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.

Sunday and Monday

Yesterday we went to the Aquarium and to eat at Maspero's then walked around the Quarter. It was B's first time to Maspero's, which is one of my favorite restaurants--yes, it's loud and scuzzy and touristy, but I love it. While we were in line for Maspero's Betsy waved at the people in front of us. She was in her stroller so we didn't see her do it, but they told us that she did. Then a minute later she did it again when they waved to her. She waved on Saturday, but at random times--yesterday she waved in response to a wave. Betsy officially has a new trick!!! After we got home from the Quarter Attie & Beau took B for a walk and Peter and I were able to take naps.

Today we hit the park then went to lunch at Lucy's with Jen C. and Sarah W. Betsy was very flirty with the other patrons in the restaurant. And she is more popular than ever thanks to the bright, pink cast!

Recovering

Betsy is recovering nicely from her surgery. She occasionally has pain in her leg when she bangs toys against it or turns it in a weird way. And she's been waking up at night because she's having trouble rolling from her tummy back to her back and she gets stuck. It's been a sleepless week for Peter and me. We started Busy Babies class and B loved being around all of the babies and playing with the cool toys. Yesterday we walked all around the neighborhood with Aunt Attie and Jodi. We went to St. James Cheese Company for lunch then Creole Creamery then we checked out the modular home near Julie's. Last night the Carvilles "grilled out" and we had a grand old time. We just got back from PJ's; it's beautiful outside. I'll post some pics later.

Hospital Pics

Surgery Day

Betsy had her surgery yesterday. She did very well.

We arrived at the hospital at 6 am then went to pre-op. I was so worried about having to transfer her to the anesthesiologist when it was time for her to go into surgery. I thought she was going to scream and reach for me. Luckily she fell asleep in my arms right before he came in and after he picked her up she remained asleep. It made it a lot easier on us. Surgery began at 820 and we were able to see her in the recovery room at around 930. When I saw my little baby all bundled up and being rocked by a nurse I had to cry. I was so relieved and so thankful that she was okay. Dr. Warren wanted Betsy to stay overnight so we're still here. Yesterday was a long day and Betsy was very sleepy and somewhat fussy. She did smile a couple of times yesterday afternoon so that was good to see. Last night Peter and I took turns sleeping (for an hour here and there) on a tiny sofa and a recliner. Betsy is up right now and kind of fussy. Once Dr. Warren sees her we'll be able to go home.

I've known about this surgery since I was 5 months pregnant and I am so happy that it has come and gone. Thanks to everyone for all of their love and support. I promise to post some precious pictures of Betsy in her tiny hospital gown.

Lil Sicky

Our week was pretty low key. Momma Lady came in town on Monday and watched B, which was wonderful because she was up all night last Sunday. I think all of the Easter excitement made our baby overstimulated. On Tuesday it rained and we stayed in. On Wednesday we went to the mall with Krista and Lauren. On Thursday we went to the zoo with playgroup. Thursday night little B woke up in the middle of the night coughing and congested and one of her eyes was really red. I brought her to Uncle Tommy on Friday because I wanted to make sure nothing serious was wrong--like an ear infection--with her surgery coming up soon. He said it was just a cold and an eye infection. So we hung around the house all weekend with our sick baby. She's feeling better now--just a little stuffy. I hope this week goes by quickly because I'm ready for her surgery to be over with.

Happy Easter!

I know that it seems like I'm full of excuses lately, but things have been hectic. I caught that terrible stomach bug that Peter had the week before and it was awful. Luckily I recovered in time for our weekend of festivities.

It has been FREEZING for the past few days so Betsy couldn't wear any of her precious new spring dresses. On Good Friday we went to Vacherie for a crawfish boil. Betsy tried to kiss Charlie and kept grabbing him. On Saturday we went to lunch with the sisters for Marme's birthday. Later in the afternoon we went to the family crawfish boil at Tommy's. Today we had breakfast at Tim's then Vacherie again. Betsy was sort of cranky with all of the activity, but tonight she has made up for it by being super cute and funny--she is talking up a storm! We had a wonderful Easter weekend!

The first pic is from before the Mt. Carmel Easter Egg Hunt on March 25--where she actually got to wear her Easter dress: