Evie & Miles - a breakfast date

S & A had us over for an amazingly delicious & wonderfully displayed brunch, this past Sunday, to celebrate T's new job.
Evie was much better this time than our last play-date (in which she fussed the whole time). She does still need to be watched so she doesn't flop over and smack her head... but she is really beginning to explore new things & taking an active interest in her baby friend.

Here they come...!

'Bout time... she'll be 8 months in a week!

Profile

I always get head on shots of Evie but she has the most distinct profile with her bulging baby forehead. I just had to capture it before it all went away with age. Its funny (especially after seeing other's kids go from just 9 to16 months) how quickly they morph from babies to toddlers to looking like "kids")

One of us, one of us, one of us....

For Jay and Kendra

Teething (?)

After joking about looking into baby dentures... it seems Evie might be finally teething.
Tuesday she acted a little grumpy. Not fussy... but just sort of "eh."
Tuesday night, Rob awoke 4X's to replace a spit-out paci and I awoke 1X's.
Wednesday, grumpy. A bit of an unhappy/ "wah-wah" gus.
Wednesday night, Evie awakes at 9:15PM and must be held/consoled. We then take turns with the paci, 2X's each, throughout the night.
Thursday, long morning nap and shorter afternoon naps filled with tears & fussies. She cries if left alone or bored (which doesn't take long to reach).
Thursday night, tonight, we'll see...

Any sign of teeth yet? Nope.
We are using Orajel on occasion and giving her Tylonol throughout the day.
*sigh*, I heard this was bad but this seems to be lasting a long time with nothing to show for it.
Evie will be 8 months old in a week and a half. Is this wierd that she's still toothless?
Hmmmm.

Guacamole and Hummus**

Inspired by Sloane's recent installation, I shared my "red pepper hummus" with Evie this past weekend. Initially confused by the new taste, she eagerly leaned in to suck the remainder on my pinky (she's not quite at the stage of enjoying hummas on pita chips yet). I gave her a few more tastes before I began to worry about the pepper. I'll try plain hummas next time.
Tonight, before making my guacamole, I made a "virgin" variety for the baby. Mashing up an avacado and giving her a taste off my fork... she scrunched her face before looking slightly interested. I ended up giving her a good serving with her dinner. I have also decided that now is my chance to morph Evie into an eater like her mom.
Next week, mushrooms and olives. *wink*

** I admit it. I had to look up the spelling on both of these. *sigh,* I hope Evie gets her dad's vocabulary & spelling skillz... er, skills.

clipped.

A few days ago, you began scratching at my neck and daddy's face.
Time to clip your nails. Again.
This is a weekly chore.
Your nails are like little razor blades scritch-scratching their marks into everyone's faces.
I got through your right hand before starting on your left thumb.
Clip... WAH!
I clipped your skin.
Your finger gets hot to the touch and turns bright pink. I stop; feeling terrible.

Today, you cut daddy's face with your left hand.
I should finish what we started.
While he holds you, I grab your left thumb to hold it steady - you wriggle and fight endlessly.
Clip... WHA!
I clipped your skin. Again.
This time, blood.
You look at me like, 'why in the hell would you want to intentionally inflict so much pain on me? What was I doing, that was so awful, that you would, again, grab my already sore thumb and cut into it again? Why? Why? WHY?'
You cried and sobbed.
You cried and got yourself upset to the point of needing another afternoon nap.
I put you down, bleeding... sore thumb... and upset at the world.
I leave your room and Rob suggests I take a nap... looking tired myself.
Your pain makes me upset to the point of needing a nap.
I go to make dinner.
And cry.

Ba-ba-ba-ba-ba

By 7 months, your baby should be saying "ba-ba-ba", "ma-ma-ma" or "da-da-da".
The day before her 2nd flu shot on Friday Feb 1, I became worried that Evie was still only grunting, squeeling, chirping and laughing. By the end of the day - "ba-ba-ba" was a hit and its a hit that keeps on coming ALL THE TIME now! "Ma-ma-ma" is also a favorite. "Da-da-da" soon to follow?

