Mister and Misses Pettingill

Renewing a Memory with Airport Toys

2012-01-24T08:05:00.000-07:00

I spotted these wind-up toys at the Fort Lauderdale Airport while we were waiting for our flight home from our cruise. I bought almost all of them, despite the $6-a-piece price tag.

We had some as kids, so I guess the memories numbed my brain of how much I was willing to pay for them.
Bliss loves them, despite the fact that they are all now broken. They started as bath toys, and have gradually moved throughout the house.

She loves things in pairs; like a sea lion in one hand, and the fish in the other. Just last night she was hauling around two beef patties from Grandma's basket of play food. Whatever it is, she seems to find the like items.

I wish I could find a picture of Preston & I, and our wind-up toys.
I swear we used to swim with ours in the tub, too.

In the last month. . .

2012-01-19T04:52:00.000-07:00

Bliss drinks from straws, walks, runs, and has 2 teeth.

Once one ottoman is placed in front of the stairs,

and the other blocks the entertainment center glass doors in conjunction with her highchair,

she has almost all the freedom in the world.

She either knows what they mean, and/or says the following words:

Clock, book, kitty, dog, duck, bubbles, snack, more, binky, soft, banana, num nums, lights, hair, toes, nose, eyes, belly button (although sometimes confused with nipples), no, hi, bye, splash, pretty.

I was letting her snack on Golden Grahams the other night while we waited for Dad to come home.

She walked over to my knees,
took out her binky,
said "Mo",
put the binky back in
and waited for me to give her more bear cookies.

Little did I know, she was secretly feeding them to the dogs.

She is excellent at sharing, and will let you have a drink from her sippy anytime you want.
She will also try to feed you.

She's a sponge. Learns new things daily, pushes her boundaries, and surprises us with new words.

Festivities

2012-01-17T16:01:00.000-07:00

Christmas with a 1-year-old is definitely more fun than Christmas with a newborn.
Bliss eventually learned what unwrapping presents was all about, although she cared more for the paper and bows than anything.

She was also quite meticulous.
Her typical present unwrapping including approximately 100 tears, and she watched every little piece of paper fall to the ground.

We were spoiled, as usual.

Dave and I made it to Christmas Eve before we opened our gifts to each other.
We only "kind of" knew what we were getting.
We suck at secrets, and I tell you, making it to Christmas Eve night was a feat for us.

I got a lot from my multiple paged list.

This is "hello", but said more like "oh".
Currently, anything substitutes for a telephone, including green beans, hands, rubber ducks, Barbies, remote controls, binkys, sippy cups, and shoes.

We had a very happy holiday, and even stayed up for New Year's.
{I think that's a first.}
Although we didn't see the clock strike midnight because we were having too much fun making and puzzle and playing X Box at Preston & Natalie's house. It certainly wasn't our intent to overstay until almost 1. . .
Once we saw the time we decided to leave, especially since we thought we'd be in bed by 10.
And Bliss was still awake.

I'm on a Boat SHIP!!!

2012-01-10T01:13:00.006-07:00

Here is a quick recap of our Thanksgiving Cruise.

Thanks Parentals (and siblingys)!!

Travel Day

Red eye flights & no sleep. At least for me. Some of us had no problems zonking anywhere and everywhere. MOM. Tyrone Corbin was on our flight to Atlanta, and we spotted Scott Layden at the security gate in SLC. We thought that was cooler than it probably was.

We made it to the Crown Princess.
Once we met up & stuffed our faces, we were ready to party.

The bon voyage was windy.

Typically a four-letter-word, we actually enjoyed playing in it.

Sea Day

Food! Fettuccine Alfredo!! Princess Cruises fettuccine alfredo may possibly be my favorite food. It was as good as I remembered from the last cruise. So good that we ordered 3 every night to share, on top of our 4+ course meal.

This is what our dinner table looked like every night. Sometimes more.
We didn't starve.

Believe it or not, we didn't really love the shows this cruise. It's unfortunate, because that's one of my favorite cruise activities. There was a funny comedic duo (Alfred & Seymore), otherwise we enjoyed
Movies Under the Stars. With the pizza bar, popcorn, and ice cream counter close by.
Another favorite was the afternoon cookies & milk cart. We'd try to catch it everyday when we got back on the ship from port, before dinner, while we ate a buffet snack. Yeah, we really didn't starve. Those warm cookies were delicious, even though the milk was warm, too.

My Dad killed it in poker. It was fun to watch him play.

We laughed a lot!

Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands - Scooters & Beach

After cruising around the island on our scoots, we went snorkeling and got our first feel of the beach!

It was nice to catch some tropical rays!

We're just thankful that our Mom didn't die with her hazards on, and that Preston didn't get hit while turning down a street on the wrong side of the road.

Roatan, Honduras - Zip Lines

Happy Birthday Bliss!!

We had awesome tour guides. We did lots of tricks.

They had a monkey!

Afterward we went to the beach.

beautifully breathtaking...

Belize City, Belize - Scuba

My favorite!!! I haven't been scuba diving since I was 12 years old, and it all came back to me. So fun!!

Dave is going to get certified before we go on our next vacation, but he was still able to go, as was Natalie. It was Danielle's first "real" dive. I wish I could do that a lot more.
We found a cool shop called Belize Surf & Sport.

Pictures... they're coming. Hopefully the underwater film develops okay.

Cozumel, Mexico - Deep Sea Fishing

This was a first for everyone in our family.

Our big catch was a barracuda. We weren't too lucky trolling for the big ones, and I didn't catch a shark or octopus. Once we started fishing a different way, we caught a lot of fish. We even fished without a pole... ? Weird, but cool, and totally "Mexican". ?? I was kind of expecting a yacht, with all of us reeling in bright colorful fish, one after the other, and another! But, not the case. Still extremely fun, but Discovery Channel had me fooled.

Time permitting, it would have been fun to fry our fish.

I loved our waiter, Francois, and his assistant, Agus. . . Or Angus, Agoose, Agua, August. . . We're still not sure how to pronounce his name. He was the funnest, most feminine and petite bundle of joy. I wanted to take him with me everywhere, including bringing him home with me. In fact, I think he's my long lost BFF from the Philippians. He was adorable. Francois was a giant!!

My family is cool. Love you guys!

Say, What??

2012-01-09T11:30:00.001-07:00

Daddy goes back to school tomorrow???

OH CRAP!

Hi

2011-12-28T16:48:00.001-07:00

My Mom's been super busy trying to get pictures edited and posts posted.

Stay tuned... cause it'll be cool. Radicool.

Santa Clause

2011-12-23T13:21:00.002-07:00

Mom's favorite part was Santa's ginger beard poking out under his white beard.

Luckily Bliss didn't yank off the white beard and expose him to the other children, since she has this crazy obsession with pulling hair.

She came close, but became too frightened before it was possible.

"Bliss's first Santa visit"

Stats @ 12 Months, 28 Days

2011-12-20T16:04:00.002-07:00

Weight: 21 Pounds 10 Oz. - 50%
Length: 29 3/4 Inches - 59%

Head Circumference: 45 Cm - 40%

Due to our Lake Powell trip, Bliss's every-three-month appointments got shifted a little.

