Our Unforgettable Thanksgiving, Part II

7:45 AM: Here we come Triage. I couldn't even check myself cause the contractions were so bad. I just wanted to walk immediately into a labor and delivery room, but of course I needed be admitted into Triage first. Taking off my clothes to get on the gown proved to be a little more difficult than I had ever imagined because the arms holes have weird snaps and so I just stood naked in the room waiting for the nurse to come in and help John and I try to figure this contraption out. Finally, the nurse came in, fixed my gown and checked me and I was already 6-7cm and my water still had not broken. She said that I was ready to go and they called the anesthesiologist to perform my epidural so that it would be ready for me when they wheeled me down to my room. That's right, I didn't even walk down to L&D cause the contractions were coming so fast and strong.

Once I was in my room, the contractions were fast and furious and I really didn't want to answer any of the questions they were asking me. I also don't remember what any of them were except for when the nurse asked me If I had wooden teeth. After I said no and got through the contraction, I was really confused as to why the hospital has to ask us that kind of question. She said that it was protocol.

Then the anesthesiologist came in, the nurse sat me up and I was ready to go. The numbing medicine, of course, hurt really bad but oddly enough the epidural hurt as well. There was a ton of pressure in my back and they had to redo the spot where they put it in. I just wanted the pain of the contractions to end because when I was breathing (i.e. groaning and moaning) I was actually bearing down and they really didn't want me to do that. So back to deep breaths that were incredibly uncomfortable but it was worth it cause in about 3-5 minutes the epidural kicked in and I was starting to feel much better. Then I had time to call my mom and let her know what was going on and check on Luci to see how she was doing since she didn't get to see us leave that morning.

Now at this point, the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade was on and I was starving. So the nurse gave me the option of ice chips or a popsicle. I was all over that popsicle because I hadn't eaten since the night before. Then about 9:00, the nurse came back in to check my cervix and said that I was almost completely dilated so she called in the resident doctor to break my water. Doing this caused me to be completely dilated and within 15 minutes my doctor was there and suiting up to deliver the baby. Typically, they let the nurses do a couple of the pushes without the doctor but since it was my second baby and I was progressing rather quickly I had to wait.

When I was delivering Luci, I had no clue that I was having contractions or knew about my need to push. But this time, it was a completely different story because I was feeling the pressure and knew that it was time. After 3 pushes, the baby's head was crowning and the doctor said I probably could have pushed in out but she wanted me to stretch out a little bit more so that I didn't have any tearing. During the 4th push, his head was coming out and she actually told me to slow down so that she could help him out. Of course, I heard everyone say that the baby was coming and even before his arms were out, silly me asked if it was a boy or girl? Then he was out and I looked at John and was like, WELL???? and he said it was a BOY! I, then asked what time he was born and it was 9:59 am. I can't believe that after only a little more than 2 hours, we had arrived and had a new baby. Totally and Completely different than my 11 hour labor for my first baby.

I still cannot believe how fast this delivery was and that he was healthy. Jacob's apgar scores were an 8, 9, so he looked great! Then after they checked him, I got to try and feed him. Go figure he's a Boob Man. He's a typical guy and latched on like a champ. I figure this is because he is my second baby so I'm a little more relax and that he is a man. Then by about 10:30 am, they took me down to my recovery room and I was already walking around and could pee on my own. So they told me that if I would like, I could go home the next day! That was some great news because I was missing my first baby and couldn't wait to have her meet him. Our family reunion was a little teary eyed (ok a lot teary eyed, from all of us) but now we are ready to take on the world as a family of four!

We'll Never Forget this Thanksgiving! Part 1

Our Thanksgiving this year was truly a blessing! Our Son, Jacob John was born at 9:59 am, Thanksgiving Morning. He weighed in at 7 pounds 10 ounces and is 20 inches long.

I truly was completely surprised when my Thanksgiving plans were totally changed this year. Wednesday night, I was beginning to prep all the food that I could for our dinner on Friday. I made Coffee Cake for John so that we could have a nice relaxing breakfast, watch the parade and he could play his new Super Mario Bros. game for the Wii all day. My doctor thought that I was crazy for trying to tackle Thanksgiving at my house this year especially since she knew that I was already 4 cm dilated on Wednesday morning. I knew that it might be a little stressful but I love cooking and figured that would make for a semi-easy Turkey dinner. Little did I know that when I went to bed Wednesday night that chaos would ensue in the wee hours of the morning.

Let's fast forward to 2 am Thursday Morning: I'm sitting on the computer writing a status update about how pregnancy insomnia sucks and how I wish I could just fall back asleep. Knowing full well that sleep was very far off at this point, I decided to turn on the tv and watch my dvr'd Biggest Loser from the other night. After that was over, I figured that it was time to go back to bed and see if I could get some semblance of sleep before having to tackle more food prep the next day and juggle taking care of Luci at the same time.

4:45 (in my bed): Now to top off the pregnancy insomnia, I was getting Braxton Hicks (or what I thought) in the middle of the night as well. After about 15 minutes of braxton hicks coming every 5 minutes and getting strong, yes I was timing them because I couldn't sleep, I decided that I was going to really start watching the clock. 5:30 rolled around and I just had this hunch that maybe these contractions weren't stopping and they were getting more painful. I told John that I was going to call my mom and have her leave her house to come stay with Luci cause I just didn't think that I was going to make it. So after sobbing on the phone to my mom, she was on the road from Cincinnati to Columbus as fast as she could get here.

Well, I knew I had to pass about an hour and an half of time and I still didn't have my bag for the hospital fully pack and I really wanted to be fresh and clean when I went to the hospital. (At this point, I still hadn't called my doctor yet cause I was still timing contractions to make sure this was the real thing.) In the span of my 10-15 minute shower, I had gotten about 4 contractions that made me have to stop and hold onto the wall before I could progress on. After getting dressed and packed, I decided that maybe it was time to call the doctor. So at about 6:30 am, I called in and told her what was going on and she said why don't you head on in. Not was it till after Jacob was born that she told me that she was worried I wasn't going to make it cause I was waiting for my mom to come up from Cincinnati.

Then we were just playing a waiting game (where I had time to update my facebook status) for my mom to get here. I'm sure I called her every 10 minutes or so when I wasn't having excruciating contractions to find out where she was. Finally at 7:15 she showed up. I barely had time to say hi and give her Luci's instructions before we were out the door.

We decided to take the sports car so that my mom could have the car seat for Luci, to the hospital and boy was that the wrong choice of car. Not only could I feel every bump on the road, my contractions were now every 3 minutes apart and I was breathing very heavily. It felt like the longest ride ever. We got to the hospital and then started to make our way up to triage...

Stay Tuned for the Birth!

Finally, Some Progress!

