To my Adelaide Muse

Dear Child

2011-01-19T15:23:00.003-09:00

Dear Child,
No matter how much I love you, my desire to write adoringly about your endeavors is dampened severely by battling you for naptime for more than an hour. Please, please, accept me as a substitute nap-inducer when Daddy is not home.

Moving On.

Hilarity #1:
This morning we were sharing a cup of water. You dumped it on the floor. Tired, I asked you to go get a towel and clean up the water. You did. !! All by yourself! You went to the kitchen, opened the drawer (with some difficulty and equal perseverance), grabbed a towel, brought it back to my feet, and cleaned up the water. Unreal! So Cute! So impressive! Most one year olds do not do that. You are clearly the best.

Hilarity #2:
More involving the towels. Daddy brought down a load of clean kitchen towels and asked if you wanted to help fold them. You shouted "Yes!" and ran into the kitchen. I folded one towel, put it away, and grabbed another. You watched me do this (as you've seen me do many times), grabbed the pile of towels, shoved them into the drawer, picked up the one you dropped, then shut the drawer and walked away. No flies on you! You know the bottom line and you got the job done. Awesome, kiddo. Awesome.

Hilarity #3:
Last night Daddy went into the kitchen to check on dinner. It was done, so he said he would set the table. You climbed off my lap, ran as fast as you could into the kitchen and shouted "Help, Help!" while reaching for the plate he was holding. Then you helped set the table chanting "helper, helper, helper". How many one year olds are so thoughtful? How many one year olds are so excited about helping their parents set the table for dinner? No one. No one but you, my love. You are exceptional.

Hilarity #4:
You've started requesting ice in your baths. We got you some bubble bath for Christmas (which you hated at first). Now, whenever we mention a bath, you first ask for bubbles and then ask for ice. I have no idea how you got the idea of ice in the bathtub, but you have a blast with it. You just hold it and dunk it and watch it melt. Then, you search though the bubbles looking for the melted ice. Silly fun.

365 project

2011-01-07T15:47:00.002-09:00

I don't want to miss out on this next year with you sweetheart. You are so special. And growing so fast. I'm going to try taking a picture of you every day, posting it, and posting a little blurb about what happened that day. Getting started has been hard because while on vacation we don't have a way for me to upload pictures but I realized today that I could at least start writing the posts.

I'm not sure if I'll keep this all on this blog or if I'll move it to a blog of its own. We'll see. A great many pictures and posts will be about your sister, so they wouldn't fit on this blog, and I certainly don't want to leave her out.

Today we had a great time playing with your cousin and aunt and uncle. You tease your cousin E. like he is your big brother, and he responds in 'kind'. It's hilarious to watch. He doesn't want you playing with whatever you have, and you are so quick to steal whatever is near him, hold it behind your back and see what he does about it. You're instigating a bit. Daddy and I love watching you with your cousins. So do your aunts and uncles and Nana and Papa. You have a huge extended family who loves you very much.

Friends

2010-12-22T14:42:00.004-09:00

You have 3 friends that you play with most often.

Lady D, Lady S, and Mr. M. You LOVE your friends. You have a blast with them. The four of you move in a little herd that thoroughly examines and enjoys everything in its path. Last night we hosted Mild Mannered Mellow Baby Playtime (which used to be called Crazy Baby Playtime, but you little ones took that charge too seriously) and you had a blast. You all played dress up and climbed on things and figured out the parts of the living room that haven't been thoroughly baby-proofed since we last moved our furniture.

Mr. M's momma gave us a Christmas card that has Mr. M's picture on it. You carry it around with you when he's not here. You show him things, and try to share your teething rings, and generally just try to be the best hostess you can. When he gets here, you try to do those things with him, and so I'm trying to help you learn that the autonomy you so love and cherish may also be something he enjoys as well.

You're sweet my love. A sweet girl with very sweet friends.

Potty Learning

2010-12-16T23:05:00.002-09:00

Well my dear you have decided that it's time to use the potty. I'm not sure how you learned what it's for, because neither Daddy nor I use it in front of you, but you know what it's for and you want to use it.

Last night I was letting you run around naked while I folded your clothes and diapers. Suddenly you stopped running, pointed to where you had just dribbled a bit, said "poop!", then went to the door of your room, pointed to the bathroom, and said "potty. potty!"

A little bewildered, I scooped up your naked self and took you to the potty. After a few minutes of relishing how fun and exciting sitting on the potty was you then announced "poop," grabbed at your lower abdomen and began peeing. When you were done, you clapped for yourself and grabbed my shoulders to hop off.

Sweetheart, I know no one has taught you this. I know it because I am with you 24/7. You don't want TV, and you haven't been with a babysitter in months. I have no idea how you figured all of that out. Just more proof that you are awesome. My little baby genius. My little baby genius who is trying very hard to grow up.

Sweet Singin' Girl

2010-12-07T22:46:00.003-09:00

Well, you've discovered how to sing along with "I've been working on the railroad". You sing along to any parts with an "O" sound at the end. And it's AWESOME.

You're still mildly obsessed with vacuuming. It's looking good for our floors, and I'm glad we don't pay an electric bill.

I love you daughter. You're smart as a whip and strong and passionate. You're learning new words so fast that your little brain keeps practicing even at night. I'm not joking, you've been talking in your sleep! yes, I'm watching and listening to you sleep. Still. You're just as incredible now as you were day one.

Blackberry Applesauce is Yummy

2010-11-24T21:06:00.001-09:00

I love the way you eat applesauce. Scoop it up in your hand, slurp and suck it off your sticky fingers, repeat. You make me laugh sweetheart.

This child is a huge fan of bathtime. . .

2010-11-23T00:00:00.000-09:00

. . . and I am a huge fan of her. ♥

Getting Dad's attention

2010-11-20T16:34:00.002-09:00

This morning you and Momma were eating lunch. Daddy was upstairs studying.

You coughed, looked at me, smiled, and coughed again. This went on for a minute, and Daddy came RUNNING down the stairs as fast as he could. He thought for sure you were choking. You were not surprised, didn't even turn to look at him, you just said "Dad, down" and pointed to his chair at the table. You'd been asking about Yahtzee, and when I explained that we'd play it later, you seemed unfazed. You just got Dad's attention, and directed him to sit down at the table.

Little stinker!

Addie's first library books

2010-11-19T18:38:00.002-09:00

Adelaide, you've been to the library a lot in your short life, much more than most children your age but today was the first day that we checked out books for you. We asked the librarians about Spot books (your current fav) and they pulled some out of their private collection so that you could read some with flip up pieces. They don't get circulated, but we were allowed to read them in the library. You had both the librarians laughing the whole time we read. You'd mimic me and stare intently at each page. How you can do both things at the same time is beyond me, but you do it with style.

You've also discovered naked time. And you LOVE it! So occasionally, while we're out and about, you will grab the bottom of your shirt, pull it up, and then yell "NayNayNay!" (requesting to be naked). It's pretty cute. You're pretty cute.

Love you baby.

