4/26/11 – 9 Months!

Can you believe it?!? Really, can you? Amelia is 9 months old today. In 3 months, she’ll have her big day, and it’s so hard to believe. We’ve actually started loosely planning her birthday party. Hopefully the weather holds up, because of course we’re planning outdoor festivities. We’ll have a good old BBQ, hot dogs, brats, burgers, fruit, salad…the usuals. We’ll have some outdoor games set up for the adults, and the outdoor kid toys out for the kids. We’re either going to put out the pool and water toys for the kids (my choice) or rent a jump house for them (Christian’s choice). I don’t feel the jump house is appropriate for AMELIA’S party because she won’t be old enough to enjoy it, but he wants it pretty bad, so we’ll see. He’ll probably win this one. We’ll be doing her party on Saturday, July 23rd. We have two friends with little ones that have birthday’s the same week as Amelia, so it kind of made it necessary to at least pick a date early to plan around each other, so I’m happy that’s out of the way. So far, this is about as far as we’ve gotten on planning though.

Amelia continues to get more mobile each day. Crawling is no problem whatsoever, she actually half crawls, half walks, so she looks like a creature of the night really. She stands up from sitting no problem now, and she’ll stand there for a really good amount of time, not too wobbly anymore. She’s taken one stop, two different occasions, but not quite there yet. She’s cruising the furniture and pulling up on everything no problem though. So, we’ll see when she starts full on walking. As far as “milk” goes, she is still 100% breastfed, and I continue to pat myself on the back for that! She is still mostly on purred (but lumpy) foods still, but we are feeding her from our plates more and more. She does great too, she chews her food freakishly fast for someone with barely any teeth…1.5 still to be exact. I don’t have her 9 month appointment until May 6th, so I’m not sure on her stats right now. Obviously, she’s still tiny though. She’s getting better and better at actually playing, trying to figure things out, rather than just sitting there and dropping everything you give her. She’s very interested in the world around her, and just basically follows me around the house. She’s still in 6-9 month clothes, with most of them being pretty big on her (her Easter dress was a 3-6 month dress!), and she’s in size 2 diapers still. Her hair is still very goofy…it’s getting longer and longer, but still not heavy enough to lay down. LOVE IT. She’s mumbled “mama” a few times, but nothing consistent, and nothing to show that she actually knows what she’s saying. But, she’s clearly starting to understand what we are saying…she responds to her name (all forms of it), she “comes” when you ask her to, she makes “her face” when you ask her too, she’s very responsive. She’s slept through the night two nights in a row now, and has gotten SO much better with sleep all around, it’s great! She’s still happily in her infant car seat, and I think she will be for quite some time now. She’s still a total mommy’s girl, and thinks everything around her is absolutely hilarious. It’s beginning to get very fun watching her actual personality shine through, that’s for sure!

Other than that, today was a pretty normal day. After work, I rushed home to get the massive pile of dishes cleaned. I did a little cleaning up and reorganizing around the kitchen, then Christian and the girls arrived home. We just had some leftovers from Easter for dinner, so we were able to sit around the table for a while and just hang out. After dinner, we settled in for some TV. I was really excited for the premiere of “The Voice”. I love talent shows, and was excited for a new style of show. It really did live up to my expectations too, I loved it!

The girls slept through the night again, I’m floored! One thing I am not such a fan of is that Amelia’s new thing is sleeping on her stomach. I know, I know, once they can roll over you should just leave them be, and we do, but it still makes me nervous. I’m guessing it’s helping her sleep better though; she must just be more comfortable. It’s going to take me a while to get used to it though. The video monitor is pretty useless now since she rolls out of camera view shortly after going to bed now. Ah, sleep. It’s great!

Here is Amelia’s 9 month photo!

4/25/11 – Monday, It’s Back Again

Well, it’s another typical Monday for us. I spent the day trying to play catch up at work. I ended up taking a little time off at the end of the day so I could stop at Target on my way home to do our weekly shopping. After overflowing the cart, I was on my way home to unload everything and put it away. Amelia took a late nap today, and was still sleeping when Christian arrived to pick her up, so I got the house to myself for a while. I put away all of the groceries, and just did some light cleaning around the house. There was so much to do, but I just wasn’t in the mood for any of it.

We decided to have some mini-cheeseburgers for dinner tonight, so Christian fired up the grill when he finally arrived home, and I did the hard part, threw some fries in the oven. Ha. Olivia hung out outside with him, which gave me some time to hang out with Amelia. Just as a little proof of why I don’t understand how she’s not growing…just in the time she was home, from about 6:15 to bedtime around 8:30, she had a few cucumber slices, three Gerber apple wheels, a “jar” of carrots with some rice mixed into it, half a banana sliced up, 7 or 8 fries (of course), and milk before bed. She’s hungry, nonstop, and she eats, nonstop. I don’t get it.

Finally, it was time for baths and bed. The girls slept all night last night, and it was wonderful. We’ll see what happens tonight! We pulled out the jump-o-lene over the weekend to distract Olivia, and she decided to just hang out in it for a while tonight. Also, we no longer use the baby bath tub, so the girls get to bathe together like big girls now!

4/24/11 – HAPPY EASTER!

It’s Easter! I hope everybody has (had) a wonderful, happy and blessed day!

We had a very busy day, of course! The girls were up BRIGHT and early again at 6:30. As I suspected, staying up late last night came back to bite me in the behind! I’m not kidding; I was literally laying my head down on my pillow, when Olivia started screaming out, in turn waking up Amelia. Olivia would not go back down either, and I’m not sure what was going on there. I fed Amelia and we finally got them both back down around 2:30…so, 4 hours of sleep, WHOO HOO!

We right away delivered the Easter Bunny’s baskets to the girls. Of course, Olivia just wanted everything that was in Amelia’s basket! Ugh, she drives me crazy! Olivia got English and Spanish flashcards, a little activity book, some M&M’s, a SpongeBob candy dispenser and some Dora bubbles. Amelia got a little “book” to hang from her car seat, some Baby Einstein balls, some Yogurt Melts and a stuffed bunny. It wasn’t much, but they liked it!

After going through baskets, we all ate some breakfast while we waited for it to warm up a little. Finally, Christian snuck outside to hide the Eater Eggs. He hid the eggs we colored and a few stuffed eggs (some with treats, some with coins) for each of the girls. Olivia had so much fun hunting down all of the eggs, she loved it. We just kind of scattered Amelia’s eggs around her…she was too distracted with being outside anyway. LOL

We played outside for a while because it ended up being so beautiful out. Then, Christian was off to get my car’s oil changed (only about 2,500 miles late….oops). Then, while Amelia napped, the rest of us got ready to head to Easter dinner. Once she was up, we were immediately out the door and on our way to the in-laws for dinner. Olivia dug right into her candy filled Easter basket over there. Unfortunately, Amelia’s basket was also just full of candy, so she really didn’t get anything to enjoy (nice). Right after we finished eating, my sister in law and her girls showed up, so Olivia was in heaven, and chaos ensued. Of course, not surprisingly, the chaos resulted in an injury. Olivia was climbing and messing around on a chair, and there happened to be an upside down plastic (that glass looking kind of plastic) container on the floor, and of course she jumped right onto it, putting her foot right through the middle, and slicing her toe open. It was traumatic, and she milked it for everything she could the rest of the night. Seriously, she’s a walking disaster half the time!

I finally managed to get Christian and the girls out of the door and into the car around 7:30. I had loads and loads of laundry to fold and put away, and not much time to do it in. I managed to get about half of it done between putting Amelia to bed, and finally passed out around 11:00…hoping it wouldn’t be another long night!

Here are some Easter fun pictures from the day!

4/23/11 – Birthday Party

Today was a pretty good day. We spent the morning just hanging around the house. The girls were up at 6:30…this appears to be a new fad, and, I do not like it. We even have room darkening shades in their room, and they still get up! Not cool.

