Memories

1. As a comment on my blog, leave one memory that you and I had together. It doesn't matter if you knew me a little or a lot, anything you remember!
2. Next, re-post these instructions on your blog and see how many people leave a memory about you. It's actually pretty funny to see the responses. If you leave a memory about me, I'll assume you're playing the game and I'll come to your blog and leave one about you! reminisce away...

Pay no attention to the missing 7 month pic! haha

9 Months

Dear Evie,

I didn't understand the term "heart swelling with pride" until now. Having you was the first time that I loved something so much it scared me but now I find myself literally swelling with pride when I watch you. You are such a charmer and such a sweet little girl. Granted, your charming skills aren't always good for the rest of your family which you seem to have trained. Case and point your 9 month check up.

Dr. "Is she crawling yet"
Me: "Not yet but she rolls all over the place"
::You throw down toy you are holding and big brother jumps up and hands it back to you and sits back down::
Dr. "Hhhhmm... well is she pulling herself up yet?"
Me: "No, she doesn't seem interested in that at all."
::Drops toy, Oakley jumps up and hands it back::
Dr. "And how is your response time to her when she fusses?"
::Throws down toy and big brother jumps up::
The doctor just looked at us and raised an eyebrow. BUSTED! You Sooooo have your family trained. Not just trained, we are so incredibly wrapped around your little finger.

You are still in mommy's bed but I plan to start your sleep training when you and I get back from Salt Lake City. I know that we are both going to shed a whole lotta tears. I also know that it will be best for you in the long run.

As I mentioned before you are still not crawling but you are rolling all over the house. Literally from one side of the house to the other. It's amazing how much ground you can cover this way. You are even able to roll around corners and switch directions.

You can also clap now and it is the cutest stinkin' thing! You learned at Weight Watchers. You go there every Thursday with Aunt Clara and during one of the recent weigh-ins you started clapping along with everyone else.


You are eating a lot of regular foods now too. It is so surreal to me to see you bite off a piece of food and begin chewing it. I should have known that eating would come easy to you - considering your parents!

I have started your baby scrapbook and I can't believe how far you've come - how far we've both come. You have taught me so much about life, emotions and myself. I look back to when I was 18 and knew everything and realize how far I was and how far I still am. Isn't it amazing that a little 16 pound person can have so much impact?My heart swells with pride, my head reels with realization and my heart absolutely bursts with love.

Love always,
Mama

8 Months Old

Dear Evie,

Oh the simple things in life! Having you around reminds me of those. You have a rubbermaid container full of toys, wonderful toys that I picked out and would love to have myself. And you prefer tupperware containers and lids. You love your plastic spoons and beaded necklaces. Spatulas, colanders, you name it! A piece of advice to expecting moms - buy stock in gladware!

You thought this baby thing was a ton of fun but didn't realize that it could take on a whole new dimension until you found your tongue! Oh the joys of sticking that out all.the.time. You look so goofy with your tongue to the side and then you make the most obnoxious noises. Not cute ga ga goo goo but guttoral yells and noises. You are my delicate flower and I expect you to start acting like it! haha

Momma always gets a little defensive when the subject of spoiling you comes up. I should probably step back and think about why I react this way. Is it because you are 8 months old and still don't hold your own bottle or sippie cup? You throw your head back, open your mouth real wide and put your hands to the side. Daddy says he feels like he has a gerbil and we should somehow attach your sippie cup to something so that you can help yourself. To me you look just like a baby bird - but a baby bird would be flying by now and you have no interest in such things.

Crawling? Not interested one little bit. You don't try to climb on things or scoot. You sit and talk and want to be involved but you do not need to be mobile to do these things. I have tried putting something out of your reach and trying to get you to come and get it. You get so upset and it doesn't last long.

And yes, you are back in mommy's bed. I tried to put you in the pack and play just the other day and you threw such a fit and got so worked up that you nearly vommitted. I will keep trying but I'm going to need a little cooperation. Daddy is no longer sleeping in the gargage - but this is only because it's too hot and he's now on an air mattress in your room. The room that we painted for you and furnished for you - daddy sleeps in it and you sleep in his spot in a king-sized bed. You better be a little easy on him during your teenage years for that.

