Monday, November 15, 2010
Another tooth - GONE
Ella lost another tooth yesterday - this time on the bottom. Her middle left tooth.
Thursday, September 23, 2010
School
Ella has been in school now for a few weeks and is becoming much more independent, going into the building by herself and walking to her classroom. On Tuesday, Charles needed to take an order form into school for me and Ella whipped around and said, "Dad, I don't need you to go in with me." Ha ha!!
Thursday, September 9, 2010
TEETH!
For a few months now, we thought for sure that Lexi was getting teeth, but to no avail. Then just a few short weeks ago, she finally popped through her bottom left tooth and about 2 weeks later, here appeared baby tooth #2 - on the right side.
AND THEN...
To my shock and amazement, I'm flossing Ella's teeth one night and lo and behold, she has a new tooth. Apparently one of her 6 year (although some people call them 5 year) molars has appeared at age 4!
UPDATE
We went to the dentist on Wed, Sept 22nd and the dentist was shocked to see the 2 molars and the 2 (yes 2) loose teeth on the bottom. He said that she is about 2 years ahead of schedule with her teeth. She also has 3 cavaties starting, so we'll be getting those filled here in a few months.
AND THEN...
To my shock and amazement, I'm flossing Ella's teeth one night and lo and behold, she has a new tooth. Apparently one of her 6 year (although some people call them 5 year) molars has appeared at age 4!
UPDATE
We went to the dentist on Wed, Sept 22nd and the dentist was shocked to see the 2 molars and the 2 (yes 2) loose teeth on the bottom. He said that she is about 2 years ahead of schedule with her teeth. She also has 3 cavaties starting, so we'll be getting those filled here in a few months.
Oh my.. when it rains it pours (Thursday, September 9th)
I can't believe it's been almost a month since I posted! Ella has a week of vacation before she started school. Spent a few days with Grandma Ellen and a few days with me.
One of those days, we had a Mommy & Me day. First we got all of our hair cut off - probably about 20" + combined and donated it to Locks of Love. What cute hair cuts, I must say! Then we went and took Ella's school supplies to school and had lunch at McDonald's. Then went and painted pottery at Glazed Expressions - rather pricey - $68 for the two of us and our pieces of pottery. Ella painted a Monster Truck bank that she picked out all by herself and I painted a popcorn bowl. Both turned out really well. Then we went miniature golfing, where Ella did a really great job - getting par on I think almost all of the holes on the 'back 9'. What a great little golfer!
The next day she was home with me while I worked and she did really well. It was a trial run since she'll be home with me every afternoon after school while I work for a while.
Saturday, we had a picnic at church to kick off our Neighborhood groups. Groups of families who get together periodically to pray and socialize. Unfortunately, none of our 'neighbors' were there - but we had a nice time anyway - even with Lexi peeing on me.
Then we headed to the State Fair on one of the hottest days of the year! But we couldn't not go. We had a great day and the girls did wonderful!
Sunday was a down day for us before Ella's very first day of school. We arrived about 7:45 (5 minutes before the bell would ring). Ella was very excited as the bell rang and we went inside. She needed just a little bit of help getting to her room. When I picked her up at the end of the day, she didn't have a lot of say. Just that things were ok and she had 2 snacks and lunch - priorities, I guess. Chocolate milk at lunch was probably her favorite thing. She didn't remember any of her classmates names.
So after I pick her up, we come home and she gets to play or whatever while I finish out my work day. I'm so thankful for the flexible arrangement and it helps to save us some big bucks each month. Ella does very well with finding things to do - playing inside or outside, or doing crafts. I have been very pleased with her occupying her time.
The same day that Ella had her 1st day of school, Alexis had her 9 month check-up. She's certainly a different kid than Ella. She weighed 18 lbs, 9 oz and was 27" long, compared to Ella who was 22 lbs 8oz and 29 1/4" long.
The following Wednesday, we won a contest from a local TV station, so we hosted a BBQ in our backyard, where they brought the meat, dessert and all kinds of goodies for us, PLUS we were on TV for the 5:00 PM & 6:00 PM newscasts. We had so much fun and almost everyone we invited was able to come. Ella, her cousins and friends had so much fun being on TV!
The next day, Thursday, Ella had her first soccer practice. She did well and listened intently and made friends quickly with Taylor. At their first game on Saturday, Ella & Taylor were little scoring machines - even though they don't keep score. The entire first period (15 minutes, I think), the other team didn't get the ball on their half of the field. When Taylor was out of the game, Ella took the reins - so well, in fact that another one of the parents came up to us and asked us about Ella's background playing soccer. Other than at home, this was her first official game. The parent thought we should talk to the organization about putting her in a older group. Charles & I aren't so sure about that yet, so we're going to let it sit for a few weeks. She's only 4 and we really don't have a huge reason to ask about moving her up. She's just learning the game, for now.
Fast forward a couple of weeks to Labor Day weekend - planning to have a nice relaxing weekend at the lake turned into replacing our shower door (in our bathroom) and doing stuff around our house because it was too cold to go swimming, boating, tubing or ride on the waverunner and without any of those things, Miss Ella would be very disappointed! So we spent a few hours there to get our things for the winter, visit with the Anliker grandparents, Brenda, and a few others and then head to my parents to sleep and spend some time with them on Sunday. We were lucky enough to see my Aunt Debbie, my Uncle David from Florida, and my brother & his family before we left to come back to Urbandale. It turned out to be nice because then we were able to do things around our house on Monday.
Other general updates:
Alexis has boycotted any type of true baby food since about 2-3 weeks ago. Once she got a taste of table food in Dubuque at Renae's Final Vows, she has kind of decided that baby food is not for her. It's been exciting to see what she likes - pasta, including macaroni & cheese, cooked carrots and sweet potatoes are her favorites. She's also tried ribs and chicken and is drinking milk well from a sippy cup, although she really prefers it when we hold the sippy cup for her. She is climbing up the stairs and is working on figuring out how to come back down and pull herself up to stand on everything! Starting to take a few steps while we hold onto her hands and back to sleeping through the night - we had a brief spell where she quit - and then she got into a habit of falling asleep on us while we rocked her. So we quickly bit that habit in the butt and now we're back to a quiet household at night.
Ella is growing up before my eyes, turning into a beautiful little girl. She is able to get herself 100% ready in the morning, although if we want to prevent plaque build up, we do need to do a once-over on her teeth, but she gets up, makes her bed, changes clothes that she picks out the night before, packs her backpack, picks out breakfast, does her hair, etc. She is saying some amazing things too. Earlier this week, I was making cookies for a funeral at church and was explaining to Ella how we prepare a meal for the family following the funeral. A little while later, she asked if she could have one of the cookies to celebrate the dead guy. Oh Ella - you never cease to amaze us!
One of those days, we had a Mommy & Me day. First we got all of our hair cut off - probably about 20" + combined and donated it to Locks of Love. What cute hair cuts, I must say! Then we went and took Ella's school supplies to school and had lunch at McDonald's. Then went and painted pottery at Glazed Expressions - rather pricey - $68 for the two of us and our pieces of pottery. Ella painted a Monster Truck bank that she picked out all by herself and I painted a popcorn bowl. Both turned out really well. Then we went miniature golfing, where Ella did a really great job - getting par on I think almost all of the holes on the 'back 9'. What a great little golfer!
The next day she was home with me while I worked and she did really well. It was a trial run since she'll be home with me every afternoon after school while I work for a while.
Saturday, we had a picnic at church to kick off our Neighborhood groups. Groups of families who get together periodically to pray and socialize. Unfortunately, none of our 'neighbors' were there - but we had a nice time anyway - even with Lexi peeing on me.
Then we headed to the State Fair on one of the hottest days of the year! But we couldn't not go. We had a great day and the girls did wonderful!
Sunday was a down day for us before Ella's very first day of school. We arrived about 7:45 (5 minutes before the bell would ring). Ella was very excited as the bell rang and we went inside. She needed just a little bit of help getting to her room. When I picked her up at the end of the day, she didn't have a lot of say. Just that things were ok and she had 2 snacks and lunch - priorities, I guess. Chocolate milk at lunch was probably her favorite thing. She didn't remember any of her classmates names.
So after I pick her up, we come home and she gets to play or whatever while I finish out my work day. I'm so thankful for the flexible arrangement and it helps to save us some big bucks each month. Ella does very well with finding things to do - playing inside or outside, or doing crafts. I have been very pleased with her occupying her time.
The same day that Ella had her 1st day of school, Alexis had her 9 month check-up. She's certainly a different kid than Ella. She weighed 18 lbs, 9 oz and was 27" long, compared to Ella who was 22 lbs 8oz and 29 1/4" long.
The following Wednesday, we won a contest from a local TV station, so we hosted a BBQ in our backyard, where they brought the meat, dessert and all kinds of goodies for us, PLUS we were on TV for the 5:00 PM & 6:00 PM newscasts. We had so much fun and almost everyone we invited was able to come. Ella, her cousins and friends had so much fun being on TV!