Taken from Mommy's Blog: I’ve been anticipating this doctor’s appointment for quite some time now because once the internal exams start then I feel like I know where things are headed. Walking into the office, I was hoping for the best (i.e. head over to the hospital you are ready to go) but expecting the worst (i.e. less than 1cm and closed up tight as could be). Logically, I knew that I would be somewhere in the middle (at least that’s what I was hoping). After my bout with heartburn the past couple days, when asked how I was doing today, I firmly stated that I was done! And I could just tell that she knew it, too.

Got the lovely Strep B done today as well and for some reason that grosses me out more than having someone’s hand all the in my cervix. I think it’s the little stick that does it. Oh well, I’m sure that will all be fine. I was also forced into get the H1N1 vaccine after much deliberation and discussion, I caved and got it. #1: I hate shots and will go to any length not to have to get one. #2: I am just worried that I am going to get sick from the shot (hence today I’m ingesting 10 gallons of water so that I can flush out any lingering bugs in my system out) But on the flip side, I am glad that I didn’t have to wait in those massive 3 hour + lines for the public. And I outright told my doctor that if I come back next week with any sort of cold or flu like symptoms she is never going to hear the end of it. She just laughed and told me that she would take all the blame. Serves her right for wanting to stick me with two things today.

Anyways, the exam went better than expected. Even though I made my expectations really low, I truly thought I was going to be about two. So when I laid back, feet in stirups, ready to go, I told the doc “just please be more than one.” And I think she was surprised that I was 3cm and 50% effaced!!! And the baby’s head is down! We are in launch position! Now as happy as that makes me, I just think back to when I was pregnant with Luci and was at exactly the same spot as I was today and SHE WAS 2 DAYS LATE! So, with this being said, with this unusually nice weather we are having. We are going to walk everyday at least once outside unless it is too cold to handle then we are just to run around the house like crazy.Either way, I have a rambunctious toddler that can make this happen. Other home remedies will also be apply and I know one that will make John a very happy camper . I’m determined to not have too many more appointments and whatever I can to do help this along, I’m gonna do it (except drink weird things like castor oil, I really don’t want to upset my esophagus anymore than I already have ).

So less talking, more walking!

Hiya Punko!

Punko is becoming the most popular word around our house now, because it's Halloween season and there are pumpkins all over the place. Yes, if you haven't guessed, Punko means pumpkin! Last weekend, we went and got our carving pumpkins and a few little ones for Halloween at the same place we went last year because it's a pick your apple and pumpkin farm. It was a little chilly that day so we didn't stay long, but I had a blast running in and out of all the pumpkins on the field. Mommy even got some apples so that we could make apple pie, yum.

This year for Halloween I am going to be a fairy. Mommy got smart and found a costume where I don't have to wear anything on my head cause we all know that won't last.

I am now set up in my big girl room and here are some pictures to get a better idea:


Among punko being one of my favorite words, I am also very much into saying hi and bye to everyone we see at stores and everywhere we go. Another favorite word of mine is now "More", but for some reason Mommy always makes me say "Pease" (Please). The same goes for when I say "uppy". I don't get it all I want is for someone to pick me up.

I'm also getting a new set of chompers, my canine teeth are finally starting to pop through. This is not fun cause they started coming in the same week I got my flu shot, so I was all drooly and had a running nose as a side effect. Mommy said I was gross and I couldn't figure out why she was always carrying around a tissue.

As for the baby, Mommy is so ready to be done. With only 6.5 weeks to go, it is getting harder and harder for her to bend down, sit on the ground, roll over in bed. Pretty much anything that is different than just sitting in a chair or standing in one place. So we'll see, I think she is hoping that we have a Thanksgiving baby or even earlier if possible so that she can move like a normal person again. Plus the baby is really active and we don't think that he/she rests at all. Hopefully, this is not a sign of things to come.

So for now, I give you my farewell as I do with everyone, Byebye Shelly, Byebye Daddy, Byebye mommy, byebye Shello

Ta Da! Mommy!

Yep, that's right we've got a certified talker on our hands. Daddy was asking Mommy not too long ago if I had 40 words in my vocabulary (which I'm supposed to have by 21 months) and today she can say yes! Everyday, I usually go through my list of words that I like to say a lot. Bye Bye Shelly, Bye Bye Daddy, Bye Bye Mommy, Car Baby, Hello Kitty, Hi Baby, Daddy Pool (we just started tearing apart our pool), Cracker, and much more.

The new words that I have added to my repertoire include Ta Da (and yes I do the hand motions as well), Night Night (referring to the large amount of blankets and binkies that I sleep with) and Mi Mi (which is my equivalent to Milky). Where I came up with that, no one knows.

At 19 months, I'm weighing about 25.5 pounds and growing like a weed at around 32.5 inches. Still wearing 18 months clothes because I have no hips or butt to hold them up (who knows where I get that from). I've officially been in my "big girl" room for about a month now and it is slowly getting decorated with all my things. We are still waiting on my new dresser and once that comes all my clothes can come out of the baby's room.

Speaking of the baby, he/she/it is measuring right on schedule but I think Mommy would be ok if the baby decided to make an early entrance into the world. Poor Mommy is still having a hard time with her hip and now sleeping comfortably has become an issue. The dreaded third trimester stuffy nose has made it's way back into the picture making it hard for Daddy to sleep well cause Mommy has to breathe out of her nose.

Sitting on the ground with me is also becoming a chore in itself and I'm sure that giving me baths is not going to be an easy task in a couple weeks.

Moving on Up!

To my big girl room. After weeks of trying to get my new room painted...it is done. Daddy did a great job and the stripes are even and everything. Now we just need to get some furniture and we'll be all set. Hopefully, Mommy's September 1st deadline will be feasible still. But for now, I just like running around the room and screaming (because my voice is very echo-y in the empty room). It's so much fun and I can't wait to move on up to my big girl room!

A week of appointments

After two hours in the ob/gyn office and another half an hour in the pediatrician's office, I'm done with doctors for awhile. But earlier this week, we did get to the baby on a little tv at the doctor's office. I apparently was really good while we were there and even very attentive when looking at the alien baby on the screen. The tech told Mommy and Daddy that the baby looks good and is growing really well. He/she's weight is about 1.5 pounds and we are measuring at an even earlier due date of December 4th. Now, we have four different due dates, so Mommy is giving up and just telling everyone that it will probably be sometime around the first week of December. Who knows, I showed up two days late for my party, so maybe this baby will come early.

While, we were there the tech asked Mommy and Daddy if they wanted to find out the sex of the baby and they told her no which was a good thing because baby had no intentions of showing us anything. He/She was all closed up and there was no way we were going to see a thing. He/She was also moving around a lot so it was hard for the tech to tell because of all the movement. But all in all, everything looks good and on track.