Addie's Rules

2010-11-16T20:12:00.003-09:00

You understand the rules surrounding the phrase 'thank you'. Sunday, you handed me something. I took it, thinking I was doing you a favor. You started to walk away, turned back to me, and signed 'thank you' with a confused look on your face. Then you did it again. I thought you were saying 'thank you' so I said "you're welcome". You continued signing 'thank you' looking more frustrated. When I realized you wanted me to sign 'thank you' and not 'you're welcome', I did. You smiled and walk away.

The next day, Dad forgot to say 'thank you' and you did the same thing. You're quite stern when you correct our lack of manners.

Thanks, baby. We'll try harder.

teeth!

2010-11-13T23:38:00.002-09:00

You are such a trip sweetheart. Right now you have a LOT of teeth trying to come in, and you have a cold that makes you seem pretty sick, but you are still just as happy and bouncy and cheery as always.

Your current tooth count stands like this: You have your four middle teeth on top, two middle teeth and bottom, and over the last few days you've added your top two molars to the list. You've got two more teeth to cut on top (and they're coming!), your two molars on the bottom (any minute now!) and four more on the bottom (one is just about there, another is going to be a few more days, and the last two are nowhere to be seen).

beer!

2010-11-11T15:02:00.001-09:00

Also, Daddy let you have a sip of non-alcoholic beer. He won't let me put the picture up on the internet, but when you get bigger you can ask to see it.

You were unimpressed. But since Daddy was drinking it, you kept asking for sips.

2010-11-11T14:59:00.002-09:00

Daddy's been teaching you to play guitar. You LOVE "tar". You want to strum the strings right where Daddy does even though your arm isn't quite long enough. Whether you're on his lap or standing in front of him you help him as much as you can. Oh Adelaide, you are so much fun.

2010-10-29T08:25:00.003-08:00

Your love

2010-10-27T20:43:00.002-08:00

You are never shy about loving.

Today you loved on me. Daddy would read you a book, you'd pick out another and bring it to me. He'd take it, offer to read it to you, you'd consider the offer, then walk over to him. You were so adamant about wanting more mama time. Daughter, it is always appreciated. Always.

Daddy asked you tonight what a bear says and you answered "Rawr". He asked you what a daddy said and you answered (with a smile) "no no no". You were teasing him! What a sweetie!

2010-10-26T21:59:00.002-08:00

Well my love, today you are 14 months old. Incredible. You are a one year old, a toddler, and becoming a very special little girl. You are bright and sunny and full of love. Your joy extends to everyone you meet. You smile and wave and shine your love to those you see whether it's in the grocery store or at a doctor's office. You are healthy and strong and very verbal.

I expected you to try to say words like 'bye-bye' and 'up'. Instead, you try words like 'walrus' and 'yahtzee'. You are the only 1 year old I know that can identify both a walrus and a yahtzee box. I'm not sure I can list all of your words anymore. Nor can I list all of the things that you know. You know many parts of the body (both yours and other people's), you know what sounds animals make and can say some of their names. You know how to ask for help and tell me what the problem is (stuck is a common problem in our house). You know what food you want and what you'd like to drink.

Which brings us to food. My love, you are an eater. You out-eat mama on occasion. Generally, that occasion is breakfast for dinner. You are a big fan of pancakes. We have to cut you off - you're only allowed 3 at a time. Well, once in a while you can talk us into 4. In the morning, you start off your day with a bottle of coconut milk. That's followed by either french toast (which includes an entire egg and applesauce) or pancakes. Then, you have a banana (which you will not share or compromise). Mid-morning, you eat cheerios and raisins. For lunch, you can eat a PB&J plus veggies all by yourself. Between your morning nap and your afternoon nap, you have another bottle of coconut milk. After your afternoon nap, you'll eat as many crackers as you can talk me out of and as much fruit as you can get your little hands on (though generally I try to share the fruit with you). Dinner comes very quickly after your nap, and you'll eat some of whatever we're having, more if it's bread or pancakes. The last time we had breakfast for dinner you had a bowl and a half of applesauce, FOUR pancakes, a piece of bacon, crushed pineapple, and a sippy cup of juice. That was immediately washed down with ANOTHER bottle of coconut milk.

My darling child, you burn a lot of calories in a day, so you can eat whatever you want to keep yourself full. You're in the 89th percentile for height and the 58th percentile for weight. Tall and skinny, just like your dad. Your head circumference is right up there too, I think that was 88th percentile. You're 22 pounds, 2 ounces, and 31 inches long. You are a growing girl.

Now it's late, and mama is tired. We'll be up early tomorrow, because that's how you like it.

Love you,
Mama

2010-10-21T21:21:00.003-08:00

Yesterday, Addie, we went outside to play in the snow, and you had changed your mind about that whole sledding thing. You were completely uninterested in sledding. But pulling the sled behind you as we walked through the snow? That was a hit. So we did. For nearly an hour. Twice.

Today, we went to Lady S and Lady D's house. PLUS, we went to the grocery store. Tomorrow, we're going to Mother Moose with Lady D. Basically, you are busy girl with a very busy social schedule.

Ready for some pictures?

today's recap

2010-10-19T21:22:00.002-08:00

For starters Adelaide, you are precious. This morning we made cookies. You felt that the door to the oven was warm ("hot!") and so you blew on it to cool it off. Just like we've taught you to do with your food. Unbearably cute.

Yesterday, I thought I heard you use a sentence. I wish I remembered what it was. Today, you definitely asked me "Where's Dadad?"

Then, once Dad-O got home, we went outside to play in the snow. You LOVED it. Your first time sledding was a big hit. You thought sitting in the sled while Dad-O dragged you along was just too cool until you went down the hill. Then, life got really good. You smiled and waved to me and grinned and yelled and loved it.

You are so much fun my love.

And you know where your little sister is! You point right to my belly, and you hug and snuggle with her. We're trying out potential names on you. Because any name coming out of a baby's mouth sounds that much sweeter.

Teaching my daughter to eat yellow snow

2010-10-18T21:34:00.002-08:00

The first snowfall came to Fairbanks recently and when Adelaide and I were walking to our house, we stopped to examine the snow. She touched it and picked it up and when she said 'snow' it sounded a little like 'gnO' with the 'O' part dragged out.

So then, yesterday, I realize I have never given the poor kid applesauce to eat. At least, not by itself. So I pulled some from the fridge, poured it into a bowl, and let her have a spoon. She dipped and tasted, liked it, then started eating it with her fingers.

When she dug her fingers in, she realized it felt familiar.

"gnO!"

Which she continued chanting as she merrily ate. She ate several bowls and I suddenly realized I just taught her about eating yellow snow. But not the way I meant to!

Catching up

2010-09-07T22:32:00.003-08:00

Dear heart, Momma has not posted in a long time and I am sorry.

On August 17th, Dad-O and I went out to dinner and you stayed home with some friends. Lady S is a Momma's age friend and Lady D is a your age friend. You did not cry when Momma and Dad-O left. In fact, you were too busy hugging Lady D to even notice that Momma and Dad-O had gone! All night you were happy go lucky girl showing off your toys. The only time you cried was when Lady D got tired of hugs. Apparently, other than that you had an evening as wonderful as your parents.

Later that night Momma and Dad-O realized something exciting: you and Momma share a birthstone. So even though Momma doesn't wear a lot of jewelry, you and I will be able to share when you get older!

Then, 9 days later, you turned one. We had some presents for you to open on your birthday and you got to have a doughnut for breakfast on this special day.

Two days later, on Saturday, you had your birthday party. Lots of your friends came and we all enjoyed the exciting fact that you are now a big, one year old girl. We opened presents and talked about you and ate cupcakes. And you got to eat a chocolate cupcake all by yourself.

While Momma has been forgetting to post you've also started daycare (which you love) and stopped nursing (which Momma does not love) and even started playing pretend! Today you brought a pretend cookie up to me, I pretended to eat it, then when I held it up to you, you pretended to eat it! Maybe you were just mimicking me, but I was really impressed and excited watching you pretend.

You now sign 'please', 'milk', 'toilet' (sometimes), 'more', and sometimes drink or food though those signs are very subjective in your mind. You can say 'mama', 'dad-o', 'hi', 'yeah', 'dogdog', 'baby', 'baba', and a very impressive try at 'blueberry'.

You still like to go to sleep wrapped up on Dad-O and that is really the only time you stop moving. You are an extremely busy, fast moving, risk taking girl.

We all adore you sweet girl.

Food Hoarding

2010-08-16T21:28:00.002-08:00

For some reason Adelaide, you have started hiding food in your shirt. You have always been a good eater, but now your love of cuisine seems to be taking on a whole new level. You've stated pulling your shirt away from your body, dropping bits of food in, and then sticking your head in your shirt. You get so excited about having the food tucked in your shirt.

When it's time to give you a bath at night, we end up with a pile of food next to the bathtub. As soon as we unbutton your onesie a pile of food falls out.

I have no idea why you are hiding the food in your shirt. Is it because Mommy has food in her shirt? Is it because the food tickles when it slides down your skin? You get SUCH a kick out of looking at the food inside your shirt. Tomorrow, I'll try to video your new little project.

Dancing Queen

2010-08-07T18:09:00.002-08:00

Little one, you dance every chance you get. Music comes on, and you stand up and swing those shoulders back and forth, bend your knees and LAUGH! If I could take my eyes off you I'd get a video of it.

Being a stay at home dad

2010-08-05T19:48:00.003-08:00

Well, I am coming up to the end of my first of my first week of being a stay at home dad with you, Adelaide. Today you started hiding your stuffed sheep in the couch cushions and then pulling it out with a shocked look on your face. How did this get here? And today, you have been crawling up on to the couch into my lap with a book in your hand when you want me to read to you. Of course, more often than not, halfway through the book you will crawl back down.

I love spending this time with you, but it is priceless to see the look on your face when mom comes home from work. Your eyes light up and to look back at me to make sure I see her and am as exited as you are.

My first day of work outside the house

2010-08-02T18:17:00.003-08:00

This blog is not about your momma. But today was my first day of work outside the house. Your Dad-do is staying home with you, and you guys had a great time. I came home on lunch to visit, and you were asleep in your high chair! I've never seen you do that before. Sweet, tired baby. You were still sleeping when I left, asleep when I came home from lunch, and you've been asleep since I got home.

Looks like Dad-do wore you right out! Well as soon as you wake up baby girl, you are gonna get lots of hugs from your momma!

Oh baby!

2010-07-31T21:43:00.005-08:00

You are really keeping us busy lately my love. You are one busy lady. You walk and toddle and stumble ALL OVER! Plus, you've quit sleeping. Sleeping is apparently for wimps.

I also think you might have whooping cough. I took you to the doctor and he thought so too, so you're on an antibiotic to decontaminate you. Poor kiddo.

Those last two teeth have finally broken through too. You've been working on those since early June. They were SLOW movers.

Because of all this not-fun stuff, Daddo has taken to letting you sleep on his chest. You seem quite happy with this arrangement. You nap on one of us, you sleep at night on Daddo, and you spend all day playing with us. You seem to just love this arrangement, and Daddo seems pretty happy too.

We went to the Museum of the North this week. Every time you saw a dead bear, bison, fox, wolf, or other furry animal (including birds) you'd shout 'DOG!' and make everyone around you laugh. You loved looking around at everything. Paintings, a highly decorated outhouse, all of it was cool and groovy as long as Daddo kept slipping you pieces of graham cracker. It's against the rules to have food or drink in the Museum, but we were hoping no one would care if you ate a little. And no one did. You did a great job by keeping it secret, just between you and dad. And after our walk to the museum, our walk through the museum, and our walk home, you were a tired, sleeping girl.

Guess who can walk now!!

2010-07-22T19:17:00.002-08:00

Adelaide, you're walking!

My big girl! I am so proud of you! And you seem very proud of yourself. Oh Adelaide, this has been such a wonderful day. You're walking all by yourself, and you got your own room today! Mommy and Daddy moved out and gave you a whole room to yourself. What a big day!

Let the Wild Rumpus Start!

2010-07-20T20:53:00.002-08:00

Today, Adelaide, you learned how to 'wild rumpus' a la Where The Wild Things Are.

This is the result:

2010-07-16T22:26:00.003-08:00

I have not been keeping up with my letters, dear daughter. But you, oh sweet one, have been on a rampage. It's not bad, exactly, just extremely busy.

Daddy is officially "Dad-O" and I am "mom-mae", and we are both blissfully happy with our new names.

Each of us has read you every book you can reach several times today, yesterday, the day before, etc. Since we got home from Michigan you just read from the moment you wake up until the moment you go to sleep. Nothing is as amazing as a book. Especially one with animals, or sounds, or something to touch, or peek a boo pages. Your appetite for books is voracious and amazing. We're happy to read to you, even if it is the 5th time Daddy's read "Mama Do You Love Me" today. And sweetheart I will keep on doing my very best 'moos' when we read "Mr. Brown Can Moo, Can You?" as long as you keep smiling like that.

As soon as dad brings you downstairs in the morning, you crawl over to your books, pull them off the shelf and look for the one you want. When you find it, you hand it to Dad, then hold your arms out to him so he'll pick you up. This is how you tell us you'd like us to read to you. We can't turn you down.

Though I may start hiding some of these books.

Dog Books

2010-07-12T03:35:00.002-08:00

For the last several days you have wanted to read, and read, and read. You crawl over to your books saying 'dog dog dog' and find a book that has a dog (your definition includes bears) in it. Hand it to a parent, hold out your arms. We read you the book, you read along with us, you turn the pages, and excitedly point and talk to and about the 'dogs'. When that book is over, the process repeats.

At this point, my lovely daughter, we're going to have to go buy some new books. I don't think I can read Barnyard Dance again or Brown Bear Brown Bear, What Do You See? without imploding. Your generally patient father has started hiding books.

We are both so excited about your love of reading. You just exude joy when you're holding a book and turning the pages. Even though our brains are turning to mush from the repetition, don't stop. Enjoy your books, and don't let our limitations limit you.

Oh, and thanks to Mr. Brown Can Moo, Can You?, you now know what an owl says. Which is pretty darn cute.

tattle tale!

2010-07-10T07:37:00.002-08:00

My daughter, you have started tattling on Daddy. When he's doing something you don't like (such as change your diaper) you start yelling, "Mom mom mom mom mom!"