Getting Political!

Get 'em while they are hot!:
Makes_3 Politcal Shop

7 months

Wow, 7 months already (j/k, I can't begin every monthly post with an exclaimation over how time does continue to plod on despite my attempts to dodge it).

I really have not posted this month. Why? TOO DAMNED BUSY! Not only did we come home from Christmas to a very messy house (the dog sitters were great people, but let's face it, they don't take care of your house nor do they really care if you get muddy paw prints everywhere once they leave. So, I spent the first half of the month cleaning up that mess. Then I packed away Christmas... which led to me packing away all your baby clothes that were 3-6 months. You received so many items for 6-9 month sizes and, let's be honest, your frog belly was being squeezed in those smaller sizes. This cycling out things led to more unpacking of all those toys we've been storing for 6+ months. That led to packing away of items such as the cradle swing (Thanks C and D for letting us use it!) and going through all your baby clothes because we really need to pass things on. Basically, this past month's theme has been new stages.

Now, you are no longer a "newborn" but a full fledge "baby".

This time is exciting. You recognize us more and actually have begun reaching up to be picked up out of your chair or swing.
This time is the brink of turmoil. We all went to Greensboro a few weeks ago. You cried, wailed and SOBBED when we left you in grandma Bob's care at 7PM (bedtime) so we could catch a 7:30PM movie. I had no idea what the problem was when I got the full report later that night (I mean, you are always with mom or dad and are OK. We've only left you so many times. Recently, we left you with grandma Ullman at Christmastime in Ohio... and you were fine then). But, you have begun a new phase whether we like it or not. Separation anxiety is beginning.

Very recently you've been "wah-wah'ing" a lot. You make these stressed-out moans when you eat "mmmm... mmmm... mmmm..." I have no idea what the problem is and it drives me crazy. Sometimes, you get so tired of trying to tell me something you just give in to grimmacing and rolling out the tears. All I can do in this instance is pick you up out of your chair and give you a bottle. This tends to be it - you want the bottle. This frustrates me cause you NEED to be exploring solids and moving away from the bottle as your main staple. In fact, you were very good for awhile, why the regress? No idea, but you are eating just fine, you are nearly, if not already, 20lbs.

Speaking of 20lbs, your baby carrier/car seat expires at 20lbs. Mom and dad will be buying you a convertable seat next weekend. This, too, is great and bad news. This means, 'hoorah! I don't have to lug around that HEAVY car seat anymore!' Instead, 'boo! Now I have to lug around YOU as you lunge for things, can't be put down on the floor (you'll roll over and konk your head) and now you will no longer fall asleep while being pushed around the grocery store.
And speaking of grocery stores, you saw a big red mylar balloon for the first time today (you looked up and caught a glimpse of it bobbing around). I pulled it down for you to touch it. You smiled and later began seeing them everywhere. I think you'll be a balloon lover. Bad news for me who FEARS LATEX BALLOONS like they are a victimizer ready to pounce on my very throat. *sigh*

Food - we are expanding. Grandma Bob bought you more meat-based foods. The doctor told us to start introducing proteins but we hadn't done it yet. Evie, meet Beef & Beef Gravy. YUCK! This stuff has the consistency of the really cheap generic dog food that I don't even serve Puck (looks like meat paste) and it stinks far worse. I dry heave and try not to let you see me. You eat a small bite, *smack,smack,*taste,*smack. I wait. You swallow and, get this, lean forward with your mouth wide open wanting more! Oh my God, you must be kidding me. You haven't voluntarily opened your mouth wide for a spoonful of food since maybe the first few weeks of eating. I let myself go and gag aloud. You obviously don't care what I think. You then proceed to eagerly eat THE WHOLE CONTAINER. Otto, K and E's newest dog, eagerly finishes off the morsels stuck to the inside rim of the jar. GROSS!
And you won't eat my yams. I don't get you.
Oh wait, I do. You are a Klippstein-Ullman. Those names are sononomous with 'carnivore'. We are terrible herbivores. And your dad's affinity for low-grade meats? I think you are definitely one of us.

