Some Great "Footage!"

Not only is my little babe absolutely adorable, she's also quite talented!

I just can't get over how consciously she chose to kick the little toy! She really was concentrating on kicking it as hard as she possibly could. So cute!

And if you hadn't noticed, I decided to let you in on her real name...

Some Great "Footage!"

Not only is my little babe absolutely adorable, she's also quite talented!

I just can't get over how consciously she chose to kick the little toy! She really was concentrating on kicking it as hard as she possibly could. So cute!

And if you hadn't noticed, I decided to let you in on her real name...

Some Great "Footage!"

Not only is my little babe absolutely adorable, she's also quite talented!

I just can't get over how consciously she chose to kick the little toy! She really was concentrating on kicking it as hard as she possibly could. So cute!

And if you hadn't noticed, I decided to let you in on her real name...

Phew!

Thanks for the comments letting me know they are working.... and a little bit of an ego boost!  Needed it!

Comments?

Hi Friends,

It's been a while since I saw a comment on any of my posts.  It could be that I'm just not that interesting, which is fine.  But what if the comments aren't working?!  Could someone comment on this, and then email me to let me know you commented... just so I can test it out?

And if comments are working, and you just don't find me interesting, that's fine too.

Love, C

Ah, sweet dreams

We slept through the night again last night!! 
Which is why I was up at 5:15 this morning.
Which is why I was able to catch the 6:30 train.
Which is why I'm at work at such an ungodly hour.

Phew!

Thanks for the comments letting me know they are working.... and a little bit of an ego boost!  Needed it!

Comments?

Hi Friends,

It's been a while since I saw a comment on any of my posts.  It could be that I'm just not that interesting, which is fine.  But what if the comments aren't working?!  Could someone comment on this, and then email me to let me know you commented... just so I can test it out?

And if comments are working, and you just don't find me interesting, that's fine too.

Love, C

Ah, sweet dreams

We slept through the night again last night!! 
Which is why I was up at 5:15 this morning.
Which is why I was able to catch the 6:30 train.
Which is why I'm at work at such an ungodly hour.

Happy 3 Months!

Wow.  Has it already been three months?!  I have no idea where that time went.  I feel like I should still be at home with a tiny little infant.  Instead, I'm back at work with a big girl at home.  Ok, ok... she's not really a "big girl" yet.  She is still a baby.  She just seems so grown up!

Here's what Lulu does:

• 
  
  Smiles a ton
• 
  
  Almost laughs.  Almost...
• 
  
  Splashes in the tub
• 
  
  Swats toys on her activity mat
• 
  
  Coo's, gah's, agoo's, mrow's, squeals, and a whole host of other lovely chattering noises
• 
  
  Kicks those feet like the good swimmer she's destined to become
• 
  
  Sometimes sleeps through the night (like last night! woohoo!)
• 
  
  Goes to day care where she drinks from a bottle (success!)
• 
  
  Has her first cold (poor little thing... her nose is simply running away!)
• 
  
  Lights up when she sees her Mommy and Daddy
• 
  
  Loves peek-a-boo and patty cake (especially "patty toes" when we clap her feet together)
• 
  
  Has a discerning and mature taste for classical music.  But also loves a good pop tune!
• 
  
  Is getting real close to rolling back to tummy
• 
  
  Loves sucking on her giraffe blankie
• 
  
  Is great at putting her hands in her mouth (but still not a thumb sucker)
• 
  
  Still hates pacifiers
• 
  
  Is starting to grab toys (last night she actually picked up a rattle that was by her side, fluke?)
• 
  
  Has been on every mode of transportation except boat and space shuttle
• 
  
  Is really starting to notice (and love!) Girly (the dog)
• 
  
  Is transfixed by the TV (not such a good thing) 

And is loved so much!!!

Happy 3 Months!

Wow.  Has it already been three months?!  I have no idea where that time went.  I feel like I should still be at home with a tiny little infant.  Instead, I'm back at work with a big girl at home.  Ok, ok... she's not really a "big girl" yet.  She is still a baby.  She just seems so grown up!

