I'm making the executive decision to cater the party I'm throwing in two weeks. The invitation list is longer than other parties I've thrown and I just don't think I can whip up enough appetizers in my (or my in-laws!) ovens to keep these people fed! So I'm going to get Mexican food catered. It turns out, this will be less expensive than buying the groceries to make the appetizers planned. I'm debating the rental of a margarita machine. This IS a happy hour shower. And I DON'T care for beer myself. So I think beer and margaritas sound like a good option to go with a fajita bar, chips, and queso.
Hmmm. What else? Maybe some Mexican themed cupcakes? I could make key-lime flavored cupcakes. My Mom has a Mexican cheesecake recipe. Anyone have any Mexican themed desserts to go with this plan (Laine?!)? Anyone free October 17th to come help me put this party together?
Also, Ben and I asked our dear friends the Osbornes to keep Betsy for a few hours that night (during the party). They mentioned if it's up to their kids we won't get Betsy back! I love how much they love our baby. I feel the same way about their kiddos. With so many people coming, and the theme being a happy hour party, I'm going to ask people to make alternative arrangements for their kids. Do I need to mention that when they call? I mean, the invitations were addressed to the adults, so probably not.
I wonder why this party seems a little more overwhelming than most. Probably because I usually have my MOM as back-up when doing stuff like that, but she'll be enjoying the GT vs VT game that weekend.
Welp, wish me luck, and (please!?) share any ideas you think will help me pull this off.
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Do all Moms feel this way?
This morning when I sat Betsy down on the daycare play mat, put away her bottles for the day, stashed her diaper bag, and walked out the door I turned around and waved to say good bye. Her teacher said "Say bye, bye Betsy!" and she looked at me, waved, and said "Buh! Buh! Buh!".
I kind of feel like she's 9 months, going on 10 years old.
I know she's still a baby. She drinks bottles, she's a pacifier addict, she likes to sit in my lap and unwind before she falls asleep. But she is SO independent most of the time. If she's tired she puts herself to sleep. If I put her in the playroom she entertains herself for hours. She holds her own bottle. She picks up and snacks on her Cheerios. She even points the remote control at the TV.
Where did my BABY go?
It's immensely satisfying to see her be so independent, and very sad at the same time. I console myself by remembering that each stage she's gone through I think "Oh, I love her like this! I don't want her to grow up!" but then the next stage is even more amazing and fun. I wonder if I'll describe the teenage years as 'amazing' and 'fun'.
I kind of feel like she's 9 months, going on 10 years old.
I know she's still a baby. She drinks bottles, she's a pacifier addict, she likes to sit in my lap and unwind before she falls asleep. But she is SO independent most of the time. If she's tired she puts herself to sleep. If I put her in the playroom she entertains herself for hours. She holds her own bottle. She picks up and snacks on her Cheerios. She even points the remote control at the TV.
Where did my BABY go?
It's immensely satisfying to see her be so independent, and very sad at the same time. I console myself by remembering that each stage she's gone through I think "Oh, I love her like this! I don't want her to grow up!" but then the next stage is even more amazing and fun. I wonder if I'll describe the teenage years as 'amazing' and 'fun'.
Prayers, please.
My cousin Cynthia's baby Isaiah has the chicken pox! He turned nine months old yesterday. Please keep sweet Isaiah in your thoughts and prayers.
Monday, September 28, 2009
Video: Dancing, Standing, waving, clapping.
This video is a couple weeks old but I finally got around to uploading!
Late night heart attack.
It's no secret I'm pretty proud of my super coordinated child. I'm sure it has something to do with my LACK of coordination to see little Betsy doing all these infant developmental milestones so early, it gives me hope she'll end up athletic like Ben, not accident-prone-with-an-aversion-to-sweating like me.
Last night when Ben got home from his Cross Country meet we took turns having her walk, no RUN, from one of us to the other. My Mom got to experience the magic on web cam, Betsy's little feet start moving like Fred Flintstone's feet before they touch the ground. Anyways, she's up to taking 12 steps in a row. I'm sure in a couple more weeks she'll be more confident and choose to walk rather than crawl all over the place.
The title pertains to something that happened at 1 am. Betsy had been coughing and rolling around but not crying, but the coughing made me nervous so I went in her room to check on her. I walked in and turned on her closet light (but the door was just cracked) so I had enough light to see the outline of Betsy. HANGING ON TO THE SIDE OF HER CRIB. HOW did she do that? Her crib is on the lowest setting. It was like she did the Olympic gymnast thing and was going to push herself out and over with her upper body. I wondered, Betsy, what are you doing kiddo? In not so many words she articulated that she was trying to crawl out of the crib and find Mommy. Maybe she would have run into our bedroom, and crawled into our bed?
Anywho. I rocked her for a while, gave her a bottle snack and put her back to bed.
As my Mom pointed out when I shared this story with her... it would have been easier if she would have said "Mama! Come get me". However she's not willing to remove her pacifier long enough to get that sentence out.
Last night when Ben got home from his Cross Country meet we took turns having her walk, no RUN, from one of us to the other. My Mom got to experience the magic on web cam, Betsy's little feet start moving like Fred Flintstone's feet before they touch the ground. Anyways, she's up to taking 12 steps in a row. I'm sure in a couple more weeks she'll be more confident and choose to walk rather than crawl all over the place.
The title pertains to something that happened at 1 am. Betsy had been coughing and rolling around but not crying, but the coughing made me nervous so I went in her room to check on her. I walked in and turned on her closet light (but the door was just cracked) so I had enough light to see the outline of Betsy. HANGING ON TO THE SIDE OF HER CRIB. HOW did she do that? Her crib is on the lowest setting. It was like she did the Olympic gymnast thing and was going to push herself out and over with her upper body. I wondered, Betsy, what are you doing kiddo? In not so many words she articulated that she was trying to crawl out of the crib and find Mommy. Maybe she would have run into our bedroom, and crawled into our bed?
Anywho. I rocked her for a while, gave her a bottle snack and put her back to bed.
As my Mom pointed out when I shared this story with her... it would have been easier if she would have said "Mama! Come get me". However she's not willing to remove her pacifier long enough to get that sentence out.
Sunday, September 27, 2009
A quiet weekend
The big surprise of my weekend is how quiet it's been! Betsy has been an eating and sleeping machine. She took a 2 hour nap yesterday morning, a 3 hour nap yesterday afternoon, slept 10 hours last night and is in the midst of another nap as I type. I love having the time to get things done, but secretly I look forward to her waking up so I can chase her around the house! I might be the only crazy mother out there who sits, checking the clock while my child naps rather than getting some rest myself.
Yesterday we stuck pretty close to home, I baked some cupcakes for Ben, cleaned out our two pantries, the refrigerator, went through Betsy's closet and drawers to clear out the clothes she's out grown, caught up on laundry, cleaned the bathrooms and my bedroom. And watched 6 college football games. And finished reading a book. We did make a trip to Wal-mart to get some baby food and yogurt, pick up prescriptions, and get some baking necessities so I can make sugar cookies today! I'm really excited to try a new icing recipe.
Ben will be home in a few hours, and as much as I missed him I'm pretty sure he missed us more. How could he not miss Betsy's sweet face? Sweet Betsy learned two new words this weekend! UP and PUP. She said "up" at least 10 times yesterday (each time she wanted me to pick her up). While we played with Madison I said puppy a lot and a couple times she repeated after me, "Pup".
Here's hoping the weekend can continue to be both relaxing and productive.
Yesterday we stuck pretty close to home, I baked some cupcakes for Ben, cleaned out our two pantries, the refrigerator, went through Betsy's closet and drawers to clear out the clothes she's out grown, caught up on laundry, cleaned the bathrooms and my bedroom. And watched 6 college football games. And finished reading a book. We did make a trip to Wal-mart to get some baby food and yogurt, pick up prescriptions, and get some baking necessities so I can make sugar cookies today! I'm really excited to try a new icing recipe.
Ben will be home in a few hours, and as much as I missed him I'm pretty sure he missed us more. How could he not miss Betsy's sweet face? Sweet Betsy learned two new words this weekend! UP and PUP. She said "up" at least 10 times yesterday (each time she wanted me to pick her up). While we played with Madison I said puppy a lot and a couple times she repeated after me, "Pup".
Here's hoping the weekend can continue to be both relaxing and productive.
Friday, September 25, 2009
Weekend plans
Bets and I are on our own this weekend while Ben is coaching at an out of town Cross Country meet! I'm excited about the weekend but a little sad we won't be seeing any of my dear husband until Sunday night. Here's my to do list (if Betsy allows it):
Must do this weekend:
Clean bathrooms
mail couple's shower invitations
Go registry shopping with my future S-I-L!
Sew blanket and towels for my boss
catch up the laundry
go to the bank
Would like to do this weekend:
Clean off the back porch
Catch up on sewing orders (I have a pile to catch up on)
Shop for a winter coat
embroider pumpkin hats for babies
finish and return books on CD
Would like to do at some point in the next few weeks:
try Laine's sugar cookie frosting recipe!
make menu for Tiffany and JD's couple shower
bake a pumpkin roll for Betsy's teachers
bake a pumpkin roll for my in-laws
wrap newly purchased Christmas gifts
begin embroidering Christmas gifts for co-workers
Must do this weekend:
Clean bathrooms
mail couple's shower invitations
Go registry shopping with my future S-I-L!
