We're back!!! And wow, has it been a whirwind week. Leah and I went to NP, came back late Friday to pick Pete up from the airport, had our friends from Ohio come visit on Saturday for the weekend, had more friends come on Sunday, and got another terrible cold in the process. It was all worth it though. We did lots of socializing, enjoying the company of people we love. I also learned a lot about Leah and her needs and schedule. There will be lots of pictures of our guests and our travels this week. We will be taking a much needed rest in the meantime! Whew!
Being sick again stinks, but that's why I chose today's picture. Here Leah is wearing a very cute hat that came along with an outfit Pete's Mom gave her. I know, it's hilariously cute right? I turn to this picture every time I need a little ray of sunshine in my life. It's a great reminder that I have one here with me every day and her name is Leah!
Tuesday, May 31, 2005
Wednesday, May 25, 2005
Remote Blogging
We did it! Leah and I made it to Grammy's and now we're logging on to say hi to you! Yesterday was long, but the ride went well and there was a nice surprise for us here when we got to NP. It was an impromtu reunion of sorts, with some of my best friends from high school! The stars were aligned and Noel and I both happened to be in town, so Cynthia called Nancy and we arranged a meeting complete with our combined 8 (at least for the time being) children. It was delightful to see everyone and Leah enjoyed herself thoroughly. We even managed to get everyone on the couch for a picture. I'll be sure to post that next week as I'm not really sure I can do that from Grammy's computer. Until then you'll just have to enjoy some pics that I've already downloaded to my favorite photo website, flickr.com.
I love this one of Leah, gazing (perhaps a little too closely) into her turtle mirror. She is truly amused by her own little self these days. And why shouldn't she be? She's growing and changing each day...there's a lot to keep track of! Until tomorrow...
I love this one of Leah, gazing (perhaps a little too closely) into her turtle mirror. She is truly amused by her own little self these days. And why shouldn't she be? She's growing and changing each day...there's a lot to keep track of! Until tomorrow...
Tuesday, May 24, 2005
One last blog before I go...
Hey Kids! Leah and I are off road trippin'. We dropped Pete at the airport this morning, amidst much craziness, and we miss him already. Today's picture is in his honor. We took it as we were on a morning walk this past Saturday. I'm not sure what our blogging abilities will be while at Grammy's and Grandpa's house, but we'll try to sign on for an update at least once or twice before the week is out. Wish us lots of fun and travel blessings! We hope to have a great trip. I'll be sure to take pictures that we can post next week.!
Monday, May 23, 2005
My Sweet Pea
Ever emerge from a weekend more exhausted than when you went in? I remember feeling that way when I was single and lived in Chicago...too much fun, food, friends etc. Who knew a weekend at home with one little baby could tire me out twice as much and twice as fast! I know Pete feels the same way too.
There's lots going on here. Too much to list. Pete leaves for a business trip tomorrow morning and will return Friday evening. Since a house without Daddy might seem a little sad and empty, Leah and I are thinking of hitting the road and taking a little journey to see Grammy and Grandpa and some of our friends. We figure it might be nice to take the new vibe on its first big road trip. We'll see. We are also looking forward to the Ohio Crew and our friends Erin and Chris coming next weekend, so there is lots to be done around here too.
Not much to say about the picture today except that we were having so much fun when I took this. Leah is my favorite playmate and she looks so sweet on the beautiful blanket Aunt Marsha made for her. The colors are as lovely as Leah herself. There I go, being the proud Mommy again! I'll be quiet now... Enjoy the week!
There's lots going on here. Too much to list. Pete leaves for a business trip tomorrow morning and will return Friday evening. Since a house without Daddy might seem a little sad and empty, Leah and I are thinking of hitting the road and taking a little journey to see Grammy and Grandpa and some of our friends. We figure it might be nice to take the new vibe on its first big road trip. We'll see. We are also looking forward to the Ohio Crew and our friends Erin and Chris coming next weekend, so there is lots to be done around here too.
Not much to say about the picture today except that we were having so much fun when I took this. Leah is my favorite playmate and she looks so sweet on the beautiful blanket Aunt Marsha made for her. The colors are as lovely as Leah herself. There I go, being the proud Mommy again! I'll be quiet now... Enjoy the week!