Here's what Lulu does:

• 
  
  Smiles a ton
• 
  
  Almost laughs.  Almost...
• 
  
  Splashes in the tub
• 
  
  Swats toys on her activity mat
• 
  
  Coo's, gah's, agoo's, mrow's, squeals, and a whole host of other lovely chattering noises
• 
  
  Kicks those feet like the good swimmer she's destined to become
• 
  
  Sometimes sleeps through the night (like last night! woohoo!)
• 
  
  Goes to day care where she drinks from a bottle (success!)
• 
  
  Has her first cold (poor little thing... her nose is simply running away!)
• 
  
  Lights up when she sees her Mommy and Daddy
• 
  
  Loves peek-a-boo and patty cake (especially "patty toes" when we clap her feet together)
• 
  
  Has a discerning and mature taste for classical music.  But also loves a good pop tune!
• 
  
  Is getting real close to rolling back to tummy
• 
  
  Loves sucking on her giraffe blankie
• 
  
  Is great at putting her hands in her mouth (but still not a thumb sucker)
• 
  
  Still hates pacifiers
• 
  
  Is starting to grab toys (last night she actually picked up a rattle that was by her side, fluke?)
• 
  
  Has been on every mode of transportation except boat and space shuttle
• 
  
  Is really starting to notice (and love!) Girly (the dog)
• 
  
  Is transfixed by the TV (not such a good thing) 

And is loved so much!!!

Day Care, part III

I got a very warm fuzzy feeling when I dropped Lulu off at day care this morning.  We were greeted at the door by the director who said, "Hi Dimples!"  Not only does the entire staff already remember Lulu after 2 days, they have given her a (very fitting) nickname!  And then when we walked into Lulu's classroom, the teacher looked up and said, "My buddy's here!" 

The whole day care debacle was incredibly stressful.  It really sucks to have something all lined up and ready to go, and then have to run around at the last minute to find something else.  On the other hand, I firmly believe that everything happens for a reason.  I am not an extraordinarily religious person.  I have had my misgivings about Church (I'm Catholic...)  But I have always felt that God exists, in some form.  I know this is only the third day Lulu's been at day care, but I hope my feeling that this truly was where she was meant to be during the day isn't premature! 

So far, I have been really impressed with the teachers and staff.  They are all so loving.  Lulu is exhausted when she gets home at night, but she really seems happy.  And I'm sure that all the stimulation of new people, other babies, and better toys are enough to make any baby tired.  I am hoping that once she gets used to everything, she'll be able to stay awake a little later than 7:30 - since we don't get home till after 6:00!

Day Care, part III

I got a very warm fuzzy feeling when I dropped Lulu off at day care this morning.  We were greeted at the door by the director who said, "Hi Dimples!"  Not only does the entire staff already remember Lulu after 2 days, they have given her a (very fitting) nickname!  And then when we walked into Lulu's classroom, the teacher looked up and said, "My buddy's here!" 

The whole day care debacle was incredibly stressful.  It really sucks to have something all lined up and ready to go, and then have to run around at the last minute to find something else.  On the other hand, I firmly believe that everything happens for a reason.  I am not an extraordinarily religious person.  I have had my misgivings about Church (I'm Catholic...)  But I have always felt that God exists, in some form.  I know this is only the third day Lulu's been at day care, but I hope my feeling that this truly was where she was meant to be during the day isn't premature! 

So far, I have been really impressed with the teachers and staff.  They are all so loving.  Lulu is exhausted when she gets home at night, but she really seems happy.  And I'm sure that all the stimulation of new people, other babies, and better toys are enough to make any baby tired.  I am hoping that once she gets used to everything, she'll be able to stay awake a little later than 7:30 - since we don't get home till after 6:00!

Woohoo!

Day care must have really tired Lulu out... because she slept through the night!!!  She "napped" from 8:30 to 9:30, then had a small bite to eat.  I didn't hear her again till 5:30 this morning!  The perfect time for us to get up and start our day!

Woohoo!

Day care must have really tired Lulu out... because she slept through the night!!!  She "napped" from 8:30 to 9:30, then had a small bite to eat.  I didn't hear her again till 5:30 this morning!  The perfect time for us to get up and start our day!

Blogs I Love

This post is why I love reading The Heir to Blair

Blair is so incredibly honest.  About everything.  I am amazed every day by her willingness to let thousands of strangers into her life, home and heart.  Blair is often hilarious, but also talks, really talks about the serious issues that affect all of us as women.

Today, she posted about infertility.  I was one of the lucky few who conceived, carried, and delivered with ease, but I still feel that talking about infertility is so important.  There are too many families suffering in silence.  Too many families that deserve a healthy baby to love.  But maybe if we just talk about it, infertility will cease to be such a taboo subject. 