Sew blanket and towels for my boss
catch up the laundry
go to the bank
Would like to do this weekend:
Clean off the back porch
Catch up on sewing orders (I have a pile to catch up on)
Shop for a winter coat
embroider pumpkin hats for babies
finish and return books on CD
Would like to do at some point in the next few weeks:
try Laine's sugar cookie frosting recipe!
make menu for Tiffany and JD's couple shower
bake a pumpkin roll for Betsy's teachers
bake a pumpkin roll for my in-laws
wrap newly purchased Christmas gifts
begin embroidering Christmas gifts for co-workers
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Deep thoughts about superficiality
When Betsy was four months old a little red spot showed up on her nose and grew for a few months. It's now a little smaller than a dime and it has stayed the same size since she was six months. As soon as we talked with Dr. Coles and he told us what the red spot is (a hemangioma), that it will likely go away on it's own, and that it's not dangerous and doesn't hurt Betsy we weren't concerned about it. We did see a plastic surgeon per his recommendation so we can monitor it and take some sort of action if it continues to grow.
It's funny how people respond to her little red spot. I get two questions...did she hurt herself? and is that a hemangioma? I've had many people in the past few months stop me (at daycare, shopping, at restaurants) and tell me about their children having a hemangioma as a baby and it going away on it's own. I think it's sweet that they share their story. It's like they want to reassure me my baby will be imperfection free eventually.
I think Betsy is perfect just the way she is. I don't want her to suffer because of this but I'm optimistic it will resolve itself before she starts school and won't be an issue in her social development. It's superficial. I couldn't care less what other people think about it, it's just who my sweet girl is and God made her that way for a reason.
I wonder if you told me a year ago my child would have a red spot in the middle of her face during most of her first year of life, what would I have thought? Would it have bothered me? I think parenthood makes you understand it's not about YOU, it's about someone else. I'm not pushing my insecurities and issues on Betsy. I want her to grow up to have a healthy self image, be confident, and know that true beauty comes from within.
I know there have been times I have not been a good person. Having Betsy and thinking about the kind of person I want her to become makes me reflect on some of those moments in my life, and think about where I've come in the past year and where I need to go. I am very far from perfect. I make big mistakes. Huge mistakes. But having Betsy has helped me head in the right direction. I think parents are the most influential person in a child's life but I suspect the child has a similar impact on the parent.
It's funny how people respond to her little red spot. I get two questions...did she hurt herself? and is that a hemangioma? I've had many people in the past few months stop me (at daycare, shopping, at restaurants) and tell me about their children having a hemangioma as a baby and it going away on it's own. I think it's sweet that they share their story. It's like they want to reassure me my baby will be imperfection free eventually.
I think Betsy is perfect just the way she is. I don't want her to suffer because of this but I'm optimistic it will resolve itself before she starts school and won't be an issue in her social development. It's superficial. I couldn't care less what other people think about it, it's just who my sweet girl is and God made her that way for a reason.
I wonder if you told me a year ago my child would have a red spot in the middle of her face during most of her first year of life, what would I have thought? Would it have bothered me? I think parenthood makes you understand it's not about YOU, it's about someone else. I'm not pushing my insecurities and issues on Betsy. I want her to grow up to have a healthy self image, be confident, and know that true beauty comes from within.
I know there have been times I have not been a good person. Having Betsy and thinking about the kind of person I want her to become makes me reflect on some of those moments in my life, and think about where I've come in the past year and where I need to go. I am very far from perfect. I make big mistakes. Huge mistakes. But having Betsy has helped me head in the right direction. I think parents are the most influential person in a child's life but I suspect the child has a similar impact on the parent.
Sweet things
I can't remember if I've blogged about this yet, but Betsy has been waving and clapping a LOT for the past week.
She waves hello and bye-bye. She waved to everyone at the baby shower this weekend, the whole time we packed the car, loaded her up, and were driving away. Frantic waving. It's pretty precious. When I set her down at day care and another baby is on the play rug with her she waves at them. When I show up to pick her up from day care or Grandpa's, she waves at me.
Her other thing is clapping. We say YEAH!!! and she claps. When Madison fetches something and runs it back to us, Betsy claps. When Grandpa sneezes, Betsy claps. When I put a few cheerios on her high chair tray, she claps. When Ben makes voices for her squirter toys, Betsy claps.
If you know Ben well, you're probably aware that he has the LOUDEST clap I have ever heard. It's ear-splitting. I guess Betsy shares her Daddy's enthusiasm for...enthusiasm.
She waves hello and bye-bye. She waved to everyone at the baby shower this weekend, the whole time we packed the car, loaded her up, and were driving away. Frantic waving. It's pretty precious. When I set her down at day care and another baby is on the play rug with her she waves at them. When I show up to pick her up from day care or Grandpa's, she waves at me.
Her other thing is clapping. We say YEAH!!! and she claps. When Madison fetches something and runs it back to us, Betsy claps. When Grandpa sneezes, Betsy claps. When I put a few cheerios on her high chair tray, she claps. When Ben makes voices for her squirter toys, Betsy claps.
