Tuesday, June 19, 2007

Pics

And a birthday shout out to Lucy Vaicius!!!












Monday, June 18, 2007

Father's Day

We had a wonderful day with lots of wonderful fathers--Peter, Papa Vic, Pa, and Uncle Tommy. Peter got to spend time with another great Dad, Grandpa, on Saturday! B gave Peter the mug that we made at Posh Pottery Pub. I think it was a hit. Breakfast was so much fun--the boys did most of the cooking and the girls mostly hung out with lil B. They did a great job. The middle of the day was very low key; Peter let me take a 1.5 hour nap, which was especially sweet on Father's Day. We went to Jama & Pa's in the late afternoon and had fun visiting and eating yummy treats.

Today B had her 9 month checkup with Uncle Tommy. I had psyched myself up for her having shots and it turned out that she didn't have to get shots today. Hooray! B's height and weight were in the 50th percentile. We went to Babies R Us to grab a few things including a super cool, portable highchair that we'll bring to the beach. Next we went to Krista's and hung out there for a while. The girls actually played together today. B pulled Lauren's hair and grabbed toys from her and crawled across her legs. Lauren just sort of looked at B then would look away. Later they were playing and B grabbed and toy from Lauren and Lauren grabbed it back. Betsy then screamed and flapped her arms. It was so funny. B crawled from the living room into Lauren's room and began playing like a big girl. Kris let us borrow lots of precious clothes. Kris cut up some watermelon for B, but she made her typical sourpuss face when she tries something new and refused to eat too much of it. We went to Clearview to buy a couple of gifts then we headed home in awful rainy weather. Tonight I tried to feed B a new jar food (chicken & stars) and yogurt with cantaloupe, but she hated all of it. She ended up eating shredded cheese, diced grapes, and bits of tortilla. She also tried a couple of bites of a peach and actually loved it. Betsy is all about her Daddy these days. She says "dadadadada" all day long and it seems like when she says it to him she knows that he is her Dada. I'm off to sleep; I'll post pics tomorrow.

Saturday, June 16, 2007

Bad Mommy

Playgroup went well on Thursday and the brownies were a success. On Friday we went to Lakeside and ran into Ticia & William. I bought B a cute tshirt to wear on Father's Day morning. On Friday afternoon Papa Vic came by then Marme came by. Last night P went to bed early because he had to wake up at 3 to go fishing with his Dad.

This morning we went to PJ's with Marme, Tim, Attie, Beau, & Coco. Then Marme watched B while I went to the Farmer's Market with A&B. Later on B and I went to M's with Attie. As we were checking out B started coughing a lot and we thought it was fake. As soon as we got to the car B started throwing up and continued to do so on the way home and Attie had to keep pulling over. My poor baby was so sick. Marme came over to help. After she started getting sick I started thinking about the new type of jar food I fed B for lunch--it was a mixed veggie dinner and I read the ingredients to see which veggies were in it and she had had them all before and tolerated them well. The last ingredient was tofu powder and it should have clicked that I shouln't feed this to her since she had such a terrible reaction to soy formula when she was around 2 months old. She only ate a few bites but didn't like it and ended up eating fruit and cheese. Thank goodness she didn't eat more. She was so sick even after we got home and kept crying. I feel so guilty for feeding my baby something that made her feel so bad. I talked to Tommy and he thinks that it may be the soy thing b/c she didn't have fever or any other symptoms at all. I can't believe a vegetarian's daughter is allergic to soy! I'll need to be very careful from now on since it seems that the formula wasn't just a fluke. Luckily we have an appointment with Tommy on Monday for her 9 month check up so I can talk to him more about this. By the end of the night tonight she seemed to be feeling better and was saying "Dadadadadadada" and crawling around. I just put her down at 10. I hope she sleeps through the night, but I'm not holding my breath.

We're having Papa Vic and the sisters and the boys over for Father's Day breakfast tomorrow. Happy Father's Day, dads out there!