Love, Mama

Month 7.5 (and 6)

Dear Evie,

While you were still in my belly daddy and I would talk about which features we hoped you'd have. My lips (daddy has none), his chin (I lack there but seem to be growing a few others) and so on. We are delighted to find out that you are the perfect mix of both of us - and we're shocked to find that two average looking people can create such a beautiful little girl. We've been told on many occasions that we need to get you an agent and, while this is very flattering, this is the furthest thing from our minds.

One thing that I didn't wish on you was chronic consipation. And oh - do you have it bad. You have gone as long as 4+ days without pooping. Most grown and very strong men would be grumpy after just two - but not you. You are still the most pleasant, good-natured happy baby. Sure, you have your moments of squawking and being demanding, but for a little girl that doesn't sleep or poop it's really unbelievable. We tried everything; lots of water, prune juice, apple juice, apple prune juice, dark karo syrup, rectal thermometer and then finally ... suppositories. And then you delivered five of the biggest poops I've ever seen come out in my life. All I could do was cry and hold your legs up while you screamed, sweat and pushed. A part of me blamed myself. I thought back to the many times that I sat on the toilet as a little girl and cried. I thought about the times that it was easier to just not go than to go through the torture of giving fecal birth. I apologize for this part of my heredity - hopefully you'll acquire my ability to crack yourself up to make up for it. This comes in handy.

We finally went to the pediatrician and she has you on a daily does of Miralax. So far so good. She did a rectal exam and you didn't even cry. You are SO tough I can't even believe it. You bonk your head, fall over and so on and don't shed a tear. This was not handed down from me (I will pause a second while the readers that know me giggle and nod their heads) I am not physically tough. I am the girl that rode her breaks all the way down a steep hill to prevent from falling. You throw yourself off of my lap and love the sensation of falling backwards.

One more thing you can thank me for - allergies. Sorry 'bout that one. All that congestion and such wasn't a lingering cold. The doctor said that it should be much worse this time next year because you will understand more and will try to itch your face more. We only did benadryl a few times at bed time. I may stock up for allergy season next year.

Speaking of pain tolerance - um... you could've mentioned that you were teething! I knew that it was coming up because you would get a little cranky and get rosey cheeks but on Friday, June 6th I came home from work and daddy casually mentioned that you had a tooth! I jumped up and grabbed you and stuck my finger in your mouth. Sure enough you had your first tooth all the way cut through! We danced around and sang made-up "toofer" songs and you seemed genuinely proud of your accomplishment. The next day I announced to a friend that you had a tooth. She felt in there and lo and behold - there were TWO teeth! So you are my little jack-o-lantern now with your two bottom teeth. I have yet to get a picture. You guard those little suckers with that tongue!

I was home from work for three weeks and you and I were able to spend a whole lotta quality time together. This has been so wonderful but it has also developed a case of separation anxiety. You don't like it when I even leave a room and you have learned how to hold out your arms to me when you want to be picked up. This is not a nice trick since I had a hard time putting you down to begin with. For so long I felt like I was just a food source and a set of boobs, now I'm the person that you want more than anyone else - even daddy! And he lets you ride the dog and has been known to place you in salad bowls!

You went on your first weekend trip to Pahrump, NV to see your grandma on Mother's Day. The 5+ hour car ride turned into a nearly 7 hour car ride because we made a lot of stops to let you get out and look around. It's just not fair to get you used to being mobile and then strap you in a seat for that amount of time. We went to the hoover dam and to a duck pond and you loved looking around! You love other people and kids. You love your Grandma and Grandpa Roy. We went to a buffet for Mother's Day and you got sick and vommited all over me twice. I like to think of it as my first mother's day gift from you. As I drove back to the house covered in puke all I could think about was how miserable you felt and how I would do anything to take that feeling away from you. In a lot of ways feeling that much like a mommy was a great mother's day gift. We left at 9 that night and drove all night so that you could sleep the whole ride home. Aunt Clara told me it was my job to talk to her and keep her awake - I think she gave that responsibility to the right person. Talk for 5 hours? Done.

Your belly laugh is in full force now. It is so much fun. Sometimes you and I get to cracking up together. We just look at eachother and laugh and laugh.

You have officially noticed the dog and cat. You shake with delight when you see kitties. You laugh at the dog from across the room and he comes up to you and lets you pull on his lips and poke him in the eye.

You have had a lot of firsts since my last letter. To name a few...

First swimming trip.

Sitting up!