Friday, May 20, 2005
Chillax
After yesterday's stressed out blog and Leah's angelic performance throughout most of the day, I've decided I need to take a chill. Babies are babies. As my Aunt Erin commented, it's tough when they start getting a mind of their own. So true. Each day is different with Leah, sometimes she sleeps and sometimes she doesn't. Sometimes she's hungry and sometimes she's not. I just need to learn to go with her flow. It might mean less sleep and no shower for me, or I could get a surprise two minutes to sit down and sip some coffee. It's a crap shoot (no pun intended!). Breaking a lifelong habit will be tough, but I really don't want Leah to be a stressed out baby or a worried child.
This was a little picture I snapped by holding out the camera to try and take a picture of us playing together. We were practicing some prop-sitting and playing with the stacking donuts that we all had growing up. The cool thing about them is they retain their original form with a couple of cool new design features. The top donut is a rattle and the whole tower weebles and wobbles without falling down. I just thought this captured a nice moment. The most beautiful late afternoon sun was coming in through the windows as we sat on the floor and played in Leah's room. It's blurry, but that's what makes it artsy. And besides I love the peaceful concentration on Leah's face and the color of her (for now) blue eyes. Have your own peaceful weekend everybody! Don't forget to relax...
This was a little picture I snapped by holding out the camera to try and take a picture of us playing together. We were practicing some prop-sitting and playing with the stacking donuts that we all had growing up. The cool thing about them is they retain their original form with a couple of cool new design features. The top donut is a rattle and the whole tower weebles and wobbles without falling down. I just thought this captured a nice moment. The most beautiful late afternoon sun was coming in through the windows as we sat on the floor and played in Leah's room. It's blurry, but that's what makes it artsy. And besides I love the peaceful concentration on Leah's face and the color of her (for now) blue eyes. Have your own peaceful weekend everybody! Don't forget to relax...
Thursday, May 19, 2005
Scoop and Poop
Is she getting big or what? This shot was taken during our 4 month old photo-shoot. We're looking forward to sending some of our more straight-forward shots to Auntie K for the growth page in Leah's scrapbook. I think she was trying to "talk" to me here. In addition to all her cooing, her new thing is blowing air through those little lips.
Things are busy here. Leah's eating and digestion (read: poop) seems all thrown off and I'm not really sure why. I think it's the rice cereal. All of this is made worse by the fact that my previously ideal eater and sleeper just won't eat as much during the day (and believe me I'm trying!) and is now waking up during the night. It's only once during the night, and only for the past 3 nights but boy...I guess I've really gotten used to having my full-night of sleep back. It's rough. I might end up calling the doctor today just to see what they think. I hate seeming like an overly concerned new Mom, but that's my own thing and I need to get over it. I need to remember that there is nothing wrong with asking questions. Especially when they are questions about Leah and her health. Sometimes (ok, all the time...) I'm such a worrier!
At least Leah is still smiling and happy most of the time. Hopefully she'll make it through stroller fit today without us having to ditch-out like on Tuesday. She just wouldn't eat really before we went, and then decided she was hungry halfway through our workout. And I'm talking ANGRY Hungry. I won't continue on with all the gorey details, but it's making me a little gun shy about today. She's had another morning of just wanting to snack, so the anger could come again if I don't try and get some more food in her before we have to go. I think she was listening a little too closely the other day as Oprah interviewed the author of "French Women Don't Get Fat!"
Things are busy here. Leah's eating and digestion (read: poop) seems all thrown off and I'm not really sure why. I think it's the rice cereal. All of this is made worse by the fact that my previously ideal eater and sleeper just won't eat as much during the day (and believe me I'm trying!) and is now waking up during the night. It's only once during the night, and only for the past 3 nights but boy...I guess I've really gotten used to having my full-night of sleep back. It's rough. I might end up calling the doctor today just to see what they think. I hate seeming like an overly concerned new Mom, but that's my own thing and I need to get over it. I need to remember that there is nothing wrong with asking questions. Especially when they are questions about Leah and her health. Sometimes (ok, all the time...) I'm such a worrier!