I find her growth charts interesting.

Luckily never a major scare, her beginning percentiles were: 2% Weight, 0% Length, 1% Head

All is well from this morning's doctor visit.
Bliss is one healthy princess.

Pewi

2011-12-19T01:58:00.002-07:00

We gave Bliss a Pewi for her birthday.

She may or may not have gotten it 2 weeks early, when it was delivered to our door.

At first it was a little scary, watching her wobbly run uncontrollably across the wood floor.

Now it's awesome. She stands with it. Walks with it. Gets on and off by herself.

She's only fallen a few times.

Should last a few years {unless Daddy keeps riding it}.

Fa La La

2011-12-15T05:09:00.002-07:00

Bliss is quite enjoying the holidays.

All the shiny new toys, and lights. . .

Grandma's house is her own pretty playground.

Bliss's 1st Birthday Party

2011-12-14T01:38:00.005-07:00

As mentioned before, Bliss wasn't the happiest camper when it came time to eat cake and open presents.
She was tired, hungry, and confused.

We had to help her demolish the cake. She did NOT want to touch it.

It was nice to have those who care most about her there to celebrate.

Thanks for the loot! She loves it!!

{And now, a month later, she says "duck" & references her rubber ducky}

Pweey

2011-12-13T11:17:00.001-07:00

"Pretty" is a word Bliss uses quite frequently.
We know she associates it with Christmas lights, and the "pretty tree".
She says it like "Pweey".
We certainly weren't expecting this to be one of her first words, but I love it.
So much that it's a new word in our family's vocabulary.

Bliss @ Year 1

2011-12-12T13:43:00.002-07:00

Things she says really well:
Pretty
Hi
Bubble
Ma ma ma
Da da da

Other things she can say:
Bye
Book

Things she understands:
Dance
Doggy
Corky

Things she does:
Waves
Grooves to any music
Holds her own bottle

. . . But we're done with the bottle. She doesn't need it, and she doesn't love it. She is still toothless, so this is sort of a problem. We're being creative with snacks she can "gum" in order to fulfill the missing bottles throughout the day.

She is sleeping well. Sometimes we still get up once, and avoiding the bottle I've been coming up with different methods to console her. So far it's working, and I'm wondering if all the mid-night bottles were unnecessary. Oh well. Usually she just needs to refocus, like she's had a scary dream (or something). Typically it's a quick walk around the house, into the bathroom, or we'll make way to the refrigerator to get a drink of milk from her sippy.

Cow's milk. Out of a cup! It's crazy lunacy that we're at this stage, but freaking awesome. Better yet, Bliss likes her milk cold. It's so freaking easy.

She talks, she moves, she gets into things, she hates getting her diaper changed, she's smart, she escapes the living room ottoman trap, she loves bath time until it's time to bathe, she's cute, she's a busybody, she loves food, she loves unloading the dishwasher, she loves rubbing lotion in & eating it.

I'm 24

2011-12-04T11:38:00.002-07:00

One year ago we brought Bliss home from the hospital after 2 hectic weeks being in & out of the NICU.

The day, December 4, 2010, I awoke to the regular daily phone call from the pediatrician giving me a status update of Bliss's daily vitals & how her feedings went throughout the night.

That was the day we brought her home. Without any tubes or monitors.
Happy Birthday to ME!!!

In one year from now I'm sure I'll read this and giggle.
But I feel like I've developed into a wiser, {prettier}, more elite version of myself.
Job changes, life changes, emotional changes, priority changes.
I've finally found the perfect hair color, a workout schedule, accrued a more daring fashion sense, and I got my first Brazilian wax.
I feel pretty darn confident. I am happy.

I guess you could call it, "living", or "growing up".
Tomato, Tamoto.

Duck Party

2011-11-17T17:17:00.000-07:00

Bliss had her 1st birthday party a bit early.

My parents surprised us with a cruise earlier this year, and we were automatically stoked!
Destination: Western Caribbean during the week of Thanksgiving.
Awesomely epic, except for we'd be missing Bliss's first birthday.

Initially I thought, "no way!"
I tiptoed around the idea of bringing her along, but decided that would be silly.
I finally justified to myself that it was okay to leave for her 1st birthday. She will never remember.

I have since come to terms with the whole things, but it still breaks my heart.
Not even missing her birthday, but missing HER.
I knew this day would eventually come.

Bags are (mostly) packed, and I have to say my goodbyes tomorrow night.

She wouldn't touch her cake, so we'd smash her hands into it for her.

She didn't like that.

She didn't enjoy being dirty and sticky,

and may or may not have shed a few tears during the whole experience.

I have lots of pictures {and hopefully video} to share when we return.

Happy Birthday to our little miracle.
{on Tuesday}

We will be missing you.

Scooter

2011-11-14T16:19:00.001-07:00

This photo was captured after one of our scooter dates.
My bucket list includes driving a Chopper in a skirt,
so until that days comes, I figured this day I'd ride on the back of Mr. Scoots in my highest heels.

Unfortunately the weather is getting grim, but we've thoroughly enjoyed our scooter season.

Thanks friends for letting us ~~buy~~ steal this scooter from you.
We still think you're crazy for ~~selling it to us~~ watching us steal it from your garage.
And if you're reading this, then no. You can't have it back.

The only thing better might be a
matching sidecar with a baby safety seat.

First Cookie

2011-11-09T01:44:00.002-07:00

On a whim, with no sort of instruction or plans,
Dave gave Bliss a whole, warm chocolate chip cookie.
She partook of every last morsel, and even licked her fingers.
She was still licking them clean in the bathtub.

I ate mine as I sat on the edge of her tub, feet in.
Bliss got excited, thinking I was going to share.
I did.

Still no teeth, but she figured it out.
We're celebrating her first birthday on Sunday.
I can't wait for another sweet, delectable mess.

Date Night

2011-11-08T09:52:00.000-07:00

Dave surprised me with ice skating last weekend.

We are professional ice skaters.

It's NBD

2011-11-04T02:14:00.002-06:00

Bliss climbs the stairs now.
It's no big deal.

{???!!?!?!?!?!}

The first time it was like a "Hey Mom and Dad, look what I can do" moment, as Dave and I stared, with our jaws dropped.
Now it's just old hat.

As Preston used to say, circa 1996 - Schnikes.

In 2 weeks she has perfected "the crawl".
In 1 week she's perfected the "self-assisted walk".
Now stairs???

Holy. Freaking. Schnikes.

Texas Roadhouse Rolls

2011-11-03T12:41:00.000-06:00

Bliss loves them.

As soon as she could grasp things, these rolls were the first thing we let her try at a restaurant.

She's a really good roll squisher, but for some reason these rolls get an extra squeeze.

She hugs them like a stuffed animal, and then shoves them to her face.

{And when she loves her stuffed animals, it's the cutest thing on Earth}

Unfortunately we have to take the rolls away when they get to a certain point of demolishment since she doesn't have chewing capabilities quite yet.

Her Daddy's a real good roll squisher, too.

Happy Halloweeny!

2011-11-02T03:47:00.014-06:00

Bliss was a monster.

I think she liked it. It was really hard to get a good picture of her cause she wouldn't sit still.

