to think of you holding a spoon and eating cereal someday soon. Its just as strange to think moments like that will then fade as you rush out the door to catch a bus. *sigh*, slow down mom....
You've clearly outgrown your bathtub. You can sit it up in it just fine, but you are beginning to look ridiculous. You look like Will Ferrell in Elf. I find that things like this just hit me. Things like how we need to move on to the next stage. Here you were splashing and splashing and then you began reaching out over the sides. I think its time I seek out one of those suction cupped seats for you to sit in. I'm excited for the upgrade; frankly, I'm sick of having to empty that tub and then letting it dry before putting it away. But is it wierd how I think of how much water its going to take to fill the tub? Is this a silly thought?
The weather is getting nicer and, with that, the sun is getting up earlier. And, with that, so are you. Let's be honest, we've all been slowly feeling the effects of the shifting daily time savings. You seem to want to eat earlier and a wee bit more (growth spurts?)for each meal. You are also into looking out the windows more and more. Birds are starting to sing and the South actually has a breeze this time of year. Trees shaking their leaves in the wind is a fascinating thing for you. So funny to think you've never seen such simplicities before.
Speaking of life's simplicities, you are mastering peek-a-boo. Dad will stand behind me and "pop up" from behind my shoulders while I hold you. You eagerly grin and slide from side to side anticipating when he'll pop up next. We also cover your face with a blanket only to have you tear it off while we yell "boo!". You absolutely love to be "frightened". The more sudden and scary we blurt out "boo!", the more you "huh, huh, huh!" laugh it out. Its all cute now but what if you like scaring the crap out of people like I used to do when I was 4? Oh geez, my mother's wishes are coming true...
You grab the dogs more. Before it was random eyeball jabs. Now, the dogs have been known to have their tails grabbed and yanked free of many hairs before they get away. You'll then look in between your fingers at the freshly scalped prize. Ugh. You love to grab and pull. You use this skill on everything from grass to mom's necklaces to daddy's neck skin to your plastic/electronic toys that play music awarding you for this behavior. You don't get how to pull things open, up or how to push yet. Just pull, yank and toss absent mindedly.
You scream when I trim your nails, its horrible. It makes my frail nerves over cutting your nails even frailer. I've only trimmed your big toes twice. I don't know what I'll do when your toenails begin to interfere with wearing shoes.
You still won't hold your bottle but you are eager to drink from cups (its a mess). You finger at your food once you are full. You are starting to develop a pincer-grip (cheerios soon?) but I am so fearful of giving you chewable food. Again, this is mostly due to the lack of teeth but also cause you tend to choke on your own spit. I think we'll talk to the doctor at month 9 and see what she says then.
You have, in the last 2 weeks, suddenly grasp that those things I have been flipping through and reading aloud are called books. And those pictures, have words that I am reading. This newfound knowledge just suddenly clicked with you one night and you seem more in tune with storytime. Finally, I'm not reading to a vegetable. ;-)
Everything goes in your mouth. EVERYTHING. You now LUNGE for things without any hesitation. I could be holding you with both hands and you'll suddenly fling yourself forward in feeble attempt to grab 1. paper 2. a remote control 3. a phone 4. a cup or 5. a string (as in, the string on my yoga pants or hoodie). Lunging began in month 7 but now its really like trying to hold back a 20lb muscle. You have no idea that you will fall, cut, burn, or otherwise damage yourself in your attempts to get something. *Suddenly I am realizing why all old people get more skittish about trying things the older they get. Its from experience.* You need to start konking your head and damaging yourself to learn why not to do these things. Just how does a mother let that happen? I don't know how to handle this lesson.
You love to chew paper. Dad and I went to Chipotle for lunch and he gave you the tissue paper off his plate. You loved it. Finally, sog-proof paper that you could gnaw on. It was ridiculous and slightly dog-like. And, it was all completely entertaining. Its nice letting you do ridiculous things that my mother would probably never let me do. I hope we continue on with letting our guard down on just a few things like this so you can explore your world more freely. After all, we want you to be creative and express yourself more and more the older you get.
