We know it's going to be a while. Kathleen isn't due until the start of October, but Leah can't wait for her new cousin to arrive! I snapped this cute picture very early in the morning (that's why Uncle Mark is looking so tired) while we were all staying at my parents' house. Leah and Kathleen are early risers these days, so I figured I'd toss LeLe on the aero bed with the soon-to-be new parents so they could get some baby practice. Thankfully it will be a few months before their litte one is crawling. Leah is a maniac right now, climbing over things and grabbing/gumming anything she can get her hands on!
Leah crawled right up to K's belly when I shot this. I love how she's listening so sweetly with her ear pressed to K's tummy. I wonder what she's thinking or if any of the sounds she's hearing are familiar to her. It's hard to believe that 8 months ago she was in my belly! Look at her now...
Wednesday, August 31, 2005
Tuesday, August 30, 2005
Awesome Aunts!
I have always loved the fact that I have a plethora of Aunts. There's my wonderful Aunt Marie who sent me packages of girly things like make up samples in college. Of course there's Aunt Erin, my namesake and godmother, who is always there if you need a hug or someone to laugh with. My Aunt Marsha, a creative wiz who can make furniture and knit blankets at the same time I think! That's one of her creations that you always see Leah crawling around on. I have learned a great deal from my Aunt Mary about being a good Mom. I also remember gazing in awe at my Aunt Carole and what a beautiful bride she was when I was the flowergirl in her wedding. My Aunt Veronica, who is a doula, gave me lots of helpful advice before Leah's birth and a few baby tips that I could not live without today. My Aunt Kathy is hilarious and always manages to make me smile.
And these are just my Aunts! I also have a bubbling group of Great Aunts who I still see and talk to. Each one is different but they are all stylish, wise and funny women who I feel blessed to have known. I even had at least one Great-great aunt who was a big part of my life as a child, Aunt Kitty. The Aunt Kitty quotes and stories are endless and whenever my immediate family is together her name is always mentioned at least once or twice.
I am so happy that my daughter has her own group of aunts, great aunts, and great-great aunts! Having love and support from a wide range of unique and strong women is such a blessing. I love this picture of my sister Devon holding Leah and wearing her "Awesome Aunt" sticker that came in the birthday card we gave to her. Leah's sticker says "my aunt rules." Devon picked that one out especially or her. Devon has endless patience with and sensitivity towards Leah. Leah's determination, smiles and giggles, and athleticism remind me of my sister Kathleen. Pete's sister Anne is always there with a cuddle or a funny song for Leah. In addition to our actual sisters Leah has a group of honorary aunts too! Nicolle, Marisa and Carole are all women who have forged special and natural relationships with LeLe. Then there are my cousins who Leah just loves. I could go on forever...
And these are just my Aunts! I also have a bubbling group of Great Aunts who I still see and talk to. Each one is different but they are all stylish, wise and funny women who I feel blessed to have known. I even had at least one Great-great aunt who was a big part of my life as a child, Aunt Kitty. The Aunt Kitty quotes and stories are endless and whenever my immediate family is together her name is always mentioned at least once or twice.
I am so happy that my daughter has her own group of aunts, great aunts, and great-great aunts! Having love and support from a wide range of unique and strong women is such a blessing. I love this picture of my sister Devon holding Leah and wearing her "Awesome Aunt" sticker that came in the birthday card we gave to her. Leah's sticker says "my aunt rules." Devon picked that one out especially or her. Devon has endless patience with and sensitivity towards Leah. Leah's determination, smiles and giggles, and athleticism remind me of my sister Kathleen. Pete's sister Anne is always there with a cuddle or a funny song for Leah. In addition to our actual sisters Leah has a group of honorary aunts too! Nicolle, Marisa and Carole are all women who have forged special and natural relationships with LeLe. Then there are my cousins who Leah just loves. I could go on forever...
Monday, August 29, 2005
We're Back!