At least Leah is still smiling and happy most of the time. Hopefully she'll make it through stroller fit today without us having to ditch-out like on Tuesday. She just wouldn't eat really before we went, and then decided she was hungry halfway through our workout. And I'm talking ANGRY Hungry. I won't continue on with all the gorey details, but it's making me a little gun shy about today. She's had another morning of just wanting to snack, so the anger could come again if I don't try and get some more food in her before we have to go. I think she was listening a little too closely the other day as Oprah interviewed the author of "French Women Don't Get Fat!"
Wednesday, May 18, 2005
Busy Bees
How many toys can Leah play with at once? Quite a few, as you can see in today's picture. Sometimes I find her in the pack n' play passed out from the sheer overstimulation of it all! And usually she has the big pink elephant (a gift from the Weires clan) pulled down on top of her. She likes to use the floppy ears as a blanket.
When Leah isn't busy keeping herself moving, she's got me or Pete on the move! That's why we bought a new (used) car this weekend! Our 95' Jetta is ready to retire with Pete's friend Chris. She was perfect for me while I was single and I will miss her very much, but the Jetta is not so family friendly. So this Saturday, we'll be picking up my new 2003 Pontiac Vibe!! There are so many great features, but my favorite is that I barely have to bend down to put Leah inside in her car seat! It also has side air bags which makes for a much safer ride and lots of fold down seating for our luggage on long trips and all of those visits to home depot.
Well...my busy girl can only keep herself amused for so long, so I had better go. As usual there's lots to do today! Have a great one!
When Leah isn't busy keeping herself moving, she's got me or Pete on the move! That's why we bought a new (used) car this weekend! Our 95' Jetta is ready to retire with Pete's friend Chris. She was perfect for me while I was single and I will miss her very much, but the Jetta is not so family friendly. So this Saturday, we'll be picking up my new 2003 Pontiac Vibe!! There are so many great features, but my favorite is that I barely have to bend down to put Leah inside in her car seat! It also has side air bags which makes for a much safer ride and lots of fold down seating for our luggage on long trips and all of those visits to home depot.
Well...my busy girl can only keep herself amused for so long, so I had better go. As usual there's lots to do today! Have a great one!
Tuesday, May 17, 2005
Flip Floppin'
It's a bird, it's a plane, it's SUPER LEAH! And she can ROLL OVER! Lastnight, while I was busy doing something on the computer of course, Leah rolled for the first time. Pete decided to let her get her pre-bedtime cry on with some tummy time. I guess she had just had enough and as he went to gather some of her toys, PLOP! She rolled over. That's when he called to me and we put her right back on her tummy and waited. There was some more crying and PLOP! She did it again! We didn't even have time to get the digital camera on movie mode!
There was so much parental whooping it up and high-fiving that we scared her right back to crying. We did manage to get ourselves composed enough to catch some video for the third and final roll of the evening though! I'm looking into to seeing if there is a way I can post it here on the blog, but haven't found one yet. Calls were made to the grandparents and our little starlet had a bath and was put to bed. Even Super Babies need their beauty sleep.
There was so much parental whooping it up and high-fiving that we scared her right back to crying. We did manage to get ourselves composed enough to catch some video for the third and final roll of the evening though! I'm looking into to seeing if there is a way I can post it here on the blog, but haven't found one yet. Calls were made to the grandparents and our little starlet had a bath and was put to bed. Even Super Babies need their beauty sleep.
Monday, May 16, 2005
Leah and Lemmy
I've been getting a lot of questions lately. How is our cat Lemmy with Leah? Does Leah notice Lemmy yet? Finally on Friday evening, I was able to snap a picture of my two girls interacting for the first time.