First trip to the zoo.

First swing.

First teeth.

First time sitting by yourself in a shopping cart.

First teething cookie.

First sippie cup.

First popsicle (thanks to Opa).. you can also thank him for the first taste of beer.

You are now 15.2 pounds. You love being around people and think that the animals and other children are very funny. You are one tough little cookie and seem to have quite the adventurous streak. You love the water, talking loudly and sweet potatoes.

Me and daddy both hope that we can give you much more than just things inherited. We want to pass down lessons learned. Daddy and I both learned things the hard way and I hope that you are able to learn from our mistakes. I hope that you are able to come to us and speak candidly about your life. I have some crazy stories sweetheart and many of them I would take back - but not if it means saving you some heartache. We will always be here for you.

Love always, Mama

I promise not to slack this month

Month 7 newsletter coming soon.

A few of my favorite (baby) things...

Having a baby brings on a whole new vocabulary... from the bumbo to the boppy to the binky and so on. There are things that I can't live without - and others that I just think are such a great idea.

http://makemyownmonster.com/ These toys are so stinkin' cute. Evelynn has Oliver and I love the little story behind him and that he was created by a four-year-old. He is super soft and huggable.

Kids inevitably play with things that seem silly to us. Like the wrapping paper from an expensive gift, the box that it came in, etc. Oakley once played with my laundry basket for an entire day. Someone must have taken notice of how much children love the tags on blankets, stuffed animals and such and decided to create Taggies. Evie loves hers, she runs the tags through her fingers. Her taggie is small enough to take most places so if she does become attached to it. http://taggies.com/home_us.html

Any expecting mom needs to invest in a boppy and stat. Also, make sure that you bring it to the hospital with you. It's a big help and kinda comfy in the awkward hospital bed. It makes a mommy a little less nervous when visitors come because it allows them to hold the baby very securely.

Evelynn's travel system saved our sanity. She is a very social baby and needs to be in the thick of whatever is going on (even if it's not much). She doesn't sleep for fear that she may miss out on something and lord help us if we put her down and leave a room and she feels left out. One day I came home from work to find tire tracks all over my house. Daddy had figured out that he could put her in her car seat and stroller and wheel her from room to room while he actually got things accomplished. She was high enough that she felt included and we could actually (gasp) put her down! This worked until she realized that she didn't want to be laying down anymore. The poor thing was doing cruches trying to be more upright. That's when I ordered her bumbo.

The bumbo has been super-wonderful. She helps daddy cook, me get ready in the morning and has even helped daddy in the garden. The bumbo has travelled with us to the in-laws and even to restaurants.

Evie was determined to be upright and the crunches continued on into bathtime. I considered putting her bumbo into the tub but I googled that and everything that I read discouraged doing that.

SO I got this - http://www.munchkin.com/products/detail.html?section=prodCategories&ID=10000&pID=168 and I love, love it. And it was only $10! Evie can sit up and kick around, it doesn't take as much water to fill up and it even has a suction cup so that it hangs on the wall when we're finished. Also, you squeeze the bill and it quacks! Munchkin products are all very innovative and cost effective. I have the dishwasher basket and formula dispensers too. The dispenser is great because I don't have to pack the huge container of formula in the diaper bag.

The one toy that seems to go everywhere with us is this guy. It could be because he has so much to keep her occupied, it could be that I just think that he is the cutest. He rings, vibrates, crunches and had plenty of other things to feel and look at.

Right now my favorite bedtime story is Jamberry by Bruce Degen. I love the rhythym of the story and the colors.

Favorite lotion and soap-Aveeno Calming Lavender and Vanilla.

Favorite diapers - Luvs... best bang for your buck and they have leaked less than the more expensive brands (hhhmmm... I sound eerily like the commercial)

Favorite clothing brand - Carters. Their stuff seems to fit the best and is the most durable.

Favorite formula - Walmart Parent's Choice brand. It is such a better value than the more expensive ones.

This list will be forever expanding. Hopefully it can be helpful to another mommy just learning the lingo. Of course every baby is different. Mine hated her sling, swing (even though it's nearly $200 and has it's own papasan and canopy), and she is just now starting to like her vibrating chair. Keep your receipts ladies and don't be afraid to take things back. Odds are if they aren't buying it from the get go, it may collect dust from here on out. Instead, start stocking up on cardboard boxes and laundry baskets!