It's great to be home. We had a VERY fun time at Grammy and Grandpa's house. Auntie K's shower at the Mohonk Mountain House was an incredible success and Leah enjoyed all of the time she got to spend playing, learning, and visiting with her friends and family.
While there Leah started waving. She mostly does it as a hello greeting when you bring her into a room full of people after waking up or getting her out of the car. There isn't much movement to the wave, instead she just sticks her hand out as if using the Sioux indian greeting "How." Leah also got lots of practice crawling and thanks to some help from early childhood educators Grammy and Auntie Devon, and pediatric physical therapist Auntie K...she also started pulling herself up to her knees and even got herself up to her feet a few times!
As usual I've come home with a whole new baby. We lowered her crib again lastnight due to these new developments. There are lots of pictures to share. There is a sweet one of Leah with her ear pressed to my sister Kathleen's pregnant belly (so cute!), but I'll have to get permission from K before I blog about that one. I know I wouldn't have liked certain pictures of me during my own pregnancy leaked to the public.
We took this in the Mohonk gardens. Leah loved the flowers and even found it in her heart to smile for this shot. We missed our blog so and can't wait to catch up with you this week! Enjoy the day!
While there Leah started waving. She mostly does it as a hello greeting when you bring her into a room full of people after waking up or getting her out of the car. There isn't much movement to the wave, instead she just sticks her hand out as if using the Sioux indian greeting "How." Leah also got lots of practice crawling and thanks to some help from early childhood educators Grammy and Auntie Devon, and pediatric physical therapist Auntie K...she also started pulling herself up to her knees and even got herself up to her feet a few times!
As usual I've come home with a whole new baby. We lowered her crib again lastnight due to these new developments. There are lots of pictures to share. There is a sweet one of Leah with her ear pressed to my sister Kathleen's pregnant belly (so cute!), but I'll have to get permission from K before I blog about that one. I know I wouldn't have liked certain pictures of me during my own pregnancy leaked to the public.
We took this in the Mohonk gardens. Leah loved the flowers and even found it in her heart to smile for this shot. We missed our blog so and can't wait to catch up with you this week! Enjoy the day!
Sunday, August 21, 2005
Crawlin' on over to Grammy's house
Leah can crawl! It's been about a week since she's been doing the whole commando crawl thing on her tummy but I waited to blog about it until she was using it as a main mode of transportation. I'd say she crawls just about as much as she rolls now and the rolling is fading out quickly. She's been up on her hands and knees rocking for a while too but now she's actually started to creep forward that way! Yay Leah!!
I'm blogging on a Sunday because we're off to Grammy and Grandpa McKenna's house this week! I hope to get an early start tomorrow so that much of the trip will coincide with Leah's morning nap. Pete will be here working (at work) and working on the house. He'll be meeting up with us later in the week for a little vacation/family time of his own.
I'm not sure how much we'll be able to blog (if at all) so don't miss us too much. And if you do, feel free to comment away and let us know how YOU are doing in our absence. We promise to take LOTS of pictures and can't wait to blog our booties off this fall!!!
I'm blogging on a Sunday because we're off to Grammy and Grandpa McKenna's house this week! I hope to get an early start tomorrow so that much of the trip will coincide with Leah's morning nap. Pete will be here working (at work) and working on the house. He'll be meeting up with us later in the week for a little vacation/family time of his own.
I'm not sure how much we'll be able to blog (if at all) so don't miss us too much. And if you do, feel free to comment away and let us know how YOU are doing in our absence. We promise to take LOTS of pictures and can't wait to blog our booties off this fall!!!
Friday, August 19, 2005
This one won't be long
It's been a tough day and it's just a little after 9 o'clock! The little Miss woke up screaming at 5 this morning and all of Pete's magic shushing could not lull her back to dreamland. There was a crazy windstorm going on outside so we think that was the culprit. We stuck to our rules and didn't get her out of the crib until 6. I fed her and of course she was to sleep by 6:30. She woke up again at 7:30 but now the schedule is completely off.