Lemmy couldn't help but notice Leah ever since we got home from the hospital. During those first few weeks she surprised me by being VERY protective of the baby. Wherever I went with Leah, Lemmy would be RIGHT THERE. A little irritating, but I new Lemmy meant well, and she was just getting used to having a new being in her world. It was tough during the really fussy weeks, as Lem's motherly instinct seemed to kick in every time Leah cried (which was frequently). My usually sweet and overly docile girl would hiss or nip at the elbow of anyone holding a very fussy Leah. It was as if she was trying to say "Please, quiet that baby down!" Thankfully she outgrew this fast and has since only been mildly interested in Ms. LeLe. Lately, Lemmy just "stands guard." If Leah plays on her activity mat, Lemmy sits nearby watching her. When Pete changes Leah, she sits at the base of the changing table while he finishes the job. At night she lays in the hallway right across from Leah's door. It's very sweet.
In this shot, Lemmy, being the attention-seeking lovey that she is, is actually trying to rub her face on Pete's hand. But she also managed to get Leah's attention for the first time. Sure, she's seen Lem around the house, but this time it was different. Leah's eyes got really wide and she made a few excited sounding noises before Lemmy scurried off to do whatever it is that she does (Lay around, eat, sleep?). I would like to do baby-signs with Leah, and even though babies can't really start to process that info until they're 6 months old, I've been trying to get myself in the habit by practicing. The one word I can remember to sign for Leah throughout our busy day is "cat." So I was glad to see Leah notice Lem. I made the sign, and who knows...maybe someday there will be a connection.
I coould go on and on about my two girls, but I'll stop here. Leah's new thing is making her "workout noises" from the bouncy chair. She's been trying to grab on to its teether and pull herself up so she could get it in her mouth. It would be quite the physical feat if she could do it. Anyone who's seen the bouncy chair would know what I mean. But like the guys at the gym, she just keeps pumping along, letting out grunts and screams while she does it. It's really cute actually. But she sounds like she's bordering on exhaustion now...so I better go. Happy Monday!
Lemmy couldn't help but notice Leah ever since we got home from the hospital. During those first few weeks she surprised me by being VERY protective of the baby. Wherever I went with Leah, Lemmy would be RIGHT THERE. A little irritating, but I new Lemmy meant well, and she was just getting used to having a new being in her world. It was tough during the really fussy weeks, as Lem's motherly instinct seemed to kick in every time Leah cried (which was frequently). My usually sweet and overly docile girl would hiss or nip at the elbow of anyone holding a very fussy Leah. It was as if she was trying to say "Please, quiet that baby down!" Thankfully she outgrew this fast and has since only been mildly interested in Ms. LeLe. Lately, Lemmy just "stands guard." If Leah plays on her activity mat, Lemmy sits nearby watching her. When Pete changes Leah, she sits at the base of the changing table while he finishes the job. At night she lays in the hallway right across from Leah's door. It's very sweet.
In this shot, Lemmy, being the attention-seeking lovey that she is, is actually trying to rub her face on Pete's hand. But she also managed to get Leah's attention for the first time. Sure, she's seen Lem around the house, but this time it was different. Leah's eyes got really wide and she made a few excited sounding noises before Lemmy scurried off to do whatever it is that she does (Lay around, eat, sleep?). I would like to do baby-signs with Leah, and even though babies can't really start to process that info until they're 6 months old, I've been trying to get myself in the habit by practicing. The one word I can remember to sign for Leah throughout our busy day is "cat." So I was glad to see Leah notice Lem. I made the sign, and who knows...maybe someday there will be a connection.
I coould go on and on about my two girls, but I'll stop here. Leah's new thing is making her "workout noises" from the bouncy chair. She's been trying to grab on to its teether and pull herself up so she could get it in her mouth. It would be quite the physical feat if she could do it. Anyone who's seen the bouncy chair would know what I mean. But like the guys at the gym, she just keeps pumping along, letting out grunts and screams while she does it. It's really cute actually. But she sounds like she's bordering on exhaustion now...so I better go. Happy Monday!
Friday, May 13, 2005
She's a tall drink of water!
Leah's 4 month appointment went very well. Apparently she's quite the lengthy baby! Here are the latest stats:
Length: 25.5" (90%)
Weight: 14 lbs (50%)
Head: 42.25 (75%)
I figured I'd share the "I'm disappointed in you Mommy" look I got from her after her examination. Funny thing is...this was taken before the immunization portion of our visit. Leah got the same 4 shots she had at her last visit. She was a trooper and the nurse commented that Leah has the perfect pudgy thighs for taking those shots!