No Thrill in a Job Hunt

I've said it before and I'll say it again... job hunting sucks ass. The only thing that sucks worse is getting canned and then knowing that the hunt is ahead.

Every morning I wake up and check the classifieds. I email my resume and write down numbers to fax to later. I check a few different websites and send some that way.

Then I wait. And my phone hardly rings. It hardly rings from employers that I probably don't want to work for anyway. Those employers don't call me to offer money that is far less than what I've made for the past few years.

Job hunting brings my maturity level and self esteem straight back to my Sophomore year in high school.

I had an interview last Thursday that was very promising. The first question that the lady asked me is if I was offended by dirty jokes. My response, "Why, do you have one?" Come to find out the boss referred to herself as Trucker Jen and her favorite word was fuck. I immediately perked up - we could really be on to something here! I quickly explained to her that I came from a small mining town with a mining father that loved that word so much that he added it to other words. . . such as fanfuckingtastic, absofuckinglutely and damnfuckingright (just to name a few). She told me that she had a few more people to interview but that she liked me the best. She explained the job duties as if they were already mine and I left there knowing that I would soon be the assistant manager of a large apartment complex. However, the more I thought about it, I couldn't shake the feeling that we didn't part as well as we should have. For the first time in my life I think that I may have been passed up because I don't smoke. The interviewer walked me out and grabbed a Marlboro Light 100 (isn't that somewhat of an oxymoron right there, light... but larger???) Anyhoo she asked me if I smoked and I told her no, she kind of startled and quickly said that her and Trucker Jen do. "Uh Huh" I said, not thinking anything of it. When I called on Monday to find out if the position had been filled the voice on the other end was very froggy and I imagine that the smoker's bench is well-used among the new personnel.

As I hung up I started to lecture myself for not explaining myself more. Why didn't I quickly interject that I was still nursing? Or tell her of the many packs that I have smoked in my young life? I could have told her that when I'm stressed I love the smell of a cigarette and miss it so much sometimes. Then I stopped. This is what job hunting does to a person. It makes them so desperate to find a home and a position that they are able to question and change who they are. I didn't want to work for Trucker Jen, even though I wouldn't flinch at the word fuck - who wants to be in that environment all of the time?

It's like in high school when you would get dumped and your friends would say "He's such a jerk, and not even that cute anyways". They meant well but what you really heard is "Geez - how will you ever score a great guy if the ugly losers dump you!"

And so, I wait for the phone to ring. Sometimes I open it and check the volume to make sure that it's not on silent. I go over conversations of prospects in my head and lay awake at night and wish that someone would just want me. Age old wisdom is repeated like a mantra and needed more than ever - just be yourself. I don't smoke, I am a people person, I do play well with others (honest!Apparently just not crotchety old bitches...ooops did I say that out loud?! hehe), I am damn computer savvy, and even though F Bombs do not offend me - I am a professional girl who is still able to have a little fun and bring a sense of normalcy to a workplace. Please hold while I copy and paste this entry as my new fanfuckingtastic resume cover letter!

Exception

There is an exception to the "no talkie about workie" law, it states that it is perfectly fine to talk about your job if you know beyond a shadow of a doubt that it will not get you fired. A good indication that you will not lose your job is if on Friday afternoon you were canned out of the blue.

And can I just say for the record that I LOVED my job? Not enjoyed it, not put up with it but I honestly woke up and got excited to don my scrubs and talk to patients. If I am going to leave Evie for 40 hours a week I better damn be doing something that I love and that makes a difference.

So, Friday afternoon I turn off my computer, rinse out my coffee cup and grab my keys and head out the front door. I am met by my boss who says that she needs to speak to me. I think nothing of it. I am told that the decision has been made to terminate the relationship between me and the office. I cried, I begged for an explanation, I had eyes the size of saucers because of disbelief... and then I was escorted out with a box of my things and was not allowed to say good-bye or gather the rest of my things. My last check was fed exed to me and yesterday I received a box that I can't bring myself to open with the last of my things.

Arizona is an "at will" state. I have come to the conclusion that this means that when you work with an office full of old, bitter women that treat patients as if they are an inconvenience - then when someone comes in that truly cares, picks up the new computer system quicker than you do, and comes up with ways to better the office - then "they will" do everything in their power to get rid of you.

