I Did It

The title of this entry is Betsy's favorite phrase--although she wouldn't say it for Aunt Attie or Aunt Katie. Whenever she does anything I say "you did it" so on Saturday I started telling her that when she does something she can say "I did it." For the whole weekend she said "I did it!" when she would eat a bite of food, stand up, make her toy lion roar, take off her shoes, etc. It really seems like she understands what it means. She's really talking up a storm. I told her to tell her toy Christmas puppy "night, night" and she hugged it then patted its head and said "night, night." She's also learning to say "no" and wave her finger. Yikes! One more cute thing--when she's doing a puzzle and she gets the puzzle in the right spot she claps and looks at me and smiles. She's really growing up.

Here's a rundown of what we've been up to. Last Thursday we went to Danneel Park with playgroup. It was gorgeous outside and the kids had fun swinging, sliding, and playing in the dirt. On Friday B and I went to Babies R Us and I bought her her own Elmo doll--when I ask her his name she says "La la la" (in an attempt to sing the Elmo's World Theme Song). After Babies R Us we went to Lakeside and bought her Christmas pajamas and ate beignets. On Saturday Grandpa and Peter worked on the basement and B, Krista, and I went to the hospital to visit Jessica and her new baby boy, Travis. He is absolutely precious. On Sunday Momma Lady and Grandpa came over and ML watched B while I did some projects around the house and Grandpa and Peter worked downstairs again. I want to give a big thank you to both Momma Lady and Grandpa for all of their help!!! Grandpa has been over for the past 5 or so days working really hard and we appreciate it so much. Yesterday we went to Music class and B was a huge ham and sat in Miss Trish's lap while she taught the class. After she was done Trish asked for a round of applause for B and B clapped along then seemed to take a bow--it wasn't just me who noticed so I know I wasn't imagining it! Today we went to WalMart for a big grocery run and in the afternoon we went to Audubon Park with Evelyn & Georgia to feed the ducks. B loves being in the grass and playing with leaves and digging in the dirt.

I'll try to be better about blogging. I'm usually in bed by now!!!

Walking Girl

On Monday we went to the Parenting Center for the Music class since our Kindermusik session is now over. Betsy really liked it, although she was a bit distracted by all of the toys. Yesterday we went to the Park in the morning then to the Parenting Center again to play then had lunch with Evelyn & Georgia at St. James Cheese Company-yummmm! This morning we went to have B's pictures taken--she did so well and smiled for every single one. After her pictures she started crawling then stood up and took about 10 or 12 steps--she was so good! This afternoon we went to Krista's to play. Jess and Reed came over too--Jess is having a C-section on Friday--so excited!

Weekend Roundup

On Friday we went to the Mall with Evelyn and Georgia. We just walked around then we had lunch at Bravo. The girls split a cheese pizza and B ate a bunch of bread. In the car on the way home I kept asking B if she liked her pizza pie and then she started saying "pizza pie" and she even said it for her Dad and for Marme and Aunt Katie.

On Saturday we went to Josie's birthday party at Gelato Pazzo Cafe. B woke up at 5 so by the time 10:30 rolled around she was exhausted and she slept during most of the party. B and I split a cup of chocolate mint gelato--it was so good. After the party we went to Aunt Attie's house then to walk around Magazine Street. B was not in the best mood so we had to head home early. Grandpa came in town to help P work on the basement--it'll be done soon enough! P brought B to Attie & Beau's at 330 to watch the LSU game. I was by myself in the house for 4 hours--crazy. I had big plans to do some laundry and other stuff around the house, but I ended up taking a nap and catching up on some DVR'd shows. It was a nice break. Papa Vic and Bee picked B up from Attie's and B spent the night at Bee's.

Yesterday I woke up at 6:30 (so it was really 5:30 to me). I was so aggravated--I had visions of sleeping till 10. Peter got up not too long after me. Papa Vic brought B home at 10. She had a good time. When I saw her I felt like I hadn't seen her in days. I got big hugs and kisses. Yesterday Grandpa came in town again to help P with downstairs. I got a bunch of cleaning done before B got home. B took a huge nap from 1130 until 2 and I watched the Saints game. B visited Marme and Aunt Katie.

B woke up today at 4:30 and fussed off and on until I got up with her at 550. I don't get it; she gets up at that time whether she goes to bed at 7 or 830.