We had quite an uneventful Halloween, but it was perfect for her first.

Visiting, showing her off, no need for candy, and making it to bed by bedtime.

Dave and Bliss had their first Pumpkin Walk experience last week. My how it's gotten busy! I grew up in North Logan, and remember visiting every year and even being part of the festivities. I remember the old witch who would give us treats. She has since passed away, but played the role for years!

As the new young witch gave us our cookies, I noticed a sign noting this was year 20 for the Pumpkin Walk. Oh Snap! Dave thought it was pretty cool, minus the crowd. We skipped halfway because it was late and cold, and totally cut through the fields to get back to our car (since we didn't want to ride the bus). It was a smart choice. Thank goodness for Bliss, because Dave is now more willing to participate in all the childish things I've been begging for him to do with me -- FOR YEARS!!!

Except for dressing up.

He's not ready to take that plunge yet. But I guarantee when Bliss asks what Daddy is going to be for Halloween next year, his heart melts, and he'll make another one of my dreams come true.

Pumpkin Seed

2011-11-01T13:00:00.000-06:00

I've often called Bliss my "Little Pumpkin Seed".

It sounds more like, "Lil' Punkin' Sweed" when I say it, but you get the drift.

This weekend we took things to a more literal sense.

Dave and I have never carved pumpkins together {because he is a party pooper},

so we all experienced a first.

After Bliss's first Halloween photo shoot,

{ in which all she really wanted to do was eat her pumpkin, }

the major carving began.

We salvaged hers as best we could, at least until we both got really frustrated.
Then we said, "screw it, it's cute".

I carved chevron stripes.

Dave carved Brobee.

Bubble Eater

2011-10-26T11:50:00.000-06:00

Bliss's new bath time trick is

. . . Drum roll, Please. . .

EATING BUBBLES!!

AND EATING HER BATH CHAIR!!!

double yum.

Margarita, Please

2011-10-25T13:39:00.000-06:00

Bliss loves menus.

And the drink menu at Cafe Sabor is her perfect size.

She DID NOT want the waitress to take it away.

eleven.

2011-10-22T12:14:00.001-06:00

Bliss gets upset if you don't let her stand. She will pull herself up to wherever she can and move from object to object. She loves to be on her feet, and if you take her walking she will end up running.

She gets very upset if you lay her down for a diaper change. She doesn't like to lay on her back much.

Knows who Mommy is. Sometimes she will point to me when asked, "Where's Mommy?"

She says "mom mom". She also says "dadada". She knows what a doggie is. She loves dogs. She'll kick her legs in the tub if you say, "splash splash".

She gets better at crawling everyday.

She is getting more independent.

Drinks out of a sippy all by herself. Holds her own bottle if she's desperate, which is rare.

Gets upset if you pull her food out and don't feed it to her fast enough.

Recently started putting her hands on her face, and she thinks it's funny because we think it's funny.

Likes to pull Daddy's arm hairs, and laughingly slaps his head.

Learning how to play with all of Grandma's toys (which used to be mine). Oh the memories. Her motor skills are developing, as well as cause-and-effect.

She runs circles in her walker. {I remember when she couldn't even touch the ground}. Now she runs marathons, will knock you over if you're in her way, and her momentum drags the entire unit across the room.

We love her jibber jabber. She talks all day long, yells in restaurants, and likes to tease.

She likes to taste everything we eat. I caught her watching me eat leftover spaghetti yesterday, instead of her normal fixation on "Bubble Guppies". We normally share.

She loves to grab the bar on the stroller and use it to stand. And the grocery cart, and highchairs. . .

We definitely use the little seat belts.

And she's real good at arching her back and fake crying.

Funnest age yet? We think so.

Rest

2011-10-20T09:22:00.001-06:00

Rest. We haven't been getting much of it for the last few days.
Bliss has been a pretty good sleeper this year, in my opinion. She usually gets up once every night, and goes right back down after her bottle. Ironically, it's always a nice surprise to wake up to the alarm clock, which happens every once-in-a-while.

But lately-----

Now that she stands in her crib, going to sleep isn't as easy. When put down, even if she's asleep, she somehow wakes up and immediately stands up. {and jumps on her mattress as if it's a trampoline} It's cute, except when she is exhausted, and tries to do it with tears running down her face. We've been letting her cry herself down, which works. But to walk in to see her sobbing while she is sitting up, or standing in the crib, is heart-wrenching.

In the middle of the night once she's back asleep after a feeding, she'll stir as soon as she's placed in her crib, cry a little, and go to sleep within a few minutes. Ten minutes later we'll hear cries from our bedroom, and patiently wait for them to subside. After the 3rd round, I get up to sooth her. Holding her is all she needs. I've logged 2 hours of sleep in the rocker this week, as well as half a night on top of her bed, using Olivia Owl as a pillow and a burp cloth to keep my feet warm. The last few days I've averaged 5 hours a night, which is something I never thought was possible. It's lunacy that it doesn't phase me anymore. I usually function just fine, and have plenty of energy. Although, a few times I've skipped my lunchtime gym stop and jetted home for a nap.

This girl's gotta have some teeth pop through soon. We really think that's what's up with this recent round of hectic sleep. Her bottom gums have two red bumps that we've been patiently waiting to see progress.

Every morning as I put on my makeup, I wonder if my bloodshot eyes will ever go back to normal.
And every time I crave a caffeinated beverage, I wonder how in the world I'm supposed to survive without coffee or Diet Coke in my life. {Which are two things I'm trying to avoid}

Warm Toesies

2011-10-19T10:19:00.003-06:00

We had a cell phone photo shoot in the dark after the USU football game a couple weeks ago.

This is what I got after 56 photos.

Aggies lost in OT, but we still had fun.

And we kept warm. (in our fuzzy, $3 Paul Frank suit)

Menchies

2011-10-14T03:20:00.006-06:00

We had to drop the Suzuki off in Layton over the weekend to get some things looked at.

While being down that way, Dave, lovingly, took us to Target.

As we walked out with our first Christmas gift for Bliss, I noticed a Menchies next door.

After eating at Red Robin, where Bliss found enjoyment in repeatedly leaning over her highchair and dropping her toys to the ground, I so lovingly took us back to Menchies.

It's way too easy to fill your cup with too much stuff.

$10.56 later, with undo-your-top-button fullness, we were on our way home.

----------------------------------------------------------

P.S. We are going down to Layton this afternoon to pick up the Suzuki.

I might need to go to Target.

Sleepy

2011-10-11T14:35:00.000-06:00

I was cleaning, running laundry up and down the stairs, cooking, and trying to be a Mom at the same time.

Do I feel bad that she didn't fall asleep in my arms? Yes.

But I didn't even know she was tired.

Every time I checked on her she was joyfully running circles, 50 MPH, around her walker.
{Light bulb Moment}!!

Baby + Exercise = Tired

I came downstairs to put her socks on, and she was OUT. And she stayed out for 2 hours.

Apparel Diet - Shopping Abstinence

2011-10-04T04:22:00.001-06:00

The first step in recovery is acknowledging that there is a problem.

I have a shopping addiction, and I am determined to break it.

I didn't go to the extra 40% off sale at Dillards over the weekend.