I spent 2 days crying and have cried daily since. This hurts worse than any break up because I was let go for my inability to play well with others. That and my work ethic are the one things you can't touch. I make friends wherever I go and I work my ass off and catch on damn quick. You can call me fat, ugly, bad in bed or crazy but to be dumped by 10 other women (some of which you actually liked) feels like a swift kick in the vajayjay.

So - it's back to the drawing board. It's back to interviewing and trying to sell myself. I do have the feeling that this door shut so that a window that I didn't even know was there would open. In the meantime lord knows I am so in the dark.

It's gone so FAST!

5 Months Old!

Dear Evie,

I can't believe that you are five months old. I know that I say that every month - but this one seems even more monumental. You've gone from infancy to babyhood and I'm not sure momma is ready for that (however I wouldn't go back to the first 12 weeks if you paid me to).

This month has been a particularly busy one. We have had visitors nearly every weekend. You met your grandma, step grandpa, grandpa, uncle, aunt, cousin and some second and third cousins! You went on your first trip to Jerome and loved being in your baby bjorn as I hiked up and down those hills.

We are in the process of figuring out which formula is best for you because you are so very gassy. You lift both legs and let out man farts. It's funny during the day time but in the middle of the night I feel awful for you as you twist and contort to work out those bubbles. You have made your way back into the bed with me. Daddy keeps talking about when you will be in your own crib. All I can say is, when the time is right it will feel right. At this moment it feels like the wind has been knocked out of me when I think about it.

We had a girls' weekend with Aunt Kim and Cousin Elisabeth and we all got pedicures and played Pretty Pretty Princess. This was mine and Aunt Clara's favorite game when we were little. We even put some of the jewelry on you... and then laughed our asses off.

This month you belly laughed for the first time. And what struck you as so funny? Your cousin spinning around with your Oma's blue knee brace. Go figure! We were so lucky to get it on film though. You've done it a few times since and always to the strangest of things. Your laugh is infectious.

You are still not sleeping during the day. The many visitors that have come and gone have commented on how happy you are for a baby that doesn't sleep. This is true. For such a gassy, tired baby you are so damn content. Unless of course we are not carrying you and/or looking directly at you. Them's fighting words. Please pay attention to the baby...

You are also starting to teeth. You drool, and drool, and then drool some more. Days consist of new shirts because the shoulders are drenched in Evie Saliva. Your cheeks turn red sometimes and you move your jaw and jut out your tongue like a meth baby. Aunt Clara pointed out that I probably shouldn't call you that. Perhaps not - if it were remotely true. But... I feel pretty confident that I can safely call you a crack child and get away with it. I say it with love, really I do!

You had rice cereal for the first time this month. You still haven't decided if it's ok. ... or if you are completely offended by the vile substance we dare to put near your lips. Lord knows - you can give some looks!

This month has been a month of entertaining. And you have been the main act. I do have to say that you were wonderful. And I am looking forward to a million encores!

Love,

Mama

Tag... I'm it...

Here it goes!

The rules are as follows:
1. Link to the person’s blog who tagged you.
2. Post these rules on your blog.
3. List seven random and/or weird facts about yourself.
4. Tag seven random people at the end of your post and include links to their blogs.
5. Let each person know that they have been tagged by posting on comment on their blog.

I was tagged by Cupcake
1. Weird. I have to shower with one eye open at all times and one closed. This is so that if soap gets in my open eye I will have one on reserve in case someone is standing there looking at me. This is my biggest shower fear. Someone just standing there, looking at me. I also have to peek out of the shower curtain every few seconds to make sure that the person isn't there.

2. Weird. Sometimes I will be driving down the street and have a desire to open the door and roll out of my car. This is usually on the freeway. When I smoked cigarrettes I also sometimes wanted to take the lit ciggy and smash it into my mouth and start chewing. I guess I just have very strange impulses.

3. Random. I knew that there would be times in my married life where I wouldn't necessarily like my husband. I never knew that it would happen so soon.

4. Random. The women in my office can tell when I need to pump because the neckline of my scrub top is crooked. Gotta love breastfeeding from just one side.

5. Weird. Some of my favorite people on earth are girls that I have never met except for online. (Hi Phx Nesties!) I miss them So dang much.

6. Random. I lettered in volleyball managing when I was a Sophomore. I only did it because my friends were on the team and I was good at braiding all of their hair. I think it's hilarious that I got a letter for it!