B stopped taking a bottle last week and she hasn't been upset about it. B has one little tooth poking up and the one next to it is almost there too. B is starting to stand up and clap or dance without holding on to anything. She's just not ready to walk yet. When B and I are sharing a snack I'll hold my empty hands out when we're done and say "all gone." Now she's starting to say "all gone" when I hold out my hands. She's also starting to wave her hands and say "aaaaaall done" when she's finished eating in her highchair. B is big into kissing these days. We'll pick her up and she'll kiss P then me then P then me then she'll push our faces together so we kiss. The whole time she says "mmmmmmmwah" so that we know she wants some kissing to take place!

Happy (Day After) Halloween!

B's first Halloween was lots of fun. She was in good spirits despite the fact that she woke up yesterday at 4:15 and only took an hour nap all day.

On Monday we went to our last Kindermusik class then to PJs. On Tuesday I had my first ultrasound. It was a loooong morning (my Dr's office moved my appt. to another office and didn't tell me so we rushed from Ochsner to the office in Metairie, 2 of the 3 elevators were broken so we had to climb 7 flights of stairs), but once I had the ultrasound it was all better. At first Peter and Dr. M's assistant had strange expressions on their faces and I couldn't see the monitor so I asked them what was going on. No one said anything for a minute, then Dr. M told me that at first it looked like twins, but it was just one. The baby was moving all around and we heard the heartbeat. B wasn't too impressed--she was busy eating cheerios. Afterwards we all went to lunch. B is starting to get sort of impatient at restaurants and wants to get down from the highchair. She used to love sitting in her highchair and trying new foods. Now she's over it. Yesterday we had our last Walkers to Talkers class. In the afternoon we made cupcakes to bring to Attie & Beau's house. We went trick or treating in their neighborhood and B was such a trooper and even held her pumpkin for a while. She was really tired and fell asleep a couple of times while P was holding her. Marme made delicious vegetable soup and the cupcakes were a hit.

B woke up today at 6:20--2 hours later than she has gotten up for the past two days. It was awesome. We went to the Park earlier to feed the ducks--they are really aggressive and I had to toss the last couple of pieces of bread and make a run for it!

More Pink!

We found out on Friday that Aunt Attie is having a girl. We're so excited!!!

We had a busy week and it was cold outside and we loved it. On Wednesday we went to Walkers to Talkers. B enjoys going in the playroom without me and playing with the other children. In the afternoon we went to the Zoo with Krista, Lauren, and Ryan. B slept half of the time, but when she woke up she had a good time. On Thursday we made up a Kindermusik class then went to Itsy Bitsy Me with Andrea and William. I bought B a few more bows since they seem to mysteriously disappear. Aunt Attie came over for lunch--a nice treat! In the afternoon we went to Caroline's for the playgroup Halloween party. All of the kids looked precious in their costumes. B wore here LSU cheerleader outfit. Caroline was sweet enough to perform major surgery on B's goldfish costume--B didn't like the fact that it covered her ears and was snug around her face. After Caroline worked her magic B kept it on without a problem. On Friday we went to see Uncle Tommy for B's follow up flu shot. We went to visit Aunt Katie then went to lunch at Superior (my Mexican food craving is very intense when I'm pregnant) then we went shopping for baby girl Carville. In the evening we went to Boo at the Zoo. I was worried that B would be fussy since she only took a 20 minute nap all day, but she was fine. She really liked seeing all of the other children in costumes.

Yesterday we went to a birthday party for the Wilson twins at Daneel Park. B wore her LSU cheerleader outfit. She didn't want to be held; she just wanted to walk around while holding my or Peter's hand. We went to lunch at Hana and B loved the tempura veggies. We went to Home Depot to look at carpeting for downstairs. We think we know what we want. Momma Lady, Grandpa, and Charlie came in town to go to Boo at the Zoo and they stopped by afterwards. B kept trying to kiss Charlie. Aunt Penny came in town for the weekend. For those who don't know Aunt Penny, she and Marme look a lot alike--B was very confused. She called Aunt Penny "Mmmmmmm" which is what she calls Marme. She kept looking at Marme then at Aunt Penny with the funniest expression on her face. Today we hung out at home. Attie, Marme, and Aunt Penny stopped by. I organized B's closets and P worked downstairs. We all watched the Saints game this afternoon and B seemed to be really into it.

Last week I was giving Betsy some cut up banana for breakfast and I said "nana" and she said "banana." I gave her spaghetti o's the other day for the first time and I kept saying "uh oh, spaghetti o's" and after a while she started saying "spagitty" when I'd say "uh oh." It's very cute. B is walking a few steps here and there. She jumps from the sofa to the rocking chair and from the sofa to her little chair.

Pics

Sleepy Mommy

I'm so sleepy lately so I haven't been updating the blog as often as I usually do. Sorry for that.