I wanted to. I thought about it. I looked online. But I didn't purchase.

Not only am I trying to avoid buying more, I want to utilize the clothing that we've got. This is embarrassing for me to even share; Sometimes I donate clothes that still have tags on them. I am a sucker for a bargain.

I don't buy things just for me. Actually I have much more of an interest in shopping for others.
i.e. Bliss Pettingill

The sample sale sites that I check daily {but not anymore}:

PLNDR

So far I am 3 days sober from even browsing. If I'm not going to purchase, then what's the need to look at all the deals I'm missing out on? This is very hard for me already.

I am giving myself a $20 allowance for the week in which I can buy whatever I want. This should help me set some priorities and boundaries, yet not deprive me. In my opinion - leading to a healthy recovery.

I'm doing this study until the end of the year.

I'll let you know how it goes, granted I'm still living.

Life

2011-10-03T12:09:00.011-06:00

Driving to work this morning was invigorating. Usually it’s a rush, in a bad way. I try to plan ahead as much as possible, but it’s always hard to get out the door. Even if it’s because I cuddle an extra minute with my sleepy girl before I drop her off for the day. Today we were on time. I received an extra serge of stimuli from the lack of sunlight. Usually I dislike this time of year because we're losing daylight, but today's dark drive made me feel like I was in a York Peppermint Patty commercial. It was refreshing, cool, and I literally got a case of the goosebumps. The evening darkness is another story.

After waking up multiple times during the night with Bliss, I’m surprisingly functioning better than normal. This time it’s not coffee. It’s me. I swear my baby is teething. Her sleeping increasingly got better over the last 10 months, and now it’s declining rapidly. We lowered her crib after walking in on her standing. She gets frustrated when we make her try and crawl. She MacGyver’s with her arm on one side, and sometimes uses her face to get where she needs to be. Bribery with Gerber puffs works, but she still wails in frustration. Sometimes I wonder if she’ll just skip that stage and start walking with how she is pulling herself up to stand and quite happy & comfortable on her feet. Even as we bathed her in my Mom’s kitchen sink last night. She stood right up and grinned while we all giggled at the sight of her cute booty poking out as she bent over to reach the faucet. She loves anything shiny.

As I went to pull her out of the car this morning, her whole face lit up as she spotted Big Bird in the diaper bag. He used to be mine. If you wind him up, the Sesame Street theme song plays in lullaby as his head gracefully moves. Lately she loves anything fluffy. She’ll grab it and hug it to her cheeks.

It's the subtle moments that I appreciate most and often forget to document.

It's amazing how much joy can come by just being present.

What a {simple} beautiful start to my week.

Picasso

2011-09-29T10:48:00.003-06:00

It's kind of weird having a hostess ask you if you need a kids menu (for your baby) as you are being seated.

It's kind of laughable, but I was once a hostess who also had no clue about children.

Regardless, we got a kids menu at Angie's the other night. Actually, we got two.

Dave was trying to teach Bliss how to color.

Fail.

Speaking of Picasso, I Van Gogh'd our living room. Someday you'll see what I mean.

Pumped Up Kicks

2011-09-28T04:55:00.002-06:00

Yes, those are her first pair of Vans.

And, yes, we were able to get her pants done up.

Bliss and I had a conversations about how uncomfortable skinny jeans are,

but she agreed that being cute is more important.

Pedi

2011-09-26T16:51:00.000-06:00

Bath time doubles as a daily foot soak.
For Bliss, and Mommy.
It's the perfect way to wind down for bedtime.

I look forward to it every night.

Bliss likes to point at my polished toes under the water, and eat hers.

We splash, talk, chew on her bath toys, and she shows me new tricks.

Last night's trick was the best yet.

It's Friday!

2011-09-23T13:57:00.000-06:00

I'm oddly having the best day of my life.

After 6 hours of sleep, I'm awake as can be. I suppose it could have been the venti latte I picked up at Starbucks this morning, and P.S. I even called my co-worker to see if she wanted one as I waited in the drive-thru line. I'm nice, but not usually that nice.

My hair did something really funky today, and I love it!

I passed a neighbor on my way to work after dropping Bliss off at my Mom's house, and I'm kicking myself for not giving them a ride to wherever they were going. They had on a backpack, and I figured they were walking to the city bus stop. I should have listened to my spontaneity and offered. But at least I waved.

Did I mention it's 1:00 and I'm going, going, and going at work? Everyone who passes by is getting a "Holla!"

I am not drunk.

I have walked to the printer every time I have printed something.
Usually I wait til I have a stack before I get off my butt.

I even motioned for a slow van to pull out first, in front of me, at a 4 way stop. They drove really, really slow. It didn't bother me.

{This is a bathroom pic} $5 bucks to anyone who can guess what the sign above the toilet says.

I got two big projects wrapped up earlier in the week for work, so my stress level has decreased.

It's Friday! Since my boss is gone, I better fill in and do his regular "Friday Dance".

Whatever the heck I'm doing, it freaking rocks!

Ten.

2011-09-22T15:09:00.005-06:00

bliss

Assumes that she is eating whatever we eat. This is not the case.
Drinks from a sippy (thanks for the advice). She knows what to do, but needs help tilting it so the fluid flows.
Sometimes gets upset when her food is gone . . .

Just recently she started to do something kind of like a headstand.
She moves a lot, but I wouldn't consider it crawling.
Stands up with very little assistance. She'll use your knee as an obstacle to get up to the coffee table.

No teeth.

Sleeps better. Sometimes.

Cuddles with blankies and stuffed animals.

She likes her crib. Most of the time I put her to bed, awake. She knows what to do.
Cell phones, jewelry, remote controls, and shoes are her favorite toys. In that order.
She doesn't like to be fed finger foods. She has to do it.
She's strong, and strong willed. Her attitude is turning toddlerish, and (she thinks) she knows how to get her way. Somehow, someway, I want to teach her acceptable behavior so I'm not waiting on her hand and foot. She is spoiled, and will be spoiled, but I don't want her to know it.

{Still calculating our plan of attack.}

She gets shy. I love when someone talks to her and she lays on my shoulder with a huge grin.

Expert at: "Paddy Cakes"/"Clap, Clap" and "So Big!"

Intermediate at waving "Bye, Bye" and finding noses.

Understands: "Where is the doggie?"

Watching "Dora" the other night she started mimicking the arm movements.
Started dancing while watching the Vistauns. {Coincidence??}
She loves to tease Danielle.
Likes to point when touching things, like books. She loves books!
She's quite dexterous.
She has no idea what she's saying, but she is always talking.
We especially love her baby girl voice.

Leads "Peek-A-Boo". She'll move the shower curtain, blanket, etc., in order to find you.

She literally laughs and smiles all day.
The only cries happen when she's tired, hungry, or you leave the room and she can't see you.

This month I feel like Bliss has grown up the most, mentally.

We went to the doctor on Tuesday, and it was a "no-shots" day. Except mean Mommy made her get a flu shot. When I find the paper I will update her stats.

Weight:   19 lbs ? oz; 54%
Height:   ? ?
Head:   ? ?

Cheese!