Once we got home, all she wanted to do was eat, cuddle up, and sleep. Which was fine with me, I'll take all the cuddles I can get! Today Leah's been a total crankenberry, but that's to be expected. I'd be cranky too if someone jabbed me in the legs 4 times and it gave me a low-grade fever. Thanks to some infant tylenol she's now resting comfortably in her pack n 'play. I think after a quiet day at home and maybe a walk around the neighborhood, she'll be back to her usual smiley self in no time. Enjoy the weekend everybody!
Length: 25.5" (90%)
Weight: 14 lbs (50%)
Head: 42.25 (75%)
I figured I'd share the "I'm disappointed in you Mommy" look I got from her after her examination. Funny thing is...this was taken before the immunization portion of our visit. Leah got the same 4 shots she had at her last visit. She was a trooper and the nurse commented that Leah has the perfect pudgy thighs for taking those shots!
Once we got home, all she wanted to do was eat, cuddle up, and sleep. Which was fine with me, I'll take all the cuddles I can get! Today Leah's been a total crankenberry, but that's to be expected. I'd be cranky too if someone jabbed me in the legs 4 times and it gave me a low-grade fever. Thanks to some infant tylenol she's now resting comfortably in her pack n 'play. I think after a quiet day at home and maybe a walk around the neighborhood, she'll be back to her usual smiley self in no time. Enjoy the weekend everybody!
Thursday, May 12, 2005
Yet another first
I love this picture of Leah helping my Mom open her Mother's Day presents. She's holding that envelope like such a big girl! Leah had another first yesterday, surviving her first visit to the Mothers of Pre-schoolers nursery while I went to the meeting. I shouldn't say surviving, because it was pretty cushy (lots of toys, other babies, little cribs to nap in and very nice ladies taking care of you). I had the beeper they give you but LeLe was so good they didn't even need to call me! She even took a 45 minute nap (I guess it must really be me? Or perhaps the rice cereal is helping with that). I'm sure leaving her for 2.5 hours was harder on me than her (and I was just in another part of the building). I really felt strange and sort of naked not having her with me, but I enjoyed getting to hang out with the other Moms baby free. In the end, the beaming smile she had for me when I picked her up made it even better. Today we hit stroller fit and the pediatrician's for her big 4 month appointment. Yikes, more shots!
Wednesday, May 11, 2005
Family Fun
Another first for Leah this past weekend was getting to meet my cousin Jeff, his wife Callie and their son Owen who is around 14 months old. I have to give those guys a shout out since they drove all the way from North Carolina! My Aunt Marsha and Uncle Mike came too. It was such a good time. I also think it was really exciting for my grandparents to have several of their children, and some of their grandchildren and great grandchildren all together for the day.
Leah loved my Grandma when they met on Easter and this time she got to spend a bit more time with my Grandpa. As you can see from the picture she loved him too. She wasn't in his arms 2 minutes before he had her smiling and giggling. This picture may seem quite unremarkable, but I know I will treasure it for years to come. It captures such a special moment between two people who mean so much to me. The look on Leah's little face says it all...
Leah loved my Grandma when they met on Easter and this time she got to spend a bit more time with my Grandpa. As you can see from the picture she loved him too. She wasn't in his arms 2 minutes before he had her smiling and giggling. This picture may seem quite unremarkable, but I know I will treasure it for years to come. It captures such a special moment between two people who mean so much to me. The look on Leah's little face says it all...
Tuesday, May 10, 2005
Real Food!
Ok, so I'm not sure if rice cereal qualifies as "real food," but it is a milestone. At her pediatrician's encouragement, Leah had her first cereal this weekend. Between Pete and I, my parents, and Auntie Devon...Leah also had quite the audience for this big moment. She took to the stuff rather well. It's pretty neat watching a little human become familiar with how it all works...opening her mouth, letting the spoon in, and swallowing. Most of it gets on her face, but that's the fun of it right? She already tries to grab the spoon as I do my best to aim towards her mouth. As Pete says "what a pip!"