New things in Evie's life this month ahead:
Recent nicknames:
What's with us and the P's?
Evie and I have been napping a lot lately and, unfortunately, both relying on Rob for our errand running and meal making. I plan to return to the land of the living tomorrow and with that..., enough about me, here's more about Evie's 8th month:
Evie! You've accomplished a lot this past month. So much, its all running together and I am realizing I really must jot these things down as they happen or I begin to forget how long ago something actually was.
You have 3 teeth now, well, almost. We can see & feel the top-most ridges to your bottom 3 teeth. Yup, 3 bottom teeth. I think the American Dental Society has said that babies get their bottom 2 "cutters", then the top 2 "cutters", and then it moves on from there. But not you. No - you went right for the odd numbers all at the same time. Smart girl - I love odd numbers. I also like your defiance against the general laws of nature. You're atypical kid, and I like it.
Besides my obvious obsession with your teeth, dad and I have also been fascinated with your sleep patterns. We've noticed how you like to really shift all over the place during your naps so, as of late, we bought you warmer PJ's and got you out of the sleep sack at night. I admit, it worries me when you have moo-cow (he's a small square blanket with a cow's head) covering your face. I have occasionally woken in the middle of the night to check and put him off to the side. But, I am finding that you like to bury your face. You also like to sleep sideways or in the corners with your feet up on the bars. You like tight spaces. You also, for some reason, gravitate to the spit up pad like its a small bed within a bed. Do you like terry cloth texture? Do you prefer pink? Do we maybe just need to change the sheets more often? Here's a series of pics taken weekly throughout February.
I haven't tried any more strange foods on you besides the avacado and hummus. I have begun "sharing" my morning cereal with you. I give you the milk off the spoon and watch it dribble down your face. You don't actually eat it but its become sort of ritualistic now. You got a little demanding this morning, in fact, but due to my sickness dad had to share his cereal. Its goofy, I know, but I remember wanting to do things the bigger kids/adults did even if I didn't get what they were doing. Its kind of funny to think of you holding a spoon and eating cereal someday soon. Its just as strange to think moments like that will then fade as you rush out the door to catch a bus. *sigh*, slow down mom....
You've clearly outgrown your bathtub. You can sit it up in it just fine, but you are beginning to look ridiculous. You look like Will Ferrell in Elf. I find that things like this just hit me. Things like how we need to move on to the next stage. Here you were splashing and splashing and then you began reaching out over the sides. I think its time I seek out one of those suction cupped seats for you to sit in. I'm excited for the upgrade; frankly, I'm sick of having to empty that tub and then letting it dry before putting it away. But is it wierd how I think of how much water its going to take to fill the tub? Is this a silly thought?
The weather is getting nicer and, with that, the sun is getting up earlier. And, with that, so are you. Let's be honest, we've all been slowly feeling the effects of the shifting daily time savings. You seem to want to eat earlier and a wee bit more (growth spurts?)for each meal. You are also into looking out the windows more and more. Birds are starting to sing and the South actually has a breeze this time of year. Trees shaking their leaves in the wind is a fascinating thing for you. So funny to think you've never seen such simplicities before.
Speaking of life's simplicities, you are mastering peek-a-boo. Dad will stand behind me and "pop up" from behind my shoulders while I hold you. You eagerly grin and slide from side to side anticipating when he'll pop up next. We also cover your face with a blanket only to have you tear it off while we yell "boo!". You absolutely love to be "frightened". The more sudden and scary we blurt out "boo!", the more you "huh, huh, huh!" laugh it out. Its all cute now but what if you like scaring the crap out of people like I used to do when I was 4? Oh geez, my mother's wishes are coming true...
You grab the dogs more. Before it was random eyeball jabs. Now, the dogs have been known to have their tails grabbed and yanked free of many hairs before they get away. You'll then look in between your fingers at the freshly scalped prize. Ugh. You love to grab and pull. You use this skill on everything from grass to mom's necklaces to daddy's neck skin to your plastic/electronic toys that play music awarding you for this behavior. You don't get how to pull things open, up or how to push yet. Just pull, yank and toss absent mindedly.