2011-09-20T13:49:00.003-06:00

New trick #529
The flash on my camera phone cues a smile.
{Even if it doesn't look like she is smiling, she was.}

Unlike trying to teach her how to say "Momma" and "Dadda", Kisses, Wave Bye, and to find your "Nose",

this trick was not taught.

Shoes

2011-09-19T11:31:00.000-06:00

Have you ever tried to stretch shoes out?

I guess it's possible, since my narrow-footed Mom would never let me borrow her shoes for my not-so-narrow feet with fear I would stretch them out, making them unuseable to her.

Dillards had an extra 40% off clearance sale the other day, and I've been keeping my eye out for a replacement for my black, pointy, satin, short-heeled mules. They look as though a dog beat them up. I got them in high school. I've been looking for new ones since I graduated high school, wearing the old ones sparingly so they didn't seriously crumble.

Cue angel music. I found some. Size 8 was all that was left. I don't know if you can relate, but I have shoes that range from size 7 1/2 to 9. I was hopeful they would fit, as I put them in my online cart, and waited by the door for the UPS man for days, with wide eyes, drooling in anticipation, checking my cell phone for shipping updates.

We're going on a cruise during Thanksgiving with my family, and I have planned to wear them. They are kinda snug. Remembering my Mom's fear of stretching out shoes, I've been wearing these at home, on the weekends, while I clean. Hopefully they fit perfectly by November.

The main reason for this post developed while I was doing air squats.

I made pancakes on Sunday (Bliss made me)

I ate as many as I could fit into my belly.

Feeling guilty, I hopped up to do air squats while watching a DVR'd Project Runway.

I had my new shoes on the whole time, cause I need to stretch them out.

Talk about killing multiple birds with one stone.

I think what made it even more amusing was that I was in my underwear.

I do laundry on Sundays. And again, not sure if you're like me, but I try to be as efficient as possible.

And we pulled out some new shoes for Bliss that we've been waiting for her to fit into.

I am gagging in cuteness. Now that I've found my heels, I think it's time I start searching for a pair of silver, bowed, ballet flats for myself.

Aggie Football

2011-09-15T03:15:00.001-06:00

Bliss loves straws. We go out to eat quite often, so she gets to play with them frequently. If the straws are at will, I'll grab a few for her because she's guaranteed to drop them.

Sometimes I feel guilty, though.

It reminds me of all the DIY paint chip crafts being strewn across the Internet.

Do people really go into paint stores and walk out with handfuls of paint sample cards?

{I love to geekily think about the topics of economics in this. Anyone up for a conversational debate???}

I suppose I don't wander into a food establishment simply to steal their straws.

I pay them for food, so a few "free" straws are justified, right?

Just as if the paint chip stealers were to buy a can of paint.

I just try to be integrious. I'm glad the free-for-all idea bothers my conscience.

Anywho. . .

GO AGGIES!

Flips

2011-09-13T07:34:00.001-06:00

Stretched the legs before our Lake Powell journey, during which Bliss did very well.

Thanks to Nemo.

LP {Two}

2011-09-12T01:20:00.004-06:00

We went to Lake Powell again, spontaneously, over Labor Day weekend.

Some work needed to be done on the houseboat, so we turned it into a quickie vaca.

[Mom, Dad, Dave, Bliss, Me, Danielle, and her friend Cassidy]

It was fun despite not being able to travel downstream to our favorite location.

This caused for lots of traffic, but we were still able to get some good water.
And the water was 80 degrees.

Danielle and I built our own fire with old driftwood, since nobody else wanted the fire.

She also peed on it to put it out.

When that wasn't enough, she took her shirt off, dipped it in the lake, ran back to the fire, and wrung the water out. After multiple trips, (and me standing there laughing at her), she finally got a bucket.

I had my worst crash yet on the Sky Ski. I felt like my head fell off.

Bliss skinny dipped, and she liked it.

What happens when Mom drinks a large Coke? She wakes up in the middle of the night screaming profanities.

Crows don't respond to, "CA CAW!"

I know all the words to Lady Gaga's new song thanks to the folks across the way who blared it, on repeat, until 1AM.

I had a blast fishing, although I didn't catch any.

Bashful

2011-09-09T08:56:00.000-06:00

In case you haven't noticed,

Dave's lost like 50 pounds.

Football

2011-09-08T16:39:00.000-06:00

Football season is among us.

Cole and Cody are playing for Sky View,

and Danielle is a Vistaun,

so we jumped at the chance to get season tickets next to everybody.

i.e. Bangerter, Willmore, and Perkes clans.

Bliss's new trick is to pull hair, giggle at you, and continually tease you.

Danielle was the first victim when she sat in front of us after her halftime performance.

Little Miss gets passed around from row to row, and she totally loves the attention.

The only thing she is a little unsure of are Greg's yells.

We didn't have Ice Cream for Dinner

2011-08-30T14:07:00.000-06:00

And it wasn't Aggie Blue Mint.

Single Mom

2011-08-28T06:38:00.002-06:00

I'm not ready to be a single mom.
As of tomorrow, August, 29, 2011, Dave will start Fall semester.

He is such a great Dad, even when he has homework.
I'm just not ready to let go of the last two fun-filled weeks in which we've had him all to ourselves.
Playing with Bliss just isn't the same without him, and trying to stay quiet so Dave can't hear us from his homework compound (the nursery office) is another feat in itself.

I know he's excited in some respects, but the rest of him isn't ready to be pulled in multiple directions, again.
Dave has always worked full time at Ophir, taking multiple credits. Summer was filled with 18 of them, and Fall and Spring both hold 15. He's nearing the tail end, and I am very proud. Mainly because I worked while going to school, but didn't pull near the grades, nor studied as much, and was not a parent.
Geez, I suck.

I don't know how he does it.
So I guess I will quit complaining and buck up until Christmas break.
You know, cause playing with a stinkin' cute baby all night is rough stuff.

Stripey

2011-08-25T14:51:00.000-06:00

This girl didn't sleep very well last night.

Or the night before.

Recently I've awoken to the most heart wrenching cries, and

Dave and I both struggle trying to settle her down.

The cries, the screams, and tears wouldn't stop. It was almost as if she was having a bad nightmare and couldn't wake out of it.

Me no likey.

But me lovey her striped jammies.

Poor girl.

I hate seeing her so distraught.

*In hindsight, we now know that she was sick. Sore throat.

Not teething.

Strikers Cup

2011-08-23T00:09:00.002-06:00

Congratulations to Chase, whose team over the weekend won The Strikers Cup in Layton.

I must reiterate, from a person who hates soccer, that I enjoy watching these games.

The talent from one year to the next is astonishing.

Way to go, buddy! We are extremely proud!

nine.

2011-08-22T03:14:00.008-06:00

This little girly is nine months old today!

We're getting a taste for her want of independence,

and I am not ready for it.

Sometimes she waves, but she'll get confused and "bobble" her fist on her mouth.

She claps well, and does it with a huge smile.

We don't crawl, just roll around. She'll scoot backward, but still would rather be on her back.

Just this weekend she started to rock on her hands and knees.

We participate in "assisted walking" most of the time when moving from room to room.

She's a great eater, and is getting better feeding herself puffs, pieces of bread, etc.