Blair is doing it right.  She's talking about infertility.  She's talking about post-partum depression.  She's talking about colic.  She's also talking about family values and love. 

I was inspired to start my blog one year ago, having read and enjoyed Blair's so much.  I just hope that I can, in some small way, live up to what Blair is doing for women.

Blogs I Love

This post is why I love reading The Heir to Blair

Blair is so incredibly honest.  About everything.  I am amazed every day by her willingness to let thousands of strangers into her life, home and heart.  Blair is often hilarious, but also talks, really talks about the serious issues that affect all of us as women.

Today, she posted about infertility.  I was one of the lucky few who conceived, carried, and delivered with ease, but I still feel that talking about infertility is so important.  There are too many families suffering in silence.  Too many families that deserve a healthy baby to love.  But maybe if we just talk about it, infertility will cease to be such a taboo subject. 

Blair is doing it right.  She's talking about infertility.  She's talking about post-partum depression.  She's talking about colic.  She's also talking about family values and love. 

I was inspired to start my blog one year ago, having read and enjoyed Blair's so much.  I just hope that I can, in some small way, live up to what Blair is doing for women.

Day Care, part 2

I was so proud of myself last night.  Lulu's little school bag was all packed.  I had the diapers, wipes and formula ready to go.  I had a lunch bag in the freezer with a few packets of breast milk.  I had outfits picked out for both me and Lulu.  We were all ready for our first day of day care.

Then this morning rolled around after a night of Lulu waking up every two hours.  Like she did when we first brought her home.  Except that last night she was also trying to play.  UGH.

I did not have it together at all!  Lulu pooped through her outfit, onto mine.  Costume changes for both of us.  Then we got to day care, and I realized that I'd left the lovingly packed bag of breast milk in the freezer.  Formula for Lulu it is, with a chuckle and a "Good Luck!" to the poor teacher who has to try and force that stuff down Lulu's throat!  As if she wasn't hard enough to feed with a bottle, now she has to accept bottle filled with formula!  But what can you do.

I was off to work with a few last hugs and NO tears.  10:00am rolled around.  Time to pump!  (Pumping, by the way, is a loathsome process.)  I pull out the machine, get everything ready to go.... and realize I hadn't packed bottles for myself!  I figured out how to set up the freezer bags so I could pump directly onto them.  It worked fine until I started to pack up.  I spilled milk all over the desk in the file room.  A room which is designated "No Beverages Allowed" for good reason.  I got the computer stuff pulled away in time, and ran to get paper towels to clean up.  It wasn't a total disaster, but definitely not one of my finer moments!

So in short, Lulu went to school with bottles, but no milk.  I went to work with milk, but no bottles.  We are quite the pair!  Here's hoping tomorrow morning goes a little more smoothly!

Side note: Hubby and I handed Lulu off to the teacher and started walking out the door.  I glanced back to see her one last time, and she was looking at me with her sweet, dark blue eyes... it was almost like she was saying, "Where are you going, and who is this person holding me?"  Neither of us cried, but I really hope she's doing alright!  Stupid work...

Day Care, part 2

I was so proud of myself last night.  Lulu's little school bag was all packed.  I had the diapers, wipes and formula ready to go.  I had a lunch bag in the freezer with a few packets of breast milk.  I had outfits picked out for both me and Lulu.  We were all ready for our first day of day care.

Then this morning rolled around after a night of Lulu waking up every two hours.  Like she did when we first brought her home.  Except that last night she was also trying to play.  UGH.

I did not have it together at all!  Lulu pooped through her outfit, onto mine.  Costume changes for both of us.  Then we got to day care, and I realized that I'd left the lovingly packed bag of breast milk in the freezer.  Formula for Lulu it is, with a chuckle and a "Good Luck!" to the poor teacher who has to try and force that stuff down Lulu's throat!  As if she wasn't hard enough to feed with a bottle, now she has to accept bottle filled with formula!  But what can you do.

I was off to work with a few last hugs and NO tears.  10:00am rolled around.  Time to pump!  (Pumping, by the way, is a loathsome process.)  I pull out the machine, get everything ready to go.... and realize I hadn't packed bottles for myself!  I figured out how to set up the freezer bags so I could pump directly onto them.  It worked fine until I started to pack up.  I spilled milk all over the desk in the file room.  A room which is designated "No Beverages Allowed" for good reason.  I got the computer stuff pulled away in time, and ran to get paper towels to clean up.  It wasn't a total disaster, but definitely not one of my finer moments!