Will she take a morning nap? Will I be able to keep my eyes open today? When should I feed her solids? Leah's babysitter Fran is coming today so that I can get my hair cut and colored. I feel sort of terrible about that, but Fran is a very experienced longtime nanny so I'm sure she'll have Leah (and my house!) in tip-top shape when I return. And as a result I might be able to catch a break (and possibly some zzzzs in the salon chair)!
Have a great day everyone! And enjoy your weekend. Pray that Leah resets herself today.
Will she take a morning nap? Will I be able to keep my eyes open today? When should I feed her solids? Leah's babysitter Fran is coming today so that I can get my hair cut and colored. I feel sort of terrible about that, but Fran is a very experienced longtime nanny so I'm sure she'll have Leah (and my house!) in tip-top shape when I return. And as a result I might be able to catch a break (and possibly some zzzzs in the salon chair)!
Have a great day everyone! And enjoy your weekend. Pray that Leah resets herself today.
Thursday, August 18, 2005
How many faces do you see?
I like this portrait of Leah in her exersaucer. Her hands look so big as she presents her favorite chew toy for all to see. There must be something really tasty about that elephant. On second glance, I noticed there are a number of portraits going on in this shot.
Leah's expression brings to mind spanish royalty in a Velázquez portrait. The composition is a whole lot more modern though...with the bear in the background and the sideways, blue face of the buzzing butterfly in the foreground. Then there are the animal faces on the seat of her exersaucer, the elephant and even the upsidedown monkey off to the side. I guess sometimes I do miss taking art history courses.
Speaking of things we miss...HAPPY BIRTHDAY Auntie Devon!!! We always miss being so far from you, but we can't wait to visit with you next week at Grammy's house. Last but not least a correction and clarification. Tuesday's story about nicknames contained an error. Apparently it is "Poopie" with an "ie" not "Poopy." We regret this error and apologize to anyone (Pete) who may have suffered as a result. Have a great day everyone!
Leah's expression brings to mind spanish royalty in a Velázquez portrait. The composition is a whole lot more modern though...with the bear in the background and the sideways, blue face of the buzzing butterfly in the foreground. Then there are the animal faces on the seat of her exersaucer, the elephant and even the upsidedown monkey off to the side. I guess sometimes I do miss taking art history courses.
Speaking of things we miss...HAPPY BIRTHDAY Auntie Devon!!! We always miss being so far from you, but we can't wait to visit with you next week at Grammy's house. Last but not least a correction and clarification. Tuesday's story about nicknames contained an error. Apparently it is "Poopie" with an "ie" not "Poopy." We regret this error and apologize to anyone (Pete) who may have suffered as a result. Have a great day everyone!
Wednesday, August 17, 2005
Baby Friends on the Road
We had a great visit to the zoo yesterday with Cynthia and her family. Between her own sons and her nephews, Leah was the lone little lady amongst 6 boys! I took this shot of Leah and Beckett at dinner last night (see the March 31 and June 2 posts for more of these two blue-eyed babes) and as you can see they've grown quite a bit! They are rolling and inching along all over the place!!!
I caught Leah trying to eat Beckett's foot at one point and at times it did look like baby WWF on the floor, but they seemed to have a lot of fun. It's so interesting watching babies interact!! Especially two that are so close in age. Leah really liked those Fisher-Price blocks and Beckett was very interested in Leah's hair. I can only hope that when they are older, they enjoy each other's company as much as they do now!
I caught Leah trying to eat Beckett's foot at one point and at times it did look like baby WWF on the floor, but they seemed to have a lot of fun. It's so interesting watching babies interact!! Especially two that are so close in age. Leah really liked those Fisher-Price blocks and Beckett was very interested in Leah's hair. I can only hope that when they are older, they enjoy each other's company as much as they do now!
Tuesday, August 16, 2005
Squishy
"Squishy" is one of Pete's nicknames for Leah. I love it. Just the sound of the word is description enough! Squishy is a cute word that conjures up the perfect image of Leah in my head. Here Leah makes a squished-up face that brought this nickname to mind instantly. I say THIS nickname becuase the list monikers that Leah is toting around these days seems endless...