Later this week was my 18 month doctor's appt with no shots! Yeah! It was one of the faster appts. we have ever been to because Mommy didn't really have any questions and there were no shots. I am now weighing in at 24lbs 6 ounces and have moved up in my percentile to around 55% so I'm no longer a tiny little peanut. Mommy thinks I've gained some muscle from climbing all over the place. For my height, I am 32 inches and in the 65-70% range which Mommy knows is defintely not from her and I will most likely be taller than her. The doctor said that everything looked good and that he wouldn't need to see me again till my birthday. He did tell Mommy that now is the age that time outs can start working as a form of discipline. I didn't really like the sound of that. I'm just expressing myself when I scream and throw mini tantrums. Plus no one fully understands me cause I only have about a 30 word vocabulary at this time. It's not my fault that I know what I need and no one else does.

The words aren't coming out right

I feel like no one understands me. I talk and talk and all Mommy ever says is uh huh or ok. But that's doesn't even make sense to what I'm saying. Apparently, she wants me to speak her language and I'm saying a lot but it's just coming out so she can understand me. In human, non-baby language, I'm up to about 15-20 words.

Mommy's favorite is now for the past couple weeks I have been saying mama and really know what it means. It makes her so happy that I can say it, but I think she's worried that I'm gonna use against her or over use it. Other words that I have been saying now for some time and very clearly are: baby, ball, fishy, dog, kitty, dada (of course), shellshell (for shelly), cracker, uh oh, all done, all gone, nana (bananas), and I'm pretty sure I said apple today.

Last week, Mommy and I stayed in Cincinnati to help Grandma out with some things and of course, wouldn't you know it while we were gone I cut my 2 top molars at the same time. Mommy had just given me Cheez-its and was changing my diaper when she noticed that I had orange stuff on my gums (which turned out to be a tooth). Now that she recalls, I was chewing on everything for a couple days, but it didn't really seem to bother me.

The bottom two teeth were a whole other story. Last saturday was Aunt Jessa grad party and we had a blast and I even got to stay up really late (9pm). We were just going to stay at Grandpa's house but Mommy thought it might be better if we stayed at Uncle Kenny's so that everyone could get some sleep. She must be some kind of psychic because it was so much better that we were there because I ended up teething that night with my bottom two molars and was up about 4 times that night. Good thing Mommy thought ahead and brought tylenol and teething tablets or we would have been in a world of hurt.

Now for those of you who have lost track, I am now up to 11 teeth. The one tooth that I'm missing in the set is the one next to the big front tooth that I have in the front. I should also be getting my four canine teeth pretty soon as well. Mommy recalls that Dr. Matt told her at my 15 month appt. that the next months were going to be full of teething and he was right.

Next up for me, getting into my big girl room (once it is painted) and we are going to attempt potty training in the next few weeks with the 3 day method that Mommy learned from my music teacher. Here's to only having one kid in diapers at a time. Cross your fingers :)

Let's Compare

Here's Mommy with Me at 20 weeks, carrying nice and high. Looking very perky and not really tired.
Here's Mommy again with my Baby at 20 weeks carrying a lot lower, probably cause I stretched out her stomach muscles, looking a little more tired, maybe she should try cucumbers under her eyelids. Same shirt and all. Let's see how much different she looks this time. The funny thing is she is at the same weight as she was with me at this time, but is looking a little bigger in the belly. That's what having a baby does to you.

Don't Forget about Me!

Ok, so after trying several different times to get my picture to work, I'm upside down. Which by the way is how I prefer to see the world. :) This is my first photo taking when I was about 10 weeks gestation. If you look closely you can see arms, a head and a body, and what appears to be a tail. This is the last time you will see a picture of my full body until I'm outta there. Mommy and Daddy has decided (at the present time) that at my next ultrasound they would like to keep my private area a surprise. I would great appreciate it as well, as I don't really want people staring at my peepee.

The doctor says that everything looks good and my heartrate at Mommy's last appointment was around the 150's. I was measuring well and the next time we go in will probably be another quickey.

Even though I'm not kicking Mommy yet, she's pretty sure there is something going on down there. She has been crampy lately, so maybe that means I'm moving all her organs around and growing up to be big and strong. She would like some sort of movement from me to know that just because Luci jumps on Mommy a lot, that everything is a-ok.

Will updated again when we have our next appt. after the Fourth of July.

I'm a Jabbering Monkey.

Now onto more important updates: ME!

Last week, I finally got my 7th tooth and boy did it take a toll on me and Mommy for a little while. There were about 3-4 days where I just couldn't sleep comfortably and I was definitely achy. My teeth are definitely chompers and I just don't know where I am going to fit the rest of them when they come in. Hello, braces!

Daddy and I took our first road trip together sans Mommy up to Perrysburg. Mommy had to work that night, so she had the night to herself (kinda she was working) and the most of the next day. It's like she was living the single life again. Yeah, right. She went to bed as soon as she got home and got up earlier than normal to run errands. But Daddy and I had fun and everything went smoothly even though Mommy was worried that Daddy was going to feed me McDonald's or something very out of the ordinary for me.

One of my new favorite activities is climbing but the problem is that my legs are just not quite long enough to get on most things like the couch that I want to. I did, however, master the futon cause it is lower to ground, but I get really frustrated with the couch in the den because for some reason Mommy doesn't always like to be a climbing tool.

My vocab is slowly expanding day by day. My non-verbal vocab is great and I understand what most things are including things on the face. I know, eye, teeth, nose, ear, cheek, chin. I know what to do when Mommy tells me to get something. And if I drop a toy under the couch, I crouch down and look under there to see what is missing. As for my verbal vocab, I'm saying things (some not quite clearly) like Dada, Mama, Hi (just learned this one yesterday and said it literally 1000 times), Buh-Bye, Shelly (the h is a little hard), All Done (mostly done with hand motions) , Uh Oh (this one I used all the time), All Gone (also with hand motions), KeyKey (meaning kitty) and Eye (which I think is interchangable with Hi).

Now, we are on a break from Music Class and Story Time this week, Mommy has filled it with errands and swimming in the pool ( which is still a little cold). Next week, Story Time starts up again as well as our new class, Swim Class at the Bexley Pool. Yeah for summer fun!

Moving on Up!

I always deliver my promise of updating my fans of what is going on with me and my baby (peanut, fishy) .

Our house is in the process of one big change and the rooms are not like they used to be. In order to make room for the baby, Mommy and Daddy have been busy cleaning out the office. Most of the rooms in the house are now used for different things then they used to be not more than a week ago.

Let's see if you can follow all the madness that is going around here lately:

The sun room which was our dinner room (that we never ate in) is now where we moved the futon and tv from upstairs. The console table that was in the living is now where the tv sits.

The living room is now an actually living room, not a play room. The coffee table and rocker from the den made their debuts into that room and the couches played switch-a-roo.

The den nows houses the tv (which daddy mounted on the wall), all my toys and is Mommy's new office space.

The basement is now officially a man cave. Daddy and Uncle Mike took the desk off the wall in the office and moved it down to the basement and all of Daddy's computer stuff took a trip down there as well. Mommy actually misses being able to work next to him but they can always instant message or text each other when they need something.