After some breakfast and some play time (and amidst a few loads of laundry), it was time for all of us to get ready. We were heading to my grandparents house for my grandpa’s 80th birthday party! We were excited to see the family, get out of the house, and for Olivia to have some playmates for the day. Also, my oldest niece had a baby 4 days after Amelia was born, and I was anxious to see them next to each other.

As soon as we got to the party (well, it took a few minutes for Olivia to “wake up” from her car ride cat nap), Olivia started chasing around the other kids and playing with them. The other little girls just love her, and she loves being around the older kids. Amelia did really well at the party, as long as my dad wasn’t holding her (I thought you’d like me throwing that in, dad!). And, you should have seen her next to the other baby…it was night and day! Too funny. I included a picture of them below, but you really have to see them in person to see the massive difference.

After some catching up, yummy food (and pie) and gift opening, we were on our way home for the night. My dad and stepmom sent home a little Easter gift for the girls…some snacks of course! Olivia ripped right into those! We gave the girls each a little late night snack, and got them off to bed. Then, we decided to have a movie night. This usually doesn’t end well for me…I’m usually passed out within the first 15-20 minutes of a movie. Well, we started off battling over which movie to watch…he won out in the end, and we watched “Unstoppable”. And, it was actually really good. I made it through the whole thing even! Then, I made the decision to brave it, and attempt to watch my choice…”Life As We Know It”…which was also really good. And, again, I made it through the whole thing! I made it through TWO MOVIES! Can you believe it?!?

As I rolled into bed at 1:15AM, I knew I was in for some trouble. It was well worth it though to have some quality time with the husband, and actually watch some movies!

First of all, I braided Olivia’s hair for the first time today…I feel like such a “mom of a girl”. Had to take a picture of that. Also, I included a picture of the babies together. So cute!

4/22/11 – Friday!!

It’s Friday! My Friday home with the girls, so a LONG day of course!

I had a pretty long night with Amelia. She was up three times for some reason, and the last time I just ended up keeping her in bed with me. As Christian was walking out of the door for work, both girls woke up, so yes, long day indeed. We all ate some breakfast and I just spent the rest of the day trying to get Olivia to leave Amelia alone. She went through phases all day long…for a while she’d actually play WITH Amelia; then for a while she’d spend all her energy taking everything away from Amelia, and bossing her around; then she’d just completely ignore her for a while. I don’t get it.

After a very long morning, I finally got them to take a nap, together, at the same time. I cuddled up in bed, with my shows and the laptop, and got in some quality computer time. Amelia woke up before Olivia, so we spent a little time together. I was just watching her explore and figure things out. Its funny watching her actually play with toys now, figuring things out. She’s getting to be a PRO at standing up (from sitting) unassisted…she’s up and down no problem now! She continues to attempt walking, but just can’t quite figure it out. It’s so hard to believe she’s doing these things…it seems like she should just be this helpless little person still, but she’s not. Her baby phase is disappearing so quickly. It’s a good thing in many ways, but it’s still sad nonetheless. She’s my little cuddle bug and it’s crazy to see her growing up so fast!

Of course, it’s Friday, which means Christian had to work some OT. After he finally arrived home, we took the girls for a ride to pick up some Chinese food. We stopped into the car wash, and that was a BIG mistake. The girls were NOT fans of the car wash…the both started freaking out as soon as it started up. Of course, I had to snap a couple pictures of them. And, snapped a picture of the sad sight that is the gas station sign…$3.95 a gallon, unbelievable.

It would cost Christian at least $90 to fill up his tank right now. Even mine would be about $55. It’s just ridiculous! Now they are talking about researching mileage based gas charges vs. per gallon. How is that fair though? If Christian drives his truck the same distance that I drive my car, he uses up more gas than me because I get much better gas mileage, yet if this went into effect, we’d be paying the same for that distance? That’s not right…so those of us that have more efficient vehicles end up paying the price for those who drive the gas guzzlers? What sense does that make?!?

Anyway, that’s my short rant for the day. Enjoy the crying pictures! Ha.