The next day, Thursday, Ella had her first soccer practice. She did well and listened intently and made friends quickly with Taylor. At their first game on Saturday, Ella & Taylor were little scoring machines - even though they don't keep score. The entire first period (15 minutes, I think), the other team didn't get the ball on their half of the field. When Taylor was out of the game, Ella took the reins - so well, in fact that another one of the parents came up to us and asked us about Ella's background playing soccer. Other than at home, this was her first official game. The parent thought we should talk to the organization about putting her in a older group. Charles & I aren't so sure about that yet, so we're going to let it sit for a few weeks. She's only 4 and we really don't have a huge reason to ask about moving her up. She's just learning the game, for now.
Fast forward a couple of weeks to Labor Day weekend - planning to have a nice relaxing weekend at the lake turned into replacing our shower door (in our bathroom) and doing stuff around our house because it was too cold to go swimming, boating, tubing or ride on the waverunner and without any of those things, Miss Ella would be very disappointed! So we spent a few hours there to get our things for the winter, visit with the Anliker grandparents, Brenda, and a few others and then head to my parents to sleep and spend some time with them on Sunday. We were lucky enough to see my Aunt Debbie, my Uncle David from Florida, and my brother & his family before we left to come back to Urbandale. It turned out to be nice because then we were able to do things around our house on Monday.
Other general updates:
Alexis has boycotted any type of true baby food since about 2-3 weeks ago. Once she got a taste of table food in Dubuque at Renae's Final Vows, she has kind of decided that baby food is not for her. It's been exciting to see what she likes - pasta, including macaroni & cheese, cooked carrots and sweet potatoes are her favorites. She's also tried ribs and chicken and is drinking milk well from a sippy cup, although she really prefers it when we hold the sippy cup for her. She is climbing up the stairs and is working on figuring out how to come back down and pull herself up to stand on everything! Starting to take a few steps while we hold onto her hands and back to sleeping through the night - we had a brief spell where she quit - and then she got into a habit of falling asleep on us while we rocked her. So we quickly bit that habit in the butt and now we're back to a quiet household at night.
Ella is growing up before my eyes, turning into a beautiful little girl. She is able to get herself 100% ready in the morning, although if we want to prevent plaque build up, we do need to do a once-over on her teeth, but she gets up, makes her bed, changes clothes that she picks out the night before, packs her backpack, picks out breakfast, does her hair, etc. She is saying some amazing things too. Earlier this week, I was making cookies for a funeral at church and was explaining to Ella how we prepare a meal for the family following the funeral. A little while later, she asked if she could have one of the cookies to celebrate the dead guy. Oh Ella - you never cease to amaze us!
Monday, August 16, 2010
GREAT Weekend (Monday, August 16th, 2010)
We had a very bittersweet day on Thurday, August 12th. Ella's last day at daycare. So we took 4 dozen Krispy Kreme donuts to celebrate. Who doesn't like Krispy Kreme donuts? She has been at the same daycare since she was just 13 weeks ok. Wow - how time flies. We are so appreciative of all of the great care and learning she got while in their care. Good thing is that Lexi still goes there....
We had a great weekend! Went to Lost Island on Friday morning. Beautiful day - sunny and warm. The water temp was 80 degrees. We spent a lot of time on the waverunner, swimming and on the boat. Ella played most of the day with Jeff (Peggy & Greg Pfeffer's middle son). Ella's little cheeks got burnt (even with 70 SPF sunscreen on) and Lexi even enjoyed a little swim. Friday evening, Don & Brenda brought their waverunner up, so then we were able to go out on the lake with them. We had a lot of fun.
Saturday brought more beautiful weather and more red cheeks. A lot of family was up at the lake including friends of Trudy (Grimm) Eaton's and Peggy (Grimm) Pfeffer's. Lots of kids, so Ella kept plenty busy. She really enjoyed Andy Pfeffer and Karissa Origer. Then Colten, Laura & Carmen came up, so Ella & Colten played together most of the afternoon. They had so much fun jumping off the dock, going tubing, and jumping on the big inflatable trampoline on the lake.
Saturday night, Lexi didn't sleep well. I ended up putting her in bed with us, so we could all get some sleep. Once she woke up for the day, I went to get her a bottle and came back. Then she was copying Ella while she said, "Uh-oh". Too cute!
Sunday, we just decided to head to Poky for most of the day. We usually eat lunch with my parents and then head back, but we had plans to celebrate Alan Banwart's 30th birthday with him at Halderwood Farms. We had a great time and sat with Carl & Sara Gerber and their little pumpkins - Noah, Claire & Elle. We had such a great time and the girls were very well behaved. Lexi got to try Veggie Straws (veggie potato chips in the shape of straws), mac & cheese and some cake.
Ella stayed at my parents house on vacation for a few days before she starts school on the 23rd. I'll pick her up later in the week and have a Mommy & Ella day.
Lexi has been pulling herself up on all sorts of items - chairs, couches, boxes, etc. She's starting to get a little more brave and take some steps. No teeth yet - but she is certainly getting many tastes of good food.
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Tuesday, August 10th, 2010
Two weeks from yesterday, our little girl will start preschool. It's hard to believe that she's old enough to start school already. She is very excited and we did some school clothes shopping this weekend and she was very excited!
Friday afternoon, we all headed to Williamsburg, Iowa, to do some shopping. New shoes for Charles, new shirts, shorts & capris for the girls, new pair of pants, cardigan, polo & blouse for me! Woo-hoo! Great sales!
Then we made our way to Dubuque to celebrate with my aunt & Godmother, Renae, on making her Final Vows to the Sisters of Saint Francis of the Holy Family. A candlelight prayer service on Friday night was Ella's highlight followed by a bar-like reception: Lemonade, beer, wine, meat & cheese, peanuts, pretzels -- yum!!!
Saturday morning we took a little walk on a trail along the Mississippi River before heading back to the hotel to get ready for the Final Vows celebration. What a beautiful and moving service followed by a beautiful reception. Lots of friends & family were present and a lot of fun was had.
Then we headed back to Des Moines, but not before a stop at one of our favorite restaurants - Hickory Park in Ames. Both girls were phenomoially behaved and the food was delish. We ordered plenty, so we could have leftovers for at least a few meals.
Ella & Lexi both seem to be doing well following their illnesses, although Lexi still isn't eating all that well, but she still had wet & dirty diapers, so things are working well. Over the weekend, she got to experience her first REAL table food - mashed potatoes, cookies & some noodles. She's getting to be such a big girl - she'll officially be 9 months old already on Thursday.
I love my family!!
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Tuesday, August 3rd, 2010
Last night was Monday, so the girls & I flew solo again since Daddy was golfing. 'Why does Daddy always have to golf with his friends from church?' is what I hear each week from Ella. 'Because it's good for Daddy' is my response. Although last night, it was harder to say that as Ella had a 101 degree fever and Lexi hadn't eaten all day at daycare (refusing 3 bottles a number of times). But everyone survivied - including Mom.
Lexi did eat about 6 oz for me, which was an improvement over her time at daycare. Ella was content watching the Summer X Games on ESPN (skateboarding and motorcycle racing). Both girls were in bed by 8:00, which gave me some time to get some things I needed done.
Both of them were relatively happy, even though they were sick. Lexi was sitting in her Bumbo chair on the island and Ella was working on her iron-beads. Lexi and her were talking back and forth - sooo fun! Even though Lex can't make words (officially), she can still talk with the rest of us. Both slept through the night, although Ella's dreams are getting much more vivid as now she's screaming throughout the night.
Oh what I wouldn't give for a full night's rest without interruption, but then I remember that I'm a parent and I'm not sure that's even possible anymore.
Monday, August 2, 2010
Monday, August 2nd, 2010
The past week has been full of sickness! Two weeks ago, Charles & I were each home a day with Lexi (no illness determined). Last week, I decided to take her to the doctor as she wasn't sleeping or eating well. Turns out she has Hand, Foot & Mouth. No wonder she didn't want to eat - she has lesions in her mouth - another reason why she didn't want her bink (pacifier). At the same appt, I had our doctor take a quick peek at Ella's rash. Too bad, the peek wasn't quick - turns out she has a staph infection. Tests came back negative for MRSA though - thankfully. Charles was home with her for part of Thursday, as was I.
So we skipped going to the lake (*sad*), and instead stayed home. We had a movie night with Ella, made some homemade salsa, and did a little shopping and lots of cleaning up at home. It was nice to get some things picked up and 4 bags of stuff taken to Goodwill - more to come as I'm purging!
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Oh, Ella Bella (Tuesday, July 27th, 2010)
Ella came into our room this morning about 5:50. I was in the bathroom getting ready for work and Charles was still in bed. Ella wanted to get in bed with him. Charles said 'no' and told Ella to go back to her own room. After some back and forth, Ella headed back to her room and Charles got up to help her get back into bed and covered up and Ella pipes up, "Do not follow me, Dad". Oh it's starting already.... The good news - we both got a good laugh.
Lexi is still good ole Lexi, except that she's been getting up at 3:30 for the past 3 nights wanting to eat and then will not go back to bed. Needless to say, we're a little sleepy and my neck hurts from sleeping in the recliner in her room with her on my chest, but I'm still enjoying it.
Lexi is still good ole Lexi, except that she's been getting up at 3:30 for the past 3 nights wanting to eat and then will not go back to bed. Needless to say, we're a little sleepy and my neck hurts from sleeping in the recliner in her room with her on my chest, but I'm still enjoying it.