The office is almost a blank slate to become the bedroom for the princess, i.e. me! There are still a few odds and ends that need to be cleared out, but the closet is pretty much empty and now we just got to find my bedding and a dresser and then Grandma's got to come up and paint. Hint Hint! :)

Everyone is adjusting well to all the new changes except Shelly. She just doesn't know where to lay down.

Travelling Girl

Yes, I know it's been about a month since I've blogged but things have been really busy. Or should I say, Mommy has been really busy working on her website which takes up most of the time that she should use to tell everyone about ME!

Let's see, what's new: Went up to Brecksville last weekend for Aunt Jessa's Graduation and Grandpa's Birthday. I spent the day with Uncle Kenny and Aunt Katy while everyone else went to graduation. Most of the time, I slept and got up with a surprise for the two of them. Aunt Katy went to get me up and told Kenny that I was stinking. Well, they went to lay me down and she had poop on her shirt and I had it all the way up my back and down my legs. Needless to say, that when Mommy called Kenny said that he was calling Nuclear Waste to come get the diaper. Well, at least Mommy didn't have to change it. She gets plenty herself to do.

The weekend before, Aunt Jessa came down and visited us and Mommy and Daddy got to have a night out while Aunt Jessa and I played. We went to the mall and found her a graduation dress and got me a new "baby" suit for the pool. It's so cute and Mommy and I already used it to swim in our pool.

Memorial Day: Mommy and I ventured down to Cincinnati to have a picnic with Grandma, Gammy and Gappy, Grandpa and his fam. It was a great day and didn't rain and I got to play with rocks, sticks, and all the kids. Even though I missed my nap, I had a lot of fun being outside and enjoying nature.

The week before that: Mommy, Daddy and I went up to Perrysburg so that they could get their teeth cleaned and I got to play with Grandma and Aunt Val. We spent a lot of time outside and just enough time inside so that I could torture the dogs.

Needless to say, I'm very tired from all the driving and will post again soon about all the new things I'm doing and give you an update on my little bro/sis.

I actually just got home from another trip with just Daddy to Perrysburg, so I'm spent.

Barking like a Seal!

It's no fun being sick and I should know because I've been sick since Wednesday and I don't like it. It started off as a normal day and then Mommy noticed that I started to sound like a barking seal when I coughed. This continued on all day and got even worse at night. That night I got up several time between 8-11 and Mommy tried a couple different things to help me clear out my chest. We started in the bathroom with steam from the shower for as long as we could stand it then she filled up my humidifier and put me back to sleep. One of those two things must have worked well enough cause I slept the rest of the night.

The next morning, I had my well check up at the doctors which Mommy was happy about cause then she could ask Dr. Matt what was going on with me. She thought it was croup from the symptoms that I had. He never said but the things that Mommy did to fix it worked. I was still a little coughy that morning but then the diarrhea started and boy was it stinky. Mommy had to change me at the doctor's office and they had to get of the diaper outside cause it was so bad. The nurse weighed me in at 21lbs6oz (25%) and measured me at 30.5 in (50%) which is what Mommy thought it was going to be. Since I didn't have a bacterial infection or a fever, they gave me my shots and both Mommy and I were going to be in for a long day and night.

The coughing continued all day and so did the diarrhea and then that night the fever came. Around 10:30pm, Yes I had much up and down since 8pm, Mommy checked my temp. and it was 102.3, so here were go for my 3rd round of Tylenol that day. That dose must have helped along with stripping me down to a onesie and light pants for jammies cause I slept for the rest of the night and was cooler in the morning.

Friday was better and only two spouts of diarrhea in the morning cause Mommy put me on the blandest diet ever that day to get rid of the wet poop. But it didn't really matter cause I wasn't hungry at all. I barely at anything all day and refused some of my normal foods even bananas. Weird, I know. Mommy was able to get me to drink more liquids than normal so that I didn't get dehydrated. Last night, I actually slept the whole night with no coughing, no fever and no waking up. In fact, Mommy woke up before me and I'm still snoozing away.

Today I have my first Kindermusik class so I hope I'm not still feeling under the weather so that I can participate and have fun.

By the way, our little peanut is doing just fine. He/she will update when we go to the next doctor's appt. Everything so far is going smooth.

I'm Gonna Be A Big Sister!!

As most of you already know, I'm gonna be a big sister. Well, today, Mommy, Daddy and I went to see the baby for the first time at the doctor's office. It was very exciting and a little bit boring cause we had to wait so long to get in, but everything looked good and the ONE baby is just fine.
I know that Aunt Tori thought there was going to be two, but when the doctor looked on the monitor there was just one baby. Whew, could you imagine????

Mommy originally thought that her due date was December 5th according to the internet, but the doctor told her that she thinks it is December 6th. Now wait, it gets even more complicated than that...the baby actually measured from crown to rump (haha what a funny word) 10 weeks 3 days, which actually puts us at December 2nd. So for now, let's just say that I will have a new baby around the first week of December. :) I showed up late for my party, so who knows what this baby has in mind.

Mommy has been feeling a little different with this pregnancy than the last. For one, she noticed right away that she didn't break out with a face full of zits! But on the flip side, it's almost like she has to eat or have something in her stomach to not feel nauseous. She hasn't thrown up at all (no one wants to hear or see that), but the queasiness is a little daunting. It's almost like this baby can't get enough to eat.

For all of you who are wondering, we are not finding out the sex of the baby. We want it to be a surprise and it definitely will be. We also won't be divulging any names, so don't ask. :) Mommy says there are few surprises in life and for those of you impatient people (Aunt Jessa) you will just have to wait. :)

We'll put the ultrasound pictures up soon, so be on the lookout!

Riding My Horsey!

Summer Lovin'!

Well, the past week really felt summer was just around the corner. Mommy and me went to the park four days in a row. I'm so exhausted from all the running around I did, but I can't wait for the nice weather to settle in so we can make this a daily excursion. I love playing in the dirt and picking up rocks and sticks to give to Mommy so that she will hold them for me. The dandelions in the park are very enticing and I just felt the need to pick them all up.

During our stint of great weather, Mommy and I also took a trip to the Columbus Zoo. We were going to try and see the baby elephant that was just born, but the line to see him was like 2 hours long (not exaggerating). So we went and saw the other elephants, which were just as good. I loved the gorillas and the bonobos (monkey like animals) because they were so active and jumping around like crazy. We also went to the petting zoo and I just loved the goats and sheep to death. Of course, I attacked them like they were big Shellys. I tend to hit animals. I just don't know how hard my hand actually is sometimes. Mommy has to remind me to be gentle and although she didn't want me kissing the goats, she does make me kiss Shelly to be nice.

Some new things that I have recently started doing: I love to pat my belly, my knees, Mommy's knees, Mommy's belly. Mommy's nose, teeth and eyes are getting quite the good amount of attention because I know where and what they are now. I do know where mine are too, but it's much more fun to smack Mommy in the face to point out to her where her facial features are.