7. Random. I am super, super petrified of statues. Lifesize statues. They just aren't right.

I can't even think of seven blogs that I read that haven't been tagged... but I will try. Heater, Mommafar, Alea, Quel and Jason.

Look-alike Meter

MyHeritage: Look-alike Meter - Free genealogy websites - Family history

4 Months

Tomorrow morning my baby will be four whole months old. Time has flown by, but at the same time I can't remember life without you. I know that there was a time that I sat on the couch and did nothing. And I seem to remember sleeping in and running errands without packing a diaper bag first. But it seems silly. Like it was too easy and lacked meaning.

This month you have rolled over and laughed. Just once. To say that you aren't one to perform on demand is an understatement. You spend a lot of your time talking... loudly and being skeptical. You have a new trick where you kick while we change your diaper and your eyes get really huge. You look like a little fat man dancing. You have so many cute things that you do but when I pull out a camera or video camera you automatically become very serious. None of the pictures I have of you do you any justice at all.

I was able to put you all the way in your bassinet this month. Of course, you are still in arms reach but I did get you out of the bed with me. Baby steps. Thinking of putting you in your own room clear down the hall makes my breathing stop.

You still spend a lot of time in your stroller being wheeled around the house. This is when you aren't in our arms. Daddy and I can do so many things one-handed. It's quite extraordinary really.

You reach for things and have fallen head over heels in love with your own fists. They are in your mouth all of the time and covered with drool. Actually, we are all covered in your drool.

This month I started supplementing with formula. I thought that it would devastate me and make me feel like a failure - but it just felt right. I knew that I was doing what needed to be done. I am down to breastfeeding with only one breast and I don't have as much time to pump at my new job. To see you gulp down a bottle and not have to worry about replenishing what you were drinking was an enormous weight lifted.

You still so well sleeping at night. The day-time napping is a different story - but that's usually daddy's shift anyways! You and daddy spend every weekday afternoon and all day Monday and Tuesday together. You really have formed a special bond. You love to be rocked and listen to music with him. I would like for the music to be of a different genre - but you seem to enjoy the same things that he does. I may need to do an intervention and pull out some mommy music. Not that you don't get enough in the car... and during those nine months in my belly. I am still convinced that you are going to have a deep love for Stevie Nicks like mommy does. She was your first concert afterall.

Speaking of music when you're really, really worked up and screaming the only thing that will calm you down is if I sing to you. You have certain songs that you like more than others and you will sing along. You love the Do A Deer song and Bicycle Built for Two. We also do patty cake and mark it with an "E" for Evie and me. You LOVE that and look so cute! One night on the way home from having dinner at Oma's house you were so tired that you just cried and cried. Finally Aunt Clara and I started singing for you. We had to sing all the way home to keep you content. Poor big brother - he probably wanted to jump out the car window!

When I was interviewing for my new job I had a few employers ask me how I dealt with stress. For the first time in my life I was able to smile and say that nothing is that upsetting when you have a beautiful baby in your life. Your face flashes in my head and all is right with the world. I know that I gush about you but I honestly know that you, daddy and Oakley are the reason I was put on this Earth. And I am the luckiest girl on the planet.

Love,

Mama

A look back

Next week my teeny baby will be four whole months~! Here's a look back... I swear she smiles and pictures really don't do her justice. For some reason she either gets very leery or pissed when I pull out the camera!

And here's my mean mommy picture! It stinks because she looked so darn cute in the little sweater that Aunt Heather bought her and her newborn shoes finally fit!

3 Months

Dear Evie,

If this were a job then I would have officially passed the 90-day probabtionary period. In many ways it feels like I have. You have gone, nearly overnight, from a baby that needs to be held at all times and doesn't do much - to a regular infant. You love to play and bat at the rings hanging from your little flower arc. You even wear yourself out to the point where you take naps from 1-2 hours long! This is when things start to get fun!

You had your first shots this month (well, the first ones that weren't in the nursery right after you were born). This was awful. Daddy had to hold down your arms and you were smiling and talking to him like it was a game and suddenly you let out a cry like I've never heard before. All I could do was sit there and cry while they stuck you three times with 6 different vaccines. I think that daddy was pretty close to crying himself. Even worse, it's not going to be the last time. Like daddy said (being the ever-so eloquent man that he is) better to have a few moments of pain than a lifetime of polio! This picture is of you the day after the shots. You didn't feel good at all and were such a little cuddler. I hated that you felt so crumby... but I thoroughly enjoyed all of the cuddling! And all that sleeping you did? I got a lot accomplished!