Monday, July 26, 2010
FUN Weekend (Monday, July 26th, 2010)
This past Saturday, we were on the road again. The 2nd on our streak of 5 weekends in a row that we're out of town (shhh, don't tell the robbers)!
We headed to Algona as Charles was playing a golf tournament with his brother, Bobby, brother -in-law, Don and nephew Kory. It was a memorial golf tournament for a friend of our niece's Brandon Divis. I think they did well and had a great time on the course.
Ella, Alexis & I stayed with Aunt Lori in Algona while they golfed and Aunt Brenda came over. Lori watched the girls for a few hours while Brenda & I went shopping uptown. What a great collection of shops - I found lots of goodies. Probably my favorite, was an insect net for Ella to catch fireflies and butterflies and stuff and then a little horse chew toy for Lexi.
After the guys were done golfing and we were done shopping, everyone came back to the house and we ordered pizza and just had a great time together. We celebrated Kory's 18th birthday, which means, I've known him since he was 5! Wow, I've been around a while. We were outside quite a while (until the mosquitos came out) and then headed indoors. Ella & Bobby played Guitar Hero and then Wii. Some others were playing cards. What a day and so much fun!
We headed home yesterday and got back in time to get the girls' pool put up outside, so they could splash around, while Charles & I broke up sticks from the recent storm and he put together his new hoses for watering the yard.
Ella is getting geared up to head to formal preschool this fall. Last night, she picked out one of our old backpacks to use. We're not on the hunt for a zebra patch for it to make it her own. Zebras are her favorite! She's getting so smart. The other night, I hit a bug on my arm and she asked what it was. I said, a fly. She replied, what are those bugs that suck the blood out of us? I said, moquitos. She said, yes, we can't kill those because spiders like to eat them. I said, Ok Ella. She said, You know what else we can't kill? I said, What Ella? She said, Bees, because they help our flowers. I said, Well yes they do.
It's just amazing to me how bright she is and how much she is learning at her current daycare center.
And Lexi is learning to stand and wants to do so a lot. She stands up next to a little table that has buttons on it that play music, move and make other noises. She's not quite to the point where she is pulling herself up yet, but she is getting close. She's also figuring out that she can have her own conversations. As she makes her little noises, if people respond, she'll 'talk' to you. And especially if you have something she wants, like during lunch and supper time, or if you have her little puffs or even more so if you have ice cream. Can you tell her uncle is a Schwan's man?
We headed to Algona as Charles was playing a golf tournament with his brother, Bobby, brother -in-law, Don and nephew Kory. It was a memorial golf tournament for a friend of our niece's Brandon Divis. I think they did well and had a great time on the course.
Ella, Alexis & I stayed with Aunt Lori in Algona while they golfed and Aunt Brenda came over. Lori watched the girls for a few hours while Brenda & I went shopping uptown. What a great collection of shops - I found lots of goodies. Probably my favorite, was an insect net for Ella to catch fireflies and butterflies and stuff and then a little horse chew toy for Lexi.
After the guys were done golfing and we were done shopping, everyone came back to the house and we ordered pizza and just had a great time together. We celebrated Kory's 18th birthday, which means, I've known him since he was 5! Wow, I've been around a while. We were outside quite a while (until the mosquitos came out) and then headed indoors. Ella & Bobby played Guitar Hero and then Wii. Some others were playing cards. What a day and so much fun!
We headed home yesterday and got back in time to get the girls' pool put up outside, so they could splash around, while Charles & I broke up sticks from the recent storm and he put together his new hoses for watering the yard.
Ella is getting geared up to head to formal preschool this fall. Last night, she picked out one of our old backpacks to use. We're not on the hunt for a zebra patch for it to make it her own. Zebras are her favorite! She's getting so smart. The other night, I hit a bug on my arm and she asked what it was. I said, a fly. She replied, what are those bugs that suck the blood out of us? I said, moquitos. She said, yes, we can't kill those because spiders like to eat them. I said, Ok Ella. She said, You know what else we can't kill? I said, What Ella? She said, Bees, because they help our flowers. I said, Well yes they do.
It's just amazing to me how bright she is and how much she is learning at her current daycare center.
And Lexi is learning to stand and wants to do so a lot. She stands up next to a little table that has buttons on it that play music, move and make other noises. She's not quite to the point where she is pulling herself up yet, but she is getting close. She's also figuring out that she can have her own conversations. As she makes her little noises, if people respond, she'll 'talk' to you. And especially if you have something she wants, like during lunch and supper time, or if you have her little puffs or even more so if you have ice cream. Can you tell her uncle is a Schwan's man?
Friday, July 23, 2010
Friday, July 23rd, 2010
Today is the end of a crazy week! On our way back on Sunday, we had a tag-along of sorts. My parents' dog, Nook, came home with us for the week, so my parents could take a little vacation. Nook was originally my dog (Maize) and then went to live with my brother, Brian, only to be returned to may parents when she got Brian into lots of trouble with barking and escaping from his house. So, it truly has come full circle.
Upon arrival to our home on Sunday, I was cleaning up the kitchen and informed Charles that the kitchen sink wasn't draining very well. So he took the drain apart and removed the garbage disposal to get to the clog (which we never did find). The only issue came when we went to put everything back and couldn't because the garbage disposal wouldn't go back on. Ugh.
Monday brought a $110 trip to Menard's for a new garbage disposal and installation. Goodness! No golf for Charles with his 'guys'. Shucks.
Tuesday brought a lower key type of day, but Tuesday night, Charles decided to take Ella to the golf driving range to practice. They had a ball, like usual. Lexi & I just played at home and she went to bed early.
Wednesday - the start of the fevers. When Ella was a little younger than Lexi, she started to spike these fevers around 103-104 degrees. Of course, Lexi had to keep up with her sister. So Wednesday morning, it was about 103 degrees. Charles was on duty as I had a lot of meetings to attend to. Tylenol, Motrin, Tylenol, Motrin - that poor girl. When I got home, then it was a massive house clean-up. I love/hate this time. Hate doing it since we can't play with the girls - love it because it gives me some sanity in looking around the house that not everything is in shambles. As we're cleaning though, Lexi decided to use one of her toys that is about 8" tall to stand up. I think walking may be in our near future.
Thursday - my day to stay home. Lexi again had high fevers on and off througout the day, although not 103, just 102. We didn't take her to the doctor as she didn't really have any other symptoms, so we just chalked it up to a viral infection or something. She did sleep well, which allowed me to work 7 out of 8 hours for my work day. I love the ability to work from home.
Friday (today) - we let Lexi sleep in (about 7:00). Woke up and she didn't fell that warm - only 99 degrees, so dressed and off to daycare. As I sit here writing at noon, I haven't heard anything from daycare, so I'm assuming we're good there. Thank God!
We're heading to Algona tomorrow, so Charles can play in a golf tournament with his brother Bobby, brother in law, Don and nephew Kory. It's a benefit for our niece, Brooke's fiance's (Ben) friend who passed away. They're raising money for his scholarship fund. Ella, Lexi & I will go and hang out with Aunt Lori in Algona while they golf.
Maybe by the end of the weekend, Lexi will be walking. Ok, probably not, but she isn't much into just sitting anymore. She's crawling all over, then sitting up, rolling over, standing up, etc. etc. It's amazing to see how kids change so much. Only 8 months ago, she was just a little over a week old - time goes by so fast! She is starting to be finicky about food. Not real kosher on veggies, but still likes fruit and those little puff things and she's starting to get tastes of other foods - crackers & bread (crumbs of both), very small bananas and ice cream (Thanks Grandpa Roger!).
Ella's time at her current daycare is winding down as preschool starts exactly one month from today. She's been busy making plans as to who she'll marry. Her best friend, Shelby and Ella have been going to this daycare since Ella was 13 weeks old. Shelby, Ella, Zach & Mitchell all play together daily. For the longest time, Ella was marrying Mitchell and Shelby was marrying Zach. Well, as of late, those plans have now changed and Ella & Shelby are switching their men. Ha ha!
Upon arrival to our home on Sunday, I was cleaning up the kitchen and informed Charles that the kitchen sink wasn't draining very well. So he took the drain apart and removed the garbage disposal to get to the clog (which we never did find). The only issue came when we went to put everything back and couldn't because the garbage disposal wouldn't go back on. Ugh.
Monday brought a $110 trip to Menard's for a new garbage disposal and installation. Goodness! No golf for Charles with his 'guys'. Shucks.
Tuesday brought a lower key type of day, but Tuesday night, Charles decided to take Ella to the golf driving range to practice. They had a ball, like usual. Lexi & I just played at home and she went to bed early.
Wednesday - the start of the fevers. When Ella was a little younger than Lexi, she started to spike these fevers around 103-104 degrees. Of course, Lexi had to keep up with her sister. So Wednesday morning, it was about 103 degrees. Charles was on duty as I had a lot of meetings to attend to. Tylenol, Motrin, Tylenol, Motrin - that poor girl. When I got home, then it was a massive house clean-up. I love/hate this time. Hate doing it since we can't play with the girls - love it because it gives me some sanity in looking around the house that not everything is in shambles. As we're cleaning though, Lexi decided to use one of her toys that is about 8" tall to stand up. I think walking may be in our near future.
