Teatopia

farts, toots, air biscuits, pooters, and my new favorite, poofs!

I told you in my last entry that I was going to re-visit the subject of farts. Why you ask? Well, my reasons are threefold: 1) We've unintentionally taught our daughter that farts are funny by laughing everytime she does one, 2) One of my favorite bloggers talked about it, and if she can do it, so can I, and 3) Quite frankly, between the three of us, there's a lot of farting going on, most of which gets blamed on the baby.

Let me start out by saying that I like the word "fart". It's a funny word, and I wasn't allowed to say it growing up. I didn't really grow up in a farting household. My parents have pretended like they don't fart since they got married. We had to say "toot", so now that I am big and can say what I want, I am going to say fart as much as I can. FART! FART! FART! :-) That's just too much work. It happens. Better to laugh I say! Anyway, we're pretty comfortable in my house. If you have to fart, you fart, although you may get yelled at if you're caught. Mostly though, we laugh at them. We yell at each other for it, but there's always paybacks eventually. Sadly, our fascination with farting has influenced Olivia, who is starting to laugh when she farts, or hears a fart. I know I should be teaching her appropriaite responses like saying "excuse me", so the whole situation has me thinking. Why are farts so funny (that is, if you even think they're funny)? I don't even know if I want her to say "fart", which means I need to stop saying it too. I like poofing. Someone "poofed" sounds good, don't you think?

Personally, as funny as farts are, I think we need to clean up our act around here, or we're going to have a child who farts in public and announces it to the world.

So, in my effort to make some decisions, I have some questions for you.

1) Do you live in a farting household?

2) What do you call it, or what would you like your kids to say?

3) What is an appropriate response when someone in the family farts poofs?

There's a lizard in my living room!!!!!! and other things

Bummer!!! The woman who offered me her jogging stroller for FREE can't find it, and now I haven't heard from her in days. I am broken hearted:-( I really want one because I do a lot of walking on tough trails, and my Graco just isn't going to cut it. I think I'm going to buy the Jeep one I want on Wednesday when James gets paid.

James worked on homework most of the weekend. His computer is in pieces at home, so he's been spending a lot of time at work. My laptop doesn't have all the programs he needs for all his high tech stuff. I seriously hated him yesterday for not being here. I didn't even want to talk to him when he got home because there was a mother freaking lizard in our living room. A LIZARD!!!!! IN MY HOUSE. I hate the south. If we hadn't moved here, we'd be getting snow tonight! Anyway, I had to chase this thing out the door with a broom. Not exactly the type of thing you'd hit with a fly swatter. I seriously deserve a medal. I almost peed my pants when I saw him. Who has a lizard in their house in February? We seriously can't move soon enough.

Olivia has been grinding her teeth all weekend long. She already has 8 teeth. Just how many more are coming? I didn't think she was due for anymore any time soon. Last night was rough. James and I were up with her half the night while she cried and grinded her teeth. I give her motrin when she feels really badly, but I don't want to keep her drugged all the time. I know some parents who give their kids medicine around the clock, but I don't feel comfortable with it.

I am so amazed by Olivia's vocabulary. She's like a sponge. Like most babies her age, she understands more than she can say. She points to tons of things when asked. She knows who/where everyone in the family is, and she knows many household objects. It's so much fun teaching her! Her favorite things to do lately are: making her mouth into an "o" shape, pointing at everything, playing with her new letter magnets on the fridge, walking while we hold her hands, feeding the dogs, and saying "hot" over and over and over again while watching the fireplace just hoping we'll turn it on! She also thinks it's funny when she farts. If I laugh and she does another one, she'll laugh too. I'm actually going to re-visit this tomorrow. You'll see why.

I've been bad about taking pictures lately, but here are some of the latest:

She loves riding on Daddy's shoulders!

Pointing after Mommy asked her "where is the fan?"

Grinding her teeth because they hurt. :-(

Eating some yummy bananas:

Getting into trouble!

McSpin-off?

Have you heard??? The writers for Grey's are thinking of doing a spin-off, which would focus on just one character, Addison Shepherd. It's weird because when she was first introduced on the show, she was this minor character who everyone wanted to go away so Meredith could have her man, but now, apparently, Addison has become one of the more popular characters. I guess they're finding it hard to focus on so many strong characters.

I also read that they're considering having some past characters, like maybe Denny Duquette, and showing some type of afterlife. Sounds a bit Six Feet Under-ish to me, but I'm all for the chance to look at that beautiful man some more-- I think I'll call him McHotty!

Would you like to see a spin-off? Do you think Addison is a good choice to base a new series on?

Ditzy teeny-boppers, new milestones, and not ready to wean (Olivia has spoken!)