If you know Ben well, you're probably aware that he has the LOUDEST clap I have ever heard. It's ear-splitting. I guess Betsy shares her Daddy's enthusiasm for...enthusiasm.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Splish Splash
Betsy won't sit down long enough for me to get a longer video of her playing in the tub, but it's by far her favorite time of day. Look at that girl splash! By the way, that's a bath time baby doll. Betsy loves having a bathing baby.
My sick baby :(
While Betsy has been a tad sick a time or two previously, yesterday was the first time she was sick enough to warrant a trip to the doctor's office. Sunday I noticed she was wheezing. She also has had a low grade fever. And she has this low chesty cough... She was eating and sleeping normally so I just wanted to monitor her breathing and make sure everything was OK.
Well Monday she woke up sounding terrible. I now have greater sympathy for what my parents went through having an asthmatic kid (me), because it's just terrible to hear your baby rasping for air. I decided to stay home yesterday and I scheduled a 9 am appointment. Betsy was diagnosed with bronchiolitis, and given a breathing treatment from a nebulizer. At this point I have to say, this is exactly the stuff I went through as a kid. The smell of the Albuterol they used in the nebulizer gave me flashbacks from all the breathing treatments I got as a kid.
Betsy B. strongly disliked the breathing treatment. I mean, I had to hold this mask over her face with her screaming (my only solace knowing that between screams she was inhaling deep lungfulls of the medication). Immediately after the treatment she sounded much better. She went slack in my arms (even though albuterol is a stimulant, I think she was so tired from having difficulty breathing and screaming her head off during the treatment she just passed out).
See: strong dislike for breathing treatment.
The doctor was shocked by how well she responded and it led her to suspect Betsy might be asthmatic. For now, we're going to assume this was just bronchiolitis and if it sticks around longer than this week well go back and see Doctor Coles to determine if Betsy does in fact have asthma.
EB was prescribed oral Abulterol and Prednizone. Once again I was given the oral Albuterol as a kid and nothing much has changed. It smells the exact same when I give it to Betsy. FYI both of these medications are stimulants and Betsy is bouncing off the walls. I feel for Betsy's grandpa who is keeping the kiddo today. I hope she crashes at some point and he gets a break!
So, that's all. Betsy sounded much, much better this morning but please keep our sweet girl in your thoughts and prayers.
*Quick confession* I dropped Betsy's perscription off after the doctor's appoitment and was told to come back two hours later to pick it up. Of course, when we come back to Wal-mart for her perscriptions we needed some baby yogurt and Cheerios (Betsy's favorite), and why not stop on to baby doll aisle and let her pick a toy to cheer her little self up? Two new baby's later, she was a very cheery baby herself. I am such a push-over.
Well Monday she woke up sounding terrible. I now have greater sympathy for what my parents went through having an asthmatic kid (me), because it's just terrible to hear your baby rasping for air. I decided to stay home yesterday and I scheduled a 9 am appointment. Betsy was diagnosed with bronchiolitis, and given a breathing treatment from a nebulizer. At this point I have to say, this is exactly the stuff I went through as a kid. The smell of the Albuterol they used in the nebulizer gave me flashbacks from all the breathing treatments I got as a kid.
Betsy B. strongly disliked the breathing treatment. I mean, I had to hold this mask over her face with her screaming (my only solace knowing that between screams she was inhaling deep lungfulls of the medication). Immediately after the treatment she sounded much better. She went slack in my arms (even though albuterol is a stimulant, I think she was so tired from having difficulty breathing and screaming her head off during the treatment she just passed out).
See: strong dislike for breathing treatment.
The doctor was shocked by how well she responded and it led her to suspect Betsy might be asthmatic. For now, we're going to assume this was just bronchiolitis and if it sticks around longer than this week well go back and see Doctor Coles to determine if Betsy does in fact have asthma.
EB was prescribed oral Abulterol and Prednizone. Once again I was given the oral Albuterol as a kid and nothing much has changed. It smells the exact same when I give it to Betsy. FYI both of these medications are stimulants and Betsy is bouncing off the walls. I feel for Betsy's grandpa who is keeping the kiddo today. I hope she crashes at some point and he gets a break!
So, that's all. Betsy sounded much, much better this morning but please keep our sweet girl in your thoughts and prayers.
*Quick confession* I dropped Betsy's perscription off after the doctor's appoitment and was told to come back two hours later to pick it up. Of course, when we come back to Wal-mart for her perscriptions we needed some baby yogurt and Cheerios (Betsy's favorite), and why not stop on to baby doll aisle and let her pick a toy to cheer her little self up? Two new baby's later, she was a very cheery baby herself. I am such a push-over.
Monday, September 21, 2009
Baby shower pictures!