Once again, I've added new repertoire to my dancing and that is tapping one foot at a time. Mommy tells me to tap my foot and I can do it like a champ.

Mommy and Daddy had been talking for awhile about when I'm going to get birthmarks and freckles and the like. Well, a couple days after their discussion of my upcoming moles, Mommy discovered a round little birthmark on my left leg right on my shin bone. It appeared almost like out of no where, but now it's here to stay.

I've also been practicing coming down the stairs at home. While, I still prefer for Mommy to carry me, I can do it. I think she would like for me to become more comfortable with this so that she doesn't have to worry about me falling down the stairs again.

Next up, look for more new and exciting things to occur.

Spinning Like a Top!

Last week, I added some new repertoire to my dancing skills. I still do the bouncing, but I have added spinning around, a little bit of swaying, patting my belly and shaking my butt. It's all very fun and sometimes I get so mixed up in what I am trying to do that I tend to fall down sometimes. Mommy can still get me to dance by singing "Single Ladies", mostly the uh, uh, oh part, but I will dance to any type of music that is playing. We even went to the store the other day and I was dancing for the ladies that worked there. They got a kick out of my bouncing, but most people do. Mommy caught me singing along with her the other day. I say the uh, uh, oh part with her when she sings it too. Also, we were reading a book and one of the questions asks, "What does the busy baby say" and they say "uh oh." If Mommy says uh oh before me I will repeat it after her and very clearly nonetheless. She thinks it's really cute.

Just a little plug for Mommy, she started a new website last week called www.livingmyMoMent.com. Check it out. It's a site for moms and those Moms who run their own businesses get free advertising on the site. If you know of any moms that have their own business and would like this kind of extra traffic to their site, please let Mommy know. She would be happy to add them.

Now, back to me. A couple weeks ago, Mommy thought she spotted a tooth coming in on the top, but apparently it is just not ready to pop through yet. It's been right on the cusp for a couple weeks now, but someone on the bottom decided to beat it through. The left lateral bottom incisor (did you catch all that ) is poking through just a little bit. This should make biting off pieces of food even easier than when I did it with just my gums and the four teeth that I already have. My teeth are taking their sweet ole time coming in. Oh the joys of teething.

Hopping Along!

Happy Easter to all! We just got done celebrating Easter at Grandma and Grandpa Plum's and boy is there a lot of candy that goes along with this holiday. I think that I am going to be on a sugar high for days, but I like it. This is the first holiday that I have now celebrated twice, but last year I was too little to enjoy the goodies that came along with it. The Easter bunny brought me some new crayons, new shoes for my fancy new dress, and of course a bunny! We went to church yesterday morning where Grandpa is the campus pastor and I got to play with some other little kids my age in the nursery. I think that Mommy was more worried about how it would go leaving me with people I didn't know but it was easy and I didn't even really notice that she was gone. I had a blast and Grandma and Grandpa even came to see me and I didn't care they were there either. Easter dinner was good and then I got another basket that I had to find with clues. It was fun, but I definitely like the presents that came inside and can't wait for more candy.

Two weeks ago, Mommy and I went to my first story time at the library. It's only for like 25 minutes but there is enough time to play with the other kids beforehand which is a lot of fun. The librarian reads a couple books, sings lots of songs, does things with puppets and it is very entertaining. We get to sit on these little round cushions and so far, both times, I have helped to put them away. I like to move things into boxes and if she let me, I would probably take them out too. Mommy likes it cause we get to get out of the house for a little while and to see other mommies with their kids.

Adding onto my moon walking, I have decided that it is very cool to spin around. This move can be a little difficult because I can't quite get my balance but it is fun to see how many times I can do it without getting too dizzy.

Last week, Mommy and I ventured up to Brecksville to celebrate Aunt Jessa's birthday. We had a blast and I got to play with Carmen, which is always good times. We played on the swingset and went down the slide, a lot. She always likes my toys and I don't mind cause then I have someone to play with. I really love going into Aunt Katy's room and will go in there even if I am by myself. I'm pretty sure it's because of all the pink in there and all the ducks she has but either way, it's a fun room and I like it. Mommy and I spent the night at Uncle Kenny's house and his house is fun because he has stairs that lead up to the mirror room. There are mirrors on either side of the wall and they are great to look at because I am in them. It's funny to see myself on one side and then turn around and there I am again.

Well, I'm worn out from all this traveling and candy, so I'm off to take a well needed nap.

Moon Walking!

Well, I'm not quite as good as Michael Jackson, but I've started to walk backwards a lot. I started this new trick the other day and most of the time I don't know where I'm going so I run into things. Even though, I hit the wall every time, it cracks me up and I just laugh it off cause it's so silly. Mommy thinks that I am crazy and that it is funny because when I do it, I'm sneaky about it. Along with the backwards walking, I make sure that I run into Mommy and fall down on her. That's fun too. Who knew what you could do with this walking business?

The bathroom has also become an intriguing place to explore. First off, there is this white paper on a roll that is so fun to pull on. For some reason, Mommy knows every time that I touch it cause she comes in and puts it up high where I can't reach it. Another thing that is fun to do in the bathroom is pulling down all my bath toys off the toilet onto the floor where I make a big mess for someone else to clean up . I have also discovered that the basket that holds the magazines is perfect for climbing into and out of a lot. This morning I kept Daddy company while he was in the bathroom and I climbed in and out of the that thing like ten times. It is the perfect size for my little body.

Even though Gammy calls Mommy "Dooville" because she used to be very busy and do do do everything, I think it might be time to pass the title on to me. Mommy is convinced that I never sit when I am awake which could be why I sleep so much (not complaining). I have found another cabinet upstairs in the office that has a lot of things that are fun to pull out, especially ribbon that needs to be unraveled everywhere. There are drawers in the kitchen that I empty every time I pass them and toys in boxes that go all over the floor. Next, Mommy thinks we need to work on putting things away, but for now I'm having too much fun pulling everything out.

I Can See Clearly Now!

The other day, Mommy and I took a trip to the Women's center at the hospital to weigh me on their baby scale for the last time. At my last doctor's appt., Dr. Matt said that I had to weigh at least 20 pounds to be turned around in my car seat, so Mommy was hoping that I didn't lose more weight this month. Of course, I had to be difficult and just make the 20 pound cut off at 20lbs and 1 ounce. And Mommy thinks my diaper was sort of full and I had just eaten lunch, so we might be pushing it but it'll be ok.

We got my new car seat into the car and although I haven't actually used it yet, I'm very comfortable with it, because it has been in the sunroom waiting to be install. I put my baby in it and I love the way it feels because it is velvety and soft. We'll let you know how my first car ride go sitting front way when it happens.