Thursday - my day to stay home. Lexi again had high fevers on and off througout the day, although not 103, just 102. We didn't take her to the doctor as she didn't really have any other symptoms, so we just chalked it up to a viral infection or something. She did sleep well, which allowed me to work 7 out of 8 hours for my work day. I love the ability to work from home.
Friday (today) - we let Lexi sleep in (about 7:00). Woke up and she didn't fell that warm - only 99 degrees, so dressed and off to daycare. As I sit here writing at noon, I haven't heard anything from daycare, so I'm assuming we're good there. Thank God!
We're heading to Algona tomorrow, so Charles can play in a golf tournament with his brother Bobby, brother in law, Don and nephew Kory. It's a benefit for our niece, Brooke's fiance's (Ben) friend who passed away. They're raising money for his scholarship fund. Ella, Lexi & I will go and hang out with Aunt Lori in Algona while they golf.
Maybe by the end of the weekend, Lexi will be walking. Ok, probably not, but she isn't much into just sitting anymore. She's crawling all over, then sitting up, rolling over, standing up, etc. etc. It's amazing to see how kids change so much. Only 8 months ago, she was just a little over a week old - time goes by so fast! She is starting to be finicky about food. Not real kosher on veggies, but still likes fruit and those little puff things and she's starting to get tastes of other foods - crackers & bread (crumbs of both), very small bananas and ice cream (Thanks Grandpa Roger!).
Ella's time at her current daycare is winding down as preschool starts exactly one month from today. She's been busy making plans as to who she'll marry. Her best friend, Shelby and Ella have been going to this daycare since Ella was 13 weeks old. Shelby, Ella, Zach & Mitchell all play together daily. For the longest time, Ella was marrying Mitchell and Shelby was marrying Zach. Well, as of late, those plans have now changed and Ella & Shelby are switching their men. Ha ha!
Monday, July 19, 2010
What a Wonderful Weekend (Monday, July 19th, 2010)
We had last Friday off (PTO) to head to Lost Island. A warm and very humid day, we spent most of it in the lake or on the waverunner. Ahh, the thrills of vacation, even if it's just a day or two here and there. I think Ella was on the waverunner 5 times and went swimming twice.
Alexis got to go swimming again and had so much fun -her face just lights up, her smiles appear and her arms start flapping like a bird hitting the water and splashing herself (and everyone else around her). There is so much joy in seeing that.
Ella is getting really good at swimming and isn't the least bit afraid to be in water where she can't touch, asking you to move further out, she she can swim to one of us. Keep in mind, this is all while having her life jacket on, so don't be concerned for her safety.
Late Friday afternoon, Charles' parents came up to have dinner with us and spend time with the girls. Ella was beat tired, so she laid inside the camper the whole evening chilling out and watching Shrek 3. We were all in bed relatively early.
Saturday morning we headed to Poky to my parents. Mom & Dad watched the girls while Charles & I shot a quick 9 hole round of golf in 95 degrees and very high humidity. Heat index was around 100. We drank 2 Gatorades and 4 bottles of water, so we stayed properly hydrated.
Back to my parents to cool off, shower and then headed to my 10 year class reunion. I was very excited to see my classmates as I didn't attend the 5 year reunion (was traveling for my job at that point and heading to Detroit). Any any rate, as we drove to Rolfe, we were conversing about how people would interact after not seeing each other for 10 years.
The night went very well - everyone was talking to each other, cracking jokes, and providing their own update no less than 10 times (estimately only there). We had a great time - I think probably 25 of our class of 52. Great updates from everyone and for the most part, not too much change, except everyone getting older.
Unfortunately, the event ended rather quickly as a Tornado Warning was issued for Pocahontas County. Charles & I headed to Dena (Ricklefs) Kroska's parents house with her and her husband, Brian. Charles & I were thinking the whole time that hopefully my parents had the girls in the basement. Upon arriving home at 1:30, we determined that they did go down there - everyone was safe & sound. No damage to my parents or any other family members' home in Pocahontas (Thank God!).
We headed back home yesterday and found some tree branches down, but nothing big and no damage. Others near us weren't as fortunate.
Alexis got to go swimming again and had so much fun -her face just lights up, her smiles appear and her arms start flapping like a bird hitting the water and splashing herself (and everyone else around her). There is so much joy in seeing that.
Ella is getting really good at swimming and isn't the least bit afraid to be in water where she can't touch, asking you to move further out, she she can swim to one of us. Keep in mind, this is all while having her life jacket on, so don't be concerned for her safety.
Late Friday afternoon, Charles' parents came up to have dinner with us and spend time with the girls. Ella was beat tired, so she laid inside the camper the whole evening chilling out and watching Shrek 3. We were all in bed relatively early.
Saturday morning we headed to Poky to my parents. Mom & Dad watched the girls while Charles & I shot a quick 9 hole round of golf in 95 degrees and very high humidity. Heat index was around 100. We drank 2 Gatorades and 4 bottles of water, so we stayed properly hydrated.
Back to my parents to cool off, shower and then headed to my 10 year class reunion. I was very excited to see my classmates as I didn't attend the 5 year reunion (was traveling for my job at that point and heading to Detroit). Any any rate, as we drove to Rolfe, we were conversing about how people would interact after not seeing each other for 10 years.
The night went very well - everyone was talking to each other, cracking jokes, and providing their own update no less than 10 times (estimately only there). We had a great time - I think probably 25 of our class of 52. Great updates from everyone and for the most part, not too much change, except everyone getting older.
Unfortunately, the event ended rather quickly as a Tornado Warning was issued for Pocahontas County. Charles & I headed to Dena (Ricklefs) Kroska's parents house with her and her husband, Brian. Charles & I were thinking the whole time that hopefully my parents had the girls in the basement. Upon arriving home at 1:30, we determined that they did go down there - everyone was safe & sound. No damage to my parents or any other family members' home in Pocahontas (Thank God!).
We headed back home yesterday and found some tree branches down, but nothing big and no damage. Others near us weren't as fortunate.
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Tuesday, July 13th, 2010
Charles headed off to the golf course tonight, so the girls and I were flying solo. We came home and Ella played a LeapFrog game on the TV in the basement while Lexi and I played for a little while upstairs. Then, Lexi chowed down her supper of sweet potatoes, pears, and some Banana puffs (puffed air). She did really good with feeding herself with the puffs.
Next on the list - a pajama party! Ella took a bath to help her with the rash on her trunk and Lexi took a quick little bath in the bathroom sink - probably the funniest thing I've ever seen, but it worked! Then we had popcorn (Ella & I) and watched a Berenstein Bear movie we rented for free from our local video store. Lexi enjoyed a little bowl of puffs for her treat.
Both girls went to bed relatively easy - it's not too hard these days as they're both exhausted after their grueling days playing, eating and napping. Then I worked on an update of all of my classmates from the PAC Class of 2000 for our upcoming reunion.
Not to back track, but I have to share a funny story. Over the weekend, Charles & I had been working on something and I got a little irritated (unfortunately) and I told Charles to 'think about it'. Ella turns to him and says, "Dad, use your brain". Not only was it funny to hear her say that, but funnier because that's what I always tell her when it seems like she isn't thinking real clearly.
Next on the list - a pajama party! Ella took a bath to help her with the rash on her trunk and Lexi took a quick little bath in the bathroom sink - probably the funniest thing I've ever seen, but it worked! Then we had popcorn (Ella & I) and watched a Berenstein Bear movie we rented for free from our local video store. Lexi enjoyed a little bowl of puffs for her treat.
Both girls went to bed relatively easy - it's not too hard these days as they're both exhausted after their grueling days playing, eating and napping. Then I worked on an update of all of my classmates from the PAC Class of 2000 for our upcoming reunion.
Not to back track, but I have to share a funny story. Over the weekend, Charles & I had been working on something and I got a little irritated (unfortunately) and I told Charles to 'think about it'. Ella turns to him and says, "Dad, use your brain". Not only was it funny to hear her say that, but funnier because that's what I always tell her when it seems like she isn't thinking real clearly.
Monday, July 12, 2010
Monday, July 12th, 2010
I picked up Lexi from daycare on Thursday and then told me she was crawling. I knew she had been moving all around by pushing backwards and spinning, so I figured it wouldn't be long. Needless to say Thursday night & Friday night, she wouldn't crawl for us, although it wasn't all that surprising. By the time she gets home after daycare, she is just hungry and wants to be held. She's been in a social setting all day with 11 other kiddos that are between 6 weeks and 12 months old. They either playing, eating, pooping, sleeping, yelling, crying, cooing or talking. I can't imagine I wouldn't be exhausted after that either!
On Saturday, we were home most of the day, which was nice as the next several weeks are full of busy plans! Saturday afternoon we ran a couple of errands - returned a bike helmet that we had bought for Alexis to Scheel's. We were hoping to be able to put her in the bike cart, but she didn't want anything to do with it, so instead of keeping the $30.00 helmet, we just decided to return it. We also tried on soccer uniforms for Miss Ella. Really nice Nike dri-fit uniforms, but then again, they should be real nice. The jerseys are $35!