You scream when I trim your nails, its horrible. It makes my frail nerves over cutting your nails even frailer. I've only trimmed your big toes twice. I don't know what I'll do when your toenails begin to interfere with wearing shoes.
You still won't hold your bottle but you are eager to drink from cups (its a mess). You finger at your food once you are full. You are starting to develop a pincer-grip (cheerios soon?) but I am so fearful of giving you chewable food. Again, this is mostly due to the lack of teeth but also cause you tend to choke on your own spit. I think we'll talk to the doctor at month 9 and see what she says then.
You have, in the last 2 weeks, suddenly grasp that those things I have been flipping through and reading aloud are called books. And those pictures, have words that I am reading. This newfound knowledge just suddenly clicked with you one night and you seem more in tune with storytime. Finally, I'm not reading to a vegetable. ;-)
Everything goes in your mouth. EVERYTHING. You now LUNGE for things without any hesitation. I could be holding you with both hands and you'll suddenly fling yourself forward in feeble attempt to grab 1. paper 2. a remote control 3. a phone 4. a cup or 5. a string (as in, the string on my yoga pants or hoodie). Lunging began in month 7 but now its really like trying to hold back a 20lb muscle. You have no idea that you will fall, cut, burn, or otherwise damage yourself in your attempts to get something. *Suddenly I am realizing why all old people get more skittish about trying things the older they get. Its from experience.* You need to start konking your head and damaging yourself to learn why not to do these things. Just how does a mother let that happen? I don't know how to handle this lesson.
You love to chew paper. Dad and I went to Chipotle for lunch and he gave you the tissue paper off his plate. You loved it. Finally, sog-proof paper that you could gnaw on. It was ridiculous and slightly dog-like. And, it was all completely entertaining. Its nice letting you do ridiculous things that my mother would probably never let me do. I hope we continue on with letting our guard down on just a few things like this so you can explore your world more freely. After all, we want you to be creative and express yourself more and more the older you get.
New things in Evie's life this month ahead:
- Her first St. Patty's Day! Green formula? I might need to look into dyes and see if they are harmful...
- Her first Easter! Getting to pick out a keepsake basket will be fun, fun, fun! Next year - egg dyeing! OK, maybe this year!
- Grandma and Grandpa K will be here to visit - although not "new" its been since September that they were last here. Do you think she remembers?
- Her first visit to the Financial Consultant to do TAXES! Yeah, Evie's a tax break! Let's hope the wait is less than 1 hour this year...
Recent nicknames:
- Piggle-Wiggle has been shortened to Pickle (ask Rob, not me)
- Evie-Pie is often shortened to Pie (OK, that one is mine)
- Piglet (still)
What's with us and the P's?
And, here they are. Part 3
So, who's ever heard of a kid getting 3 teeth on the bottom all at the same time? This is wierd. This kid is wierd.
I love it.
With this post, I will now spare you all the near daily detail shots highlighting the arrival of Evie's new teeth. But, one final question. At what point can I say her teeth are actually "here" and post the date in her baby book. Opinions welcome.
Saturday, March 01, 2008
Here They Come, Part 2
Well, part 1's photo was taken on Monday the 21st and this one is 2 days later on Wednesday the 23rd. Who said teeth just "pop!" and there they are overnight? Today is Saturday Mar 1 and I'm still waiting for these things to stick out of her gumline. I can "see" and feel the ridges across the tops of 3 bottom teeth. I haven't a clue what's on top. This teething thing is taking forever!
PS, Today was March 1 and I don't know i it came in like a lion or a lamb. It was windy in the morning but sunny and gorgeous all afternoon (58˙). We enjoyed a longish stroll en route to Baby Yoga (Me and Me class). After class mom got a Chair to walk home. We had lunch and mom worked a little out back before catnapping and taking Betty over to her new home.
PS, Today was March 1 and I don't know i it came in like a lion or a lamb. It was windy in the morning but sunny and gorgeous all afternoon (58˙). We enjoyed a longish stroll en route to Baby Yoga (Me and Me class). After class mom got a Chair to walk home. We had lunch and mom worked a little out back before catnapping and taking Betty over to her new home.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)