4/21/11 – Long Day

Today was a long day. My mother in law had to work at the store today, so I was home with the girls. Well, I have way too much work to do (and tomorrow is my Friday off, so two days off in a row always equals disaster), and I really don’t have a ton of vacation time, so my mom graciously agreed to take half the day off and watch them. So, I was on mom duty for the morning, then off to work for the afternoon. It was pretty quiet at work, so I actually got quite a bit done too. Such a relief!

My mom had a good day with the girls too. She ended up taking them on a walk over to Walmart and bought them each a pair of shoes! Very exciting stuff. She also had a bag of toys and goodies for them for Easter, so Olivia had lots of fun checking out all the new goodies all night long!

Since Christian didn’t have to pick the girls up (which always leads to him hanging out and catching up with his mom for a while), we actually had quite a bit of time together tonight. He grilled up some pork chops (in the surprise rain storm we weren’t expecting), and I made some rice and veggies. After Amelia ate her sweet potatoes, I ended up giving her some potatoes and some rice. BIG SURPRISE, she loved it. Like I said before, human garbage disposal!

Last night, for the second night this week, both girls slept through the night….I mean the ENTIRE night. It was amazing. I hope this is a new trend! Fingers crossed. And, Amelia actually took a step! A REAL step. I’m not really counting it as a milestone or anything, she’s not even close to actually walking, but we’re getting there. She’s finally realizing she doesn’t go anywhere if she doesn’t actually move her feet! LOL

Here is a picture of the girls’ new shoes. CUTE! Also, a couple pictures of Amelia. She’s up, and READY to go. And, her new face. SO cute, especially the snorting that goes a long with it.

4/20/11 – Death Drop Anyone?

Well, I don’t really have a ton to report on today. Christian had his interview at work today for that day job that opened up. He was VERY nervous about it. His supervisor was pretty upfront with him that there was a really great candidate on the night shift that actually does that job already, interviewing for the position, but reassured Christian that they have “big plans” for him within the company. So, he doesn’t think he’ll be getting this position, but it sounds like they are working on some other stuff, specifically geared for him. We’ll just have to wait and see! For me, work was the same ol’ same ol’, did my usual chores around the house after work (plus a little extra cleaning because my mom will be over to babysit tomorrow). Christian arrived home and we cooked up some Sloppy Joes and tater tots for dinner. YUM. Of course Christian decided that Amelia NEEDED to have a tater tot, and of course she loved it and scarfed it down. She is a human garbage disposal! LOL

I did receive a VERY exciting piece of mail today though…the Ring Sling that I won!!!! YAY, of course Amelia and I had to try it out. Love, love, love it! I ended up choosing a Hemp fabric sling for that natural aspect, and she let me pick the fabric style I wanted for the “pocket”. I just love it to pieces, and can’t wait to really wear it around!

Amelia has a new “trick” that I’m not too fond of. She’s decided to incorporate the “death drop” into her mobility archives. She’ll stand there, playing with a toy or looking around, then suddenly, with no warning, turn and drop forward…just assuming somebody will catch her. Trust fall much?!? Anyway, she’s obviously TRYING to walk and figure out all of that business, but she’s very unsuccessful right now, and I have a feeling we have many bumps and bruises in our near future!

After dinner and some playing, it was time for bed and baths. Hoping our streak of pleasant sleep continues, that’s for sure!!

Here’s a picture of us giving the ring sling a whirl. LOVE!

4/19/11 – Adventures in Baby Food – Chicken & Apples (our first meat!)

Alright people…its official. Today a facebook page was launched to keep everybody updated on our 10 YEAR CLASS REUNION. WHAT?!? It’s not possible that I graduated 10 years ago, it’s just not. It’s so hard to believe that it’s been 10 years, and even harder to believe how much has changed in those 10 years. I’m actually quite excited about it, and since I only really talk to her from high school, I really hope my BFF knows that she will be escorting me to the event!

Anyway, other than that jaw dropping news, it was a pretty boring day. We cooked some chicken tacos for dinner. SOMEBODY wasn’t paying attention, and burnt the rice beyond recognition, and I was very disappointed in that. In the meantime, I cooked up Amelia’s first meat dish…Chicken and Apples!!! It was super easy too.

