Poor Baby

Betsy is feeling badly today although you wouldn't know it by looking at the pics below. I tried to very carefully put her in her highchair this morning and she screamed and started crying. I must have moved her leg in a weird way. I feel so helpless when she's in pain. We're getting her cast put on at noon and I'm hoping she'll feel better afterwards.

Yesterday we stayed in and played. B learned a new trick. I sing "Clap your hands, clap your hands, clap your little hands" (in a tune from The Wizard of Oz) and she claps! At first I had to clap with her, but now she does it alone. Last night was another looong night--Peter and I took shifts b/c she got up at 3:45. Since she's been feeling bad she is very clingy and just wants to be around us all the time. Right now she's playing with this cool toy that Taddy gave her. The weather is soooo gross--rainy and humid. Yuck.

We already miss Aunt Attie.

Pics

I'm so embarassed that she doesn't have a diaper cover on, but we left the house in a rush to go to the dr.

Our First Weekend Away from B

We had fun in Birmingham this weekend. Mike & Missy's wedding was beautiful. Jules ended up riding with us because Lucy was not feeling well. I got to talk to Jules for 10 hours--poor Peter. Our hotel was attached to a mall so after the wedding Jules and I did some shopping while Peter and the rest of the wedding revelers did some drinking at the hotel bar. I am crazy for hotels with malls attached.

When we got home B was asleep and P's parents said that she was fussy on Saturday and napped a lot and was up a bunch during the night. They said they thought she might be getting sick. When B woke up and saw us she seemed out of it and her voice was hoarse. She didn't have a fever and I was worried that her leg was bothering her because she wasn't moving it very much. I called Dr. W's office yesterday and the resident on call told me to bring her in today if she still seemed out of sorts. She was up all last night and would cry when we picked her up. We went to see Colleen, Dr. W's nurse practicioner, and the x-rays revealed that our poor baby has a stress fracture on her left femur. All of the kicking and scooting that she has been doing lately caused the fracture. Dr. W ended up coming into the office after Colleen called him. Her leg was wrapped in gauze and an ace bandage and soon afterwards she seemed to be her old self again. She slept a lot this afternoon and since it hurts for her to move her leg she's not as mobile as usual. We go back on Wednesday to have her cast extended to her hip--it keeps going up higher and higher. I'm so glad that I decided to bring her to see Dr. W because I just knew that something was wrong. I guess it's my maternal instinct kicking in.

In other news...last night we went to dinner at Larry & Carroll's and it was so good. Their home in Broadmoor is very close to being fully restored post-Kat and their new furniture is awesome. Betsy tried lamb, potatoes, and feta cheese. I went from not letting her try anything to letting her try everything. Today we walked to get coffee with Aunt Attie and Uncle Beau and Coco and met Jules and Lucy. We ran into Aunt Lori and T--Happy Birthday T!!! We were all distraught because PJ's was closed and we had to settle for CC's--yuck. After B's appointment we went to Tim's for a Memorial Day Feast--it was sooo good. We got to spend quality time with Mom, Tim, and the sissies and their boys.

Aunt Attie and Uncle Beau leave for Italy tomorrow. They will be gone for 10 days. What are we going to do??????? :(

I'll post pics tomorrow. I'm exhausted.

Don't Read This, Peter

Yesterday we had lots of adventures. We went to the Park early then met Aunt Attie at PJ's and ran into Julie and Lucy--Betsy was thrilled to see Lucy! Betsy took a 1.5 hour nap--the longest in ages. We had B's new, big-girl car seat installed and it's way roomier than her last one. She was just getting too big for it. Then we went to Posh Pottery Pub with playgroup and made mugs/frames for the Dads for Father's Day. I made P a mug from B. All six of the moms made it to playgroup with their six babies so we took over the place. The babies were so well behaved! I had to keep this outing a secret from Peter, because it's a surprise. We stopped at TCBY afterwards and Andrea's Mom treated the crew to yogurt--too sweet. B was exhausted when we left and crashed in the car. Marme stopped by to see Betsy after work. B has been consistently sleeping through the night lately, but last night she was up from 1 till 2 with me then 2 till 3 with P. And she was up at 645! I was just getting used to getting a good night's sleep. Oh well! Tomorrow Peter and I are going to Birmingham for a wedding and leaving B for the first time. P's parents are coming here to watch her. It's going to be weird to be without B for 2 whole days!

Betsy Hates Massages

Today Aunt Attie came over with PJ's then B and I went for our morning walk in the Park and we almost got caught in the rain. We went to an infant massage class and there were tons of tiny babies--Betsy was one of the oldest babies. B and the other older babies did not like just lying there and being massaged. Betsy scooted away from me and rolled over and pulled the hair of the baby next to her. Once I put the oil on my hands and tried to hold onto her she was like a squealing, greased pig! The teacher even commented on how vocal B was. B said "Dadadadada" most of the time while we were there. Afterwards we went to Krista's house and B loved playing with Lauren's dolls. I can't believe that Krista is having another baby in 7 weeks. Wow! I just fed B dinner and P is bathing her. She ate squash w/ rice cereal, some leftover apple yogurt oatmeal, and a few bits of shredded cheddar cheese. She did not like the cottage cheese I offered her at all. I can't wait for tonight's season finale of Lost--yippeee!!!