If you go to put something in her mouth, she reaches to take it from you and proceeds to eat it herself.

The diva side of her sometimes doesn't want her bottle.

She'll take a few gulps and quit, spit it out, make noise and wants more. Takes forever.

She'd rather play with it than suck on it.

No teeth.

Not sleeping through the night.

But that's okay. She really is a great baby.
It's pretty joyous in our home, especially with Daddy having a short break between semesters.

Happy three-quarters-of-a-year Sweet Girl!

GMA

2011-08-19T15:00:00.000-06:00

Bliss is very lucky to get to be with Grandma everyday. They have lots of fun together.
She's not spoiled at all.

Soft Spot

2011-08-18T01:50:00.002-06:00

This is a new addition to the family.

Not my family.

Apparently my Mom has (in her words)

" A lop eared male grey and white bunny soft spot ".

This is what happens when Dad goes on a fishing trip the same weekend as the fair.

He is cute.

He doesn't have a name yet, despite all of my super awesome suggestions.

Pit Stop

2011-08-16T13:49:00.000-06:00

Had to take a swing-stop while at a friend's wedding reception last week.
Costa Vida catered. Saw lots of friends.
Totally fun.

Congratulations, Scott & Amanda!

My Straw-Berry

2011-08-12T05:05:00.003-06:00

Thirsty

2011-08-11T01:10:00.001-06:00

Cooked dinner, again.

Proud?

Grilled lemon tilapia, green apple salad, steamed broccoli + cauliflower, and {Diet Coke}.

Dogs snarfed the leftovers, which happened to only be lemon slices, and grilled onions.

I tried to stop Dave from feeding it to them, and against better judgment - they ate it.

Tim McGraw 8.6.11

2011-08-10T02:35:00.003-06:00

Some girlfriends and I went to Tim McGraw on Saturday night at USANA.
Opening was The Band Perry, and Luke Bryan.
I saw lots of familiar faces, and met some new friends.

Short-Term Toys

2011-08-09T02:02:00.002-06:00

When I need to hit the craft store, Bliss always gets something special.

At least to play with until I am finished.

I actually use this technique in as many stores as possible, but I always head to the boas when I'm thinking with my right brain. [Wallets at TJ Maxx, Stuffed Animals at JC Penney, and Necklaces at Dillards. . .]

It gives her variety from her regular toys.

She's my little shopping buddy, and has recently taken heed to picking out other fun things, too. She grabs clothes, hangers, touches boxes, and her little eyes gaze in all wonder. She especially loves tags.

She'll acquire better taste as she gets older, I'm sure.

She loves sitting in any cart. We recently purchased a germ-barrier-cover to aid in any attempts of touching or sucking the bars. If I happen to forget it then I best just bag shopping altogether because she'll do anything possible to hang on. It really is quite cute, until you snap back into the reality of the "public". I utterly appreciate stores to offer sanitizer at the door, and I'm utterly disgusted with those who don't use it.

I caved this day, though. We brought the boa home 'cause I just couldn't handle the cuteness.

DVD's

2011-08-08T07:50:00.000-06:00

We were eating dinner and watching Bubble Guppies the other night while Bliss played in her walker.
Yes we cooked. Yes we eat on the couch.
Soon we found Bliss staring at us with a DVD case in her mouth.
Little Miss was curious enough to start digging through the entertainment center.

We both laughed, and continued to singalong with Mr. Grouper and the Guppie Gang.

27 Shoes

2011-08-05T04:31:00.007-06:00

It's no secret. Bliss has uber amounts of clothes, shoes, and accessories.

With her growing like crazy, we are going through them like hotcakes. We purchased with the intent to use on average 2 outfits per day, and that isn't happening. We've had a few blowouts, but she is quite clean.

I've put away all the premies, newborns, 0-3 mo., and I'm sorting through the rest to figure out what's too small and what new things we get to pull out. We're running out of room in her dresser, I need a new bin to put the small ones in, and Mommy keeps shopping. Dave does not want another child, but these clothes need a sister for a 2nd go around because they are quite snazzy and barely worn.

Dave is in charge of her shoe collection.
Like father, like daughter, I suppose.
27 pairs. I started sorting them and thought I'd give them a count. It kind of made me sick, except that every pair is sentimental. To name a few: her premie booties were a gift from the NICU, her first pair of leather boots [Mom's got a soft spot here], T-straps that match Mommy's, pink cowboy boots, and houndstooth boots that arrived in the mail last week.
I can't pass up anything that is houndstooth.

We're lucky that the man of the house doesn't discriminate against our habits.

Reading Time

2011-08-04T09:24:00.004-06:00

I don't think an explanation is needed.

Sparkler

2011-07-29T17:21:00.000-06:00

We originally weren't planning on doing anything for the 24th of July.
Both of us worked on the 25th.

We splurged and bought sparklers on our weekly grocery store run.
Bliss stared. Weird, huh?

Our friends, The Meacham's, invited us to watch the fireworks display on Monday night.

We love them. And our husbands have a crush on each other.

Visiting with Grandma

2011-07-29T03:59:00.002-06:00

It was long overdue.

I've been telling myself to stop every time I drive through Hyde Park, and I never do.

Bliss showed Grandma how good she is at picking grass and giggling.

I still think about her all the time. Especially during the summer because that's when we were always visiting and doing fun things together.

I cried as I spoke to her, and even admitted that I hadn't been golfing yet this year.

I told her it was her fault for not being around anymore.

Then we giggled some more, and promised to be back again soon.

Jellies

2011-07-28T05:19:00.000-06:00

Lately, if you give Bliss a bag
She'll pull everything out of it.

Her shoes are some of her favorite toys.
Amongst the jewelry, remote controls, and other non-toylike items.

Diaper Head

2011-07-27T03:42:00.000-06:00

I walked in to this the other day.
I'm certain that Bliss is catching onto the idea that her Dad likes to play.
And make gun sounds.

Our Garbage Smells like Baby Diapers

2011-07-26T06:01:00.002-06:00

I don't often vent blog style.

But last week Miss Jetts decided she needed a new fuel pump.
And radiator hoses.
Our DVD player broke.
So did the vacuum.

My car drives okay, but the check engine light is still on (which has been on for a few years, after filling up at a Maverick). The consensus was issues with an oxygen sensor in the emissions system. Now suddenly there are multiple errors in addition.

I will be out of a car, again, this week as Midas pinpoints each error.
I love Midas.
But I really don't love the idea of a car payment.
Hopefully this is just a phase for this little lady. Otherwise, we're kickin' her to the curb.

Stressful.

Keyboard

2011-07-25T08:59:00.000-06:00

Daddy decided to get the old keyboard out for Bliss.

I guess he was sick of her help.

EIGHT

2011-07-22T04:48:00.002-06:00

I mentioned it at {seven months}, and it holds true that it gets more fun everyday.

Bliss's new Milestones include:

Spitting - [explanation video is in the works]

Laughing Lots

Sleeping in multiple positions

Standing & Taking Steps with help. And wants to stand all the time.
Eating puffs
Pulling everything out of a bags, boxes, drawers . . .
Tilts her head sideways - [another explanation video]
Infatuation with Trees
Picking Grass (and eating it)
Copying
Scoots backward & does back bends
Wearing size 3 diapers
Squealing
Stranger Danger frowns and tears (trying to figure out what characteristics are scary to her)
Loves Jewelry. And Binky.
Shakes her head "NO". Doesn't mean anything, it's just how she plays.
Makes sounds with her mouth/hand/arm [think Indian? - video coming]

Not Quite
No teeth.
We're not crawling.