Monday, May 09, 2005
My First Mommy's Day
Not my favorite picture of myself, but my Mom and Leah look good. We're standing in front of my family's favorite picture background, the crab apple tree on my parents' front lawn. It's in bloom right now, and I thought it would be a lovely spot to take a Mother's Day picture. Leah's sworn enemy, the wind, was out in full force but Pete still managed to catch a smile on her. We had a great weekend, which I'll detail as the week goes on. There were some firsts and a few memorable moments too. Overall, it was an excellent Mother's Day!
Friday, May 06, 2005
Tastes like Chicken
Well, Leah's eating is still thrown off (as you can see by her valiant attempts to fit this inchworm into her mouth), but things are looking up around here. We are definitely feeling better. That's a very good thing, since we are headed to my parent's house this weekend to celebrate mother's day and introduce Leah to my cousin Jeff's baby Owen. It should be a fun time.
Before the big weekend gets underway, let me just say Happy Mother's Day to the many Moms who read Leah's blog. Now that I am a Mom, I realize the true magnitude of what being a mother means. Even when you aren't doing physical work (I didn't know there was so much of that when I signed up!), your mind is working...worrying, planning, or thinking about ways you can make your child's life more fun, happy, and interesting. Your work is never done, but it is also the most rewarding experience I've encountered in my life thus far.
Happy Mother's Day too, to all of the daughters (and sons) out there. When you celebrate your Mom, Aunt, Grandma, or someone who has been a Mom-like figure in your life, this weekend...please know that inside they are celebrating you too. Children make mothers, and in a way (between the yelling at you to pick up your stuff or the comments like "mmm...that's an interesting look you've got going these days!?") mothers celebrate their children every day. I'm looking forward to celebrating Leah this Sunday.
Before the big weekend gets underway, let me just say Happy Mother's Day to the many Moms who read Leah's blog. Now that I am a Mom, I realize the true magnitude of what being a mother means. Even when you aren't doing physical work (I didn't know there was so much of that when I signed up!), your mind is working...worrying, planning, or thinking about ways you can make your child's life more fun, happy, and interesting. Your work is never done, but it is also the most rewarding experience I've encountered in my life thus far.
Happy Mother's Day too, to all of the daughters (and sons) out there. When you celebrate your Mom, Aunt, Grandma, or someone who has been a Mom-like figure in your life, this weekend...please know that inside they are celebrating you too. Children make mothers, and in a way (between the yelling at you to pick up your stuff or the comments like "mmm...that's an interesting look you've got going these days!?") mothers celebrate their children every day. I'm looking forward to celebrating Leah this Sunday.
Thursday, May 05, 2005
I can't think of a creative title today
I guess I must be losing my touch or the cold has finally infiltrated my brain. Anyway, so this is Leah's new thing...passing out in the bouncy chair after her morning feeding. I've been putting her in here (without turning on the vibrate feature) after eating since she's been doing a lot of spitting up lately. We went to the doctor yesterday to try and kick this cold once and for all. He agreed the spit up was probably a result of the cold and said having her sit upright after eating would probably help. I won't bore you with all of the details, but I did get a lot of information...including a pamphlet entitled "Your Child has Eczema." I love it when you go to the doctor for one ailment but come home with additional diagnoses.
I guess Leah is just one sensitive baby (with a few allergic tendencies), who needs to be seriously lotioned-up 2 times a day for the rest of her early childhood. In addition we need to use Dove fragrance-free and hypo-allergenic soap or body wash on her (that is when we have to use soap at all). We have special cream in addition to all that moisturizer to use when she has some inflamed rough patches. And Pete and I need to stop using fabric softener on our own clothes, amongst other precautions.
Aahh, my little dermatitis darling! She doesn't seem to mind all this attention being given to her skin. Although, I don't think it really itches her as badly as it could just yet. As Pete greases her up right after her bath, to "lock-in moisture" just like they say on all those commercials, I remind Leah that she's getting the super-model treatment. I have the morning shift. Which reminds me...I better get to it!