Last Thursday we went to a playgroup party to celebrate the babies' first birthdays. We had yummy cupcakes and exchanged gifts. B wasn't herself at the party and when we got home she had fever. B had an appointment with Tommy the next day for a two week post ear infection checkup. She was all better--hooray! At the appointment while she was fussing I noticed that she has two tiny teeth poking through her bottom gums. On Friday night P, B, and I ate dinner at Houston's--I was really craving the spinach and artichoke dip. B ate more than I have ever seen her eat--a huge ramekin of cheese, about 1/4 of P's chicken, and a bunch of my veggies.

On Saturday morning B and I met Attie & Beau at PJs. Then B and I went to vote. Momma Lady and Grandpa came in town. M.L. took B to the zoo all day and Grandpa helped P finish installing the lights in the basement. I got to do a few errands and do some projects around the house. Thanks so much to Momma Lady and Grandpa! That night B and I went to Bee's to see her and Papa Vic and Katy and Lizzie. B loved playing with the girls and Bee had set up some bowls and a wooden spoon on the floor so B was in heaven. Bee sent me home with a yummy dinner and little B took a break from her bottle to crawl over to me and eat some of it. In the tub on Sat. night B pointed to a bubble and said "bubble."

On Sunday B got up at 5 again--she woke up both weekend days at 5--ouch. P made an awesome key lime pie; he's such a good cook. We went to Julie's for a bbq because the Moores were in town. It was so good to see them--it had been way too long. Sun. night I went to bed at 745, which was good b/c B was up again bright and early on Monday.

Yesterday it rained all day so we skipped Kindermusik and stayed in all day. In the morning I made raisin bran muffins and they were just as good as the ones my Mom used to make when I was little. While I was making the muffins B was in the kitchen with me playing with her new alphabet magnets. All of a sudden a song came on the TV and she crawled in the living room then stood up without holding onto anything and started dancing. She stayed up for about 15-20 seconds then realized she was standing and plopped down. It was so cute. B was sort of cranky most of the day, but she didn't want to nap until about 430. I had to nap too. When Daddy got home he taught B to say "button" and she pointed to the buttons on his shirt.

Today it was soooo cold--it was awesome. I couldn't wait to dress B in her new fall clothes. We went to do a few errands and got B some shoes. We went to Krista's and the girls were so sweet to each other and gave each other kisses all day. I borrowed a bunch of Krista's maternity clothes. We ordered pizza and B ate a whole slice by herself. When we got home Marme watched B for a while so I could get some things done. When I went to get her Attie, Katie, and Lola were over there. B was so happy to see them.

Some pics:

Blogger is acting crazy and won't let me upload pics. I'll upload them tomorrow.

A Whole New World

On Monday morning we danced it up at Kindermusik then we went grocery shopping. On Tuesday we went to B's appointment with Dr. Warren. No new news to report--we need to wait until she's walking before Dr. W either puts her in a brace or schedules surgery. In the afternoon we had B's car seat turned around. It's a whole new world for her; she sang and kicked her feet the whole ride home and turned her head constantly to check everything out. We picked up some doberge cakes from Gambino's--yum. Yesterday we went to Walkers to Talkers in the morning. B was very good and only crawled out of the playroom once. In the afternoon we went to a secret location that is associated with Peter's birthday gift. I can say no more.

B has finally started to like grape tomatoes--I've given them to her 6-7 times and each time she spits them out. The other night she gobbled up a bunch of them. B also loves the yummy oatmeal cookies her daddy made. She's a big breakfast girl, but doesn't eat too much during the rest of the day.

She just fell asleep on the rug in the living room about 20 minutes ago. She must really be sleepy. One minute she was playing and the next she was crashed.

BIG NEWS

Most of you reading this blog know this already, but I'd like to officially announce that I am 9 weeks pregnant. Peter and I are thrilled and I know Betsy will be when she meets the baby. I'm due on May 16. I went to see Dr. Morris for my first visit on Friday and it went well. I have an ultrasound on October 30. Exciting stuff!!!

So, this is why I've been very tired and have been so determined to get B on a better sleep schedule. She's been conking out around 7, but on Saturday she woke up at 545. Ouch.

On Thursday we went to the Zoo in the morning. It was so beautiful outside and B is really into the flamingos and the elephants. In the afternoon we met playgroup at the Parenting Center. On Friday morning after my dr. appointment we went to the Park and met up with Ticia, Evelyn, Jane, and their babies. It was so gorgeous outside and the kids crawled around and rode in Will's wagon and fed the ducks. On Friday night P and I went to Lola's with the sisters and Beau and Peter A to celebrate Peter A's bday. Happy Bday, Peter!!!! And thanks for babysitting, Papa Vic!!!