Two posts in one day? Can it be? :-)

Pilates totally kicked my ass tonight! I got a great workout. I love going each week, but these girls in the class are totally getting on my last nerve. I know I used to teach and have all these patience, but these girls are completely obnoxious and annoying. All they do is laugh like ditzes and talk the entire time and it's distracting and annoying while I'm dying doing ab work. It's hard to hear the instructor. They both wear cheerleading shirts-- I think they're in high school and they won't shut up!!! They are so annoying. Our instructor even gave them a hint tonight! She said something like, "wow! Something must be really funny back there" and of course they didn't get a clue. I just want to yell at them to SHUT UP!! Can you tell I'm on my period? LOL!

I hung out at my moms for a while tonight when I went to pick up Olivia after pilates. My mom and I ended up watching American Idol, and Olivia slept on me. She woke up around 9:15, and I knew she was awake because I heard her whisper "HAH!" and she pointed to the roaring fire next to the couch. That's how she says "hot". She says "hah!" without the "t" sound and she always whispers it. Over the past few days, I've noticed O trying to put her shoes on by herself. She doesn't come close, but it's funny to watch. She's getting so independent! I mentioned earlier that she was taking steps holding on to the couch today. She's never walked around furniture before. I don't see her walking alone anytime soon, but she's making progress!

Baby girl is on another nursing strike. I know she's not weaning herself, because it always correlates with teething. All she's done today is grind her teeth and stick her hand in her mouth. She doesn't even want a pacifier. Then, when she stops having teething discomfort, she's back in full swing with the nursing. Tonight, I wanted to pump, but she screamed if I put her down, and James was at school, so I decided to give in and try a little formula (the 2nd stage). She needs liquids and it takes a while for me to pump, and I don't get that much, and all the while she'd be screaming. Anyway, she refused it. She'll take a bottle of my milk when she's teething, but she made the most awful face when she tasted the formula and she threw the bottle. I tried to stick it back in her mouth, and she swatted at it. Guess we definitely won't be weaning anytime soon. I wasn't considering it anyway because I don't think O is ready for table food quite yet. She seems to react to foods pretty easily and often gets rashes, and breast milk helps prevent future allergies. I honestly see myself nursing another 6 months, but probably less feedings than she has now, which is at least 6 when teething isn't an issue. I feel a little jealous of those of you who are weaning (or thinking about it). I LOVE nursing O and would mourn it if I stopped, but it isn't convenient when we're out, and also it stresses me out at times like this when it hurts her to suck. Oh well. I believe mothers know when it's time, and it feels right to keep going.

Well, now that O's asleep, time for me to go pump so I'll have something for her later if she sill won't nurse.

Little Miss Sassy

I hope this isn't an indication of things to come. Olivia is such a little sass. I'm trying to stand my ground when I tell her "no", but when she shakes her little finger at herself and looks at me to see if I'm watching her disobey, I just want to laugh. How can such a small person have such a strong personality? I'm hoping it's just one more thing she wants to mimic, but I can't help but think she knows what she's doing. She can point to any facial feature when asked, so somehow I'm thinking she gets the concept of "no".

Yay! As I'm typing this, Miss Sassy just took her first real steps holding on to furniture. We've been waiting for this!!!! I guess pretty soon I'll be joining the group of mommies with walkers! :-)

jogging stroller, Walmart, bleeding gums, and McSteamy (I couldn't think of a good title!!!)

I'm so excited! I snagged me a stroller! I belong to a great mom's group, and I asked on our msg board if anyone had a jogging stroller they'd sell, and someone replied that they've GIVE one to me. YIPPPPEEEE! It's not new, but I don't care. Money is tight and I'm thrilled to have it at all! I'm picking it up on Thursday. I'm trying to think of a small token of appreciation. Flowers maybe? She's also in the process of moving, so maybe a housewarming gift of some sort? It's just so nice of her. She's made me so very happy! It's hard pushing my Graco when I walk on trails.

I had a dentist appt this morning, and I can still taste blood in my mouth. I have never had someone clean my teeth with such aggression. She said they weren't even that bad, she just was rough. My whole mouth hurts and my gums are so swollen and red! :-(

This afternoon, I ventured out to our new Super Walmart. I seldom go to Walmart because the old one here always smelled funny and was so crowded, but this one is brand new and I was surprisingly impressed. They had lots of organic produce for making baby food, and I also bought some other things we needed. The prices are great! After I got back, I caught up on episodes of Grey's. I asked this a few days back, but no one answered . . . does anyone else think that McSteamy (Mark Sloan) looks like Leo DiCaprio? He sure is hot!

P.S. Thanks for your comments about my friend. I didn't mean to imply that woman with fertility/miscarriage issues are resentful of those with kids, I just wouldn't want seeing my baby to cause her pain over hers. Does that make sense? Please pray for her. I tried to get her today and couldn't. I'm worried and I hope she's ok.

It's getting HOT in here . . .

What happens when you're period comes just as you stop being able to breathe through your nose? I've in such a bitchy mood, but don't worry, I won't take it out on you. :-) I just needed to complain for a minute.