Here's the table full of goodies (yum). I can't even remember all the good food, but I do remember there were chicken salad sandwhiches, grilled cheese cut into cute baby themed shapes, fruit salad, mini pb and j (the mom's favorite), a couple dips, fresh veggies, crackers, brownies, other sweets, and a few kinds of cupcakes.
Ben's cousin Erin and Aunt Gail made these sweet bud vases with roses as take away favors for the shower guests.
This is how Betsy spent the first half of the party! It was great timing, I got to welcome shower guests and eat a few bites before she woke up and demanded all my attention :)
We sent onesies out to all the shower guests (in a variety of sizes) with a poem asking them to return the onsies, decorated, to the shower. We hung the onesies around the party and everyone ejoyed walking around and looking at all the handy work. We had Christi guess who made which onesie, and for each one she guessed correctly she won a prize!
Shower guests!
Ben's sister and her baby William!
Ben's cousin Erin and Aunt Gail made these sweet bud vases with roses as take away favors for the shower guests.
This is how Betsy spent the first half of the party! It was great timing, I got to welcome shower guests and eat a few bites before she woke up and demanded all my attention :)
We sent onesies out to all the shower guests (in a variety of sizes) with a poem asking them to return the onsies, decorated, to the shower. We hung the onesies around the party and everyone ejoyed walking around and looking at all the handy work. We had Christi guess who made which onesie, and for each one she guessed correctly she won a prize!
Shower guests!
Ben's sister and her baby William!
New bedding, and hungry babies.
There are few things that give me the kind of satisfaction that pretty, soft, new bedding does. Friday as I trekked through the mall with EJB I came across this new bedding set for a fan-tas-tic deal, bought it, and love how it looks in our room.
She's had a huge appetite lately.
Betsy B did a whole lot of this on Friday and Sunday. That kid can entertain herself in the playroom for hours.
Look at those big girl feet!
She's had a huge appetite lately.
Betsy B did a whole lot of this on Friday and Sunday. That kid can entertain herself in the playroom for hours.
Look at those big girl feet!
Friday, September 18, 2009
TGIF!
It's FRIDAY!! And a normal, 4 hour work Friday at that! No staying late today!
My plans for this afternoon...
- pick up the sweet girl from Grandpa's
- stop at Target for formula and baby food
- stop at the grocery store to pick up the fixings for the three types of cupcakes I'm baking
- bake cupcakes
- vacuum the house
- work on laundry all afternoon
- put together the stuff I need to bring to Dallas tomorrow
- charge my camera!
While I bake and clean Betsy will enjoy the playroom. I love hearing her squeals and giggles as she plays with her toys and listens to her music.
That's all I've got planned! I'll try to take some pictures of the shower this weekend to share on the blog.
My plans for this afternoon...
- pick up the sweet girl from Grandpa's
- stop at Target for formula and baby food
- stop at the grocery store to pick up the fixings for the three types of cupcakes I'm baking
- bake cupcakes
- vacuum the house
- work on laundry all afternoon
- put together the stuff I need to bring to Dallas tomorrow
- charge my camera!
While I bake and clean Betsy will enjoy the playroom. I love hearing her squeals and giggles as she plays with her toys and listens to her music.
That's all I've got planned! I'll try to take some pictures of the shower this weekend to share on the blog.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Fall in love with Fall!
I'm so excited to feel a hint of Autumn in the air. I love this time of year. Things I love about it:
- cooler weather
- occasional rain! (good for our grass!)
- work slows down a bit
- seeing the leaves on the trees change colors
- wearing sweaters
- Ben's chili or potato soup
- Seeing Maddie in her pretty girl doggie jacket
- COLLEGE FOOTBALL!
- going to the pumpkin patch our church puts on every year
- passing out (the good) candy to our trick or treaters
- the warm colors associated with fall
- all my favorite TV shows starting a new season!
- making Pumpkin Rolls (LOTS of them!)
- the lower electricity bill that comes with the cooler weather
- It's cool enough to put Betsy in overalls... and blue jeans
- It's cool enough to take longer walks in our park and come home invigorated, not a hot, sweaty mess
- Pumpkin spice lattes at Starbucks
I'm sure there are many more things I love about Fall, I'll list them when I remember :)
**update**
Here's the Pumpkin Roll recipe!
http://www.verybestbaking.com/recipes/detail.aspx?ID=32372
I recommend using pecans instead of walnuts!
This recipe is always a HUGE hit when I make it. Seriously...people LOVE this. Plus my Grammy used to make them. And my Mom. And I want Betsy to wake up and smell pumpkin rolls baking and run into the kitchen and watch me on a Pumpkin Roll assembly line like my used to do!
And for Lara, I doubt it would ship well because it has cream cheese frosting. BUT if you come to Texas and we meet up I promise I'll bring you one!
- cooler weather
- occasional rain! (good for our grass!)