I think this is hilarious, Daddy does not. Probably because he's the one being tattled on. But I love that you call me when something is wrong (even if nothing is really wrong) and I love that you are such a big girl. Even more, I love that you know who I am. I love that you know what "Mom" means. I love that you know how to call me.

I love you.

We took a crazy walk last night. I wish I had brought my camera. We thought that a nice long stroll through the woods would put you right to sleep and give us exercise. Daddy ended up carrying you as I pushed and dragged your stroller through a swamp. You loved it. So much to see and do and touch. We kept you up far too late, but getting muddy was pretty fun. I may take you back out there today just for some pictures!

2010-07-08T18:08:00.003-08:00

Adelaide, you are such a star.

And you love to fly. You love having both mine and Daddy's complete and undivided attention, you love smiling and waving to everyone you make eye contact with, and you love flirting with the flight attendants.

And they love giving you extra cookies, moving other passengers so that we have our own row, and giving us room to keep you moving and happy in the Ergo.

We had a wonderful vacation. Except for your fever and crankiness. Your pediatrician said that you were likely recovering from an ear infection. Today you weigh 20 pounds, 7 ounces and are 28 inches long with an almost 18 inch head. You're healthy and strong and amazing.

Love you baby.

Your birth story

2010-07-05T18:41:00.002-08:00

I'm still editing your birth story. There's still so much to say.

Our daughter was born 8/26 at 2:53pm, at home, after 13 hours of labor.

I thought my water broke on Tuesday at 9am (turns out it was just a high leak). We took castor oil, black and blue cohosh, and walked for ever. Had some good, regular contractions, but they fizzled out pretty quickly. Went in to visit my midwives that night, and we decided that since I WOULD be in labor no matter what the next day, I should just rest for the night. I'd been having regular contractions throughout the night for a couple of nights, so I thought maybe I just needed to be relaxed to start labor.

Went home and watched some TV show reruns (doesn't get much more mindless than that!) and relaxed with my hubby. Went to bed, and woke up around 2 with regular contractions. I timed them at 1 min long every 3-4 minutes, which is exactly what the midwives wanted to know about. So we called, and they said to call back when we wanted them to come over.

Around 7, my amazing midwives came over and found me at 7 cm and fully effaced. Sweet! At this point, I wasn't having to vocalize much during the contractions as long as I remembered to breathe (important!). So we kept laboring.

We ended up spending about an hour in the tub, and I slept. Laboring in water was so relaxing that I was almost able to sleep through the contractions (that was really unexpected). Unfortunately, that super relaxing time didn't help me progress at all. At 11, I was only at 8. Oddly enough, one side of my cervix was complete and the other side wasn't.

So we labored some more. My husband is pretty much the most amazing man I've ever met. He sat with me on the floor, and helped me into and out of the tub, and basically carried me through most of labor (literally - it felt so good to go limp during a contraction). At one point, I felt the contractions change and I knew I was close. That was terrifying. I was SURE that I was about to experience the worst pain of my life.

So I got in the tub to calm things down and collect myself. When I got out, I started pushing. We tried a few different positions, and found the best (for us, for that birth) to be on the birth stool with my husband holding me up from behind. After a while, I realized that this really didn't hurt as badly as I had expected. Really. Once I stopped worrying about how badly I thought it was going to hurt and just lived in the moment and experiences that were actually happening, I was fine.

I don't know how long I pushed, but it was quick. Once she crowned, we figured it would be about 6-10 more contractions and good pushes (not that she needed to be out then, but I liked having some sort of progress to monitor). The next contraction, she came out all at once! I was a little surprised to see her there. I thought her arrival would be marked with more pain and more drama.

At 3pm on August 26th, I pushed a baby out of me.

I thought she was SO BLUE! Really, it was the newborn gunk. Her actual skin wasn't blue. And she was not at all interested in crying, so we ended up putting oxygen on her to help her get pink. I lost a bit of blood and my blood pressure dropped so the midwives got me on the bed, baby on my chest, had hubby hold the oxygen for her, and they went in for the placenta. It had partially detached with the birth, and that was causing the bleeding, so it needed to come out. I got a shot of pitocin and with a little cord traction (um, WEIRD!), and a lot of uncomfortable manipulation and a push, the placenta came out. I was still bleeding so they gave me some methergin, and everything seemed pretty fantastic after that.

I was a bit woozy, so I stayed on the bed until much later that night. A few minor after birth complications, but nothing dramatic.

My daughter is perfect. She's beautiful and just flawless.

Vacation is ending

2010-07-05T04:16:00.002-08:00

Well my love, you don't seem to be interested in walking on vacation. You are so, so close. As much as I would love to see you toddling through the airport, and to your aunts and uncles around the house, I'm ok with waiting. You do what you need to do, and you do it on your own time.

But if you could start sleeping at night, your dad and I would much appreciate it. That is all.

Lake Michigan

2010-07-02T18:26:00.002-08:00

Oh baby, you had such a wonderful time today. We went to Lake Michigan and played on the beach, in the sand and in the water.

You are truly fearless. You never flinched at the waves or the incredible body of water, or even when you threw sand and it blew back in your face. You crawled along the shore and let the water wash over your legs. No worries.

Then, you saw your cousin's sand castle. Suddenly, life got really good. You crawled over and tried so hard to help him build the castle. And every time you knocked it down he would say "Oh, that's ok Adelaide," and turn to me and say "She doesn't know yet, she's too little." You and your cousins had a great time playing in the sand.

Daddy took you into the water and you loved that too. You love the water and the waves. Maybe you just feel very safe in your daddy's arms.

We had so much fun at the beach with you today.

Oh, and Uncle Jason fed you most of his ice cream cone so if you grow up addicted to ice cream - blame him.

Aggresive sleeping

2010-07-02T07:46:00.002-08:00

Daughter, you've wounded me.

You leave bruises on my upper arms. As you slip into sleep (sometimes against your will) you like to touch, pinch, scratch, stroke, and feel skin. Generally, you can reach my upper arms (including the underside made of soft, sensitive skin), my ribcage, and my armpits. I have marks. People have commented on what look like evidence of abuse. To be honest, the touching and hurting gets to me at night. I start to lose patience, I have to give you to Daddy.

Then, when he's touched and pinched and scratched out, we switch back. Eventually you sleep and your fingers stop moving.

This too shall pass. Babies go through LOTS of phases and this is one of them. There is a particular blanket at home that has a material you like to feel. I think I'll try to teach you to touch that as you fall asleep in an attempt to save my own skin.

Once you're asleep, there is nothing in the world that feels better than cuddling with you. Cuddling with you when you're awake (and not fighting sleep) is blissful as well, but that doesn't happen very often.

2010-06-30T17:06:00.003-08:00

Well, my love so far on vacation you have seen Lake Michigan, discovered a love for water and beaches, said your first real word (dog), learned to shake your head no and nod your head yes.

And you're still the cutest baby in town. Even though we're in a much bigger town.