In spite of my "condition", we decided to have a fun holiday and so we headed north for lunch and some shopping at Babies 'R Us. I stocked up on Earth's Best baby food (but not breakfast because of the re-call), and of course, I came home with more than I bargained for. Mom came too, and she bought Olivia some clothes and a dolly. I was completely drooling over a Jeep jogging stroller that had a place to plug in an Ipod. It even had speakers. Speakers!!!! What a freakin' awesome stroller and I wanted it sooooo badly, but I didn't buy it because we are poor and I had to charge Starbucks today because I hadn't balanced my check book and didn't want to risk it. Sad, I know. Anyway, I'm going to a huge consignment sale for baby items in a few weeks, and I'm hoping to find a used jogging stroller there. If not, James said I can buy a new one. Well, actually, first he asked why I couldn't jog with the one I have. I just looked at him. Can you see me running trying to push this??? They're not exactly made for speed.

And while you're looking at the stroller, can you believe that like 5 people a week ask me how old my little boy is? Actually, you probably can because it's amazing how many people mistake girls for boys and boys for girls! It's happened to most moms. I used to correct them, but now I just tell them her age. James will ask me why I didn't tell them she's a girl. I get tired of hearing their excuses as to why they thought she was a boy. "Oh, well, she doesn't have much hair". Um, why is hair associated with girls? I've also heard "Oh, well she looks more like a boy." Yes, people have actually said that. Three people to be exact. Oh, the things I should've said!

My friend Sarah, who I mentioned I was throwing a shower for, miscarried. Acutally, she's in the process of losing her baby. She told me yesterday that she can't stand to wait around while her dead baby comes out. What do you say to something like that? My heart aches for her. She was only 3 months along, but there's a lot of guilt associated with this pregnancy. She was finalizing her divorce when she learned she was pregnant, and she feels badly that she didn't want the baby initially . . . like maybe she caused this. She was finally accepting it and becoming excited, and now this happened. Also, her ex is a real jerk and he's been stressing her out so much, so she worries that could've been it too. I just don't know the right thing to say. I felt so guilty bringing Olivia with me yesterday to her house to drop off flowers. It sound stupid, but I'm sure I'd feel resentment towards someone who had a baby if I'd just lost mine. It's human. It's not rational or even fair, but it's human. I've heard infertile women talk about that resentment before, and I frankly don't blame them. What can I do/say to make her feel better? I've never really known anyone in real life who's miscarried before. Oh, and I blogged more about it at Mommy Musings.

Olivia has a new word. My mom's been saying "hot" and pointing to the fireplace, so today at lunch, we asked for a table near the fireplace so Olivia could see the "hot". When we sat down, Olivia looked at the fire, pointed to it, and said "HOT!" as she nodded her little head. It was so funny, because all through lunch, she'd be in the middle of trying to pinch a piece of carrot, or a cracker, and she'd look up and whisper "HOT!" to show us she knew it was still there. I could kick myself for not doing more sign language with her. She's got great verbal skills and she'd probably pick up the signs pretty fast.

Well, I'm off to blow my nose and get to bed!

Wait! I meant to mention this. Did anyone else read that the actor who plays Harry Potter is going to be completely nude for 10 whole minutes in a play? He's going from kids' movies to nude scenes. Apparently, some parents are outraged. I guess instead of Harry Potter, he'd rather be Hairy Peter. (sorry, I couldn't resist, I think I deserve a good slapping for that last comment.) :-)

shoes, Mormons, and muffin tops

I got the shoes, people! 2 pairs!! And by shoes, I mean the Robeez, obviously. I mean, any shoes cute enough to replace sexy dreams about my husband (and Orlando Bloom) are totally worth charging on my credit card. BTW, how sad is it that halfway through the month I'm nearly overdrawn?? Anyway, you wanted to see the shoes . . .

I got the mermaid ones I blogged about:

and these pea pod shoes, which I just had to have for my sweet pea. Her FAVORITE food, by far, is peas, pureed or whole. I love to watch her pick up the little peas with her thumb and forefinger. Anyway, the shoes:

I think I'm getting a cold. I've been very good drinking my hot tea and eating chicken noodle soup, but this thing is persistant. I tried to lay low today, except for the shoe shopping. I also went to Publix to buy supplies to make more soup.

I'd have to say, the low point of my day was spent hiding from the Mormons. Those guys are relentless! I am all for spreading the word, but "bothering" people at their homes seems to turn people off more than anything. I knew I wouldn't be able to get rid of them if I answered the door, so instead, I hid in various places I didn't think they could see me through my window, until finally I was back in our room where I could nurse and change Olivia. James laughed when I told him and said I should've told them we already had a church, but thanks anyway. But I'm way too nice. One moment I'd be politely telling them no, and somehow, a minute later they'd have ended up in my living room and I'd be serving them coffee. So I hid like an idiot. When I finally thought they were gone, I snuck out to my car to bring in my bags, and I'll be damned, they caught me! They were still standing out on my driveway. I felt really stupid, so I ran back in the house, and they finally drove away on their 10 speeds. Last year we had some that sat on the porch for a half hour. I was trapped! That's what I get for not having the guts to say no. Oh, and out of curiousity, would you have answered the door?