Dadadadadadadada

Betsy is 8 months old as of yesterday--I can't believe it! I haven't been able to post lately because she is on the move and I have to keep my eye on her constantly and she's not a huge napper. But right now she's napping so.....

Betsy and I went to the Park almost every day last week--on Wednesday it was too humid and nasty--and I think she's starting to really like it.

On Tuesday we had our last Busy Babies class. In the afternoon B had an appointment with Dr. Warren. It was not fun. She had her new cast put on and the saw scared her to death as did the removal of the pin with what looked like pliers. Ouch--she was hysterical and I almost was. She got a new pink cast and after a rough couple of hours she crashed.

On Wednesday we had morning PJs with Aunt Attie then hit Target later in the afternoon.

On Thursday we had to go see Dr. Warren again b/c her cast seemed to have shifted. B screamed for the 45 minutes we had to wait--it was her usual nap time and she was mad to be back at the dr's office so soon. Once in there her cast was yanked off and she freaked out although we were assured by the nurse that it didn't hurt. Yeah, right. We got a new cast (cast #3) that goes over her knee. I was afraid that it would slow her down, but in the afternoon we went to playgroup at Evelyn/Georgia's house and she scooted all over the place. We had so much fun and I had 2 iced coffees so I was bouncing off the walls. Afterwards we went to TCBY with Andrea & William. Thursday night P and I watched "the shows" and The Office seriously made me cry; I know I'm lame.

On Friday we had an awesome day with Marme. We went to lunch at NY Bagel and B ate some whole wheat bagel and loved it. Later we went to the Riverwalk and I got some much needed new clothes then we sat outside of the Riverwalk Cafe du Monde and ate beignets and watched the boats on the river. It was so beautiful and relaxing. B tasted her first beignet and was in heaven! We met Papa Vic and Bee at the Park and fed the ducks. B drank water out of a cup and did a pretty good job. We also spotted Chris Rose and had seen Alec Gifford at Dr. Warren's office on Thursday--local celeb bonanza!!! On Friday night Betsy clapped her hands! It was about 9:00 and she would not go to sleep and was wide awake and smiley and in the best mood and all of a sudden started laughing and clapping her hands. It was adorable.

On Saturday morning we went to PJ's with Attie, Beau, & Coco. Later on in the day Attie was playing with B and she said "Dadadadadadada." We quickly grabbed Peter and she kept saying and continued to say it all day Sunday too. It's the cutest thing ever. On Saturday afternoon we traveled to Baton Rouge--B's first overnight trip. We stayed with the Stones and Neila's Mom and sister were kind enough to watch B while we went to a party. B was fascinated with Camille. On Sunday morning I woke up with B and Cal woke up with Camille and B stared at Camille and laughed and tried to get her attention. We had breakfast at Whole Foods; it was so beautiful outside yet again. After leaving BR we went to the outlets then home. Aunt Katie came to visit then we went to her house and played with Lola. We had to lower B's bed all the way b/c she is getting so active.

Yesterday we went to the Park then to Wal-Mart--B's first trip there with me--not as bad as I thought it would be. B was all over the place yesterdayThis morning we went to see Dr. Warren and he put a wooden splint. She only cried a little bit. I think she's over her cast and the constant dr. visits. We go back in 2 weeks then 2 weeks later it should be off--just in time for the beach!!! We tried to go to Storytime at Latter Library with Ticia/William and Evelyn/Georgia, but it was canceled b/c the storyteller was bitten by an insect and became ill. So we all went to PJ's on Maple then we went with Ticia & William to Daneel Park. Betsy got in a swing for the first time and had a blast--I forgot my camera so no pics. :(

B is trying all sorts of new foods--avocado, plain yogurt, cheerios. It's so cool to see her reactions to everything.

Mother's Day

On Saturday we went to breakfast with a huge crew at the Audubon Golf Club--Jama, Pa, Dad, Bee, Taddy, Diane, Stevie, Calli, Craig, and my sisters and their boys. It was great to visit with everyone. Later on Attie and I walked to Savvy Gourmet and tried a New Orleans Nectar Soda float with nectar ice cream--yummmmm. Peter and I went to dinner at Zea at 530--we felt very old, but then saw that there were lots of other folks with babies who had to eat dinner early. B ate her supper there and nibbled on a piece of pita bread, which she loved.

I had a wonderful day yesterday and got to spend time with my baby and with my Mom. In the morning Peter, Betsy, and I went to PJ's and met Aunt Attie and Coco and ran into Julie and Lucy. B couldn't stop staring at Lucy. In the afternoon Mom, Attie, Katie, and I went to Bayona for lunch and it was delicious. Afterwards we went to Harrah's, dawlin. We hadn't been since before Katrina so we just had to go. I put $20 in a slot machine and within 15 minutes I had won $383.75. Yippeee! Betsy and Peter went to Vacherie to visit Momma Lady and Grandma Agnes. By the time I got home I really missed my little girl. It was the longest I had been away from her in a while, but I thoroughly enjoyed my time with Mom and my sissies.