Tonight to put you to sleep I had to hold your arm down. You would grab a pacifier, pop it in your mouth, realize the sucking was putting you to sleep, pull the pacifier out, and fuss and cry. So I gave you the pacifier and held your arm to your side (while you were cuddled in close to me) for a few seconds. You immediately fell asleep. I felt so bad pinning your arm down, but after 2 seconds or so you went limp. And even with hammering, Bauers in the house, and other extremely noisy potential disruptions, you've been sleeping beautifully.

Good night my love.

"Dog"

2010-06-27T15:46:00.002-08:00

Dear daughter, you have finally started pairing a word with its meaning.

"Dog"

"dog dog dog dog dog dog dog"

You reach for Papa, then when he gets close you ask for his "dog dog dog". Shadow is your favorite. I think you might like him more than me some times. You pat him and smack him and get thoroughly excited in his presence. Emma and Grace are also fun, but Shadow seems to be the winner of your affection.

Not mama, not daddy, but dog.

You're also very close to walking all over. You walk while holding on to hands all . day . long . and you're so close to just taking off. Part of me is having a blast with you being little and still a baby, and part of me is so, so happy to see you take this next step (so to speak).

Adelaide, life with you is wonderful.

2010-06-25T07:24:00.001-08:00

Awakenings

2010-06-24T12:26:00.003-08:00

Sometimes babies move and do things in their sleep. More than just roll over or sigh. When some babies learn to crawl, they actually crawl in their sleep. When some babies learn to pull up, they pull up in their crib. For most parents, this means a few nights of laying the baby back down and soothing him or her back to sleep. Baby brains have to practice their new skills all night to help build the neural connections that are the physical basis of learning. This sometimes results in less sleep.

Adelaide, you take this concept to the extreme. Last night you would relax, and relax, and get calm and sleepy, then you would wave and wave and wave yourself awake. Then as you calmed down again, you'd clap yourself awake. You were so tired, and so sad, and truly wanted to be sleeping, but your little body and brain just wouldn't let you do it.

I wonder if this is a precursor to a whole lot of sleepwalking. Maybe, when you get older you will sleepwalk all night long. My sweet baby, if that's true, then I'll make sure your mattress is on the floor so you can't get hurt falling out of bed. I'll put a baby gate on your bedroom door so you don't wind up down the stairs, and I'll make sure your pajamas are warm enough in case you kick your blankets off.

Last night, Daddy and I took turns helping you and staying up with you until you finally went to sleep. I'm not sure why these actions were keeping you up, because you've known how to wave and how to clap for a long time. I thought only new skills were supposed to cause this. But today, I'm very glad for a slow, relaxing day to help us recuperate.

And you are the sweetest sleeping baby.

Swimming and Cousin Micah

2010-06-23T07:04:00.002-08:00

Adelaide, you L-O-V-E your cousin Micah. You wave to anyone entering or exiting your presence, but cousin Micah gets hugs. Great big, two handfuls of his t-shirt hugs. He even gets kisses. You seem to believe he hung the moon.

Lately we've been spending a lot of time on the beach of Long Lake. Basically, this is the coolest ever. Mean ol' mom and mean ol' dad won't let you stand up and walk around in the bathtub, but you can stand up and walk around on the beach and in the lake. Aunt Hannah and Aunt Naomi walk with you up and down the beach letting you splash and play in the water. You take big steps reaching your legs way up high. You also seem to have no fear about the water. You charge right off into the water letting it get higher and higher until one of us turns you around. I love watching you play in the water and enjoy it without being scared. As soon as you're big enough, we'll get you swim lessons.

Phew!

2010-06-22T08:07:00.002-08:00

Adelaide, the last few days have been ka-razy! We've been in Michigan helping Uncle Buck marry Aunt Emma and there has been lots to do. Then, they were finally married and we drove up north to hang out with Daddy's side of the family.

You are such a trooper. Even with all the crazy schedules and missed naps and incoming teeth and strange people and unusual crowds and new, exciting places you are never crabby. You are such a good natured, happy baby.

Dogs are apparently a very strange mixture of cool and terrifying. You love them, you hate them. Generally, we can't tell if you're panting out of excitement or whimpering or laughing. But you reach out and touch them and even say 'dog' sometimes.

You've also started saying 'wow'. It's very cute.

You LOVE the water. We took you to the beach on Long Lake and you thought the waves and the sand and the cool water was the best. Even when you started to get cold and your lips seemed blue, you wanted to play.

OOps, you're up from nap.

Your debut

2010-06-13T23:08:00.003-08:00

Did I tell you that you were featured on a baby fashion blog?

You are famous.

The picture is a little dark, but I'll be careful about that next time. I'll also be more careful to get pictures of you in every cute outfit you wear.

Stairs!

2010-06-13T22:54:00.004-08:00

Guess who knows how to go up and down stairs!

At home, our stairs are blocked off by a very large baby cage. Several panels of gates wrap around the base of the stairs, past the TV, and around a wall outlet. It's a pretty fancy system, and it seems to keep you safe.

The three teeth you are working on keep you uncomfortable enough to make the church nursery impossible. You were miserable and sad so we came to get you and brought you to sit with us. During the sermon you got antsy, so we went to walk around.

Your friend Jamie was also antsy and uninterested in the nursery, and she and her mom were also walking around. Recipe for fun!

Jamie left the mother's room, Adelaide left the mother's room. Jamie went by the coffee and donuts, Adelaide went by the coffee and donuts. Jamie went up the stairs . . .

You looked at Jamie, looked at the stairs, and went for it. You needed no encouragement from mom. If Jamie could do it, you could do it. And Jamie did it fast. You got up on that bottom step like you were an old pro. You crawled all the way up without hesitating. When Jamie went up the next flight, so did Adelaide.

My darling, brave daughter, you didn't even hesitate to come down the stairs. Face first. Luckily for my poor heart, I saw it coming. Jamie went down the stairs, mom grabbed you by the hips and held on while you laid on your belly and crawled right down those stairs. No fear. Not my girl.

The whole rest of church was spent on the stairs, and I think I've never felt so close to God. You are an amazing creature my love. Covered with the fingerprints of He who made you.

(I'm glad I got to help.)

Mmmmm. . . plastic!

2010-06-10T23:24:00.003-08:00

There's not much in life that's as yummy as playing cards. Daddy and I keep a set of 'invisible' playing cards in our camping stuff, and you thought they were amazing. You loved them. Dear daughter, I'm not sure I've ever had more fun than I have being your mom.

Clap, clap, clap!

2010-06-09T22:24:00.004-08:00

Guess who's clapping now! You are, my sweet baby! You realized today that when you clap your hands together, other people get excited. Especially the big people in your life.

So much new on vacation

2010-06-08T22:44:00.002-08:00

Well kiddo, you have 2 more teeth, and one or two more on the way.
You took your first steps in the tent at Liberty Falls on Friday.
You give high fives with enthusiasm.
You read books to yourself. Turn the page, talk and babble. Turn the page, talk and babble.

Basically, you are the coolest child on the planet.

more teeth

2010-06-03T15:07:00.005-08:00

Well, the doctor confirmed what we had suspected. More teeth are on the way!

Generally, you protest very loudly and passionately when I try to look in your mouth, and the information is not worth the trouble so I don't always know what's going on in there. But tooth #5 is giving you some trouble. Naps are heartbreaking, diaper changes are traumatic, nursing without pain (for one or both of us) is impossible, and you, my darling daughter, want to be holding on to mommy all . the . time!

I love that you come to me when something doesn't feel right. I love that only I can make it better. I love that you rest your head on my shoulder and sigh when I pick you up, and I love that you pull up on my leg and hold your arms out to me when you want me to pick you up. I love that you love me.

We have a camping trip coming up sweetheart. I really hope your teeth let you enjoy the trip. After that, we have a trip to Michigan. How many teeth will you have when we get home? Will you learn to walk on vacation? You are such an adventure.

You are such a star

2010-06-02T22:17:00.002-08:00

Today, Daddy and I took you to a parent's group. Most of the kids were upstairs, but the babysitter really had her hands full with the older kids, so you, a friend of yours, and the two little babies stayed downstairs with the parents. You LOVED it! You had so much fun crawling around to check out the little babies, and you followed your friend around eating her animal crackers (sometimes right out of her hand), you also visited each adult in the room, checking to make sure everybody got one of your big, toothy smiles.

Adelaide, you are so fun.

Bedtime was not as smooth tonight. By the time we got home you were so tired. But you're now happily tied up in your Moby wrap, right on Daddy's chest, your favorite place to be.

Goodnight sweetheart, sweet dreams.

sleep

2010-06-01T22:51:00.003-08:00

Dear one, you went to sleep tonight without fuss. Without pacing, or walking, or rocking, or pleading. I laid back on the bed, placed you on my tummy, and you s.l.o.w.l.y went to sleep. It was amazing. So amazing, that I think I may join you!

2010-05-30T23:32:00.002-08:00

This last picture doesn't fit with our beautiful morning in the coffee shop ones, but you're just so cute. You got ahold of your pajamas (covered in peach juice from breakfast) and put them back on! Sort of. You looked like a little unicorn with your purple and white polka dotted horn. You are so much fun to be with my love.

Read to me?

2010-05-29T19:12:00.003-08:00

A minute ago you looked at your dad, held up a book, and waited. He asked if you wanted him to read it to you and held his hand you. You put the book in his hand and looked at him.

Now he's reading it to you. Mama, Do You Love Me?

It may be a book about a mother's love, but when you ask your dad to read to you, he will oblige. No matter the content. You are loved my beautiful girl.

2010-05-27T13:33:00.002-08:00

Adelaide, there are a few sure ways to get your attention.

Put your books away. You cannot stand to have your books put away on their shelf. You come crawling as fast as you can to pull the books off the shelf.
Hug someone else. You seem to believe that you belong in any hug or kiss; and it's wonderful to watch. If I want to get your attention, I hug your dad. Within seconds you are crawling up our legs, patting us and reminding us where our affection should be directed.
Open the refrigerator. The mysterious lure of the fridge is just too much for you to resist.
Put a flip flop on the floor. You like shoes, you like to touch and eat shoes, but you LOVE flip flops.

Folding laundry is also a pretty safe bet, but not a sure enough lure to include it on the list. But you do love to fold laundry. Especially diapers. I fold them, you grab them and swing them over your head. That makes the chore take a bit longer, but we have a such a good time.

2010-05-25T23:56:00.002-08:00

Oh Adelaide, I have the best pictures of you from today, great videos of you recently, and absolutely no desire to sit in front of a computer to import them all. Your daddy is done with classes for the year, your mommy is done with her classes for a long time, and your daddy is done with work for a while. We are out enjoying the amazing Alaskan sun, grilling on the porch, and just generally having an amazing time. If you're lucky, we'll see rain soon and momma will post more. If you're really lucky, everything will continue just as it is. Life is so good.

Fearlessness

2010-05-20T19:37:00.003-08:00

Adelaide, your fearlessness amazes me.

We went to Denali National Park and visited the sled dogs. The ranger there warned us that the dogs really, really liked kids. She wasn't kidding. Those dogs loved you. They barked and leapt and jumped and barked and barked. You scolded them. You were in the Ergo, close on my back, and felt no fear. Those giant furry beasts were not scary, but there were certainly in trouble with Miss 'laidie! Even the park ranger laughed and commented on how brave you are.

You impress people everywhere we go. You are truly amazing.

2010-05-16T21:51:00.003-08:00

Yeah, we're all sick. But one of us still looks good. Addie Muse, you are flawless.

You also seem to have (finally!) gotten over your ear infections but not yet your cold. And sweetheart, I think all your open-mouthed baby kisses have shared that cold with momma and daddy too.

2010-05-08T21:40:00.004-08:00

When babies learn to wave, many begin by opening and closing their fingers with the palm facing themselves. We thought you had started doing this, and we were very excited about it. I used the past tense in that sentence because we've discovered that you may have been asking us for milk. The sign for milk is done exactly the same as the way most babies learn to wave. So, maybe you're waving, maybe you're asking for milk.

Tonight, we went to a potluck at a house with two dogs. You didn't mind the dogs at all. You had no problem with the chocolate lab licking your face. You seemed interested in touching (and let's be frank, probably tasting) the dog. Then one of the dogs tried to sniff the piece of cantaloupe you were eating. You yelled and growled and told that dog who was boss. I was worried you might be afraid of the dogs, but you were just afraid the dog might eat your food!

baby doll

2010-05-06T21:26:00.002-08:00

Maybe it's time for your first baby doll. I thought nothing of baby dolls for the first 8 months. But today you lost your mind over the neighbor girl's doll. You screamed and yelled and shrieked and of the 4 moms in the room, none of us could tell if you were happy or scared or angry or sad. But you would not play away from that doll.

Whatever you felt, you felt it intensely. And I think you want your own. Well, we're about to find out!

2010-05-05T08:52:00.001-08:00

You love to turn pages. You love to read with us. This morning we cleaned up the whole living room. Put away all the toys and books and balls. The only thing you cared about were the books. You crawled right over and pulled them back out again.

My little bookworm.

Injuries

2010-05-03T21:18:00.002-08:00

Over the last week, you have injured yourself several times. My love, you must be careful with yourself. I worked hard to make that perfect little head.

First, I let you play with a pot and wooden spoon. You had great fun, until the pot flipped over (so it was bottom down) and you tried to stand up braced against one side. Pushing down on one side of the rim made the other rim whip up and get you right between the eyes.

Later that night, you were playing on the porch while your dad and I ate, and you grabbed the bike rack that was leaned up against the wall and brought it down on your finger.

Yesterday, you were sleeping so soundly on the couch. I went into the kitchen to grab a glass of water and heard a *THUMP* and then you crying. You'd rolled right off the couch and onto the floor.

Then, you were playing with a spoon and smacked yourself in the forehead so hard that it left a bruise.

Today, you tried to pull yourself up against a toy and knocked yourself into the corner of a wall. Your first goose egg.

In just a few days, you cut the bridge of your nose, cut your finger, bonked your head, bruised your forehead, and gave yourself a goose egg. Either I'm a terrible mother or you're getting to the age where you're going to start hurting yourself all the time.

The best dressed baby on the block

2010-04-26T22:38:00.003-08:00

My little 'laide Muse was having trouble going to sleep. You were exhausted but not able to slip over the edge into dreamland, so like any good mom I popped you in our Moby wrap. I got you settled in and then pulled open the shoulder/chest pieces so you could snuggle in. Which you did. You loves your Moby. I covered you up and we walked around the house. Here would be a good time to mention that I have an attention span similar to that of most toddlers. Which is why I get along with most toddlers. Anyway, I had only walked around wearing you for about .2 seconds before I was bored. So I figured I would walk toward campus and meet daddy walking home from class. I'd be putting the baby to sleep, getting some exercise, and doing something nice for my hubby. Win-win-win. I walked out our door, through the woods, and before I got to the sidewalk, my daughter was settled in and dozing lightly. As soon as I met up with my husband, he said something along the lines of "Hi honey! I love walking home with you!" And you jerked her head out of the wrap, looked up at your daddy, and started smiling and kicking your legs and bouncing up and down. You went from cuddled, tired, and dozing to excited, happy and wide awake just from hearing your daddy's voice.

You are so amazing.

I could watch you all day

2010-04-25T17:33:00.002-08:00

2010-04-23T09:03:00.004-08:00

You have really, really kept us busy lately. You are always on the move, with new things to see and touch and TASTE and do. The other day we went to the park without a snowsuit for the first time. You got to play in the gravel and touch leaves and grass and dirt and rocks. But first, you had to escape the house:

2010-04-15T07:40:00.000-08:00

Real crawling!

2010-04-10T11:02:00.000-08:00

Oh baby, you can really crawl now! Yesterday morning you woke up crawling on your hands and knees. You didn't do it the day before, or during the night (that I know of) but you had it figured out by morning. Real, belly off the floor, hands and knees crawling. You are amazing.

Good Morning Adelaide

2010-03-30T07:48:00.000-08:00

In the mornings, I feed you at 5am, then get up and go to the gym by 6am. When I get home around 7:30 - 8, I eat breakfast downstairs until you get hungry. Right now you're humming to your dad. If filling your diaper doesn't wake you up (and if you do it, it will wake you up), you hum yourself awake.

Your dad can sometimes sleep right through this. On those days, when you're finally awake you wiggle and squirm yourself up to his face and pat his arm until he looks at you. You're pretty hard to resist in the morning, no matter how early it is.

These videos are a few months old, but you can see how cute you are in the mornings:

Another thing I want to mention is bible study. You have to make time for it. Your dad and I make time for it by scheduling it in every day. After the gym, I eat and feed you, then I have bible study and your dad has bible study. Then we start our day. We could be more flexible without it, we could get started on our other responsibilities sooner if we skipped it, but we rarely do. I am more productive if I do the reading than if I don't. Your dad and I have a better marriage when we put God first than when we don't. We're better parents when we take this time than when we don't. We're even better students when we study the bible than when we don't. Please, my lovely daughter, make time for God.

You can Creep!

2010-03-25T13:00:00.000-08:00

Look at you go! My little Adelaide, creeping for her book!

A contest!

2010-03-24T19:33:00.000-08:00

Adelaide, I think you would love a Sophie the Giraffe in your Easter basket. So I'm entering a contest to try and win one for you. This contest is also for a lambskin, which I also think you'll love. This contest is a part of a baby shower event at babybix.com.

So fun!

6 month check up

2010-03-24T18:48:00.000-08:00

Your 6 month checkup came a little late. We were out of town for your 4 month checkup, so we had to delay your 6 month visit so that your shots weren't too close together.

You are 19 pounds, 7 ounces. You are 27 inches tall, and your head circumference is 17 inches. For weight, you're int he 90th percentile, height 75th percentile, and head circumference 90th percentile. My little giant baby.

You're healthy, and strong. Your pediatrician comments every time he sees you that you're very strong for your age. This time he mentioned that when he holds your calf, he can feel your strong muscle instead of just the fluff you feel on most babies' legs. That's my girl. You show them how strong you are. Ever since you learned to stand and walk (with help) you've been unhappy doing anything else.

My growing girl.

a nap and a kiss

2010-03-19T09:49:00.000-08:00

Yesterday morning you fell asleep on my lap with your feet on my chest. I kissed your left big toe and you smiled in your sleep. I love being your mom.

Springtime

2010-03-17T05:51:00.000-08:00

Adelaide, yesterday we pretended to have spring outside. The temperature was nearly freezing so we put on our coats and went outside to play!

Your first time playing outside:

You're grinning under your snowsuit. You swang and swung your little heart out, with a soft, contented grin on your sunny face. I believe we'll be repeating our little adventure.

Oh Adelaide, Adelaide!

2010-03-03T23:54:00.000-09:00

You're growling away at me. I love it.

We got your name from Guys and Dolls. Just to be clear, we did not name you for or after the character named Adelaide, it's just where we got the name.

bedtime

2010-02-24T19:58:00.000-09:00

Bedtime has become so smooth. We don't have a set time per se, but when you start to rub your eyes and get fussy, I take you upstairs and get you ready. PJ's, extra layers in the diaper, and we cuddle up. You nurse to sleep, and I'm back downstairs in about 10 minutes. Smooth. Simple.

Staying asleep is not quite as simple. Once your dad gets home from class you're awake and ready to play. So we usually have to repeat the process later. Plus, you have no problem staying up until after 1am. Nor do you mind getting up 6 times to eat. But last night you only woke up twice! Twice! So I went to the gym, came back and nursed you again and you slept for another hour or two. So maybe we've got this figured out. Maybe.

You sleep in our bed until we come upstairs. Then I slide you over into your crib. It's pushed up to our bed with out the drop side on it. So then when you're hungry, I can just bring you over into bed and when you're done (if I'm still awake) I slip you back into your bed.

Oops, you're awake. Maybe we don't have this perfect just yet.

Teeth!

2010-02-22T08:09:00.000-09:00

You have teeth! Two!

I'm so proud of you. The first tooth is such a big milestone and you did it two at a time. My beautiful, wonderful girl.

From the bath

2010-02-18T20:59:00.001-09:00

Today I'm writing while you play in the bath. You could stay here for hours if we let you.

Your newest game

2010-02-17T23:39:00.000-09:00

Yesterday you discovered that things can be 'out.' If I fill a basket full of toys, you will carefully pull them out one at a time. It's pretty much the coolest thing you've ever seen. This is the first thing that's kept you entertained long enough for me to get anything done. Suddenly, I can set you down on the floor with a basket full of toys and go take care of whatever I need to. I have to be nearby in case you find yourself on your belly (when you realize you're on your belly you get so upset) and to replace the toys once they're all out, but other than that I am a free woman!

I love watching you discover new things about your world.

Object Permanence

2010-02-15T18:40:00.000-09:00

Today you showed me that you've fully developed object permanence. For some reason, I hadn't thought to test it before.

But today I took your toy giraffe, held it over a basket, then dropped it into the basket. You grabbed the basket, pulled it close to you, reached in and grabbed the giraffe.

That's my girl!

Oh no!

2010-02-14T23:33:00.000-09:00

I've missed whole days in here! Like 2 of them!

