The Zoo - A Comparison Shot

I wouldn't put it past this child to remember that he took this exact picture last year at his zoo field trip.  What a difference a year makes. 

2011

2012

A Hairy Conversation

As I was meticulously combing the knots out of Emma's bed head this morning, there was some definite squirming and crying coming from Em.

Me: "This won't be the first time you'll cry over a hair brushing."

Dean: "Don't you mean the last time."

Me: "Right."

Dean: "What happens if you can't get them out?  Do you just cut them out?" 

(pause)

Me: "Umm... no.  And, you dear sir have just earned yourself a permanent get out of girl hair free card."

Dear Sunday, You Will Never Be a Monday, So Stop Acting Like One.

Our church is a very large parish. Think standing room only Saturday mass for Christmas except its a regular Sunday. The 8:00 AM mass is much more manageable, but I tend to go alone. But, for Lent and because there are lots of things to pray for right now, I decided to get the whole family involved. Family mobilized by 7:45 AM, we make it to the parking lot by 8:05 AM. Not too bad. Well, just before I stepped out of the car to unbuckle the kids, I say to Noah, "we're going to see Jesus."

Hindsight 20/20. Wrong thing to say to a literal minded child. He was all for "going to church with mom." But "going to see Jesus," he did not sign up for that. He did not want to go in, and it was not pretty getting him to the front steps of the church. I'm pretty sure the other latecomers were hoping they wouldn't get stuck standing/sitting by us. We did make it into church and Noah finally realized that Jesus was not actually going to sit and talk to us. He was fairly good, but did not feel comfortable enough to find a pew. On the bright side, Emma was great.

After mass, we loaded up in the car and decided breakfast was in order. Apparently, we were just one of many wishing to indulge in some post prayer fare. Dean and Noah went ahead to get a table since Emma had fallen asleep in the car. Dean texted me when our table was ready. I came in, put an awake Emma in the booth. Dean suggested I take Noah to wash hands. He spent a bit more time on the floor while waiting for a table. Well, the bathroom was obviously what was getting to Noah. We couldn't get his pants off quick enough, before he had an accident on me and his pants. Bummer.

Guess who didn't have back up clothes? That would be me. Guess who road home bottomless? That would be Noah. You wouldn't believe the parenting strategies involved in talking him into leaving the restroom wearing wet pants. Dean paid $7.00 for our drinks and home we went. Guess what time it was? 9:30 AM. On the bright side, Emma was great. Can someone give me a do-over please?

Emma - Eight Months

I'm behind this month. So, let's see. Still little. Check. Still crawling. Check.

She's finally sitting which can't technically be called "W" sitting, but looks a bit like a reverse "W" sit. I think she is pretty much sitting back on her haunches to be able to add some force when launching her wee body across the room. I think Pa Pa gets the biggest kick out of anybody on her little stance.

She crawls on hands and feet, is super fast and gets into everything! Child proofing is desperately needed. Little things are everywhere and seem to appear out of nowhere. She mouths everything and is really fond of all things paper. Noah's memory cards are a favorite... That game is pretty much toast.

She is a drool monster, and after spending a week home, I am succumbing to the "put a bib on that child" peer pressure.

Speaking of pressure, I've starting supplementing. With everything going on, I need some alone time and a break from the feelings of "omg my baby isn't gaining weight, I have to feed her now!!" Since Emma has been attached at my hip since day one, I'm not sure how much an impact this will have on my supply. So, basically the couple feedings during the day that I find her not eating well, I follow it up with a few ounces of formula.

 I've also started food regularly, and if the mess she makes while eating is any indication, she really likes it. She has started to gain a bit, and she's officially over the 14 pound hump. Yay!

I'm pretty sure I mentioned last month, a bit of separation anxiety. This little one loves her Momma.  It hit its peek in month eight, but as we're closing in on nine, there's been a bit of improvement. Spending a week with family definitely helped. Ask Grammy, I think day 8 of our visit was tons better than day 2.

First Ashes

Swing Baby

I'm a bit behind on blogging. Eventually, I'll sit at my computer, upload some pictures, and talk about Mom's day, gymnastics and our recent trip home. But, for now, here's a bit of random from our day.

While Noah was at school, I went to Costco. I love that store. I actually popped in to see if they copied keys. Long story short, the kids and I got locked out of the house for about thirty minutes all because I lost our extra house key. Noah had to potty.  Emma wanted to eat, but was too distracted by her brother doing the potty dance.  Momma remembered the potty in the garage, and let's just say we were all super happy to have daddy arrive with the keys.  Good times. Well, Costco doesn't make keys, but I did find a toddler swing that was perfect for our play structure. I also found some Hanna Andersson pajamas for Emma that were about 60% less than the regular store. Love Costco.

Anyway, we hung it up on our play structure this afternoon. Emma liked it as long as I was talking and smiling while she was in it. Noah loved that we had a "swing for Emma."

Wondering why Noah's pants are a bit too short? Could it be that my 4.5 year old will not stop growing? Or is it possible that this is actually the third pair of pants he's put on? If you guessed B... The ground was a bit wet and muddy, every time Noah's ankles got a bit damp, he said, "I need new pants," and proceeded to pull out a fresh pair from his dresser. Momma got smart after the second quick change and pulled a pair from the give pile.

Salty Air Means...

Curly hair.

And Emma's was one of the curliest and cutest... if I do say so myself.