Saturday night, Lexi had enough of being somewhat stationary and finally crawled for us. I think it was after a toy or the TV remote, but at any rate, she crawled. Too bad I was upstairs giving Ella a baking soda bath, for her rash, which is making vast improvements, but is still present!
Sunday we headed off to church and then again, spent most of the day at home, which was nice. Got some things put away that I had been putting off, which was a big accomplishment. Charles & I watched The Blindside after we put the girls to bed. I love movies that are made from real-life stories and I like them even more when they're not about murder or death. I'm just not a big fan of those types of movies. Anyway, I loved it and it was great to spend time with Charles, even if it was 10:30 before I got to bed.
Also - it's picture galore day for July!
Alexis, Bobby & Lily
Ella sitting w/ Peggy & PeeWee at the campfire on the 4th of July
Ella doing sparklers
Lexi playing at home.JPG)
Brenda and Alexis eating Oreos at the lake
Ella and Alexis is their "I love my Daddy" shirts
Grandpa Roger and Alexis eating 'puffies'
Alexis and Mommy swimming at the lake
Ella and Uncle Bobby playing Guitar Hero - they really rocked it!
Lexi at the bonfire at Uncle Bobby & Aunt Lori's house after the golf tournament
Alexis and her cousin Laura Moser
Bobby being silly - he was a bit 'lite up'
Alexis and Aunt Brenda at Bobby and Lori's house following the golf tournament
Ella picking on Brittany and Brad - her favorite buddies
Alexis chilling in her floatie in the lake.JPG)
Ella playing with all of her friends at the lake - Carissa, Rachel, Andy & Jeff
.JPG)
Lexi doing some more swimming with me at the lake.JPG)
Lexi and Nook (my parent's dog) playing while we were dog sitting for a week or so
Grandpa Roger and Lexi at the lake.JPG)
Alexis at the lake in her giraffe swimsuit - all ready to go.JPG)
A beautiful sunset at the lake
An ominous storm cloud at the lake - EAST of us, thank goodness.
.JPG)
Surrounded by her diapers - I stock up when I have coupons and they're on sale
Lexi after a good night's rest in her crib
On Saturday, we were home most of the day, which was nice as the next several weeks are full of busy plans! Saturday afternoon we ran a couple of errands - returned a bike helmet that we had bought for Alexis to Scheel's. We were hoping to be able to put her in the bike cart, but she didn't want anything to do with it, so instead of keeping the $30.00 helmet, we just decided to return it. We also tried on soccer uniforms for Miss Ella. Really nice Nike dri-fit uniforms, but then again, they should be real nice. The jerseys are $35!
Saturday night, Lexi had enough of being somewhat stationary and finally crawled for us. I think it was after a toy or the TV remote, but at any rate, she crawled. Too bad I was upstairs giving Ella a baking soda bath, for her rash, which is making vast improvements, but is still present!
Sunday we headed off to church and then again, spent most of the day at home, which was nice. Got some things put away that I had been putting off, which was a big accomplishment. Charles & I watched The Blindside after we put the girls to bed. I love movies that are made from real-life stories and I like them even more when they're not about murder or death. I'm just not a big fan of those types of movies. Anyway, I loved it and it was great to spend time with Charles, even if it was 10:30 before I got to bed.
Also - it's picture galore day for July!
Alexis, Bobby & Lily
Ella sitting w/ Peggy & PeeWee at the campfire on the 4th of July
Ella doing sparklers
Lexi playing at home
.JPG)
Brenda and Alexis eating Oreos at the lake
Ella and Alexis is their "I love my Daddy" shirts
Grandpa Roger and Alexis eating 'puffies'
Alexis and Mommy swimming at the lake
Ella and Uncle Bobby playing Guitar Hero - they really rocked it!
Lexi at the bonfire at Uncle Bobby & Aunt Lori's house after the golf tournament
Alexis and her cousin Laura Moser
Bobby being silly - he was a bit 'lite up'
Alexis and Aunt Brenda at Bobby and Lori's house following the golf tournament
Ella picking on Brittany and Brad - her favorite buddies
Alexis chilling in her floatie in the lake
.JPG)
Ella playing with all of her friends at the lake - Carissa, Rachel, Andy & Jeff
.JPG)
Lexi doing some more swimming with me at the lake
.JPG)
Lexi and Nook (my parent's dog) playing while we were dog sitting for a week or so
Grandpa Roger and Lexi at the lake
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Alexis at the lake in her giraffe swimsuit - all ready to go
.JPG)
A beautiful sunset at the lake
An ominous storm cloud at the lake - EAST of us, thank goodness.
.JPG)
Surrounded by her diapers - I stock up when I have coupons and they're on sale
Lexi after a good night's rest in her crib
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Thursday, July 8th, 2010
Another day in the office for me, which is perfectly fine. A short week of work due to the 4th of July holiday and a day of PTO.
Lexi woke up early this morning and then was immediately tired after feeding. We made sure to give her some Ibuprofin to help with the pain of her teeth.
Ella has been sleeping in pretty well - bed by 8:00 and up around 6:45. She's just exhausted. I'm sure the summer heat and activity is contributing.
Charles is off and golfing again today, then may be helping Brian again....
Lexi woke up early this morning and then was immediately tired after feeding. We made sure to give her some Ibuprofin to help with the pain of her teeth.
Ella has been sleeping in pretty well - bed by 8:00 and up around 6:45. She's just exhausted. I'm sure the summer heat and activity is contributing.
Charles is off and golfing again today, then may be helping Brian again....
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Wednesday, July 7th, 2010
Let's start off with some updates.
Last Friday, July 2nd. Standard day for me. Working from home for the day. I made this scheduling change when I went back to work after having Lexi. Gave me some opportunity to start earlier, get more accomplished, since it's quiet and give me a little more work/life balance. I love it and get so much done!
The plan was to leave for the lake following work. I get a text from Charles about 4:30 - he's going to be late, very late. His work day gets busy right before lunch and right before the end of the day as his dealers are out selling and come back for lunch or to finish up the day and submit all the paperwork.
Oh, at any rate, one of his co-workers helped him out and he got home about 5:15. Got left about 6:15 and to Poky about 8:15-8:30.
Saturday, July 3rd. Headed up to the farm, where Uncle Byron lives to pick-up the waverunner and then off to the lake. What a beautiful day. Lots of swimming, waverunner rides and tubing behind the ski boat for Ella. Lexi and I spent most of the early afternoon in the camper as it was warm out and we both needed some rest. Then we went swimming. She didn't mutter anything but big toothless smiles and a few giggles. She rode in her little infant tube for a while and just let the waves take her. But then, she got a little frustrated because she wanted to splash, but couldn't while she was in the tube.
Lexi started to eat those little fruit puffs that are like cereal, but filled primarily with air and a tidbit of flavoring. She really likes them. It's funny because a serving size is 90 of them! What kid would eat 90 of them? And 25 calories. What a great snack! She's really liking her baby food too! She's been through sweet potatoes, squash, carrots, peaches, green beans, peas, mixed veggies, pears, and mixed fruit. All have been fine.
Then my parents came up for a boat ride and a quick visit. Brenda & Don then came up for some drinks -- just a few =), some ribs and some fireworks. Lost Island did their fireworks on Saturday night. Ella got to do sparklers. Poor Lexi fell asleep before the big fireworks started. Oh well, they'll be plenty more years of fireworks.
Sunday, July 4th. Appeared that it would be a wash-out with the weatherpeople calling for 1-3" of rain. We didn't get much more than some sprinkles. Late morning, we headed over to the nature center for a hike. Very nice - Lexi really enjoyed it and Ella & Charles caught a blue butterfly for her bug cage (which she later let go). Lexi really enjoyed it. Hopefully next time it will have dried out, so we can walk the classroom path. Later in the day, we were able to go for a waverunner ride(s) and go swimming. Charles jumped in the water to go swimming and Lexi looked at him and grunted a little bit, so we took off her clothes, left on her diaper and away she went - at about 7:30 at night. So all 4 of us went swimming. So much fun! Then Ella went with her 3rd cousins (Patty Origer & Peggy Pfeffer's kids) out on the ski boat tubing again. She loves those kids (cousins) so much!
Monday, July 5th.
We woke up and had a good breakfast - pancakes and bacon! Yummy! Ella & Grandpa Leonard went fishing for a while, Lexi fell asleep on Grnadma Helen and Charles & I took a walk. What a great start to the day. Then we played some outdoor games at the lake, like catch using these circle disc like things with velcro on them and a tennis ball. Ella & I headed out on the waverunner for a while hitting all the big waves we could find. She has so much fun, until it was out of gas - turned it to reserve and headed back to the lagoon. Ella didn't want to go swimming (amazing!), so we rode the waverunner over to load it up and Charles met us there. We loaded up and headed to Emmetsburg for lunch at A & W, one of Charles' favorites, then to the farm to drop off the waverunner and to Pocahontas to get Penny. Finally we got on the road about 3:45 heading for home. Got home about 6:00 after we stopped to get supper (Taco John's) and relaxed for the rest of the night.
