Life is like 'Elf'

No really.

Evelyn has decided that she loooooves her mama's voice. That's right, my singing voice. Bless her baby heart.

If she is in a mood, she instantly calms down if I sing to her, in the car, at home, wherever. This has led to many moments of me singing "Bicycle Built for Two" and "The Itsy Bitsy Spider". Or, any other nursery rhyme that pops into my head.

What's even better is that we live so close to where A and I went to college, so I get to drive down the same streets that I used to be on in my cute little car, with club music blaring out the windows, feelin' hot. But now, I drive my SUV with a crying baby in the back singing "The Wheels on the Bus" at the top of my lungs.

My how things have changed.

More and more nursery rhymes are coming back to me, but every now and then I just sing whatever I am saying or thinking in moments of desperation to hear that baby giggle. It always reminded me of something, but I just could not place it.

And the other day, it occurred to me. I feel just like...just like...just like Buddy the Elf.

(If you are at work and would like to continue to be taken seriously by your coworkers, please do not click on that link...until later.)

Evelyn Rae is 4 months old

...and smiling's my favorite.

A Thanksgiving Project

Evelyn's first Thanksgiving was warm and cozy, a small family affair, though we followed it up with a whirlwind weekend...

First we headed over to Nana's house (my MIL) for a little art project, which you may have already seen over on the Thanksgiving Day post and dinner. Anywho, this idea of starting a tradition of Turkey hand prints every year occurred to me at like 2am on Thanksgiving morning (of course).

It's not like no one has ever done it before, but for some reason these totally normal kid things have all just slipped my mind, you know in all these years that I have not been a kid myself. And then I remember and go, "Oh! We should totally do that! Good thing I remembered like .5 seconds before this holiday/milestone/special event was over!" The husband loves running out at the last minute to grab whatever thing is necessary to achieve the vision that I must.have.right.now.


Since we are always running late now (I blame it on the whole "we have a baby" thing, but let's be honest, we were late before) and we were on target to arrive just in the nick of time for the Packer's game kick off (husband's team). I knew he wouldn't take too kindly to the idea that we just "swing by" the Walmart that happens to be on the way to his mom's house to pick up some art supplies.

It was a holiday, so I backed off, and tried the, "Hey babe, I know the game is about to start and I have this super cute idea for a little project, so why don't we get to your mom's house and you can watch the game and then I will run out for just a sec...?"


Worked like a charm, and he even said, "Sure and I will keep Evelyn with me so you don't have to be in crazy Walmart the day before Thanksgiving, did I mention you are psychotic by the way, with a baby in tow?"

Visions of baby free errand running and a secret drive by to the Starbucks conveniently situated nearby danced though my head..."Are you sure babe? I mean I could take her with me..."

"No problem, she loves watching football with her Daddy."

Long story short, that's how I ended up at Walmart (which was surprisingly calm) the day before Thanksgiving with just a wallet, cell phone and keys and found myself reflecting on how my whole errand took me 2 minutes. Listen, I love my baby girl, and love having her out with me, but errands alone? I hardly even remembered what it was like! I haven't had anyone not stop me to chat or mention some comment about kids since I was visibly pregnant. Let alone once you have a super cute baby with you...

I grabbed what I needed, even had time to debate the choice of "Umber" vs. "Bark" or "Chocolate" brown, got a Pepperment Mocha Frappuccino (Yup, a frap - it has been surprisingly warm here) and headed back to Nana's. Total errand time? 20 minutes. And that was with a little semi-guilty aimless wandering around Wally World.

When halftime came, we started the project.

First, we stripped down this little lady...

Yup, I also failed at the "get a Thanksgiving outfit" Mommy task. 

We had pajamas! Isn't that enough? 

This overpriced, but adorable, Children's Place outfit will just have to do. 

Also, yes, she is wearing baby tights. 

Then we spread out the supplies and got crackin. Thanks to some Mommy determination (aka gritting my teeth and saying "This is going to work, no matter what!" - I had a vision, remember?) We got the project done, though we did every color individually. It's weird that you can't reason with a 4 month old on why it is important to keep her hand open so as not to mix the colors, amirite?

  

In the end, we ended up with a few Handprint Turkeys, and one mostly clean, and mostly naked baby.

And now, I have my first kiddo art project hanging on my fridge!