So in short, Lulu went to school with bottles, but no milk.  I went to work with milk, but no bottles.  We are quite the pair!  Here's hoping tomorrow morning goes a little more smoothly!

Side note: Hubby and I handed Lulu off to the teacher and started walking out the door.  I glanced back to see her one last time, and she was looking at me with her sweet, dark blue eyes... it was almost like she was saying, "Where are you going, and who is this person holding me?"  Neither of us cried, but I really hope she's doing alright!  Stupid work...

Day Care

Lulu heads to day care tomorrow morning... I have her little bag all packed, and just hope I'm not forgetting something important!  Diapers, wipes, food, bottles, extra clothes, bibs, burp clothes, and her special blankie. 

Is there anything else my babe needs at day care??

Day Care

Lulu heads to day care tomorrow morning... I have her little bag all packed, and just hope I'm not forgetting something important!  Diapers, wipes, food, bottles, extra clothes, bibs, burp clothes, and her special blankie. 

Is there anything else my babe needs at day care??

Holla!

Twidumb

Lulu's asleep (after a traumatic incident this afternoon with the nail clippers).  I'm alone in the house.  I'm bored.  So I popped a frozen pizza in the oven and checked out OnDemand for something to watch.  I stumbled on Twilight on Showtime.  I had sworn that I wouldn't read or watch this overhyped series.  But boredom got the best of me.

This has to be the worst movie I have ever watched!  The acting is atrocious.  The plot is totally weak.  I don't even like how it was shot.  OMG, why the craze!  If I weren't so bored, I would wish to have these 122 minutes back.

At least the pizza was good!

Holla!

Twidumb

Lulu's asleep (after a traumatic incident this afternoon with the nail clippers).  I'm alone in the house.  I'm bored.  So I popped a frozen pizza in the oven and checked out OnDemand for something to watch.  I stumbled on Twilight on Showtime.  I had sworn that I wouldn't read or watch this overhyped series.  But boredom got the best of me.

This has to be the worst movie I have ever watched!  The acting is atrocious.  The plot is totally weak.  I don't even like how it was shot.  OMG, why the craze!  If I weren't so bored, I would wish to have these 122 minutes back.

At least the pizza was good!

Threes

Ever heard that bad things happen in threes?
Well, Hubby got his three. 

#1:  Remember how I washed Hubby's iPhone the other day?

#2:  On Monday (my first day back at work.  without a phone, since I lent mine to Hubby), I got a call on my office phone.  Hubby was stranded in some random neighborhood after an appointment.  The battery in his car had died.  It was pretty frustrating, but AAA got to him and gave him a jump.  $50 for a new battery later, and the car is all set.

#3:  The third incident happened last night.  Hubby dropped his laptop.  The number one tool for his job.  And the screen broke.  Thankfully, the warranty covered the problem.  But he won't have a laptop for 2-6 weeks!  And Hubby NEEDS a laptop!

So, $375 later, we have a new laptop.  Hubby's had a rough week, but I'll get the new laptop once his is finally fixed!  And not a moment too soon.  I'm currently writing to you on a laptop that is held together with packing tape.  It's real klassy.

Threes

Ever heard that bad things happen in threes?
Well, Hubby got his three. 

#1:  Remember how I washed Hubby's iPhone the other day?

#2:  On Monday (my first day back at work.  without a phone, since I lent mine to Hubby), I got a call on my office phone.  Hubby was stranded in some random neighborhood after an appointment.  The battery in his car had died.  It was pretty frustrating, but AAA got to him and gave him a jump.  $50 for a new battery later, and the car is all set.

#3:  The third incident happened last night.  Hubby dropped his laptop.  The number one tool for his job.  And the screen broke.  Thankfully, the warranty covered the problem.  But he won't have a laptop for 2-6 weeks!  And Hubby NEEDS a laptop!

So, $375 later, we have a new laptop.  Hubby's had a rough week, but I'll get the new laptop once his is finally fixed!  And not a moment too soon.  I'm currently writing to you on a laptop that is held together with packing tape.  It's real klassy.

Ideas Please!

Hubby and I are putting out a request.  If you have any easy and yummy recipes for either a crock pot or a bread maker, please send them along!!! 

I am a fairly good cook, but mainly make things that are time-consuming.  And when Lulu's bedtime is around 8, a mere two hours after I get home from work, I want to spend less time cooking dinner and more time with my little girl!