Or not.... We had to head out to the garden to check on the peppers, tomatoes, green beans & carrots. We've had a fair amount of green beans already and the tomatoes are growing like crazy. Peppers are about nickel size right now and the carrots are about 4" long. Strawberries probably won't produce this year since they're just getting established and I just planted the raspberries last week, so no production in 2010 for them!
It sure was a fabulous weekend, but we are glad to be home!
Tuesday, July 6th.
Charles always takes the week of the 4th of July off from work, so I decided to take a day off as well. I couldn't afford to take off the whole week since I burned 7 weeks of PTO while I was on maternity leave with Lexi.
We did a lot of running around, including a trip to the doctor's office for Ella's rash. She has had it for about 2 weeks now on the trunk of her body and on her neck just beneath her hairline was really bad. So on top of the rash, sunburn from the weekend and mosquito bites, her skin is looking pretty grim. We've been giving her Claritan (nothing new there), Benedryl, putting hydrocortizone cream, Aquaphor and Curel lotion on the skin and nothing was helping. Diagnosis - allergies of some sort, or reaction to something. Unfortunatly, there wasn't anything more to tell. Just keep doing what we're doing. So baking soda baths & scrub (baking soda & water paste all over) is what we'll keep on doing. Took Ella to daycare...
Charles & I spent the rest of the day running various forms of errands. Oh well, at least we got to spend it together.
Wednesday, July 7th.
Back to work for me. It was a great day with a lot of work done! Charles headed to the golf course and then to help my brother, Brian rip out a cement pad under his deck at his rental house. Ella 'helped' pick up the concrete and Lexi & I walked down to watch a little bit then back home to play and hang out.
Lexi went to bed early (7:30) as she was really tired. We think she's getting some teeth. Her chest was soaking from all of the drool. Poor girl can barely hold her head up!
Last Friday, July 2nd. Standard day for me. Working from home for the day. I made this scheduling change when I went back to work after having Lexi. Gave me some opportunity to start earlier, get more accomplished, since it's quiet and give me a little more work/life balance. I love it and get so much done!
The plan was to leave for the lake following work. I get a text from Charles about 4:30 - he's going to be late, very late. His work day gets busy right before lunch and right before the end of the day as his dealers are out selling and come back for lunch or to finish up the day and submit all the paperwork.
Oh, at any rate, one of his co-workers helped him out and he got home about 5:15. Got left about 6:15 and to Poky about 8:15-8:30.
Saturday, July 3rd. Headed up to the farm, where Uncle Byron lives to pick-up the waverunner and then off to the lake. What a beautiful day. Lots of swimming, waverunner rides and tubing behind the ski boat for Ella. Lexi and I spent most of the early afternoon in the camper as it was warm out and we both needed some rest. Then we went swimming. She didn't mutter anything but big toothless smiles and a few giggles. She rode in her little infant tube for a while and just let the waves take her. But then, she got a little frustrated because she wanted to splash, but couldn't while she was in the tube.
Lexi started to eat those little fruit puffs that are like cereal, but filled primarily with air and a tidbit of flavoring. She really likes them. It's funny because a serving size is 90 of them! What kid would eat 90 of them? And 25 calories. What a great snack! She's really liking her baby food too! She's been through sweet potatoes, squash, carrots, peaches, green beans, peas, mixed veggies, pears, and mixed fruit. All have been fine.
Then my parents came up for a boat ride and a quick visit. Brenda & Don then came up for some drinks -- just a few =), some ribs and some fireworks. Lost Island did their fireworks on Saturday night. Ella got to do sparklers. Poor Lexi fell asleep before the big fireworks started. Oh well, they'll be plenty more years of fireworks.
Sunday, July 4th. Appeared that it would be a wash-out with the weatherpeople calling for 1-3" of rain. We didn't get much more than some sprinkles. Late morning, we headed over to the nature center for a hike. Very nice - Lexi really enjoyed it and Ella & Charles caught a blue butterfly for her bug cage (which she later let go). Lexi really enjoyed it. Hopefully next time it will have dried out, so we can walk the classroom path. Later in the day, we were able to go for a waverunner ride(s) and go swimming. Charles jumped in the water to go swimming and Lexi looked at him and grunted a little bit, so we took off her clothes, left on her diaper and away she went - at about 7:30 at night. So all 4 of us went swimming. So much fun! Then Ella went with her 3rd cousins (Patty Origer & Peggy Pfeffer's kids) out on the ski boat tubing again. She loves those kids (cousins) so much!
Monday, July 5th.
We woke up and had a good breakfast - pancakes and bacon! Yummy! Ella & Grandpa Leonard went fishing for a while, Lexi fell asleep on Grnadma Helen and Charles & I took a walk. What a great start to the day. Then we played some outdoor games at the lake, like catch using these circle disc like things with velcro on them and a tennis ball. Ella & I headed out on the waverunner for a while hitting all the big waves we could find. She has so much fun, until it was out of gas - turned it to reserve and headed back to the lagoon. Ella didn't want to go swimming (amazing!), so we rode the waverunner over to load it up and Charles met us there. We loaded up and headed to Emmetsburg for lunch at A & W, one of Charles' favorites, then to the farm to drop off the waverunner and to Pocahontas to get Penny. Finally we got on the road about 3:45 heading for home. Got home about 6:00 after we stopped to get supper (Taco John's) and relaxed for the rest of the night.
Or not.... We had to head out to the garden to check on the peppers, tomatoes, green beans & carrots. We've had a fair amount of green beans already and the tomatoes are growing like crazy. Peppers are about nickel size right now and the carrots are about 4" long. Strawberries probably won't produce this year since they're just getting established and I just planted the raspberries last week, so no production in 2010 for them!
It sure was a fabulous weekend, but we are glad to be home!
Tuesday, July 6th.
Charles always takes the week of the 4th of July off from work, so I decided to take a day off as well. I couldn't afford to take off the whole week since I burned 7 weeks of PTO while I was on maternity leave with Lexi.
We did a lot of running around, including a trip to the doctor's office for Ella's rash. She has had it for about 2 weeks now on the trunk of her body and on her neck just beneath her hairline was really bad. So on top of the rash, sunburn from the weekend and mosquito bites, her skin is looking pretty grim. We've been giving her Claritan (nothing new there), Benedryl, putting hydrocortizone cream, Aquaphor and Curel lotion on the skin and nothing was helping. Diagnosis - allergies of some sort, or reaction to something. Unfortunatly, there wasn't anything more to tell. Just keep doing what we're doing. So baking soda baths & scrub (baking soda & water paste all over) is what we'll keep on doing. Took Ella to daycare...
Charles & I spent the rest of the day running various forms of errands. Oh well, at least we got to spend it together.
Wednesday, July 7th.
Back to work for me. It was a great day with a lot of work done! Charles headed to the golf course and then to help my brother, Brian rip out a cement pad under his deck at his rental house. Ella 'helped' pick up the concrete and Lexi & I walked down to watch a little bit then back home to play and hang out.
Lexi went to bed early (7:30) as she was really tired. We think she's getting some teeth. Her chest was soaking from all of the drool. Poor girl can barely hold her head up!
Friday, July 2, 2010
Thursday, July 1st, 2010
Today was just one of those days. We had a Fire Drill at work plus a food day. Those two items combined caused a big drop in productivity for everyone and a few pounds gained. We were celebrating a co-workers birthday and another one of my co-workers brought brownies that had Oreos in them, vanilla frosting on top and then Oreos crushed on top. I swear I probably ate eight of those things. Wowsers! Tasty, but very troublesome. I teasingly 'fired' that employee saying she could no longer bring such delicious treats!
After work, I ran to the grocery store to do the weekly shopping and it was a mad house. I assume due to the 4th of July weekend coming up and so many people not working on Friday. Anyway, the chips were on sale and virtually gone, which was not sad for me as I wasn't in the market for chips, but that place was craaaazy!
Came home and fed both girls supper - although shortly thereafter Lexi had some projectile vomit - first time, ever. A little questionable, but then she seemed fine. Ella played on an old laptop of ours - CandyLand. Funny thing is that I had gotten a number of games from cereal boxes a long time ago and now Ella loves to play then. She's actually pretty good at Operation. Maybe a future profession?
Did our evening walk as Charles was mowing - it takes him about 1 1/2 hrs, so gives us plenty of time. Gets Ella & Penny (our border collie mix) some exercise, as well as me (to work off all those brownies) and gives Lexi a chance to relax and sleep a while.
Came home and peeked into the garden - pulled off some more green beans - 3rd round. Probably 25 total in all 3 rounds, but it's progress. Not too bad considering we just started a garden this year - strawberries (probably no production this year), tomatoes, peppers, green beans, carrots & raspberries (again, probably no production this year). Tomatoes are going crazy. We have 8 plants of varying varieties. Our one Roma plant has 30+ tomotoes on it and one of our 'early' varieties have a few that are baseball size. Hopefully they ripen soon, so we can enjoy their goodness and then make some salsa!
Lexi nursed well, but they wouldn't take her follow-up bottle (2 oz). Weird, but we just left it. She went to sleep ok and slept all night.
After work, I ran to the grocery store to do the weekly shopping and it was a mad house. I assume due to the 4th of July weekend coming up and so many people not working on Friday. Anyway, the chips were on sale and virtually gone, which was not sad for me as I wasn't in the market for chips, but that place was craaaazy!
