C'mon Eileen

Blizzard 2010 ... Sort of...

2010-01-31T22:51:00.001-05:00

Soooo.. yet again.. we had The Storm That Wasn't. Ok, to be fair.. there was some snow, and there was some ice.. but it kind of all seemed like much ado about nothing.

That, or my cynicism has begun to override my sensiblities.

From about Tuesday afternoon on.. the weather people were warning of the Massive Snowstorm on its way. So of course by Thursday at 6pm.. when it was roughly 51degrees out.. school for Friday was cancelled. This is one of those times I am immensely thankful Eileen's school does not follow the County schedule.

Needless to say, Friday morning it was dry as a bone. And stayed that way til about 4pm. Then it snowed a lot.. and a lot.. and didnt stick to the streets... and then it did.. and then it was rain.. Good Lord not that you all want a play by play of the Knoxville weather patterns.

Bottom line.. we woke up Saturday morning to some snow with a layer of ice on top.. that turned to slush.. and I went to the gym.. along with the rest of West Knoxville. Then Josh, Eileen and I went to eat .. and killed some time at the Pet Store.. also along with the rest of West Knoxville. What else does one do with a stir-crazy 3year old when its nasty snowy cold and wet outside? Why, go look at Nemo and Gerbils and such at PetSmart!

So have you ever seen a chinchilla? Creepy little animal. Josh called it a pickle on toothpicks. And hey, it retails for just $150.00. ewwwwwwwwwwwww.

So Eileen is full of well.. herself! That girl is a mess. I picked her up from school the other day just as another teacher came in.. scooped her up ... and said "what person in this school doesn't LOVE this girl?!" oh Heaven Help Me. Of course I love that they love her.. but oh lordy her head is going to explode.

We were coming home the other day and she told me that one of her friends had cut her hair. So I corrected her and said her friend had gotten a haircut. "NO Mommy! She cut her hair!" I never know these days what to believe .. so I didn't believe her.

Well.. I should have. Oh Goodness. One of her classmates completely chopped her hair. She's still precious - but oh Lordy. I will be putting all of our scissors higher than even I can reach.. for fear Eileen gets any ideas.

We have FINALLY managed to move past the binky. She no longer has one at bed or nap or in general. Now.. if we could just get past the diapers. The girl refuses to go to the restroom on the potty. Today she told me she doesn't want diapers.. and so I said ok, lets use the potty. "No Mommy, I'll use the potty in five weeks. " At this point there is no use in continuing any sort of rational conversation with the tiny person of the household.

During this past weekend, when we had The Blizzard.. we did lose power for about 2 hours. It was early morning so we were all snuggled up in bed to stay warm. Eileen wanted to watch Disney. Have you ever tried to explain to a 3year old how electricity works? Lets just say this.. when it did come back on.. she said "Mommy? Did the Dunkin Donuts people turn on the elecristy" no words. none. I have NO IDEA how that got into her head.

So the chaos has continued at work. I am thinking perhaps I should stop thikning of it as chaos, and start thinking of it as the Norm? Perhaps then I won't keep waiting for it to slow down? On the bright side,.. its been so hectic that I rarely have time to eat. I know. I'm weird.

So back to the Blizzard. By Saturday afternoon there was some more flurries. We played outside in it. Gracie was in doggie heaven. So Josh found this sled under our house.. it was under our house when we moved in five years ago.

Oh yes. You read that right. Under the house. I had visions of tetanus shots for all. Well.. as you can see from the pics.. this was in the slush stage. So the sled didn't work. but cute pics right? Fast Forward to Sunday morning. Everything had refrozen. Our street was a solid sheet of ice. And Josh and Eileen and Gracie were outside at 7:30am sledding!

And sled thet did. Eileen had a blast. As did Gracie. Me? You all know I'm Mother of the Year. I stayed wrapped up in bed.

So all in all.. there was no real Blizzard. At least not where we are. But definitely we got to have some fun in the snow. And as you can see... Eileen wore herself out. She is not one to fall asleep on the couch. In fact.. I don't think once in her little life has she ever done so. Clearly she had a blast.

So. I'm done with winter now. Ready for summer. Happy to skip right over spring. I hate storms anyway.. they still scare me. So.. summer. please. hurry.

Perception..

2010-01-18T20:56:00.000-05:00

Argh. So.. in the last post I was going on about how I had such great intentions of NOT having such complete chaos in my life. Seeing as its been what.. 3weeks? since my last post.. clearly that's not working out so well.

And, also, if you remember.. in my last post I was irked bc it would not let me load up anymore pictures to the blog. Ha. Seems as tho over the years I'd managed to fill up my 1GB of free storage. I can't fathom why. I so rarely take pictures. HAHAHA. Anyway.. so for all of $5 .. the braintrust at google has sold me another chunk of storage. Up to 10K images per year. I think that should suffice for even me.

So. back to the chaos. We've been back at work for just two weeks and it has been insanity. All sorts of things going on. And while I know I have my days of just being completely and utterly overwhelmed, and ready to wield (did i spell that right?) my scissors at the stifling red tape.. I do like my job and I am well aware of just how very lucky I am to have a job. I can still hope for a little calmness to ensue in coming weeks. Hope being a strong word.

In the meantime, I do have Eileen to help keep my head on straight. For example.. today is MLK Day. So she was off of school and I was off of work (Josh had to work). So she and I ran some errands, hung out, then met Lani and Syd at the zoo. It was finally warm out.. and sunny too. Syd & Eileen ran around like children freed from a dungeon. Which was fine with me. So tonight I'm kissing her good night. I said "I had fun with you today." And she put her hands on my face and said "I know!" sigh. So sad the child doesn't feel loved. So sad her self-esteem is in the crapper.

So anyway. Back to my title.. Perception. Funny how you can think something about yourself, and assume that everyone else thinks the same. In my last post, I talked about some of my girlfriends who I am pretty certain are SuperWoman. I would like to hope they think the same of themselves, but they probably don't. But I still perceive them as such...

So I was out with friends recently. One of said friends asked me if I thought less of him because of a possibly not so healthy habit. My first reaction was to be somewhat hurt that he'd think I'd judge him or anyone else. I am about as far from a Saint as you can get, and I surely have no room to be judging others. Certainly not my friends.

Apparently he thought I was a total health nut, due to the fact that I run. A lot. Which made me laugh. And I promptly explained that I run to stay sane. That if I could, I'd sit around and eat and drink and sleep and any other possibly unhealthy habit that might be out there. Running is my outlet. It is about me and only me (well, and sometimes my running partner and kicking his arse on a hill..). It keeps me focused and sane. It is the one thing I can do that I can control, at which I can improve, and that is completely mine. It is the one thing that defines me outside of being a mom or my career.

That is why I run. That is why I am attempting two full marathons and at least one half, if not two, this year. Not because I am a health nut. But because I am a control freak, and at least I can control my running. This particular habit just happens to have some healthy side effects. And you know what? Its probably a little selfish too.. because of how much time it takes up. But I am pretty sure it makes me a better mommy.. so I have no plans on giving it up any time soon.

So I'm not sure if my friend believed me. Or if he thought I was just trying to sound modest. But either way.. the point is.. it kind of caught me off guard. Funny how I want to be defined by my running... but then I find out that another's perception of me is - based on my running - is so very different than what MY perception of me is.. and I'm just a little thrown off kilter I guess.

In other news.. we (along with the rest of the Country) had a horrid deep freeze. Ten days I think below freezing. Dreading my gas bill. Eileen and Gracie were insanely stir crazy. Small ice storm, and snow stayed on the ground for a week. Unheard of down here. Half the reason I left Manhattan was because I was so sick of the cold. These past few days have been lovely. I'm sure we'll have more cold.. hopefully not for 10days at a time. In the meantime, I'm enjoying this reprieve. Eileen starts her 2nd semester of soccer tomorrow, and I can't wait. I love that she likes sports. And that she likes to run. Someday, maybe she'll run with Mommy. Her ridiculously long legs will probably leave me in her dust.

Happy Monday All. have a good week...

hmmm.

2010-01-03T21:37:00.000-05:00

okkkkkkkkkkkk. so, for whatever reason, blogspot will NOT let me upload any more photos. words can't express my irritation!

so.. the latest posting is below. and if you want to see more pictures.. you can go to our shutterfly site at http://www.eileenloebner.shutterfly.com/

grrrrrrrrrr.

Twenty Ten.. oh-ten.. Two thousand ten...

2010-01-03T21:32:00.000-05:00

Decsions, decisions. I'm going with 'twenty-ten'.. it seems the easiest, right?

Its the last day of my break, and I'm not at all ready to go back to work. Usually by now, I am so ready for regular. It's not that I don't like what I do.. but Q409 was super busy, and Q110 is looking to be even more so. And of course I don't take that for granted, in today's current state - I am grateful for a job and that we have a lot going on. I just could use maybe one more week of down time.

I have, however, had some time to reflect on 2009, at least the parts I can remember. My brain is so full and always moving in fast forward, I have limited space for memory (hence, a list everywhere I turn in my world..). But what I can remember is a lot of chaos. Chaos at work. which led to chaos at home. Which just made me feel inadequate, constantly flustered, constantly dropping the ball, constantly disappointed in myself.

Work was chaotic due to a project that took up much of my late summer, and while it was successful - and fun - I was glad to have it wrapped up. But then I moved right into covering for someone on leave. And yes, I am first to admit, I am the one who volunteered to cover for this colleague. The project which I was to oversee was somewhat calm, didn't seem to have a lot to take on.

But hahahah. This is me we're talking about folks. I live on Candid Camera. riiiiiiiiight. Within two weeks of me taking over the project, the bottom fell out. Due to some client changes, there was an onslaught of orders/projects to manage. I was overwhelmed. Trying to do the project, as well as my regular job, train for the marathon, and oh, I dunno, be a MOM.. I was, to say the least, thinly spread. Behind in everything at work, behind at home- from paying bills, to cleaning, to getting stuff done for Eileen - you name it, I was behind. It is truly a miserable feeling.

So I'm going back tomorrow. Very much hoping that I have a better hold on things. My colleague will be back to take back the project, which helps. That being said, there are several new processes on the books for we managers to learn, put into play, etc - and it goes without saying they will be pretty time-consuming. I'm trying to sort out how to fit in the new stuff while still doing the old stuff, and what I will be delegating to those who may be willing. I'm going into the year minus two on my staff, which makes my head spin. It is only TV.. we're not saving the world.. and the work will eventually get done. I keep repeating that to myself.

Josh and I have spent a LOT of time over the past two weeks getting our house back in order (ok, actually mainly Josh). We rearranged the bonus room. He cleaned out the bonus room. I cleaned out the desk - which was in DIRE need of some decluttering. (This would be when I realized I completely forgot to pay the November electric bill). See what I mean? CHAOS. I am anal about the bills. Yet I just didn't pay it. Paid everything else. On time. Just never did pay the electric?! I mean really. That is when I get so very disappointed in myself, when I realize I am not keeping up. And I get mad at myself for taking on so much. For wanting to be such a team player and overachiever that in the end, I very much underachieve. How do I figure out how and when to say no, but yet still be a force and an achiever at home and at work?

But the house is in better shape.. still have some areas we can declutter.. but at least it feels more breathable now. That helps with starting out the New Year. I fully intended to go into the office at some point to clean my desk and sort files and set up new files, etc. But I just couldn't. I forced myself to stay away, to answer as few emails as possible, to be as uninvolved in work as possible, at least for a few days.

All that being said, Eileen certainly helps to keep things in perspective. We've had lots of fun over the break (and my WORD she has worn us out and is one helluva chatterbox!). Christmas was, of course, a blast. And then we went to Memphis for a few days. She's quite the road warrior. She just hung out in her seat and watched her DVDs. The plus is that now she can HOLD her DVD player.. which means it doesn't have to be strapped to Josh's headrest.. which means Mommy and Daddy can have music on the front speakers and NOT have to listen to Strawberry Shortcake over,.. and over.. and over..

She ruled the roost at Grandpa and Beanie's. I think they saw Snow White more than they ever would have imagined. They were treated to some chorus' of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer at full Toddler volume. To toddler hissy fits on the afternoons when Little Missy skipped her nap. To spur of the moment dance recitals with the purple tutu and pink sparkle shoes. The child is like a one man traveling circus.

They also babysat for us one night so we could go meet up with some old friends. Years ago, in fact it was that first Christmas after 9/11, myself and a couple of friends from high school organized an impromptu reunion at a local Memphis bar. We did it several years in a row.. and then it kind of fell off when most of us started having kids and weren't always back in Memphis for the Holidays. But this year, due in part to Facebook, we did it again. I don't think we'll ever have as big a turnout as we had that first year in 2001.. but we had a pretty good showing this year!

I got to see some friends I hadn't seen in YEARS.. and some who I get to see more often but still never as often as I like. It was so fun. Weird to catch up.. some of us still in Memphis.. others of us spread from Chicago to NYC to Charlotte.. we're kind of everywhere. I'm amazed at how many of my friends are working moms with 3 kids. It boggles my mind. How do they do it? And how do they AFFORD it? (I won't get back into the feelings of inadequacy here..). I listened in awe to these girls, thinking they are all Super Woman.

The rest of the time in Memphis we hung out with Dad and Jean and Aunt Debbie. Eileen was, as usual, the Center of Attention. We went to the Children's Museum.. which was fantastic. Eileen had a blast.. and it was a pleasant (warm) place for her to burn some energy. We didn't get to go to Rendevous, they were closed for the holiday. ARGH. but we did hit Houstons.. the home of the Best Chicken Tenders on the Planet. The dang things aren't even on the menu.. but those who know.. know to ask and they shall receive. And since we now know that Eileen is indeed a road warrior, I'm all for another trip to Memphis soon.. mainly to get some bar-b-que.

Yesterday was a big day in Eileen's world. We went to the movies! And she had a blast. We went to see "The Princess and the Frog." Very cute. Lots of songs and such, as one would expect from Disney. She sat in a booster seat (honestly. I'm not sure she even weighs enough to have held the seat down! it might have swallowed her up!). She was mesmerized. Fascinated by the screen, the dark theater, the other people. She got a little ancy during the middle of the movie.. but nothing too bad. Oh, and she did love the popcorn. She was quite annoyed that she didn't get to have more when it was time to leave. HA. So, I see many more movies in our future. And note to self.. I will be getting the kids meal for ME next time we go to the movies.. as it is way cheaper and not such an obscene amount of food.

OH. and speaking of Movies.. Josh and I managed to get to go to a movie ourselves last week. Sherlock Holmes. I loved it. Of course, I go to the movies so infrequently, you could have sat me in front of a picture of moving mud and I'd have liked it.

So.. we're gearing up for 2010. A mostly decluttered house. A couple of weeks worth of rest. A somewhat renewed attitude for taking on work and balancing my job with my homelife.

A very excited attitude towards my 2010 running. I have several races in mind, and I'm running stronger (and faster) than ever. I read the other day that female runners generally hit their stride as runners in their mid-30s.. .. well, seeing as how in three days I will be thirty-five.. I guess it doesn't get much more mid-30s than that, does it?! So, I better get my runs in and set my PRs now.. before I miss my peak!

A little girl who is growing and thriving and making us laugh every day. And who is waking up from her nap.. so I shall sign off.

Happy New Year!

Whew!!

2009-12-25T23:24:00.001-05:00

I'm writing this as I wait for 166 pictures to upload, and Eileen is parked next to me on the couch in her Christmas dress watching Snow White. Its Christmas Day and we are being l a z y. And loving every minute of it. We have not stopped!

We've done just about every holiday activity there is to offer. It is hard to put into words how exciting it is to watch Eileen's eyes light up and get so excited about all things Santa. She understands so much of it and is truly enchanted by it all. And as an adult.. well I get to be a kid all over again. I feel so old saying it, but I know better than to take it for granted. I know we don't get very many years where she will be so excited and when she will truly believe. It is magical to get to be a part of her world.

Lets see.. we started the Season with the impromptu trip to Dollywood, where we got to see all the lights and Eileen got to talk toSanta and Mrs. Claus. There was the Festival of Trees.. that was over Thanksgiving weekend. And we had Grandpa and Beanie with us, we got to see MK dance. The next weekend was the Christmas Parade. We went to that with Eileen's BFF Sydney. There was an unusually large number of garbage trucks in said parade.

Now.. its been years since I went to a Christmas Parade. Is that the norm these days? Garbage Trucks, decorated with lights and garland? To be part of the proecession? Or is that just here in the Hills of East Tennessee? Weird right!? there was, of course, the expected bands, cheerleaders, boy and girl scouts. There was - as Lani and I dubbed him- The Elf. He was actually the possibly intoxicated college kid who managed to umm... march.. behind all of the school bands. Certainly marching to his own beat. and hilarious to watch. There were several church groups with "Jesus is the Reason" message. Which is all good. And there was the one church group with said message.. and um.. a guy walking with the Cross. Umm. I get it. Jesus. Yes - we should certainly remember He is the reason, lest we get too caught up in the commercialism. But with the cross? Really? That goes with a different holiday. right? Try to explain to a 3year old why that man has that large Cross and why there is a cheerleader in front of him and an elf behind him! ANYWAY.

We went to a 'kid family' party at Kali's house. On the one hand, I still sometimes find myself in awe that I have a kid and am at a party where my kid is running around with all the other kids. All the girls in their Christmas dresses and boys in their little sweaters and courdoroys. I mean, wasn't it just yesterday that me and Sissy were those kids? How am I now the mom??? It was such fun tho. So fun to watch the kids run aroudn together. OH, and I do mean run. Remember that post just below this one? Where Eileen and Syd just ran around our coffee table? Yeah. Eileen led the way of running around Kali's house in that fashion. Leading four other children to do the same. Oh Lawsy.

Lest you have any doubt. Eileen is all ME. most girly tomboy on the planet. For Kali's party, she insisted on wearing (one) of her Christmas dresses. Along with her fuschia leggings and pink sparkle shoes. And her jewelry. And scarf. It was some serious costume/princess jewelry. and mommy's old purple scarf. So.. yes.. my precious little lady did very much resemble a Street Walker. in that cute innocent way. (dont be jealous of my Mother of the Year status). I did feel better to see that Kali had also insisted upon earrings. And as she had none, her mommy and daddy improvised by coloring red dots on her ear lobes. We do what we have to do.. right?!

Later that week was her school party. Which fell on Pajama Day. So she marched off to school in her Princess Flannels (i mean really, what else would you have expected?!) and sparkle shoes. They watched movies and ate popcorn. Meanwhile, Mommy had HER department lunch downtown. When it was over, I flew back to work, got my car. Flew to Eileen's Christmas party. Hilarious. Those kids could make Scrooge himself laugh. And oh those teachers are magical. They somehow manage to get all those 3year olds to line up in their assigned spots. And to stay quiet. And to wait their turn to get their presents. And to eat their food. I watch in wonder. Wondering what drug it is that they must pump through the air vents to have such well-behaved toddlers. I can promise that behavior is rarely repeated at home! And THEN she and I flew to my other work party, which was bowling. And oh yes, she stayed in the flannels and sparkle shoes. And was the Star of the Party. Its too bad she's so shy and hates attention. yeah.. right. We did not actually bowl, she instead ran around attempting to bust into the bowling alley kitchen, climbing all over Miss Johanna, getting rides on Mr. Rick's shoulders, grinning ear to ear for Mr. Tim's camera, and hamming it up with Uncle Dave.

Then she and Daddy went to Sneedville to spend the weekend with Grandma. And they had snow. Lots and lots and lots of snow. She got to spend Fridat at Grandma's library and playing with the Big Kids. and she got to eat in the cafeteria, also with the Big Kids. She does love Grandma's house. All sorts of fun stuff up there.

And then of course it was Christmas! She was bouncing off the walls yesterday. She could not WAIT to go to church- all becuase she was d y i n g to put on her other Christmas dress from Beanie. She wanted to put it on as soon as she got out of bed. I somehow convinced her to wait until it was time to go to church to wear it, so she didn't get it messed up. So then we let her open one present before church.. and it was of course her doll from Beanie. Which, of course, had on the very same dress as Eileen! She was fascinated by that. She promptly named the doll "eileen" and she went to Mass with us. We managed to get there early enough to get seat in the actual church.. but it was pure mayhem. So we walked over to the Parish Hall.. obviously not as pretty as the Church.. but a tad more kid friendly, and we got front row seats. And the little girl next to us had on teh very same dress, along with her stuffed dog in IT's own matching dress. Hilarious. And mommy was super excited to have the owner of the Irish Times sitting on the same ailse as us. :)

Aunt Sissy came to spend the night since Uncle David had to work. That was loads of fun. We managed to get Eileen to bed at the normal time.. and then we three got all the loot ready. Josh had to put together the Sit-n-Spin and the kitchen. I managed to assemble the Hungry Hippos and the Little People Amusement park. :)

And then bright and early at 6am.. "MOMMA! DADDA! COME GET ME!" (oh.. um.. we'd locked her into her room so she couldn't get out before us. Again.. mother of the year..). She was actually a little overwhelmed... there wasn't that "wow" moment. Maybe she's still too young? She sat in my lap for a good 10 minutes just not sure what to do. Not to fret.. once she warmed up, she was a force. Playing and digging and unwrapping. Fascinated by all the goodies. And then Uncle David came over with her new wagon and that was a hit. Actually, Uncle David himself was a hit. She was so very excited to see him. That was precious to watch.

And now here we are on Christmas afternoon. it started out warm and now is windy and cold. We've napped, rearranged the bonus room (to make room for toys), watched movies and now Josh is switching the refrigerator door! (a little odd for Christmas Day yes.. but then again.. if one finds some free time.. well. you do what you gotta do, right?!)

its been a blast this year. I'm sad to see it end.. but there's a small part of me ready to return to normalcy. I already know the start of the year is a busy one at work. I've got training for another race starting tomorrow (I know.. I hear you all muttering that I'm nuts...). So I have one more week off of work, and I intend to make the most of not working. :)

Merry Christmas to All. and a Happy New Year to come..

before you consider getting preggers.. watch this..

2009-12-12T23:33:00.000-05:00

OK.. yes.. I'm being sarcastic.. but this little gem is just a glimpse into Toddler Life. I took this video after these two had been running literally in circles for about 10 minutes straight...but at least they wear each other out! Syd and Eileen at their best (or worst?)...

It is definitely winter here.. its been super cold, which I guess is OK for now since its the holidays.. but I will not be umm.. tolerating? it so well after 1/1/10.

Speaking of "2010"... how does one say that? Do you say "twenty-ten"? what if you just want to say the last two numbers.. currently, we can say "oh-nine.." but can one say "oh-ten?" this was actually a discussion in the middle of a meeting earlier this week... (and yes, it could also work as a script for The Office).

Anyway, back to winter.. we did get some snow last weekend. The good kind. The kind you wake up to on a Saturday morning. The kind at which you love to watch your child stare in awe. The kind you can go outside and build a rocking snowman and have a quick snowball fight with your neighbor. And most importantly.. the kind that has melted and gone away within about 4 hours!!!

So its been cold. So we've done all sorts of things to try to keep ourselves entertained. Such as letting Eileen put on bizarr-o outfits and dance around the den. Or making sugar cookies (Thank You Pillsbury for the precut sugar cookie dough. Genious. Clearly created by a Mom).

And playdates. Loving those lately. Eileen definitely gets bored hanging out with Mommy and Daddy on the weekends. And while "Polar Express" and "Charlir Brown Christmas" can serve as good temporary babysitters.. I mean, we can only stick her in front of that TV for so long. Luckily Eileen's best friend lives close. Luckily Mommy and Syd's Mommy, Miss Lani, have lots of fun together too. So we let them run wild while we have a cocktail or two. Having wild children play, fight, tattle, scream, cry, hug, play, etc is not nearly so stressful when there's another mom there. It becomes much easier to ignore. Excuse me, I need to go grab my "Mother of the Year" Award.

Work has been.. well, really busy lately. I realize that is a good thing. But wow it has kicked my butt and taken names these past couple of weeks. I just need to make it through this week.. and then I am taking two weeks off. And yes, Eileen will go to school while Mommy stays home. Can you tell I'm looking forward to that?

Have you heard of The Elf on the Shelf? Its quite cute. its this little Elf you get.. and he lives in your house from about Thanksgiving to Christmas Eve. He hangs out all day keeping an eye on the Child of the House, and then once said Child has gone to bed, why, the Elf of course heads to the North Pole to give Santa an update on the Child's behavior. Each morning when the Child awakes, she runs downstairs to see where the Elf has decided to perch. She's fascintaed by him.

And Mommy is already wondering if she can develop a Valentine's Elf... as this whole Elf concept certainly helps one bribe a child into good behavior. In true Eileen fashion, our Elf has a twist. The family is supposed to name their Elf as soon as he comes into your home. So we let Eileen name him. And she chose Chuckie. Wait. what? isn't that some creepy doll from past horror movies? Why yes, it is. So either Eileen has been watching Chuckie movies at school (not likely), she's going to be the next Wes Craven, or she just is a fan of the name?

Mommy will miss Chuckie come Christmas Eve.

catching up..

2009-12-09T21:20:00.000-05:00

I am working on editing close to 300 pictures from this past weekend.. Christmas Parade. One of Eileen's friends birthday parties. An 'adult' Christmas Party. Making cookies. Quite the festive weekend.

In the meantime.. here's a video from tonight's bathtime!
Enjoy..

Holiday Sparkles..

2009-11-30T22:49:00.000-05:00

This child is nuts. I mean.. look.at.her!! and yes, she honest to God did that all on her own. Last weekend (gasp! the weekend before Thanksgiving.. we decorated for Christmas). Josh was stringing the garland on the stairs and I was doing the mantle and this is what I saw when I turned around. Talk about trying not to choke on one's own laughter...

It has been a busy month, and I daresay having a 3+ year old makes Christmas insanely fun.. this from the girl who has always loved tihs time of year. I had no idea how much more fun it could be.

In the past couple of weeks.. we have been to the Zoo for Parker's bday party, bought a new fridge, we have had Grandpa and Beanie and Grandma Joyce here for Thanksgiving, we have been to Fantasy of Trees, decorated our house, and been to the Knoxvegas Festival of Lights! We still have a birthday party, a couple of Christmas parties, Hannukah, a parade, a trip to Memphis.. and of course the big day itself .. all in the next month. I am already worn out. Somewhere in there we need to shop too.

So every day that passes.. Eileen is more and more chatty. And I honestly have no idea where that trait came from... hehehe.

Some winners of late...

Our friend "Mr. Tim" came over one night after work to help me sort out something with the new fridge (really, its obscene how excited I am about that appliance). So Tim walked in, Eileen ran to greet him. She stopped, looked at him, and said "HEY!" and there Tim and I stood.. wondering and waiting.. and she said "HEY! where's your kid?" HA. She didn't care to see Tim.. she was looking for one of his daughters to play with. Needless to say, Tim and I were practically on the floor laughing.

A couple of days later.. She and I were in the car. I had on Christmas music (shocking, I know). A new song (well, new to Eileen) came on... I think it was "Do You Hear What I Hear?".. so she listened to it, then asked if she could hear it again. So I started it again.. halfway through, she said "This song is terrible! what's next?!" I mean, really! Again, I tried to not drive us off the road while cracking up.

We went to the zoo for Parker's party (I refuse to reveal his age bc it makes me feel impossibly old!). We had a blast (even tho zoos still creep me out) and spent several hours wandering around. They have a baby chimp there.. George. .. he's about 4mos old and just precious. Anyway.. as we're leaving, Eileen is riding along on Daddy's shoulders. She turned to me and said "Mommy? It smells like POOP!"
well. yes, it does. it IS a zoo. smart kid that one.

It is slightly mind-boggling how much she is already aware of clothes, styles, fashion, etc (not counting the fantastic outfit seen at the start of this post). While getting dressed for Parker's party, she picked out her own outfit. A t-shirt, skirt, and leggings to go underneath. And she came running downstairs and promptly informed me she looked just like MK. Sure enough, when we got to the party, MK had on a t-shirt, skirt and leggings. A day or two later, while getting dressed for school, she picked out a dress, pink leggings, and her ladybug shoes. And said that she looked just like Hannah. And sure enough, we got to school.. and Hannah had on her pink leggings and her ladybug shoes!

Over the weekend, we were at Target (shocking). Eileen and I took a detour through the kids shoes. And she spotted some sparkly silver shoes. And oh how she wanted them. I told her no and kept moving, not thinking twice about it. Hoo Boy! she pitched.a.fit. She hollered and furrowed her brow and even produced some tears.. all because she could not have those silver shoes. I finally got her distracted and calmed down with who knows what, and the silver shoes were a distant memory. Until we had to go back to Target on Sunday for something we'd forgotten. And we'd been in the store all of three minutes when she said "Where are the silver shoes?!" And here's where I'm mom of the year. I caved, agreed they were very cute.. and off we went to the shoes. They were, however, out of silver in her size. They did have pink ones that were exactly the same.. only better.. since they had the Disney Princesses on the soles and on the shoe box. So $12 later and some very cute pink glittery shoes.. and we have a fashion forward child.

I won the Mother of the Year award again this morning. I told Eileen she could only wear those new shoes to school if she agreed to wear jeans. Hehehe. Yes, jeans. For whatever reason, the child refuses to wear them. But she looks so dang cute in them. So she agreed. She wore thos pink shoes and jeans. I am fully aware she'll have a wardrobe complex by age 5. Some parents bribe their kids with food.. me.. shoes! Well. at least she'll stay at a healthy weight, right? By not associating rewards with food? but instead shoes? I can justify just about anything.

Note said pink sparkly shoes in photo to left with child on Potty. I am about to have to start using the shoes to bribe her to pee on the potty! She knows how. She does it at school. She knows when she needs to pee or poo.. and she is also able to hold it! but she will.not.pee.at.home!!! Sigh.

So last week we went to the Festival of Trees. Its a pretty big event here in Knoxville.. a fundraiser for Children's hospital. We went on Wednesday to see MK dance. Precious. oh.. but Eileen was flat out livid that she could not run up on that stage and dance with MK! I don't thikn she grasped the whole dance thing (saving me from just yet having to fork out those dollars).. just that MK was up there having fun without her!

So Friday night was the kickoff of the Knoxville Holiday Celebrations. The Ice Skating rink opens in Market Square, there are vendors everywhere, hot chocolate, singing and dancing, and of course, lighting the city tree. It was a chilly day, perfect for Christmas Fun! They also had a couple of (very well) controlled fires for roasting marshmallows, and some electric trains running around a track. Super fun to watch a little girl take all of that in.

So when it came time to light the tree.. Santa and Rudolph were on the stage to push the "big red button." Perfect. 3..2..1.. and lights! beautiful. And then.. fireworks. Oh no. no. Eileen is terrified of the things! We had no idea they would be part of the lighting! oh Heavens she flipped out..was not at all happy about the noise! We bolted back to the ice rink and she calmed down. Whew.

And on Saturday night, when Josh said it was time to light our tree.. well she took off out of the den like her rear end was on fire. She was convinced we'd have fireworks in our living room. Honestly!

I think I could ramble on forever .. but its getting late, and I am tired.. and I need to pick up the house before the cleaning service comes tomorrow. Yes, I am that person.

In the meantime.. here's some more pictures ...

Well Hello There Old Friend..

2009-11-10T23:01:00.000-05:00

Wowo.. it has been a month. But quite the busy month it has been. Among other things, there was a field trip, Josh trekking to Atlanta to see U2, Josh trekking to Chicago for work, Halloween, and of course me trekking to NYC for a little running.

I completed my fourth New York City Marathon. Six minutes slower than last year.. but who's counting, right? People have told me 'oh well, .. you know.. you have a kid, and a job, etc etc.. " but that doesn't really hold up.. seeing as how I had the same kid and job last year! So, I chalk it up to getting older? Regardless.. it was a great race. An old NYC friend ran it (he's faster than me!) and I got to see him. One of Josh's clients ran it and I got to see him on the flight home. I got to see my old boss from Food Network along the course. I ran with a friend from work.

But the part that stands out the most... please be sitting down.. I fell. Oh yes.. I fell. At mile 10. Now.. anyone who knows me should really not be shocked by this. I fall all the time.

I really still have no idea how i did it. I just was all of a sudden falling to the ground. My phone flew out of my hands (yes, I did run with it- but NO, I was not txting or facebooking when I fell...). I completely face-planted. According to my running buddy, I actually skidded! Only me folks, only I would bust a$$ while running the New York City Marathon!

So.. it was a fun trip. I got to see my cousins, several old friends, and of course wander around Manhattan. And I got to run.

One of the things that was not so fun was that I missed Halloween with Eileen. Josh stayed home tho, so she did have at least one parental unit here. Aaaand Grandpa and Beanie were also here. So they carved a pumpkin, toasted the seeds, and of course Trick or Treated (in a cold downpour). From what I was told.. she racked UP on candy... but Josh took it all to work to get rid of it before I'd even made it back from NYC!

Eileen told everyone she was dressed as Tinker Bell... tho her dress bore a strong resemblance to Cindarella. Josh was a pirate. I really have no idea what the expression is on her face in this picture! She really did 'get it' this year. She couldn't wait to run to the neighbor's houses and get her loot.

As mentioned earlie in this blog, Josh scored a very last minute ticket and trip to see U2 in Atlanta in early October. He said it was an amazing show. Then the next week he was in Chicago for a couple of days for work. Eileen kept saying she wanted to go to "The Chicago." Amazing how much she grasps and remembers these days.

Eileen had her three year check-up yesterday. And it was so very different than any other doctor appts! They did a vision test (she passed with flying colors!), she had her blood pressure taken.. all sorts of 'adult things.' She did great.. didn't cry or get scared at all. For the record, her blood pressure was like 80/20. I, of course, had NO IDEA what a child's blood pressure should be. I mean if that were an adult.. well, they'd be dead. But the nurse assured me the 80/20 was just right for a 32lb 3 yr old who is 37.5inches tall. whew.

So I was talking to the doctor, who we love.. talking about the stubborn little lady who refuses to go potty at home. She totally knows when she needs to pee or poop.. and will tell us.... but instead of using the potty, she goes upstairs and puts on a diaper! So Dr. looked at me and just said 'well.. stop buying diapers!' HA. good point. I am a Potty Enabling Mom! So we shall see how tihs works out. I mean eventually she'll get there.. if she's 10 and still in princess pull-ups.. well.. then we've got issues!

It is so fun to watch her interact with her friends. Saturday we were supposed to go over to Nicole's to see some old friends and let the kids play. We couldn't manage to get our act together in time, so we didnt make it. Then at the last minute we decided to make chili and see if Raven/Dave/MK and Parker could come over, and Sydney and her mommy too. So everyone came. And the kids were wild. Like on crack. But hilarious. The girls were driving Parker up the wall. So it was loud and crazy and insane and it was very fun. Nice to be with other parents and just watch in amazement at the insanity of young (frighteningly sharp and smart) young brains.

Then on Sunday we headed down to Dollywood. And got to have a suprise, unplanned visit with Mr. & Mrs. Claus! We knew Dollywood would have all the "Winterfest" lights and trees and decoratoins out and about. We wandered into Santa's workshop, but it didn't occur to us that he would be there! So there was no line.. and well, why not? So she marched right up to Santa (after chatting up the Mrs.) and informed him that she wanted a 'dolly!' It is moments like that I wonder who she is and where did the Shy Eileen go? She used to want nothing to do with strangers - esp if Mommy & Daddy were around. Now she just marches around and has her own social hour.

Needless to say.. I am super excited about Christmas. I know she gets it this year. (and the whole 'you better be good or i'm telling Santa!' is a FANTASTIC bargaining tool!!)..

Toddlers at the Farm

2009-10-07T22:33:00.000-04:00

Well folks. It has happened. already I have worn out the Motherly Toned "one...Two.. THREE.."

Tonight Miss Sassy Pants was refusing to come near me so I could give her her medicine. (in her defense.. it does taste really icky). So I put on the Mom Face... and said firmly "one..." and then. she looked at me. cocked that little head. and said, in an already apparent Southern Drawl.. 'twooooo...' and I, of course, cracked up. I mean, honestly! How is one supposed to be a firm parent when children are so hilarious?

Sissy came over after work to entertain Eileen while i did laundry and dishwasher and got dinner ready. We all took a quick walk around the neighborhood.. it was either that or have Gracie implode from wanting to enjoy the perfect Fall Day. So Sissy and I were walking and Eileen on her Big Wheel (Disney Princess Themed, of course). It should be noted she has gotten quite speedy on that big wheel! Steering and remembering to look for cars.. well those areas need some work. So anyway, she's pedaling along. Stop. Stands up. and Toots. and cracks herself up so much she's doubled over in laughter. Sissy was horrified. and I, mother of the year and clearly the Queen of Little Girl Etiquette, cracked up right along with Eileen. Way to encourage such behavior. She'll make a great Frat Boy someday.

As you have probably deduced from these pictures, the Field Trip to the PumpkinPatch was earlier this week. Wowo. How those teachers deal with a roomfull of three year olds is beyond me. They are some strong women! But oh we had a blast. We got to school and they loaded the car seats onto the school bus. Then we had the caravan of SUV's and minivans following the bus out to the Land of Pumpkins. Oh - and it just so happened that Eileen and BFF Syd had on the same shirt, only adding to the cuteness. They are clearly an exclusive club. So we get there and this man greets us. And he's like a frightening Halloween Creepy Santa Claus. Hes tall and has a long white beard and a big belly. It does not help that he has a red shirt on. But i'm not sure he had all his teeth. And he starts out by showing this mob of 3 year olds some leaves and berries. And then tells them NOT to eat them. because they are poison. I'm like "what the hell??? is this man insane? has he never MET a 3year old?" because you know - as soon as they hear not to do something, their little brains start scheming on how to do this thing they are not supposed to do. Good LORD man stop talking.

When it was time to get on the hayride, which thankfully did NOT actually include hay.. Eileen was scared. She didn't want to get on the trailer. So Syd looks at her - and I am so NOT making this up- says "c'mon eileen! what is your problem?" hil-a-ri-ous. Syd's mom and I died. so funny. and hey.. it worked. Eileen stopped being a fraidy cat and hopped right up there. Three cheers for Toddler Peer Pressure!!

We fed some goats.. I am fairly certain Eileen attempted to kiss one. oh yay. We then traveled to a pumpkin patch. Where the kids were told not to go past the pink ribbon. So who wants to guess at what to blond girls in matching tee-shirts took off straight for that ribbon? I'd already run 6miles before this field trip, and I easily covered another couple while chasing the Little People. And then they took us toa corn maze. At which point I thought surely we were on Candid Camera. Who in the world turns loose all these short people in super tall corn?!? (and yes, it did occurr to me that I was living out my very own version of "Children of the Corn.") Thankfully.. it wasn't so much a maze, as it was a curvy path. We got behind a slower little girl and her grandmother. Her grandmother who pointed out every.single.ear.of.corn to the little girl. This was after we'd been there two hours, and were hungry, thirsty and a little bit over the farm.

Evidently Eileen and Mateyah were also a little ready to move on.. the two of them suddenly just ran full speed in front of the woman. The woman who did not seem phased that these two just took off on their own into the corn. The woman who did not move to the side to at least let me and Mateyah's mommy by to chase after them. The woman who clearly is one of those Stupid People who is let out of her house every so often. (Ok, that was mean. but really?!?! ) So after what seemed like a lifetime, but was probably just a couple of seconds, we gave up on attempting niceties and just ran right past the woman and hoped we didn't knock her over. And there were Eileen and Mateyah just happily leading the group through the corn. Ohhh Heaven Help me.

Anyway. the last stop was an apple orchard. with old apples on the ground. that the kids wanted to eat. at this point i didn't have much argument left in me and didn't really fight any kiddos taking bites. no one fell over, so no harm done.

And so that was it. It was a blast. So hilarious to see all the kids interact. And it was fun to get to hang out with some of the other parents.

And lastly, we have the photo of the day.. the one where i looked at Eileen and said "Smile for Mommy..." and here's what I got:

It's (NOT) Football Time in Tennesee....

2009-10-05T22:35:00.000-04:00

A friend of mine offered me his season tickets for the weekend.. as he couldn't use them bc he had to go out of town.

I haven't been to a game since before Eileen was born.. so it has obviously been at least three years! I was totally stoked. And it turned out a boatload of old friends happened to be in town for it. .making it even better.

Sissy went with me.. even tho I think Josh really did want to go (but now he's going to U2 tomorrow in Atlanta.. so don't feel too sorry for him!). Sissy and I rarely do anything with just us these days.. and we had a ton of fun. We ate lunch and then headed to the Strip. Where all at once you feel insanely old, and wonder how on earth these 18 year old girls all look like super models. I mean.. I think I was fairly cute in college. But I mean holy hannah these girls are all gorgeous. I don't get it. Frightening to think of Eileen in a few years...

There is something so comforting about seeing old friends. People who you don't get to see very much anymore.. and barely keep in touch with (except via status updates on Facebook...).. but you see each other and it is as if no time has passed. It is hard to explain.. and I know there are only a handful of such people who come along in life.. and I know enough to be extremely grateful to have such friends. The girls in this picture are some of those people. Oh the stories we have (well.. the ones we can remember anyway..)

And the girls in this picture are also the sort that you can go months and years without seeing.. and poof! its like you're all back in college together. Kids and marriages and jobs and all that sometimes not so fun adult stuff.. but it is so very easy to just 'be' with these friends. Not a bad way to spend a Saturday afternoon.. Coors Light helps too. :)

There is, of course, the matter of the actual football game. I mean sh*t. I think Eileen could complete more passes than our QB. It was unreal to be in that stadium and watch your home team look as if a PeeWee team could beat them. I bleed orange. I am no fair-weather fan (lets remember I am also a Sox fan.. I know disappointment)... but for as much money is pumped into this football program.. and as faithful as these fans are... and the fact that our facilicities outshine those of NFL teams.. there is just no excuse for the level of play being executed by this 2009 team. SOO frustrating. but nonetheless.. it was great to be back in the Stadium and with old friends.

Josh heads to Atlanta tomorrow with one of his friends to go see U2. Wow. that will be an amazing show! but before he goes.. we'll be heading to the pumpkin patch with Eileen's class. I can't not WAIT to see all thsoe kids and their car seats loaded onto the bus. I think I might be more excited about that than the trip to the pumpkin patch. :)

On Saturday she didn't want to put on her Tennesee Cheerleader outfit (maybe she knows how bad they are?). I kept bribing her.. "I'll give you a cookie if you put it on.. we can go to daddy's work if you put it on..." nothing was working. Eventually I just wrestled it on her. She was not happy with Mommy! But she got over it and looked too cute in her turtleneck and TN dress. (These pics are from a few weeks ago.. when it was still warm.) Check out her face in the picture here.. do you SEE the smart-aleck look?? oh that girl.

Miss Denee came over for a little while on Saturday. She brought Eileen a birthday present.. a purse. And OMG.. Eileen has not let it out of her SIGHT! today, when I picked her up from school.. she ran up to say hi. Then ran over to her cubby. Then put on her sunglasses. and her purse. and marched on over.. ready to go. I cracked up. She's so girly.. and so not. I love it. She's so me.

I got my Team Fox shirt today! yay. Less than one month to go til the Marathon. I can't believe it. I feel like this year's training has flown by. I'll run again with Team Fox.. so if you're reading.. I still have about $1000 to raise. So please please give if you can.. it's a tax write off and for a good cause! go to http://www.teamfox.org/ and search me. (tip: use the married name...)

I'll be braving having a yard sale in two weeks.. all proceeds going to Team Fox. I've never had a yard sale.. THAT should make for an interesting blog...

OK. its time for bed. Have a good week..

Princesses, Moons and Stars..

2009-10-01T22:29:00.001-04:00

Its been over a week since her birthday and her birthday party.. and I am just now getting around to blogging! As you can see.. there was a princess theme going on. Not such a strectch for Eileen..

She had a blast. Her friend Syndey from school came over, as well as her friend Kali. It is so funny to watch them interact with one another. They just have their own little world. And oh..when it came time to open presents! Those girls were all over it. There were books and puzzles and dress up dolls and Disney dolls.

And the hit of the party was the blue princess dress. Sandi had called to see if it was OK to get Eileen a dress-up outfit (instead of books, etc). And I said 'oh yes, she will love it.' and Oh she did! You'd have thought those three girls had won the lottery opening up that dress, and the purse, necklace and earrings that went along with it! It must be universal Girl Toddler Code to love all things princess.

One of the funnier moments came when we sang Happy Birthday.. at first she loved it.. and then she got scared. I guess bc it was so loud? And she just cried and cried! (which may have been scarring from the day before.. when me/sissy/josh/david/Grandpa & Beanie were watching the Florida game and hollering like crazy at the game...)

why yes, i did just use the word 'holler' in my blog. deal with it.

She had a party at school the next day. I wasn't able to go (three words: United Way Telethon) but Sissy, Josh, Grandpa and Beanie went. She got to have cupcakes with all of her buddies. And I think they sang Happy Birthday at a lower decibel.

She has been nothing less than amusing and precious (and sassy) lately.

Right now she is on a big moon kick. Every night after her tubby she wants to go outside and look at the moon. And its gotten chilly (yay! and boo!) so she's in her little long sleeve/leggings pjs and just so insanely cute. must get a picture. Josh told her there's a 'man in the moon' - so now she looks for him every night. Its fascinating and humbling and well, just nice, to see her and watch her be so enamored by the night sky. She's so excited about something as simple as the moon. It makes me want to figure out how to capture that eagerness and inquisitiveness and simple joy and put it in a bottle (and sell it and get rich.. which somewhat defeats the purpose, right?)

She's also quite the little devil. She knows how to 'innocently' procrastinate so she doesn't have to go to bed. She knows how to scream bloody murder when she doesn't get her way. Too bad her mommy doesn't fall for any of it. (OK.. full disclosure.. if she does the bloody murder scream in public, i generally cave in order to avoid having a confrontation with the DCS). But at home, I completely ignore her.. which infuriates her.. and then she gives up. If she's getting sassy.. lately, if and when I just say "ONE.." as in beginning the count to three, she immediately snaps into action and begins to behave. I of course have to not abuse that 'one' bc she'll start to ignore me.. but at least right now I seem to have some luck with it.

Sorry it was such a long dry spell.. the telethon is over now.. so my life is somewhat returning to normal.. just in time for the Marathon (30 days from today!!!) and then the Holidays!!!

Happy Weekend all.

and now ... four days after I started,..

2009-09-10T22:15:00.000-04:00

It should be noted--- I started this post on Monday night. And now its Thursday night. Just getting around to finishing!

So we'd been for ice cream, and then an impromptu stop at the park. Eileen had had the perfect 3year old afternoon. We're pulling out of the parking lot, and Josh said something to her. I don't remember what. And she smarted-off to him. And I whipped my head around and said 'You better watch that tone lady or I'll pop you." And she looked at me and furrowed up her face and said "I was TALKING to Daddy!' And as much as I wanted to discipline her, I completely cracked up. I could not even muster that Mom Look. It was just hilarious.

She knows when she's being naughty. And she will not hesitate to stand her ground. It should make for some really fun tween and teen years.

We went to Boomsday yesterday.. Boomsday is a massive Labor Day fireworks celebration here. Roughly 400,000 people show up every year. And as much as I knock Knoxville sometimes, I will say.. the fireworks on Boomsday are pretty darn amazing. Of course, Eileen is terrified of fireworks... so we didn't stay this year for that. But we did go down in the afternoon and wander around the Family Friendly part. There was Euro-Bungee jumping. AndI did it. And OMG it was so hilariously fun. It was me and all these kids! i was on this trampoline thing and hooked to a harness with Bungee cords. And I could jump and jump. All the kids were doing back flips.. but I didn't. I'd be that one person that lands on her head. I thought Eileen would get a kick out of watching me jump.. but she didn't really seem phased. I'm not entirely sure what that means? She's used to seeing me bounce about like a loon? Perhaps.

Anyway. They had a whole Kid Zone part with boucnce-houses and bounce slides and bungee running and all SORTS of things that Mommy wanted to do. So she saw that and was convinced it was Mickey's club house. And was sooo sure she wanted to go in. But then was terrified. So we left the area. And then she was mad we'd left. So we went back. And she was terrified. We went throuhg this about 3 times before she finally decided she was going to buck up and master the Bounce House.

And then we could not get her out. She refused to try any of the other bounce houses or bounce slides or bounce caterpillars or what have you. But hey, she was having fun. And burning loads of energy.

She's so much like me its frightening. She'll be so shy, or scared, or quiet at first. And then she'll be the star of the show and never shut up. (and no, I am not implying I am ever the star of the show.. but I am generally quiet in new situations, and then most people tend to want to muzzle me).

Its been a hectic week. And I know next week will be hectic. And it will also be Eileen's bday. So in the middle of a project that has taken over my life, I will be also trying to sort out the house bday party and some sort of school party.

And yes, I know, certainly Eileen is far more important than work - but this is one of those times when I realize that I do enjoy working and want to have a successful end to a project, and I also enjoy playing with and making my daughter a happy girl. Balancing the two.. not always easy. Guilt sways back and forth.. guilt for leaving work a tad early to get to daycare in time to guilt for not being there to see Eileen kick the soccer ball in her little class with all her buddies.

I guess thats about it for now. I'm watching football (shocker) and working and blogging and facebooking. And whitening my teeth. If that's not talent, well.. I don't know what is. :)

Mini Me Girly Tomboy

2009-09-05T22:34:00.001-04:00

My girlie little tomboy. I love it. We had a super fun day today. Mainly bc College Football started. And Tennessee won. Those things always make for happy days. But having a mini-me to share it all with is even better.

This has been the first weekend in about 5 weeks that we've had no plans. And while it is fun to have plans.. it can be just as nice to have nowhere to be.

I

t has been oddly cool the past 10 days. As in we've had the windows open ALL WEEK. I can't WAIT to get the electric bill. Anyway.. so the weather was completely positively perfect this morning for a run. I had a really nice 6miler and was pumped. I got home just in time for Game Day. yeeeehaww! Eileen entertained herself upstairs while I cleaned and watched Game Day and Josh went for his run. Love that she's old enough now to hang out for a while by herself.

Today, of course, our game was at noon. Sweet.. I thought .. as Eileen would take a nap and I could watch most of the game while she slept. Of course she had no desire to sleep. She chatted to herself for about an hour, and then decided she wanted to get up. So I told her she had to watch football with mommy. She said OK.

And you know what?? She did! She lasted a little more than a quarter. Not too bad for a three year old!! I told her about end zones, and goal posts and referees. She was pretty interested. Yes. My own little sports buddy. LOVE it. We also did her nails while we wtached. Football and manicures. I say that makes for one cool chick.

While it was odd to watch UT football without the Great Pumpkin.. I did not miss the sweaty bellybutton. Coach Kiffin.. much easier on the eyes.

So after the game we headed to Fleet Feet - which is a running store - but Eileen calls it the Sock Place. There really aren't many socks there... I think she just associates the Feet part? who knows. but i thikn its hilarious.

Last week at school they had some soccer coaches come in. They'll be offering soccer at her school, so they came in for a demo I guess. I'd planned on signing Eileen up for gymnastics - also offered at her school - but somehow soccer sounds more like her. So we told her we'd get her a soccer ball at Target - of course she insisted on a purple one! So we got home from running errands and I went outside to play with her and her new soccer ball. She said she wanted to show me what they'd learned last week. And oh.my.gawd. She's like Mia Hamm, or maybe Brandi Chastain since she's blond. She's not even three. And I swear she took off down the back yard - 110% dribbling that ball with her feet! I stood there in shock. She moved that ball all over the place - but only where she wanted it to go. Clearly soccer is the better choice over gymnastics. She also did the move where you put your foot on top of the ball to stop it. NICE. So since soccer has loads of running, I am, of course, sooo excited to start molding my little training buddy. I can't wait for her to start soccer at school next week!

So we still have two days left of our three day weekend. Did lots of chores today so hopefully we can just play tomorrow. We might go to Boomsday... but not the fireworks bc she's scared of those! Monday I'll have a long run. And then summer's over. Wow.

I hate to see it go. But I am kind of loving this weather. and a day of football and Octoberfest and candy corn does make me excited about Fall. Oh... candy corn. Yeah. its out. and yeah.. I bought a boat load. I do love it so. As does Eileen.

mmmmmmm.

Happy Holiday weekend all. Make it a safe one!

You Spin Me Round..

2009-08-31T21:58:00.001-04:00

Do you ever have that day where you just feel like you've been a puppet on a string? Or perhaps sitting on a merry-go-round just going around and around and around...? that was me today. I worked like a mad woman all day, but not a thing got crossed off my to-do list. in fact, not a thing even got started.

I blame email. what did we do before it? I honestly think that's what I did most of today. Sort email. And everytime I got it whittled down and felt like I'd filed and responded and deleted, I was faced with at least 30+ new messages.

Yes, I know. All those 'time management' experts tell us to just turn off our email for a couple of hours and get something done. But you know what? Those 30+ messages will be 95+ if I ignore them for a couple of hours. So which is worse? Which is the lesser evil?

And I brought home three folders-full of work to do tonight. But I can't bring myself to do it. I am just too fried. So I guess it will be there tomorrow. And by the end of tomorrow I will be just as fried and more behind.

A friend recently wrote on my FB that if I am overwhelmed I should ask for help. Oh and I do. We're all overwhelmed. And don't get me wrong. In this economy, I am so very grateful for my job. And that I am overwhelmed. Because we're busy. Busy is good. I guess I'm just jabbering.

Eileen started her first day in "PreSchool" today. A bright new shiny classroom. Actually, a mammoth classroom. It is just a really big room. And she was mesmerized. She moved up with all of her friends, but sometimes she still has a hard time adjusting to a new teacher or slightly new schedule. Today she just walked up, little HH came running up to say hi and show us Eileen's cubby, and she was off! She didn't care where I was. Which is good. I don't at all get my feelings hurt when she doesn't notice if I'm there or not.

So she had a good day. I think she'll be excited to be learning new things and being a 'big girl.' Almost there with potty training.. but I'm not pushing it. It would be nice to not have to be spending money on diapers.. but eh.. it will come.

There was a mom last week not happy that the snack her son had eaten did not seem to match the snack indicated on the 'snack calendar.' Ok.. to each his own. But hmm. I am much more concerned (and thrilled) with the fact that my not quite 3year old can write some letters and name all letters and numbers by sight and count to 15 in Spanish and so on and so on.. if she eats crackers and water for a week.. well. umm.. who cares? Said mom was frustrated that all her son would eat at home is mac'n'cheese and chicken nuggets. UMM.. they're THREE. Every three year old I've ever seen exists on cheese and breaded meat. And they all turned out pretty OK, right? Anyway.. like I said.. to each his own.. but lawsy, she needs a cocktail or something!

So Eileen likes to umm.. have some 'private time' after dinner each night. She generally comes home in panties, but refuses to do number 2 in the potty, so we trek upstairs to get a diaper.. and then she heads down the hall to her Princess Tent. And she proceeds to do her business. So last night, I'm laying in the floor in her room waiting on Miss Thang to finish. She comes running down the hall at full speed.. comes into her room.. throws her hands up in the air.. and says "Mommy!!! I did a SCARY poop!" Wowo. so NOT what you want to hear from your three year old child. Its that moment when you want to laugh your arse off.. but also want to run away and hide til she's 10 or so. Yeah.. she's going to kill me some day for telling that story...

OK.. its almost bed time. I am clearly not going to get any work done. But I will read some of the paper... goodnight all. :)

Hello Fall..

2009-08-30T21:56:00.016-04:00

Funny how it can feel so very much like Summer and so very much like Fall all at once.

I do love Fall, but I am a girl of Summer. Light in the morning.. light well into the evening. Warm. Ahhh warm. Long lazy days. Tans. Grills. Pools. Beaches. ahhh... mainly, the bright warmth.

I dread its departure.

Because for all of the fantastic things that come along with Fall.. Football.. pumpkins.. World Series.. crisp air.. candied apples.. cozy sweaters..witches.. mums... marathons.. all those perfectly fun things are followed by winter. .Cold gray winter. We do not get along so well.

But I digress.

Today started out almost chilly. And there was almost no humidity. Which, to be honest.. a day with no humidity in AUGUST in TENNESSEE is somewhat disturbing. But so very enjoyable. It warmed up as the sun came out. Felt more summery. We ran errands and did chores. We went to the park in the late afternoon.

And the shadows were long. And there was a breeze. And it felt like Fall. Except there was that undeniable Song of Summer.. the bugs.. those "Back to School bugs"... I missed them so much when we lived in New York. Tonight its like they were screaming to be heard and noticed.. as if to tell us that in just a couple of more weeks they'll be gone... so be sure to hear them and enjoy them. And then I came home and had a Sam Adams Octoberfest.. and it felt again like Fall. So you see, today has me all over the Seasonal Map!

And with Fall, of course... comes School. Eileen starts her new class tomorrow - PreSchool 1. How in the world is she old enough for a level called "PreSchool?!" She'll move up with all her friends, and be doing even more Big Girl things. She already writes some of her letters and can recognize them all by sight. She memorizes her books.. word for word. Mind boggling. Her school is amazing, I don't know where we'd be without those teachers. We love that place.

Her imagination is unreal. The things that come out of her mouth have us hee-hawing. For instance.. last night I gave her a mani/pedi. I was taking off her old polish, and she pointed to her toe. "Look at that!" she said.

"What?" said me

"That toe! it's GORGEOUS"

I died. "What?!" i said.

"Gorgeous! its gorgeous!"

I asked how she knew that word and where she'd learned it.

"Grandma." she said matter of factly.

So who knows if there is truth to that.. because then conversations like this morning happen...

I got her out of bed. She showed me two of her fingernails void of polish.

"These two aren't pretty!" she said.

"You're right. We'll fix them! what happened?" I asked.

"Daddy did it."

Now, let me fill you in. I painted her fingernails and toes, and then our babysitter arrived. And we left. Daddy never touched her fingers. Most likely the polish came off in the tubby. So I knew that little story was a fabrication! Her little mind spins constantly.

So I find myself constantly wondering what is true and what isnt. She'd have me believe they eat cake and ice cream and popcorn every day if I were any more gullible.

Luckily, I'm not.

I am, however, tired.

So.. I'm signing off. Swearing to try to get back to better blogging.

Happy Sunday.

Back to Blogger...

2009-08-03T13:14:00.004-04:00

You may have noticed the typepad site is gone. I was paying for that one, and can't really justify paying a monthly fee since I have become such a lazy blogger. What really stinks is that it just deleted the site all together. So about a year or so's worth of stories are gone. But there's not much to be done about that I guess? Still stinks.

So anyway.. I at least wanted to get it out there that I came back to blogspot bc..well.. its free. And there's not much free out there anymore is there!?

So these are a couple of recent pics..I have more to upload, but I don't have the camera with me. Stay tuned..

HELLO!

2007-08-20T22:19:00.001-04:00

Yeah.. I've been MIA..

check this out:

www.ejamienyc.typepad.com

see you soon!

Oh yes..

2007-08-15T15:24:00.000-04:00

Yes Folks.

My feisty nature of late (mainly at the office) has attracted the attention of the folks at the National Hurricane Center.

What you see here is a current image of Tropical Storm Erin.

It goes without saying that anyone who knows me at all finds this insanely amusing. My colleagues have gotten quite a kick out of it.

To my friends in Texas - the last thing you need is rain! I hope my little buddy doesn't wreak too much havoc over there.

Social Butterfly

2007-08-14T10:00:00.000-04:00

Seriously. This kid has the life.

She hangs out with a social crowd, and seems to always be the life of the party.

Saturday our friend Sandi had a birthday party/housewarming party. We headed over there early evening. Several friends from work were there. I just put her down in the sun room and she made herself comfortable. Hung out with my boss, loved both of my boss's sons (ages 15 and 7). She played with them forever. And of course (the other) Uncle David - aka Baby Whisperer- was there. She loves him. Just grins ear to ear when she sees him. We stayed there right up until her bed-time, and she was none the worse for the wear. She really is spoiling us.

Sunday morning we headed to church. We hadn't been in two weeks. So, I don't know if it's because we haven't been in two weeks, or whether its because Eileen has become that much more mobile, but she was feisty! Not misbehaving - not yelling or crying or pitching a fit -just being social. She kept blowing raspberries at the priest as he read the Gospel. During the sermon she kept saying 'babababababa' quite loudly. And seeing as we were in the front row, this was quickly going from cute to rude. So I made my way to the back of the church to hang out with the other parents and listen through the speaker and watch through closed doors! We'll give it another shot next week, and if she's still on a mission to par-tay.. well our days of front row church people may be on hold for a couple of years.

And then, then the fun began! We went to IHOP! Eileen got to eat her first pancake. Let me rephrase that: Eileen got to devour her first pancake. She absolutely loved it. She's been eating more solids lately-- little baby raviolis and cheese slices. But she is generally pretty picky when it comes to new foods. Not pancakes. One little taste and then she gobbled it up. So cute. Of course we took pictures.

(pause here for Erin's social commentary: The table next to us was a family of 4. Mom, Dad, teenage daughter, and a son about 4 years old. The daughter sits down with her ipod in her ears. Stays that way about 10 minutes. THEN she took out the earbuds to talk on her cell phone. All while mom, dad and brother sat and chatted and ate breakfast. Now I don't know the circumstances. I have never been in that situation -raising a teenager. I shouldn't pass judgement. But I hope to high Heaven that I am never that parent that would allow my child to act in such a manner. Besides the lack of manners, it's just downright sad).

We thought about going to the pool, but it was really just too hot to even do that. If she were older, or if I were by myself, I would have parked there all afternoon and basked in the summer heat. But she's still too little to be able to handle it, so we decided to go see some model homes in a new development.

It is a fantastic concept.. basically a village in the middle of town. Single family homes, town houses, loft style condos. Several large parks. Retail - shopping, movies, restaurants, and a small grocery store. It is in the early stages, no retail is there yet.. just some of the homes. The idea is that you don't really have a yard, you go to the many giant gorgeous parks. You don't have to drive anywhere once you're home. Need a gallon of milk? You can walk to the little grocery store within the village. This whole concept would be ideal for Josh and I, seeing as how he's not able to drive. BUT since the houses start at about $400,000, it is not likely we will ever actually live there. But hey, we can dream.. and we can wander through the (air-conditioned) model homes. And I did indeed find my dream home. Craftsman style, and actually not much bigger than the house we have now. Gorgeous kitchen opening up to the family room. Master on main. Bedrooms, loft and bonus room upstairs. Very open and airy. Arched doorways. Even a firepit out on the patio. And half a million dollars.

Of course, one thing that did not occur to me was that I'd be carrying Eileen all over the place. From house to house. Upstairs and downstairs and back up again. Inside and out. Hot and cold. Did I mention the stairs? And did I mention that she weighs around 24 or 25 pounds. And did I mention we looked at at least six houses? Wait, did I tell you there were stairs? And now I get to brag: because despite the heat and all the stairs, I was NOT out of breath! And, my arms did not ache. In fact, I didn't even really notice that I was starting to get a little tired of carrying her until we were in one of the last houses! It seems that my 5:30am workouts are paying off. Now, I will admit, that later that evening, my back was aching, so it did catch up with me!

And now here we are and it's Tuesday morning. Still hot as hades here. Two weeks ago we had a load of rain and our yard turned green and the flowers were gorgeous. Now it's been in the high 90s, with heat indeces (fancy word alert) in the 100s, and we've had not a drop of rain. So the yard is brown again and now my flowers just look nasty. They are long and 'leggy' looking. I will be pulling them up soon and waiting it out til mum season.

That's about it from our world. Catch ya later!

And Now Back to Our Regularly Scheduled Programming

2007-08-13T20:44:00.000-04:00

So, where were we?
Talking about the trip!

The second day was the actual wedding. It was a blast. Kim & Bill had it in their (gorgeous) back yard. Tents, bonfires, horseshoes, live band, and barbeque! oh, and of course the nuptials. We were all dressed up for the ceremony, and within 5minutes of it being over, I was in a t-shirt and shorts and so was Eileen! It would have been nice hawod I remembered the fact that I would need to be in a family picture.. but that would have been far too much brain power. So there's Erin The Southern Cousin in her t-shirt and shorts. Good thing Bill loves me! :)

It was hot but breezy. We all just hung out and played in the backyard. Couldn't have been more perfect. All the kids had a blast running around. The adults had a blast chowing down and having a beer or two. We did not stay for the bonfire (I was bummed about that!). Eileen did great, but by 6ish she was hot and worn out, so we headed back to the hotel. But she did manage to consume a corn muffin and a piece of wedding cake. She likes her carbs!

Sunday was fantastic. Everyone was heading out of NH. Josh, Granndpa, Beanie, Eileen and I drove back to Boston. We spent the day walking around Quincy Market and Fanueil Hall. I love love love that part of Boston. I haven't been there in several years. I remember going there so many summers as a kid when we'd go to Aunt Sharon & Uncle Ron's. We ate some fried clams (well, not Josh, but the rest of us did). There really is no place that can serve up fried clams like Boston. I was in Heaven. Then we walked around. I was on the hunt for Baby Red Sox gear. We found a great vendor and dropped a load of cash there. We really shouldn't have, but how often do we get to hang out in Boston?! Josh got a new cap & a Green Monstah t-shirt, Eileen and I got matching Sox caps, and we both got a t-shirt. (ahem. and now it's also time to get the Tennessee cheerleader outfit!).

Then we made our way over to Aunt Sharon & Uncle Ron's condo. They've lived there as long as I can remember and it's just cool. They are the reason I always wanted to live in the big city (tho I ended up in NYC and not Boston, it was still b.c of them!). Their windows on one side look into the heart of downtown Boston, and on the other side they look into the Harbor. And for years they looked over the Big Dig, which now is amazingly almost finished and actually seems to have turned out quite well. We hung outr at their pool for a while. And Eileen got to ride on a swing for the first time ever. And she LOVED it. She just squealed and giggled and couldn't get enough. She just gets cuter and more fun every day.

And then we headed back to the hotel in Boston and crashed. She did even better on the plane trips back home- slept all the way through both flights. After 3days of running around, I think she was beat. But she was just insanely good the whole time.

It was great to see the family. It was great to get to hang out in Boston. We definitely came away with some great memories!

A Diversion: Code BROWN

2007-08-09T10:52:00.000-04:00

We're taking a slight diversion from the Vacation tales. These pics have nothing to do with the story, they are just cute ones I wanted to share.

Today's posting is not for the faint of heart! In fact, it is quite grody. It may be the grodiest thing you've read in a while. (sidebar: I am well aware the word 'grody' is straight out of late 80s Valley Girl speak, and I am well-aware that 'grodiest' is probably not even a word. But isn't it fun to just keep reading those two words and saying them in your head?!)

So, last night we had a pretty normal evening.. get home from work (oh- it's hot as all get out here- heat index of over 100 and half the city lost power last night- but not us Thank Heaven) around 6. Play with Eileen a little.. get some water boiling for pasta.. get a bottle made for her.. watch some news.. sit her down in her high chair to eat while Daddy finishes getting our dinner ready. Lately she just clams up and decides she just doesn't want to eat unless it's yogurt or cheerios. I decided maybe it was the highchair - bc the whole time we were gone and she ate on the floor or stroller she didn't once protest!- so Daddy drug out the portable highchair to see if the change of scenery helped.

Eh, it did a little, she decided she'd allow me to feed her some more. So then we're eating, and she did several poots. Eh. it's cute when a baby poots. Then it became evident that she was actually pooping b.c her face gets the color of a late summer tomato! So we let her do her thing and we finished dinner. Then I thought maybe she'd want to eat more since she'd made room in her tummy! She ate a little more and then she was done. Time for a tubby!

THAT turned out to be the understatement of the year! I unbuckle her, pick her up, and OH MY WORD. There is a mound of greenish brown POO in her chair. And on her leg. UGGGGGGGG. So I pick her up and have her at arm's length and am moving at mach speed to get upstairs to the bathroom to just dump her in the tub.

Thank Heaven we have hard wood floors.

So I am running thru the den, Josh right in front of me so he can start the water. In one nano second, but also in extreme slow motion, I hear ever so slightly 'PLOP' and then feel my flip flop sliding around on the floor. I freeze. Oh Lord, no. But Oh Lord yes. More POO fell smack out of her diaper and onto the floor! And there was splatter to go along with it! And to top it off Gracie was at my heels and then was fascinated by the mound, and evidently decided it would be a great after dinner snack. So there I am holding Eileen at arm's length, she's dripping poo and crying, and I am yelling at Gracie to get the hell away from the POO! Josh hadn't yet realized any of this was happening, and then was getting upset b.c I was yelling at the dog!

At this point I just laid her down on the floor. There was now poop on her toes! Those precious toes! I just start stripping her down, so thankful for easy to clean hardwood, Josh gets the dog locked in our bedroom and the tub running. Poor Eileen is crying and scared and can't figure out why I've just unceremoniously stripped her nekkid in the middle of the living room! I am somewhat mopping up the mound - at least the size of a baseball- with baby wipes and cloth diapers. Those things rock. I can't imagine using them as actual diapers- but as cloths/rags- fantastic! Those two however, went straight to the trash. I wasn't even going to begin trying to clean them. Oh, and my shoes. There were footprints of poo where I had danced around trying to figure out what the hell to do. I did have the foresight to take those off before heading up to the carpeted 2nd floor!

She and I made it upstairs and into the warm waiting water. Whew. Poor Josh was downstairs cleaning up the rest of the floor, my shoes, and portable high chair. And poor Gracie didn't know what to think; she eventually showed up at the tubbie with Piggie in mouth - bringing us her favorite toy to make it all better.

The whole event probably lasted all of 5-6 minutes, but it felt like ages. Once we got done with the tubby Eileen was back in high sprits, and I broke my 'no wine during the week' rule.

So, that was our eventful evening. Who said life in the burbs was boring!?!?

And no complaints about the ickyness level of this entry, you had fair warning!

Day One...

2007-08-08T11:39:00.000-04:00

We are usually the nut jobs that take the morning flight at the most ungodly hour available~ usually the 5:45am flight out! This time, however, I did manage to use what is left of my brain power and book us on a mid-morning flight. Even with packing as much as possible the night before, and even with Josh and I being up at 5:30 am to allow plenty of time to get ready and finish packing, we were still somewhat rushing out the door to get to the airport in time!

I was obsessed with the TSA site to make sure I had everything packed properly for carry-on. I had my one-qt ziploc bag of my own liquids (yes, we checked bags. But I have a fear of getting stuck somewhere overnight so I always pack some essentials in my carry-on!), none over 3oz. Then I had Eileen's bag of essentials - also none over 3oz. And of course there was a separate ziplock bag of her formula (2oz bottles) and juice (4oz bottles) and benadryl (6oz bottle!). It was OK for me to have some of her liquids over the 3oz limit, and all were in orginal unsealed packaging - but even still- not only did it have to go thru the xray, it was also photographed. The TSA folks were very nice about it all- I am sure it helped b.c of my obsessive preparation- but this is an example of why it takes ages to get thru security- b.c the TSA people have to take pictures of Benadryl and Apple Juice. (of course, I of all people, understand why this has to be done, and I am certainly not knocking security measures, but it still boggles the mind).

We made it thru security, hung out in the terminal. Let Eileen crawl around as much as possible to try and burn up some energy! Josh was quite excited to now be part of the early boarders - "those with small children who may need extra time to board the plane." Flight from Knoxville to DC was a small plane, slightly cramped, but a good flight none the less. There was an 18month old in front of us who provided Eileen with a lot of entertainment.

In my booking prowess, I somehow only allowed 45 minutes between flights in DC. But Luck was on my side! We actually landed in DC early. That was cool..we could see the Capitol building, the Washington and Lincoln monuments. We flew over Arlington and the WWII memorial. I have not been to DC since I was 13; can't wait to take Eileen there someday. So we scarfed down some airport food (my $8 turkey sandwich was just divine) and had a quick diaper change and were off to the next flight.

The beauty of the DC to Boston flight was that it was the commuter shuttle. So you have a planeful of people who travel regularly. Translation: they know how to get on and off a plane quickly and effieciently. They know NOT to get up to go to the restroom as the plane is taxiing out of the gate (and therefore stop all action as we know it). They know not to use cell phones and ipods during takeoff and landing. Really, a pleasant experience. We had a whole row to ourselves which was nice for spreading out. As you see in teh first picture, Eileen passed out in my arms. That was right after she learned she could raise and lower the window shade. Mommy stopped that little activity right away b.c it was loud and I didn't want to be that parent!

We made it to Boston, got our bags amazingly fast. Grandpa and Beanie had already gone on to the rental car place and were heading back to the terminal to get us. Delta managed to lose Grandpa's luggage (but not Beanie's- how does that happen?!).

What should have been a quick trip to New Hampshire turned into a traffic jam, but we eventually made it there. Eileen got a tad fussy but nothing a bottle couldn't fix! Granpa and Daddy went to the store to get some baby food and beer (nice) and of course I forgot to tell them to get diapers. I mean, that's like forgetting to get gas at the gas station!!! At least I had enough to get through to the morning. We went on to the rehearsal dinner.. I really didn't know if we'd stay long b.c I wasn't sure how long Eileen would hold up.

HA! She's a regular club kid! She was in high spirits.. fascinated watching her older cousins run around.. fascinated by Uncle Dick - he appears to have hung the moon in her world! She had a blast hanging out with Nick and Dan (bottom picture). Nick tickled her and made her giggle just like his dad used to do to me when I was a baby! Funny how things go in cycles like that. Nick (who will be 15 in November) said he felt old b.c he sees how big Jack (5) and Emma (also 5) are. HA! I remember when Nick was born, and now he's taller than me by a head and has a girlfriend. Talk about old. (heehee.. but his dad is still older than me! love ya Bob!) There was a big dance area and Eileen had free reign to move all around the floor (while managing to avoid the 5year olds running around!). She also was a fan of crawling UNDER the tables. That was stopped as quickly as it was started!

Anyway, it was well after 10pm by the time we got back to the hotel. Eileen was no worse for the wear. She was still giggling and ready to play! But the minute I put the bottle in her mouth, she passed out. She was not a fan of sleeping in the pack-n-play provided by the hotel. Since we had a king-size bed, we let her sleep with us. Sometimes it's just easy that way. And it's just so sweet to wake up and she's next to you. And now, in the middle of the night, she has a habit of rolling over andputting her arm around my (or Josh's ) neck. Words really can't to justice to how sweet that is.

So that was Day One. Up early.. plane rides.. car rides.. meeting most of her extended family on Grandpa's side... and then crashing with Mommy and Daddy in a really really big bed. Does it get any better?!

The Trip!

2007-08-07T13:25:00.000-04:00

Whew. We're home! This will be a short posting. I'm at work - even tho I was only out two days, AND I kept up with emails while gone- I am still catching up to a load of stuff. And there's so much to tell, and of course so many pictures, that the blog about the trip will just have to encompass several postings!

But I will say, it was a fantastic trip. Eileen was so good it bordered on freaky. I just keep waiting for the other foot to drop. She was amazing on the flights- no need for the Benadryl. On the last flight yesterday, she slept the whole time - even through the landing! She was good in the hotels, at the rehearsal dinner - which kept her out partying past 10pm, at the wedding, and on our day in Boston. She missed a lot of naps and was nowhere near being on routine, but she didn't seem to be phased by it. Amazing.

We had a blast, loved getting to see so much of the family. Its fun to get to hang out with Cousins, Aunts, Uncles... we get to see them so little!

Here are a few of the (over 200!) shots we got while on the road...

Pooh chilling on the plane. Eileen fast asleep (with Pooh of course) smack in the middle of the king size bed in the hotel.

Grandpa & Josh in front of the Black Rose (also known as the main hangout of Boston Based IRA!) - not sure if you can really see Eileen's face, but it's hilarious.

Josh, Eileen & I on Aunt Sharon's balcony, which just happens to overlook the Boston skyline.

You can, of course, take a sneak peak at the pics at www.eileenloebner.shutterfly.com

Tune in for more later...

videos

2007-07-31T14:42:00.000-04:00

View some updated videos at http://www.youtube.com/profile_videos?user=ejamienyc
(I think that will work!)

You Might Be A Redneck If..

2007-07-30T11:31:00.000-04:00

You know what this machine is!

Oh yes folks, it is a food dehydrator.

We got it as a wedding present, three and a half years ago. I really was thinking that Josh had forgotten about it, as it was tucked away in a corner of the garage. Every now and again, he gets on a kick and says he's going to make beef jerky. I never believe him, b.c he's never actually done it.

I come downstairs last night after bathing, playing, feeding (oh, and drugging) Eileen. I smell this smell. I was thinking, what is that?? Is someone grilling out and the smell has entered our house (even tho all the windows are shut)? As I come further down the stairs, the smell is stronger and stronger. At first it was sort of an OK smell. And then it was just overpowering. And then I made my way into the kitchen. And there it is. The machine had made its way into the house, and was humming away. And permeating the whole house with this very-sweet-very-spicy-very-beef-y scent.

Now, keep in mind- I had cleaned the whole house earlier. Everything smelled nice and citrus-y (thanks to citrus febreeze, wet swiffer, and plegde!). Nothing beats a nice fresh house on a relaxing Sunday evening. Only now I had a nice, powerfully beef jerky-ish house.

"Mmmmmm... honey? So, how long does this thing stay on?" WRONG question. Who wants to take a guess at the answer? How about six to eight hours. As in, we're going to go to sleep with that thing on and it will really make its way into every nook and cranny of our house. I oh so sweetly replied with, "Hmm. Oh wow. OK, well.. how about next time you decide to do this little activity, do it in the garage or the back deck?" I think I should get an award for how I managed to contain myself and let dear hubby enjoy his activity.

You know when you go to a place that is all smoky? and when you come out you feel like you just reek? (especially if you're a girl with long hair). Yeah. I swear that this morning at the gym when I was sweating it smelled like beef jerky. I swear that even now after a shower and a heavy dose of perfume, I smell like beef jerky.

So, not only did he make beef jerky, he made it insanely hot. Want to know what he put in it?
1) crushed red pepper
2) tobasco (an ode to Wayne)
3) black pepper
4) whatever spcices were in the little packet that came with it

Yeah, I won't be touching that with a 10-foot pole.

In his defense, he really had no idea it would smell so strongly. And he did say that he wants to try to do pineapple next. Now that I may allow to be done inside, b.c that will actually probably smell really good.

Ya gotta love Josh. He's just such a big kid, he really had fun with this. But ewwwwww.

Moving on.. I know you're really only reading this for updates on Eileen. We had one of those weekends where we just didn't stop. She is a trouper and just goes with the flow. By Sunday afternoon tho she was over it and just sort of fussy. We were supposed to go to her friend's first bday party! I was pumped to go b.c I was excited about the first little buddy party. But we ended up not going, I don't think Eileen would have been much fun!

Josh got the gate installed and the 'banister guard' attached. Now Eileen can crawl around the entire 2nd floor, and she loves it. She's hilarious. I will take her up to her room, put her down. She'll sit there for a minute and look around, and then she bolts. She heads straight to the bonus room. Yep, she knows her toys are there!

Last night I 'tested' the Baby Benadryl. Gave it to her at 7:40 last night and this morning she was still a little groggy. And that was just from 1/4 teaspoon! So, I won't give it to her on the plane unless she's really having a hard time.

Sorry I don't have many pictures of her to post. We were so busy we didn't take many. I'll take some this week!

BFF

2007-07-25T09:28:00.000-04:00

Gracie likes Eileen more and more every day.
Check out the little lady here..
in the first shot, she's eating her Gerber Cruncher.
in the second shot, you see her face? "Who me?!?!" as she oh so slyly slips Gracie what is left of her Cruncher.
And there you see in the third shot, Gracie chomping away on that Cruncher!

This has become a nightly ritual. It's not like Eileen just happens to dangle her little hand over the edge of her chair and Gracie gobbles up what is there. No, Eileen consciously looks for Gracie and then shares her loot with the dog! Daddy of course was mortified that Eileen let Gracie lick her food and then would take another bite. But seeing as how half the time Gracie is licking Eileen's mouth, really, how bad can it be that they're sharing food?!?!?

When Gracie sees or hears the high chair being moved 'into position' for a meal, she immediately assumes her position right next to Eileen. Hilarious.

It became evident last night that Eileen had spent the entire day at school practicing her crawling. She's like a speeding bullet. I can barely contain her to get her undressed for her bath.
Last night once I got her stripped down, I let her crawl around her room while I got the tub ready. Have you ever seen a naked little baby butt scooting around? I don't think there can be anything cuter! So I stick my head out from the bathroom to make sure she's OK, and she's just all over the place. Then she turns around, sees that I am watching, and just giggles. So I got down on my hands and knees and started crawling. She made a beeline for the ottoman and hid behind it. She'd stick her little head out and look for me and just laugh and laugh. And then the naked little butt would scoot on to her next victim, which is the toybox. She likes to open and close the lid.

Gracie is just not sure what to think about the fact that Eileen can move around at will. She just watches her in fascination, then kind of walks along beside her sniffing her head. Part of me thinks Gracie wants to make sure Eileen doesn't get hurt or try to go somewhere 'bad.' And part of me thinks Gracie just can't figure out what the heck Eileen is all about and just follows her around trying to solve the mystery. Either way, it's quite cute.

Happy Wednesday!

Good Mommy!

2007-07-23T10:20:00.000-04:00

This weekend I took so many pictures that I am making two blog entries! this is part one, and I'll continue it in the entry below.. :)

It was a great weekend. There was nothing spectacular that we did, but everything we did was fun. Oh, and teh weather- to die for. The mornings were so cool we actually opened the windows. In July. In Tennessee. I'm not sure that's ever happened! It's funny... those mornings had the feel of a Football Morning. Which made me get super excited for football and the fall. I do love the fall. But I LOVE LOVE LOVE the summer. Definite mixed emotions b.c I don't want summer to end but I can't wait for football and getting Eileen into this. Ok, anyway .. I am rambling.

I left work early Friday to head to a local consignment sale for kids. I have not been to it before, but it is held every year and I always hear what a good deal it is. Since Eileen has not a single thing to wear when it does start to get chilly, I figured I might as well check it out. Oiy!!! Jack-Pot. I could not believe all the clothes. From newborn up to tween. Clothes, toys, supplies - all there. I got there at 3ish, and there was still loads to pick from. I can't imagine how good it must have been at 9 that morning! So I walked out having spent right at a hundred bucks - with thirty-two items. And most of those were sets! So you do the math. Even if she wears somethng only once before she grows out of it, it didn't cost me more than $3-4!!! And this was all good stuff.. Gymboree and Baby Gap and Children's Place. So cute. So fun.

So, she's crawling like crazy- and she's also figured out how to clap! She loves it. That's what she's doing in the first picture on this post. So, she's majorly mobile, and immensely curious. Not a good combination for our not really baby-proof house. She's currently fascinated by the shredder and the garbage can (hey, it is the Beemer of garbage cans). So, the pak-n-play is permanently in place downstairs. And I stick her in it for as long as I can get away with. Right now she loves it. As long as Pooh is nearby, she's a happy camper. I think Gracie feels sorry for her!

Saturday afternoon we headed over to Josh's office. His friend Andrew is a professional photographer, and they have a studio at the office! So Andrew did a full on photoshoot for us! Eileen is such a ham! At first, she was scared of Andrew and the lights. She wanted nothing to do with being in the middle of that floor and him taking her picture. As soon as I got down there with her (and I was not in photo shoot attire, so hopefully I am not in too many shots!) she did better. And then when she warmed up to him, well, what a little show off she is! She crawled around, laughed, smiled huge. We had some of her toys in the shots with her (Pooh, of course) and she just had a blast. We even had an outfit change in the middle of it. She ate it up. I can't wait to see those shots!

We spent the afternoon running errands - I was a happy girl to get my copy of Harry Potter- tho I haven't started to read it yet! We were supposed to go to dinner for Daddy's bday, but it was so late when we got back from errands, and the little lady was just worn out (all that performing in her photo shoot!) so we just got take-out and hung out at home. Truth be told, Mommy and Daddy were both pretty beat too.. we probably had more fun hanging out at home in our PJs than we would have at a restaurant!

For the rest of the update.. check out the post below... along with some hilarious pictures!

She has her cake and eats it too!!!!

2007-07-23T10:17:00.000-04:00

I don't recall my first experience with chocolate, but I can only hope it was as fun as Eileen's! We had chocolate cake with chocolate icing for Josh's bday.. and Eileen got to join the fun!!! As you can see in this first shot, she's eyeing that cake, isn't she?!?!

Aunt Sissy had come over for the afternoon and got to hang out for a while.. she also had little Howard with her. I know Gracie is mellowed out; she wasn't even phased by the fact that another dog was in her house! And then Uncle David came over, and we all grilled out some burgers and veggies.

And then we had cake. I'm actually not sure how much of it she ate. She really just wore it! She did it the blob of ice cream, and I did feed her two bites of cake. Other than that, she really just smeared the chocolate around and licked her hands. You can imagine the bath! I carried her upstairs at an arm's length- which she thought was hilarious- and plopped her in. Chocolate in her hair, up her nose, on her legs, all over her butt! (not her actual butt - it was on her shorts- but still!) I let her soak for quite some time. (tho this morning I found more chocolate that was under her little fingernail!)

It was a blast.

Poor Josh spent most of his birthday doing Daddy chores! He defrosted the freezer, washed the car, adjusted the car seat, grilled the burgers, and put together a new shelf we got! But I think he had fun. And I'm loving the cleaned out freezer.

Oh, and at church on Sunday morning, Eileen of course was a complete crack up. We sit in the front row, I don't know how the priest manages to get thru Mass. She's insanely well-behaved, but she's still hilarious. She likes to dance during some of the songs. She stands on the front pew with her fat little feet going to town. During the final blessing, she decided to blow raspberries at the lady behind us, which cracked the poor woman up. And during the middle of the Mass she is just fascinated to watch the priest, and at times, she just waves at him. If it were me up there I'd probably lose it.

I guess that's about it from us. It was a fun weekend.. glorious weather and a lot of fun times just hanging out with baby.

Happy Monday!

lots of updated pictures:
www.eileenloebner.shutterfly.com

She did it!

2007-07-19T15:02:00.000-04:00

Yep.. this morning she crawled! Not very fast and not very far. But she legitimately was up on all floors and went about three feet. Heck, she probably practiced all day at school and is by now an expert.

I saw her get 'in the position' and so I put her ball and my bracelet (which she is obsessed with) about 10 feet in front of her. Then I sat there and patted the floor and said "Cmon! come to Mommy!" Yes folks. I treated my daughter like a dog. But it worked! She was on a mission for that bracelet and she got it. I promptly took it away and repeated the whole process, just to make sure it wasn't a fluke. nope, she did it again. We are definitely getting those gates TONIGHT!

As you can see, we finally got some batteries for the camera so I could take pictures. We joined the current century and got rechargeables. At the little battery display, they had it nicely broken out for behind the times consumers like myself:

infrequent picture takers (10-20 pics a month) = normal old school black and gold batteries

moderate picture takers (20-80 pics a month)= old school batteries that have been spruced up and are now silver and blue and evidently have more power

frequent picture takers (80+ pictures a month)= the rechargeable kind - which have come down a ton in price.

What I want to know is where is the obsessive mommy section? I take pictures of everything the child does. (she's going to hate me when she develops a sense of modesty!).

Anyway.. it's almost Friday. It's been a wild week. Looking forward to not too many commitments this weekend! one thing I MUST do is to make Dadddy a cake. He'll be 34 on Sunday!!! He's been diligently doing WW with me, but we'll let ourselves splurge for his big day.

I'm heading out now to go get the troops (Thursdays are the day I don the head wrap and yellow cab. I get Josh, then Eileen, then the dog and then finally we're home.) I hear it's raining in parts of town, I pray it is at our house. Twice this week it has POURED at my office- which is all of 3 miles or so from our house- and at our house it has stayed bone dry. So annoying.

See you later!

Bad Mommy

2007-07-16T09:41:00.000-04:00

I did not take a single picture this weekend! I feel like a terrible mommy! and then,last night when I realized we'd taken no pictures, the camera had dead batteries and we had no new ones!

So, since I haven't blogged in a week, I decided I'd check in and update our goings on.. and for fun I dug up some old pics. Always amazes me to see how different she's looked over the past ten mos. Yup. She'll be 10mos old on Saturday.

We have actually had a pretty quiet week/weekend. Mommy and Daddy actually had a date on Saturday night! Aunt Sissy and Uncle David came over. Josh and I headed out to see Harry Potter - I completely loved it. This one and the first movie are my favorites. The new book comes out Saturday - can't wait! Eileen was very good for her Aunt and Uncle until it was time for bed. According to Aunt Sissy, Eileen became the devil child ! She screamed and kicked and just majorly protested the fact that Mommy was not there to put her to bed. Eventually Sissy just put her in teh crib and let her cry it out. We need to get out more often so she can be OK with babysistters putting her down!

We hit Babies R Us on Saturday. It's the hot spot in town! We ran into three people we knew. We were there getting some babyproofing stuff. Yep, it's that time! She's still not full-on crawling, but the girl can scoot at the speed of light. And she knows how to open cabinets and drawers! So we picked up some of the little latches and the plug covers for our outlets. And we picked out the baby gates we'll have at the top and bottom of the stairs. We'll get those this week as we have a nice coupon that starts today! One of the folks we ran into was Owen's dad. Owen is Eileen's buddy at school. Owen is crawling- and standing- like a maniac! His dad was there buying another gate for their house so they can pen him in! It makes me see that there truly is a difference between boy energy levels and girl energy levels- Eileen is active, but not at all compared to Owen! Whew.

Not too much else to tell. It was a pretty quiet weekend.. we just hung out and ran errands and cleaned house.

We'll try to have some excitement in our lives so we have more to write about. I'll at the very least get myself some batteries so I can take pictures!

so many pictures...

2007-07-08T21:13:00.000-04:00

I don't have anything to write on this posting.. it's all in the one below.. I just had to create this posting to show off some more pics. So jump down to the one below this one to catch up!

Wedding Gowns & Tuxedos: For Rent

2007-07-08T21:11:00.000-04:00

Is anyone else as amused by this sign as I was? We spent Thursday in Gatlinburg. We spent most of the day in the aquarium- which was so fun! Grandma Joyce came and met us, and we all wandered around and watched the fishes and sharks. Eileen of course didn't have a clue what she was seeing,but she was fascinated by all the water and waterfalls and moving objects. And of course the people. She was fascinated by some of the scary people out there. Some really LARGE people. Lots of people with scary hair, and even some with very few teeth. Oh, and LOTS of smokers. Perhaps I've been in a bubble lately, but I really had no idea how many people out there still smoke! And the fashion statements. Have these people looked at a magazine in the past 5 years?? One does not need to have very much money in order to look somewhat like you belong in this decade. Heck, even WalMart has been known to carry a pretty current shirt now and again!

But I digress.. back to the sign. After the fun at the Aquarium, Grandma headed home and Josh, Eileen and I strolled the (mostly) cute streets of Gatlinburg. And then we saw this sign, and it stopped me in my tracks. I was D Y I N G to go stand under it and get my picture made - but a very scary looking man- perhaps Christopher himself- was standing in the doorway. I didn't dare offend the man. So the random shot of the sign had to suffice. Oh- and as for this posting's title- yep - just down the block from the resort wear was the store where you could rent yourself a niiiice wedding gown. I'm willing to bet my life those gowns are straight from 1982.
ANYWAY.. we have had a fantastic little mini-vacation. We haven't been at work since Tuesday (yeah.. Monday morning is so not going to be fun).

We had friends over on Wed and we cooked out some burgers and hot dogs. We didn't hit any fireworks displays this year.. Eileen is still too young to care, and Gracie flips out when she hears the neighbors shooting them off- so I am in no rush to leave her in the house alone on July 4.

Thursday we headed to GBurg - despite my diva rants above - we really had a blast there. I see lots more day trips there as Miss Thang gets older. Far enough away to be an 'adventure' - but close enough to be spur of the moment and not involve hotels. And of course it was fun to hang out with Grandma Joyce. I think she was having a pretty good time running around the aquarium with her little granddaughter!

Friday was niiiice,.. we were lazy in the morning.. then ran some errands.. and then hit the pool. AHHH. We actually checked Eileen into KidCity (the daycare at the gym) and Mommy and Daddy soaked up some sun alone for a little while. Then we went and got her out and brought her with us. She had a blast. I dunked her in almost all the way (up to her eyes) - Josh was flipping out b.c I think he actually thought I would drown her. Eileen, on the other hand, was laughing her little head off. She loved it. When we got home, we attempted to finger paint. I had a blast with it. Eileen wasn't reallt too interested, she just wanted to eat the papertowel.
Saturday...anotoher lazy morning! (it's all relative.. at this point a lazy morning is staying in bed until 7:00!!!) We ran a load of errands. Finally got some more frames, and after 3.5 years of marriage - we hung some of our professional wedding pics! C'mon now, who's impressed????

We hit the bookstore. Finally after almost 10months I am able to find small snippets of time where I get to read books (just in time for the almost released Harry Potter!). So there I am in the front of the store checking out the new releases... me with Eileen in the big pink stroller.. Josh had run off to the back of the store.. and she did it again! Stuck that adorable little hand out and just dragged it across the books. SPLAT. There went several books- at least they were paperback and probably really didn't make that much noise- but I of course felt like everyone was staring at me and my wild child. You'd think I'd learn to not let her get within reach of anything! I thikn I was just so excited to be in the bookstore I just didn't think about it. Anyway.. then we headed back to the children's section where I let her out of the stroller and she headed straight to the Sandra Boynton books. She loves those. At least in that part of the store she can wreak havoc (OK, I am exaggerating. She is only 9.5mos old and still not truly mobile- she can't cause that much havoc!) as much as she wants. We got her a couple of books.

Then we sat in the little coffee section where I indulged in an ice coffee (YUM) and attempted to feed Eileen some carrots. She did a pretty good job of eating politely in public until she was almost done. Then she found it insanely amsuing to laugh loudly and with a mouthful of pureed carrots and then blow them on me! (in my white shirt!). Se really is a nut.

And today.. ho hum.. back to the real world. Laundry and more laundry. Cleaning house. making lunches. Making bottles for school tomorrow. I hope she does OK. She's been with us for five days..I am not expecting he to be too happy with us when we drop her off! Oh, but today.. she is getting to be such a big girl! I handed her the sippy cup and expected the normal excited reaction from her and then the instant turn it upside down and chew on the bottom. But nope. She actually put it in her mouth and drank out of it! And she did it again and again. She finally seems to have figured it out. Makes me a happy girl.. she's only got a few weeks left before she comes off the bottle (and the insanely pricey formula! whew!). And you know what else? She's starting to say words. OK, they aren't real clear. But they're there. She sees Gracie and says "Gassssseeeee" . When Aunt Sissy was here today, Eileen would say 'Sssss-ssss" - all 's' sounds but in two distinct syllables. She definitely is grasping the concept of repeating what we say - at least something that somewhat resembles what we say!

Whew. that was a long one. I hope you guys are still with me after that long-winded post! Happy Sunday night.

How'd we get a TODDLER?

2007-07-02T12:07:00.001-04:00

We had a fun weekend!

Can't say we did anything mind-blowing.. we just ran errands and hung out. But somehow it was one of those weekends that seemed to last longer than 2 days, and we didn't have to be anywhere at any time, and we got to just play with Eileen. And now it's a 2day week for us! We are just working today and tomorrow, and we're off Wed for the 4th.. and then we took of Th/Fr. So a niiiiiiiiiice 5day weekend lies ahead.

Two things of note:

1) she laughs her butt off when I tell her "NO!" and point at her. Obviously she doesn't know right from wrong and doesn't do anything truly bad (yet!). We went to eat on Saturday night and she kept throwing the (cardboard) coasters on the floor. So I would try to tell her no (I want her to learn it!) and for whatever reason, it just cracked her up. Which then of course made me laugh, which will get me nowhere in trying to be firm with her!

2) we discovered what an impact something as minor as a new pair of 'big girl' pjs can make. She's far outgrown her sleepsack, she's just too long. So then we had her just sleeping in her little white (redneck!) onesies. But then she'd sometimes be a little chilly in that. So we decided to get her some lightweight pjs. The first shock was that I had to move to the toddler section at Babies R Us. I am used to looking in the baby section, but most of those clothes stop at 9mos. There is some 12mos stuff there, but most of that is actually too small for her. So it was somewhat shocking to be in the 'old' section of clothes. So I found a very cute little Carters set for $10, a little tee-shirt and leggings. When we put them on her that night, for whatever reason, she suddenly looked so much older. I don't know why those clothes had that effect! Weird, huh?

Oh, and while at Babies R Us, I found the pink camo. I can't find a picture of it online, but Josh is in love with it. It doesn't look as bad as it sounds, it's actually pretty cute. We got a load of coupons, so when those go into effect we'll go back and outfit her!

We also got her this cool mat. We put it together and part of it is on the back deck and the other part is upstairs. Love having it outside so she can scoot around on the deck and not get splinters!

Not too too much else to tell. Happy 4th!

heehee

2007-06-27T09:59:00.000-04:00

I just had to post this picture. It cracks me up. Took it this morning. Her outfit is just too much. She looks SO BIG in her tee-shirt and skirt. She LOVES to stand up and move around. It's like she's so proud of herself and her big girl clothes.

oh, and sidebar: the skirt is size 18 month. Keep in mind, she's only 9 months! Granted, this one is a Tar-Jay outfit, and their stuff tends to run small. When I buy her 'name brand' stuff like Gymboree, it tends to run a little more true to age.

Not much else to tell. Just wanted to share the latest munchkin pic!

WASABI.............

2007-06-25T14:15:00.000-04:00

The girl grabs at everything! Grandpa and Beanie were here over the weekend. We went to dinner on Saturday night... ordered the Seared Ahi Tuna for an appetizer.. the waitress put it on the table and in a split second little Missy had smashed her pudgy little hand right into that green blob of wasabi! Luckily I have developed Super Fast Mommy Reflexes and I was able to grab her before she stuck her fingers in her mouth (and Beanie has the super fast Nana reflexes b.c she handed me a water-soaked napkin within .2 seconds!). That little crisis was averted. The rest of the meal was spent with the adults cowering over their food and drinks at one end of the booth while Eileen stretched and stretched to get at anything on that table! She almost has success with Granpa's Manhattan, but we got that away from her as well. Our poor waitress got a lesson in serving patrons with toddlers. Despite the acrobatic antics of Eileen, she was insanely well-behaved. She hadn't even had her afternoon nap, yet she was good as gold. Just hung out and took in all the action. Oh, and she attempted to eat the crayons and coloring page supplied to her by the hostess (see picture 3rd down).

Before our little dinner adventure..we had plenty of other activities! Aunt Sissy and Uncle David were babysitting Caroline and Jackson for the weekend. Jackson is 8 weeks younger than Eileen, yet he weighs three pounds more and he's crawling! Eileen is almost there, but not yet. She had a blast playing in his pimped out exersaucer, and she also had a blast smacking at him when he was in it. I think she thinks other babies are like her baby doll at home (which she constanly smacks and pokes in the eye!) I wonder if she does that to her buddies at school? Anyway, Jackson was a real man and ignored her smacks (OK, they weren't smacks.. more like those little love pats babies do). I see she and Jackson being great pals!

She spent lots of time hanging out with Granpa and Beanie. She always has fun with them. She's fascinated by Grandpa. She just stares at him and then giggles!

She did not sleep well the latter part of last week or over the weekend. Ever since that doctor's appt she's been out of whack. We tried to let her cry it out both Friday and Saturday- but she was screaming bloody murder. Afetr 15 minutes on Saturday (this was after she'd been so good at the restaraunt!) I went up to get her. Poor girl was literally sweating bc she'd worked herself into such a tizzy. After several attempts at getting her to calm down and sleep in her crib, one set of exhausted parents gave in and brouhgt her to bed with us. I think she was just overtired. Even in our bed she had a hard time calming down. Once she did, she slept fine. By Sunday night she did a little better, and last night- one little wake-up at midnight, and other than that she was out for the night. Fingers crossed we're back on the road to the good sleep patterns she usually has!

She seems to be adjusting to her new class - finally. Yesterday and today when we dropped her off, there were no tears. She actually reached for Miss Mary. So that's certainly comforting.

Got this picrure of she and Daddy yesterday morning.. she's giving him a big hug. How cute is that?! Every day we think we can't love her any more and every day our hearts just about explode as they get bigger and bigger to make room for more love. You could just eat her up!

Looking forward to a (hopefully) quiet week and weekend. Then next week it's July 4 (I can't believe it's already about to be July 4!)

new pics at shutterfly!

Latest Stats...

2007-06-22T11:20:00.000-04:00

She's in the 75th percentile all around!
Eileen had her 9month checkup on Wednesday...
height = 28.25 inches
weight = 19lbs 14.5oz (just shy of the big two-oh!)

She's good n' healthy! We can go ahead and start letting her eat solids.. cheerios, well-cooked (soft) veggies like carrots and beans, cheese, small tender chunks of meat.. all sorts of goodies! We also can give her yogurt, and also ice cream! (tho I've given her ice cream before).

She ate yogurt last night and loved it.. I bought some of that "Yo Baby" yogurt in the banana flavor. She hasn't been getting as much calcium as she should since she isn't always a fan of her bottle.. at least now with cheese and yogurt she can get more (3more months until she can have real milk). And we've given her some cheerios.. she is not so sure what to think of them! She'll stare at it for a while, pick it up.. stare some more.. and eventually it makes it to her mouth. Then she nibbles on it like a little mouse. I have no doubt that once she's used to it she'll scarf them down.

Other than that.. not much to report. No shots at this appt, just mainly chatting with the doctor! We know she's going to crawl at any moment (note the third picture.. see her stretching... close!). I can't believe her next appt will be her TWELVE MONTH! Unreal.

Oh, quick update on the iguana. Josh ran into the neighbor last night and mentioned it to him.. he was cool about it.. said he'd already heard from Doreen! He's already bought and installed a new lock for it. Whew. Hopefully no more Reptile Encounters in our little world.

Loving the last picture posted here... Eileen and Gracie were watching Daddy in the garage...

Gracie was all pumped and ready to go to Daycamp! Oh.. speaking of Gracie.. isn't she looking svelte? She's lost about 6 pounds! Still want her to lose at least 4-6 more, but I am glad we're making progress.

Grandpa and Beanie are on their way here. Looking forward to a fun weekend!

Happy Friday all!

Couldn't Make This Stuff Up if I Tried...

2007-06-20T09:42:00.000-04:00

Before I tell my bizarre story... I want to thank whoever it is that did their rain dance. We got two straight hours of rain at our house last night. Nice steady rain. I could practically hear the grass and flowers cheering (not to mention all the farmers around here who have no corn b.c of the drought!).

Now if you have looked at the pictures on this post before reading, you are probably wondering why there is a shot of a random cage here. That would be our next door neighbors pen for their PET IGUANA. Yes, our new neighbors have an iguana. I know very little about these animals. I have yet to see it, and don't exactly spend a lot of time looking for it.

So yesterday, my neighbor Kristin, who also happens to work here, stopped by my desk. She asks if I have talked to Doreen, another one of our neighbors. Nooo.. I haven't talked to her in the last couple of days... so Kristin tells me this story:

She was driving past our house on Saturday afternoon (Eileen and I were shopping, and Josh was at Uncle Bobbys). She drove by and said to herself.. "I think there's an Iguana in Erin's driveway!" So she turned back around to doublecheck, and yes, there was a 4ft reptile there in our yard! Kristin, like me (and most normal suburbanites), knows nothing about these animals. So Doreen was outside, and Kristin got her to come over. The thing was at our front window, and they could see and hear Gracie going beserk inside the house. So then Doreen's husband and son come over. By now, the thing has climbed our wall, and then leapt onto our Japanese Maple (who knew it could climb walls)! They're all standing in our yard somewhat scared of it but also trying to coax it away. Doreen had brought over some lettuce (who knows what these things eat) and was trying to bribe it. Then Kristin's husband Jim came home. He joined the party! He managed to get the thing's house out of it's pen (one of those 'igloo' dog houses). Somehow, Jim and Doreen's husband and son all got the animal into it's house and back into it's pen. Thank Heaven we have such cool neighbors!

Eileen and I got home shortly after all the activity, and until yesterday we were clueless about it all!

The new neighbors are certainly nice enough. We see them outside a lot, so Josh is going to mention it to them. Perhpas they can invest in a sturdier lock. All the neigbors on our street have kids or dogs or both- I don't think any of us want a reptile wandering around!

Anyway.. that's my random story for the day.

We're off to the doctor this afternoon!

New Look..

2007-06-18T14:44:00.000-04:00

what do you think? I am trying to figure out how to make a cool new header like Nicole and Tiffany.. in the meantime, at least I managed to change up the template!

Ahhh... Summer

2007-06-18T13:17:00.000-04:00

There really is no better time of year. Sure, Fall is fun bc it's crisp and there's football and yummy smells. And the Holidays are fun, b.c well, they're the Holidays! And spring is nice b.c it's invigorating and warmer. But SUMMER. It just takes the cake.

We had a great weekend. Very relaxed and chill. We're working on some new 'routines' in how and when we do things. First new change is that we went to the grocery store on Friday after work - tired - yes, but we wanted to get it done so it didn't hang over our heads all weekend. This week we'll be working on a slightly later bedtime (8pm instead of 7:30.. b.c lately, she's just not tired at 7:30 so I spend 45 minutes trying to get her to sleep!). We usually eat after she's in bed. But with the later time, if we continued that pattern, it would be 9pm before we ate! So we'll start eating before she has a bath and goes to bed. Hopefully we'll be able to eat by 7:15 or so. Added bonus is that now she can get used to sitting at the table and eating as a family.

Eileen is becoming quite mobile. Not yet crawling, but twisting and turning and reaching! Used to be I could leave her sitting in a shopping cart and she'd just hang out. Now if I leave her too close to the aisle or turn my head, she's either grabbing things off a shelf or twisting around so much I fear she'll just work her way right out of the buggy!

Then on Saturday we hit the gym, and then went and got our new garbage can. (yes, I really am still quite excited about it). Then Josh went to Uncle Bobby's for the afternoon and Eileen and I went shopping!

She's just SO GOOD. We went to the "Lifestyle Center" near our house (translation= outdoor mall with pretty fountains and walkways and streaming music). We wandered around for 3 hours. She was in her stroller the whole time, and it was pretty hot out. Not once did she fuss. She loved sticking her (clean!) hands out of the stroller and feeling all the clothes. She loved staring at all the people and cars (I swear she's judging their fashion, or lack there of, statements in her little head). At one point in NY&Co, I was going through a rack of clothes. I turned around and she had found a shirt she liked and had it in her lap in her stroller! She's just hilarious. Then we went to Belk. She loved loved loved the Clinique Counter. Her little finger prints are all over their display case (for which I profusely apologized to the clerk!)

And then we went for Ice Cream. :) She still doesn't really like it.. I think the cold shocks her. I put a little bit on a spoon and let her go to town. Once it was more liquidy she liked it better. We sat outside and I had to eat at mach speed b.c it was melting all over me and the stroller! There was a woman there with her teenage girls and their friend and they were all hanging out. It seems crazy that in a few short years that will be us. I can't make my brain get past Eileen as a baby. Nevermind a teenager having a conversation and using big words!

Sunday was Josh's first Father's Day. It was a fun one! We went to church- where all the kids performed songs they'd learned earlier in the week at Vacation Bible School. Adorable. Little girls with bows in their hair, tan little arms and feet, and the cutest dresses in the world. The little boys with their little button-down shirts and shorts and hair sticking up all over the place. My boss' son -he's 6-was one of the kiddos up there, and he was just concentrating so hard on the words and corresponding hand movements. Again, it's crazy to think that in just a couple of years Eileen will be up there doing that little show!

Then we came home and did some chores, and then hit the POOL! My most favorite place in the world. Aunt Sissy came and met us. As you can see from the pictures, Eileen had a blast using Aunt Sissy as her personal jungle gym. Check her out on her knees. Aunt Sissy didn't put her like that, Eileen got herself up like that all by herself. She actually was doing that all day. Trying SO HARD to get up. She gets so mad b.c most of our floors are hardwood so she just scoots all around when she's really trying to get some traction! But really, I will not be suprised if she's crawling by this weekend (Beanie and Grandpa will be here, so perhaps she'll give them a show!). And as you can see by this last pic, after some time in the pool and the sun, she was ready for a big ol' nap! She passed out the second Josh gave her the pacifier. That's how she sleeps, with her hands behind her head. Hilarious, is it not?

And then Sunday night Josh made his Rendevous ribs. D I V I N E. Oh my. They were just soo good. I could have eaten the whole rack! Can't wait to do that again!

We'll go to the doctor on Wednesday for her 9month check up. Nine Months. How'd that happen? I think this is the visit with no shots, just weight/height and general check-up. The doctor told us to wait until she's crawling before we start solids, but I'm betting she's close enough he'll tell us to start giving her pasta and cheese and easy stuff like that. I'll check back in later this week with her newest stats!

:)

whew.

2007-06-15T11:41:00.000-04:00

Five more hours, and the weekend begins. This has been one heck of a week.

I knew it would be hectic, since four of my colleagues were out on vacation or business travel, so of course I am covering for all, but I really had no clue how truly insane it would be. I can't WAIT for them to be back next week!

On Monday, it seemed all hell was breaking loose at work. People calling in sick, last minute requests for shoots, getting ready for a massive shoot on Tuesday. And in the middle of all that, Nana Janet (who was at our house with Eileen) called me to say she was throwing up and had a fever! There was no way I could leave the office so I called Josh, basically gave him no choice, and told him he had to get home and work from home and entertain Eileen and keep her away from Nana! Poor Nana was in bed all day and completely missed out on her last day with Eileen.

Tuesday was the crazy shoot day. As insane as it was, and as many people were out, we pulled it off - and with great success. It was one of those days where I realized how many really great people I work with. People really stepped up to make the shoot happen. In fact, people have really stepped up all week to help me stay sane while I wear all these hats!

Wednesday and Thursday were - in comparison- calmer, but still pretty insane. I think yesterday I actually walked about 2 miles while at work. Our building is mammoth. And I was all over the place yesterday! Tracking down crew guys.. walk to the studio, to their offices, to the equipment area.. back to my desk.. start all over for another task.. and back downstairs.. you get the drift. But hey, burning calories is burning calories.

Now it's finally Friday. At the moment, I am trying to decide what to eat for lunch. I normally bring from home and eat at my desk, but today I wanted to treat myself and go somwhere. Only now I don't know what I want.

Eileen has had an OK week. Early in the week she was not sleeping well AT ALL. We ended up with her in our bed on Tuesday night. And she's got something going on with her left eye. We thought it was irritated skin, but I'm thinking it may be something else. I know it's bothering her. We went to the doctor on Monday, but it wasn't our regular doctor. She has her 9month check up on Wednesday, so we'll get to see our doctor then and ask him. She is still adjusting to her new class at school. Miss Amanda is back from her vacation, so Eileen has been loving getting to play with her. Yesterday Eileen was doing a lot of pulling herself up and standing. She still hasn't crawled, tho she looks like she could at any moment! She is definitely a fan of standing. She gets very proud of herself when she does it. And then she giggles. Too cute. I will try to get it on video this weekend!

We don't really have any plans for the weekend. Of course it is Josh's first Father's Day. I got him BBQ Rub from the Rendevous. YUM. Tomorrow we plan to park ourselves on the deck with a cocktail or two and fire up the grill.

We will hit the gym in the morning so then there's less guilt with the pork! Oh- the other big plan I have for the weekend is to get this new trashcan. $100 for a garbage can?! I know. It's insane. But I really can't stand our trash can. It makes me so crazy. It moves around and hits the wall and the stinking bags are always falling down into it. So annoying. Some friends of ours had this Simple Human one, and it's really just the BMW of trashcans. (really. really. did I just blog on about a trash can?! it is quite sad that I am so excited to get this thing! what is more sad is that I know there are several of you reading this and completely getting what I mean!)

And on Sunday we're heading back to the pool. I can't wait! I'm feeling pale. Need some sun.

All of these pics are from last weekend. Little Eileen posing for the camera. Josh and Grandma Joyce in Sneedville. Me and Uncle David on our friend's backyard swing (That was really fun!).

Happy Friday all. Have a good weekend!

little comedienne

2007-06-12T11:19:00.000-04:00

This will hopefully show up soon.

Video from Friday night. She was squealing at me. Hilarious.

I have more pictures to post and stories to tell.. but that will have to come later today or tonight. I'm at work and pretty crazy right now! Is it Friday yet? Later taters.

Sick Mommy!

2007-06-08T17:11:00.000-04:00

Ugh. Thank God it's Friday!

I was sick yesterday. First time since Eileen has been born that I've been sick! I had a stomach bug, but it was weird b.c I never actually got sick. Crampy stomach and I had a fever of almost 101. I don't remember the last time I had a fever. It is just not fun. Josh was on his way back from Nashville and I went home and crashed. Aunt Sissy got Gracie from camp and then got Eileen from school. Thank Heaven.

Of course then Eileen was fussy and wouldn't eat for Sissy or Josh, so then I tried and she still wouldn't eat! We finally got her somewhat fed and bathed and into bed and then I went back to bed. Slept like a rock, then woke up in a complete sweat - so at least the fever had broken!

Better today. It's been a good excuse to exist on bread. And now Nana is here and she'll make it all better! :)

I think we'll go to Sneedville tomorrow to see Grandma Joyce. Other than that we'll be chilling out this weekend.

It's finally raining here. But tomorrow and Sunday are suposed to be sunny! yay!

Happy Friday.

C'mon Eileen: The Girl Has Got Taste..

2007-06-06T12:57:00.000-04:00

C'mon Eileen: The Girl Has Got Taste..

www.eileenloebner.shutterfly.com

The Girl Has Got Taste..

2007-06-05T09:52:00.000-04:00

We really have won the baby lottery. I don't know how we're so lucky, but I sure as heck don't take it for granted. We ran Eileen around all weekend long and she was just so good.

Friday night was a little bit of a race as I was eager to get her bathed and fed so I could go out! with some friends.. yes.. I left Josh at home alone while I hit the town for Amy's birthday. Pictures of the lovely lady in her sombrero available at the usual link!

Saturday we had a lazy morning..went to the gym..came home and while she napped we did chores (Josh keeps complaining that if I hadn't fired the maid -HA! - we wouldn't have to keep up the house...). Uncle David and Aunt Sissy came over. I held Eileen for a while so she could get used to Uncle David. She's always fascinated by him but doesn't always like to be held by him. I think we figured out the trick. Let her hang out for a little while just watching him, and then she's like butter in his arms! She had a blast playing with him. You can see she's a big fan of standing on people now. I'm just waiting to walk into her room and find her standing in that crib!

Then we went to the MALL! I have not been to the mall in ages. The weather was weird.. cloudy but bright and muggy as can be.. so we decided walking around the mall would be fun.

I had to return a couple of things. And I finally got my mother's day present - a new jewerlry box! I've been wanting (and needing!) one for a while. It's not like I am dripping in diamonds.. but I do have some fun stuff that I just plain forget about b.c it wasn't in a place where I could easily see it. Now it's all pretty and organized and visible. So we're wandering around.. Eileen is content, pretty quiet, in her stroller just taking it all in. Then we walked into the Coach store (my true heaven) just to look around. I kid you not, she started chattering and squealing. The girl loves purses and wallets! Just like mommy! So after I wiped the drool off my face, we headed across the way to Williams-Sonoma. Same thing! She was a complete chatterbox. She loved all the fun kitchen-ware. She knows good stuff when she sees it!

We walked around a little more.. then ended up at the Disney store. Oh my. Loads and loads of fun stuff in there. TONS of fun little princess outfits. Most of it way to old for our 8.5 month old.. but oh.. in years to come.. too fun. The whole back wall is stuffed animals.. and there was a special... three for $20. Who can resist that?! Josh really really wanted Tigger. I couldn't decide between him and Pooh. So I let Eileen pick. Put them in front of her and she lunged at Pooh. So there's one. Then we let her pick between Dumbo and a Dwarf. Again, she just about leapt out of the stroller at Dumbo! The big pink ears are a draw! And then, finally, between Mickey and Minnie. I don't think she really cared which one of those she got, so I went with Minnie. Gotta love the mouse in heels. And then we got a free pair of mouse ears for her. Too fun.

And then Aunt Jaime came over! She'd been in Sneedville with Grandma Joyce while she recovered from gallbladder surgery. She's a trouper.. and already running around town! You'd never know she had just had surgery. So Aunt Jaime came to see us on Saturday night. We all went to dinner at PF Chang's. YUM. I don't know the last time I was there! We kept Eileen out well past her bedtime, and she didn't make a single fuss! Honestly, she just hung out in the highchair while we ate. And then we got home and she went right to bed. She continues to amaze me. We had a good time with Aunt Jaime and she got some good cuddles from Eileen!

Sunday was the norm.. church and home for a while.. then we hit Target. It's the place to be! We saw Miss Kerri, Miss Sandi, and we also ran into Dr. Ginger (our obgyn). It was fun to get to see her and let her see Eileen (she hasn't seen her since Eileen was born - and promptly pooped all over her! So it was a fun afternoon of grocery shopping.

Today is her third day in her 'new' class.. it's the 'older' infants. Friday and yesterday were sort of tough on her.. She knows she's in a different room with different teachers.. she did make the move with six other babies from her first class- so at least she knows the other kids and we know the parents. And the kids that were already in there we also know. Hopefully today will be better for her as she gets used to her new place. When we left she was happily playing with baskets of toys, so that is a good sign.

That's about it!

Happy Tuesday.

endless pictures...

2007-05-29T17:06:00.000-04:00

It really is a good thing digital cameras have come along. Otherwise, I would bankrupt us with getting film developed!

We had a great long weekend!

We had friends over on Saturday. Grilled ribs (beef & pork!), chicken, burgers, and hot dogs. And veggies too. Really, it's tough to top cooking and eating outside. The kids ran around the back yard with the sprinkler going and the adults had a cocktail or ten.
Eileen hung out for a while with Uncle David without crying- big step! We really can't figure out why she gets upset when she sees him.. he oozes love for her. And she made a new best friend with the other Uncle David. I think she's only seen him one other time, but he walked in on Saturday and she just melted in his arms. Josh called him the Baby Whisperer all weekend. So funny how she just gels with some people!

So we had the crowd at our place on Saturday. Then on Sunday we just hung out and enjoyed the day (and nursed our slight headaches!). Aunt Sissy and Uncle David came over and helped us eat some left-overs. Then we made it to Brusters for IceCream.. but Eileen was pretty hot and pretty tired.. I don't think she quite gets how perfectly yummy ice cream really is. I gave her a lick of mine, but she was still not convinced. So we didn't stick around long.. which is really OK since our ice cream was melting at record speed!

And on Monday we went to the pool! there are more pictures in the post below. She LOVED it. Had a blast. She was a star in her little bikini and matching sun hat. We bought her a float, but she wasn't really a fan.. I don't think she's quite big enough for it yet. But she was more than happy for Josh or I to spin her around or bounce her up and down. I can't wait to go back!

We had awesome weather all weekend. I know we so need the rain.. but it was great to have perfect weather on a holiday weekend. Even tho it's still May and our yard is already turning brown. We water the flowers.. but so far we haven't been watering the yard. That would get quite expensive. I'll do my rain dance, but only for rain in the middle of the week. :)

See the one below for more pictures!

For Uncle Dick...

2007-05-29T16:56:00.000-04:00

It's funny.. whenever Josh gets Budweiser we always smile and toast Uncle Dick and the rest of the Hankey Men. We even took this picture on Saturday with the express intention of sending a copy to Uncle Dick so he would be proud of his little grand-niece and see that we're teaching her well. ;)

I found out last night that Uncle Dick had a stroke on Thursday...it seems like it was a mild one and he'll be OK.. but it's still so jarring to get that sort of news. Things like that aren't supposed to happen to the Uncle Dick's of the world. He's that ever cool, ever fun, always full of huge hugs Uncle. So our prayers are with him & Aunt Marcia, and here's hoping Uncle Dick gets to have a cold one sometime soon.

Here are some other pics from the weekend.. Josh with Eileen and his first ice cream of the season! And look at her sitting next to him on the couch like a big girl! He's blowing up ANOTHER new 'tub' for her. She's 8mos old and on her 4th tub! First there was the little baby tub- the one that is for newborns and sits on the counter. Then there was that reclining chair thing that sat in the adult tub. And then the seat that attached to the side of the tub. That one was retired over the weekend as Eileen's pot belly no longer allowed her to fit in it! And now, we have what is hopefully her last step towards a full-on tubby! this is actually a mini-pool made for the tub. It's rectangle and fits snugly inside the tub. So she can sit in it and play in the water, but still not really get anywhere. She's still not quite big enough to just sit in the tub - she floats away! (I know, you're thinking perhaps I should not put in so much water. But what's the fun in that?! ) And of course if you go to the link below you'll see updated pics and see her in the new tub! Oh, and that's her (naked!) doll she's holding in her lap. She loves that thing. Nana Janet gave it to her. It makes all sorts of noicse, and I think sometimes she thinks it is real. She hugs it all day.

And of course, the last one is her in her smashing bathing suit. Isn't she such a ham!?

Hope you all had a good long weekend.. now it's back to normal.. but at least it's summer!

see more pics at our shutterfly page!

2 years... 8 mos...

2007-05-25T11:17:00.000-04:00

Ahh... it only took us TWO YEARS to get some pictures up on the wall along the stairs.. and it only took EIGHT MONTHS for us to finally get some pictures of Eileen up in her room!

Of course these pictures that I took of the pictures don't really do justice to how good and home-y it finally looks in our house.. at least you can get an idea!

Egads I am so ready for this three day weekend. It's Friday, about 11am. I am desperately hoping we get 'early dismissal' today. I have enough work to keep me busy until Sunday.. but I just about to be over this work week and be out of here!

We'll have some friends over for a cook out.. we'll hit the pool (can't wait to get Eileen in her new bathing suit!).. oh and of course we must kick off the Unofficial Start of Summer with a family trip to Bruster's! Even Gracie gets to come.. they give out free doggie ice cream! Other than that we'll just chill out and enjoy the extra day. It's supposed to be warm and dry all weekend! I know we desperately need the rain.. but I am so glad it will be sunny all weekend. Bring on the tan!

These other pics are just random ones taken this week. You can see Eileen and I after a day at work and school. How is it that I sit behind a desk all day, but I still manage to look like I've been hit by a Mack Truck at day's end? Eh. oh well.

And you can see behind me that our poor Japanese Maple has finally come back to life! It looked great in March, then we had that freakish freeze in April and it killed it! We really didn't know if it would come back.

OK.. I'm going to get back to work so I can try to get out of here and start the long weekend.

:)

If Only I'd Had The Camera...

2007-05-21T21:11:00.000-04:00

If only.. we'd be $100K richer after winning the prize on America's Funniest Home Videos (um, sidenote: how long has that show been on the air?).

It was Friday night, tubby time. Little Lady had eaten dinner about 20 minutes prior. She's splashing away, and out of nowhere, she belched. I don't mean she just burped. This was a full-on Frat-Boy-Pledge-who-just-drank-eight-beers belch.

Wait. It gets better.

After the belch, she looked up at me, with a look of shock. As if to say, "Mommy, what the hell was that?" And then, she threw her head back and laughed her ass off. I mean- she laughed like that video I posted a couple of weeks ago. That, of course, threw me into hysterics. I was d y i n g. Josh had just gone downstairs, and thank Heaven, he heard the whole thing. He never would have believed me otherwise.

Clearly, she's taking after me. There was a time in my life that I could recite the vowels, including sometimes y, in one nice belch. Usually I did so while in my school uniform.

It was by far the funniest baby moment yet. Love this kid.

The rest of the weekend wasn't near so exciting - but still a good one! On Saturday we tootled around..went to the gym, to look at some plants for the yard. Went to Target and WalMart. Then Saturday evening we went out for Raven's birthday! Slowly but surely, she's creeping up in age along with the rest of us (teehee, only kidding Raven!). Our babysitter was out of town, so we took Eileen with us. That's Raven's husband Dave in the top picture. Eileen was fascinated by him. Eileen is just so good, I really can't believe our luck. It was way past her bedtime, but she just hung out in my lap. It's not like we kept her out until midnight (ha! as if Mommy and Daddy would last that long), we were home by 8:30. But still, that's late for her. We got home, she took a bottle, and went to bed. Almost surreal. Eh.. like I always say.. I fear what is in store for us with Kiddie Number Two.

Sunday we went to church, went to the grocery store (how do two adults, a baby, and a dog manage to blow thru $200 every weekend at the grocery? What the heck are we going to do when Eileen is a teenager? and when there's more than one of her?). Then we went to my company picnic. It was fun, but will probably be more fun next year when Eileen can walk and appreciate the petting zoo. But hey, I got to work on my tan.

As you can see by the picture of her in the high chair, by the time Sunday night rolled around, she was over it. She was exhausted. And I of course made her madder by taking a picture of her covered in food and fussing (see?? she really does get grumpy every now and then).

Then of course it was tubby time again. No belches this time around. She was, however, highly amused by wearing this little yellow 'tophat' and dumping it off of her head.

OH! and on Saturday she bit me - again- and left a mark! Little turkey. She has no idea what she's doing, but it HURTS.

Today we got the big news that next week she will officially move into the Infant 2 class.. which is the next class up. She is 8mos old today.. so it makes sense that she's moving. Definite mixed emotions. We'll miss her teachers so much that she has now. But it will be good for her to be with kids more her own age (she's moving with several others from her class). Some of the kids in Infant 2 just moved there a month ago, so she'll know most of them.

That's it for now.. Happy Monday!

fun times

2007-05-17T16:15:00.000-04:00

Ya gotta love Baxter. She's so cool she just has one name. (OK, not really, but as long as we've all been friends that's all we've ever called her).

Yesterday was her birthday and a group of us got together to have some drinks! I, of course, was thrilled for a night out. Josh was a sweetie and was on baby duty. Eileen of course was a little rascal for him and would not take her bottle or go to bed peacefully. Little stinker.

It was a fun night spent with those folks who you don't get to see very often.. but when you do, it's like you've never been apart. We're all 'adults' now, most of us have kids and mortgages and giant electric bills.

But last night we were just like a bunch of goofy college kids. I have not laughed that hard in ages. (In fact, we made such a rucous that the table behind us was ready to start a brawl!). All that being said, I was still home by 10pm. So it wasn't really like college!

Happy Birthday Baxter! I am glad we got to celebrate with you.

Over the River and Thru the Woods...

2007-05-14T17:48:00.000-04:00

Yep. We did it. Survived our first road trip with Eileen! She did pretty well. She really is a little trooper. We went to Grandpa and Beanie's house in Memphis, about six hours from here. Of course, with her, it took about 7.5.

We left here last Thursday in the late afternoon, thinking that she'd sleep since it was close to bedtime. Her teachers had even kept her awake most of the day to make her tired so she'd sleep. yeah, right. She did not sleep for the first half. Got really mad at about the halfway point (can you blame her? Stuck in a seat facing backwards all that time?!). Luckily it was our regular stopping exit for food. Once she had a little break and a meal, she was in better shape. Josh did ride in the back seat with her for the second half of the trip, and that helped keep her calm.

Of course we hit rain and it was dark and OH! how I hate that. I swear the truckers go 100mph in the rain.

Anyway, we got there safe and sound around 11pm that night. I was worried she'd be all out of whack. But she's really just so laid back! After she hung out with Beanie and Grandpa for about an hour, we all went to bed. She slept in the pack-n-play- and did great! I don't know how we got so lucky in the baby lottery, but I know better than to take it for granted (and that we'll probably pay the price when number two comes along!).

These pictures are from the trip back. Since driving at night clearly didn't buy us any extra sleep, we just did it during the day. It was a GORGEOUS day. So we stopped at one of the 'nice' rest stops (really?! isn't that an oxymoron?) and had a baby picnic. She's a big fan of her portable high chair - she might like it better than her big one!

I fed her some lunch.. which was fine.. except that she was fascinated by the big rigs and motorcycles giong by. Every time one passed, she just stared in amazement. Visions of tattoos and mullets on my little butterball were haunting me.

We stopped again later for mommy and daddy to eat. The poor souls at the Wendy's where we stopped had to deal with one smelly baby. I had no idea she had a dirty diaper until we were already all buckled in to the little restaurant high chair! And of course there was no changing station at this Wendy's. So we ate fast and then went out to the car. And she got a diaper change and an outfit change (never a good sign!) right there in the parking lot. Of course Josh took pictures. We must have something with which to blackmaiul her when she is a teenager.

We finally rolled into town around 6 Sunday night. So most of my first mothers day was spent in the car, but that's OK. It was actually pretty fun.

This last picture is her in one of her new outfits Beanie got her from Gymboree. I admit, I have never actually walked into that store for fear I will bankrupt our family. I was happy to get any of the hand me downs from Mary Kate. And now I know my fears were spot on. Just the most a d o r a b l e outfits you have ever seen. I really think Beanie and I could have bought out the whole store. It's a good thing the one here is not super close to my house. We really would be in trouble.

Anyway- you can't see a great deal of the outfut - but it's too cute. And of course, the shoes stayed on all of 5 minutes. but again, too cute.

The entry below this one has more snippets and pics from the trip!

Little Rascal

2007-05-14T17:46:00.000-04:00

She really is a little devil. All weekend at Grandpa and Beanie's she was just hilarious. I swear, she knows she can do anything and get away with it. For instance..

I was feeding her on Saturday night. If I am not shoveling the food into her mouth fast enough, she growls at me. No joke. So there we were, me shoveling and her growling. Grandpa was standing beside her giggling. Then, she sort of cuts her eyes over at him, grins this little devil grin, turns back to me and continues growling. As if it were an inside joke between she and Grandpa! Of course that sent all of us into hyeterics. And then I fended off a panic attack.. if she's this devious now, what will I do when she's two?!?!?

Anyway... it was a fun time. It was really nice to have a little mini break. I realized I had to relax. I couldn't go clean the bathroom or do laundry or weed the flowerbeds. We really got to play with Eileen a lot. And then Josh and I sat on the back deck with a cocktail, soaking up the sun and reading (I got through two months worth of Real Simple!) while little lady played her heart out with Grandpa and Beanie. We never get a chance to do that sort of thing at home. So even tho it was short, it was really refreshing.

We went out to lunch. Eileen was scared of the waiter at first, and by the end of the meal she was full on flirting. She got to meet Aunt Debbie for the first time. She loved her. Usually, if I am holding Eileen, she does not want to go to anyone else - not even Josh! She saw Aunt Debbie and practically jumped into her arms. It was too cute! So they played and played. Eileen could have cared less if we were around or not! Someday if Aunt Debbie ever moves to Knoxville she can be our nanny! :)

We also went to go see Jo, who is Eileen's great-grandmother. She lives in a cute little assited living facility. She had not yet gotten to meet Eileen, and she had a blast with her. Eileen was the hit in the living area- she was attracting the other residents like crazy. I think Jo was loving getting to show her off. Eileen just sat in Jo's lap and then just played with her toys, oblivious to all the people ooohing and aaahing over her.

I am sure there is more that I am forgetting. Of course I should have blogged this on Sunday night... and I actually started this on Monday night.. and now it is Wednesday afternoon and I am finishing.

:) When I remember any more little stories.. I'll be sure to share!

teehee

2007-05-09T09:00:00.000-04:00

This picture cracks me up. It's another one from Miss NaeNae of Eileen at school. They're outside in the little yard. That's her buddy Maddie in the exersaucer next to her.

No clue what she was doing. Probably stuck something in her mouth that tasted bad.

She still won't have much to do with her bottle, but she's eating plenty. I am not going to worry about it anymore!

NINE POUNDS!

2007-05-08T09:06:00.000-04:00

We took Gracie for her annual check up yesterday. Nine Pounds. She's gained that much in just a year. I was mortified! The vet told me that and I about fell off the chair. I had a fear she was about to call the Golden Rescue and tell them to take our dog back! I just looked at her and said "Um, we had a baby last year." Which made her laugh, and I think, take pity on me. So, needless to say, Miss Gracie is going on a diet! We are cuttting back the amount of food she gets AND Daddy will be taking her on more walks. We definitely let her walks slide in the past few months. This is evidenced by the lazy pup you see here curled up with Eileen's toys. The vet wants her to lose at least 10 lbs, preferably 15. For now, we're aiming at least for the 10.

Speaking of Eileen, she's just a rascal. All weekend
she refused to take anything from her bottle.
Not formula, not juice, not pedialyte. She did,
however, eat like a famished little being. I was a
tad concerned about dehydration- tho she never had a fever, had plenty of wet diapers, and was in a really good mood all weekend. I called the doctor anyway and they had us come in yesterday. He checked her out.. no ear infection or throat or anything else.. she weighs almost 19lbs.. so she clearly is growing just fine! He wasn't really sure what was up... but said as long as she's eating and having the wet
diapers, she's fine. Mommy intuition tells me this is a combination of several things:

1) she is teething, so the bottle just hurts
2) she is over the whole bottle thing, ready for a sippy cup, just not quite so sure yet how to use it
3) she is just as finicky as her Daddy when it comes to what she will and won't eat or drink.

She may look just like me, but oh her personality seems to be that of Daddy (picky picky) and Aunt Sissy (feisty!!).

All that being said, we had a super weekend!

It was the first time in at least nine, if not ten, weekends that Josh has not had to work. I had forgotten what it was like to have him with us all weekend! We were like Mission Organization.
We (ok, he) cleaned out/organized the attic, the guest room closet, and Eileen's closet. Purged some stuff. Moved around some stuff. We got frames for the house and hung them along the staircase (now I just need to decide which pictures to put in the frames - at which time I will of course take a picture and post it). We went to Lowes and loaded up on flowers. Even got them planted! I got two hydrangeas - I have wanted those forever!- and Josh planted them in the front yard. Can't wait for them to bloom. I love those big poufy pompom blooms. I am hoping for blue ones. (Yes, I know the color of the bloom depends on what sort of soil you have. I have no clue what soil we have. It's really red clay. And hard to dig.)

On Saturday, Eileen napped for three hours. Never - not even as a newborn- has she taken a nap that long. For her, if she makes it an hour, that's a long nap! So, on the one hand it was nice b.c I cleaned the whole house and got several loads of laundry done while she slept (oh- did I mention it was monsooning outside?!). On the other hand, she slept so long that it completely threw us off. We did not even leave the house until 3:45! We hit Babies R Us where we got her some more advanced toys. Ones that make noise. OOHHHMMM.

Then we hit Salsaritas and headed home and had our own little Cinco de Mayo celebration with margaritas, burritos, and Coronas. YUM.

Don't you love this picture? That would be her, last night, as I was taking pictures. She just reached out and grabbed the handle while I was snapping away. Like I said, she's a rascal. If she wants it, she will find a way to get it. And Heaven forbid we try to take it away. She screams bloody murder. oh well, she'll live. :)

And, today is our 3year anniversary. Can't believe it's been 3 years. Actually, we've been together almost 7, which is really mind boggling. Since we've been together we've left Manhattan, bought a house, two cars, a dog and now we have this little lovebug. I guess over the span of 7 years you'd expect that much change. But it still blows our minds. Anyway, Happy Anniversary to us!

Feisty!

2007-05-03T10:20:00.000-04:00

She's already beating up the boys!

Owen and Eileen are about three days apart, they started school on the same day. He's adorable (and for some unknown reason is terrified of Josh- every time Owen sees Josh he starts to cry. Hilarious!)

This is the conversation I had with her teacher, Miss Amanda, when I picked her up from school the other day. I'm holding Eileen, and Miss Amanda is holding Owen.

Miss Amanda: See that red mark on Owen's head?

Me: Yes. Oh, Poor Owen! What happened?

Miss Amanda: Well, Eileen threw a toy at him!

Me: WHAT? Oh my gosh!
(horrified, but also cracking up-- note- this was no life threatening injury- just a red spot).

Miss Amanda said that Owen was annoying Eileen (they sit together on the mats and play) and I guess she'd had enough, so she just chunked her toy at him! At least the little lady can take care of herself.
Josh was in Birmingham again Tuesday night. And again, she slept through the night! Last time he went out of town she did it too. Whew. And again last night. She seems to be through the bulk of her teething - for now- so hopefully we get some good nights in before the next round starts up. And her appetite is certainly back. The kid eats.

Not much else to report at the moment.

These are the typical kid playing with pots and pans pictures. Note the large blob of drool going down the middle of one. Don't worry, they'll be run thru the dishwasher before the next cake baking!

try this one?

2007-05-02T09:04:00.000-04:00

I am still trying to figure this out... I can see and watch this video just fine! But Josh said that's bc I have the media already on my computer. Others tell me that when they try to play the video it just says "loading" but then never does anything. I tried changing some settings. Maybe this will work?

giggle giggle

2007-05-01T15:10:00.000-04:00

B U S T E D

2007-05-01T10:05:00.000-04:00

Stupid Red Light Camera.
Yep. I got busted. Ran a red light. I am completely aware of where these cameras are and always stop at yellow lights for fear of Big Brother chasing me down. But evidently not on this day. Here's my car. Going right through the intersection. There's another picture with a more close up shot of my license plate, so there's really no denying it's me. And you know what's really lame about the whole thing?! It was 9:15 on a Saturday morning. WHERE was I going that I was in such a hurry? $50.00. That's what I get. Oh well, at least it doesn't go on my record/get reported to my insurance.

On to much happier topics. Look at these toes. I mean, is there anything cuter!? Of course these little shoes stay on her feet for all of 5 minutes before she kicks them off. But they just make me smile. Yesterday when her afternoon teacher got to school, Eileen was barefoot. But Miss Amanda spotted the shoes in her crib - she put them on Eileen just so she could see how cute her feet were in them! I love that the teachers lover her as much as we do!

Speaking of school.. I really don't kwow what I'd do sometimes without those teachers! Eileen has been cutting her two top teeth. They're pretty much in all the way- it's rather bizarre b.c they seem like they are these HUGE teeth. Even tho these two teeth have broken through her gums - which supposedly stops most of the discomfort- she has still been really fussy at night. I was really starting to worry thinking something was wrong that I didn't know about. Then at school yesterday Miss Amanda solved it for me- she's cutting two more teeth- four at one time!

No wonder the poor girl is miserable. The front two are in, and now coming thru are the incisors (also known as the fangs!). In a week or so this little baby is going to look like a little kid. I still can't believe how fast she's changing.

Our pediatrician recommended waiting until she crawls to feed her solids. But heck, if she's going to have 6 teeth, it seems like she could start on some biter biscuits or something, right?!

I am sure Nana will kill me for posting this picture. It was Saturday morning, Nana and Grampy were about to hit the road to head home to NC. Nana was a little sad to be leaving. But just look at Eileen! I cracked up when I saw that picture with her sticking that tongue out. She's just hilarious.

Hilarious- and sooo mischievious!

You know what she did? She ripped a page right out of the church hymnal! We were at church Saturday night. For whatever reason- she loves loves loves the hymnals. Whenever one of us gets it out to sing, she grabs for it. She could have 6 of her own books in front of her, but when she sees that red book- she's on a mission to play with it. So Josh was holding the book and letting her touch it. And teh next thing we know, her fat little fist just grabbed a page and ripped it out- all the way! I was mortified. I am sure it's not the first time it's happened, but the Guilt was just too much.

Here she is in her high chair. Loves this little cube. Note Gracie right behind her. She's no dummy, she knows that highchair means food!

OK.. enough ramblings. Have a good one!

more firsts...

2007-04-26T14:41:00.000-04:00

in the last 10 days...

-first babysitter
-first time out for mommy & daddy in seven months
-first suprise birthday party for Aunt Sissy
-first Bubbles!

Aunt Sissy hit the big three-oh this year. Dear Uncle David has been planning this party- this event of the year!- since February. For those of you who don't know Uncle David - he is not one to keep secrets, and he as a touch of OCD. :) The fact that he pulled off this party and managed to not tell Shannon himself is just a miracle. He did a fantastic job.

Of course going to the party meant we forayed into the world of babysitters! To tell you the truth, I wasn't really too concerned about leaving Eileen with someone. I was more concerned with finding someone who didn't mind a big furry dog who wants to sit in your lap and lick you all night. :) Turns out there was just such a find at Daddy's work.. Miss Catherine loves babies and doesn't mind dogs! (Her dog even goes to daycamp with Gracie!). So she came over and hung out with Eileen while Mommy and Daddy partied it up. Eileen did great! Well, I think she gave Miss Catherine a run for her money when it was bedtime, but we're hoping it wasn't too bad and that Miss Catherine will come back sometime!
Back to the party.. David rented this amazing loft space downtown.. fully furnished.. gorgeous.. and plenty big. It was catered and he'd hired a bartender! There was quite the crowd - including my four parents and David's partents too! There were college friends, work friends, and Shannon's best friend came in from Memphis. One of our friends even came back from FLORIDA a day early to make the party. My mom sent him some pictures of Aunt Sissy when she was little- all of which David had blown up to poster size and were all over the apartment. Very funny. Turns out Aunt Sissy wasn't completely surprised- she'd figured out something was going on- but she didn't know where or when. And she didn't know all of the parents were coming. So it turned out all good and we all had a blast! After seven months of home life.. I was thrilled to put on a dress (and it fit!) and fun makeup and have a cocktail or four!

And here we are with the bubbles. I bought some of the lavender baby bath (which is supposed to help babies sleep thru the night. yeah, right. but it's the Tar-jay brand so it's cheap and it does smell good!). It makes super fun bubbles! Eileen just sticks her hand in them and then stares. She can't figure out why there is something on her hand but then when she tries to touch it it just disappears. I blow them at her and she just squeals. (Gracie likes that part too. She attempts to bite the clumps of bubbles). And as you can see, Eileen is a fan of the bubble wig I made her. She really does love the tub! And already she's starting to get to big for that seat. I predict in another month she'll be sitting in the real tub!

Oh- and her top teeth are coming in! She's been drooling like a fool for a week. Earlier this week she was upside down and laughing, and there ya go! The front teeth starting to show through! She already doesn't really look like a baby now.. but when those two teeth come in.. she will really have lost that baby baby look.

Anyway.. check www.eileenloebner.shutterfly.com for more recent pics.

Happy Thursday!

Monday Monday....

2007-04-16T12:38:00.000-04:00

I don't even know where to begin. This posting was actually started almost two weeks ago. The posting date shows as April 16. Today is actually April 26!!!! Since I started on the 16th, I have been so insanely busy that I have not had two seconds to get back here. I know, that probably just sounds ridiculous. I would never have believed that from someone else.

I can't even put into words the frenetic pace of work. I totally should not be doing this right now- but there comes a time when enouhg is enough and I am allowing myself five minutes to get a posting in!

These pictures are a couple of weeks old.. don't really remember if I had anything specific I was going to say about them!

note the old school Fisher Price rings Eileen's got in front of her.. she LOVES those things.. that grumpy expression you see onher face is what happens when she has to do tummy time and it's close to her bedtime! She'd had enough and wanted to be picked up. :)

See our new chairs?!?! Don't they look so adult? It's lovely to have matching chairs that don't feel like they will fall apart if you sneeze while sitting in them. Don't they look like they just belong to the table?! We have two more that are at our kitchen table, and they also looklike a perfect match. Thank You Uncle Sam.
Are these pink pants not just the c u t e s t thing? They came from a friend of mine. They even have a little green strap (you can see it on her left leg) that you can use to roll up and button the pants so they become little capris.

I'm pathetic. She's like my little barbie doll. I love dressing her in all these clothes!

And here she is in her Big Girl Seat. Note her little feet pushed up against the back seat! She has another 5 mos facing backwards like this, I hope she doesn't get too much longer! This seat stays in the car- and I thikn she likes it a lot. It has her raised up more and she can see more. She just stares out the window. We're going to attempt our first road trip in a few weeks.. that should be interesting. We'll see how much she likes the chair then!

OK.. that's it for now.. I'll make another quick posting with some more new pics,... and then it's back to work!

Hop to it!

2007-04-09T11:36:00.000-04:00

Look at Eileen with this food! She's just hilarious. She was bound and determined to get this bowl from me while she was eating last week. Finally I gave in (it was right before bath time anyway) and let her go to town. She was eating chicken/rice/sweet potatoes (lovely combination!) and had a grand time eating it and playing with it.

I can't believe Easter has come and gone!

It was insanely cold here.. but we wore our spring outfits anyway.
And glad we did bc the church was insanely hot.

That would be b.c of all the people that came out of the woodwork to show up at Mass. We had double services (one in the church and one in the family life center - simultaneously) at 10 am AND at 11:45am. We went to the 10am and it was PACKED. Standing room only at both places. I really have no idea where all those people come from.

We got a seat - thank Heaven. There was no way I would have been able to hold Eileen through the whole service. She's just too heavy! Anyway.. she made friends with the nice man sitting next to us. He was fascinated by her. She's such a nut. She did manage to throw her froggie under the pew in front of us which made her mad. But I promptly handed her the hymnal, which she loves. But now that she can actually grab at things with both hands I can't really let her get to close to anything 'nice' or she will tear it to shreds.

She attemped to eat my napkin at lunch on Friday. Of course when I took it away she got mad. My friend Karrie was proud of me for not giving in and giving it back. I was proud of me too! I figure if I don't let her get her way even now, perhaps that will stick through all of childhood.

Let's see.. where did we leave off?
Friday I was off work since Eileen's school was closed for Good Friday. We actually had a shoot going on at our house, so there was crew and gear everywhere. Lots of props in the front yard. The neighbor's maid evidently thought it was a yard sale, and just walked over and started digging through bags in my front yard. Do you think that's weird? I mean, yes - there were people and cars everywhere. But there were also huge lights and people walking around with headsets on. Would you think that was a yardsale? One of the crew guys had to (politely) run her off. And it took some effort- she really didn't believe it was a shoot. She was convinced we were having a yard sale. W E I R D.

Anyway.. Eileen was fascinated by the crew and activity. She especially loved Stanley.. with his long hair and gravelly voice I think she thought he was just a character.
Friday night Josh and I went and got some 'adult' chairs for our kitchen and dining room! yay! As Josh said, we now have an 'adult house.' For years we'd had a mish mosh of chairs, most of which in rough shape. It's a miracle they haven't collapsed before now. There was a sale on the chairs we've been eyeing.. and we're getting a refund from Uncle Sam.. so sale + refund = new chairs. They look GREAT. Look like they were made to go with our tables (awesome huge antique tables from Josh's grandparents!). I'll have to take a picture.

Eileen was a trouper.. after all the errand running and several trips back and forth to the store to get the chairs home.. she'd been in her car seat for almost 4 hours. She held out almost the whole way- about 10 minutes before we were done she started to have a melt down.. she's just so good. We got home quick and got her out of her seat and she was so happy to get a big fat hug (and clean diaper and a bottle)!

Saturday we ran errands. We bought Eileen her new big girl car seat, but Daddy can't quite get it in the car by himself. Needs another man. Grandpa John will be here in a couple of weeks - hopefully the two of them can get it in.

Of course Sunday was Easter. We did church and had a good meal. Not really an Easter basket yet.. but she looked adorable in her little dress and Easter hat.

Happy Monday!

Bragging Rights

2007-04-05T11:27:00.000-04:00

OK, I'm bragging about me again.

Today, 6.5 mos after little lady was born, Mommy is wearing her pre-baby jeans! Can you believe it?! Now, granted.. these were my 'fat' jeans before.. and of course now I feel like a skinny minny super model in them. They are the same size as my other pre-baby jeans.. but somehow bigger. I really don't care - the fact that I am wearing jeans I wore before baby has me over the moon.

AND I'm within single digits of the prebaby weight.

I'm still running and watching what I eat, but really.. the continued weight loss is from this job. It's not hard to watch what you eat when you just flat out don't have time to eat. Whatever works. I am hoping to get back into summer capris and shorts within the next 4-6 weeks so I don't have to buy any more clothes!

Now check out Miss Thang from this morning. How CUTE is this shawl? Aunt Sissy's boss actually sent it to us back in September.. and now she's big enough to wear it.. and since we're having a MAJOR cold snap right now.. I was thrilled to put her in it.

Yes, cold snap. 22 degrees tomorrow night. WHAT? On Tuesday it was 80something- we had the AC on. And now, 48 hours later, it's on its way to well below freezing. Good Grief. I am so glad we haven't planted our new flowers yet!

Eileen is just a nut. She really just makes us laugh all the time. She certainly has her appetite back.. eating her food like there's no tomorrow. Still loves carrots the best. Josh said she was saying some things this morning that sounded like Mama.. my ears will be tuned in to see if she really says it.

Ok.. that's it for now. I am out of the office tomorrow so I desperately need to try to get caught up (HAHAHAHHA) before then.

Happy Thursday.

OH! And way to go Lady Vols. Nice to have a championship back in this town!

big girl!

2007-04-03T17:07:00.000-04:00

wow. I can't believe it's been over a week since I posted! I have been writing loads of entries in my head, but it has been until now taht I actually can get to sit down and write. And, actually, am supposed to be doing some work, but since I sent myself the wrong document to work on, I guess I'll just have to do it tomorrow.

well, as you can see from the pictures, little lady is growing fast. In just a week's time, she's completely sitting up on her own. She sits in the tub seat now- LOVES it. Wants to do nothing but eat her ducks and cups in the water. She'd sit there for hours if I let her. And, we're using the highchair on a regular basis now. Some days she still fusses when I put her in it, but she's getting used to it. She passed out cold in it this weekend! We still have her in the infant car seat, but next weekend we'll be getting the big girl seat. So we've been practicing bringing her into stores and having her sit in the buggy! She doesn't seem to notice a difference between that and staying in her carrier. Fine with me!

So, let me tell you about all the days that've passed since my last posting!

Last Sunday/Monday/Tuesday = very very grumpy Eileen. She is rarely fussy, so I just didn't know what to think. She wasn't eating much. I do think she is slowly cutting one of her top teeth, but I don't think that is why she was fussy.

Wednesday = When I walked into her classroom, I noticed she was in a different outfit than what she'd had on in the morning. That is just never a good sign! She'd had some tummy issues. But her mood seemed better, so that was good. We went home and she had a tubby! Daddy got home a little late- he'd been working - and he didn't feel good. Next thing I know - he's got a 101 degree fever! WHAT? Adults don't get fevers like that unless something is way wrong. So of course I battled with "oh, poor Josh! I want to take care of him" and "sh*t! get the heck away from me and Eileen! I don't want us to get sick!" So he soon went to bed, as did she. I chatted on the phone with my friend ChiChi (ok, not her real name. but we've called her that since we were in Spanish One waaaay back in High School!).

Wednesday night/Thursday morning= to be specific, it was 3am. Eileen had woken, I went to check on her. I picked her up - dark nursery and all - and hmmm.. why is she all wet? turned on the lights, and EWWWW. Not a pretty sight (or smell). Poor little girl! but- she was in a REALLY good mood! Clearly she'd been fussy b.c of an upset stomach, and from the looks of her and her crib, she'd expelled any nastiness from her system. Josh was downstairs passed out so I was left to my own devices. Cleaned up her and changed the sheets, then fed her, and then started a load of laundry. Yep, at 3:45am. There was no way I wanted THOSE sheets to sit til the morning!
Thursday morning = more fun mess from Eileen, tho not nearly so bad. Still, at this point I've got some dehydration worries. The nurses at the pediatrician's office must think I am crazy, I swear I think I call them once a week. Anyway.. since there was no fever and her mood was good, they told me just to get some Pedialyte. That seemed to get her back on track, and she's finally back to her old self.

Fast Forward to this past Saturday. Josh was still feeling rather off, but better than earlier in the week. Then out of nowhere, he got the same stomach issues Eileen had had. He was supposed to do the half-marathon on Sunday, but that idea went out the window. Again, I wanted to make him feel better, but also wanted Eileen and me as far away from him as possible. So she and I went shopping! nothing exciting. We got baby wipes and formula and ginger ale and saltines (for Josh). but we still had fun. Oh, and we went through the car wash, which scared her a little bit, and then she liked it. Cute.

So now it's Tuesday. We all seem to be healthy. Knock on wood, I don't get the nasty bug. It's been gorgeous here- you can tell from some of the outside pics. Of course, tomorrow through Easter is supposed to be frigid. How completely annoying. But I am dressing Eileen in her little Easter (lightweight) dress anyway! I'll bring along a sweater. :)

Today I got bangs. Due to the hair growing back (yay!) I have these bizarre little spikes sticking out of my forehead. Anyone remember Katie Holmes wedding picture? with the odd little fringe pasted to her forehead? yep. That's me. (now, she's got more money than god. why didn't that girl either get some bangs or get some extensions before having her wedding picture plastered all over the WORLD?) anyway - in order to hide the spikes, I got bangs. it's a big event in my world.

Ok.. clearly I have rambled on. Sorry for being MIA. I swear I'll try to be better!

Perfection

2007-03-24T21:39:00.000-04:00

ahhhhhhhhh... summer. it really is perfect.

Ok, it's actually only March. But it is very summer-like here right now. and I love every. minute. of. it.

Yesterday (Friday) I took Josh to work, and Eileen to school, and then, I took the day off! There was a slight tinge of guilt for sending Eileen to school when I was out having a play day. But then again, we have to pay for it anyway.. and she loves it there.. and well, it is easier to get some stuff done when I am alone.

So I went to the grocery store- where I stocked up on some Stage 2 baby food. The main difference between that and Stage 1 is that the Stage 2 is a little thicker. But loads more variety of food for little lady in Satge 2! We got Apples & Cherries, Sweet Potatoes & Corn, mixed veggies. I even got some chicken & rice.. which I'm really not so sure about but I guess we'll see.
Then I came home and cleaned house! I even wet swiffered the floors. I used to do that every week or so.. I think this is the 2nd time I've done it since she was born.. did I mention she's 6mos old!? And then I went shopping. I had to. I am another size smaller, so I went to get new jeans! I am exactly 10lbs more than what I weighed the day I found out I was pregnant. I will soon be in single digits! and, I am just one size up from my pre-baby clothes. sweet.

Then I went to get Eileen. She had her 6month check up. Two more shots and one last oral vaccine. Now no appt. until 9mos, and at that one- no shots! I swear I think she figured out or remembered this time about the shots. As soon as we laid her down in 'the position,' she started screaming! The nurse is like lighting and it was over before Eileen knew it, and she was fine when I picked her up. Oh- she's 17.5 pounds, and 25inches. Her weight is in 75%, and her height is 50%. Dr. said she's progressing perfectly!