- work slows down a bit
- seeing the leaves on the trees change colors
- wearing sweaters
- Ben's chili or potato soup
- Seeing Maddie in her pretty girl doggie jacket
- COLLEGE FOOTBALL!
- going to the pumpkin patch our church puts on every year
- passing out (the good) candy to our trick or treaters
- the warm colors associated with fall
- all my favorite TV shows starting a new season!
- making Pumpkin Rolls (LOTS of them!)
- the lower electricity bill that comes with the cooler weather
- It's cool enough to put Betsy in overalls... and blue jeans
- It's cool enough to take longer walks in our park and come home invigorated, not a hot, sweaty mess
- Pumpkin spice lattes at Starbucks
I'm sure there are many more things I love about Fall, I'll list them when I remember :)
**update**
Here's the Pumpkin Roll recipe!
http://www.verybestbaking.com/recipes/detail.aspx?ID=32372
I recommend using pecans instead of walnuts!
This recipe is always a HUGE hit when I make it. Seriously...people LOVE this. Plus my Grammy used to make them. And my Mom. And I want Betsy to wake up and smell pumpkin rolls baking and run into the kitchen and watch me on a Pumpkin Roll assembly line like my used to do!
And for Lara, I doubt it would ship well because it has cream cheese frosting. BUT if you come to Texas and we meet up I promise I'll bring you one!
Taking care of myself.
Since my Mom reads the blog often (hi Mom!) and she's been asking everyday...I'm feeling really good. I don't like to burden the blog readers with this kind of thing but I've been sick a lot lately. An unusually frequent amount. I'm still working on tests to make sure it's not some type of allergy or disease, but I'm leaning toward the theory that I had became too run down and have been more susceptible to picking up a virus every time I encountered one.
Anyways, I've been eating healthier. I've been drinking lots of water. I cut back on my diet coke intake. I've been losing weight. And I've been doing a LOT more sleeping. I feel really good.
It's no secret I have the tendency to have 'too much on my plate' at any given time. I think I can fit more into 24 hours than is possible and it seems sleep has fallen to the wayside (as well as remembering to eat at times). I'm working on 'letting go' of my type A nature that won't let me go to sleep until the laundry has been put away, the sink is empty, I baked those muffins to take Betsy's teachers at day care, I finished those two sewing orders I want to mail tomorrow and I shaved my legs so I can wear a skirt to work. Sometimes it can't all get done. As long as Betsy is well taken care of and I spend as much quality time with her as I can it's OK for the house to not look it's best on occasion.
That's all, this was kind of a self-centered post, huh?
Anyways, I've been eating healthier. I've been drinking lots of water. I cut back on my diet coke intake. I've been losing weight. And I've been doing a LOT more sleeping. I feel really good.
It's no secret I have the tendency to have 'too much on my plate' at any given time. I think I can fit more into 24 hours than is possible and it seems sleep has fallen to the wayside (as well as remembering to eat at times). I'm working on 'letting go' of my type A nature that won't let me go to sleep until the laundry has been put away, the sink is empty, I baked those muffins to take Betsy's teachers at day care, I finished those two sewing orders I want to mail tomorrow and I shaved my legs so I can wear a skirt to work. Sometimes it can't all get done. As long as Betsy is well taken care of and I spend as much quality time with her as I can it's OK for the house to not look it's best on occasion.
That's all, this was kind of a self-centered post, huh?
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Betsy vocabulary
I think babies talk and sometimes we just don't listen close enough to hear what they are trying to say. We've tried to really listen to what Betsy is babbling about and the context in which she uses words to determine what the little gal trying to express. Here's what we've picked up on so far...
*Eh-woah (Hello) usually said when I make her toy phone ring and hold it up to her ear. She says this over and over.
*auluveooh (I love you) she mimics us saying this.
*Mama and Ahddy (Mama and Daddy) said when she's mad about something i.e. she realizes she's in the playroom and we're not visible.
*Ungee (hungry) and ba (bottle) typically said when a bottle is in sight and it's been a while since she's eaten.
*UH-OH! (said when she drops something or when her shoe falls off)
*OK! (said when she's responding to something)
*YEAH! (said in response to questions)
*BUH BUH BUH! (singing along to her favorite song... Buzz Buzz Buzz!)
OH! One more thing... we're up to seven steps now!
*Eh-woah (Hello) usually said when I make her toy phone ring and hold it up to her ear. She says this over and over.
*auluveooh (I love you) she mimics us saying this.
*Mama and Ahddy (Mama and Daddy) said when she's mad about something i.e. she realizes she's in the playroom and we're not visible.
*Ungee (hungry) and ba (bottle) typically said when a bottle is in sight and it's been a while since she's eaten.
*UH-OH! (said when she drops something or when her shoe falls off)
*OK! (said when she's responding to something)
*YEAH! (said in response to questions)
*BUH BUH BUH! (singing along to her favorite song... Buzz Buzz Buzz!)
OH! One more thing... we're up to seven steps now!