Leah and I have a busy day, meeting with one of my brides and trying to finally get ourselves better! We want to be in tip-top shape for Mother's Day Weekend. Until tomorrow...
I guess Leah is just one sensitive baby (with a few allergic tendencies), who needs to be seriously lotioned-up 2 times a day for the rest of her early childhood. In addition we need to use Dove fragrance-free and hypo-allergenic soap or body wash on her (that is when we have to use soap at all). We have special cream in addition to all that moisturizer to use when she has some inflamed rough patches. And Pete and I need to stop using fabric softener on our own clothes, amongst other precautions.
Aahh, my little dermatitis darling! She doesn't seem to mind all this attention being given to her skin. Although, I don't think it really itches her as badly as it could just yet. As Pete greases her up right after her bath, to "lock-in moisture" just like they say on all those commercials, I remind Leah that she's getting the super-model treatment. I have the morning shift. Which reminds me...I better get to it!
Leah and I have a busy day, meeting with one of my brides and trying to finally get ourselves better! We want to be in tip-top shape for Mother's Day Weekend. Until tomorrow...
Wednesday, May 04, 2005
Leah's Weekend
Here's a picture of my little lovebug before Pete and I left for our tour on Saturday. You can tell from her perfectly coiffed hair that Grammy McKenna has already gotten to her. Every time Pete needed a Leah fix throughout our day he'd flip through these pictures of her on the digital camera and giggle to himself about how cute she looks with that neat little doo. I also like the eyebrows in this one. Very expressive.
Well, it all seemed like things we're going to be smooth sailing when we took off. And from what my Mom said, behavior wise they were. Leah played happily with her Grammy and Uncle Pete and even took naps for them! What have they got that I haven't got? It was in the eating department that Leah decided to show off her strong-willed nature.
When I called to check in sometime in the early afternoon, the report was that Leah was rejecting the bottle. I guess every time my Mom tried to give it to her...she was met with tears, screaming and an overwhelming "poo-pooing" of the whole idea of being bottle fed. Thankfully Grammy is wise. I guess 4 kids will do that to you if they don't send you to the mental hospital first! Remembering how Leah loves to suck down her Tri-Vi-Sol vitamins from a dropper, my Mom got innovative (and showed some serious patience) feeding her from a medicine dropper in place of the bottle. Whew! That worked.
I remained calm, knowing she was in very good and probably over-qualified hands. I had to laugh since my Mom recently took a course covering healthcare in the school setting, which included a test at the end where you had to demonstate your ability to administer a variety of medicine to children. Her portion of the test was on the medicine dropper! We also figured if the kid got hungry enough she'd eventually take the bottle and she did before heading to sleep (one and a half of another).
What can I say? Leah wants things the way she wants them! Luckily, her Grammy loves that about her. I think we all do. It's fun to nurture an independent spirit, even if it's a little challenging at times. I look forward to more surprises from Leah in the years to come.
Well, it all seemed like things we're going to be smooth sailing when we took off. And from what my Mom said, behavior wise they were. Leah played happily with her Grammy and Uncle Pete and even took naps for them! What have they got that I haven't got? It was in the eating department that Leah decided to show off her strong-willed nature.
When I called to check in sometime in the early afternoon, the report was that Leah was rejecting the bottle. I guess every time my Mom tried to give it to her...she was met with tears, screaming and an overwhelming "poo-pooing" of the whole idea of being bottle fed. Thankfully Grammy is wise. I guess 4 kids will do that to you if they don't send you to the mental hospital first! Remembering how Leah loves to suck down her Tri-Vi-Sol vitamins from a dropper, my Mom got innovative (and showed some serious patience) feeding her from a medicine dropper in place of the bottle. Whew! That worked.
I remained calm, knowing she was in very good and probably over-qualified hands. I had to laugh since my Mom recently took a course covering healthcare in the school setting, which included a test at the end where you had to demonstate your ability to administer a variety of medicine to children. Her portion of the test was on the medicine dropper! We also figured if the kid got hungry enough she'd eventually take the bottle and she did before heading to sleep (one and a half of another).