I have some stuff frozen, but would love to have something hot and fresh waiting when we get home at night!  If you have more ideas than can fit in the comments, send me an email!  mrs.midatlantic @ gmail.com

Ideas Please!

Hubby and I are putting out a request.  If you have any easy and yummy recipes for either a crock pot or a bread maker, please send them along!!! 

I am a fairly good cook, but mainly make things that are time-consuming.  And when Lulu's bedtime is around 8, a mere two hours after I get home from work, I want to spend less time cooking dinner and more time with my little girl!

I have some stuff frozen, but would love to have something hot and fresh waiting when we get home at night!  If you have more ideas than can fit in the comments, send me an email!  mrs.midatlantic @ gmail.com

Addiction

Thy name is M&M.

I just can't stop eating them.  Once this (12 oz) bag is finished, I am not buying them again!

Addiction

Thy name is M&M.

I just can't stop eating them.  Once this (12 oz) bag is finished, I am not buying them again!

Back at work...

...and missing my girl.

Back at work...

...and missing my girl.

Then again...

This evening, when Hubby found his missing iPhone in the pocket of the sweatshirt I had just washed, in the washing machine, my mom just reached over and quietly patted my shoulder and I knew that as much as washing the iPhone sucked, especially the day before I leave Lulu to go to work for the first time, everything is going to be ok.

Then again...

This evening, when Hubby found his missing iPhone in the pocket of the sweatshirt I had just washed, in the washing machine, my mom just reached over and quietly patted my shoulder and I knew that as much as washing the iPhone sucked, especially the day before I leave Lulu to go to work for the first time, everything is going to be ok.

Mom!

My mom's in town!  She's been here since Tuesday (hence the media blackout) and will be here till this coming Thursday.  It's been wonderful.  Someone for me to chat with while Hubby's at work.  Someone to peer pressure me into (finally!) buying some new bedding for the master bedroom.  Someone to play with Lulu when I just can't goo at her anymore.

And more importantly, someone to watch Lulu for my first week back at work.  I start back on Monday.  I'm not looking forward to it.  But I am relieved to know that my first week at work is NOT Lulu's first week at daycare.  This will give me a little cushion to ease back into work and get used to leaving Lulu all day.

On the other hand...
Whenever my mom is around, I am a very different person.  I try to be perfect at everything.  I begin to smack-talk my (let's face it) rather cluttered house (that needs a lot of work).  I start doubting everything about my life.  And I get mean, really mean, to Hubby.  Since Lulu came to town, I have been nothing short of cruel to Hubby whenever my mom is around.  Everything he does just grates on my nerves.

I think this is because I know my mom is watching, silently judging.  She likes Hubby well enough now, but it hasn't always been that cordial.  And with the baby around, I know she is watching and waiting for him to mess up.  And I get so nervous that he really will mess up, that I start berating him almost constantly.  It sucks for him, but it also sucks for me.  I feel awful, and yet I can't stop myself!

So as much as I am so glad and relieved to have my mom around, I will almost be relieved for her to head home again next week.  I know Hubby can't wait!  I only wish I didn't feel so self-conscious around her.  I know she doesn't intend to make me feel that way, but I just can't stop analyzing how I measure up to her.

Mom!

My mom's in town!  She's been here since Tuesday (hence the media blackout) and will be here till this coming Thursday.  It's been wonderful.  Someone for me to chat with while Hubby's at work.  Someone to peer pressure me into (finally!) buying some new bedding for the master bedroom.  Someone to play with Lulu when I just can't goo at her anymore.

And more importantly, someone to watch Lulu for my first week back at work.  I start back on Monday.  I'm not looking forward to it.  But I am relieved to know that my first week at work is NOT Lulu's first week at daycare.  This will give me a little cushion to ease back into work and get used to leaving Lulu all day.

On the other hand...
Whenever my mom is around, I am a very different person.  I try to be perfect at everything.  I begin to smack-talk my (let's face it) rather cluttered house (that needs a lot of work).  I start doubting everything about my life.  And I get mean, really mean, to Hubby.  Since Lulu came to town, I have been nothing short of cruel to Hubby whenever my mom is around.  Everything he does just grates on my nerves.

I think this is because I know my mom is watching, silently judging.  She likes Hubby well enough now, but it hasn't always been that cordial.  And with the baby around, I know she is watching and waiting for him to mess up.  And I get so nervous that he really will mess up, that I start berating him almost constantly.  It sucks for him, but it also sucks for me.  I feel awful, and yet I can't stop myself!