Mommy and Daddy got a nice couple of nights out this weekend, when the bestess aunt in the world came and stayed with us for the weekend. Aunt Jessa and I played a lot this weekend, while Mommy and Daddy got to watch the NCAA tournament with friends. Mommy was especially excited because it's been awhile since she has been out with adults and without me. Mommy and Daddy really appreicate the help they get on short notice from everyone. It really does allow them to be adults once in awhile.

With all this nice weather we've been having, Mommy, Shelly and I have been going on walks. Shelly just loves the fact that she gets to go outside on a walk. I love it because then I can walk on my own without a stroller and I can pick up all the sticks on the sidewalk and carry them around. On one of our walks the other day, I stopped every couple of feet so that I could pick up sticks and then also move leaves from one side of the sidewalk to the other. I feel the need to clean up nature on my walk. Luckily, I haven't eaten anything on our walk, though I did try to put a rock in my mouth. What can I say, they look tasty.

Next week, Mommy and I are going to storytime at the Library for their Spring session. I'm sure that I will like it and I'm sure that I will try and hug all the other kids. We'll let you know how that goes. Happy Springtime everyone!

Springtime or Pee Time?

Now that it is almost Spring and we are getting a few nice days here and there, Mommy and I gone a few walks around the neighborhood and she doesn't even take the stroller. She lets me walk around the sidewalks on my own. When Aunt Jessa was here last weekend we walked to the playground at the school by our house and went down the slides. I'm not sure about how fast you can go down those things cause it was kind of scary but I didn't cry, I just made faces. Shelly is also excited that she is able to go on walks now because it is warmer and she cries a lot to go outside. We have fun walking around and I only fall a couple times when we are out there but it's not my fault that the sidewalks are uneven.

Last Thursday, Mommy and I took a short road trip down to Cincinnati to visit Grandma, Gammy and Gappy for the day. We just hung out at there and visited. It was nice to get out and do something different. I, of course, made a huge mess and pulled lots of things out and wanted to touch all of Gammy's pretty things. They are right at my eye level and are very enticing. Then on Friday, Aunt Jessa came to visit and we went to the mall and ate dinner out which we haven't done in forever. It was fun and I was aloud to walk around at the mall for a little bit myself. I'm sort of liking this freedom thing but somehow someone always catches me and picks me up. It's like I'm too fast for them or something. Who knows?

I am finally not a jack-o-lantern anymore because I got my 2nd top tooth last week. It's still just poking through a little bit, but at least you can see it when I smile. Mommy says that my top teeth look huge so that may be why they took forever to come in.

Mommy got me my own little potty awhile ago just so that I would have it in the house. I get to sit on it right before bath time just to practice, but it's really cold and I don't like being naked sitting on the potty. The first time that I tried it, I peed in it and Mommy was so excited and she showed Daddy. I could have cared less, but I'm glad that Mommy was happy. I'm pretty sure I did it by accident because I have only gone one other time on it for Daddy last week. It is kind of fun not having to pee in my diaper, so we'll see if I do it again.

Everyone wish Daddy Happy Birthday cause tomorrow he turns the big 2-9. Only one more year till he really is an old man. haha, just kidding. Love you!

It's my Party and I'll Cry If I Want To!

Well, I'm not the one who cried at my party, but I did have the best time. Yes, it's true, Mommy was a little emotional at my birthday party but I guess she has that right since she did give birth to me. The weekend went by way too fast but all the planning that Mommy did went off without a hitch, of course. After dropping Aunt Sandy off at the airport on Saturday afternoon, Mommy came home and started baking the cakes so they would have enough time to cool. Then after playing with me for a little bit and then putting me to bed. She got ready to assemble the bee masterpiece. As soon as she was getting ready to put everything together, Grandma and Grandpa P. arrived from the airport, so she took a break and chatted with them before getting back to work. Since Grandma has done many cakes before, Mommy knew she would have some input so instead she put her to work and sent her to the store to get some last minute things for the party. After starting the cakes around 7ish, Mommy was finally done around 11:30 and the cake looked beauteous :) (pictures of my party are up).

The next morning, we all just kind of hung out until I took my nap. Apparently, people like to get things done when I'm not around. I just don't understand it, I am very helpful especially now that I am into emptying drawers and cupboards. Before my nap, I gave Mommy and Grandma a show by dancing literally the whole three minutes of Single Ladies by Beyonce. I think Grandma's stomach hurt so bad from laughing she couldn't even breathe. I am such a good dancer and hopefully more videos will follow.

People started arriving around 11:15 with their food and I was still sleeping. Mommy knew that I needed my sleep though because I probably wasn't going to get another one that day. Mommy finally got me up around 11:45 and put my piggies in my hair so that I was party ready. We all ate really good food, mostly prepared by Gramdpa Bilek and I played with Carmen a lot. Then after lunch, it was time for me to eat my first piece of cake. Like I said, Mommy did a great job with the cake and cried when everyone sang Happy Birthday. But the best part was how I ate my cake. I didn't smash it up really good, but I picked at it and ate icing here and there. The funniest part was when I leaned into the cake eating like a dog several times and in slow motion. It was delicious and I was definitely on a sugar high for the rest of the day.

After cake, came presents and I got a lot of great things, including a new handmade rolling bee by Great Grandpa Bilek which is something new that he's never made before. It is a lot of fun. Oddly, when we started opening presents I did a good job ripping the paper but I only wanted to open presents if I could hold my dress in my mouth. Whatever works to make the people laugh. Shortly after presents, people started to leave to go home and I was still ready to party until bedtime. It was a great day and I can't wait to do it again. Thanks everyone for all my gifts and making my first birthday very special.

Happy Birthday to Me!

Today at 2pm exactly, I will turn one year old, but in all actuality we have been celebrating since Valentine's Day! At one, I am walking, eating big people food, saying dada and nana (banana), have a little attitude, can crawl up stairs, can crawl down one step, point at everything, and give hugs and kisses.

This being my first Valentine's Day and Birthday, I am just overwhelmed by all that I have gotten so far and it's only the beginning of my birthday! Mommy got me kissing monkeys and some new socks for Valentine's Day and Daddy got me my first set of a dozen roses, which I love smelling, but I had to shared them with Mommy. Mommy and I made Daddy some cut out cookies in the shape of hearts and he loved them. I am really glad that I was born around the most loving holiday of the year.

Birthday day has already been eventful. Mommy got me up this morning and sang Happy Birthday to me a couple times, made me birthday pancakes where I got to wear my new One year old bib and she got me dressed in my I am One shirt, which I got to show off at the doctors office. Of course, since we were going out Mommy put my hair in piggy tails and all the ladies at the doctor's commented on how cute I was. It's a daily occurrence, but I am getting used to it.