Evelyn Rae is 4 and a half months old

...and I cropped my husband's Christmas list out of that last photo of the fridge. True story.

Fun with Breastfeeding

I had another post planned for today, but it will wait until tomorrow.

Mainly because, as I sat down to type this morning, my precious baby girl treated me (and the laptop) with her favorite new trick. During nursing sessions for the past few weeks, she has started pulling off the boob, right after let down *of course* and looking up at me and smiling the biggest gummy smile...creating a messy and damp world for all of us to live in.

This has been happening so often now, that I have started to be impressed with the distance I can achieve, if you get my drift. It's just so darn cute, I can't stand it. I think she can tell that I don't mean business at all when I try to scold her (laughingly) for it, because she just smiles right back up at me again, and even has the nerve to giggle at me. I think I need to work on my mom tone.

Eating just makes her happy, I guess.

Just like her momma.


Evelyn is 4.5 months old

...and the laptop survived its breast milk attack this morning, don't worry.

Happy Thanksgiving

This year we are thankful for so many things in our household, but we are mostly thankful for our precious little turkey.

I hope that everyone was able to spend this day with loved ones, and if not that you were at least able to nab some good food!

Evelyn Rae is 4.5 months old

...and I ate *just* enough today!

Up and Down

Have you ever had one of those days? Those days that aren't bad, but they aren't good either? Just sort of balanced by up moments following the down?

Here's how my day went on Tuesday...

Up: My CFO (read: husband) authorized the purchase of some new cloth diapers, yay! Loaded the baby in the car and got on the road before 11am. Yay!


Down: Upon arrival at Diaper Junction, I parked, turned off the engine and grabbed the diaper bag. Upon my approach to pull my sleeping baby out of her car seat, I had a vision.

A vision of my wallet still sitting on the dining room table. At home.


Up: Well, at least I didn't wake the baby up yet! and hey! There is a drive through Starbucks on the way home! I can totally grab a drink and make the best of this.


Down: JK. Still no wallet.


Up: Wait a sec! I have the Starbucks App on my phone! I can pay for a drink with.my.phone. Technology rocks.


Down: By the time I got back to Diaper Junction, it was after noon. So much for our "early" start.


Up: New cloth diapers! Wee! In fun and exciting colors.


Down: We still have 8 million gajillion errands to run.


Up: The baby now loves being in the Moby Wrap facing out, so errands should be fun! We head to PetSmart and everyone is cooing and waving at the baby who is flirting right back.


Down: Thanks to the pre-errand breastfeeding session in the car, we have a spit up explosion all over the floor in the store. Clean up, aisle 10!



Up: Target is next on the list! Always a positive...


Down: I don't like any of the shower curtains, which is the whole reason I came here. Lame. Now I am stuck deliberating and baby is getting tired and fussy.


Up: I almost have the baby drifting off to sleep. Lately she is fussing right before passing out, so by the tone of the tiny little cry, I know we are allllmooooossssst there.


Down: But then an old lady comes toward us. and starts being all judgy. "I think that baby is hungry."

"Well, she's actually just about to drift off to sleep, so..."

"Oh, look, she is saying 'Mommy you have had me out ALL DAY, and we need to go home so I can sleep and rest.' Poor little thing. "

"..."

I mean. Really?







Like I said, not bad, but not good either. Bah.



Evelyn Rae is four months old

...and it's exciting days like this that I know you love reading about.

Heat Wave

It is currently 80* in Norfolk, VA.

My girl and I are out of the house today, loving the last nice day for a while.

Be back soon.


Evelyn Rae is 4 months old

...and I had a really hard time figuring out which of her Summer outfits she should wear today...since it is probably the last time she will ever wear them. ::chokebacksob::

Just because...

...you only get to wear your first Halloween costume once.

Here are some more photos I took of my Ladybug.

First, I thought to just grab a few photos downstairs. Look, a cute kid! Done and done...

...but then, then we went upstairs to get the baby some clean diapers. And she was in such a good mood...that I figured I would grab a few (hundred...not really) more photos.

I give you, the many faces of a Ladybug.

Oh hey Mom, look, I'm in such a good mood in my costume!

Look! I'll even make funny faces!

See? I know how to get you on the floor with me...

I've even learned I have a tongue! And I can do tricks!