Sorry if I'm jumping from here to there, but my circulation is about cut off, and it might be affecting my brain. See, we're at my parents' house right now, and I decided to take a hot shower because I LOVE my parents' shower and I don't feel so hot, and steam clears your nose. Anyway, I asked James to pack my sweat pants in the little bag we brought, and he said he would and didn't. So, I had to squueze my fat ass into my mom's sweat pants, which are like a size 4 and I am SO freaking not a 4. I feel like someone is slowly squeezing me to death. I might have to ride home without pants. I could just put my jeans back on, but they have food on them, and I just don't want to. This is all James's fault. I think I might have to trade him in for a better model. He's been driving me nuts lately. He's luckly he's so damn sexy!!!!!

Ok, time to go eat cheesecake. I think that might just put me over the edge, literally. I'm already muffin topping! That's it, I'm going to have to ride home pant-less. But, cheesecake . . . yum!

One Year Anniversary

Yesterday marked the one year anniversary of one of the scariest days of my pregnancy. Yesterday, I felt especially thankful for Olivia as I remembered how scared I'd been the year before.

I never thought we'd still be dealing with the legal hastles one year later. I have permanent damage in my back that will require life-long exercise/therapy. We set out to merely have our medical bills covered, but all that damage deserves a little compensation if you ask me.

Anyway, legal issues asside, I'm just so thankful Olivia is here and that she's healthy. It's amazing how well our bodies protect them!

Our somewhat sucky V. Day

Sorry, there won't be any pictures of Olivia in her dress. You'll just have to take my word for it that she was adorable. She even had red and pink heart tights to match! Actually, the reason we don't have pictures was the start of the sucky part of my Valentine's Day. Note to single friends: just because you are married/have a boyfriend does not mean Valentines Day=wonderfully romantic night.

We had a nice dinner-- waited forever for a table-- but it was nice. James took me to Starbucks after, which of course makes any night wonderful, and when we got home, we were already to take pictures of Olivia, but we smelled something stinky. James took her to the changing table to change her, saying that she must have farted because there was nothing in her diaper. He wiped her off and got another diaper, but when he pulled off the old one, poop flew all over the place. I guess it was just far up the back of her. So, we're trying to clean up, and she pees everywhere, as in all over the dress. So he put her in the tub, and I'm trying to clean up the pea. She saw me come into the bathroom to wet a rag, and she began screaming "mama! mama!" from the tub. James immediately wants me to take over. I said, "no, I'm cleaning" and he got mad and told me I was lazy and not thinking of her! Me, lazy? No sir! I get up with her a gazillion times a night and rarely complain, I still nurse her a lot, I make homemade Organic baby food, take her playgroups, for walks, etc. Lazy? Don't think so. Oh, and I clean better, which is why I wanted to be the one to sanitize where the pee and poop went.

Later, he explained that he thought if I should've taken over to make her feel better, but I explained that I can't come every.single.time. He is her other--and very capable-- parent and I was in the middle of something. Besides, it wouldn't have helped anyway because she didn't want me, she wanted out of the tub. She does this about once a week when she's tired. She cries and cries in the tub (even when I'm the one bathing her) because she wants to crawl around instead of sit in a tub. But he didn't think that's what she wanted, and I thought I was right because I always am. I'm the mommy. I know all. Kidding, but I know it wouldn't have helped for me to come over there, because she'd just scream for me to pick her up.

What ensued was a ridiculous arguement that probably could've been used for a comedy act script. We finally made up around 4:00 when I got up to nurse the baby and he reached over and started rubbing my back while I nursed in our bed.

Me: Um, what are you doing???

Him: Rubbing your back.

Me: Why? You think I'm lazy and a terrible mother. Don't touch me until we talk about it and you're sorry!

So we talked about it, he apologized, and things returned to normal.

Still, V. day was kind of sucky. No sex, no eating the strawberries and drinking white wine I bought, no opening presents (that happened today). Sucky sucky.

Oh well. Life goes on. We were overdue for a fight.

Anyway, Grey's comes on soon. Yahooooooooo! Should be interesting. I wish I'd finished Season 2 though. I'm about halfway through. I'm at the part where McDreamy got back together with his wife and I'm DYING to know when/how they broke up and when he and Meredith got back together!!! Just tell me this, did it happen last season or this season? Because if it was this season and I missed it, DAMN!

Anyone think McSteamy looks a bit like Leonardo DiCaprio?

Oh, and this morning, I get this text msg from my friend B:

"I wanted to send you something hot and sexy, but I couldn't fit in your mailbox."

He's way too much. At least a man said something sexy to me for Valentine's Day, even if he is gay!

Nighty night!

Happy Valentine's Day

Just wanted to wish everyone a Happy Valentine's Day! Doesn't matter if you're part of a twosome, tell someone you love them!!!!!