Celebrity baby
If you watch this video about 25 seconds in Betsy and my Mom get interviewed at the Georgia Tech game!
http://www.myfoxatlanta.com/dpp/sports/Ga_Tech_Blows_Lead_Rallies_to_Win_091009
http://www.myfoxatlanta.com/dpp/sports/Ga_Tech_Blows_Lead_Rallies_to_Win_091009
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
GT vs Clemson football pics
She was such and angel all day...here's Betsy waking up from a nap.
Granny and the girl. Granny was so glad to see her, and Betsy felt the same way.
GRANNY! I don't WANNA feel the grass between my toes!!
Shan and Bets! Don't we look alike?! No???
The boys (Sean's Uncles, Dad, cousin) and Bud with the wreck
Here come the cheerleaders...
Candid of Lauren and Mom
Go Lauren Go!
Betsy and I with Buzz. I wonder if Betsy remembers that she watched the tryouts for Buzz a few months ago!
Buddy and Betsy
Granny entertaining the girl
Coach Paul Johnson
Look PJ, I already got a picture of you. Now I'm trying to get a shot of the super-star-center-Sean.
Hanging around.
Tailgating!
Bets, Bud with a Bud, and Buzz.
Poms, great for cheering and snacking.
Betsy is in awe of the fans in the stands.
Big Sean on the big TV. (A cashier at the bookstore actually called him Big Sean).
The band, which Betsy loved. She and I stood next to the drum line as the warmed up and she tried kicking her feet the beat.
Little Lauren is the second pair from the left.
Granny and the girl. Granny was so glad to see her, and Betsy felt the same way.
GRANNY! I don't WANNA feel the grass between my toes!!
Shan and Bets! Don't we look alike?! No???
The boys (Sean's Uncles, Dad, cousin) and Bud with the wreck
Here come the cheerleaders...
Candid of Lauren and Mom
Go Lauren Go!
Betsy and I with Buzz. I wonder if Betsy remembers that she watched the tryouts for Buzz a few months ago!
Buddy and Betsy
Granny entertaining the girl
Coach Paul Johnson
Look PJ, I already got a picture of you. Now I'm trying to get a shot of the super-star-center-Sean.
Hanging around.
Tailgating!
Bets, Bud with a Bud, and Buzz.
Poms, great for cheering and snacking.
Betsy is in awe of the fans in the stands.
Big Sean on the big TV. (A cashier at the bookstore actually called him Big Sean).
The band, which Betsy loved. She and I stood next to the drum line as the warmed up and she tried kicking her feet the beat.
Little Lauren is the second pair from the left.
Cutie pie things.
Cute things Betsy did this week that deserve acknowledgement on the blog.
As we walked through Dillard's Thursday in Atlanta my Mom was caring Betsy. One of the sweet girl's shoes fell off and she immediately said "UH OH!". Twas precious.
Last night Ben got home late (meet the teacher night) so I fed Bets dinner which led to needing a bath. Since she had a long bath that morning I tried to make this one a quick bath, but Betsy wouldn't cooperate. I tried to unplug the drain and let the water out while she was still sitting in the tub but she re-plugged it. THREE TIMES. I guess the lack of squirters and cool voices Ben does meant Betsy was not ready for bath time to be complete. Adorable.
AND finally last night I was unpacking while Bets played in the playroom and listened to Laurie Berkner Bank. One song says "Buzz Buzz Buzz" over and over and I heard her singing along... "Buh! Buh! Buh!". Precious.
As we walked through Dillard's Thursday in Atlanta my Mom was caring Betsy. One of the sweet girl's shoes fell off and she immediately said "UH OH!". Twas precious.
Last night Ben got home late (meet the teacher night) so I fed Bets dinner which led to needing a bath. Since she had a long bath that morning I tried to make this one a quick bath, but Betsy wouldn't cooperate. I tried to unplug the drain and let the water out while she was still sitting in the tub but she re-plugged it. THREE TIMES. I guess the lack of squirters and cool voices Ben does meant Betsy was not ready for bath time to be complete. Adorable.
AND finally last night I was unpacking while Bets played in the playroom and listened to Laurie Berkner Bank. One song says "Buzz Buzz Buzz" over and over and I heard her singing along... "Buh! Buh! Buh!". Precious.
All about ATL.
We had a great trip to Atlanta. Betsy was an angel on both flights (there and back). She was so good on Thursday, despite waking up at 4 am to head to Georgia, going out to lunch, tailgating for 5 hours and going to a football game!
The GT game was a blast, except that I got sick (again) as soon as I got to the stadium. It was...rough. Needless to say I am so glad both my parents were there (one to take care of Betsy and one to take care of ME!).