Still learning how to wave.

Not sleeping through the night.

I could waste all my days just watching this girl play.

I remember the first time she was in her walker.

She just sat there. Couldn't reach the floor, and stared at stuff.
Now she jumps, turns, grabs, yells, and keeps herself happy.
She still loves bath time and reading books.
She really, really loves the dogs.
Daddy can always make her smile.

I don't even know how to further express how much fun we're having.
She's dang funny and she can't even talk!

Chase, Soccer

2011-07-20T17:16:00.000-06:00

Chase is on a competitive soccer team this year.
I didn't even get bored watching.

. . .Totally blows the rec. league out of the park.

Very exciting for Mr. Chase.

Morrell Fam Pics

2011-07-17T10:48:00.001-06:00

A while ago we headed to Layton for Morrell family pictures.

I'm not really sure how they turned out, but Bliss and I had our own cellphone photo shoot.

She loves picking grass.

Accountant, S&S Worldwide

2011-07-15T18:00:00.002-06:00

I started my new job on Monday and I've been loving it.
Granted, it's only week one.
Although I can already see a difference in myself.
Everyone is really kind. Something I haven't experienced in quite some time.
Oh, and everyone else does their job, the manufacturing software is accurate, and the company is profitable.
And so far I haven't been blamed for anything that's not my fault,

or been called "stupid".

I have a weird feeling that this is never going to happen, either.

I guess this is what work is supposed to be like.
At least what I've hoped it could possibly be.
I've kind of lucked out with positive working environments and good bosses.

Since I was 16 I have worked for a restaurateur who doesn't believe in customer service, a financial genius who likes to lie to the government, a CPA who doesn't trust his employees to do much more than make copies, and a narcissist (I think it's best to just leave it at that).

My confidence will take some time to heal, but I feel accomplished to look back at my work experience - thus far - and to understand how all the "ugly" times have influenced and taught me major lessons.

I've also had to learn that I'm not the crazy one, although I do have high expectations.
Though, complaining is totally different than going home in tears.
Luckily my luck has changed. I've landed an excellent position with quite the growth potential.

Wish me luck!

Swing, Swing

2011-07-10T07:18:00.002-06:00

Probably our new favorite family activity.

Beauty & the Beast

2011-07-08T04:38:00.002-06:00

Grandma Steph and Chase sure wiped Bliss out the other day!

Went to pick her up after work and she was zonked in her

cute new Beauty & the Beast stroller they bought her.

Pictures were a must.

Brenda

2011-07-07T17:04:00.001-06:00

I finally met Dave's Aunt Brenda.
It's been about 10 years since he has seen her, too.
Luckily we were able to spend a couple days with them over the 4th of July weekend until they had to go back home to California.

We will sure miss Brenda, Terry, Madysen, and baby Brooklyn.
And hopefully we will be able to catch up with the rest of the clan someday. {SOON}

Meet Miss America

2011-07-06T16:35:00.000-06:00

Bliss loved the fireworks
(until she got tired and we jumped ship to avoid traffic).
Bright lights flashing in the night sky.
Like a giant television.

Thanks Preston & Natalie for a memorable summer night.
Elements Patio. Laughter. Drink Spillage. Fireworks West.

Birthday [sod] Party

2011-07-03T04:35:00.002-06:00

Bliss likes chocolate cake.
Thanks Grandma.

P.S. Happy Birthday!
We celebrated by laying sod at Preston & Natalie's.
Really.
It was a fun time full of dirt, grass fights, (steak knives), pizza, and cake.
Normally we would have had celebrated in regular B-day fashion, but she's skipped town to play in Yellowstone.

Cheers to another year Hot Momma!

Laughing Copy Cat

2011-07-01T01:05:00.002-06:00

It's a giggle fest at our house everyday.
Dogs fighting, belly eating, and Peek-a-Boo. It's all hilarious.

Bliss is starting to mimic us, too.
We laugh, she laughs.
Dave tilted his head to the side the other day. Bliss repeatedly tilted her head, too.
Cody was making sounds with his mouth, and she moved her lips around.

We're beginning to wave Hi. She hasn't quite caught on. She just giggles.
And smiles so wide that her eyes practically close.

Ties that Bond Pt. 2

2011-06-30T10:02:00.001-06:00

Ties that Bond

2011-06-29T13:03:00.000-06:00

Since welcoming a child, it's been hard to figure out what to do with our other children.
Freckles and Harley are a handful. I blame that on us for being less-than-perfect trainers.
Plus they are animals, I guess.
After years of obsessive dog joy, we've been contemplating the idea of letting them go.
Human kids really do change everything, folks.
One day we love the dogs, the next day there's a new hole dug in the backyard.
Sometimes Mommy even forgets that dogs need food, too.
And they most definitely don't receive the cuddle time that they used to.
Should we get rid of them?
Bliss doesn't think so.
She's already obsessed with her older sister and brother. She can't take her eyes off them.
Even when there is a bowl of food in front of her face, she'll turn all the way around in her chair just to look at them. All she is really capable of now is pulling their hair and death gripping their ears. They don't mind.
She loves to stare, and giggles when Freckles licks her.
Darn dog licks everything.
Maybe it's hierarchy? Desperation for any kind of attention, even negative?
I think it's just sibling nature.
They are intrigued with each other.
I can't wait for the fun that is in store.
This is what makes me change my mind about continuing to be a parent of 3.

Loves

2011-06-28T11:23:00.000-06:00

Just a few of my {current} Favorite Things.

Happy Anniversary, My Love

2011-06-27T01:49:00.000-06:00

Thanks for staying silly,
and allowing me to be me.

LP11

2011-06-24T02:52:00.001-06:00

June is a scary time to go to Lake Powell.
At least in my opinion.
Luckily the water was warmer and cleaner for us San Juanians, once we reached San Juan.
Halls Crossing, on the other hand, had poop water that was frigid.
I bathed in it.
Besides a tank leak, missing Danielle, and me not catching an 8-footer. . .

. . .this year's Lake Powell trip was bomb!

DRIVING

BOATING

WATCHING

DRINKING FROM CUPS

BONDING

DONNIE

FISHING

SKIING

HYDROFOILING

RACING

MORNINGS

WATCHING MOVIES

NAPPING

SPLASHING

PLAYING IN THE POOL WITHOUT WATER

CHILLIN'

SCREAMIN' FOR ICE CREAM

Nicole Biking

2011-06-23T15:24:00.000-06:00

I've been mountain biking a few times this year.
I felt like I was getting back into the groove

[since withdrawing from all activity while pregnant],

until last night when I fell into the river. Twice.
At least the first fall was somewhat legit, but the second was just plain stupid.
My cute new tank may or may not be mud stained, my bike shoes are soggy,

and I've lost my confidence - which I didn't have much to begin with.