James and I are going out to dinner tonight. I'm about to go change and put Olivia's dress on her. We're taking my grandma out too, and James said how lucky he is to have 3 dates! :-) I'm not sure what we got each other. James came home with 2 shopping bags a few days ago, explaining that one was my gift and the other was his from me. He's never done that before, but it sure made my job easier! Off to go look at it and wrap it!

Pictures later of Olivia in her V. day dress and her new heart tights!

fiddling blogging while Rome is burning . . .

I love being a Mommy, but sometimes it stresses me out and I feel like I'm going nuts. Olivia is putting up a good fight tonight and has been screaming off and on for an hour. I nursed her, gave her teething tablets, rocked her, sang, begged, you name it. Right now, Daddy's taking a turn trying to get her to sleep, and she's yelling to beat the band. She can hardly even catch her breath. Why oh why does she fight sleep like this? It's a constant battle. She sounds like some kind of animal right now and I'm blogging so I don't so insane. I'm glad James offered to give me a break, because I was quite annoyed at him earlier when I did the laundry and had to turn every single article of his clothing the correct way. Every last thing was inside out. Grrr . . . How hard is it to push your pant legs back in?

Today, MF and I had a bake-a-thon. We made Giada's banana muffins and also parmesan and herb scones for our moms' group breakfast tomorrow. It should be fun!!! I thought about adding some chopped ham to the scones. It was left over from a ham pate I made for lunch, but I thought it might be too weird??? Our group leader owns a liquor store, and she's bring different kinds of Bailey's. Not sure if I should be drinking before noon, but right now, it sure is tempting . . . I'm looking forward to meeting some moms I haven't yet met, since our old group sort of ended and merged with this one. The lady hosting tomorrow lives in the middle of freaking nowhere in Alabama. Makes me think of the movie "Wrong Turn". Say a prayer we don't get eaten by mutant trailer dwellers (before one of the "anonymous" trolls has a field day, that was meant to be tongue and cheek!!!!! I don't have a problem with trailers)

Olivia's really been biting me lately while nursing. Usually, she's undeterred when I scold her, but last night, I really had to yell at her because she bit the crap out of me, and she cried and cried when I yelled. Made me cry too. I hate having to yell at that little face. :-(

Now our Valentine's date is a dinner for 4. Since we're already bringing Olivia, we invited my grandma because she's spent the last 30 some years alone on Valentine's night, ever since my grandpa left. She was really touched that we invited her. My whole family is good about including her in almost everything, but V. day tends to be date night, so we invited her on ours. I'm glad to have her. James and I can have a "date" date another time, when my mom can watch O.

Other things:

-- I acidentally stepped on MF's baby boy today while he was crawling around my house. I felt terrible!!! He's such a sweet, beautiful little boy!

-- Got a sample can of 9-24 month formula in the mail today. I'm not sure if I'll introduce milk if I keep nursing past a year. I doubt I'll nurse her as much as I do now (6 times in a 24 hour period minimum), but if I do, maybe I'll use the toddler formula instead of milk because it's more nutrient-rich, yet I don't like the idea of using formula. Not sure what extended nursers do about liquids during the day . . .

-- I love the "Backyardigans". Olivia might not pay much attention to it, but I do!

-- I volunteered to throw a shower for my friend Sarah. So excited! it won't be for a few months, but I'm already planning!

-- Apparently, I'm deaf. My good friend Rebecca said she called my name yesterday at a store and I never heard her. This is further proof of how totally out of it I am. I feel like I'm in a fog. I don't think I've reached a REM cycle in a year and half (before Olivia, it was the heart burn)

-- Get thee to "Mommy Musings" and tell me what your biggest turn-on is about the opposite sex. You can also read mine. I'm such a dork.

-- Olivia is asleep! Go James!!!

10 Months

*I initially posted this with "11 months" because I am old and losing my mind. I made cute little colorful titles for the next few months and then uploaded the wrong one. I'm an idiot!

Doodle Bug,

That's what I've been calling you lately: doodle bug, and also boodles. But mostly, you are my little angel because you make me so happy!!!!

This month, I turned 26-- the same age your Grammie was when she had me. Growing up, my mom always told me about when I was born, and I remember thinking that that all seemed so far away, that 26 was so far in the future, and here I am. I love being your mommy though, and I love everything that comes with it! Well, the not getting enough sleep part is hard, but I'm managing. But if if I have to see someone's face at 3:00, I'm just glad it's yours. :-)

Physically, this month, you've finally started to get more than just those 4 little teeth. Although all your little teeth are cute, I hate that they've hurt you so much. :-( You still enjoy pulling yourself up and you love to walk when we hold your hands. You take HUGE, exaggerated steps, and you always look so proud! I think it'll be a month or so before you start walking on your own because you're just starting to figure out that you can walk holding on to furniture. You also love to crawl in and under things. I can't wait until we can build forts! I always loved forts.