Came home and fed both girls supper - although shortly thereafter Lexi had some projectile vomit - first time, ever. A little questionable, but then she seemed fine. Ella played on an old laptop of ours - CandyLand. Funny thing is that I had gotten a number of games from cereal boxes a long time ago and now Ella loves to play then. She's actually pretty good at Operation. Maybe a future profession?
Did our evening walk as Charles was mowing - it takes him about 1 1/2 hrs, so gives us plenty of time. Gets Ella & Penny (our border collie mix) some exercise, as well as me (to work off all those brownies) and gives Lexi a chance to relax and sleep a while.
Came home and peeked into the garden - pulled off some more green beans - 3rd round. Probably 25 total in all 3 rounds, but it's progress. Not too bad considering we just started a garden this year - strawberries (probably no production this year), tomatoes, peppers, green beans, carrots & raspberries (again, probably no production this year). Tomatoes are going crazy. We have 8 plants of varying varieties. Our one Roma plant has 30+ tomotoes on it and one of our 'early' varieties have a few that are baseball size. Hopefully they ripen soon, so we can enjoy their goodness and then make some salsa!
Lexi nursed well, but they wouldn't take her follow-up bottle (2 oz). Weird, but we just left it. She went to sleep ok and slept all night.
Thursday, July 1, 2010
June 30th, 2010
Can you believe the year is half-over already? In the next six months, Ella will start preschool, I'll turn 29 (wow, I'm getting old), Ella will turn 5, we'll celebrate our 9th wedding anniversary and Miss Alexis will turn 1. Wow, lots to celebrate, but before that, much to do. Finish out the summer fun, head to Denver and enjoy a beautiful fall.
Tonight we celebrated the end of the 1st season of t-ball for Ella. The 2010 UGRA (Urbandale Girls Recreation Association) Grasshoppers team experienced a lot.
The first game:
* The first girl up to bat for the season ran to 3rd base instead of 1st.
* All of the girls ran after each ball as it was hit.
The last game:
* All the girls hit the ball and ran to the right base.
* They all stayed in their positions (pretty well anyway) and threw the ball to the 1st basemen(woman).
At all points in between, the 7 little girls learned each others names, cheered for each other, laughed and even exeperienced some boredom. That little Ella. By about game 3, she was having a ball running around in a circle on the field, putting the dirt in her glove and dumping it back out, sleeping on the bases (not really, but certainly wasn't running) and sitting down backwards in the field (facing the outfield).
Through it all, Charles & I learned that she is only 4, but we have VERY high expectations. Shame on us - yelling at our beautiful little firecracker to pay attention, run, stop playing with the dirt. But, in the end, we do love her and are very proud of her for trying and having fun. She'll never forget her Grasshoppers team (and neither will we), OR her coaches, Bob Stouffer and Molly Flinkman (father/daughter team). Bob is the superintendent at Des Moines Christian schools and Molly is his 23 year old daughter.
And through most of the games, Alexis slept in her car seat. However, at the last game, she did get to eat a bottle and then watch for a little bit, before she fell asleep. It's typical for her to sleep a couple of times throughout the day, then comes home and most nights, takes a nap. Sometimes the nap is 20 minutes, sometimes it's an hour and a half and then we have to wake her up.
Oh the joys of kiddos and husbands and dogs. They make the ride of life truly enjoyable.
Tonight we celebrated the end of the 1st season of t-ball for Ella. The 2010 UGRA (Urbandale Girls Recreation Association) Grasshoppers team experienced a lot.
The first game:
* The first girl up to bat for the season ran to 3rd base instead of 1st.
* All of the girls ran after each ball as it was hit.
The last game:
* All the girls hit the ball and ran to the right base.
* They all stayed in their positions (pretty well anyway) and threw the ball to the 1st basemen(woman).
At all points in between, the 7 little girls learned each others names, cheered for each other, laughed and even exeperienced some boredom. That little Ella. By about game 3, she was having a ball running around in a circle on the field, putting the dirt in her glove and dumping it back out, sleeping on the bases (not really, but certainly wasn't running) and sitting down backwards in the field (facing the outfield).
Through it all, Charles & I learned that she is only 4, but we have VERY high expectations. Shame on us - yelling at our beautiful little firecracker to pay attention, run, stop playing with the dirt. But, in the end, we do love her and are very proud of her for trying and having fun. She'll never forget her Grasshoppers team (and neither will we), OR her coaches, Bob Stouffer and Molly Flinkman (father/daughter team). Bob is the superintendent at Des Moines Christian schools and Molly is his 23 year old daughter.
And through most of the games, Alexis slept in her car seat. However, at the last game, she did get to eat a bottle and then watch for a little bit, before she fell asleep. It's typical for her to sleep a couple of times throughout the day, then comes home and most nights, takes a nap. Sometimes the nap is 20 minutes, sometimes it's an hour and a half and then we have to wake her up.
Oh the joys of kiddos and husbands and dogs. They make the ride of life truly enjoyable.
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
June 28th, 2010
Before I start, I have to share that I had an Ah-ha! moment today. For some reason, I decided to look at what Ella was doing at the same age as Alexis, so I referenced the blog. I had a wonderful trip down memory late and it made me realize that I had missed a lot of stuff since having a 2nd child and I put my foot down. That's it! From now on, it's blogging time. So here goes....
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It's a Monday night in the summer, which means I'm flying solo with my girls. Picked them up from daycare and as usual, Ella comes running. I notice the funniest thing. When she put on her clothes for the day, apparently, she had forgotten to take off her pajama shorts first, so yes, she had two pair of shorts on all day, in 80 degree weather. Like she isn't hot blooded enough, but with two pair of shorts - woof-ta!
Lexi is just as happy as a lark. Suprising since she only ate twice at daycare (usually 3 times). We all got home in one piece and Ella is up to our room to watch cartoons, while I start feeding Lexi some carrots. She's gobbling them up when all of a sudden, all she can do is rub her eyes, take a bite, rub her eyes. So I calmly put down the spoon, stick in her green soothie binkie and away we go to her room. Monitor on - check. Radio on- check. Lexi & bink in crib - check. 5 minutes later, she's snoozing away. 1 1/2 hours later - yep, still sleeping. Apparently she was a little tired. I think she's cutting some teeth. Her bottom gums are getting pretty thick and she's crabby on and off, so I'm assuming that's what it is.
Ella & I eat a basic cream of mushroom casserole for dinner and then she's busy putting beads on those plastic holders with the little teeth things that you iron and they all stick together. Amazingly, she's been working on 2 of them for over an hour. So creative and so smart. She tells me, "Mom, this sure is a lot of work. Even for a smart kid like me!"
Later tonight, Ella went downstairs to go potty and apparently was a little out of it as she opens the door to the garage, looks and then shuts the door and goes into the bathroom. Silly girl - although sometimes a little scatter brained =)
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It's a Monday night in the summer, which means I'm flying solo with my girls. Picked them up from daycare and as usual, Ella comes running. I notice the funniest thing. When she put on her clothes for the day, apparently, she had forgotten to take off her pajama shorts first, so yes, she had two pair of shorts on all day, in 80 degree weather. Like she isn't hot blooded enough, but with two pair of shorts - woof-ta!
Lexi is just as happy as a lark. Suprising since she only ate twice at daycare (usually 3 times). We all got home in one piece and Ella is up to our room to watch cartoons, while I start feeding Lexi some carrots. She's gobbling them up when all of a sudden, all she can do is rub her eyes, take a bite, rub her eyes. So I calmly put down the spoon, stick in her green soothie binkie and away we go to her room. Monitor on - check. Radio on- check. Lexi & bink in crib - check. 5 minutes later, she's snoozing away. 1 1/2 hours later - yep, still sleeping. Apparently she was a little tired. I think she's cutting some teeth. Her bottom gums are getting pretty thick and she's crabby on and off, so I'm assuming that's what it is.
Ella & I eat a basic cream of mushroom casserole for dinner and then she's busy putting beads on those plastic holders with the little teeth things that you iron and they all stick together. Amazingly, she's been working on 2 of them for over an hour. So creative and so smart. She tells me, "Mom, this sure is a lot of work. Even for a smart kid like me!"
Later tonight, Ella went downstairs to go potty and apparently was a little out of it as she opens the door to the garage, looks and then shuts the door and goes into the bathroom. Silly girl - although sometimes a little scatter brained =)
June 29th, 2010
Rise and shine so early Ella. A little before 6:00, Ella comes meandering downstairs to the kitchen; eyes still half closed. Hugs and kisses in the morning from her are priceless, so gentle and soft as she has yet to realize the excitement and fullness of the day yet. Then she's off to go potty before picking out breakfast. This morning, it happens to be Lucky Charms with milk and a cup of OJ.
Alexis was so happy this morning when I went it to wake her up to nurse. Ella, of course, wanted hugs and kisses from her before anything else got done. Not that Alexis gives hugs and kisses at this point, but to say Ella is a little affecitationate towards her little sister is an understatement. Lexi fed - check, put in a cute sun dress - check. She is ready for the day.