I bought one of those little mesh baggies stuck on a handle to look like a sucker. You can put frozen fruits and veggies in their for kids to suck on. Your dad had never heard of it but you Aunt Nicole told me all about it. We gave you banana and you LOVED it. It turns into this brown, gooey mess that resembles cat puke but boy-oh-boy do you love it. We've since tried frozen apples, too, but I think you preferred the mushy banana since you could really suck it through the mesh bag. I have frozen peaches for smoothies - I'll try those next.

I finally got dad to videotape you in the bathtub and I also took many, many pictures. I haven't wanted to do these things alone for obvious reasons (like, drowning in a split second). And dad never seems to cooperate. I don't think he knew how much fun you and I have. He has since been sneaking in to the bathroom to splash around and play with the plastic toys, too. I think dad is getting more into his element during moments like this... he wants to play and you are finally beginning to reach an age level where that is possible.
Oh! And we figured out how to put all these movies together on interactive DVD (complete with menu, music, etc etc). We gave both grandma's a DVD and they LOVED it. You are born at such a cool time as far as technology is concerned, Evie.

Time, with and around you, these days is changing. No longer a tiny newborn, we can go stretches without you eating, sleeping, and thankfully, pooping. You'd think we'd have larger chunks of time to also get things done around the house but this is so not the case. You will self-entertain in your bouncey swing (which you will outgrow this month at the rate you are gaining weight) and in the excersaucer. But you are also starting to call out if we leave the room. This, as your doctor said, is the time we can spoil you by running to your aide. I gotta tell you, its harder to avoid than I thought it would be. Just yesterday, hanging out with Miles seemed the longest adventure with you. Refusing to be put down or left to your own devices, arg. You can't simply be there and explore the things around you.You are precoutious but not at all like I was. You really are not very brazen. I don't think this is our fault, trust me, I'm pretty OK with letting you figure things out and letting you fuss a bit. But, I think you are much more sensitive. You are not shy and smile at almost anyone. You touch things for the first time with a gentle touch (and then you bang,bang away). You do like to see and experience new things but always with the need to either be held by one of us or a need to return to home base. Dad and I agree that you get stressed by hectic surroundings and you seemed to act/feel more centered at home. Maybe you are just a gentler soul than I am.

In closing comments. Dad and I have always intended for you to have a sibling (No, this is NOT an announcement). I wonder when dad will be ready and let's be frank, when I will be, too. I think I'd like to have this happen sooner than later (a sibling for when you are 2 and 1/2)? I think dad isn't even ready to consider that siblings future arrival. That is, until last week, when he said you were too cute for you to not have a brother or sister. So, there you have it. Dad must be loving you and feeling confident to say such a comment aloud. This, is a shocker from your dad. *wink*

Recent nicknames: Piggle-Wiggle, Fusser

Goals for growing next month: Learn how to clap (not with our feet but with our hands), sit up without falling over, saying "ba ba ba" or "ma ma ma" sounds, holding your own bottle, and sprouting some teeth.

Sorry for the temporary LARGE FONT website

I had installed Google Analytics in the HTML code (and in thewrong spot). All should be displaying nicely now.

Back to my cranky baby, will hopefully post again someday soon...

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.

I roll for T-Bone

Grandma Ullman cleans hotels & as a result, finds all sorts of things useful and not-so-useful. All of which she brings home with her to use, share or pass on. T-Bone is one of these things.
Evie took a liking to T-Bone... a friend of Clifford the Big Red Dog. The toy is a small hard plastic dog with a big bone in his mouth. When you pull the bone, its attached to an elastic cord that reels the bone back. This both amazes and amuses Evie to no end.
After playing with Evie on her mat, I sat back and watched her roll side to side in this spastic rocking motion she likes to do. She eyed T-Bone off to the side and actually rolled onto her belly for him. Granted her arm was folded up under her and I had to help set it free... but it counts!
2 days later update: She has yet to replicate this maneuver and doesn't seem too interested in even trying. Oh well, it will happen. ;-)