Another New Trick

On Tuesday night I was awakened by a strange little noise coming from Betsy. I went in her room and she was sitting up and seemed both proud of herself and terrified. When she saw me she started slapping her leg (her way of clapping) and laughing. I still haven't seen her do it during daylight hours and I'm curious about how she does it.

On Wednesday we had an early morning visit from Aunt Attie w/ PJs (yay!) then we hit the Park for 2 laps and B slept the whole second lap. It was so nice outside so I sat by the car for about 30 minutes after we were done b/c B was still sleeping. We went to Lakeside w/ Kris & Lauren and B was in a bad mood and seemed exhausted--red eyes that she kept rubbing--but wouldn't sleep. When she finally fell asleep I did some quick shopping then we hit the road.

On Thursday we had another morning visit from Aunt Attie--we're starting to get kind of spoiled. Then Papa Vic stopped by and brought B a gigantic, singing, dancing Spider Man doll. She got really excited because it sings "Itsy Bitsy Spider"--her current fave tune. We went to playgroup and Betsy is really into pulling the other babies' hair. And she really liked little Will's Tickle Me Elmo. Cal and his Mom and baby Camille came to visit. B enjoyed seeing Camille; she absolutely loves older babies.

Yesterday we walked in the Park then visited Marme and Aunt Katie at work. Afterwards B was exhausted so we headed home. She was able to do something that she's been trying to do for 3 weeks--she got the toes of her casted foot into her mouth! Peter got home early so went to check out Sucre on Magazine. I had heard so much hype about it. It was OK; the staff wasn't particularly nice and the prices for chocolate were outrageous. Then we walked down to Nacho Mama's and I had a margarita (well, 2 actually...) and Peter had a couple of beers.

BREAKING NEWS--As I was typing this Betsy crawled for the first time and luckily Peter and I both saw it, but as soon as we grabbed the video camera she stopped.

Days O' Fun

We had a relaxing weekend. On Saturday Peter took Betsy on some errands so I got to get some work done; it was nice. Saturday evening we went to Attie & Beau's to celebrate Beau & Coco's birthday. They made an awesome Cinco de Mayo feast--gazpacho, fajitas, black beans & rice, guacamole, and delicious watermelon margaritas. Betsy waved and ate her very un-Mexican feast of rice cereal and a jar of peas. On Sunday we got up and walked with Attie, Beau, & Coco to PJ's for breakfast. The rest of the day we lounged around and did some stuff around the house. Yesterday B and I went to Babies R Us with Krista and had lunch at her house for her birthday. In the afternoon Katie, Betsy, and I went to Amy's. Katie and I got pedicures and Betsy slept on my lap the whole time, which was awesome because at first she started to fuss and I thought it was going to be a loooong pedicure. Today we went to Busy Babies then later to the Park; it was gorgeous today. Betsy had her first biter biscuit today--gross. This afternoon Neila came over to visit and tonight the blogging moms (Julie, Neila, and I) went to dinner at Crepe Nanou; it was so good. We stopped at Creole Creamery afterwards--yummmm. Betsy is asleep and I'm hoping she doesn't wake up because she's rocking on her hands and knees and can't figure out how to lie back down. Last night she was rocking away and got up 4 times. Yikes.

The Wave

This week B has been sleeping a lot better than she did last week. On Tuesday we went to Busy Babies and B waved to all of the babies. She has been waving all week and is starting to do it on command. I love it! On Wednesday B played with Lauren and Reed at Krista's. Betsy would shriek and flap her arms up and down when they came around her. Last night we went to dinner at Lakeview Harbor with Dad, Bee, Aunt Attie, and Uncle Beau. It recently reopened and it was so great to be there. Betsy tasted her first french fry and absolutely loved it! Peter and Bee gave her a regular fry and a sweet potato fry--she preferred the regular fry by far. She also ate her peas and cereal with gusto; at home she's not as interested in food, but when there's a crowd watching she shows off by eating it all up. Betsy is really getting on her knees and rocking back and forth lately. I think she'll be crawling pretty soon.

Last night a terrible storm moved through and it was the worst thunder and lightning I had ever heard and seen. Betsy slept through the first half hour--I don't know how because I was freaking out. She eventually did wake up and was scared. We were all pretty exhausted today. Luckily Aunt Attie came over this morning and brought coffee to wake me up!!! I thought the bad weather had passed, but I was wrong. B and I headed to Metairie, but had to turn around because it was pouring. Once we got home we had to sit in the car for nearly 45 minutes because it was raining so hard and I didn't want her cast to get soaked. All afternoon the weather has been on the news. A lot of the city is flooded. I'm so glad we turned around when we did and didn't get stuck in Metairie. It's finally calming down outside. Since I've been typing Betsy has scooted from her blanket on the rug to the door and back twice. She's very mobile these days! This afternoon I let Betsy gnaw on a frozen whole wheat bagel--she had a blast with it.