Probably the biggest thing you've started doing this month is imitating me when I scold you. I'm afraid that the finger pointing has become a game-- a game you love-- and you do it all the time. This afternoon, Daddy took you with him to buy Mommy's Valentine's gift, and you stopped in a cafe to pick Mommy up some lunch. A lady right next to you at the counter was yelling about her order and pointing her finger at the manager. You looked at her, started pointing your finger at her and yelling right back. I'm not sure that this is a good thing, but I'm hoping you don't *really* understand about listening to your parents, and instead think it's just one more fun thing to copy that you see us doing.

This month, we entered the era of Cheerios. I loved Cheerios as a kid, and you've taken after me. You also love Saltine crackers, which you hated a couple months ago. Now, I think it's one of your favorites! We're starting to give you some table foods, but you seem to have a sensitive tummy, so we're moving ahead slowly . .

(you have a bruise on your forehead in the picture above. :-( You're like your mama-- you bruise at the slightest bump!)

In terms of language, "uh oh" and "mama" are still your favorites. You still throw things constantly so you can yell "uh oh!" It's definitely a game, and we try not to play along too much. You definitely impress strangers with your talking out in public (and your pretty baby blues). You've started pointed to the dogs and saying "daw" and "hair" is one you say a lot too. You like to yank on our hair, and I love the way you say it! You can't make an "r" sound, so you say "heh" in a long, drawn-out way, almost like you're asking a question. It's so funny (except that the hair pulling hurts!)

I've been trying to get a picture of your teeth. At first, when your 2 top teeth came in, I was worried they weren't supposed to be so far apart, but the more I see/read about other kids, this is very normal. Besides, I think they are precious and I wish you'd let me take a picture before the other teeth coming push them closer together!!!

Well, 2 more months until your 1st birthday. The countdown is on!!! I love you so very much, my baby girl. You will never know the joy your bring me until you bring one of your own into the world.

All my love,
Mommy

Quick! Ideas!!!

I've asked for book suggestions before, and you guys always seem to have great taste! This time, it's serious!!!! I just finished "The Time Traveler's Wife" last night around 2:00 am, and after many tears (yes, many!!!), I am depressed and totally missing this book. Only a few other books have made me cry like that: the Mark of the Lion series (those of you who've read them are totally nodding in agreement), and "One Child" by Tori Hayden. I need something *REALLY* good to get into. It's my escape! I have a pile of books next to my bed, but nothing's grabbing me.

Will be v. sad until I get back into something. I'm willing to except that few characters are as sexy as Henry (did anyone else think he was sexy? Or maybe I'm just weird?), but I suppose any book you liked will do! :-)

Not so erotic dreams

In the old days (aka, pre-parenthood), I often dreamed about my sexy husband, which of course he just loved.

Me: Honey, I had a sex dream about you last night.

Him: Really? What were we doing???

Except last night, I dreamed that I was in a store that was selling tons of cheap Robeez. They had all my favorites! I'm such a sucker for Robeez.

Still good dreams, but instead of just hot times with the hubby, my dreams seem to revolve around other things, like the price of children's footwear. :-)

What can I say? Times have sure changed . . .

All I wanted to do is watch Grey's Anatomy! Oh, and did you hear about Anna Nicole?

Ugh! It took freaking FOREVER to get Olivia to sleep tonight when all I wanted to do was watch Grey's Anatomy. I seriously felt like I was about to have a temper tantrum. I just wanted to yell and stomp my feet because I wasn't getting my way, but instead, I'm bitching to you, which is by far the more mature choice. I'm just sleep-deprived after getting up 30, yes THIRTY, times last night with Olivia-- sometimes every 10 minutes. She was so restless. She didn't really fuss, so I didn't think she was in pain, so I didn't give her anything. Then, this morning, she grinned at me and I spotted two new arrivals. I learned a lesson: when in doubt, give her IB Profin. Usually, I have a lot of patients, and it's amazing that even when you're frustrated, you're never mad at your child. Tonight, I just needed so down time . . .

It's really sad about Anna Nicole Smith. She has a baby girl, and with all the controversy over the paternity and the question if she's even legally married, I just hope that little girl ends up with someone loving to raise her. I'm curious as to the cause of death. To tell you the truth, I'm not even sure why this is such a big story. People die every day, and it's sad, but I'd rather hear about someone who tried to change to world, like Steve Irwin, than someone who was famous for big boobs and marrying an old man for his money. I don't want to speak badly of someone who's dead, but there are so many other important issues out there and we'll be hearing about this story for months. It also made think about what would happen to Olivia if we died. We don't have a will, but we agree my mom and dad would get Olivia. I guess it's important that we make our decision legal. What about you? Do you have a will?? Does it include where your children would go if you died?

Well, it's off to bed with me. I have stroller exercise in the morning. I need to walk off all the buttercream icing I've eaten. I love b-day cake!!!