So as much as I am so glad and relieved to have my mom around, I will almost be relieved for her to head home again next week.  I know Hubby can't wait!  I only wish I didn't feel so self-conscious around her.  I know she doesn't intend to make me feel that way, but I just can't stop analyzing how I measure up to her.

Bedtime!!

I think I found a bedtime routine for Lulu!  This is very exciting, friends.  Bedtime is so easy now that we have a little routine!  The rest of the day might be a random mess, but at least I have evenings to look forward to!

6:00 - Lulu starts to get fussy (even fussier than the afternoon.  She's definitely a morning person!)
6:30 - We wind down our last play time
7:00 - We head upstairs, take off the diaper, run some water in the tub
7:30 - Bathtime!!  Lulu loves bathtime.  It's so cute!  Her eyes get all big and she puckers up her lips in a look of extreme concentration.  And then she starts to kick.  And kick.  And kick!  Her arms get into it, and pretty soon her whole body is wiggling in the infant tub.  We even get a few giggles!  It's adorable.  Probably the happiest part of my day.
8:00 - After Lulu is clean, dry and in jammies (all done in her room without turning on the lights), we turn on some quiet lullabies and I feed her.  She eats till she falls asleep.  I burp her, and try to feed her a little more.

By 8:30, Lulu is in bed and totally asleep!  I get some adult time with Hubby downstairs.  We watch some TV and eat some dinner.  Around 11, I feed Lulu one more time.  By this time, she's completely asleep.  She sleeps through the whole feeding, and keeps sleeping till 5am.  It's perfect! 

This whole bedtime thing totally makes up for the randomness of the rest of our day.  And she's just so cute in the tub!

Bedtime!!

I think I found a bedtime routine for Lulu!  This is very exciting, friends.  Bedtime is so easy now that we have a little routine!  The rest of the day might be a random mess, but at least I have evenings to look forward to!

6:00 - Lulu starts to get fussy (even fussier than the afternoon.  She's definitely a morning person!)
6:30 - We wind down our last play time
7:00 - We head upstairs, take off the diaper, run some water in the tub
7:30 - Bathtime!!  Lulu loves bathtime.  It's so cute!  Her eyes get all big and she puckers up her lips in a look of extreme concentration.  And then she starts to kick.  And kick.  And kick!  Her arms get into it, and pretty soon her whole body is wiggling in the infant tub.  We even get a few giggles!  It's adorable.  Probably the happiest part of my day.
8:00 - After Lulu is clean, dry and in jammies (all done in her room without turning on the lights), we turn on some quiet lullabies and I feed her.  She eats till she falls asleep.  I burp her, and try to feed her a little more.

By 8:30, Lulu is in bed and totally asleep!  I get some adult time with Hubby downstairs.  We watch some TV and eat some dinner.  Around 11, I feed Lulu one more time.  By this time, she's completely asleep.  She sleeps through the whole feeding, and keeps sleeping till 5am.  It's perfect! 

This whole bedtime thing totally makes up for the randomness of the rest of our day.  And she's just so cute in the tub!

Just once.

Just once, I would love Hubby to try and figure out what Lulu wants on his own instead of holding her out to me and shouting over her screams, "What do you think she wants?"

How the hell do I know?  I don't speak baby!  I play the guessing game all day long without anyone helping to interpret.  Just once!  Figure it out on your own!

And by the way, you check to see if she has a dirty diaper by looking at it!

Just once.

Just once, I would love Hubby to try and figure out what Lulu wants on his own instead of holding her out to me and shouting over her screams, "What do you think she wants?"

How the hell do I know?  I don't speak baby!  I play the guessing game all day long without anyone helping to interpret.  Just once!  Figure it out on your own!

And by the way, you check to see if she has a dirty diaper by looking at it!

Two Nights in a ROW!

For the last two nights, Lulu has slept 8 straight hours!  EIGHT!  She's been falling apart around 7:30, so I've put her to bed then.  For the last week or so, she wakes up around 11 for a snack, and again around 3, which is fine.  But for the last two nights, she's skipped the 11, and gone straight to 3 or 4 am!  And then, she's only eating for 5 minutes or so.  I think she's just thirsty!

I hope I'm not jinxing myself!

Two Nights in a ROW!