I started off by cutting up a chicken breast, and cooking it in some Olive Oil, Salt, Pepper and Thyme for a little flavor. Meanwhile, I peeled and cut up an apple and boiled that to soften it up. Combined the two, added some water from the apples for some more flavor, mixed it up, and TA-DA, Chicken and Apples! It comes out kind of pasty, but she loved it! YAY

Here are some pics of the chicken and apples. My new trend of using my phone to take pictures continues because I’m lazy like that (I’m not sure what the heck happened in the first one though)!

4/18/11 - Randomness

Well, another Monday has come and gone! We all know the next is not too far around the corner though!

Today was a pretty low key day. Work was work as usual. I feel like I’m slowly starting to catch up finally. But, as soon as I start thinking that, more stuff creeps up on me, so it won’t last long.

After work I headed home for the usual chores…let the dog out, feed the dog, make Amelia’s bottles for tomorrow, wash my pump parts, dishes, etc. I did make some carrots tonight for Amelia…made a BIG bag of them this time…it’s one of her fave’s, so we’ll have it in stock for a while now. Olivia has been an eating machine lately, and kept asking to eat when Christian went to pick them up from his parents’ house, so they all just ended up eating over there. Gave me some time to get things done, and eat myself.

I did all my chores while listening to the N’Sync Station on Pandora Radio. Best station ever. It brings back so many high school memories. It was definitely a trip down memory lane.

Once the rest of the house arrived home, we just hung out for a while. Olivia was obsessed with “Pat-A-Cake” tonight for some reason. Amelia just wanted me to hold her…clingy night!

One of the women that used to work in my office made Olivia a blanket when I had my work baby shower. It has her name and birth details on it…its really cute. I asked her to make one for Amelia after she was born, and today I finally got it! Amelia finally has her very own blanket, and I’m so excited. Of course, we had to pull out Olivia’s once she saw Amelia’s (she usually another blanket one of my friends made her). Here is a picture of them with their blankets.

Also, I received our photo disk from our Easter Mini-Shoot today! So exciting, I had to share some of my favorites!

4/17/11: Easter, Part 2

Today was another day of Easter celebrations for us!

We were all up early...and I MEAN EARLY. The girls were up at 6:30AM, jumping in their cribs and laughing away. While I was tired and SO not ready to get up yet, that was one of the best scenes to walk in on. Just warmed my heart right up.

I fed Amelia and we all watched a little TV together for while. Then I whipped up some eggs, sausage and pancakes for breakfast...YUM. Christian jumped in the shower, and proceeded to give the girls a bath, while I did dishes, and dishes and more dishes, and picked up the kitchen and the living room. Finally, I hopped in the shower and got ready. Then, we were off to the mall.

Amelia fell asleep on the way to the way, so we did a little shopping before we visited the Easter Bunny. The girls were VERY excited to see the bunny...Olivia loves when she sees the bunny, similar to Santa, but gets really shy as soon as it comes time to take a picture with him. Amelia was all about the bunny though; she thought he was absolutely hilarious. After we took a few pictures, we grabbed some lunch, and were on our way home.

Amelia again fell asleep, and continued to nap for a couple of hours! YAY for long naps (that hopefully don't mean long nights...). Olivia went down for a nap a short time later, so we got a little time to ourselves. Christian unpacked the outdoor furniture and toys, while I boiled some eggs for dying and caught up on some computer time.

After nap time, the girls had a bite to eat, and then it was time to dye Easter eggs. YAY. Olivia was much more into it this year, she was very excited to see the finished products. Amelia just watched and watched, like usual, jealous that she couldn't really join in. Poor Amelia. While we girls did our crafts, Christian was busy with “man stuff”…grilling. He grilled some chicken and potatoes. We all just spent the rest of the night hanging out together, taking in a nice, relaxing Sunday together before it's time to head back to work for the week. I will say; the weather today was AMAZING though. But, there is yet again snow in the forecast. No fun.

Here are some pictures of our Easter fun!