Thursday, June 14, 2007

No More Softball for Us

Yesterday we had a full and crazy day. We went to Gym Rompers and B loved it. The first time we tried it she was only 3 months old--way too young to appreciate the musical instruments, puppets, parachute, and bubbles. And two of her pals, Georgia & William, were in the class so it made it even better. We next went to visit Krista & Lauren. Kris is 9 months pregnant and very ready to have her baby boy. We dined at Quizno's with K&L and Jessica and Reed. Jess is due in November. They were trying to convince me to join their pregnancy club--not just yet. We popped in to surprise Papa Vic at work, but unfortunately B was exhausted from her busy morning and was in a terrible mood. She cried the whole time. In the afternoon we met my old pal Will at PJ's. Betsy cried when he held her too. Maybe she's going through a phase where she doesn't like to go to any men except for her Daddy (and apparently her Uncle Beau, but I think it's because he looks a lot like her Daddy). After dropping Will off at the airport we met up with Julie and Lucy to watch Peter and Chris play softball. Within about 15 minutes of our arrival a foul ball hit poor little Lucy in the foot. It was really scary and if Jules hadn't thrown herself backwards Lucy could have been hit in the head with the ball. They had to bring Lucy to Children's Hospital for an x-ray and thank goodness Lucy was OK. That was our first and last time to watch Peter play softball.

Today we went to the Park--it was bearable today and we left before 7--and to Aunt Attie's. Attie showered B with tons of precious dresses! I can't wait to put her in them!!! Today we are hosting playgroup to make up for last week. I'm going to attempt to make brownies (the new cut and bake ones--shhhhhh) for everyone.

Betsy is now babbling all of the time. She has two distinct voices--one is a really sweet, high pitched voice and one is a deep, angry voice. It's really cute. She is also a crawling machine. Yesterday she crawled out of our bedroom and into the hall and plopped down in front of the full length mirror and began using her sweet voice with the baby in the mirror.



Tuesday, June 12, 2007

For the Love of Puffs

Gerber Puffs are these little "puffed grains with real veggies" or fruit and they are healthy and yummy (I've eaten my fair share) and B loves them. I can now put Betsy in her highchair and give her a handful of Puffs while I prepare our breakfast and our lunch. I am indebted to Gerber for inventing these delightful treats.

Yesterday Aunt Attie stopped by with PJ's and visited--we missed her morning visits so much! Yesterday was really, really, really hot. It was 97 degrees and broke a record. I decided it was too hot to bring B to the Park so I attempted to bring her to the babysitting room at the JCC while I worked out. For several reasons--8 kids and one high school babysitter, B was by far the youngest, an evil 3 year old grabbed Betsy's face while the babysitter was holding her then proceeded to stick her finger in B's mouth, after the 3 year old incident B looked at me and started crying then I started crying, the toys were filthy, and the babysitter told a child not to put a toy in her mouth because the toys are VERY dirty--I grabbed Betsy after being in there for 5 minutes and went home. I called Peter from the car hysterically crying; it was obviously very traumatic for me. We met Evelyn, Georgia, Ticia, and William at Daneel Park and let the babies swing for a bit, but after a half hour we were all dripping wet so we left. In the afternoon B and I hit Sav-a-Center and got caught in an afternoon shower. Papa Vic stopped by to see us in the evening. Last night B was in the best mood. She and her Daddy played a game where B would put her rubber ducky in her mouth and scream then would put it in (well, really near) P's mouth and he would scream--very cute--and she ate like a champ and had yogurt mixed with yummy blueberries from the Farmer's Market for dessert. P and I decided we're going to start getting all of our produce from the Farmer's Market from now on. It tastes so much better than store bought produce and helps out local farmers, so starting Saturday that's our plan.

Attie stopped by again this morning. Then we went to Story Time at Latter Library and the story lady showed up--hooray! We met Evelyn, Georgia, Ticia, and William there. The babies were really good and listened then grabbed each other's feet, hair, etc. and crawled around. They got to play in this little section of the library with bean bags and a window unit (B's favorite thing in there) and tons of cool books. We just got home and B is napping--29 minutes and counting....She's up and she just fed me a Puff!

Betsy's current faves (besides Puffs): posing in the mirror with Aunt Attie, her new musical wall hanging from Italy, her Pottery Barn Kids pink chair, her new CD player, and hanging with her pals.