Well let's see, Friday we went out to dinner. You had a blast. Your date didn't come, he stayed home with his grandma. Saturday you and your dad went grocery shopping and you had a great day.

This morning was church, and you had a blast. You've spent one Sunday in the nursery, but lately you've been sitting with us and doing a great job. Tonight you went out with Daddy to buy a new computer while Momma worked out at the gym.

Life is busy, but you seem to thrive on the busy-ness. The more you can see and do, the happier you are. Tomorrow your (giant) little buddy is coming over. We'll play and have a great time.

Oh daughter, I love you so much.

Her first pictures!

2010-02-10T23:49:00.000-09:00

I'm just posting these because I can't stop looking at them today.

Adelaide Muse was born at home on August 26th, 2009 at 2:53pm (Alaskan Standard Time). She weighed 9 pounds even and was 21 3/4 inches long.

She was just perfect.

You know your name!

2010-02-10T19:45:00.000-09:00

Adelaide, today you showed us that you know your name. You responded to both Adelaide and Addie. It was fantastic.

Your Growth Schedule

2010-02-09T21:56:00.001-09:00

From the beginning, you have had your own pace.

Your pediatrician was worried when you didn't grow each week. As it turns out, you just like to maximize your growth spurts. You might not grow at all one week but the next week you'll gain almost a pound. In one month, your weight was all over and you grew three inches!

Today we went in for a check up and Daddy and I guessed what your weight would be. Momma was right on - to the ounce!

You're 5 months, 2 weeks old, 17 lbs 4 oz, 25 3/4 inches tall, and your head circumference is 43 cm. You're my growing girl.

Pulling and standing up?

2010-02-08T20:31:00.000-09:00

At 5 months old, you should not be able to pull up or stand up like this. I think you're supposed to be a little baby for several more months.

Bathtime

2010-02-08T18:35:00.000-09:00

You love taking a bath.
We have a grand time. You play and play and play and eventually, I wash you. Then you play more. At some point I get worried that you might get too cold and I drain the tub, then finally pull you out. If I try to pick you up before the water is drained, you get sad.
Luckily for you, learning to eat solid food necessitates a bath almost every time. Maybe you do that on purpose. As I type this, you're eating an apple slice in a mesh feeder and growling away at it. You love apple slices, hate applesauce. Love sweet potatoes and avocado, hate banana.

New foods, more mess, and more baths to come!

Days with Daddy

2010-02-05T22:04:00.000-09:00

Adelaide, I work on Fridays and Saturdays. I go upstairs to the study and you stay downstairs with Daddy. That way, you don't need any bottles and I never even have to get dressed. I love listening to you play with your dad, and I love coming down for lunch to play and eat with you.

But man oh man oh man! Do you ever hate diaper changes lately! Well, maybe hate is the wrong word. Whatever you feel, you feel it strongly. As soon as the dirty diaper is off you are writhing and stretching and twisting like crazy. You're loud and feisty and Dad and I have gotten good at putting a diaper on you from behind you or from your side. We use cloth diapers (for various reasons) but you acted the same way even when we were using disposables. So I don't know if you're writhing because you like the wetness being gone or just the diaper in general being gone. If it's the latter then we're in trouble. I think maybe you need more structured nekkid time. Maybe we'll have to let you play in the bath longer and more frequently. That makes for fun pictures.

I love you.

Eddie the Frog

2010-02-04T18:39:00.001-09:00

You love Eddie the frog, Adelaide. You are fascinated by his black and green striped hands, feet, and jumper. You love to growl at his face, then lunge and eat him up. You make him bounce like you're waiting to hear him rattle, then you eat his hands.

Also, your hair is turning blonde. Platinum blonde. I thought at first you might just have gotten a lot of sun while we were in Colorado, but over time I'm noticing that your hair is growing in this way.

My little blonde baby girl, growling at a stuffed frog.

Catching yourself

2010-02-03T11:19:00.001-09:00

Recently you discovered that when you're sitting up and leaning forward, you can put one arm out to catch yourself so you don't bonk your head on the floor. You still seem vaguely perplexed by what you're doing, but it works so you keep doing it. You just watch your hand, arm, and the floor when you do. You're fantastic.

Also, spit bubbles and raspberries. They are how you express joy, frustration, exhaustion, hunger, discomfort, etc. You can (and do) entertain yourself for long stretches of time with this new skill, sometimes even when we're trying to play with you. You have no time for our shenanigans, there are raspberries to be blown. We can thank your dad for this, he taught you how to blow raspberries in the car one day, and you haven't looked back yet.

About Sleep

2010-02-02T10:09:00.000-09:00

Well, last night we had you sound asleep. You were just about snoring. And then, when Mom tried to take you up to bed, you promptly woke up when she laid down. Since Dad is the coolest, he took you downstairs to put you back to sleep. Then, you both came back upstairs and we all finally went to sleep. You, my daughter, are a tricky puzzle. Sometimes you will only sleep upstairs in the dark, sometimes you will only sleep on a lap, sometimes you will only sleep wrapped up in the Moby or Ergo. Tricky baby.

Since you're congested, I decided to rub some Eucalyptus stuff on your feet and under your nose to help open up your sinuses. You thought it was the COOLEST. You smiled and started grabbing the container. I even saw you lick your lips. This is not a new food.

Aunt Laura and Uncle Jason got us an Ergo for Christmas. You love it. You spend time in the Ergo every day. For some reason, peeking over my shoulder while I wash dishes is your favorite way to wind down for a nap. That puts you to sleep so fast! It would never have occurred to me to get an organic one, but now that I know how much you like to chew on it, I'm REALLY glad it's organic. I'm going to have to go get the teething pads so you don't chew yourself free. I love having you so close to me. LOVE.

Feb. 1

2010-02-01T19:17:00.000-09:00

Today you went out with Dad for the first time. You went to have your ears checked at the Public Health Center and you went grocery shopping. ~~Dad forgot to feed your or check your diaper, but you were having such a good time that you never fussed or acted hungry.~~

You love to be out and about. You love to see people and watch things, you love to be in new places and experience all that you can.

You still have a bit of a cold, so you're pretty much ignoring solid food and not drinking very much milk. Dad and I eat less when we're sick too. Soon, you'll be feeling better and back to your hungry self.

The public health nurse said that your ears are not infected, and you still have no fever. Just a cough and a runny nose. You seem mostly oblivious to your ailment during the day. At night, you seem miserable.

Last night you fussed and fidgeted until after 1am. Dad went to bed when you did and Mom stayed up to do homework. Eventually, Mom got to bed. At 3am, you woke up and didn't feel well. Mom stayed up with you until 5:30. Dad got up early in the morning and went to work at the writing center. In the afternoon, you and Dad went out and Mom stayed home to study. This evening, you and Mom are playing and talking while Dad is in class.

I love our time playing together. You're such fun.

My Dearest Daughter:

2010-02-01T19:14:00.000-09:00

You are 5 months old. You can sit and laugh and roll over both ways. You grab things and pull them into your mouth. You pull yourself up to standing and try so hard to walk when you're on your feet.

I love watching you grow, I love watching you turn in to the person God created you to be. You are amazing.