I have to say that you really hit the jackpot as far as big brothers are concerned. Oakley is so sweet to you and you think he's pretty darn funny! Today when we were leaving the store Oakley jumped up and ran to open the door for mommy so that she could put you in your car seat. He is very thoughtful like that and is always looking out for you.

For nearly three months you constantly had one piece of glitter on the top of your head. It didn't matter how many baths you got - somewhere there was a piece of glitter. We racked our brains to figure out where it was coming from but we still haven't figured it out. It's finally gone. Aunt Clara and I think that's where the fairies kissed you on top of the head! Those magical kisses are hard to wash off!

Mommy got laid off this month and without you and your smiles things would have seemed much more hopeless. It's hard to feel too much stress or sadness when you have a beautiful, healthy baby at home. All is right with the world now that you are in it. I have been told quite a few times that I have a glow about me. Nothing gets to me too much anymore. I have my family and this makes me complete.

I start my new job on Monday and will be doing another job on the side. I used to be off on Fridays and I could come home on lunch and see you every day Monday-Thursday. I won't be able to do that anymore and it breaks my heart to think about it. You will be hanging out with daddy and Aunt Clara. I know that you will be in wonderful hands ... but I'd rather them be my hands. I hope that someday you understand why I work so hard. I hope that you understand why Daddy is up hours before the sun rises and still finds the energy to play with you, Oakley and Buddy every afternoon. It's because we love you and want you to have the world.

At Mommy's "Farewell Potluck" in a very silent moment you decided to let out the loudest most obnoxious fart. People were shocked that something that big could come out of something so small. That's my girl! Timing and class all the way. Couldn't have shared my sentiments any better!

You figured out how to splash and kick in the tub and you love it! We sing "Tubby Tubby Time" to the tune of "Happy Holidays" and you kick to your heart's content! The bedtime routine of: witching hour (cranky, tired baby that doesn't want to admit that she's tired), bath time, naked baby time... where you are also cranky because you don't want to be cold, nursing, cuddling, putting you down and holding your binky, nursing again, followed by sleep seems to be really catching on~!

I still can't walk more than 10 steps in public without someone stopping me to comment on how beautiful you are. One day in Red Robin we had the entire wait staff stop at one time or another to love on you... even other tables were smiling and waving at you. It felt like you had a fan club! I know that you are the prettiest baby in the world, yet it still surprises me when an entire room full of strangers agrees!

You went to a new pediatrician for your 2-month check up. She was very nice and was very impressed with your upper body strength. She also said that you are above-average intelligent. Everyone keeps asking me how she would even know that. I really don't know, but I agree with her and think she is a very good doctor!

Daddy figured out that if you are in your travel system and feel like you are part of the action then you are very content. He wheels you from room to room as he tidies the house. One day I came home to find tire tracks all over the house. He had been running laps with you from one room to the next. You loved it! I imagine one day you will enjoy daddy time as much as Oakley does. Then mommy will have a small heart attack when she finds out that the three of you were in the backyard putting fire crackers in vegetables... again! Or that you will be spinning circles in mommy's car, or that Daddy let you steer at the age of nine.

People keep asking when I am going to put you in your crib in your own room. You haven't even made it to your bassinet in my room yet. Every time this question is posed my lungs stop working. I can't imagine not having you next to me and the nursery seems like it's miles away. I know that you will be ready far before I am. This will also happen about the time that the seasons change and it's too hot for daddy to sleep in the garage!

When I'm laying with you and holding your little hand sometimes I think about the day when you're a teenager and you will hate me. You're a Scorpio and I'm a Leo and I know that we will have some storms ahead of us. I hope that we can both remember how much we need eachother and that bond that we formed holding eachother for five days in a lonely hospital room. When my mind drifts further I have to stop myself. I get teary-eyed thinking about your college graduation, your wedding, having babies of your own. My heart already swells with pride at the woman I know you will become.

My heart swells so much sometimes I think it could just explode. You have filled every void, patched every heartache and paved the road to a lifetime of smiles.

Love, Mama