Poopy seems most popular, although we're trying to let that one go a little for obvious reasons. There's also Love Bug, Buddy, and Buster...terms of endearment I use mostly when comforting Leah. There's "Shmee" which was popular with my college friends for a while...but that is a name you can use when talking about any cute little animal or baby. Of course there's Monkey Toes. My Mom uses the Irish colloquialism "Herself" for Leah. As in "How is Herself doing today?"
My Mother-in-law calls her Doll which is another one I like. My Dad calls Leah Peaches. Marisa was using Pumpkin Pie this weekend. I thought that was adorable. And Auntie K and Nicolle both came up with "LeLe" independent of each other. That's the one that has caught on the best outside of our little family.
Then there's Pete...he came up woth Poopy, but he also has about 50 other names for her! "Tummy" is one of the most recent. Many are different takes on Poopy, like Poopka, which is the polish term for doll or little angel. Poopkasha is another one. Pete also incorporates many other nicknames that are variations on Polish words for certain food items. There's Kishka (a type of sausage), and of course Pazcki (pronounced “Poonch-key”) a special polish donut. There's also "my little Placek" or "my little coffee cake!" The list goes on!
It will be interesting to see which of these (or how many of them!) stick. Enjoy the day! I know I'll be having a blast with Poopy!
Poopy seems most popular, although we're trying to let that one go a little for obvious reasons. There's also Love Bug, Buddy, and Buster...terms of endearment I use mostly when comforting Leah. There's "Shmee" which was popular with my college friends for a while...but that is a name you can use when talking about any cute little animal or baby. Of course there's Monkey Toes. My Mom uses the Irish colloquialism "Herself" for Leah. As in "How is Herself doing today?"
My Mother-in-law calls her Doll which is another one I like. My Dad calls Leah Peaches. Marisa was using Pumpkin Pie this weekend. I thought that was adorable. And Auntie K and Nicolle both came up with "LeLe" independent of each other. That's the one that has caught on the best outside of our little family.
Then there's Pete...he came up woth Poopy, but he also has about 50 other names for her! "Tummy" is one of the most recent. Many are different takes on Poopy, like Poopka, which is the polish term for doll or little angel. Poopkasha is another one. Pete also incorporates many other nicknames that are variations on Polish words for certain food items. There's Kishka (a type of sausage), and of course Pazcki (pronounced “Poonch-key”) a special polish donut. There's also "my little Placek" or "my little coffee cake!" The list goes on!
It will be interesting to see which of these (or how many of them!) stick. Enjoy the day! I know I'll be having a blast with Poopy!
Monday, August 15, 2005
Our Little Penguins
The last thing Marisa and I need is a shot of our backsides on the blog, but this shot really evoked a host of unexpected emotions in me! Marisa is my oldest friend. I have family friends that I love dearly that have been around since my parents were friends with their parents, but Marisa was the first friend that I really went out and found on my own. And who I still have in my life today.
In junior high it never crossed my mind that someday Marisa and I might be standing (18 years later!!) at the zoo enjoying the pengin exhibit with our own little penguins! Leah and Nicholas are amazing babies and our families seem to have such a pleasant and natural friendship, just like my own relationship with Marisa herself. Of course it probably doesn't hurt that we both married extremely nice guys named Pete (does it get more junior high BFF than that?!?).
We had a wonderful time with the Novellos this weekend and Leah and I are looking forward to another visit to the zoo this week, when Cynthia and her boys are in town!! Leah loved the elephants and penguins, but her favorite was the chimps! My own little monkey toes was so delighted by their swinging and jumping!
In junior high it never crossed my mind that someday Marisa and I might be standing (18 years later!!) at the zoo enjoying the pengin exhibit with our own little penguins! Leah and Nicholas are amazing babies and our families seem to have such a pleasant and natural friendship, just like my own relationship with Marisa herself. Of course it probably doesn't hurt that we both married extremely nice guys named Pete (does it get more junior high BFF than that?!?).
