Lucy is steadily learning new things. Her sponge-like brain seems to soak up everything, and when you combine that with her love to walk (run) and climb on most anything, we have one busy toddler.
She seems to love the independence all of this new found mobility is giving her. When she needs a new diaper, she gets us one. If she wants some snacks, she empties the shelf in the pantry. When there is a show she wants to watch on tv, she gets up on the couch to watch it. If there is a song on she wants to dance to, she climbs on the nearest box/chair/table and dances. (No idea where she got that from?)
The talking is a bit difficult to decipher. Hot sounds a lot like hat, so it is hard to know what she means when she is trying to give me my coffee cup and wearing her DJ Lance hat. Nite-nite and Nate are pretty much the same word, and if Nate is nowhere around I always assume she wants to go to bed. (I am often wrong, but I'd be a fool not to try.)
The one 'word' we are starting to really get a grasp on lately is Rex. You're probably thinking, if you know anything about budding vocabularies, that this word should be far down on the list of things she can say, and you're right. But our baby brainiac has come up with her very own term of endearment for her big brother.
She can rattle off Mama and Dada and Nay-nay, even O-is, but she can't get Rex. So, after a few failed attempts that only produced a strange growling sound, she gave up and created her own. A nice large raspberry/fart noise that sends Rex into fits of giggles every time.
Friday, January 22, 2010
Thursday, January 14, 2010
...On Babies
Very few things in life make me giddy. Turbo, when the two of us are behaving like goofy lovestruck teens. The kids, when they are captivated by the many splendors of childhood. Weddings, every last one of them. And babies. Sweet, cuddly, clean, warm, beautiful babies.
Naturally, when I hear that a new one is soon to enter our family, I go bonkers. Baby J (he/she knows who he is) won't be here until August, but I already know what we are going to get him/her for Christmas next year. And his/her baby shower. And as a welcome gift. I knew within 2 days of learning of him/her how I would congratulate his parents. Crazy, right?
Before you go locking up your babies, rest assured I don't want any more than I already have tugging on my ankles, tattling in my ear, and talking back every time I open my mouth. Not to mention, there is no way in hell I'd survive another pregnancy. (Turbo either for that matter!) My obsession comes from my own life experience in the parenting department. I know how exciting it feels to to see the plus sign on your pee stick. I know the overwhelming delight that fills your entire body when you first hear the racing heartbeat of your little alien. I know that even the roughest pregnancy leads to the best thing life has to offer, a teeny little mini me that cries and poops and screams and sleeps and still remains the most perfect being in your entire world. I get excited because I know what the new parents don't yet. That this is the beginning of the best parts of their life.
But first, they need to get through the roughest. Growing bellies, swollen ankles, relentless appetites, horrid mood swings. There is no glow (at least I never possessed it) and there is no man willing to get up in the middle of the night and go to get you peppermint ice cream and pretzels in 2 feet of snow (obviously I don't possess that guy either). There are aches and pains and cravings, that are temporarily sidetracked by lots of food, a quick to react husband that heavily weighs his every word, and good doctor visits.
Because I love Baby J's parents dearly, and refuse to BS them the way lots of parenting books will, I'm going to offer some pregnancy advice for their first trip to the maternity ward...
1. Buy lots of books, but skip the parenting ones. There is nothing in the 'What to Expect' series that you can't find online. I'd recommend signing up for a site like Baby Center that tracks you and your baby through the whole 9 months and beyond and answers every question you'll have along the way. Instead, save those bucks and get some good reads for yourself 'cause you'll come to a point where you'll want spend lots of time with your feet up. Also, start buying books for the little guy and read them to him now. One of the best things you can do for your baby is to give him a wonderful library that will help you bond for years to come.
2. Eat what you want. Mama J, you and I were given one of the greatest gifts our grandmother had to offer: her figure. Eat smart, eat healthy, but if the craving strikes, go for it. Even if you gain 50+ pounds (not that I ever did) I can almost certainly guarantee it will all fall off within a few months (not that I know that from experience).
3. Stock up on the little things. It may seam silly, but the little things will feel like big ones once little J gets here. Start buying diapers and wipes now. That way, you've got a variety of sizes ready to go and don't need to rush out with your newborn. Also, J's arrival won't put such a ding in your budget because you will already be used to some of the new parenting expenses. (You can stock up on formula and baby food too as long as you check the expiration dates to make sure they will still be good when you need them.)
It is also a good idea to stock up on some things for you too before baby gets here. Load up on toiletries, fill up your pantry, jam pack your freezer. Make a double batch of your favorite meals, portion them for 2, and put them in the freezer for later. There will come a time, not long after baby J's arrival, where you will be sleep deprived and would rather shower than slave over the stove. On those days, you will be very happy to have this stuff in there.
4. Don't sweat the big things. Those lovely photos by Babies R Us are so far removed from practicality, it should make every parent laugh at the sheer absurdity of it. Sure, a picture perfect, stocked nursery would be nice to welcome baby home, but he won't care one way or the other if it does. You'll find most of the things the stores tell you you need for baby are a waste of your money. Ask your friends with kids what they used most (a good 'travel system' stroller), what they tossed after 1 failed attempt (Boppy pillow). Accept hand-me-downs of gently used stuff, but don't accept so much that you sell yourself short on the benefits of a baby shower. Loads of ladies like me love those things and will not hesitate to spoil baby #1.
5. Slow down a bit. There are lots of things in your life that are going to be changing, so don't rush any of it just yet. Go out to dinner, see a movie, rub your belly, and let baby take his time getting here. Rest, relax, and enjoy the journey.