Yesterday we went to PJ's in the morning. It was another beautiful day and so nice to be outside. In the afternoon we went to Jama and Pa's and visited with Calli, T, and Philip and Taddy and Diane. Papa Vic and Pa went fishing and we got to see them after their trip. B was in a great mood because she had taken a long nap right before we went. B and I split a delicious ice cream sundae and B got to sit in the highchair that I used to sit in when I was a baby. P went to Peter A's to watch the game and came home very upset since LSU lost.

Today we went to Ryan's Christening party. It was a great party and Ryan was precious as usual. I feel like it's midnight right now and it's not even 830 yet. I'm going to bed shortly.

Trick alert--B started cover her eyes when we say "peekaboo!"

The Week So Far

Yesterday we went to the Library and B was all over the place. She sits still for about the first five minutes, then she and her pals crawl around and pull themselves up and try to escape from the room. Afterwards we met Uncle Larry and Erin for lunch at St. James Cheese Company. It was sooo good and so much fun to visit with them. Erin had never met B before so I'm glad they finally got to meet! B took a THREE HOUR NAP yesterday--it was awesome. Last night she woke up from 5 till 6 on and off and I was wide awake the whole time and couldn't go back to sleep. She ended up sleeping till 645. This morning we went to Walkers to Talkers and Miss Trish held B most of the time. She had fun with her pals. Afterwards we went to Krista's and B went on a wagon ride with Lauren and smiled at Ryan. Jess and Reed came over and we had pizza for lunch. This afternoon B took about a 2 hour nap and went to bed at 8.

I'm trying to cook more these days. Last night I made fettucine alfredo that was so yummy and the recipe was from Cooking Light so it wasn't bad for us. I bought the ingredients to make oatmeal cookies and the Raisin Bran muffins that my Mom used to make when I was little. And I made lunch for Peter to bring to work today. Yes, I'm awesome.

Tricks--when I tickle her belly and say 'tickle, tickle' she tickles her own belly and says 'tick, tick'--when I rub Purell in my hands, she imitates me and rubs her hands (I guess I Purell myself quite often).

All Better

We had a pretty laid back weekend since B was sick. On Friday night we watched "Knocked Up" and ordered August Moon. On Saturday we just hung around the house. We went to Aunt Katie's for dinner and Peter went to Beau's. I stayed up and watched the LSU game--it was so exciting! Yesterday B was feeling better so we went to Georgia's birthday party. B had fun playing with her pals.

Today we went to Kindermusik then hunkered down at the house because it was rainy and gross. B took a nearly 2 hour nap--amazing! Last night she woke up around 3, but since she was better we didn't get up with her. After about a half hour she stopped fussing and went back to sleep. I'm hoping that she'll get the hint that we're not going to get up with her every night and hang out. We let it slide while she was sick, but she started this business before she got sick and we've got to shut it down.

Trick alert: B will point to her nose when asked to do so. And B took 3 steps in a row on Saturday!

Sick Baby

Betsy has been a bit out of sorts this week--sleeping even less than usual, screaming during the night--but she didn't seem sick. Yesterday she cried the whole time playgroup was over then she fell asleep on the floor of the living room when they left. She woke up and she felt very warm. She had a temperature of 102. I called Tommy and he said to bring her in today. I did and she has her first (and hopefully her last) ear infection. She started Amox. so she should be feeling better soon. She didn't have fever when we were at Tommy's, but it went back up to 102 later in the morning. Her temp is 101 right now. My poor baby!

Here's a rundown of what we did this week--Wednesday-Walkers to Talkers then Krista's for lunch then a park near her house to play and feed the ducks; Thursday--makeup Kindermusik in the morning then playgroup in the afternoon; today--Tommy's office then Target for a second then home. B is so sleepy, but doesn't want to sleep. She wants to play and fuss. She and I just split a yummy Langenstein's stuffed potato. I'm hoping we'll both take a nap soon.

Major trick alert: Betsy is now blowing kisses. I caught it with my camera and will post it later.

All Carbed Out

Last night B slept most of the night, but woke up at 430 and stayed up till 6. I'm not sure what it is, but she's very upset when she wakes up. I am exhausted! We went to the Aquarium and Maspero's with Evelyn and Georgia. We had a blast. Every time we go to the Aquarium B seems to enjoy it more. She pointed at all of the fish and said "da." She loved the otters and the sharks. Betsy ate tons of carbs at Maspero's--she didn't want cheese or tomato--she only wanted puffs, french fries, and crackers. After the carb fest she crashed, but as soon as we got home she was wide awake.