Sunday, June 10, 2007

They're Back!!!

Hooray--Aunt Attie and Uncle Beau are back. We missed them so much.
On Friday we went shopping with Krista & Lauren. On Friday night Peter and I watched 'The Lady in the Water'--every person we know who saw it and every critic said it was terrible, but for some reason we watched it anyway. It was awful. On Saturday Attie & Beau came over bearing wonderful gifts. Then we went to PJ's. We visited with Attie & Beau & Katie in the afternoon. Last night Peter and I cooked and hung out. This morning Attie & Beau came over with all of the ingredients for blueberry pancakes. Peter made them and they were so good. Betsy ate a few bites and was in heaven. Betsy is crawling like crazy now and is not letting her cast stop her at all. She is even trying to pull up on furniture. Once the cast is off she'll be standing I'm sure. Tonight we went to dinner with Papa Vic and Attie and Beau. Betsy ate more than I have ever seen her eat--2 jars of baby food, about 20 Puffs, shredded cheddar cheese, and a few french fries. Peter and I just watched the series finale of 'The Sopranos'--it didn't end with Tony dying, which was cool.
Luckily B slept Friday and Saturday all night. Let's hope she sleeps tonight...




Friday, June 08, 2007

Betsy, the Sleepless Wonder

On Tuesday we tried to go to Story Time at the library--again--and the storyteller didn't show up--again. So we walked in the Park w/ Evelyn & Georgia and Ticia & William then we ate lunch at the Clubhouse. In the afternoon B and I went to Whole Foods. On Wednesday we went to the Park and tried to go to Story Time at another library, but couldn't get them on the phone. I think we may have to give up on Story Times. In the afternoon B and I went to Lakeside and we shared a frozen yogurt from Todd's and she was in heaven. After each bite she would clap and lick her lips and scream. We met Peter at Lafayette Square afterwards. It was REALLY hot, but B liked seeing all of P's work folks.

On Wed. night Betsy was up from 12:30 until 4:30. Peter and I took shifts and we were exhausted all day yesterday. She was fine once she was up and wanted to play, but when we put her down she would freak out. We tried to let her just cry, but we let 20 minutes pass and the result was that neither of us got any sleep. So we didn't do much yesterday and had to cancel Playgroup that was supposed to be at our house. B had an appointment with Dr. Warren and she got a new cast (#5). He thinks she should have it off in 3 weeks, which is when we go on our trip to the beach. Poor Betsy hates the saw they use to take the casts off. It does look pretty scary.

Last night Aunt Katie stopped by and so did Papa Vic. She was up from 3:45 until about 6. I can't figure out why. I'll post pics later.

Tuesday, June 05, 2007

Tales of the Week

On Thursday we went to playgroup at Andrea's house. The babies are getting so big; it's amazing. On Friday we went to the park for the first time in a while. We ate dinner outside at Fiesta Bistro--the weather was awesome. B tried guacamole and did not like it even though she does seem to like avocados. She also completely turned herself around in her highchair so that she could stare at the table of people behind us. She's very curious/nosy. On Sat. morning we walked to PJ's with Julie & Lucy and met up with Michelle. I hadn't seen her since Xmas and I really miss her. I wish she and her family lived here. P had to work on Sat. so B and I had to carry on without him. We visited with Marme and Katie. On Sat. night we grilled. On Sunday we went to Houston's and B tried a bit of hamburger and a taste of sour cream. She loved both. She sat in this chair that attached to the table and looked like a big girl. Afterwards we went to Target and Barnes & Noble. On Sunday night we took it easy and watched the second to last Sopranos.

Yesterday we went to the Park then tried to go to Danneel Park with Evelyn & Georgia, but it started pouring so we went to eat lunch at Cafe Rani. It was a dreary afternoon so we stayed in. Last night P and I watched 'Pan's Labyrinth'--it was really good.

Please note that Betsy is starting to anticipate the flash when I take pictures so she squints before the picture is taken. She is clearly very advanced.












Wednesday, May 30, 2007

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.




Tuesday, May 29, 2007

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.




Monday, May 28, 2007

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.

Friday, May 25, 2007

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!




Wednesday, May 23, 2007

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!!!