We had a wonderful time with the Novellos this weekend and Leah and I are looking forward to another visit to the zoo this week, when Cynthia and her boys are in town!! Leah loved the elephants and penguins, but her favorite was the chimps! My own little monkey toes was so delighted by their swinging and jumping!
Friday, August 12, 2005
This is what I'm dealing with people!
Here's Leah in her infant to toddler rocker. I'm not sure if we can really call it "in" her rocker because she pretty much spends every second that she's strapped in trying to escape! Her favorite method is to push her big melon head past the hanging toys in an attempt to pitch herself forward and right out the front. I'm waiting for the day I find her on all fours crawling around with this huge rocker on her back. Thankfully my friend Jennifer told me they weighted down the back of her son Jonathan's rocker in an attempt to avoid such an incident.
Leah's got the "crazy eyes" going in this action shot. She was trying to grab the strap on my camera in this one. Anyway, let's hope her weekend is a bit calmer than she looks here. Our friends Marisa, Pete and their baby Nicholas (who at about 15 months is not such a baby anymore!) are coming to visit. It should be fun! Enjoy your weekend everyone.
Leah's got the "crazy eyes" going in this action shot. She was trying to grab the strap on my camera in this one. Anyway, let's hope her weekend is a bit calmer than she looks here. Our friends Marisa, Pete and their baby Nicholas (who at about 15 months is not such a baby anymore!) are coming to visit. It should be fun! Enjoy your weekend everyone.
Thursday, August 11, 2005
Flashback
This picture was taken when Leah was just about a month and a half old. I know, doesn't she look so different now? I have this picture on my dresser and as I got ready for bed lastnight I wondered, should I update?
I decided against updating for now. I remember thinking that having a tiny two month old was so hard! Now that I have a 7 month old, I have to laugh that I ever thought that. When Leah was a newborn, she would sit in her carrier and nap while I worked on the computer or around the house.When she woke up she would smile and coo at me.
Now, Leah doesn't stay still for a minute. She's always rolling somewhere or trying to reach something I don't want her to have. The coos have turns to shrieks and blowing raspberries. There were sleepless nights when Leah was a month and a half old but honestly, I sometimes think 7 month olds are a lot more exhausting!
I guess I've learned now that there are great things about every age and phase of childhood. I am enjoying Leah more than ever now...feeding her solids, watching her thrill when Lemmy walks by and sniffs her, playing games with her and making her laugh. But this picture reminds me that no matter how she grows or changes, Leah Charlotte will always be my baby.
I decided against updating for now. I remember thinking that having a tiny two month old was so hard! Now that I have a 7 month old, I have to laugh that I ever thought that. When Leah was a newborn, she would sit in her carrier and nap while I worked on the computer or around the house.When she woke up she would smile and coo at me.
Now, Leah doesn't stay still for a minute. She's always rolling somewhere or trying to reach something I don't want her to have. The coos have turns to shrieks and blowing raspberries. There were sleepless nights when Leah was a month and a half old but honestly, I sometimes think 7 month olds are a lot more exhausting!
I guess I've learned now that there are great things about every age and phase of childhood. I am enjoying Leah more than ever now...feeding her solids, watching her thrill when Lemmy walks by and sniffs her, playing games with her and making her laugh. But this picture reminds me that no matter how she grows or changes, Leah Charlotte will always be my baby.
Wednesday, August 10, 2005
Feelin' Hot, Hot, Hot!
Lots of cleaning to do here today. We also have to run a few errands, which always helps us beat the heat. When Leah starts to get impatient at the mall or library I just say "at least it's cool here!" Yesterday we took a morning walk, although it was creeping up on midday. A few of my neighbors drove past waving or exlaiming "how are you surviving out here?" It wasn't so bad, at least it put Leah to sleep and there was a bit of a breeze when we started out. Perhaps another walk is in our future today...we'll see.