Thoughts of a 26 year old very old woman

I really can't believe that I'm 26. It sounds so old. I know you're thinking "yeah, right" but to me, it's always been the age that seemed so ADULT. I think it's because my mom had me at 26, and I always thought that seemed old growing up, and now I'm 26 with my own child. Wow. Time does fly. But it also brings amazing blessings, and I hope the coming years bring more of the joy we've felt having Olivia here with us.

My birthday was great. I had lunch at Olive Garden with James and my grandma. There was a baby only a month or so older than Olivia eating Cheetos next to us. And we wonder why children are obese. HA! Anyway, lunch was really good. After lunch, I went window shopping with Olivia. We went to this baby store where one dress cost $70, but they were hand embroidered and had smocking (were smocked??). The store owner addressed all the other moms by name, so they obviously buy $70 dresses fairly regularly. I left without buying anything because I don't have $70 for a dress, but it's ok. I just feel fortunate to be home with Olivia. :-) I saw the cutest shoes by Robeez and wanted to buy them, but the small size was way too tiny and the next size was way too big, so I'll wait until she's bigger.

Here they are:

I love this style of shoe because they stay on better. She has some like it now, but I love the mermaids on these. When I was little, I loved mermaids, so I'd love to get these!

After coffee with MF (her treat! I just love her!), I went home to meet James and we headed to my parents'. I got awesome gifts for my birthday. James got me a scanner! Stay tuned for older pics! He also got me software to transfer my cell phone pics directly to my computer. I got a Starbucks gift card, Aveda rosemary mint body wash (love it!), and a nice carrying bag for my pilates mat. From my family, I got money (I'm getting highlights!!), Seasons 1 & 2 of Grey's Anatomy (yipppeee!), 2 GAP shirts, earrings, 2 CD's, Bath & Body Works lotion, and some other little things. I also got some really sweet e-cards from friends and a few surprises in the mail! When we got home, I took a chocolate bubble bath and read "The Time Traveler's Wife". Love that book!

Today was lunch with MF, lots of walking, and then I skipped pilates because I had a tummy ache, which I've had for 5 days. Not sure what's going on, but skipping pilates gave me more time to pick at leftover cake (buttercream icing, yum!) and I had a good soak in my parents' hot tub while my mom and Olivia played the piano. The soak helped my tummy, but I wish I knew what's going on. I'll give it a few days before calling the dr.

Other thoughts in bulleted form so I don't ramble . . .

-- I wish I had time to make hand-made cards. My aunt always makes the prettiest cards and I save every one of them.

-- My car smells like poop. Olivia had one of the stinkiest diapers ever while we were at lunch, so I changed her in the car and forgot to throw away the diaper. It sat in my car, in the sun, all day. Now my car smells like something died. But I sure love the little fanny that caused all the stink!

-- I'm sick and tired of the underwire popping out of my nursing bras. I think I need to buy a brand other than Motherhood Maternity.

-- Today was gorgeous and it made me happy. I still wish it would snow here. I miss snow.

OK, time for me to go read more of "The Time Traveler's Wife" before bed. I think I have a crush on Henry. There's something sexy about a tall, dark, young librarian with a great libido (this is not to say that my husband doesn't possess these qualities, except that he's not a librarian, obviously) I love smart men. I'm such a dork.

You know you're in trouble when . . .

you point your finger at your not-quite-10-month-old and say in your sternest of stern voices, "NO! NO! NO!" when they are trying to reach into the toilet, and then they stop, look at you, point their little finger back at you and wave it as they yell, "NONONONONONO" in imitation. And it's especially bad when they laugh at you (and at their near perfect imitation) and go back to reaching into the toilet.

Not even 10 months and already sassing her mommy. Folks, this is not good I tell you. Not good at all. Tomorrow's my birthday, and Olivia has decided to give me an attitude.

Amazing Birthday Dinner

I had a completely amazing birthday dinner at 10 Degrees South last night! We'll celebrate at my parents' house on Tuesday, but last night was certainly a night to remember! The restaurant was gorgeous, they played great music (Olivia couldn't stop dancing!), the food, wine, and desserts were fabulous, and we just had the nicest time.

Going clockwise, the dishes are: safari salad with papaya dressing, filet au poivre, chicken curry with sambals (my dinner), pap (like palenta-- sorry it's hard to see), and my amazing dessert: fruit cake!

We had trouble taking pictures. It was a dim restaurant, but when I used the flash, they turned out pretty bright. In fact, James kept yelling at me to stop using the flash because it's a nice restaurant, but we were off in a corner by ourselves, so I took a few anyway. Pooh on him. I wanted pictures!

Eating saltines that we brought:

Sometimes it takes two hands!

Mommy & Olivia by the masks:

I was kind of disappointed that they didn't have t-shirts like the website said, but they told me I could call later and they'd send me one. I also assumed that the waiters/staff would be South African, but no one we spoke to was. we had tons of people come to our table to see Olivia. She was dressed in a safari themed outfit from Gymboree, complete with pink animal tights, a denim skirt with animals on it, and a matching shirt. We ended up talking to almost everyone who worked there. The only person I even knew was from South Africa was this really hot waiter, but the food was totally authentic (from what I remember of our trip).