So Dr. Matt said that I was doing good and that I was right on track, if not ahead on some things, like walking and not eating baby food anymore. We talked about weaning and how to I only need 16oz of milk a day now, so Mommy can start to get her pre baby body back. haha. The nurse measured me at 29 in (55%) and 19lbs (25%) and 17.5 inches on my head (30%). Mommy is shocked that I lost 6 ounces since last month when she weighed me at the hospital, but she knows that it is because I started walking after she weighed me in January. As much as I eat, I just can't gain any weight. Mommy thought I was going to weigh at least 20 pounds today but she was way off. Dr. Matt gave Mommy the okay to turn me around to face front in the car but only when I weigh 20 pounds, so maybe next month I can see the world in front of me. At any rate, by the time I reach 30 inches in length I have to be put in a different car seat anyways because I will be too long for the baby carrier. Maybe by Easter, I will be in a big girl seat. We'll see.

On the agenda for the rest of my birthday is a couple naps which I am in the process of taking one now, get more food for my birthday party which is on Sunday, and maybe Mommy will cook me a special birthday dinner. I am so excited that our family is coming into town for my big ONE and I get to taste my first piece of cake. Mommy is so excited that she is making my first birthday cake and hopes that it turns out good just like Grandma used to make for her. Well, for now I'm gonna finish my nap and then play with some new toys that Mommy and Daddy got for me today. T-minus 3 days til partay!

Brecksville Bound!

Last weekend was Aunt Katy's 10th birthday party and Mommy and I took the drive up to Brecksville for her party. I got to show off my walking skills and terrorize the dog and the cat. It's hard being around animals that don't know you because all I wanted to do was pet them but I really wasn't allowed to cause they might have bit me. Oh well, I will say that the kitty was very intriguing. She reminded me of Shelly with all her long fur and plus we don't have one so she was extra interesting. On Saturday for Aunt KayKay's party, I got to play with Carmen for a little while before I had to go to bed. Grandpa told Mommy on Saturday morning that he is amazed at how well I sleep at other people's houses. He spoke too soon. I am known for sleeping 12-13 hours a night without getting up at all. Well on Saturday night, I woke up at around 11:00 pm and poor Mommy couldn't get me back to sleep until at least 1:30 or two. She tried everything and I just didn't want to have it. Let's just say that the next night we both slept great but were a little cranky during the day.

One new thing that I started to do while we were up in Brecksville is pointing. I apparently just want to know what everything little thing is now. At home, everyday I point and laugh at my new picture that is hanging on the wall. It is very exciting to see myself all over our house. Mommy is hoping that pointing and being inquisitive is a precursor for talking. I really still only babble, but I get really excited when I see or hear mention of a banana. Sometimes, if I don't get to eat a banana, I will scream nanananananana until I get it or am distracted by something else. I do understand what dada means and use it all the time except when talking to Daddy. Mommy thinks that's just great and maybe soon I will learn to understand the meaning of mama. She better know what she's getting into because once I learn that one I'm never gonna stop saying it.

I dare you to try and say goodbye to me now without me waving cause it's not gonna happen. I can wave with one hand or two, it just depends on my mood. Once I get started, I can do it for awhile. Mommy seems to think that I am learning new things everyday and she can't keep with up with them all. She tries to tape them, so check out the new videos and let us know what you think.

Big Smiles!

Yesterday, I felt like a big celebrity because I was getting some professional photos taken for my first birthday. Grandma came up and she, Mommy and I all went to Celebrity Kids for my one year old photo shoot. It was so fun cause the lady had tons of things for me to play with but my favorite were all the fake flowers. Mommy said I did a really good job and for once I am smiling and looking at the camera in my pictures. YEAH! They should be ready for my birthday party which is in a couple weeks.

Since I have been taking baths in the tub, I have been very good playing and splashing around with my toys but recently I have been trying to see what my boundaries are in the tub. So sometimes I will stand up until Mommy tells me that I have to sit down or else get out and I really don't want to get out of bath cause I love it in there. I also don't know why Mommy doesn't want me drinking the water. I use all my cups that are in there and drink out of them. It's just water, right? wink wink...

Mommy noticed that my other top tooth is starting to make it's way into the world, so that way I won't have to look like a jack-o-lantern with just one top tooth. I have been a little cranky and clingy again, so that must be the culprit. Hopefully, it will come soon so that I can grind it too to make Mommy feel tingly.

Other things that go along with me growing and getting bigger is that I am eating whole blueberries now and I love them. No more mashed up fruits and veggies for me. The only thing that Mommy still makes is apples and pears but it's just like applesauce and I don't have enough teeth for biting crunchy apples. Another thing that Mommy realized that I am getting is a little bit of an attitude. The other day, I was doing something I wasn't supposed to be doing, probably climbing the stairs, so she grabbed me and put me in the living room. Well, I really wanted to go upstairs so I stiffened my whole body and straighten my arms in the air so that it made it difficult for Mommy to move me. I have done this several times as a protest to try and get my way; it's not working very well.

This weekend, Mommy and I are venturing up to Brecksville for Aunt Katy's birthday party. She's my birthday buddy cause we have birthdays in the same month. It will be nice to get out of the house for a little bit since it seems as if there is a snowstorm or below freezing temperatures every other day that cause us not to get out of the house. So till next time, stay warm!

Nails Down a Chalkboard!

That is the noise that I make that drives Mommy crazy when I grind my teeth together. You may be thinking how does she grind her bottom teeth together, well it's because my top two teeth are making their way into this world. About two weeks ago, Mommy looked at my teeth and noticed that there was whiteness showing through on my gums but didn't want to say anything because of what happened with my first two teeth and them deciding not to come through for awhile. But then a couple days ago, she noticed that I was awfully cranky and clingy and knew that it would be any day. Then last night as I screamed my way through dinner, Mommy prayed that I wouldn't keep her up all night and I didn't but this morning one of the top two was there. Although, Mommy is happy that my top teeth are coming through she is not too happy with the new found sound I can make with my teeth. She says it gives her the heeby geebies. Hopefully, the second top tooth will pop out today or tomorrow so that I can go back to my regular self.

As for my walking, I am a champ. I can balance myself and from the living room to the kitchen, I will maybe fall once and that is just because the floor is so slippery. I am still tentative and don't walk really fast but the day is coming soon when I will just take off and go.

This past weekend, Aunt Jessa came down and Mommy, her and I went down to Cincinnati for an overnight. Aunt Jessa is looking at UC for college next year and her and Mommy went there for a college visit while I stayed and played at Grandma's. We had fun and I did a lot of dancing while we were there. Grandpa has this little Harley Davidson dog that plays Low Rider by War and I just love dancing to it over and over. Everytime it stopped, I looked at Grandma like where did the music go and make it come back on. We also experience a day of a heat wave while we were down there and it got up to 60 degrees. Well since I have my eczema, I don't typically wear dresses or no pants but that day I was extra hot in my fleece pants, so Grandma let me go fancy free and pantless. I forgot how much I love not wearing clothes, it was liberating :).