I thought this picture was nice for a hot day. Babies are SO SWEATY, but LeLe looks cool as a cucumber here. I like this shot becuase she looks calm and engaged at the same time, which at 7 months can seem like an elusive temperment! Rare are the times when she just sits on your lap or in her exer-saucer without flapping arms, river dancing legs, and a wiggling torso determined on jumping out of her seat. Like I sid, I know I'm blessed to have an actve baby, but on hot summer days it makes for one tired Mommy! Honk-shoo....
I thought this picture was nice for a hot day. Babies are SO SWEATY, but LeLe looks cool as a cucumber here. I like this shot becuase she looks calm and engaged at the same time, which at 7 months can seem like an elusive temperment! Rare are the times when she just sits on your lap or in her exer-saucer without flapping arms, river dancing legs, and a wiggling torso determined on jumping out of her seat. Like I sid, I know I'm blessed to have an actve baby, but on hot summer days it makes for one tired Mommy! Honk-shoo....
Tuesday, August 09, 2005
Improv diaper dancing
I knew it was true for cats...but nobody ever really told me that babies would rather play with a piece of fuzz on the floor, than with their lovely and colorful lamaze toys. In an effort to capitalize on this idiosyncracy, I decided to heed the advice of the Gymboree "baby games" book that Devon gave me and make a crude and simple rattle for Leah. I have never loved christmas tree pasta (see, I made it colorful!) and tupperware more!
As you can see from the pictue Leah thoroughly enjoyed herself. The pasta rattle even worked wonders when I changed her diaper, a task that has become more and more difficult lately. Toys keep her writhing and wiggling down to a minimum but only for so long. Eventually, she tires of them (even the ones that I've reserved strictly for diaper changing!) and she throws them overboard. Repeatedly. Then they end up behind the changing table where I can't reach them without moving it.
So to anyone who ever thought college modern dance training was useless, let me counter with the fact that it has saved my sanity when it comes to Leah's latest diaper changing antics. I decided to leave my stress behind and go with the flow when changing diapers. Improv dance style, I take my cues from Leah's movements and let my movements follow in suit. Yesterday, I managed to complete a diaper change where she started on her back, spent a few additional moments on her tummy (that actually helped for clean-up!), and completed it with her standing up and leaning against me. It's easier than you'd think. Probably because she was fighting me a whole lot less. Oh, to be blessed with an active baby!
As you can see from the pictue Leah thoroughly enjoyed herself. The pasta rattle even worked wonders when I changed her diaper, a task that has become more and more difficult lately. Toys keep her writhing and wiggling down to a minimum but only for so long. Eventually, she tires of them (even the ones that I've reserved strictly for diaper changing!) and she throws them overboard. Repeatedly. Then they end up behind the changing table where I can't reach them without moving it.
So to anyone who ever thought college modern dance training was useless, let me counter with the fact that it has saved my sanity when it comes to Leah's latest diaper changing antics. I decided to leave my stress behind and go with the flow when changing diapers. Improv dance style, I take my cues from Leah's movements and let my movements follow in suit. Yesterday, I managed to complete a diaper change where she started on her back, spent a few additional moments on her tummy (that actually helped for clean-up!), and completed it with her standing up and leaning against me. It's easier than you'd think. Probably because she was fighting me a whole lot less. Oh, to be blessed with an active baby!
Monday, August 08, 2005
OK so I'm obsessed with extreme close-ups!
So much so, that I've even decided to watch some of Sergio Leone's spaghetti westerns (much to the delight of my husband and father I'm sure!). I've heard that Mr. Leone frequently employed the extreme close-up in many of his movies. Now if only I could get Leah to do a good Clint Eastwood look. Be on the look out for "A fistful of Leah..." coming soon to a computer near you!
I can't help it, but Leah's eyes just draw me in! I guess they must be the ideal subject since EVERYWHERE I go with her, people comment on them! Now if only these little blueberries could give me all of the vitamins and anti-oxidants I'd be getting if I was taking in the real thing. I'd be the picture of health!