James took this before we left . . .

It's his version of "Where's Waldo?" Can you spot Olivia?

Here she is!

I will definitely be going back, but not too often because it's quite pricey, but so worth it!

pain, triple date, and My Space friends

I am in *SO* much pain! Pilates on Wednesday totally kicked my butt. My "core" is sore! She really worked my abs to the point of misery, but at least that means I actually am toning and tightening my flabby post-preggo tummy! I remember trying to do sit-ups and crunches 6 months ago and I could barely get off the floor! That's how out of shape I was. Now, I can manage an entire hour of pilates, and although my abs are still sore, I feel so good! Also, I've been going to stroller exercise on Friday mornings. Pushing a stroller while power walking for an hour or so is harder is actually a good workout. MF and I walk a lot in the afternoons, too. So, I figured after all this exercise, I deserved a reward, so I treated myself to a soft and chewey Reese's cup cookie at Barnes & Noble today. After seeing how loosely my pants were fitting today, it was all I could do not to eat 5 cookies, but I didn't. I remember trying on these pants after I had Olivia, and it was a no-go. They actually weren't fitting so well before I had her, so I either completely stretched them out with all the trying-on, or, I've lost weight. I choose to believe the latter. I don't do scales, so I can't verify, but I really think I've lost some inches! And my friends and family think so, too. Wahhhooooo for me! My size 8 jeans await me! (and I'll be thrilled to stay at an 8!)

This morning at stroller exercise, 2 of the moms were trying to convince me to leave Olivia with some moms from the group so I could go to a mom's night thing. I told them I wasn't comfortable, and they said, "that's just a new mom thing. She'd be fine. It's just you who feels uncomfortable." aka "it's all in your head. YOU'RE the one with the problem, not her." I could totally tell that's what they meant, and they totally disregarded the fact that Olivia has major stranger anxiety! Yes, I have that new-mom-who-can't-leave-her-baby problem, but I'm NOT going to leave her with someone I don't know! She has trouble making it for one hour in the church nursery! They actually brought up my "problem" a few times. I know I'm over-bearing and protective. I'm working on it, but leaving her with someone I don't even know? Not happening.

Ooooh! Oooooh! We're going on a date for Valentine's Day-- the three of us! Olivia's Christmas dress has red roses on it, which is PERFECT for V. day, so she's going to wear that along with the heart patterned tights I bought, and James is taking both his girls out. My mom offered to watch her the weekend before or after so we could go, but I'm fine with taking her. We can go out alone another night. Besides, she came with us last year, kind of. :-) I remember we were looking at the 4D ultrasound pics at dinner that we'd just had done a few days before.

Hey-- what's up with this number of friends thing on My Space? I swear, people I never talked to want to be my friend, and also people I didn't like! This girl who completely ruined my 14th birthday found me and wanted to be friends. WTF? Everyone knew that this guy was going to ask me out at my party, and she found out, interrupted my slow dance, and asked him out before he could ask me. Of course, as an 8th grade guy, he was flattered, said yes, and then forgot about me. They broke up before the weekend was over, but he never did ask me. I spent most of high school hating this girl (well, not hating, but the sight of her made me want to puke!) and she has the nerve to ask me to be friends? HA! I really think it's about numbers-- who has the most friends. Speaking of which, want to be my friend on My Space? *huge grin*

Seriously though, here's my page. I finally figured out how to change the colors and I'm so proud! My page is rockin'! Let's just say I'm not particularly computer savvy. Just don't mention my blog on my page. I so don't need ex boyfriends reading about my personal life, or the beeyotch who ruined my party!

http://www.myspace.com/mom2olivia

Oh, and don't forget to check out my latest Olivia pics in my last entry. I'm off to wash Olivia's outfit for our dinner in Atlanta tomorrow night!

Picture Update

I realized that I haven't posted too many pictures of Olivia lately. Bad Mama!

I've been saying that I really don't see Olivia walking anytime soon, but maybe I'm wrong? She walks all the time when we hold her hands, ans she's starting to explore walking around furniture more and more! She also adores this tea set from Pier 1!

Yum! These tea cups are good!

At last! Enough hair for a little bow! Well, almost. They come out pretty easily. :-(

The other day, my mom, sister and I tried a new restaurant in town. Our order took a longer-than-average time, so without us even saying anything, the manager came and brought Olivia a dish of vanilla ice cream. We ate most of it, but we did let her have a little taste. Big mistake!!!! She grunted and screamed for more bites, so after way too many bites, we had to hide it.

The first bite was too cold . . .

She loved the smaller bites, though!

More smiles! I can't get enough! :-)

Oh, and Olivia CLEARLY understands "mama" now. She's been saying it and reaching for me for a few months, but now, everything is "mama". She wants to nurse, so she whines "mama" and crawls on my lap. If James is playing with her, and I walk by, she points and says "mama!" I love it! I love being a mommy! WEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!