Naturally, when I hear that a new one is soon to enter our family, I go bonkers. Baby J (he/she knows who he is) won't be here until August, but I already know what we are going to get him/her for Christmas next year. And his/her baby shower. And as a welcome gift. I knew within 2 days of learning of him/her how I would congratulate his parents. Crazy, right?
Before you go locking up your babies, rest assured I don't want any more than I already have tugging on my ankles, tattling in my ear, and talking back every time I open my mouth. Not to mention, there is no way in hell I'd survive another pregnancy. (Turbo either for that matter!) My obsession comes from my own life experience in the parenting department. I know how exciting it feels to to see the plus sign on your pee stick. I know the overwhelming delight that fills your entire body when you first hear the racing heartbeat of your little alien. I know that even the roughest pregnancy leads to the best thing life has to offer, a teeny little mini me that cries and poops and screams and sleeps and still remains the most perfect being in your entire world. I get excited because I know what the new parents don't yet. That this is the beginning of the best parts of their life.
But first, they need to get through the roughest. Growing bellies, swollen ankles, relentless appetites, horrid mood swings. There is no glow (at least I never possessed it) and there is no man willing to get up in the middle of the night and go to get you peppermint ice cream and pretzels in 2 feet of snow (obviously I don't possess that guy either). There are aches and pains and cravings, that are temporarily sidetracked by lots of food, a quick to react husband that heavily weighs his every word, and good doctor visits.
Because I love Baby J's parents dearly, and refuse to BS them the way lots of parenting books will, I'm going to offer some pregnancy advice for their first trip to the maternity ward...
1. Buy lots of books, but skip the parenting ones. There is nothing in the 'What to Expect' series that you can't find online. I'd recommend signing up for a site like Baby Center that tracks you and your baby through the whole 9 months and beyond and answers every question you'll have along the way. Instead, save those bucks and get some good reads for yourself 'cause you'll come to a point where you'll want spend lots of time with your feet up. Also, start buying books for the little guy and read them to him now. One of the best things you can do for your baby is to give him a wonderful library that will help you bond for years to come.
2. Eat what you want. Mama J, you and I were given one of the greatest gifts our grandmother had to offer: her figure. Eat smart, eat healthy, but if the craving strikes, go for it. Even if you gain 50+ pounds (not that I ever did) I can almost certainly guarantee it will all fall off within a few months (not that I know that from experience).
3. Stock up on the little things. It may seam silly, but the little things will feel like big ones once little J gets here. Start buying diapers and wipes now. That way, you've got a variety of sizes ready to go and don't need to rush out with your newborn. Also, J's arrival won't put such a ding in your budget because you will already be used to some of the new parenting expenses. (You can stock up on formula and baby food too as long as you check the expiration dates to make sure they will still be good when you need them.)
It is also a good idea to stock up on some things for you too before baby gets here. Load up on toiletries, fill up your pantry, jam pack your freezer. Make a double batch of your favorite meals, portion them for 2, and put them in the freezer for later. There will come a time, not long after baby J's arrival, where you will be sleep deprived and would rather shower than slave over the stove. On those days, you will be very happy to have this stuff in there.
4. Don't sweat the big things. Those lovely photos by Babies R Us are so far removed from practicality, it should make every parent laugh at the sheer absurdity of it. Sure, a picture perfect, stocked nursery would be nice to welcome baby home, but he won't care one way or the other if it does. You'll find most of the things the stores tell you you need for baby are a waste of your money. Ask your friends with kids what they used most (a good 'travel system' stroller), what they tossed after 1 failed attempt (Boppy pillow). Accept hand-me-downs of gently used stuff, but don't accept so much that you sell yourself short on the benefits of a baby shower. Loads of ladies like me love those things and will not hesitate to spoil baby #1.
5. Slow down a bit. There are lots of things in your life that are going to be changing, so don't rush any of it just yet. Go out to dinner, see a movie, rub your belly, and let baby take his time getting here. Rest, relax, and enjoy the journey.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
New Words
Lucy just learned a new word...HAT.
I don't have the heart to tell her that is not a hat...
(I'm guessing the blurry photos of my ever moving child are going to leave one burning question on your mind. So the uncertainty doesn't kill you, yes, that is a pair of CLEAN undies. In fact, they were swiped from the laundry basket.)
Friday, January 8, 2010
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Christmas!
A quick photo recap of our holiday.
the E kids
perfect pair of (grand)parents
warheads
gamers
early risers
early risers
good santa
great santa
bad santa
Back in the Saddle
Well, sort of. Our computer is still way goofed up. It's obvious that we are going to need to invest in one soon, but while Turbo & I decide what we are going to buy I'm sucking the remaining life from this one.
I've been dying a little every day not being able to post here, even the few minutes I sneak away to load up stuff on Etsy or check my email are not doing it for me. Plus, you want pictures don't you? Christmas ones of the kids, nice skating shots from out on our pond. Stories too, about Turbo's first time on skates, Lucy's first 'haircut'. And family updates...boy oh boy do I have things to share!!
Here goes...
I've been dying a little every day not being able to post here, even the few minutes I sneak away to load up stuff on Etsy or check my email are not doing it for me. Plus, you want pictures don't you? Christmas ones of the kids, nice skating shots from out on our pond. Stories too, about Turbo's first time on skates, Lucy's first 'haircut'. And family updates...boy oh boy do I have things to share!!
Here goes...
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