I can't help it, but Leah's eyes just draw me in! I guess they must be the ideal subject since EVERYWHERE I go with her, people comment on them! Now if only these little blueberries could give me all of the vitamins and anti-oxidants I'd be getting if I was taking in the real thing. I'd be the picture of health!
A two picture kind of day
I figured I'd give everybody a little gift and hook you all up with two pictures today! Sort of nice for a Monday right? I also figure these two share a common theme, "the look of Leah," so sharing a day on the blog made sense for these shots. Besides how many more days of in your face Leah images can I expect you all to sit through!?
I love the composition of this one. Leah all up close to the camera with the purple ape (I think that's what it is) looming nefariously in the background. Sort of reminds me of that part in "The Village" with Ron Howard's daughter in the forest. I'd be more specific but I don't want to spoil another M. Night Shyamalama-ding-dong movie for anyone! At least Pete will know what I'm talking about...
I love the composition of this one. Leah all up close to the camera with the purple ape (I think that's what it is) looming nefariously in the background. Sort of reminds me of that part in "The Village" with Ron Howard's daughter in the forest. I'd be more specific but I don't want to spoil another M. Night Shyamalama-ding-dong movie for anyone! At least Pete will know what I'm talking about...
Friday, August 05, 2005
whoozits and the weekend
Here Leah tries to mate her whoozit chuckle (the rattle in her left hand) with the larger traditional whoozit, whose green triangle you can see in Leah's right hand. This valiant effort to create a whoozit hybrid hasn't produced any results. Perhaps Leah was hoping for a new and exciting whoozit related toy!? But we'll keep you posted. I'll be scared if I open her door one morning and find several whoozit babies keeping her company in her crib.
Enjoy the weekend everyone. It should be a nice one. I don't even care if it rains, so long as it cools down!!! We don't have much on tap...just lots of cleaning, decorating, and working around the house and yard. That and the other usual weekend stuff. Leah says...have fun!!!!
Enjoy the weekend everyone. It should be a nice one. I don't even care if it rains, so long as it cools down!!! We don't have much on tap...just lots of cleaning, decorating, and working around the house and yard. That and the other usual weekend stuff. Leah says...have fun!!!!
Thursday, August 04, 2005
Don't you know that you're toxic?
OK, so toxic may be a strong word. I know I ramble on about all of the amazing changes in Leah, but one change I'm not so excited about is the effect solid foods have had on her diaper. Whoooohooo!!!! She was practically lethal this morning.
As evidenced by this picture though...Leah does not mind. In fact, the stinkier the diaper, the more she seems to smile and giggle about it. I think she likes watching Pete and I squirm. On a more pleasant note. Leah is really enjoying a whole new host of toys lately.
One favorite are the stacking rings. She bites them, claps them together, pushes them around the floor like little hockey pucks and loves to wrestle them on and off their rocking base. Hours of entertainment. I fear for the day when she will become bored with them. As a result my new plan is to keep Leah fresh (and keep a few dollars in my wallet) by rotating toys. I'm going to try hiding a few tiresome toys and see if they attract any more attention when I bring them out in a week or two. I'll let you know how my experiment goes! Luckily the rings are still very popular...now we just need a plan to keep cool today!!!
As evidenced by this picture though...Leah does not mind. In fact, the stinkier the diaper, the more she seems to smile and giggle about it. I think she likes watching Pete and I squirm. On a more pleasant note. Leah is really enjoying a whole new host of toys lately.
One favorite are the stacking rings. She bites them, claps them together, pushes them around the floor like little hockey pucks and loves to wrestle them on and off their rocking base. Hours of entertainment. I fear for the day when she will become bored with them. As a result my new plan is to keep Leah fresh (and keep a few dollars in my wallet) by rotating toys. I'm going to try hiding a few tiresome toys and see if they attract any more attention when I bring them out in a week or two. I'll let you know how my experiment goes! Luckily the rings are still very popular...now we just need a plan to keep cool today!!!