I got a good night sleep and felt well enough Friday to head to the Yellow Daisy festival where we met up with Aunt Mary and Uncle Glen! It was awesome to see them, and the YDF was tons of fun. I bought Betsy some puppets and I'm going to sew her a backdrop where myself or (more likely) Ben can have puppet shows for her and her little friends. FUNNY: we sat down at dinner and my Dad was talking to Betsy "You don't know who you're messing with," so she promptly grabs his glass of water, and it spilled all over my Dad. That's Betsy speak for "Grand-Buddy, YOU don't know who you're messing with."
Saturday I was still feeling puny so we stayed home and played with Bets until it was time to get ready to head downtown and see Chicago at the Fox theatre! Mom and I met up with Sean and Laur and two of their friends at the Cheese Cake factory before the show. Dad stayed home and bonded with Bets. We LOVED the show. Chicago is fantastic.
Sunday we embroidered, packed, and hung out before we stopped at Atlantic station for lunch and getting dropped off at the airport.
GREAT trip all around. Next time, I endeavor to be WELL so we can run around at our usual frantic pace rather than the 'take-it-easy' marathon we indulged in. (NAPS! Every day!).
The GT game was a blast, except that I got sick (again) as soon as I got to the stadium. It was...rough. Needless to say I am so glad both my parents were there (one to take care of Betsy and one to take care of ME!).
I got a good night sleep and felt well enough Friday to head to the Yellow Daisy festival where we met up with Aunt Mary and Uncle Glen! It was awesome to see them, and the YDF was tons of fun. I bought Betsy some puppets and I'm going to sew her a backdrop where myself or (more likely) Ben can have puppet shows for her and her little friends. FUNNY: we sat down at dinner and my Dad was talking to Betsy "You don't know who you're messing with," so she promptly grabs his glass of water, and it spilled all over my Dad. That's Betsy speak for "Grand-Buddy, YOU don't know who you're messing with."
Saturday I was still feeling puny so we stayed home and played with Bets until it was time to get ready to head downtown and see Chicago at the Fox theatre! Mom and I met up with Sean and Laur and two of their friends at the Cheese Cake factory before the show. Dad stayed home and bonded with Bets. We LOVED the show. Chicago is fantastic.
Sunday we embroidered, packed, and hung out before we stopped at Atlantic station for lunch and getting dropped off at the airport.
GREAT trip all around. Next time, I endeavor to be WELL so we can run around at our usual frantic pace rather than the 'take-it-easy' marathon we indulged in. (NAPS! Every day!).
Monday, September 14, 2009
Betsy goes to the doc- 9 month edition
She's 17 lbs 15 ounces. 27 inches long. She got a flu shot today!
50% height
between 25 and 50% for weight
Dr. C said she has advanced motor skills, and advances verbal skills. Doctor C was happy with her all the way around. He thinks her weight percentage fell because she's walking and so active.
By the way, Dr. C gave her a Styrofoam cup and two Popsicle sticks and she played drum for him. Rock on Betsy!
EJB is a health happy little well-baby!
50% height
between 25 and 50% for weight
Dr. C said she has advanced motor skills, and advances verbal skills. Doctor C was happy with her all the way around. He thinks her weight percentage fell because she's walking and so active.
By the way, Dr. C gave her a Styrofoam cup and two Popsicle sticks and she played drum for him. Rock on Betsy!
EJB is a health happy little well-baby!
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Leaving on a jet plane...
At 5:35 tomorrow morning! Betsy and I are headed to the ATL to see my family :) We have lots of big plans in the works. We're going to tailgate with Sean's (Lauren's boyfriend) family. We're going to watch the Georgia Tech vs Clemson game. We're going to the Yellow Daisy festival that my Auntie M has been raving about since she learned we were visiting. We're going to see the play Chicago (well, Betsy won't be but I will!).
Most importantly Betsy will see Granny, Grandbuddy and Aunt Laur. She's been telling me all about the tricks she wants to show off. And lets be honest, they don't care what she does, they think she's the cutest thing ever.
I wonder how Ben will be this time around. Betsy and I have done several overnight trips away from Ben and he's always fine. He checks in with us often and talks to Betsy over the phone. But in the last few months BB and EB have become BFFs. Ben and Betsy love their bath time together. Their cuddle time in the morning. Playing in the playroom. I think Ben will REALLY miss that sweet girl this trip.
Alas, I'm so excited! T-14 hours until we depart!
Most importantly Betsy will see Granny, Grandbuddy and Aunt Laur. She's been telling me all about the tricks she wants to show off. And lets be honest, they don't care what she does, they think she's the cutest thing ever.
I wonder how Ben will be this time around. Betsy and I have done several overnight trips away from Ben and he's always fine. He checks in with us often and talks to Betsy over the phone. But in the last few months BB and EB have become BFFs. Ben and Betsy love their bath time together. Their cuddle time in the morning. Playing in the playroom. I think Ben will REALLY miss that sweet girl this trip.
Alas, I'm so excited! T-14 hours until we depart!
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