One of B's favorite activities is playing in the pantry. She takes everything out and sometimes she tries to put everything back in.

Weekend Roundup

On Saturday B was still out of sorts because of her shots. She had a fever too. Attie & Beau came over to watch the first half of the LSU game. I worked on some projects around the house. I was craving Mexican food so the sisters, boys, P, B, and I went to Superior. Yum. On Sunday B and I went to Will P's birthday party. It was so gorgeous and Ticia really outdid herself. Peter and I went to see 'The Bourne Ultimatum'--our second movie in over a year. It was really good and it was nice to go on a date with P. Marme watched B.

Today we went to Kindermusik then to PJs and we discussed preschools--I can't believe I have to think about that already. B was really fussy today because of her teething and was up a lot last night. She took a big nap this afternoon. Tonight Peter and I decided to get B to fall asleep in her bed instead of us putting her in bed asleep. We got into that awful habit when she was about six months old. We used to put her in bed awake until then, but at six months she started to fall asleep during her nighttime feeding. Instead of moving up her bedtime we put her in bed asleep. I know it's awful, but we've tried every sleep method and nothing has worked. Today I let her scream in her bed for 35 minutes--she was so tired and needed a nap, but refused to nap. I had to get her and she was coughing and shaking--poor baby. Tonight we went in her room and gave her her bottle in there and read stories and put her dolls in her bed. She cried, but after about 30 minutes she fell asleep. She has NEVER cried herself to sleep. This was a first. Hopefully it'll be easier tomorrow night...

I promise to post some pics soon.

Shot Day

On Thursday morning we made up a Kindermusik class. It was more fun this week and B really likes the singing and dancing. In the afternoon we went to playgroup at Andrea's house. Andrea made this delicious cheeseball and the kids enjoyed playing with William's new birthday toys. Last night B did not sleep well. She was up from 3 till 6. I don't get it--not sure if she's teething or what.

Today we went to Uncle Tommy's for B's one year checkup. She got 4 shots--poor baby--and she cried so hard. I got a flu shot and it hurt so I know that 4 shots really really hurt. Betsy weighs 20 lbs, 9 oz (right below 50th percentile) and is 29 inches long (right above 50th perecentile). I can't believe she was so tiny when she was born and now she's all caught up. We hung out at home this afternoon and Betsy destroyed the living room and kitchen. She pulled out every toy and everything she could pull out of the pantry. We both napped for an hour, which was nice since last night was so rough.

B is lying on her boppy right now drinking her bottle. Her eyes are very heavy. She's off of daytime bottles now--just one in the morning and one at night. I'm going to cut out the morning bottle in a few days--the nighttime bottle is going to be the toughest. I'll post pics later. Today I gave B a lunch with lots of foods including hummus. She had so much fun squishing the hummus in her hands. Cleanup was not fun.

I'm Back!

Yesterday was Julie's bday--Happy Bday, Jules!

I got home from NYC yesterday. We had a wonderful time--shopping, eating, saw a play, walking, talking, laughing, visiting with friends. We even saw Kim Catrall (Samantha) on the street. The Sex & the City movie is filming in NYC and we found out where they were filming and stalked it up for about an hour. We saw Kim C. and she was super sweet and waved and we took a few pics--mine didn't come out so good. Our hotel was in a great location and we basically walked everywhere. I really missed my little family. It was especially hard being away from Betsy. Peter was a trooper while I was gone and took B to a party and to Peter A's to watch the LSU game. Momma Lady and Grandpaw came over on Sunday and Papa Vic had B all day on Monday. Thanks to everyone for their help!

When I first saw B she looked at me with an odd expression then she started laughing and smiling and jumping in Peter's arms. She gave me tons of hugs and we spent the whole rainy day snuggled up, napping, and playing. She had been stuffy for part of the weekend and she still was. Peter said she didn't sleep well while I was gone and he looked exhausted when I got home. Last night she slept for 10 straight hours--heavenly!

We started Walkers to Talkers class today. The moms meet in one room and the babies play in another room. B had a blast playing with Georgia and the other kids and it was nice to talk about mom issues with the other moms. We hit Walmart this afternoon--nightmare as usual. I've read so many horrible things lately about polycarbonate bottles so I decided to toss all of B's and buy new bottles. It's a shame that I'm buying new bottles when I plan to wean her soon, but it's worth it for my peace of mind.







Kim Catrall in NYC: