tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-64286313202905819422024-03-13T15:53:53.317-05:00Ceej and EmCeej and Emhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10781698940439464465noreply@blogger.comBlogger117125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6428631320290581942.post-78832433377866115762012-06-19T13:08:00.002-05:002012-06-19T13:08:15.861-05:00As per usual, 14 Month update<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I really should get more creative with my titles. Nonetheless, here is the 14 month update on little Hazey:<br />
*She's been cruising all around these days - walking, running, falling; usually in that order.<br />
*Can make the following animal sounds: moo, baa, meowmeowmeowmeow, something like ruffrufffffff.<br />
*Is eating real food more consistently - turns out that trying to feed her real food <i>after </i>nursing her was not too appetizing. Who knew people don't eat when they're not hungry? <br />
*Gets at least one bump or pinch daily. Welcome to toddler-ville.<br />
*Loves her swing, the slide, playing outside, putting things in and out of containers, putting anything with a handle around her arm and carrying it around.<br />
*Has begun potty training. And by "potty training" I mean that we have a little potty sitting in our bathroom. It is currently being used to put in/pull out washcloths repeatedly by Hazel when I get ready for work. On one occasion I had her sit on it before bath. She looked at me like I was nuts. Not quite at that stage I guess (much to my dismay). We'll start that when she shows more interest. Until then, it sits as a shrine.<br />
*Says "hi" to everyone like it's her job. She also waves and blows kisses usually on command. This is adorable and always makes me feel like a superb mom. However, when I tell her to do it and she stares blankly, I feel quite dumb. It's a tradeoff. <br />
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Below is a picture of Haze swinging at the drive in. We had a nice date there - how fun to play as a family and then the little one konks out right before the movie start. Genius! <br />
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Random picture below: I walked into Haze's room this morning as she was just "hanging" out waiting for me.<br />
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We spent the weekend at our family cabin in Balsam Lake and had a ball! It was so gorgeous and peaceful, as per usual. However, a 14 month old is not the ideal age for this. I must admit that it was exhausting being on the poor girl constantly while outside ... we're all enjoying the safety of our own yard with more freedom to roam again. It was well worth the efforts for special family time and memories at the cabin. Looking forward to next year already! Maybe I'll even be pregnant with our second baby?? I hope so!<br />
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<br />Ceej and Emhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10781698940439464465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6428631320290581942.post-86134124860271430102012-05-15T09:26:00.000-05:002012-05-15T09:28:09.532-05:00Mother's Day & 13 month updateHappy Mother's day to all of you mommies out there - it really is a special day to celebrate all of the love and responsibilities that entail being a mommy. It's a wonderful all-time job that is the most amazing blessing for anyone to receive. We spent Mother's day pretty casually - brunch with my mom (morel mushroom/ham/veggie/cheese omelets and fresh fruit ... yes.), a long nap for Haze, a couple of hours playing outside and working in the yard, and then Burrachos for dinner at Carson park followed by a rollerblade ride. As you can see from the picture, I am not the most confident rollerblader, hence the protective gear. I had asked for the gear for Christmas thinking it would help me feel more at ease and able to go fast without the fear of falling. I was RIGHT. Look out world, here I come ... ON ROLLERBLADES!!! It was great, obviously.
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As a little 13 month update - Hazel continues to amaze us. She makes us laugh all the time and is just so sweet! She's such a spunky, independent little honey already. She is so happy most of the time and just a pure joy to be around. I love her! She also:
*TALKS a ton and has been repeating a lot of things we say. Not all of them are perfectly understood, but some things she's repeated are: animal sounds (mooo, baa, ruff, meow), i love you (wuv woo), all done, book, bubbles (buba). Some words she says more clearly are: mama, dada, daddy, dog (DAWWWGGGG), nana, uh oh.
*blows kisses and waves bye bye when prompted verbally or when someone puts a coat on goes by the door.
*WALKS!!! 6 steps is her record. She's so proud and totally awesome.
*loves her babies ("dadas" in a soft voice) and pushes them on her little walking car to go for a ride.
*loves carrying around anything with a handle ... lunch boxes, coolers, daddy's shoes, whatever.
*loves carrying around anything small ... bandaids, hair binders, tampons, whatever.
*loves opening containers and putting things in or taking things out of them.
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A last little update - we had a 2nd annual "4 Generations" trip at Kalahari resort - SO FUN!!! Haze loved the water and I loved getting away for the weekend. Hazel did not, however, love sleeping in the new environment. She knew all of the activity going on around her and sleep/naps were last priority for the little party girl. We came back rejuvenated albeit not especially well-rested.
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-migbKUXRNBk/T7JlFFcL1XI/AAAAAAAABQU/PX45WiNcoF0/s1600/Hazel%2Bmonth%2B13%2B001%2B%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="292" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-migbKUXRNBk/T7JlFFcL1XI/AAAAAAAABQU/PX45WiNcoF0/s400/Hazel%2Bmonth%2B13%2B001%2B%25282%2529.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>Ceej and Emhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10781698940439464465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6428631320290581942.post-61294104871535738772012-04-04T05:59:00.005-05:002012-04-09T06:34:35.526-05:00Happy Birthday Hazel!<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1KCX3xTLwlU/T4LHXkuJJ6I/AAAAAAAABPw/9dLGVTn2HV8/s1600/Kurts%2Bcamera%2B490.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 259px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1KCX3xTLwlU/T4LHXkuJJ6I/AAAAAAAABPw/9dLGVTn2HV8/s400/Kurts%2Bcamera%2B490.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5729360883776825250" /></a><br />It was a great weekend to celebrate the birth of my sweet daughter. I just can't believe how fast time has gone! Last night I was rocking with her and she put her little head in the crook of my neck with her body sprawled across mine. This was her favorite position as a newborn and young baby, only I could hold her there securely with one arm. I miss those days, but I am so in love with watching her grow and see each new stage she's in. Did you know that some people consider one year the beginning of toddler-hood? Oh my gosh - not ready to use that term for my little baby!! I actually need to get out of the habit of calling her "little baby" at work in conversation, as in "I have a little baby at home". I get a strange look when they ask her age and I tell them "a year". New goal: "big baby" or "young girl" or "young toddler" or "older baby". Hmm. Maybe I'll just say "baby". Anyway,these days Hazel has been busy! Here's the latest update: <br />- Stands in one spot for a few seconds.<br />- Will walk along while her hands are held.<br />- Says "mama" more often (still more like "maamaaa"), but still "dada" for most things including her daddy. Says "uh oh" (sort of) when she drops somethings with about 30% consistency and "Da!" for "doggie". <br />- Loves books and will usually sit to listen to half of a short baby book. <br />- LOVES DANCE PARTIES!! She will crawl up to our CD player when it is playing, turn it up, dance/wiggle, crawl away, dance/wiggle. The other night she was downstairs and music was on upstairs. She paused, danced/wiggled, then proceeded to crawl up the stairs, pausing every 2 steps to dance until she got to the CD player in our room to turn it up and dance some more. It is pretty dang cute. <br />- Improving on consumption of baby food, although she still mostly eats a wide variety of "big people food". Actually, she still mostly eats breastmilk with teeny portions of a wide variety of real food. <br />- Loves playing outside and eating dirt. Still loves the toilet. Loves toys that make noise, puzzles (she does not put them together - we're not that advanced), her lamby, and all her new Birthday toys! It's been fun playing with the new stuff as the old stuff has gotten ... old. For both of us. <br /> <br />We spent Hazel's party mostly indoors due to the surprisingly cold day. We ventured out for a bit at the end to play some outdoor games as it slowly but surely warmed up. We also played parachute games (thanks for the idea Ashley!), which were a huge hit for all of about 5 minutes (this is considered a success considering the age range of party guests). <br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rKmA_Ncfk0k/T4LHYe0pPGI/AAAAAAAABP8/A__EVcOf9K8/s1600/Kurts%2Bcamera%2B474.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 265px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rKmA_Ncfk0k/T4LHYe0pPGI/AAAAAAAABP8/A__EVcOf9K8/s400/Kurts%2Bcamera%2B474.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5729360899373349986" /></a><br />On Hazel's actual Birthday we went to Irvine Park for a walk around the zoo and some swinging after church. It was nice to spend this time together, just the three of us. Happy Birthday little girl!<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nCzET0KEW9k/T4LHXJxsiyI/AAAAAAAABPk/g1DLOxYmjCU/s1600/Hazel%2Bweek%2B53%2B005.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nCzET0KEW9k/T4LHXJxsiyI/AAAAAAAABPk/g1DLOxYmjCU/s400/Hazel%2Bweek%2B53%2B005.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5729360876543970082" /></a>Ceej and Emhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10781698940439464465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6428631320290581942.post-30157221272420993252012-03-12T16:40:00.002-05:002012-03-12T16:46:30.016-05:00Enjoying SPRING!!<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rbNRBYsmrtg/T15t0oUGGmI/AAAAAAAABPM/aVv0DPU0INg/s1600/Hazel%2Bweek%2B45%2B017.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rbNRBYsmrtg/T15t0oUGGmI/AAAAAAAABPM/aVv0DPU0INg/s400/Hazel%2Bweek%2B45%2B017.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5719129327749438050" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PnyZ9Zfix6o/T15t0Fg6vGI/AAAAAAAABPA/qehe-wF8HSQ/s1600/Hazel%2Bweek%2B45%2B015.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PnyZ9Zfix6o/T15t0Fg6vGI/AAAAAAAABPA/qehe-wF8HSQ/s400/Hazel%2Bweek%2B45%2B015.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5719129318407978082" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--IFqWr2YtuY/T15t1GvCYNI/AAAAAAAABPY/9SQIJU6eWrw/s1600/Hazel%2Bweek%2B45%2B027.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--IFqWr2YtuY/T15t1GvCYNI/AAAAAAAABPY/9SQIJU6eWrw/s400/Hazel%2Bweek%2B45%2B027.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5719129335915503826" /></a><br />We have been loving this gorgeous weather! Haze and I get out running and she loves her little hair blowing in the wind and tossing cheerios in the air with as much joy as if they were rose petals on her wedding day. This past weekend we made a point to have some quality family time and took a little stroll downtown with some friends. It was a perfect way to enjoy the weekend and welcome in the new season (finally!).Ceej and Emhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10781698940439464465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6428631320290581942.post-35304665893271276952012-03-12T16:26:00.003-05:002012-03-12T16:30:27.347-05:00Twins turn two!<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2Xgh5JwrIDY/T15qTeV75cI/AAAAAAAABO0/9FUvY9qQX4c/s1600/Hazel%2Bweek%2B45%2B039.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2Xgh5JwrIDY/T15qTeV75cI/AAAAAAAABO0/9FUvY9qQX4c/s400/Hazel%2Bweek%2B45%2B039.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5719125459602236866" /></a><br />About this time two years ago, there was a huge baby boom among people I love. My twin nieces had their Birthday party this past weekend, and we had a great time seeing family! As Hazel gets older, it's fun to see how she gets along with her cousins. I'm sure they'll only get closer as time goes on.<br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Fe6_FNs7Opg/T15qKhJmfUI/AAAAAAAABOc/85CHfUaGMZQ/s1600/Hazel%2Bweek%2B45%2B047.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Fe6_FNs7Opg/T15qKhJmfUI/AAAAAAAABOc/85CHfUaGMZQ/s400/Hazel%2Bweek%2B45%2B047.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5719125305736985922" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kp0zmBiPgoM/T15qLXSOP0I/AAAAAAAABOo/A05whZvshgY/s1600/Hazel%2Bweek%2B45%2B033.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kp0zmBiPgoM/T15qLXSOP0I/AAAAAAAABOo/A05whZvshgY/s400/Hazel%2Bweek%2B45%2B033.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5719125320268660546" /></a>Ceej and Emhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10781698940439464465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6428631320290581942.post-80952363000128717962012-03-02T05:53:00.007-06:002012-03-08T06:06:52.035-06:0011 months<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vt1u-p5280o/T1ie_ZNJ3wI/AAAAAAAABN4/ASwy_anMvig/s1600/Hazel%2Bweek%2B44%2B040.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 328px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vt1u-p5280o/T1ie_ZNJ3wI/AAAAAAAABN4/ASwy_anMvig/s400/Hazel%2Bweek%2B44%2B040.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5717494538881851138" /></a><br />My daughter is 11 months old. At this time last year, I was a rolling beast in disbelief how much life would change at "any moment" (Isn't that what we say at 36 weeks? As if a first baby will come then.). Life has changed so much, and I can't even remember what it was like living only for myself. I was just obsessed with my schedule and had details and planning down to a T. Now it's second nature to know that my "schedule" is totally dependent on how Haze is feeling, and that is perfectly fine with me. As a mom, you naturally become less selfish and self-involved because there is someone else you're living for. My little someone is just the sweetest peach you will ever meet; I'm so blessed to have her in my life! She's growing fast, and here is what she's up to lately:<br />*Waves "Bye bye" when you put on your coat without being prompted; waves with prompting, too.<br />*Improving with consumption of real food, and she eats a variety of teeny portions including black/refried/kidney/white beans, all cooked veggies, imitation crab, tofu, tortillas, bananas, strawberries, mango ... I guess this is a dumb list because she'll sample anything right now. Moving on.<br />*Can feed herself with a bottle or sippy cup one handed, but usually uses two.<br />*Typically sleeps through the night. Emphasis on <span style="font-style:italic;">Typically</span>.<br />*Still says "dadadadada for most things. Specifies it for the real "dada". Says mama more consistently but it sounds like it's in slow motion "muuuumaaaahhh". <br />*BLOWS KISSES!! And smacks her lips loud to make kissy noises. This is really new and really cute because it kind of surprises her, but she keeps repeating it and smiles/gets surprised with each little kiss.<br />*Is smiling/laughing most of the day. <br />*Is SO EXCITED FOR HER BIRTHDAY PARTY. Oh wait, that's me. <br />*Still enjoys power walking the mall, but is lasting for shorter periods of time. Yesterday, on the 50 degree day, we went out for a long walk with a friend and she lasted over an hour. Thank goodness Spring is coming and I have an outside loving girl. Bring it on! <br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZHX4NxSjLEA/T1ifACRbSjI/AAAAAAAABOE/y3l7qz_khjo/s1600/Hazel%2Bweek%2B44%2B026.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZHX4NxSjLEA/T1ifACRbSjI/AAAAAAAABOE/y3l7qz_khjo/s400/Hazel%2Bweek%2B44%2B026.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5717494549905623602" /></a><br />On a different note, we were ALMOST homeowners. I mean signed contract, official at the bank, TWO boxes packed. It ended up falling through, not our fault, and it's okay with us. Everything was happening way too fast, and it was an emotionally exhausting roller coaster of a week. Back on the hunting/browsing track for us, although I'm afraid we're a little gun shy at this point. We were so excited/close to buying and it fell through, and now we're happy about it... how does that happen?? And what does that mean for the next one that we're so excited/close to buying??? UGH it's a scary thought. Not TOO scary as we've already been out looking at houses again, but if it's up to my husband we'll just buy the duplex next door and with a little construction - tada! A 4 bedroom, 2 bathroom house and no moving! Just kidding - although he did bring that up. <br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jQC-VUbkDrc/T1ifAeeXVlI/AAAAAAAABOQ/hmsun7nFfSM/s1600/Hazel%2Bweek%2B44%2B002.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 374px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jQC-VUbkDrc/T1ifAeeXVlI/AAAAAAAABOQ/hmsun7nFfSM/s400/Hazel%2Bweek%2B44%2B002.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5717494557476083282" /></a>Ceej and Emhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10781698940439464465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6428631320290581942.post-80195031639541470442012-02-13T14:27:00.003-06:002012-02-13T14:45:59.019-06:00Valentine's Day<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Cbr7NTjdyjo/Tzl1Fvzd_ZI/AAAAAAAABNs/MGhTW0vLOqU/s1600/valentine%2527s%2Bday%2Bwallpaper-takeaweirdbreak.blogspot.com-New%2BValentine%2527s%2BDay%2BWallpapers%2B%25283%2529.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Cbr7NTjdyjo/Tzl1Fvzd_ZI/AAAAAAAABNs/MGhTW0vLOqU/s400/valentine%2527s%2Bday%2Bwallpaper-takeaweirdbreak.blogspot.com-New%2BValentine%2527s%2BDay%2BWallpapers%2B%25283%2529.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5708722744260951442" /></a><br />No pictures to post here because, well, we don't take any pictures without Hazel in them. What consumed my picture-taking obsession prior to my daughter's birth is one of life's true mysteries. This Valentine's day was a success - C.J. and I went to our church's Enchanted Valentine Dinner for Married Couples (I love that they specified "married" in the title). Before you slap us with the "Major Dork" label, let me tell you - it was a perfect night! We had a delicious dinner in a beautiful, romantic setting with wine and hearts galore. We were super impressed. There was a speaker about marriage who was also excellent, and we even renewed our vows, so it looks like we're in it for the long haul. We took full advantage of a night out and stopped out for a margarita and guacamole after dinner. This was all Saturday, by the way, as the official Valentine's day hasn't even happened. The real Valentine's day might consist of a heart shaped pizza or something along those lines if C.J.'s lucky. Either way, we thoroughly enjoyed our little celebration. Happy Valentine's day everyone!Ceej and Emhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10781698940439464465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6428631320290581942.post-82353487901329323812012-02-08T06:15:00.007-06:002012-02-13T14:27:20.794-06:00Surprise, surprise - 10 months post<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G2YNiYdOLgk/TzkBxyY6pOI/AAAAAAAABNU/k9WJvJBzd64/s1600/Hazel%2Bweek%2B38%2B036.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G2YNiYdOLgk/TzkBxyY6pOI/AAAAAAAABNU/k9WJvJBzd64/s400/Hazel%2Bweek%2B38%2B036.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5708595957520311522" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HFGGElp0N1g/TzkBxTnjcuI/AAAAAAAABNI/ATPYCmsv-B4/s1600/Hazel%2Bweek%2B39%2B008.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 290px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HFGGElp0N1g/TzkBxTnjcuI/AAAAAAAABNI/ATPYCmsv-B4/s400/Hazel%2Bweek%2B39%2B008.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5708595949260206818" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5fywK9sVOBo/TzkByQwCLwI/AAAAAAAABNg/Ah3JcRShYYs/s1600/Hazel%2Bweek%2B39%2B005.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 364px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5fywK9sVOBo/TzkByQwCLwI/AAAAAAAABNg/Ah3JcRShYYs/s400/Hazel%2Bweek%2B39%2B005.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5708595965670338306" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QHIus3nq7eU/TzkBblvhTTI/AAAAAAAABMw/trFvmerHd1Y/s1600/Hazel%2Bweek%2B40%2B010.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 216px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QHIus3nq7eU/TzkBblvhTTI/AAAAAAAABMw/trFvmerHd1Y/s400/Hazel%2Bweek%2B40%2B010.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5708595576168336690" /></a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uatFBn8Wovg/TzkBbfdK2-I/AAAAAAAABMk/a5nDdWRPv3A/s1600/Hazel%2Bweek%2B40%2B008%2B%25282%2529.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 316px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uatFBn8Wovg/TzkBbfdK2-I/AAAAAAAABMk/a5nDdWRPv3A/s400/Hazel%2Bweek%2B40%2B008%2B%25282%2529.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5708595574480755682" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8qv-yS9ir0A/TzkBayPpG8I/AAAAAAAABMY/9r7HT95X41k/s1600/Hazel%2Bweek%2B40%2B007.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8qv-yS9ir0A/TzkBayPpG8I/AAAAAAAABMY/9r7HT95X41k/s400/Hazel%2Bweek%2B40%2B007.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5708595562344422338" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b7rZBQAaY4w/TzkBagQEI3I/AAAAAAAABMM/K3QGgG1-CAU/s1600/Hazel%2Bweek%2B40%2B011.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 334px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b7rZBQAaY4w/TzkBagQEI3I/AAAAAAAABMM/K3QGgG1-CAU/s400/Hazel%2Bweek%2B40%2B011.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5708595557514355570" /></a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SF2etBuyNmM/TzkBcXlZRhI/AAAAAAAABM8/xm3lY-t9Ayo/s1600/Hazel%2Bweek%2B39%2B011.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SF2etBuyNmM/TzkBcXlZRhI/AAAAAAAABM8/xm3lY-t9Ayo/s400/Hazel%2Bweek%2B39%2B011.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5708595589547640338" /></a><br />Apparently I only post these monthly updates. Poor you - must be a snooze to read. However, I know I will enjoy looking back at how my sweet girl has changed over the months, so here we go:<br />At 10 months old, Hazel Leann:<br />-Waves bye bye<br />-Calls everything dadadada or dada or da. Even mama. Sweet. Girlfriend, I did NOT give birth to you naturally and nurse you for 10 months and counting to be called "dada". This stops now.<br />-Loves sledding, playing with her baby doll, the toilet, magnets, eating tortillas, getting scared by her parents, playing peek a boo, crinkly toys, plastic bags, ripping paper and eating it, ripping napkins and eating them, snuggling, playing in daddy's closet, family dance parties, going for walks, playing at the mall, eating big girl food.<br />-Claps, clasps her hands after we pray (timing isn't her strong suit), waves both arms to cheer, signs all done after eating. The last one might be a wave, but she also won't eat any more after she does it - so that's a sign to us. <br />-Practically runs up the stairs. The girl is fast. <br /><br />She's just the delight of our lives, if you can't tell.Ceej and Emhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10781698940439464465noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6428631320290581942.post-38498451249666664982011-12-29T08:57:00.000-06:002011-12-29T12:16:34.477-06:00MY DAUGHTER IS 9 MONTHS OLD - HOLY CRAP!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LawqEd60N6U/TvytAO0ulXI/AAAAAAAABL0/8ummDicGhxg/s1600/Hazel%2Bweek%2B35%2B050.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LawqEd60N6U/TvytAO0ulXI/AAAAAAAABL0/8ummDicGhxg/s400/Hazel%2Bweek%2B35%2B050.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5691614248580322674" /></a><br />I just cannot believe how fast this whole parenting thing goes. Whoa. <br /><br />My NINE month old daughter is up to the following: <br /><br />Tries to sit up from laying down. In actual sit-up style. <br />Crawls all over and loves exploring!<br />LOVES mommy & daddy ... quit saying "dadadadadada" generalized and says "mama" or "ma" with me or when looking for me somewhat consistency. <br />Squeals with delight when I return from an outing sans baby, hence melting my heart.<br />Has crawled up the bottom stair platform with standby assist and can crawl steps with moderate assist. <br />Can pull herself up from sitting position onto furniture. <br />GOT BIT IN THE EYE by a little demon at the mall. <br />Plays "peek a boo" and clearly thinks it's the bee's knees. However, she keeps eye contact with me most of the time as she peeks around the blanket.<br />Drinks from a sippy cup and bottle with set up and occasional min assist<br />Loves books! Especially those with touchy-feely things. <br />Has a real baby doll that laughs and Hazel stares at her and laughs right along with her like two little friends do. It's adorable.<br />Loves other kids! Especially boys. She stares and laughs at them at the mall. Or climbs on them. Oh no.<br />Is still working on the whole sleep thing. Talked to her pediatrician today and he recommended letting her cry for 5 minutes, comfort, cry for 10, comfort, cry for 15, comfort, and cry for 20, sleep. He said to do this for a few days, and she will be cured. Apparently it will help her establish good sleep habits for the rest of her life because she needs to learn how to put herself to sleep. Great. Welp - we've had 1 nap since then, and let's just say we're 0 for 1 in the following of that sweet little regimen. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1TYGq6NFgW4/Tvys_uvbycI/AAAAAAAABLo/erqKqNHbMbI/s1600/Hazel%2Bweek%2B35%2B065.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1TYGq6NFgW4/Tvys_uvbycI/AAAAAAAABLo/erqKqNHbMbI/s400/Hazel%2Bweek%2B35%2B065.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5691614239968184770" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9SKGkemuMsE/Tvys_Vp0InI/AAAAAAAABLc/juBnKJ52F4M/s1600/Hazel%2Bweek%2B36%2B001.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 305px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9SKGkemuMsE/Tvys_Vp0InI/AAAAAAAABLc/juBnKJ52F4M/s400/Hazel%2Bweek%2B36%2B001.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5691614233233728114" /></a><br />We had a little "crafternoon" the other day with a friend and her two kiddos - thanks to Anna for the easy crafty idea! I had intended on doing this months ago but got discouraged when I didn't have an exacto knife and regular scissors would not suffice. To save time this time around, I just used the older picture. I'm so glad I did! I didn't realize the mohawk was so out of control. I miss it. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mOF3QwFzFXU/TvytAX1VODI/AAAAAAAABMA/FrdYDl_o1qc/s1600/Hazel%2Bweek%2B36.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mOF3QwFzFXU/TvytAX1VODI/AAAAAAAABMA/FrdYDl_o1qc/s400/Hazel%2Bweek%2B36.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5691614250998773810" /></a>Ceej and Emhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10781698940439464465noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6428631320290581942.post-82539127478148837302011-12-28T20:23:00.004-06:002011-12-28T21:02:22.124-06:00Christmas<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-riTGDMwzzzk/TvvPpDqaYSI/AAAAAAAABKU/hdxXN_lgLJw/s1600/Hazel%2Bweek%2B35%2B077.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-riTGDMwzzzk/TvvPpDqaYSI/AAAAAAAABKU/hdxXN_lgLJw/s400/Hazel%2Bweek%2B35%2B077.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5691370858377535778" /></a><br />As with most families with large and chopped up extended families, we had a lot of rounds to make this year. I reckon this makes it fun as it gives me an excuse to truly rock out to the Christmas tunes for an extended period of time. As always, it ended up being a very wonderful love and family-filled month. Christmas began in St. Peter on the 10th and will end this Friday the 30th. We spent the Friday before Christmas Eve with my extended family in Stillwater, having a less traditional lasagna feed and gift exchange. Oh boy! This was even more splendid considering that little Haze has not reacted from me eating dairy in the past 2 weeks, and hence it has returned to my diet in full force. HELLO CHEESE! I can't believe I went 9 months without you. Apparently my body forgot how to digest it during this time, forcing me to reduce it to a minimal to moderate intake from here on out. Live and learn.<br /><br />Christmas eve morning was brunch at my dad's - our traditional cheesy scrambled eggs, pancakes, hashbrowns, and mimosas, followed by a large pile of presents and smiling children. It ended, naturally, with tired, crying children of all ages. It never ceases to amaze me how this little family of my dad with 3 daughters has turned into a full fledged familial party. Rock on!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7yVHKP1-dfo/TvvPp4xDmkI/AAAAAAAABKs/pr65ZeZ62GI/s1600/Hazel%2Bweek%2B35%2B070.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7yVHKP1-dfo/TvvPp4xDmkI/AAAAAAAABKs/pr65ZeZ62GI/s400/Hazel%2Bweek%2B35%2B070.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5691370872632482370" /></a><br />That night was another tradition for my other family - my mom, brother, and their significant others - dinner at the glorious Red Lobster on Christmas eve. This tradition began 21 years ago, believe it or not. This is where the dairy binge truly took off - clogging these ol' pipes RIGHT up. It did not disappoint at the time, but cheddar biscuits, blue cheese dressing on a salad, and crab Alfredo proved to be the perfect storm. I'm still not sure if I regret the decision.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LdRLBlqPWxQ/TvvVWPr-pdI/AAAAAAAABLQ/868F4RsRP8U/s1600/Hazel%2Bweek%2B35%2B073.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LdRLBlqPWxQ/TvvVWPr-pdI/AAAAAAAABLQ/868F4RsRP8U/s400/Hazel%2Bweek%2B35%2B073.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5691377132257584594" /></a><br />At this point we had had 3 Christmases in 24 hours - and as wonderful as it is seeing family and having the opportunity to enjoy the holiday with them - I know we are SO blessed and would never complain about having a lot of people to love - we were flat out zonked by Saturday night. Christmas day was a day to recuperate and focus on the real meaning and how blessed we truly are. This was the first Christmas that I can remember not having a larger family celebration on the day. Hazel, C.J., and I slept in (Ha! Obviously that's a joke.), opened gifts from Santa, made a nice breakfast, and then went to church. After church Hazel took a long nap, and Ceej and I played a game of Scrabble and watched the Christmas Story. P.S. - Did you know this movie was on repeatedly for 24 hours on Christmas day? I mean, seriously, that is some fame. Anyway, it was a perfect day and I have zero complaints. Well, besides the fact that I did all the shopping this year which meant that C.J. didn't get me anything. NOT A THING - not even a card and ornament which we've done every year for the past 10 years - because he "ran out of time". I was over it by the night before and how I managed to refrain from being passive aggressive and crabby all day is beyond me. <br /><br />Merry Christmas everyone! I hope you felt as blessed as you are!Ceej and Emhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10781698940439464465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6428631320290581942.post-14537102158340877962011-12-21T11:00:00.002-06:002011-12-21T11:12:52.187-06:00The Holy Family<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QIb8wLfa2Ug/TvIRAiIBiXI/AAAAAAAABJk/PDvjHE1GyZg/s1600/LIVE%2BNATIVITY%2BGEORGE%2BBIRTHDAY%2B008.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QIb8wLfa2Ug/TvIRAiIBiXI/AAAAAAAABJk/PDvjHE1GyZg/s400/LIVE%2BNATIVITY%2BGEORGE%2BBIRTHDAY%2B008.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5688627980180490610" /></a><br />Hazel had her first acting debut as the one and only Jesus Christ - big shoes to fill for a rookie. She did great and totally passed as our newborn male Savior. She was all smiles up there and enjoyed stealing the show at a local nursing home. <br /><br />I on the other hand was upgraded from an Angel (back in 2008) to Mary! I could not be more happy. Hazel has changed my life in so many wonderful ways.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8bmCBGZ6j0o/TvITYf7rrFI/AAAAAAAABKI/rtcqPS8NFtU/s1600/n8626255_47232059_2684.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8bmCBGZ6j0o/TvITYf7rrFI/AAAAAAAABKI/rtcqPS8NFtU/s400/n8626255_47232059_2684.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5688630590931971154" /></a>Ceej and Emhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10781698940439464465noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6428631320290581942.post-51672560707156723482011-12-03T08:51:00.012-06:002011-12-12T14:58:48.682-06:008 Months Old & Semi-Freak OUT by ME.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-P5RwKwIbDKs/TuZlFb86BnI/AAAAAAAABJA/ifwRyNdXKLQ/s1600/Hazel%2Bweek%2B32%2B056.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-P5RwKwIbDKs/TuZlFb86BnI/AAAAAAAABJA/ifwRyNdXKLQ/s400/Hazel%2Bweek%2B32%2B056.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5685342723678799474" border="0"></a><br />My sweet girl is 8 months old! I just can't believe it. I have a little tendon issue in my wrist, so I won't be typing much (so sorry, faithful readers). A quick little update on her my beautiful daughter and very best friend:<br /><br />Says "mama" occasionally!! YIPPYYYY!!! Mostly it's "ma" or "mm" or "boogwoohdblah", but I know what she means.<br />Crawls ... it began with a backward worm thing and now she will get into the plank position and creep forward. We're working on this one. She improves every day.<br />Has 2 cute little teeth.<br />Sucks at night lately (sleeping has been an issues lately). <br />Loves finger foods and enjoys feeding herself. <br />Laughs like CRAZY at her silly daddy. <br />Still loves baths and splashing and playing with (in the form of chomping on) her animals and letters.<br />Has stranger anxiety and is terrified of certain people ... like my dad. Poor guy barely gets a stare down before she starts bawling. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_ukFX3iCj_E/TuZlFx0XJNI/AAAAAAAABJQ/31b46rMj1Pc/s1600/Hazel%2Bweek%2B34%2B005.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_ukFX3iCj_E/TuZlFx0XJNI/AAAAAAAABJQ/31b46rMj1Pc/s400/Hazel%2Bweek%2B34%2B005.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5685342729548539090" border="0"></a><br /><br />Now for the semi freak out part. If you are a true blog-stalker, you will have noticed that I blocked all readers for about 3 hours yesterday. This is because I all of a sudden got 7 emails about comments on posts from years back. I FREAKED OUT and thought I was being crazy-stalked, like almost murdered. You are now pleased to see that I have re opened my blog for your viewing pleasure. This is because I could not sleep because I was thinking about being murdered, and I came down to inspect a little further of my murderers, who turned out to be fellow graduate students. I see now that I am probably safe, and again trust the world. AMEN! If you haven't noticed my fan base under the "Graduate School Barbie" post from 2010, please explore it. I'm expecting an email from Matt Lauer inviting me to be a guest any day now. It's been fun reading all the posts from grad students and brings back fond memories of my grad school days. I mean, I've been officially done with all things studying for 14 days now, so I can barely remember what it was like. <br /><br />I have been listening to The Help on my iPod - yes, months after the movie has been out, we do not move fast here, people - and I am in love. It's so wonderful. It has been a life saver as little Hazel becomes the HAZELMONSTER in the night. Mostly she wakes up and wants to be rocked, so I rock her for 30 min to 2 hours, whenever she falls asleep deep enough to stay asleep for more than 10 minutes. Not sure if it's teeth or Satan - but it's been going on for a bit. However, now that I have my beloved book to listen to, I bolt up with a smile when that little whine comes across the baby monitor and I can get back to snuggling my peanut and listening to my book. It's almost finished, but have no fears - I have reserved a Jodi Picoult book on CD (Sing You Home) to be picked up tomorrow.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-M936Mt7rR04/TuAuD7-E8EI/AAAAAAAABIY/XaSQO_NEgoU/s1600/Hazel%2Bweek%2B28%2B123.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 288px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-M936Mt7rR04/TuAuD7-E8EI/AAAAAAAABIY/XaSQO_NEgoU/s400/Hazel%2Bweek%2B28%2B123.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5683593374914113602" border="0"></a><br />Fall zipped by, but we sure enjoyed it! Haze loves anything that crunches, so the leaves were a hit. Now we have a layer of snow. I never minded the snow or winter, but trying to hold a round girl in a puffy coat while wearing gloves and a puffy coat is nearly impossible. Also, it is too cold to run or walk with the little one outside, and we haven't done so since the Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving with elementary cooking. I'm pretty much over this cold already and rip roaring ready for spring. Thank goodness we have the mall to power walk in. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vVPRtiNuF7E/TuZlEoxqd1I/AAAAAAAABIo/Mwm2h-n0Zyw/s1600/Hazel%2Bweek%2B32%2B019.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 292px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vVPRtiNuF7E/TuZlEoxqd1I/AAAAAAAABIo/Mwm2h-n0Zyw/s400/Hazel%2Bweek%2B32%2B019.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5685342709941434194" border="0"></a><br />Hazel loves the Children's Museum here in town. Here we are playing away:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GuT4beeSxas/TuAuDlZva9I/AAAAAAAABIQ/VO5UdnLZkaU/s1600/Hazel%2Bweek%2B28%2B147.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 282px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GuT4beeSxas/TuAuDlZva9I/AAAAAAAABIQ/VO5UdnLZkaU/s400/Hazel%2Bweek%2B28%2B147.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5683593368856128466" border="0"></a><br />We also have a Christmas tree! I wanted to begin a tradition of cutting down a tree with our little family, but C.J. talked me out of it. After all, walking out in the cold snow holding a slippery bundled baby, not to mention (observing) the whole chopping/dragging thing sounds more like torture than tradition. Maybe next year. Probably not. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DyBdVvoGCGE/TuZlE_xazVI/AAAAAAAABI0/6ABZ-285mnQ/s1600/Hazel%2Bweek%2B32%2B071.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DyBdVvoGCGE/TuZlE_xazVI/AAAAAAAABI0/6ABZ-285mnQ/s400/Hazel%2Bweek%2B32%2B071.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5685342716114423122" border="0"></a><br />Our Christmases began with a 3 day adventure in St. Peter with C.J. extended family. Tons of fun seeing everyone! Here is Hazel meeting Santa for the first time. She didn't even cry - I was so proud!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oB6kzQ0k9KQ/TuZlGhlNzRI/AAAAAAAABJY/kG8QQnuqMOQ/s1600/Hazel%2Bweek%2B34%2B034.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oB6kzQ0k9KQ/TuZlGhlNzRI/AAAAAAAABJY/kG8QQnuqMOQ/s400/Hazel%2Bweek%2B34%2B034.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5685342742369914130" border="0"></a><br /><br />I'll conclude this excessively long post with some BIG NEWS - I have passed the NBCOT ... ANNNNDDDD (PAUSE FOR EFFECT) I HAVE A JOB!! Woohoo!!Ceej and Emhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10781698940439464465noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6428631320290581942.post-40057751865233489672011-10-24T11:12:00.009-05:002011-10-25T09:35:46.085-05:002 months later ...Hi Friends! The past 2 months have flown by - and here we are again, updating about a million things. Hopefully I won't forget anything!<br /><br />Let's start with the 6 (actually 6.75) month update: At 6.75 months, my little honey girl... <br />... splashes in the tub like it's nobody business, but she's dead serious when she's doing it. <br />... plays with her toys in tub.<br />... says "dadadadadada" all the time generalized, so not technically a "first word" yet. Just began "lalalalalala" and "papapapapapa".<br />... drinks from a sippy cup with 50% accuracy.<br />... likes drinking water and 50/50 juicewater.<br />... can bring her bottle to her mouth, but doesn't lift it up high enough when seated upright. She can drink from her own bottle when tilted back <br />... attempts to eat cheerios! She puts them in her mouth, but pushes them back out. <br />... "eats" baby food, but she's not a huge fan yet. I'll probably be nursing her until she goes off to college. <br />... sits up very well.<br />... no longer has a constant mohawk, simply because the poor honey has lost so much hair they can't stick straight up. The long hair on top of her head still sticks up in a random pattern/puff on most days. <br />... can roll from back to front and from sitting to on her belly. <br />... gets annoyed fast at tummy time.<br />... loves her thick wooden puzzles, soft dolls and princess toys, fridge magnets, and rattles she can hold and shake herself. Also loves her tupperware with cheerios in it - who knew that would be so fun?<br />... is a mommy's girl but loves being with her daddy too!<br />... is starting to get some stranger anxiety with adults, but LOVES other kids!<br />... has an advanced grasp - the fine pincer on occasion, and inferior pincer more consistently.<br />... has 1 little 1/2 tooth so far - and that was a beast coming in. I'm thinking we'll stop at that. <br />... has had her first kiss!! A little boy at church walked up to her sitting on the floor, knelt down, grabbed her face, and kissed her on the mouth. She was all smiles and in 7th heaven. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z6DBSGmkTXc/TqWPn0zWv9I/AAAAAAAABGg/jcrd3gwUK4A/s1600/Hazel%2Bweek%2B20%2B%25286%2529.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z6DBSGmkTXc/TqWPn0zWv9I/AAAAAAAABGg/jcrd3gwUK4A/s400/Hazel%2Bweek%2B20%2B%25286%2529.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5667093620467351506" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xxGTzEMNnBI/TqWPoKf8ukI/AAAAAAAABGo/jxttOmaP2zQ/s1600/DSCN0267.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-xxGTzEMNnBI/TqWPoKf8ukI/AAAAAAAABGo/jxttOmaP2zQ/s400/DSCN0267.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5667093626291534402" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EAdj-yxnHuM/TqWO7H0ZDhI/AAAAAAAABF8/hXhxnKGzj4Y/s1600/Hazel%2Bweek%2B24%2B023.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 285px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EAdj-yxnHuM/TqWO7H0ZDhI/AAAAAAAABF8/hXhxnKGzj4Y/s400/Hazel%2Bweek%2B24%2B023.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5667092852477857298" /></a><br /><br />Other things we've been up to is going to my beautiful cousin's wedding! We had a great time in Pewaukee and stayed at the hotel two nights for a mini vacation. It was a wonderful weekend and so wonderful seeing family that we rarely see as well! Isn't just fun to be all dressed up?<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hPi-SBDFvDI/TqWO64KPkKI/AAAAAAAABFk/Hnk-gdmyrdA/s1600/wedding.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 235px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hPi-SBDFvDI/TqWO64KPkKI/AAAAAAAABFk/Hnk-gdmyrdA/s400/wedding.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5667092848274542754" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yBiWXdUlels/TqWO7stkL4I/AAAAAAAABGU/OmN1jmx95_E/s1600/Hazel%2Bweek%2B20%2B023.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yBiWXdUlels/TqWO7stkL4I/AAAAAAAABGU/OmN1jmx95_E/s400/Hazel%2Bweek%2B20%2B023.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5667092862381338498" /></a><br /><br />My good friend Megan is expecting her first baby! Yippy! I'm so excited, although it's such a bummer she lives in Colorado. Here are 3 friends with their 3 little friends ... obviously Hazel is over getting her picture taken. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RgWWow8_crU/TqWO7SzB9MI/AAAAAAAABGI/KgI4HfwX-7w/s1600/Hazel%2Bweek%2B24%2B017.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 326px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RgWWow8_crU/TqWO7SzB9MI/AAAAAAAABGI/KgI4HfwX-7w/s400/Hazel%2Bweek%2B24%2B017.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5667092855424939202" /></a><br />Here's a classic picture of Hazel with another baby (her boyfriend, Landon): She loves him. She reaches toward him and tries to hug and kiss him. She's all smiles and thinks he's just the coolest thing ever. Landon, on the other hand, is not as convinced of her amazingness. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FAr6xGGZZk8/TqbC4ZwGyLI/AAAAAAAABG4/vTcCCnCL9gw/s1600/Hazel%2Bweek%2B24%2B008.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FAr6xGGZZk8/TqbC4ZwGyLI/AAAAAAAABG4/vTcCCnCL9gw/s400/Hazel%2Bweek%2B24%2B008.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5667431455333468338" /></a><br /><br />Hazel, my mom, and I had a little girls' day last Friday. We went to the apple orchard and corn maze, the dollar store, out to lunch at Obsession Chocolates, and the Children's Museum. It was a very fun day!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-piVoAMUjtmY/TqWO67y0IZI/AAAAAAAABFs/_2CGC09vWJk/s1600/2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 258px; height: 258px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-piVoAMUjtmY/TqWO67y0IZI/AAAAAAAABFs/_2CGC09vWJk/s400/2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5667092849250017682" /></a><br /><br />FINALLY - sorry these posts get long when it's been 2 months - we had her 6 month pictures the other day by Forever Photography. Here's a little sneak peak! We are very happy with them:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5NfzaN1SuBM/TqbEuI6GD1I/AAAAAAAABIA/ZgKMDBucBrU/s1600/z-6.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5NfzaN1SuBM/TqbEuI6GD1I/AAAAAAAABIA/ZgKMDBucBrU/s400/z-6.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5667433478036524882" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H7qS9-ZIPMY/TqbEpqiRkTI/AAAAAAAABHo/6RbTmp2yr3M/s1600/z-4.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H7qS9-ZIPMY/TqbEpqiRkTI/AAAAAAAABHo/6RbTmp2yr3M/s400/z-4.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5667433401164075314" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JyEWRVHToJM/TqbEpHgsFhI/AAAAAAAABHc/xiVJK9dMZcg/s1600/z-3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 267px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JyEWRVHToJM/TqbEpHgsFhI/AAAAAAAABHc/xiVJK9dMZcg/s400/z-3.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5667433391762183698" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4VkvP8NrNV0/TqbEpI_fAiI/AAAAAAAABHM/mA6HSf59tQ0/s1600/z-2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4VkvP8NrNV0/TqbEpI_fAiI/AAAAAAAABHM/mA6HSf59tQ0/s400/z-2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5667433392159785506" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--r4IFe1eLvw/TqbEpN_EL6I/AAAAAAAABHE/KaQg_H2ixFc/s1600/Z-1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--r4IFe1eLvw/TqbEpN_EL6I/AAAAAAAABHE/KaQg_H2ixFc/s400/Z-1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5667433393500204962" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i5E52D1aQuE/TqbEp2IOvLI/AAAAAAAABH0/Twj48kY5uyA/s1600/z-5.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i5E52D1aQuE/TqbEp2IOvLI/AAAAAAAABH0/Twj48kY5uyA/s400/z-5.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5667433404276063410" /></a><br /><br />Have a great week everyone!Ceej and Emhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10781698940439464465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6428631320290581942.post-17119657060205709962011-08-21T16:01:00.003-05:002011-08-21T16:36:41.036-05:004 months<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iPT66K4HH2s/TlFy7ht2dfI/AAAAAAAABFM/W3_rlmZTfxo/s1600/Hazel%2Bweek%2B16%2B008.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 329px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iPT66K4HH2s/TlFy7ht2dfI/AAAAAAAABFM/W3_rlmZTfxo/s400/Hazel%2Bweek%2B16%2B008.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643418175060473330" /></a>
<br />At 4 months, my big girl ...
<br />Weighs 15 pounds, 2 ounces and is in the 75th percentile for weight.
<br />Is 23.5 inches long and is in the 40th percentile for height.
<br />Rolls over from back to tummy within 2 seconds of being on her back.
<br />Has a newly discovered hatred of being on her tummy, so obviously her problem solving skills are lacking.
<br />Can laugh like you wouldn't believe, especially at her daddy.
<br />Likes to swim and gets excited for bath time.
<br />Is very content and rarely cries unless she's starving or tired. Mostly it's tired (obviously - she's pretty well fed).
<br />Is held all the time.
<br />Loves playing with mommy's hair and face when nursing.
<br />Loves touching new things and reaches out for different textures whenever she can.
<br />Has been sleeping through the night (woohoo!).
<br />Can say "Momma, I love you" with her eyes.
<br />Loves cuddling.
<br />Enjoys watching mommy and daddy cook or work in the kitchen from her highchair.
<br />Loves to be read to and now actually pays attention to the words and looks at the pictures.
<br />Reaches toward toys and pulls them toward her to play with.
<br />Is a great traveler for short<span style="font-style:italic;"> and </span>long distances (a big milestone!).
<br />Loves being outside.
<br />Is just so sweet. I really love her. Seriously.
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bWWdHEM0Jdc/TlFy7JhuuNI/AAAAAAAABFE/8mLwnPpbbiw/s1600/Hazel%2Bweek%2B16%2B013.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bWWdHEM0Jdc/TlFy7JhuuNI/AAAAAAAABFE/8mLwnPpbbiw/s400/Hazel%2Bweek%2B16%2B013.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643418168567183570" /></a>
<br />
<br />And for all you "crafty" bloggers, I've enjoyed seeing the pictures of the fruits of your labor and have promptly put them all on my to-do list. I'm also more than a little jealous that you have time and energy to put into little gadgets because they really do seem oh so fun and cute. Someday my time will come. However, this working momma has a new hobby, too - It may not be on the mantel but it IS in the freezer:
<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eQcwd6CnM9s/TlFy8e_1ACI/AAAAAAAABFc/QsDbZ2Iz9yE/s1600/Hazel%2Bweek%2B17%2B001.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eQcwd6CnM9s/TlFy8e_1ACI/AAAAAAAABFc/QsDbZ2Iz9yE/s400/Hazel%2Bweek%2B17%2B001.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643418191510437922" /></a>
<br />That's right, that right there is some good ol' fashioned pureed broccoli and green beans to be consumed by Haze after she's 6 months old. I'll be expanding her diet with more than just the green, but you have to start somewhere and that's where we're at. Bon appetit!
<br />Ceej and Emhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10781698940439464465noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6428631320290581942.post-6070435722596095822011-07-10T06:33:00.007-05:002011-07-10T07:24:19.992-05:00Wedding + Independence Day + Visit from Friends + Otter Creek + 3 Month Stats<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2qoZqKAJJ_k/ThmOsf_2yGI/AAAAAAAABD8/JBzpWzahvPM/s1600/hazel%2Bweek%2B12%2Baa.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 258px; height: 258px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2qoZqKAJJ_k/ThmOsf_2yGI/AAAAAAAABD8/JBzpWzahvPM/s400/hazel%2Bweek%2B12%2Baa.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5627686104530864226" /></a><br />The crappy quality of some of these pictures are due to being from my mom's phone ... however, they are super cute and hence blogworthy. Last weekend we went to a friend's wedding in Rice Lake. We were not too sure how Hazel would do, but we were optimistic and it paid off. We were late to the wedding (obviously) and had to creep up to the balcony instead of walking in between members of the wedding party. This worked in our favor because we could stand with Hazel as she got squirmy. We then took the hour between the ceremony and reception to pump in the nursery instead of rush to start drinking and had to laugh at just how much life has changed (but of course in a wonderful way). It was a very fun night and beautiful wedding and Haze did wonderfully. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B6_uVoXt1H8/ThmOr1VkP6I/AAAAAAAABD0/vMDhaY1RXeY/s1600/hazel%2Bweek%2B12%2Ba.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 311px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-B6_uVoXt1H8/ThmOr1VkP6I/AAAAAAAABD0/vMDhaY1RXeY/s400/hazel%2Bweek%2B12%2Ba.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5627686093079199650" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rKKMu34bpsQ/ThmOrLRyRRI/AAAAAAAABDs/_9djE-yu074/s1600/hazel%2Bweek%2B12%2B%25284%2529.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rKKMu34bpsQ/ThmOrLRyRRI/AAAAAAAABDs/_9djE-yu074/s400/hazel%2Bweek%2B12%2B%25284%2529.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5627686081789052178" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VsDE4fPV7kk/ThmOq2g6_WI/AAAAAAAABDk/rp6AAifiGPo/s1600/hazel%2Bweek%2B12%2B%25285%2529.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 305px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VsDE4fPV7kk/ThmOq2g6_WI/AAAAAAAABDk/rp6AAifiGPo/s400/hazel%2Bweek%2B12%2B%25285%2529.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5627686076215393634" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-or2oROoX35w/ThmOtPBJ8JI/AAAAAAAABEE/i1O8H2Uc5ws/s1600/hazel%2Bweek%2B12%2Bb.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 392px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-or2oROoX35w/ThmOtPBJ8JI/AAAAAAAABEE/i1O8H2Uc5ws/s400/hazel%2Bweek%2B12%2Bb.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5627686117152780434" /></a><br />4th of July was so great this year. My sister, brother-in-law, and their 4 kidlets came to visit. We spent the early afternoon at the festivities in Carson Park and then hung out in our backyard playing beanbags and enjoying the beautiful day. After they headed home to Stillwater, the three of us went over to Ceej's aunt and uncles for dinner and fireworks. Well done, Altoona - you began before and ended after Eau Claire's fireworks (we could hear). Quite impressive. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5izq6FZjVKE/ThmUbJqdKjI/AAAAAAAABEM/wR2eJ8YLFX0/s1600/hazel%2Bweek%2B12%2Bj.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5izq6FZjVKE/ThmUbJqdKjI/AAAAAAAABEM/wR2eJ8YLFX0/s400/hazel%2Bweek%2B12%2Bj.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5627692403547515442" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PHrxevTrvRk/ThmUbj9JTEI/AAAAAAAABEU/q-Fbqkq1FnA/s1600/hazel%2Bweek%2B12%2Bn.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PHrxevTrvRk/ThmUbj9JTEI/AAAAAAAABEU/q-Fbqkq1FnA/s400/hazel%2Bweek%2B12%2Bn.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5627692410605227074" /></a><br />One Saturday afternoon Ceej and I decided to take our honey to Otter Creek. We hiked through the woods to reach the pretty little creek and took a dip. Back in the days of dating and newlywed bliss we used to bike the path and swim. It was fun to reminisce about those sweet days and introduce Hazel to one of Altoona's little gems. She did surprisingly well and seemed to enjoy the feeling of sand in the water, despite the water being pretty darn chilly. We were slightly worried Child Protective Services would interrupt because it was so cold, but then we decided her first experience in the sand and water was worth a few days in jail. Thankfully they didn't arrive. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sz2cUtQvkd8/ThmV2K8AI0I/AAAAAAAABEc/gY3VrxJa_CE/s1600/Hazel%2Bweek%2B12%2B005.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sz2cUtQvkd8/ThmV2K8AI0I/AAAAAAAABEc/gY3VrxJa_CE/s400/Hazel%2Bweek%2B12%2B005.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5627693967257641794" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4JPmCHReOek/ThmV2vISzZI/AAAAAAAABEk/ow01qiiUBsQ/s1600/Hazel%2Bweek%2B12%2B025%2B%25282%2529.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4JPmCHReOek/ThmV2vISzZI/AAAAAAAABEk/ow01qiiUBsQ/s400/Hazel%2Bweek%2B12%2B025%2B%25282%2529.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5627693976972873106" /></a><br />This is slightly out of order. I had 2 great friends visit from the cities. You know those people that are so wonderful that you don't even have to plan anything and you just have fun? That's them. We were friends and roommates from undergrad, and it always amazes me how close we are and lucky to have found one another. Truly genuine and good friendships are hard to find. We started with turkey burgers at our place and then made our way to the Livery followed by the Wigwam for karaoke, then back to the Livery. It was my first night out without Hazel or Ceej, and I was happy to be with these 2 girls (my other family). <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9gjd7XLgV28/ThmX_RpbmLI/AAAAAAAABEs/6uXP_8k61Ns/s1600/Hazel%2Bweek%2B12%2B003.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9gjd7XLgV28/ThmX_RpbmLI/AAAAAAAABEs/6uXP_8k61Ns/s400/Hazel%2Bweek%2B12%2B003.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5627696322700875954" /></a><br />Now for the 3 month stats: Hazel Leann Thurner is approximately 23 inches long & weighs approximately 13.5 pounds. Emphasis on "approximately" as this was not done at a hospital but rather on my 90 year old bathroom scale and paper "growth chart" on the wall. I wouldn't bet lunch on its accuracy. Anyway, she is practically out of size 1-2s and quickly fitting into size 2 diapers. She is now out of the expensive diapers with the lovable "wetness indicator" and soft fabric-like cover(Pampers) and into the more reasonable ones albeit equally effective ones (Luvs). She has 5 rolls in each arm. Her record in the stroller is 75 minutes. She has giggled exactly one time, on my Birthday (more on that day at a later post). Overall likes tummy time & sometimes gets mad enough that I think she's about to roll over ... but then I cave and pick her up. Has slept an 8 hour stretch, but last night decided to wake up at 2, 3, 4, and finally up for the day at 5. Now, at 6:45, after mommy has had her caffeine and is wide awake, she is sleeping blissfully on my arm. Not impressed, Haze. She loves touching her hair when she's nursing or sleeping. Likes her pacifier, but it pops out a lot still (we're working on those oral motor skills). She is happy, and so are we. I just love her so much. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5VdZwCS_LDs/ThmYbBoPOgI/AAAAAAAABE0/2kTB1urKLWE/s1600/Hazel%2Bweek%2B12%2B020%2B%25282%2529.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 305px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5VdZwCS_LDs/ThmYbBoPOgI/AAAAAAAABE0/2kTB1urKLWE/s400/Hazel%2Bweek%2B12%2B020%2B%25282%2529.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5627696799437240834" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cIo8MJ_wETQ/ThmYbYPLViI/AAAAAAAABE8/EM8OkwHihL0/s1600/Hazel%2Bweek%2B12%2B026.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 289px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cIo8MJ_wETQ/ThmYbYPLViI/AAAAAAAABE8/EM8OkwHihL0/s400/Hazel%2Bweek%2B12%2B026.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5627696805506143778" /></a>Ceej and Emhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10781698940439464465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6428631320290581942.post-3854257602621115622011-06-23T09:19:00.006-05:002011-06-23T14:14:20.468-05:00LatelyOh, my sweet little honey girl ... <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kHz6jOuayHQ/TgONOrxnzKI/AAAAAAAABDU/Ts8Occ-8414/s1600/Hazel%2Bweek%2B11%2B004%2B%25282%2529.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kHz6jOuayHQ/TgONOrxnzKI/AAAAAAAABDU/Ts8Occ-8414/s400/Hazel%2Bweek%2B11%2B004%2B%25282%2529.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621492043297049762" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8PRZ9W3HFDk/TgOMokADQuI/AAAAAAAABCk/c4KN0JMMm7k/s1600/Hazel%2BWeek%2B8.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8PRZ9W3HFDk/TgOMokADQuI/AAAAAAAABCk/c4KN0JMMm7k/s400/Hazel%2BWeek%2B8.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621491388375057122" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bBvJExJavYI/TgOMIjGVJLI/AAAAAAAABCM/6h6ZEv6pWBQ/s1600/Hazel%2Bweek%2B10%2B012.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 304px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bBvJExJavYI/TgOMIjGVJLI/AAAAAAAABCM/6h6ZEv6pWBQ/s400/Hazel%2Bweek%2B10%2B012.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621490838377145522" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6svV-nwLlDI/TgOMICwuRnI/AAAAAAAABCE/mVQ7yEMO0Yc/s1600/Hazel%2Bweek%2B10%2B005.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6svV-nwLlDI/TgOMICwuRnI/AAAAAAAABCE/mVQ7yEMO0Yc/s400/Hazel%2Bweek%2B10%2B005.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621490829696583282" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5kM5TR6F5Bc/TgOMHVCGjmI/AAAAAAAABB8/Dpm5gbE-hF4/s1600/Hazel%2BWeek%2B8%2B012.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5kM5TR6F5Bc/TgOMHVCGjmI/AAAAAAAABB8/Dpm5gbE-hF4/s400/Hazel%2BWeek%2B8%2B012.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621490817421446754" /></a><br /><br /><br />There is just too much to write about ... so I'll do a quickie "catch up" post so that I'm not as overwhelmed with posting next time. <br /><br />As I sit here snuggling my little peanut, I can't believe how much she's grown! At her 8 week appointment she weighed 11 pounds, 11 ounces. Now at 11 weeks, she's a tank. The little honey went from 10th percentile for weight at birth to 70th. She's a wonderful cuddler and is becoming a wonderful sleeper as well, giving mommy a 7 hour stretch at night. Evenings can be rough, but ... she's improving and we'll just leave it at that. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HT30aIBQhbQ/TgOMoG8RfKI/AAAAAAAABCc/ETrQoyc28sM/s1600/Hazel%2Bweek%2B8%2B005.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HT30aIBQhbQ/TgOMoG8RfKI/AAAAAAAABCc/ETrQoyc28sM/s400/Hazel%2Bweek%2B8%2B005.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621491380574583970" /></a><br /><br />Hazel spent her first weekend at my family's cabin in Balsam Lake. We have years and years of memories here (it's been in my family for generations), so I was quite excited to show her the ropes. We went for lots of walks & watched daddy fish & went to the flea market. What a fun, relaxing weekend!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jQLNr0wxAi4/TgOMptKDDvI/AAAAAAAABCs/qD8jNpCwVQc/s1600/Hazel%2Bweek%2B10%2B020.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jQLNr0wxAi4/TgOMptKDDvI/AAAAAAAABCs/qD8jNpCwVQc/s400/Hazel%2Bweek%2B10%2B020.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621491408012775154" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hostESrIJPs/TgOMI4_JeKI/AAAAAAAABCU/UP2ERKZ6UXE/s1600/Hazel%2Bweek%2B10%2B036.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hostESrIJPs/TgOMI4_JeKI/AAAAAAAABCU/UP2ERKZ6UXE/s400/Hazel%2Bweek%2B10%2B036.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621490844252600482" /></a><br /><br />We spent the past weekend in Hartford for my cousin's bridal shower. It was so great to see her and the rest of the family and spend some quality time with them. It's a long trip (4 hours!), and Hazel was a champ. Hazel met a lot of new people - here she is with her great papa Neil<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZLBBf57wArs/TgONNwWLhbI/AAAAAAAABDE/slLfDVO_UjY/s1600/Hazel%2Bweek%2B11%2B002.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 394px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZLBBf57wArs/TgONNwWLhbI/AAAAAAAABDE/slLfDVO_UjY/s400/Hazel%2Bweek%2B11%2B002.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621492027344258482" /></a><br /><br />That Sunday was Ceej's first Father's day. We brought him breakfast in bed (never mind that it was Triscuits with mozzarella balls) and spent time with gram before making the trek back home. We stopped in the Dells for lunch and a little shopping at the fabulous Tanger Outlets... ahh good bargain-finding memories... and after we got home went for dinner with Ceej's family. Hazel made her daddy a stepping stone with her little footprint in it for our dirt garden. This will be our tradition, I've decided (except hopefully we'll have flowers next year). <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HK83JxSG9hI/TgOMqS5USGI/AAAAAAAABC8/n-GaU6yUcQc/s1600/Hazel%2Bweek%2B11%2B016.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HK83JxSG9hI/TgOMqS5USGI/AAAAAAAABC8/n-GaU6yUcQc/s400/Hazel%2Bweek%2B11%2B016.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621491418143148130" /></a><br /><br />We took the little lady to Phoenix Park for our favorite summer event: Sounds Like Summer concert series. She loved the live music and fun atmosphere. She laid on this blanket in the grass for 2 hours. Awake & happy - 2 good things. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vdIIYf2f1co/TgONPOqqk6I/AAAAAAAABDc/PY7GFuDplfg/s1600/Hazel%2BWeek%2B11%2B008.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vdIIYf2f1co/TgONPOqqk6I/AAAAAAAABDc/PY7GFuDplfg/s400/Hazel%2BWeek%2B11%2B008.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621492052663112610" /></a><br /><br />Hazel has a new boyfriend! Landon Robert is finally here. I can't believe how big/slightly obese Hazel looks next to him. Just 11 weeks ago she was a full pound smaller than this handsome little guy. I told her not to worry - she won't always be the larger one. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-krfLnsI1ZZo/TgOMqPKGoEI/AAAAAAAABC0/eE5PewE8l_g/s1600/Hazel%2Bweek%2B10%2B003%2B%25282%2529.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 352px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-krfLnsI1ZZo/TgOMqPKGoEI/AAAAAAAABC0/eE5PewE8l_g/s400/Hazel%2Bweek%2B10%2B003%2B%25282%2529.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5621491417139814466" /></a><br /><br />We've also begun house browsing! We are going to walk through 5 tonight ... oh boy! I say browsing because we aren't desperate, but we are ready if/when we find something perfect for us. <br /><br />In other news, I start my second 3 month long fieldwork at a hospital July 11th. I am so sad to be leaving my baby. Although I have been blessed to be spending her first 14 weeks with her, it feels too soon. 1 year would be sufficient, I reckon. Or maybe 5. Okay, 18. I am only now starting to feel the sweet in the bittersweet and feeling some excitement in getting back on the track of becoming an occupational therapist (just a week ago I would start crying at the thought of not spending every day with her ... yes, I am one of those moms.). I never thought that after working so hard & so long for my education in a field that I adore I would feel so fulfilled staying home with my baby. I never looked down on anyone who chose to stay home, I just didn't think I would wish I could be one of them. I will press on and be a working mom, but it breaks my heart. I am so thankful to have my mother-in-law able to take care of Hazel every day, because I know she will always be with someone who adores her. <br /><br />That's my life lately. Very happy. Very fulfilling. Very wonderful.Ceej and Emhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10781698940439464465noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6428631320290581942.post-2816110045134052202011-05-23T12:37:00.004-05:002011-05-23T13:08:25.622-05:00First Mother's Day<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gyASVhvCO5s/Tdqd0lHQCMI/AAAAAAAABBQ/m_gtLKHE0as/s1600/hazel%2Bweek%2B5%2B026.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gyASVhvCO5s/Tdqd0lHQCMI/AAAAAAAABBQ/m_gtLKHE0as/s400/hazel%2Bweek%2B5%2B026.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609969812484655298" /></a><br />Impressed by my speed at another post? Thought so. I was so looking forward to my very first Mother's Day. After spending 5 weeks completely devoted to my daughter, I realized that this day was more important to me than my Birthday or any other holiday. I don't dis anyone that doesn't really care about it, but I do. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8nMhv2_-n7I/Tdqd1RF7o_I/AAAAAAAABBg/yyCquWIK-hQ/s1600/hazel%2Bweek%2B5%2B023.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8nMhv2_-n7I/Tdqd1RF7o_I/AAAAAAAABBg/yyCquWIK-hQ/s400/hazel%2Bweek%2B5%2B023.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609969824290284530" /></a><br />The day started with a little extra sleep - Ceej got up with Hazel after her feeding from 6 to 7:30. We relaxed before church at 10:30 (the days of waking up at 10 and speeding out the door are long gone). My mom and his family were at Mass, and then my mom and brother came to our house for brunch. Ceej made eggs benedict with a family recipe (impressed, elementarycooking?), and it was superb. After brunch we headed to Irvine Park for a walk around the zoo. It was our first time going & we were both really happy with the free little zoo and park. It was a beautiful day & the park was full of families. Very cool. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e5ccN3IsT5Y/Tdqd0DtsrxI/AAAAAAAABBI/7HxKmOXMJpI/s1600/hazel%2Bweek%2B5%2B018.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 316px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e5ccN3IsT5Y/Tdqd0DtsrxI/AAAAAAAABBI/7HxKmOXMJpI/s400/hazel%2Bweek%2B5%2B018.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609969803519110930" /></a><br />We decided that since they were such a popular site, I should take a picture with Hazel in front of these steal animals. We thought it would be fun to have one of the first time she was there because we assume she will want pictures with them as she grows up (we came to this conclusion because I had to wait in a line of children to get the picture).<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Jfu7Qh3x1qU/Tdqd00moa_I/AAAAAAAABBY/axJxaU5mXks/s1600/hazel%2Bweek%2B5%2B036.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Jfu7Qh3x1qU/Tdqd00moa_I/AAAAAAAABBY/axJxaU5mXks/s400/hazel%2Bweek%2B5%2B036.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5609969816642808818" /></a><br />After the park we relaxed at home for a bit and then went to Ceej's parents' house for dinner. It was great to be able to spend the time as a family but also with both of our moms - not many people get to do that. Hazel got me a beautiful necklace with her birthstone in it - one that she will get someday when I die or just when I'm really super old, I haven't decided yet. Anyway, it was a very special day and definitely lived up to my high expectations :).Ceej and Emhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10781698940439464465noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6428631320290581942.post-40512725632548268842011-05-19T21:22:00.004-05:002011-05-19T22:57:11.674-05:00Hazel.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hEiDIr5MX3o/TdXj3H1L_KI/AAAAAAAABBA/K4o-36E26-0/s1600/Hazel%2527s%2Bfirst%2Bfew%2Bdays%2B025.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hEiDIr5MX3o/TdXj3H1L_KI/AAAAAAAABBA/K4o-36E26-0/s400/Hazel%2527s%2Bfirst%2Bfew%2Bdays%2B025.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5608639447094262946" /></a><br />Oh boy. The long awaited update has arrived! I know, it's been far too long, dear blogging friends - but in the past 7 weeks, when I haven't been holding/feeding/loving on my sweet (or crabbing) baby girl I have been speed cleaning my house, folding laundry (WHO KNEW that a family of 3 could have 6x the laundry loads than a family of 2?), or doing the other 100 things that need doing. The general update (for those who don't thrive on details): Hazel Leann Thurner arrived on 4/1/11 weighing in at 6 pounds 12 ounces and 19 inches long. She is now 7 weeks old with a beautiful smile and chubby thighs and bright eyes. We have spent the past 7 weeks discovering the she is lactose intolerant, has overall tummy issues/is colicky, benefits from chiropractic care, loves her musical lamb, loves baths, hates her car seat/stroller/not being held by mommy or daddy. We are crazy about her. Seriously. <br /><br />Now for the details: Let's start with Thursday, March 31st. This is the day I reached the all time low point of pregnancy: I knowingly & willing peed my pants. You did not read that wrong. Here's the deal, I was on a 70 minute walk, I was going to be running late for an appointment, I had to pee desperately, and I was stinkin' tired. I was also contracting (but I had been for weeks, so this was not new). The closest bathroom was at Altoona Library, a whopping 2 blocks out of the way (okay, 1.25). During a tough contraction I squatted to get through the pain (this was not out of ordinary), and during this said squat, pee leaked out. I was 30 minutes from home, and I still had to go (the leak did not help). I weighed the odds, and I let it all flow out. Before you judge me, I was wearing black pants (you could NOT tell), and IF someone had the nerve to ask me about it, I decided that I would tell them that my water broke. Problem solved. I walked the rest of the way with soaked pants & wet socks. AS I SAID - low point. Anyway, after a quick *and needed* shower, I went to the chiropractor to get my back and fascia straightened out (I still do not know what this "fascia" is, even having participated in a full cadaver lab and 2 anatomy courses throughout my undergraduate and graduate careers - however she said it would help me dilate and progress through labor quickly, so I did not ask questions.). After the appointment we went for dinner at the Trachsels. I had a backache at this point, but I attributed it to being the size of a whale and/or getting cracked into place by the chiro. As the night progressed, my backache was getting worse, to the point that I could not sleep when I got into bed. I realized that the pain was no longer constant but spaced apart. I was not in denial that labor was starting, but after 3 weeks of contracting and backaches, I was not convinced. I rested until 2:30am, when it was too painful to lay there. I got up and took a bath to relax my muscles. After an hour I went downstairs to eat something, and by this point the contractions were more painful than anything I had ever experienced. <br /><br />Here is the point I should tell you - I have what I considered to be a zero pain tolerance. I have literally passed out from the pain you get in your chest from swallowing wrong (twice) and from getting blood taken when the nurse couldn't find the vein. I have never broken a bone. My biggest pain prior to birth was the said swallowing wrong. Seriously. However, I was determined to have a 100% natural birth and did a lot to prepare myself physically and mentally to help me do so. This included researching about epidurals, staying active throughout pregnancy, chiropractic care, birthing class, and having married a wonderfully supportive man. <br /><br />Okay, back to the birth story.<br /><br />By this time, I was 90% sure I was in labor. Another hour went by and that percentage increased. I woke up Ceej (who had slept on the couch for the first time to give us both more sleep because by this point in pregnancy I was tossing and turning for several hours before finally falling asleep at night). At 4am we watched Grey's Anatomy and Private Practice On Demand and he helped me through contractions. They sucked. Even at this point. They were 7ish minutes apart & lasting about 45 seconds to one minute. We decided it would be a long day, so Ceej should sleep more and I should rest, so we spent about 2 hours doing so. I was having all the pain in my lower back, and Ceej was wonderful at pushing on it with a tennis ball very diligently. At 10am, after a terrible contraction on my big ball, I threw up all over the kitchen floor. This was followed by Ceej cleaning it up, running to the sink, and throwing up himself. He had to step outside because he kept throwing up "every time (he) thought about (my) puke". Wonderful. We are obviously champs at this labor thing. The contractions were about 1.5-2 minutes long but still 6 minutes apart. We were advised to stay home until the were 3-4 minutes apart, so we kept on truckin'. I took another bath. We ordered Erbs & Gerbs. We took a "walk" and contracted throughout. I threw up again. While walking the contractions increased to 3-4 minutes and we decided to go to the hospital because the pain was getting very intense and I had to know where I was at/how long this was going to be. My contractions returned to 6 minutes apart while driving, and Ceej did not want to bring in The Bags for fear we were going to be sent home. I made him do so. We got to the hospital at 2:30 to find out that I was 5 cm dilated and very much in labor. <br /><br />Ceej helped me through each and every contraction. I could not have done it without him - and I'm not just saying that. He was so wonderful and attentive, and I was so thankful for him/to him for that. I was loving that tennis ball on my back and the pain stayed there the entire day. We spent time on the ball & in the tub & walking the halls. I threw up 2 more times. Labor actually progressed quickly for a first time momma - by 6pm I was 6 cm dilated, and by 8:20 I was pushing. Hazel was born a little over 2 hours later at 10:34pm - so beautiful and perfect. I honestly was blessed to have had a wonderful labor & delivery experience and actually think back about it often. I'm so proud and thankful for Ceej and I getting through it without medication or the epidural, and I am so thankful for and happy with my sweet baby girl. <br /><br />It has been a crazy change of pace these past 7 weeks. I am more relaxed but more busy. I get less done and spend more time just sitting and cuddling. Life is more simple and yet 100 times more enriched. I am truly trying to enjoy each special moment with my beautiful daughter, and I love watching her grow and change every day. Time is going by so fast. Too fast. I am treasuring her as my tiny little peanut girl, but I'm also so thrilled to see her get stronger and bigger each day. I look forward to our future and am so thankful for the present. I have been so blessed, life is good, and we are happy.Ceej and Emhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10781698940439464465noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6428631320290581942.post-44887274732846990832011-03-29T21:58:00.006-05:002011-03-30T11:18:54.288-05:00"Enjoy your sleep while you can!"<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TXUwdGf6ofo/TZKmJuaKEuI/AAAAAAAAA_0/OsOV6fx9Bj0/s1600/40%2Bwks%2B%25284%2529.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 194px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TXUwdGf6ofo/TZKmJuaKEuI/AAAAAAAAA_0/OsOV6fx9Bj0/s400/40%2Bwks%2B%25284%2529.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589712773526983394" /></a><br />This. This is perhaps the most annoying comment you can give a woman who is past her due date (Or just late in pregnancy. Or just pregnant.). This is annoying because A.) You have no idea how she slept the night before (which probably sucked), and B.) You have no idea how wonderful or how poorly her infant will sleep. If you have said this to me at any point throughout my pregnancy, you may have seen a smile and shrug, but you missed me thinking "oh shut. your. mouth." That being said, it is <span style="font-style:italic;">much</span> different for me now that my internship is done. This is because now "if" I don't sleep well, I can sleep in (note: by "if" I mean "when"). I am not exaggerating when I say that in the past week, I have spent most of my time in bed. For example, last night I went to bed with Ceej at 9pm. It takes 2-3 hours to fall asleep because the baby likes to head-butt my bladder causing me to get up every 20 minutes for those first few hours to use the bathroom (pretty sure my newborn will not be doing that). Then I woke up every hour to pee from 12-4:30am. Then I was awake 4:30-6:30, just chillin' in bed. In this time, I got up to cut up an apple for my husband to eat for breakfast (I bet you're expecting me to say "just kidding" - but this is actually true). After this I finally slept well and "only" woke up every 2 hours to pee from 6:30-12:00. Your math is correct in that I was in bed for a total of 15 hours. Am I enjoying being able to do this? Yes, I am. Do I remember what it was like to sleep through the night (with one pee break, obviously). No, I do not.<br /><br />Here are some other things I have learned, being over-due and all:<br />1. Catcalls while power-walking/waddling still exist, but they seem even more pathetic.<br />2. Manners during phone calls no longer exist. For example, it is now acceptable for all individuals to answer my calls with "ARE YOU IN LABOR????" No, but thanks for the reminder.<br />3. That being said, my phone calls are answered more often and/or called back in a much more efficient manner than ever before. <br />4. I now know very intimate details of the births and pregnancies of many different women/strangers. Case in point: I was in the computer lab at an elementary school during my internship and a teacher whom I had never seen before started telling me about the black hair that covered her stomach and back during her pregnancy. Lovely. <br />5. I have been asked very intimate details about my body from strangers. Family, friends, and medical professionals are one thing - but if I do not know your first OR last name, I do not wish to discuss discharge, weight, or how far my cervix is dilated. Thank you.<br />6. There is such a thing as being too clean and organized.<br />7. Bones of the back, hips, and butt endure a sad life while hosting a growing fetus. <br />8. You never feel totally ready for baby, but there comes a point when there's just nothing else you can do to get ready for baby. <br /><br />So there you have it. I am almost a week overdue, and thankfully still feeling well considering how long I've been pregnant. I've been walking every day, cleaning/organizing, meeting up with friends, cooking, playing games and doing fun dates with Ceej. Last Saturday we went swimming at Chaos water park and then out to dinner with my brother and his girlfriend. Swimming was not pretty to say the least - but my oh my! The glory of being free from the gravitational pull on my body was heavenly. I highly recommend it, although make sure you leave time for a nap afterward because your body forgets what it feels like to weigh a million pounds and does not remain light and free flowing. I'll leave it at that. I've been having semi-regular contractions (uncomfortable ones - not just the tightening of Braxton Hicks) for 2 and a half weeks now. They are less regular this week but more intense. Sometimes they cause me to drop to the floor in pain. My overall "readiness" is variable. 2 weeks ago I was pumped. Last week I was completely terrified with the thought of having a child. This week I'm excited to meet my baby and feel ready to quit prolonging the inevitable - life is going to change, and I'm ready for it to start. I keep thinking about holding him or her and watching him or her grow and change over the years - it's a pretty amazing & very exciting feeling. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jNGQMepZXCw/TZKmJLiU4HI/AAAAAAAAA_s/akLxfrYGTHQ/s1600/40%2Bwks%2B%25282%2529.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 220px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jNGQMepZXCw/TZKmJLiU4HI/AAAAAAAAA_s/akLxfrYGTHQ/s400/40%2Bwks%2B%25282%2529.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5589712764166004850" /></a><br />I had an ultrasound last week just checking in, and our baby got 8/8 for health (yay!). They gave us a picture of its face, but I will not be posting it for fear you will think our baby looks like a pig. WHY they gave us the scary looking face shot rather than the cute profile of it sucking on its hand is beyond me. And no, they did not disclose the sex, and I could absolutely not tell what I was looking at enough to figure anything out. We still have the best surprise of our lives awaiting us.Ceej and Emhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10781698940439464465noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6428631320290581942.post-7935865548668194812011-03-16T18:22:00.003-05:002011-03-16T19:24:03.840-05:0039 weeks - I suck at posting regularly.It's been a great 5 weeks since my last post. Let's see if I can remember everything. Hmm. First, a belly update:<br />36 weeks: <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b6aAvrbQ83Q/TYFPkU4wMxI/AAAAAAAAA_c/qKGEBSu0B0c/s1600/002.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 193px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b6aAvrbQ83Q/TYFPkU4wMxI/AAAAAAAAA_c/qKGEBSu0B0c/s400/002.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584832498416759570" /></a><br />37 weeks:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2cTvfJExyuk/TYFPkLBNtxI/AAAAAAAAA_U/_rCJSTitoL4/s1600/027.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 188px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2cTvfJExyuk/TYFPkLBNtxI/AAAAAAAAA_U/_rCJSTitoL4/s400/027.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584832495767893778" /></a><br />38 weeks:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BkpSw3ufvAA/TYFPjyLXDiI/AAAAAAAAA_M/ighBgY0vAe8/s1600/38%2Bwks.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 179px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BkpSw3ufvAA/TYFPjyLXDiI/AAAAAAAAA_M/ighBgY0vAe8/s400/38%2Bwks.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584832489099562530" /></a><br />Pregnancy has been going great. I'm finally at the uncomfortable point where I feel ready to have the baby. Literally up until 38 weeks I was happy just being pregnant and not bursting to get the baby out. Since then, I've been contracting a ton - there was a period of 24 hours where I had painful contractions every 10 minutes. The kind where I had to breathe through and just laid in bed all day to rest between them and pray I could fall asleep. That was fun and restful. Not. We actually thought it was the big day, but alas, I am still pregnant. Since then (Monday) I've been contracting consistently throughout the days. Yesterday it was once every 30 minutes, today it was about every 10, but they haven't been nearly as painful as Monday's little treats. According to my midwife (I'll spare you the details) I probably won't last a full week. I'm getting less terrified about birth/parenthood and more and more excited to meet the little peanut! <br /><br />On a different note, work/school has been going so well. I am done on Friday and can't believe it's worked out so perfectly (as in, I'm still pregnant). I've loved my experience in the Eau Claire school district, and I've learned so much! It makes me excited for all that I'll learn over the course of my career. It's fun stuff to love your future career. Obviously the belly has become a little distraction to some of my kiddos. Not only my own - the students in the school in general. Today, while washing my hands in the bathroom a 2nd grade girl came up to me and grabbed my belly. "Are you having a baby (with her hands still groping my stomach)?" "Yes." "HOW COULD I TELL?!?!" I've also used the words, "Please don't stare at Miss. Emily's stomach - it is work time" on more than one occasion. Oh, the joys of children :).<br /><br />For those of you who know, Ceej has been in a new position at his work some months ago, and it is going great as well. He really likes it! God sure has been wonderful in this department. <br /><br />I've also had another baby shower - my 3rd and final one. This one was with some friends and immediate family. It was so <span style="font-weight:bold;">fun</span> to see everyone! It was hosted by my mom, MIL, and my friend Jess, and it took place at my friend Jess' house (who is also pregnant, and who is my walking buddy. Currently we both contract throughout our walks, so the once 1-2 hour walks are now 20-30 minutes WITH a pee break at least once. We've decided it'll be faster to just roll down the street from now on. Plus, it's easier.). Guests included some people from Eau Claire and ex-roommates in the cities, and my aunt and cousin traveled from Winona/Hartford. They actually ended up staying over night. It was nice to catch up and spend quality time with them! We went to a Mardi Gras dinner at St. Mary's (catered by Cancun) and then attempted to listen to live music but ended up back at our house to chat and they had wine. Lucky ducks. I completely know it's okay to have a glass of wine at this point in the pregnancy, I just can't bring myself to do it. I came close when Ceej and I went out to dinner the other night, but then we were talking about it so much that it lost it's appeal (Ceej: "are you sure you wouldn't feel guilty if something happened?" me: "yes because I know it's fine, the midwife told me it's totally okay, and plus the baby is fully developed." Ceej: "even if you went in labor tonight? Or if the baby has a disability? I just don't want you to have regrets." me: "oh screw it."). <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BvOuHvnGDcA/TYFPk88MWAI/AAAAAAAAA_k/izfoRXjnYK4/s1600/005.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 293px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BvOuHvnGDcA/TYFPk88MWAI/AAAAAAAAA_k/izfoRXjnYK4/s400/005.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5584832509168605186" /></a><br /><br />Ceej and I have been enjoying our last weeks as just us - we go out on dates every weekend and enjoy down time to relax with one another. I've also been cleaning the ENTIRE house top to bottom every weekend, "just in case I have the baby this week." <br /><br />OH, and how could I forget: Here is a list of things NOT to say to a pregnant person. Ever. As you might guess, these things have been said to me throughout my pregnancy. Do people NOT have manners? Seriously.<br />1. "You're wider from the back than you are forward!"<br />2. "You're poking out from every angle!"<br />3. "You got thick fast, so it's good you look more pregnant now."<br />4. "HEY FATTY!!! HOW'S MY FAT GIRL???" (Thank you, Grandma.)<br />5. "Have you gained a lot of weight since I last saw you (last week)?" NO. <br />6. "Yeah, I can definitely tell you're pregnant from the back." <br /><br />That's all! Maybe the next time I post it'll be about our little baby's arrival!Ceej and Emhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10781698940439464465noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6428631320290581942.post-55415415296248479622011-02-13T10:38:00.004-06:002011-02-13T20:02:10.330-06:0034 weeks - a Shower and Valentines' Day CelebrationLast weekend I had my second baby shower with my aunts, cousins, and grandparents from Hartford. I hadn't been there in a while, so it was great to see everyone and just be there! I have always loved going to visit, and it never happens enough. My grandparents are the best ever - I could not ask for a more sweet set! The shower was perfect - we had a yummy lunch, fun games, and very nice gifts. I was quite spoiled. It was especially fun that most of my family stuck around all afternoon until the evening, so we got to catch up thoroughly. The 4 hour drive got pretty long and my back was quite achy by the end, but it was well worth it. Next trip down will probably not be until June for my cousin's bridal shower, so lots of changes until then! Unfortunately my designated photographer forgot that I told her "half way down to focus, all the way down to take the picture," so the pictures did not turn out. Bummer! Below is a picture of the blanket that my gram knit for us. It has baby footprints knit right into the pattern on each square. She also knit a sweet little sweater and hat. The girl's got skills. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Qx6mOgjfEU4/TVgL-6JY8QI/AAAAAAAAA_E/dQENAfxFSn0/s1600/012%2B%25282%2529.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Qx6mOgjfEU4/TVgL-6JY8QI/AAAAAAAAA_E/dQENAfxFSn0/s400/012%2B%25282%2529.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573217714259423490" /></a><br />Ceej and I celebrated Valentines' day last night. We went to Fanny Hill for the dinner theater combination. Thank goodness we like each other and have fun together, because we were not impressed with the dinner or the show. In fact, we left at the intermission. It was 9 o'clock, and if we're going to stay up much past that, it's got to be good. We had a very fun night together, and spent a lot of time talking about all of our past Valentine's days (there's been TEN!). Oh how times have changed over the years ... from our very first spent eating dinner with his parents, the next one with no contact, the next one where I was in Australia, there were 4 in Madison where I was either home or he came to visit, our first married spent at Metropolis overnight and at a comedy show - I tell ya folks, it's been a wild and wonderful ride. It's fun to think that we'll always remember this year as our last one without kids, and it's so fun to think how this day will be spent in future years. I really could not have asked for a better Valentine/husband/life. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1M4Pf-vt-V4/TVgL-a6p0EI/AAAAAAAAA-8/GyrngULDot0/s1600/34%2Bwks.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 181px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1M4Pf-vt-V4/TVgL-a6p0EI/AAAAAAAAA-8/GyrngULDot0/s400/34%2Bwks.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5573217705876115522" /></a><br />Pregnancy at 34 weeks feels great. I love love love feeling baby move and jump and poke and prod. I can now tell whether it's rolling or kicking or punching, what position he/she is in (especially when those hiccups are going, still at least once a day), and whether he/she is happy or sad. Okay, that last part is false. Baby is awake a lot during the day and only occasionally wakes up in the night when I get up to use the bathroom (which is on the DOT every 2 hours). At the moment I have a little booty poking by my right rib. I'm still working out and working fulling time at my internship. It's going great - exhausting, but good! I now have 10 kiddos on my caseload, and I continue to learn a lot daily from my supervisors. So all in all, life is going so well. We have been so blessed in all aspects and continue to just thank God for all he's done. Another side note, I have reached the point where I can no longer paint my own toenails due to belly engorgement. Thank goodness I have a sweet husband (and hence, cute painted toes!). <br /><br />Side note: last night I had a dream that I was feeling baby's hand and could actually feel it's little fingers. Then I was chatting with friends from high school (CHELSEA BARNES TUNE IN) and had them feel it. All of a sudden, THE BABY'S HAND POKED OUT OF MY STOMACH. Full on, old cemetery movie style. Then the whole body slid out of the little hole. It's feet were green and webbed (alien baby?). Right away Chel said "let's go to the hospital - I'll drive you," and Ceej met us there. Good thinking, Chel. Well the doctors were doing a bunch of measurements and tests to determine if they should put it back in the hole or leave it out, and it was determined to leave it out. It was a girl with a full head of hair, and she weighed 2 pounds, 7 ounces. That was weird.Ceej and Emhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10781698940439464465noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6428631320290581942.post-7891255114284767592011-01-30T20:03:00.004-06:002011-01-30T20:27:31.957-06:0032 Weeks<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_bH0GG2gPXG8/TUYYuCU3CuI/AAAAAAAAA-g/wlnznD1is2Y/s1600/32%2Bwks.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 184px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_bH0GG2gPXG8/TUYYuCU3CuI/AAAAAAAAA-g/wlnznD1is2Y/s400/32%2Bwks.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568165168467610338" /></a><br />Here we are - 32 weeks along! I can't believe how fast it's going. I mean, one MONTH from today they would not stop labor if I went in. YIKES! I'm still at the "nervous and feeling good, so I'm not rushing this child out anytime soon if I can help it" phase. Thankfully, I have zero complaints about being pregnant - I've been so blessed to be healthy and comfortable throughout. Obviously I don't feel normal and there's always "something" new or different or even "less than optimal", but I've been overall very comfortable and even sleeping well with my 3-5 (last night 10) pee breaks. <br /><br />What's new: As of lately I've started contracting during workouts. I'm actually doing a little experiment to test the waters, so to speak. I worked out 3/5 days of the week after working all day (I do walk and stand a lot during work) and then walked 30-70 minutes. I contracted during all of these, but I didn't realize they were contractions because it was just a constant "very tight tummy" and I forgot to pay attention to when it loosened back up (pregnancy brain, anyone?). My midwife confirmed it was indeed me contracting. Anyway, I skipped working out on Friday after the 3 days of contracting during workouts and then walked Saturday and Sunday for 45 minutes and felt fine. So at least I know I'm not out of the loop forever - I just have to be aware and have Ceej home when I go out walking (because, yes - my belly was so tight and uncomfortable on the third day that I squatted by Altoona Family Restaurant and had the dear boy come pick me up). <br /><br />Fieldwork is going great - I love it! It is quite exhausting, which I don't really know if it's the learning all day in the professional setting OR being 2 months from birthing a human. All I know is that 2 nights last week I went to bed by 8pm and actually felt rested the next day. Either way, I'm tired. A lot. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_bH0GG2gPXG8/TUYYtzz_1hI/AAAAAAAAA-Y/hjJKpJ8daLM/s1600/Video%2B-%2Bkick%2B004.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_bH0GG2gPXG8/TUYYtzz_1hI/AAAAAAAAA-Y/hjJKpJ8daLM/s400/Video%2B-%2Bkick%2B004.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568165164571678226" /></a><br />In other events, Ceej and I had a very nice weekend! Friday we did nothing but relax and watch a movie. He made ravioli with sauteed shrimp and marinara for dinner and we went to bed early - sleeping for 11 hours (ahhh so wonderful). Saturday we went for a walk and I went grocery/stuff shopping. That night we went out for dinner with friends/sibling and out afterward. Sunday was church, a pancake breakfast at church, walking, dinner, and playing Scrabble. Hope you all were able to relax and enjoy the nice weather as well! Sunshine and non-bitter cold works for me. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_bH0GG2gPXG8/TUYYtRoLR-I/AAAAAAAAA-Q/PppTpI_4xws/s1600/Video%2B-%2Bkick%2B005.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 250px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_bH0GG2gPXG8/TUYYtRoLR-I/AAAAAAAAA-Q/PppTpI_4xws/s400/Video%2B-%2Bkick%2B005.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5568165155395291106" /></a>Ceej and Emhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10781698940439464465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6428631320290581942.post-64454989876520041822011-01-17T19:30:00.003-06:002011-01-17T20:13:54.021-06:00Stillwater Shower30 weeks pregnant! Baby is still super active, and I love feeling him or her move and move. He or she also gets hiccups at least once per day. I like feeling the little steady pound of hiccups (it's just so cute picturing the little tyke hiccuping), but I feel bad for the poor dear. I mean - hiccups every day? How annoying!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_bH0GG2gPXG8/TTTtdbmY4TI/AAAAAAAAA-I/ianA56l_j3c/s1600/006.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 167px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_bH0GG2gPXG8/TTTtdbmY4TI/AAAAAAAAA-I/ianA56l_j3c/s400/006.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563332529590165810" /></a><br />Yesterday I had my first baby shower ever! It was in Stillwater with my paternal aunts and sisters. I had a really fun day - tacos and cookies and games and just hanging out and chatting with family. I also got some very cute gifts for my very cute baby. I came home and sprawled them all out to show Ceej and washed all the clothes so I can organize them in baby's room. Nesting mode? YUP. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_bH0GG2gPXG8/TTTtc53EljI/AAAAAAAAA-A/lb9pV4vP3xA/s1600/012.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_bH0GG2gPXG8/TTTtc53EljI/AAAAAAAAA-A/lb9pV4vP3xA/s400/012.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563332520533333554" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_bH0GG2gPXG8/TTTtct346FI/AAAAAAAAA94/gtx3ktmEqNM/s1600/019.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 357px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_bH0GG2gPXG8/TTTtct346FI/AAAAAAAAA94/gtx3ktmEqNM/s400/019.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563332517315536978" /></a><br />This weekend I also felt very sick. Turns out I have bronchitis. Super. I barely slept last night and this morning had no voice. I went to Urgent Care because this "cold" has been getting progressively worse since last weekend. What a treat that was. I had to wear a mask because I was coughing. Normally that is not a problem, but for a woman who is 30 weeks pregnant (AKA out of breath already) and has bronchitis - welp, we've got a wheezer on our hands. I was GASPING for air to the extent that the mask was sucking in my mouth. Pretty. When I was finally in the back room with just the nurse I asked if I could take it off (I was bright red and sweating and gasping at this point). She said no, because we "didn't want to spread anything, now do we?" LISTEN LADY. I told her okay, but I might end up passing out because I cannot breathe through this lead mask. I didn't actually say "lead" but it might as well have been lead. Are you trying to kill me people?! She let me poke my little (plugged up) nose out if I "needed to". YES I NEED TO THANKYOUVERYMUCH. Real helpful. Jerk. Anyway I now am on antibiotics and hoping this little peach passes on by right quick.Ceej and Emhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10781698940439464465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6428631320290581942.post-10276133404547069202011-01-15T14:03:00.006-06:002011-01-15T14:49:05.556-06:00Oh Hey Blogging Friends!I know - it's been a long time. Whoops! Here's a little recap of our life as of lately:<br /><br />Finals week came and went. I went to Rochester 4 days early to focus and stay with some friends (other students) so we could plow through. It was a fun way to end and say goodbye. Because of that nasty snowfall, the 2 nights before my Neurorehabilitation final consisted of my friend and I shoveling out our cars (both covered to the windows). Night 1 = soft snow, took 1 hour for 2 cars. Night 2 = ice pile, took 2 hours with 3 people for 1 car. At least it was some heavy work to get us through finals... and a fun break! I passed, by the way :). <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_bH0GG2gPXG8/TTH-p8ethKI/AAAAAAAAA8w/6CmCj1vsQKA/s1600/68176_662425482595_73403553_38180107_3892450_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_bH0GG2gPXG8/TTH-p8ethKI/AAAAAAAAA8w/6CmCj1vsQKA/s400/68176_662425482595_73403553_38180107_3892450_n.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562507011342304418" /></a><br />Graduation day was surreal. Met most of my family for breakfast and then a smaller group went to the cities for the Big Event. It still doesn't feel real, although I must admit I got used to not having to study all the time REAL quick. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_bH0GG2gPXG8/TTH-q9Z_oSI/AAAAAAAAA84/yx0hRStGX6Y/s1600/group.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 271px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_bH0GG2gPXG8/TTH-q9Z_oSI/AAAAAAAAA84/yx0hRStGX6Y/s400/group.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562507028770824482" /></a><br />Christmas - ahh the loveliness of it all! We had 6 Christmases in 8 days and they were splendid. Needless to say, my 2 weeks of break before starting fieldwork (my internship) went by very fast. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_bH0GG2gPXG8/TTH-rRiZbYI/AAAAAAAAA9I/VC3MyeV9Zv4/s1600/DSCN1379.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 294px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_bH0GG2gPXG8/TTH-rRiZbYI/AAAAAAAAA9I/VC3MyeV9Zv4/s400/DSCN1379.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562507034174778754" /></a><br /><br />I met a group of my roommates from Madison in the Dells for a day of shopping and then staying at a hotel. It was so much fun to get to see everyone and catch up! I was extremely blessed to have been their roommates (7 girls living together and 0 fighting is a rare thing). They're wonderful women, and it's fun to see how different and changing all of our lives are now!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_bH0GG2gPXG8/TTH-rNorD1I/AAAAAAAAA9A/GZxUP4hhKLQ/s1600/DSCN1388.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 274px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_bH0GG2gPXG8/TTH-rNorD1I/AAAAAAAAA9A/GZxUP4hhKLQ/s400/DSCN1388.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562507033127358290" /></a><br /><br />Bringin' in the New Year was a blast - Ceej and I agreed it was our favorite so far. We went to dinner with a group to Houligan's and then made our way to Playmaker's bar. We were there early so we had plenty of space. More friends came by and we ended up having a big group there. It's so exciting to think about what 2011 will bring! I don't really do "resolutions"... my goals for 2011 are to have a baby and get a job that I love. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_bH0GG2gPXG8/TTH-sCD5rKI/AAAAAAAAA9Q/V37-QrW6Q-o/s1600/DSCN1395.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 331px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_bH0GG2gPXG8/TTH-sCD5rKI/AAAAAAAAA9Q/V37-QrW6Q-o/s400/DSCN1395.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562507047200205986" /></a><br /><br />Fieldwork is going well. I'm in my 2nd week in the Eau Claire school district and like it a lot so far! I am learning a ton, and it is much different than learning from reading books. To be honest, it's pretty exhausting, but I have great supervisors and know it's going to be a great experience. I feel like I've learned so much in just 2 weeks, and I am excited for all I'll learn after 3 months! I've started taking on kiddos (writing lesson plans/performing direct OT with them), and by the end I'll have the entire caseload! EEK! :)<br /><br />For our nephew Alex's 3rd Birthday we took him to Blue's Clue's Live here in Eau Claire. It was super fun to see how in awe he was throughout the show! The world is so different through a child's eyes. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_bH0GG2gPXG8/TTIAj-UrcAI/AAAAAAAAA9Y/nWFi5bhqt8I/s1600/DSCN1403.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 270px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_bH0GG2gPXG8/TTIAj-UrcAI/AAAAAAAAA9Y/nWFi5bhqt8I/s400/DSCN1403.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562509107781136386" /></a><br />Pregnancy is also going well. I've gotten pretty big lately! 30 weeks have gone by too fast, and I cannot believe we could have a baby here in 10, 8, 6 weeks... YIKES! Ceej is getting really excited. I'm getting really SCARED (!!) plus really excited. Baby is moving up a storm, and I love love love feeling it roll and turn and punch and kick. It's amazing to actually know what it's doing in there and differentiating it's movements. Here I am at 28 weeks, but I think I look especially big because this was right after eating dinner at Tokyo. Ceej said I really look that big all the time, though ... hmm ... he's probably lying again. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_bH0GG2gPXG8/TTIAk1YxxFI/AAAAAAAAA9o/QPVkpcyRVJc/s1600/28%2Bwks.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 170px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_bH0GG2gPXG8/TTIAk1YxxFI/AAAAAAAAA9o/QPVkpcyRVJc/s400/28%2Bwks.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5562509122562278482" /></a><br /><br />At the moment I have a bad cold (thank you, week 1 of working with kiddos) and have broke down and taken meds to sleep (only those that are okay-ed for pregnancy ... but I still try to avoid them in general). I suck it up during the day, but before bed I steam my face to get the snot broken up and then take Tylenol and Mucinex. This was okay for the past week until last night when my sickness took a 180 in the nasty direction... leaving me up at 2 AM scrounging with our med box and looking up all of our medications online to see if I could take them. Turns out that of all of our nighttime meds, Benadryl was my only sanctuary. What a tease it was turning away from my Tylenol Cold PM, NyQuil, and like 3 others. They were like a Thanksgiving feast to a starving child. One little lick of that liquid gold was pretty tempting, but I resisted. Even though everything I took was okay-ed by my midwife, I still went to bed convinced I just gave my baby a Pervasive Developmental Disorder.<br /><br />I have my first baby shower tomorrow with my aunts and sisters in Stillwater. I can't wait! Hopefully a lazy Friday night and Saturday day/night will get me healthy enough to get through it without passing out ;).Ceej and Emhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10781698940439464465noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6428631320290581942.post-74329429018503748932010-12-19T19:11:00.002-06:002010-12-19T19:13:27.871-06:00Awkward Pregnancy PhotosHere's a post with a lot of extremely awkward pregnancy pictures that made me laugh so hard that I might have peed a little: <br /><br />http://pregnantchicken.squarespace.com/pregnant-chicken-blog/2010/12/10/awkward-pregnancy-photos.htmlCeej and Emhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10781698940439464465noreply@blogger.com0