Wednesday, August 03, 2005
More Macro
I hope Leah is not as serious as she appears in this picture when we head out to the MOPS summer playdate today. Actually, she wasn't so serious when I took this, she was just concentrating on how to grab the strap on my camera. I could take shot after shot of those sparkly eyes. Although I must say, the eyebrows are sort of the main attraction in this picture. She's really using them to the best of her ability. Hopefully today will turn out to be a nice one. I'm sure it will be hot, but I can't complain too much. Winter is probably just around the corner right? Leah and I want to be sure to enjoy what's left of these sweet, sunny days!
Tuesday, August 02, 2005
More incentive to baby-proof...
Don't you just love this piture of Leah amidst a sea of cds? Together, Pete and I have over 1,500 and our penchant for music has become a cause for concern lately. Leah wasn't 3 months old when I had a vision of her at around 1 year standing in front of the rack of cds and pulling and flinging. Now that Leah is more mobile, rolling like a crazy woman and on the cusp of crawling, something has to be done with the cds.
Our idea is to get an external hard drive and burn them all onto the computer. It has taken me a while to go for this idea. It's going to take a good deal of time and I'm still looking into what sort of hard drive we'll need. But the more mobile Leah gets, the more I find myself going for it. I like the idea of "hard copies" (maybe it's the fact that I'm a print designer?) but the cds will be put into storage and I will be able to get to them when I want to or need to. In the end it will make my house a lot neater and my baby (and music!) a lot safer. I can already tell, Leah has her parents' love of music well-instilled in her. Now if only we could get her to think we're cool...
Our idea is to get an external hard drive and burn them all onto the computer. It has taken me a while to go for this idea. It's going to take a good deal of time and I'm still looking into what sort of hard drive we'll need. But the more mobile Leah gets, the more I find myself going for it. I like the idea of "hard copies" (maybe it's the fact that I'm a print designer?) but the cds will be put into storage and I will be able to get to them when I want to or need to. In the end it will make my house a lot neater and my baby (and music!) a lot safer. I can already tell, Leah has her parents' love of music well-instilled in her. Now if only we could get her to think we're cool...
Monday, August 01, 2005
Macro Monkey Toes
So I've been practicing using the macro or close-up feature on my digital camera. One result is this photo I love of Leah's cute little 6 month old feet. Having an almost 7 month old (2 more days!) is so different. She is no longer a squishy little baby.
She holds up her arms to signal "get me out of this exer-saucer" and she actively participates when you carry her, clinging on to you like a little monkey or koala. We now know exactly how to make her laugh (anything involving her tummy and really quick movements combined with funny faces) and she lets us know when it's time for a nap (eye-rubbing and burying her head in my shoulder are big signs).
I can't believe it has been 7 months! It feels like Leah has always been with us! I never really understood what people meant when they said that, but I think I get it now. Sure, I remember the days before Leah was born when I lived in Chicago and could go out for penny's noodles or go for a walk by the lake and chat with a friend. But now each moment of everyday is defined by Leah. It's hard to remember doing daily activities without my little buddy, or should I say boss, there to help or tell me what to do! Speaking of that, I better go so that I can get a shower or a snack in before the boss-lady wakes up from her nap! Enjoy the day!
She holds up her arms to signal "get me out of this exer-saucer" and she actively participates when you carry her, clinging on to you like a little monkey or koala. We now know exactly how to make her laugh (anything involving her tummy and really quick movements combined with funny faces) and she lets us know when it's time for a nap (eye-rubbing and burying her head in my shoulder are big signs).
I can't believe it has been 7 months! It feels like Leah has always been with us! I never really understood what people meant when they said that, but I think I get it now. Sure, I remember the days before Leah was born when I lived in Chicago and could go out for penny's noodles or go for a walk by the lake and chat with a friend. But now each moment of everyday is defined by Leah. It's hard to remember doing daily activities without my little buddy, or should I say boss, there to help or tell me what to do! Speaking of that, I better go so that I can get a shower or a snack in before the boss-lady wakes up from her nap! Enjoy the day!
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