When we got home from Cincinnati, Mommy and Daddy got to go out on Saturday night to Daddy's late work Christmas party. They had fun and stayed out late which they haven't done in a really long time. Aunt Jessa and I had fun playing and taking a bath like a big girl, which by the way, I've been out of my baby tub (it's put away) for about 2 weeks now. I like crawling around and playing with all my toys in the tub.

This weekend, I also got to play in the snow for the first time. Mommy and Aunt Jessa got me all bundled up in my snow suit, boots, hat and gloves for 5 minutes out in the snow. I didn't really like walking around because I couldn't keep my balance cause I had too much stuff on but I didn't mind sitting in the snow and touching it. It was cold, but fun to play with and after about 5-10 minutes I had enough and we went back inside. I'm more of a summer girl, I think. Oh well, here's to at least another month of snow.

Baby, It's Cold Outside!

Not much has been going on in the last week or so because we have all been cooped up in the house forever since it has be -25 degrees around these parts of Ohio. Mommy and I finally ventured out today because she wanted to weigh me since I turned 11 months old today! That's right folks, only one more month till the big ONE! Anyways, so we went this afternoon and I'm weighing in at 19 pounds 6 ounces which is right on track. Mommy also measured me this morning and I'm still around 28 inches which is good as well.

Last Wednesday during our snowstorm, Grandma made the trip up from Cincinnati to watch me for the day and then was going to go home that night, but we ended up having a sleepover because the roads were pretty bad that night and we didn't think that she should be going home by herself. The reason she came up, other than to see me, of course, was because Mommy and Daddy cashed in their free babysitting gift certificates for a day of relaxing massages and a great dinner date at the Melting Pot. They had a great time and it was nice spending the day with Grandma as well. They are now feeling refreshed and reconnected after spending the day just the two of them.

This week, I have had a lot of time to practice my new skill and I have been walking up a storm. I'm still not quite stable and fall down sometimes, but I haven't fallen too hard and I catch myself a lot before actually falling. I can make it from one side of the room to the other most times without falling and am pretty good at stepping around and over things. I'm getting really good at turning from a walking stance. Pretty soon before they know it, I'm just gonna take off and run like Mommy did when she was little.

This week, we're road trippin' to Cincinnati with Aunt Jessa so that she can visit UC's campus and spending the night at Grandma's and then Mommy and Daddy get to go out again on Saturday to Daddy's after Christmas party for work. Will blog again later. Check out my new videos if you haven't seen them yet.

The GOOD, The Bad and The UGLY!

Just like the title of the of this blog says, there are three things that happened in the last couple days that were great, not so great and not good at all (but everything is fine). I'll start off with the really bad cause it's always better to end on a happy note.

So yesterday morning, I was playing around in the living room and was finding my way towards the stairs as usual. Mommy saw me and of course started following me up the stairs like she always does. I can't seem to fool her and her quick ways. Everything was going just fine and we were one step away from the top and Mommy saw that the fan was on at the top of the stairs and decided to go turn it off so that I wouldn't stick my finger in it and get hurt. So she passed by me thinking that I would just crawl one more step to the top and follow her to the bathroom. Well, after she turned off the fan, she realized that I wasn't coming and I leaned backwards and yep, you guess fell all the way from the top of the staircase to the bottom. Mommy, of course, was screaming and Daddy was in the shower, so he jumped out of the shower to hear the big thud. Mommy did a good job of keeping me calm and I really only cry for a minute and it was more because of the shock than anything else. I moved immediately, have no bruises and within two minutes (no joke) was crawling back up the stairs again. I know, I'm a martyr for wanting to go up the flight of stars again. It wasn't till later that Mommy thought to call the doctor and all the warning signs the nurse told her to look for is what she figured to look for. She doesn't even think that I hit my head at all, because I pretty much just rolled down the stairs. Apparently, I'm pretty bouncy and was my normal self all day.

Ok, so that was the ugly, the bad isn't so bad, but I needed something bad for my title. It's just that I'm still nursing my cold and still have the sniffles. Also, the Buckeyes lost the Fiesta Bowl and it definitely wasn't for lack of effort. It was a great game, so Mommy says, cause I was sleeping. But there's always next year.

Now for the good or should I say GREAT! We were all sitting in the den today and Mommy and Daddy were jabbering about something. Daddy was sitting in his recliner and Mommy was sitting on the couch. I was playing on the floor and decided that I wanted to push Daddy in the rocker, so I stood up next to him and was hanging out for a minute. Then a couple minutes later, I must have seen something that I wanted on the coffee table because I just WALKED over to it. Mommy and Daddy stopped talking and just watched as I took about 3 or 4 steps from the chair to the table. Of course, Mommy teared up but that is to be expected and then she wanted me to do it again and I was done showing off for that moment. Mommy thought it was just a fluke and thought that I probably wouldn't do it again for a couple days but all day today I was doing it. I would stand up next to something, get stable and then take a couple steps. Yes, folks she even got it on tape. So when Daddy gets around to it, we will post the video. They were so proud of me and Mommy kept making me try to walk to things all night.

Next up, I think I might try talking.

It's 2009! ah-choo!

The start of the New Year was the start of my new cold; my first cold. The day after we got back from Christmas travel, everyone was sick. Daddy was still sick and Mommy and I got head colds. One night, I had a slight fever of 100 degrees but nothing that a full night of sleep and a dose of Tylenol couldn't cure. The fever only lasted hours while my runny nose is now going on a week. I don't and didn't really have any other symptoms of a cold so I think it is just the change in weather that is getting me all drainy. Mommy can't wait to put away all the nose wipers that she has laying around the house. I hate those things even though they are better than tissues. I just don't like it when Mommy comes at me with one of them because I know she is going right for my nose and after a week of being dripping; I am just a little tender.

Pretty much right after we got settled back home after the holidays, Daddy installed more child safety locks in the kitchen. Mommy does let me have one cabinet of tupperware that I can play in and throw all over the place. One day, as I was emptying out the cupboard, Mommy noticed that I had disappear and she realized that I had found a perfect little hiding spot in the cabinet. I crawled right in there and played in there instead of on the kitchen floor. She was laughing so hard that it made me and Daddy giggle. Oddly, enough I only did it once even though Mommy didn't seem to mind. If I am missing, she will know where to look.

Up, up, up is my new mantra. It doesn't mean that I want to be picked up cause I can't talk yet but it means if I spot a flight of stairs, I'm gone. I've gotten so quick on my excursions up the stairs that sometimes I will be 4-6 stairs up before Mommy notices. And after the 5th time of following me up the stairs, Mommy has now put a gate up on the first bottom stair so that I can't go up them. I don't think she understands, all I want to do is go upstairs and get the printer in the office that I'm not allowed to have. OH - well -IO.

What a good seque into my next topic. Tonight is the Fiesta Bowl and OSU's last game of the season. I won't be up to watch it, but be sure that you cheer the Bucks to victory. GO BUCKS!