For the last two nights, Lulu has slept 8 straight hours!  EIGHT!  She's been falling apart around 7:30, so I've put her to bed then.  For the last week or so, she wakes up around 11 for a snack, and again around 3, which is fine.  But for the last two nights, she's skipped the 11, and gone straight to 3 or 4 am!  And then, she's only eating for 5 minutes or so.  I think she's just thirsty!

I hope I'm not jinxing myself!

Firsts!

We had a big day!

For starters, Lulu went to the zoo for the first time. My dad was down for the day and we wanted to take advantage of the beautiful weather. We packed Lulu up and drove to the Maryland Zoo. The animals were all out in full force. Lulu seemed to enjoy her stroll, although she was fairly unimpressed by the actual animals! When I asked her what the elephants say, she made the exact right sound. I was very impressed (and quickly realized she was hungry).
After the zoo, Gramps, Lulu and I enjoyed the late afternoon sun on the porch. I started playing with Lulu's cute little toes - and she started laughing! A real laugh! It was such a surprise to hear her sweet little laugh. I tried to get it on camera, but was not sucessful. Like her smiles, Lulu is very stingy with her laughter. I hope we hear it again soon!
Later this evening, I gave Lulu a bath. It was such a hot day, I thought it would be a relaxing way to end the day. Lulu has always enjoyed her baths, but today was special. Today, she kicked her feet a little. The splash surprised her, but she kicked again. She kept splashing, getting this shocked look on her face, then smiling! She got the idea after a few kicks, and started kicking and splashing up a storm! No laughter, but she was all smiles! I had just as much fun splashing the water as she did.
What a special, fun day!

Firsts!

We had a big day!

For starters, Lulu went to the zoo for the first time. My dad was down for the day and we wanted to take advantage of the beautiful weather. We packed Lulu up and drove to the Maryland Zoo. The animals were all out in full force. Lulu seemed to enjoy her stroll, although she was fairly unimpressed by the actual animals! When I asked her what the elephants say, she made the exact right sound. I was very impressed (and quickly realized she was hungry).
After the zoo, Gramps, Lulu and I enjoyed the late afternoon sun on the porch. I started playing with Lulu's cute little toes - and she started laughing! A real laugh! It was such a surprise to hear her sweet little laugh. I tried to get it on camera, but was not sucessful. Like her smiles, Lulu is very stingy with her laughter. I hope we hear it again soon!
Later this evening, I gave Lulu a bath. It was such a hot day, I thought it would be a relaxing way to end the day. Lulu has always enjoyed her baths, but today was special. Today, she kicked her feet a little. The splash surprised her, but she kicked again. She kept splashing, getting this shocked look on her face, then smiling! She got the idea after a few kicks, and started kicking and splashing up a storm! No laughter, but she was all smiles! I had just as much fun splashing the water as she did.
What a special, fun day!

Day Care Nightmare

Hubby, Lulu and I are incredibly lucky.  We have the most supportive families.  Hubby's mom was already going to be driving over an hour each direction twice a week to help watch Lulu (to save on day care costs).  Now, she and his sister are offering to make the drive three days a week.  My mom has offered to FLY down every other week.  Honestly, my mom's airfare is less expensive than day care!

The place we were referred to can either take Lulu full time or two days a week.  So at this point, I think we'll sign her up for two days a week, and cover the other three days between our mom's, sisters, and days working from home (did I mention how supportive our jobs are?).  This will give us at least a little more time to find something permanent.  Whether that is full-time day care, a nanny, or what.  At the same time, I am still actively researching day cares.  I just don't want to get stuck with nothing when I go back to work!

And who knows, maybe this short-term solution will work out in the long run?

Day Care Nightmare

Hubby, Lulu and I are incredibly lucky.  We have the most supportive families.  Hubby's mom was already going to be driving over an hour each direction twice a week to help watch Lulu (to save on day care costs).  Now, she and his sister are offering to make the drive three days a week.  My mom has offered to FLY down every other week.  Honestly, my mom's airfare is less expensive than day care!

The place we were referred to can either take Lulu full time or two days a week.  So at this point, I think we'll sign her up for two days a week, and cover the other three days between our mom's, sisters, and days working from home (did I mention how supportive our jobs are?).  This will give us at least a little more time to find something permanent.  Whether that is full-time day care, a nanny, or what.  At the same time, I am still actively researching day cares.  I just don't want to get stuck with nothing when I go back to work!

And who knows, maybe this short-term solution will work out in the long run?