I walked the rest of the crossings, even on the way down.
And my elbow is battered, and my poor head got slammed.
Wuss.

Seven.

2011-06-22T01:40:00.002-06:00

So far this is my favorite age.
The growth, the progress, the learning... EEKS!
It's incredibly fun, joyous and extremely humbling.
EXTREMELY.

Weight: 17 Pounds 6 Oz. 61%

Height: 24.75 Inches 7%

Head: 42.5 CM 35%

Yes, she is a shorty.
We're rolling folks. Front to back, back to front, up, down, and sideways.
Smiles 99% during awake time.
She is happy. Very Happy.
She likes all kinds of foods.
Sometimes she gags down the first bite, but slurps down the remains.
She especially likes what you're eating.
Very handsy. Grabs, pulls, touches, and eats everything.
Good luck trying to do anything while holding her. It'll get saliva-ed or crushed.

i.e. Trying to read her 7 month progress sheet in the doctor's office. Paper is way too fun.

Excellent at standing. She just hangs onto your fingers.
She likes to dance, and wiggle. (Break it down, DJ Lance!)
Her favorite "thing" is Donnie Dog.
Binky is becoming more of a friend, too.
She likes to giggle, touch, and eat herself in the mirror.
Sleeping is getting better.
We still get up about once a night, but Binky usually gets her right back to sleep.
Praise the Lord, Hallelujah!

We love our Munchykin.

Daddy

2011-06-19T00:32:00.001-06:00

Happy Father's Day to the most stellar fella!
We think you are the best, even when you're doing homework.

Cartoon Time

2011-06-11T04:44:00.001-06:00

Mornings really are the best.
Especially on the weekends.

Pickles

2011-06-10T11:54:00.000-06:00

We go out to eat a lot.
Okay, like every night.
I'm not super proud about it, but I haven't yet mastered a culinary time and planning schedule.
We've had a few difficult trips with Bliss, but as long as she is occupied she does pretty well.
Spoons, straws, sugar packets, pickles, and rolls...

...and of course any time you let her sip some water out of a cup.

Reading Hat

2011-06-09T04:21:00.004-06:00

We bought Bliss a fedora when she was an infant.
It's finally starting to fit (kind of), and Daddy has turned it into a reading hat.
Every night after bath time, I find the two of them playing around with books and hats.
I also get in trouble when we read without the hat.

1st Boat Ride

2011-06-08T05:08:00.002-06:00

Some of us actually braved the icy water.
Not me. Crazies.

Rock Hard Abs

2011-06-07T16:52:00.000-06:00

Constant "Happy Whining"

2011-06-04T16:16:00.000-06:00

Six.

2011-05-22T11:23:00.000-06:00

Grabs & Sucks Feet

Sits Alone

Wants to eat what you're eating.

Loves to "drink" out of a water bottle.

Isn't rolling, but scooting. Lay her down, and the next thing you know she's upside down.

Recognizes objects and reaches for them.

A really good eater.

Squash seems to be her favorite, but we've tried sweet potatoes, beans, carrots, pears, and bananas.

Often lays awake in her crib, quiet, and content in the mornings.

Loves Yo Gabba Gabba, Bubble Guppies, and Team Umi Zoomi. Quiets her right up.

Really progressing with her walker.

She couldn't touch the ground 2 weeks ago, and now she's getting mobile.

Loves getting her face tickled.

I do this and sing songs to her at night and she falls right asleep.

Her brain is really developing.

It's fun to watch her coordination get better;

You can see her brain churning through her eyes.

I think Dave would agree with me by saying this is the funnest age so far.

She's a growing human being; developing pretty much every-single-day.

It's nuts. Baffling.

We're having so much fun with our happy little princess, six months old and all.

Toys

2011-05-21T09:10:00.002-06:00

In my attempt to buy as few baby "things" as possible, we now have a walker to add to our larger-than-expected plethora of baby "things".
Just last week she was getting used to it, and couldn't even touch the ground.
She now gradually moves around, stands up on her feet, attempts to eat all the toys, and bangs on the piano keys.

Independence

2011-05-20T01:47:00.002-06:00

Can't feed herself, but she wants to.

Sick Baby

2011-05-19T01:46:00.002-06:00

Bliss caught her first illness. It started with goopy eyes, and is ending with a cough. We've had a few restless nights. I've slept quite a bit in her rocker, cuddling with her on my chest. It's totally no fun, but I love being able to comfort her.
Antibiotics are halfway gone, and she's starting to act like herself again.

Storytime

2011-05-18T10:44:00.001-06:00

The Walker's

2011-05-17T15:48:00.000-06:00

I talk about them everyday as if I was one of them. Seriously. My family will vouch.

Through the sibling rivalries, dinner parties, presidential campaigns, divorces, heart-attacks, financial crises, cancer, weddings, Iraqi war, pregnancies, pregnancy scares, affairs, William's surprising secrets, and the wine... Oh the WINE...
Every episode, I laughed, cried, bawled, and received bouts of anxiety.
I looked forward to seeing them every Sunday.

Brothers & Sisters (aka The Greatest Show in the World) has been cancelled. After five incredible seasons, ABC has certainly dropped the ball. perhaps the least thing they could have done was given us a feasible ending.

I've been taken back to the final episode of The OC. I thought the world was over, yet here I am again waiting for the world to be over again. I've contemplated the thought of sitting in a dark closet and eating brownies, just waiting for the pain to go away.
Ryan Atwood checking on a young boy in distress, just like Sandy Cohen once had with himself... Now that is a series finale! And that was FOX!
[Please disregard my extreme emotional attachments to the television I consume.]

Ratings. Yes, I get it.

ABC wasn't making as much money off of this show as they'd like. But they left me hanging, and I don't like that either!

What's going to happen to Kitty's baby? When is Saul's wedding?

Umm, what's up with Tommy? Will Kevin and Scotty continue to have baby drama?

And most importantly, are Nora and Brody going to rekindle their love???

I'm glad that Sarah and Luc are now officially "The Laurent's",

but is Justin ever going to find his long lasting love?

I thought we'd surely see Rebecca again, and Holly...

well I never really cared about that whore. Really; She was their dead father's mistress.

There's still a little hope out there, though. Brothers & Sisters might possibly be picked up by another network. Think Weeds, Dexter, Southland...

So I can only hope.

I'll miss you, Nora Walker.

Zoe Zebra

2011-05-13T11:57:00.000-06:00

She makes a great headrest.

Cookout

2011-05-12T11:51:00.000-06:00

The fire was stare-worthy for Bliss.
My favorite part was when she fell asleep in my arms.
Many, many more cookouts to come.
So Fun.

Giggles

2011-05-11T12:10:00.003-06:00

While buying Mother's Day cards,

I received the best Mother's Day gift.

Wrist Rolls

2011-05-07T08:19:00.000-06:00

These were captured on Easter.
HAPPY EASTER!

NYY

2011-05-06T02:31:00.000-06:00

We gotta keep the tradition going...

Pqchoo Pqchoo Bang Pow

2011-05-05T12:39:00.002-06:00

{I Think} Bath time has become one of Bliss's favorite times of day.
She really loves Crabbie Pattie,

especially when Daddy shoots water out of her mouth

while making gun sounds.