What can I say? Leah wants things the way she wants them! Luckily, her Grammy loves that about her. I think we all do. It's fun to nurture an independent spirit, even if it's a little challenging at times. I look forward to more surprises from Leah in the years to come.
Tuesday, May 03, 2005
Parents Weekend
We spent our Saturday with some old Alfred friends on a Finger Lakes wine tour. We hit an amazing bunch of wineries thanks to the organizational skills of our "cruise director" Julie, I mean Brian! Fox Run, Anthony Road, Torrey Ridge, Red Newt Cellars and PreJean were just a few of the places we visited around Seneca Lake. Pete's favorite was The Champagne House where they pour excellent sparkling wines from Swedish Hill and Goose Watch wineries. I enjoyed Glenora, where they have a beautiful view and a yummy Gewürztraminer that I like to drink when I make spicy dishes.
Our last stop was Wagner, where they also have a brewery in addition to making wines. My family visited here for my sister Devon's gradutation last year. Since I couldn't drink then it was nice to get a few tastes in this year. Their beer is especially good I think. I snapped this picture of Brian, Pete and Curtis, holding a sign that could probably be Alfred's motto: "Beauty is in the Eye of the Beer Holder." At least that seemed to be true when I attended. We have all grown up a little bit since then. But not too much. Thankfully we're still young enough to take a bus around the NY countryside, eating Doritos and candy bars (ok there were some carr's crackers and cheese too) while running around tasting wines. It was a great time and a delight to see everyone there. I missed my little Leah, but it was good to have a baby-free moment. More on Leah's weekend tomorrow.
Our last stop was Wagner, where they also have a brewery in addition to making wines. My family visited here for my sister Devon's gradutation last year. Since I couldn't drink then it was nice to get a few tastes in this year. Their beer is especially good I think. I snapped this picture of Brian, Pete and Curtis, holding a sign that could probably be Alfred's motto: "Beauty is in the Eye of the Beer Holder." At least that seemed to be true when I attended. We have all grown up a little bit since then. But not too much. Thankfully we're still young enough to take a bus around the NY countryside, eating Doritos and candy bars (ok there were some carr's crackers and cheese too) while running around tasting wines. It was a great time and a delight to see everyone there. I missed my little Leah, but it was good to have a baby-free moment. More on Leah's weekend tomorrow.
Monday, May 02, 2005
Daddy's Birthday Weekend
It was a busy weekend. Leah was very well behaved for her Grammy and her Great Uncle Pete, while my own Pete and I went on a wine tour of the finger lakes. I'll have more details on all that tomorrow. Of course I am still VERY busy with work, and to add insult to injury I have a dentist appointment today. No fun there, especially since I am still getting over my cold.
I did manage to make my love a yummy mandarin orange cake for his 34th birthday though. The icing is delicious, with lots of whipped cream and crushed pineapple. I'm not sure if it was the cake or the candles but Leah was riveted by this whole scene. In this shot, I think Leah is hoping her father could wish some actual solid foods into her tummy, but not yet. The delicious hand will have to be enough to sustain Ms. LeLe in between nursings for the time being. Patience, grasshopper.
Overall it seemed like Pete had a delightful birthday. Having Leah here to celebrate with us made it all the more special. It might sound cliché but she brings such new meaning to our lives. Well, whatever Pete's birthday wish is, I hope it comes true. Now blow out those candles kids and let's eat!
I did manage to make my love a yummy mandarin orange cake for his 34th birthday though. The icing is delicious, with lots of whipped cream and crushed pineapple. I'm not sure if it was the cake or the candles but Leah was riveted by this whole scene. In this shot, I think Leah is hoping her father could wish some actual solid foods into her tummy, but not yet. The delicious hand will have to be enough to sustain Ms. LeLe in between nursings for the time being. Patience, grasshopper.
Overall it seemed like Pete had a delightful birthday. Having Leah here to celebrate with us made it all the more special. It might sound cliché but she brings such new meaning to our lives. Well, whatever Pete's birthday wish is, I hope it comes true. Now blow out those candles kids and let's eat!
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