Then Aunt Jaime and Uncle Steve came to town. A grumpy and tired Eileen (missed her afternoon nap AND had shots - not a happy camper!) was already in bed. But they got to play with her a lot this morning. She was in a great mood and was enamored with Steve.

I went for a run outside today. First of all, I don't think I have run outside since fall of 2005. All of last year I was pregnant and didn't run! It felt great. Treadmills are fine and certainly have been helping me lose weight.. but outside running is just niiiiiiiiiice. Of course now, about 10 hours later.. I am aching.

Well that could also be from the yardwork we did! yardwork! again - I didn't get to do that last summer.. and I missed it! Josh did the first mow of the season on Friday night. OK, so it was all WEEDS. but still - love that smell.. and the yard looked great. Today he and I went to Lowes (oh my - what a nuthouse!) and got mulch. We cleaned out the flower beds and put down nice fresh black mulch. I left my pansies in the ground for now.. they look great, and it's still too early to plant summer flowers. While we planted, Eileen hung out in her exersaucer. She loves to be outside! She just hung out and entertained herself while we played in the dirt. Don't you love her new sun-hat?!

Oh, and Gracie got a bath. Isn't she SO GOOD at making herself look so pathetic? She's so spoiled. Now she smells good and looks soo pretty.

After church we hung out on the back deck. Eileen did eat some of her sweet potatoes & corn.. but as you can see... I think she wore just as much. She really is like a 24/7 comedy act. We have so much fun hanging out with her.

Whew. All that and it's just Saturday. Tomorrow is supposed to be just as gorgeous. and you can bet I will find at least 30 minutes to get some sun on my legs. It is skirt weather and I need some color. :)

Well, I guess that's about it. Happy weekend.

Firsts...

2007-03-20T14:24:00.000-04:00

-friend
-taste of birthday cake
-St. Patrick's Day
-Guiness

What a weekend! What a month!

On Saturday we went to MK's birthday party. She turned 2. She's hilarious. I can't believe that in a short time Eileen will be running around and driving a little Jeep like MK! Hard to fathom how much she'll change in such a short period of time.

At the party, I let Eileen have a smidge of icing. She didn't really seem to like it or not like it. I think she was more fascinated by the bright pink fork. She's gotten quite 'grabby' lately. Heaven forbid I am holding her and I pick something up with my other hand. She immediately wants to inspect it - and by inspect, I do mean STICKING THE ENTIRE OBJECT, WHATEVER IT MAY BE, INTO HER MOUTH. It can be a piece of mail, clothing, even the remote. Well, at least she'll develop an early immunity to germs. And, if I dare to actually pull the object out of her hands/mouth- she starts to wail. It's not really crying like when she's legitimately hungry, tired or wet. This is an actual wail/whine- an actual hissy fit that she is not getting what she wants. She's not even officially 6mos old yet. Already, I can see she is going to be a little spitfire. She gets that from her Aunt Sissy.

At one point, Raven (MK's mom) was holding Eileen. MK came running over - she would have none of her Mommy's attention being given to another baby! and then the cutest thing ever, Eileen reached over and put her little hand around MK's neck. Too cute. A little girl hug.

Saturday was also St. Patrick's Day, which is why you see all of the GREEN in these pictures. It is one of my favorite holidays. We don't exactly celebrate it like we did when we were young and energetic, but it's still fun! And of course we enjoyed a nice, cold, frothy Guiness. What kind of Irish Girl would I be if I didn't! And I had to let Eileen join the fun. She did stick her little fingers in the foam and then lick them- and as you can see- her grip is no joke. It's a niracle I didn't end up soaked in the stuff.

WHEW. I am glad to have made it this far into March. Work has really been a whirlwind of activity. We had our live show with 200 member studio audience on Sunday night. It went off without a hitch, and was actually pretty fun. A lot of work. A lot of frantic frantic days. But that feeling of accomplishment and being part of a team when it's all said and done is just good. Of course, over the past 10 days I have not done my regular job at all. My focus was solely on the show. So now I am back here and trying to catch back up and get three new people hired. So, while the show is over and the frenetic pace has slowed, I am still not in any position to be having a slow day! But hey, I guess the Working Weight Loss Plan will continue as eating has taken a backseat to work. (ok- now lest anyone out there worry that I might be having any issues, you all know I am exaggerating. You all know I love food and would not actually completely stop eating.)

Speaking of eating. Eileen finally seems to have grasped the swallow concept. We started the baby food right after her 4month appt. She has her 6month appt this week. It has just been in the last few days that she eagerly takes the spoon of food and then swallows it. She does still play with it on her tongue - but now she only does that when she's full. Hind sight is 20/20. She just wasn't ready at 4, even 5, mos for food. She's a big fan of the oranges.. the carrots, sweet potatoes and squash. Hates peas. But she loves the oranges enough that I can sneak some peas or green beans in and she still eats it. So at least she's getting some green veggies. And the bananas and applesauce usually make her cereal pretty appealing. Next we'll tackle mashed up meats and Zwieback cookies.. but I think I'll wait at least another month for that.

And she rolls over regularly now. She can scoot herself around on a blanket with impressive dexterity. In just a week, her sitting skills have improved 100%. I can now put her down - she still slouches- not quite strong enough to hold herself up straight- but she can stay upright for the duration. Amazing at how fast she all of a sudden can just do stuff.

And amazing how fast her personality is just coming out. I mentioned the whining earlier. She also already has a little temper. She LOVES LOVES LOVES Gracie. Over the weekend, Gracie was hanging out next to Eileen (who was in her little jumper thing). Well, Gracie decided to get up and walk away. Eileen got M A D. Starting crying and stomping those little feet! I, of course, had to laugh.

OK- I think I've caught you all up. Sorry it's been so long.

She Sits! ... sort of...

2007-03-14T10:57:00.000-04:00

Check her out! She is sitting.. she can stay like this for a couple of minutes before she topples over. which is the cutest thing ever! We plop her down and stick a toy in front of her - so when she leans forward she can stay up by herself. Soon enough she'll be sitting up straight. And she can move herself around when she's on her tummy. Not yet crawling- but she can get around the blanket pretty well and get to whatever toy she wants. Amazing. It's like it happened over night!
We'll probably retire her pink seat soon. She's got about 5 more pounds before she officially can't ride in it anymore. But whew - lugging her around in this thing is no longer a convenience. It's a hernia waiting to happen. We'll get her new car seat in the next week or two. That's the one that will stay in the car,.. for now she still will face the rear. Once she's a year old she'll stay in the same seat but we can face it forward. And then when she's even older,we can STILL use the same seat for her booster seat! So at least we'll get 6-7 years out of the next seat!
She rode in her stroller this weekend like a big girl.. sitting forward in teh real seat. She loved it! She got to look at all the trees and dogs and not just at me. :)
Gracie is definitely liking Eileen these days. Eileen still sqeals at the site of Gracie and wants to pet her. Gracie has figured out that licking Eileen's face after she's had her carrots and bananas is quite the plus.
I guess that's about it for now.. see you soon!

More fun with Pictures!

2007-03-09T11:51:00.000-05:00

Just had some more adorable (at least I think so!) pictures I wanted to share.. read post below for updates on our fascinating lives. :)

(note: she's not yet a fan of the high chair.. as you can tell from her expression! she's still not quite big enough for it yet.. but doesn't she look cute anyway!)

51 Down.. 14 To Go...

2007-03-09T11:27:00.000-05:00

Spring Fever! Bye Bye Baby LBS! Peas = Blech! Go With the Flow! The Job Weight Loss Plan.

I have been running all these titles through my head .. it's been a while since my last posting and so much going on. I don't even know where to begin.

Ok, yes I do. I am going to brag. I am within 14lbs of Pre-Eileen weight. I can't believe it! I am quite happy about that. I still can't really believe I gained 65 lbs while pregnany. I still remember back in May when Aunt Cindy told me she had gained 60 lbs with her son Todd (now in his early 20s and insanely smart. May those genes find their way to Eileen!). Anyway, I thought no way would that happen to me! Of course it did, but in 5.5 mos I have managed to drop 51 of it. Whew. The early part of it was due to nursing, the middle part of it was due to hard core exercise, and these last few weeks have been due to the never ending sinus infection and a frenetic work pace. For weeks I was so stuffed up I could taste nothing so I had no desire to eat much. And in those same weeks, work has been insane, so I am just never sitting still. I am never at my desk, so there's no time for mindless nibbles. Whatever the combination has been, it's working. Whew. OK, enough about me.

LOVING the spring-y weather we're having. supposed to be almost 70 today! See the pretty flowers? I wish I could say that was my yard - but it is here at work. Still pretty!

And look at Miss Thang in her adorable khakis and t-shirt. She's so cute I could just eat her up! She is getting so big. Her feet are hanging off of her car seat! I think we have about 5more lbs to go and she will be moving up to the new car seat- the kind you leave in the car. Which is actually fine, b.c carrying her in that carrier now is quite challenging.

We've tried to get her to eat peas this week.. but she's really not a fan. We'll try those again later on. She still likes the carrots, applesauce, bananas, and we're having her teachers try sweet potatoes today. She got to go outside at school yesterday. I think it wore her out! She slept all night long- didn't wake up to eat at all. Of course Mommy & Daddy loved that.
Oh but we're having bottle troubles. The medium flow nipples are too slow and she gets so frustrated. The fast flow are too fast and she just ends up spitting out her milk b.c it comes too fast! We tried a couple of other brands but it is all teh same. So we're sticking with medium flow for another few weeks and we'll see if she wants to try fast flow again. Who knew there would be such a nipple conspiracy!?!?!

It should be fairly nice here this weekend. We have plans to take a trip to the park for a good walk! Gracie will LOVE it, and Eileen is just happy to do whatever. I painted my toes last night to get em ready for FLIP FLOPS. Ahhh.... such a simple pleasure.

I'm anticipating next week to be pure insanity at work (more than normal). We have a huge live show that airs on Sunday night.. live studio audience and all .. not our normal sort of show - so it's a little bit nerve wracking but at the same time exciting. I know our team will do a fantastic job! And hey, if it's as crazy around here as I think it will be, who knows.. maybe I'll drop another 4lbs!

I feel like there's more to tell.. if I remember it I will come back and write more. In the mean time, happy Friday!

Flying by...

2007-03-06T13:35:00.000-05:00

Some days she still seems so tiny.. and then I come across one of the pictures from her first few weeks and I can't believe she was that small!

I don't have my camera here so I don't have any new pictures to post (tho there are some still on the camera at home!).

Turns out she LOVES carrots! Now I can't get her to eat the bananas. But she's eating them with a vengeance, so for now I'lllet her feast on the carrots. Tho, I am pretty sure I remember Miles turning orange from too many carrots.... so much to think about with these carrots! :)

We had a good weekend.. it was fairly quiet.

The three of us all finally seem to be almost healthy. I am on my third round of antibiotics for the sinus infection that will not die. Josh is on antibiotics for an eye infection. And on Satureday we took Eileen back to her doctor b.c the clogged tear duct was still pretty bad - so now they think maybe she has some sort of sinus infection! So she started her antibiotics on Saturday. It's orange flavored liquid and she seems to like it. And her eye seems to be sorting itself out.

We ran some errands, went to church, went to dinner at a cute little pizza place. Eileen slept thru most of the meal and then woke up and just hung out. (well, she started to cry when shewoke up in her carrier in a strange place, but as soon as I picked her up she was fine). I think we really are lucky, she just goes with the flow and shows off her teeth when she smiles that giant smile. May she always be so relaxed.

Aunt Sissy and Uncle David came over for pancakes and bacon on Sunday morning. Eileen was all giggly and very excited to see them.

It's amazing how much she is learning every day. Over the weekend she fell in love with Gracie. It's so cute. Whenever Gracie walks into the room, Eileen is mesmerized. And then she just giggles. And she reaches for the dog! She pets her and Gracie just sits patiently and wags her tail. Then Gracie usually licks Eileen's face.. and Eileen generally has her tongue sticking out.. so I try to limit that germ exchange. But I am sure in the coming months Eileen will get herself into much ickier situations.

She also is now reaching for her bottle and US! One night late last week we were in her room rocking and she spotted an empty bottle. Stuck out her hand towards it and yelled for it! We made her a new one and she sucked it down. She was telling us she was hungry. :)

The best tho is when she sticks her hands up in the air for us to pick her up. So sweet. And then she puts her little hands on your cheeks and just stares at your face. So so cute.

Still not sitting up on her own, but close. She is always trying.

Guess that's about it.. I'll try to get some new pics up tonight!

And the Winner is...

2007-02-28T12:55:00.000-05:00

BANANAS! After endless combinations of cereal, cereal & formula, sweet potatoes, peaches and carrots - all with and without cereal, we finally found a 'solid' that she seems to like. Of course it is the sweetest of all of them. It tastes like pudding! But for now, I'll keep feeding her the bananas while she gets the hang of eating in general. Then I guess I'll tackle green beans and peas and things that I just know she's going to hate after being treated to bananas. I'm thinking I will send some of that to school and see if the teachers don't have better luck feeding her. Heaven help us if she is as picky as her Daddy!

Speaking of Daddy.. check out this cutie pic from this morning. She woke up at 6 (after sleeping all the way through the night!) and I fed her and dressed her. Then Josh was hanging out with her while I got ready. He was in the bathroom and we were chatting and we looked at Little Missy and she was conked out cold in her Daddy's arms. Too sweet.

OK, and now on to Non-Eileen subjects..

Did you see the UT Basketball game last night? Not only did we beat Florida, arch rival AND ranked #4 in the country - we beat them by 10 points on national television.
AND our women's coach, the Amazing Pat Summitt, came out early in the first half and sang Rocky Top to the crowd and did a cheer with the cheerleaders. And Loved Son Peyton Manning was there to cheer on the team as well. (there will be no mention of Great Pumpkin Fulmer and his nose issues broadcast around the country). Coverage all over ESPN.

and, I didn't see it, but evidently the lovely ladies on The View have been bashing sororities. Now, I realize that there are certainly some bad things that go in Greek life. But there are just as many good things that come out of it. And for four supposedly well-educated, well- rounded women (ahem, NOT counting Rosie), none of whom have personal experience being in a sorority, to be bashing other women who have Greek affiliations - that is just ridiculous. I imagine this seems petty to most of you. It just burns me up. Some of my best experiences in college were due to being Greek. And I'm not talking about the Frat parties. The leadership roles I held taught me to manage people, schedules, work with authority and also with beauracracy (I have no idea if I spelled that right). Being Greek requires one to keep a certain GPA - so clearly I was studying! Not to mention the friendships. I've been out of school 10 years now (groan) and some of my best friends are those women I met through my sorority. I certainly don't have a national audience I get to speak my piece to, but if this makes anyone else with an pre-formed unsupported negative opinion think twice, well then I did my part.

OK, off my soap box now! Happy Wednesday.

GRRRR

2007-02-26T12:55:00.000-05:00

I had written a nice long blog entry, and for whatever reason, it didn't publish. And now I have a meeting to head to, so you get the short version!

Note the picture at left. Eileen is watching, and loving!, Sesame Street. She actually bounces up and down when she hears the theme song, and then is just entranced for the duration. Too cute.

Sorry it's beena whole week since I posted. Last week was nutty. I was out of work a day and a half b.c I felt like crud. Turns out it was my allergies acting up; after two trips to the doctor I am back on Zyrtec-D. That stuff is a miracle drug for me. After two weeks of coughing, sneezing, sore throat and runny nose, it's nice to feel normal again.
Then on Friday the school thought Eileen had pink eye. I knew she didn't! It was a clogged tear duct b.c she's been so congested. Thank Heaven that's an easy fix and not contagious. She's feeling just grand today!

We ran her around town all weekend and she was just so good. Never fussed. Just chilled out and smiled at whoever was looking at her. We're lucky and I know it. I know better than to take it for granted. May she always be so laid back.
Here's Daddy, Gracie and Eileen hanging out on Friday morning. Isn't that just sweet?

OK, off to my meeting. Sorry so short! I'll check in later this week.

Splish Splash!

2007-02-19T22:11:00.000-05:00

My friend Margo read about our 'tubby tribulations!' She has a 13 month old daughter, so just a few months ago she was in that 'too big for new born stuff' and 'too small for toddler stuff' stage. She had this great tub seat which is just perfect! She brought it over this afternoon for us to borrow.. as you can see Eileen was delighted! I filled up the tub with warm water and she just soaked it up.

AND Eileen managed to eat almost a whole bowl of cereal tonight. When it was all over, both she and I were covered in it. But at least she was swallowing as much as she was wearing.
I will never ever feed this child while dressed in anything other than my ratty pajamas!

OK. off to bed. Just had to share the tub pictures!

where's daddy!?

2007-02-19T10:40:00.000-05:00

Poor Josh. He's always taking the pictures. We need to get him in more of them!

These are just more pics from this weekend. I couldn't fit them all on one posting.

She's loving reading books right now.. Aunt Sissy & Uncle David read her the Good Pupppy book. It has furry pages and floppy ears to go along with the story.
And Aunt Sissy got in some arm-toning exercises. Let me tell you, do this move more than four times and you will feel the burn. We haven't weighed her lately, but she must be over the 16lb mark.

And here she is with her new bouncer/activity center from Beanie and Grandpa. She hasn't yet figured out that she can bounce herself up and down - when she does she's going to go bonkers. In the meantime- she LOVES this sunflower. It doesn't do anything. No flashing lights. No music. It is just there, and she stares at it endlessly. Poor Grandpa - he attempted to swirl her around to show her the little piano. OH! she would have none of it! She got so mad at being taken away from her flower! Cried and yelled at the top of her lungs! Even at just 5mos, this one knows what she wants. It's cute now, but in a few months I can see it being quite the challenge...

read the posting below for other weekend tidbits and pictures!

Fun with Grandparents!

2007-02-19T10:07:00.000-05:00

Grandpa and Beanie were here this weekend and Eileen had a blast!

Whenever she sees her Grandpa she just giggles. It's the cutest thing ever. He just makes her happy! And she eats up her Beanie who is spoiling her rotten (and we love every minute of it).

It was insanely cold here all weekend, and we actually got some snow. It didn't really stick to the streets, but it did stick to the grass and houses. It was pretty.. though we were so busy taking pictures of Eileen we never got any of the snow! It's all melted now, and in fact it should be in the 60s in another day or two. And, considering that our gas bill was $100 more this month than last month - I am welcoming warm weather with wide open arms. Plus, I can put Eileen in some of her cute clothes before she outgrows them all. She's been living in footies for weeks now. They're cute, but just not as fun as some of her little pants and sweaters!

She still can't master the whole cereal thing. She opens her mouth when she sees the spoon.. takes it into her mouth just fine.. but the whole swallow the food concept is lost on her. She prefers to stick her tongue out with a lump of cereal on it, and then put her hand in her mouth and smoosh it around. And then promptly wipe it on her face and head, and sometimes Mommy's face. Too fun. I even tried peaches this weekend thinking the sweet fruit would win her over. Nope. So we go thru the motions every night, figuring at some point she'll get it. And in teh mean time we did buy a new nipple for her bottles that will allow thicker fluid (i.e. formula with cereal in it) through. I know it's not the best way to get her to eat it, but it is the best way right now to get her to sleep longer through the night! Last night she slept from 8pm to 4:45 this morning... still not all the way to 6:30 or 7.. but getting closer.

She also had her first beer this weekend, as evidenced by the photo. It was a Killians. We're getting her ready for St. Patrick's day - with a name like Eileen, it's practically her own holiday!
(ok - for any of you out there getting ready to call child services - she did not actually drink any beer. She merely grabbed on to Mommy's beer for the Kodak Moment).

It was a fun weekend. After everybody left, we went to Target for the weekly shopping trip. I really could spend hours in that place. And it usually is good for getting Eileen to take a nap.

And then when we came home, Mommy and Eileen slept another two hours in the big bed together. Again, I know it's probably not the best habit to let her sleep with me.. but it's just so sweet! I know in another few months she'll be crawling and getting more independent and want nothing to do with cuddling up.. so while she will let me I'll soak up every minute of little slumber parties togetehr on a chilly Sunday afternoon!
I guess that's about it.. now it's Monday and back to work!

Have a good week!

Happy Valentine's Day!

2007-02-14T12:37:00.000-05:00

Check out her new Valentine's duds. Josh's boss gave us the outfit. I love the bows on her feet! All the girls in Eileen's class were decked out in their pink, red and white outfits. Too cute. It appeared most of the other moms had done what I did - old school store-bought Valentine cards for the babies with small treats for the teachers. It did appear that one mom bought little books for all of the kids - which had me paranoid that I didn't do enough! But I think she was the only one who did something so 'big' - that makes me feel better!

As for Mommy & Daddy's Valentine events.. well last night Josh was super Dad. I have a nasty headcold. Eileen woke up at 3:30 this morning wanting to eat. I was delirious from NyQuil. Dear Daddy let me stay in bed while he got up and made her bottle and changed her diaper and fed her. That's just the best Valentine ever!

I just got my prescription filled at Target. We love that pharmacy - they are so nice and it's so convenient. It also causes me to spend money. Of course I had to wait a few minutes to get my drugs, so I wandered the store. Somehow, my
cart got filled with Jell-O, Ginger Ale, the biggest box of Puffs you can imagine (I splurged on the 'good' tissues) and several cans of chicken noodle soup. Oh, and Pop Tarts. The Brown Sugar ones. Random, I know. Certainly not traditional 'cold' food. But I was feeling sorry for my sniffly self and Pop Tarts are just so good! Of course I got back to the office and promptly hid them away so I won't be tempted to eat the whole box. I don't think they fit too well into the Weight Watchers plan.

We tried the new tubby last night. She's not quite big enough for it yet. So she's too big for the baby tub. and too small for the big baby tub. HMM. I think we'll try it again in the downstairs bathroom b.c it's a bigger/easier access tub. Either way - she DID seem to like sitting in the water. She didn't splash around, she just sort of looked around in amazement.

Beanie & Grandpa Jamieson are coming this weekend! We can't wait to show them how Eileen giggles and smiles and plays. Too fun.

OK.. must go now. Have a Happy Valentine's!