Unlike Ella, I have been putting Lexi in dresses almost everyday. At this point in Ella's life it's hard to get her to wear a dress, skirt or even a skort - all she wants to do is boy stuff, even picking out boy colors for anything she does. Did you know there are boy colors and girl colors? We didn't either until Ella informed us of it - in essence, boy colors are anything but pink and purple.
After work, I headed to the church offices to work on our church directory. Another gal, Jen and I are working on putting together the pages at the beginning of our directory of all the different church activities; men's groups, women's groups, kid's groups, the Rededication of the Church following our extensive remodel. After many, many meetings, we are just about finished. To put it in perspective, I started working on the directory before I had Lexi. Not this particular piece, but other items - so over 8 months ago. Yikes!
Got home from working on the directory and Lexi was chowing away on mixed veggies (1st time) and then mixed fruit (peaches, pear, pineapple juice). She loved both of them and gobbled them down. Ella was eating her supper really well too.
Then we grilled some chicken to eat another night this week and Charles put deck protectant on the deck and stairs. After I got done grilling, the girls and I went for a walk with Penny. Ella rode her bike, Lexi in the stroller. A little over a mile later, Lexi was sleeping, Ella's legs hurt and Penny was pooped. Mission accomplished.
Got both girls to bed - although at times getting Ella there is a challenge. Not actually putting her to bed, but keeping her there. Last night, her mind was running about police officers. "Mom, um, um, I was thinking about police officers and how they put people in jail." "Ella, they only put people in jail when they do something wrong, so as long as you listen to Mom and Dad and obey the law, you'll be fine." "Ok, mom, love you". Ugh - this went on for about an hour, almost until Charles & I went to bed. Oh well, she's so much like me with her mind running that it's a little scary.
Alexis was so happy this morning when I went it to wake her up to nurse. Ella, of course, wanted hugs and kisses from her before anything else got done. Not that Alexis gives hugs and kisses at this point, but to say Ella is a little affecitationate towards her little sister is an understatement. Lexi fed - check, put in a cute sun dress - check. She is ready for the day.
Unlike Ella, I have been putting Lexi in dresses almost everyday. At this point in Ella's life it's hard to get her to wear a dress, skirt or even a skort - all she wants to do is boy stuff, even picking out boy colors for anything she does. Did you know there are boy colors and girl colors? We didn't either until Ella informed us of it - in essence, boy colors are anything but pink and purple.
After work, I headed to the church offices to work on our church directory. Another gal, Jen and I are working on putting together the pages at the beginning of our directory of all the different church activities; men's groups, women's groups, kid's groups, the Rededication of the Church following our extensive remodel. After many, many meetings, we are just about finished. To put it in perspective, I started working on the directory before I had Lexi. Not this particular piece, but other items - so over 8 months ago. Yikes!
Got home from working on the directory and Lexi was chowing away on mixed veggies (1st time) and then mixed fruit (peaches, pear, pineapple juice). She loved both of them and gobbled them down. Ella was eating her supper really well too.
Then we grilled some chicken to eat another night this week and Charles put deck protectant on the deck and stairs. After I got done grilling, the girls and I went for a walk with Penny. Ella rode her bike, Lexi in the stroller. A little over a mile later, Lexi was sleeping, Ella's legs hurt and Penny was pooped. Mission accomplished.
Got both girls to bed - although at times getting Ella there is a challenge. Not actually putting her to bed, but keeping her there. Last night, her mind was running about police officers. "Mom, um, um, I was thinking about police officers and how they put people in jail." "Ella, they only put people in jail when they do something wrong, so as long as you listen to Mom and Dad and obey the law, you'll be fine." "Ok, mom, love you". Ugh - this went on for about an hour, almost until Charles & I went to bed. Oh well, she's so much like me with her mind running that it's a little scary.
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
June
Alexis' 6 month pictures taken by yours truly.
Ella's 4 1/2 year old pictures, again taken by yours truly.
We had a wonderful 1st weekend in June. Charles plays golf weekly with some guys from our church, St. Pius X. Every year, our Holy Name Society has a golf outing to raise money. This year, Charles' brother Clark, brother in law Don, and Clark's friend Les played in the tournament. Les was a last minute add after Charles' other brother, Bobby, broke his hand at work (Darn it!). So we had a house full of guests - just what we love - and a whole lot of fun. Golf tournament on Friday for the boys - shopping for Brenda & I. Principal Charity Classic on Saturday with everyone, including Brittany & Brad - ICubs game Saturday evening - breakfast and check out on Sunday morning. One of the best weekends we have had in a very long time and soooo much fun! As Bobby & Lori were checking out, Penny though she'd go along.... she jumped in the front seat of their car.
Bobby & Lexi on Sunday morning.
Lexi & her best buddy Penny. She looks really white in the picture - not quite that pale in real life.
Brenda & Ella making iron bead creations.
Happy Father's Day Charles! I got the girls new shirts that say, "I love my Dad".
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Daddy & his girls.
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Pretty Lexi
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Grandma Ellen & Ella playing soccer in the front yard.
Grandma Ellen & Ella before Ella's t-ball game - the Grasshoppers dominated! Ok, maybe not - since they don't keep score.
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Grandpa Roger & Lexi sitting on the driveway.
Grandma Ella feeding Lexi a bottle.
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Grandma Ellen, Grandpa Roger & Ella before her t-ball game.
Ella & Daddy opening Father's Day gifts. A homemade picture frame from Lowe's that Ella made. New cufflinks & a tie tack from all of us.
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Happy 34th Anniversary Mom & Dad!
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All of us - minus Charles who took the picture! If there was ever any doubt of how much my Mom & I look alike, the doubt should now be removed.
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Lexi's first swimming trip. She absolutely loved it!
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More lake fun....
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Lexi & Aunt Brenda at Uncle Jamie's 40th birthday party!
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Happy baby....
All grins eating cereal =)
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Making more creations w/ iron beads.
Yummy! I love my bottle, especially when I can feed myself. Her poor cheeks have been raw like this since just about the time we brought her home from the hospital! Darn dry skin!
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Chilling at the lake in her exersaucer.
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Ella's 4 1/2 year old pictures, again taken by yours truly.
We had a wonderful 1st weekend in June. Charles plays golf weekly with some guys from our church, St. Pius X. Every year, our Holy Name Society has a golf outing to raise money. This year, Charles' brother Clark, brother in law Don, and Clark's friend Les played in the tournament. Les was a last minute add after Charles' other brother, Bobby, broke his hand at work (Darn it!). So we had a house full of guests - just what we love - and a whole lot of fun. Golf tournament on Friday for the boys - shopping for Brenda & I. Principal Charity Classic on Saturday with everyone, including Brittany & Brad - ICubs game Saturday evening - breakfast and check out on Sunday morning. One of the best weekends we have had in a very long time and soooo much fun! As Bobby & Lori were checking out, Penny though she'd go along.... she jumped in the front seat of their car.
Bobby & Lexi on Sunday morning.
Lexi & her best buddy Penny. She looks really white in the picture - not quite that pale in real life.
Brenda & Ella making iron bead creations.
Happy Father's Day Charles! I got the girls new shirts that say, "I love my Dad".
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Daddy & his girls.
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Pretty Lexi
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Grandma Ellen & Ella playing soccer in the front yard.
Grandma Ellen & Ella before Ella's t-ball game - the Grasshoppers dominated! Ok, maybe not - since they don't keep score.
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Grandpa Roger & Lexi sitting on the driveway.
Grandma Ella feeding Lexi a bottle.
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Grandma Ellen, Grandpa Roger & Ella before her t-ball game.
Ella & Daddy opening Father's Day gifts. A homemade picture frame from Lowe's that Ella made. New cufflinks & a tie tack from all of us.
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Happy 34th Anniversary Mom & Dad!
All of us - minus Charles who took the picture! If there was ever any doubt of how much my Mom & I look alike, the doubt should now be removed.
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Lexi's first swimming trip. She absolutely loved it!
More lake fun....
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Lexi & Aunt Brenda at Uncle Jamie's 40th birthday party!
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Happy baby....
All grins eating cereal =)
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Making more creations w/ iron beads.
Yummy! I love my bottle, especially when I can feed myself. Her poor cheeks have been raw like this since just about the time we brought her home from the hospital! Darn dry skin!
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Chilling at the lake in her exersaucer.
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Some other highlights.....
06/01/10 - Alexis is now rolling over on her side to sleep.
06/07/10 - Ella riding her bike without training wheels
06/12/10 - Lexi is talking up a storm - lots of babbling!
06/12/10 - Lexi is talking up a storm - lots of babbling!
06/13/10 - Alexis is starting to wake up on her tummy.
Alexis has stopped nursing twice at night after daycare. I'm guessing it's because she's eating baby food and isn't as hungry. So she's nursing in the morning, taking 3 bottles at daycare, and nursing at night before bed. Then cereal for breakfast, or closer to a morning snack and baby food for dinner. She started with sweet potatoes, then squash, then carrots.
Alexis has stopped nursing twice at night after daycare. I'm guessing it's because she's eating baby food and isn't as hungry. So she's nursing in the morning, taking 3 bottles at daycare, and nursing at night before bed. Then cereal for breakfast, or closer to a morning snack and baby food for dinner. She started with sweet potatoes, then squash, then carrots.
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