Look at all those spit bubbles. Aren't you impressed?

No? Well then you should probably check out how adorable my feet look in these tights.

See! I told you. I love this costume.

I am stoked about trick-or-treating later. I think I will scream about it for a while.

You're the best, Mom...

 ...now give me that camera.

Evelyn Rae is 4 months old

...and I have a problem choosing photos of my kid 'cause I think they are all so stinkin' cute. Read: I am a mom. Sue me.

I need...

...a new header for this here blog.

That lady up there (look! Up there ^) is still preggo, yo. Though I am not. I am having the hardest time figuring out what to make the header now.

I just thought you all should know.

Did any of you even notice that woman was still knocked up, though I am not?I feel like maybe I should have just kept my big mouth shut, and no one would have noticed.

Damn.



Evelyn Rae is 18 weeks old

...and I may be playing with the header for a while. But not today - it is 75* outside!

Four Months

Evelyn Rae,

You are four months old today! It is an especially exciting day because your Daddy is here to celebrate it with us. It is getting harder and harder to get a photo of you because you are moving and shaking like you wouldn't believe. You will be all chill and I think, this is it! A great time for a photo! and then all of a sudden you are off, waving your arms and legs and rolling up on your sides and grabbing for anything in reach to play with and stick in your mouth.

It is the most fun thing to watch you become, well, yourself. Your little (and big) expressions have your dad and I rolling in laughter sometimes - even when they aren't such happy expressions. The unhappy ones are almost funnier than the happy ones.

You are chattering up a storm, and we have full nonsense conversations these days. You chatter at strangers in stores, and then flash them your big gummy smile and they all just melt. As does your mom. Your new tricks include blowing raspberries with the best of them and this new cute thing you are doing where you suck your lips almost all the way into your mouth and raise your eyebrows at us.

Since your last monthly letter you experienced your first Halloween and your Baptism. We had so much fun with friends and family at both events, and you did so well. I am constantly amazed and thankful for your overall happy personality. We love taking you with us everywhere we go, as having you around and close to us rings us so much indescribable joy. I am just so happy being your mommy.

We have been transitioning you to all of your 6 month clothes, because you have such a loooong little body. It's already hard for me to say goodbye to all my favorite outfits that you have been wearing almost since you were born. But, alas, you grow and we pack the old clothes away.

You are definitely getting even droolier these days, and are putting anything you can reach into your mouth to chew and nosh on. You have learned how to grab my hand, and direct one of my fingers right into your mouth so you can mash away at it with your little gums.

Your grabbing and awareness is so amazing to me. Sometimes I forget to check the books and the emails and the lists (mommies have many, many places to look to see their baby's milestones and things) to see what you "should be" doing, but then, when I remember, I am always amazed to see that you are doing everything you should be. You are learning and growing and it is just so cool to witness.

I would be remiss to not note that this day is special because Daddy is home with us, but the reason he gets to be home is because it is Veteran's Day. You will learn more about this as you get a little bit older, but this holiday basically boils down to thanking our military for their service.

You come from a long line of military folks, all of whom felt a desire to serve and to give of themselves. Your dad, both your grandpas, all sorts of great grandpas, and on and on down the line. There are many ways to serve, and your dad and I cannot wait to begin teaching you about the value of service as you get a bit older.

I love you so much my little Ladybug. Now you and your parents are off to have some fun on this pretty day.

All my love,

Momma.


Evelyn Rae is four months old

...and her Daddy picked out this outfit. He calls it her "Minnie Mouse" outfit. Why? I have no idea.

Sleepy

Why is it that it seems the only time I can catch up with world goings on is when my precious daughter is asleep?

Trying to remain connected to world current events (so that I don't end up as a SAHM who can only converse in childhood milestones and accomplishments...PS my girl is blowing raspberries all over the place and being ridiculously cute) inevitably happens late at night, when my husband and baby and dog have all drifted off to sleep, and the glow of my smartphone charging next to the bed beckons to me.

There is something about the quiet that comes over the house when everyone else is slumbering away. Something that reverberates to my very core, and says, "It's OK to completely immerse yourself in something now. Everyone is asleep and well. You can hear them all breathing...and a phone only makes a little bit of light. Certainly not enough to disturb anyone. Go ahead, read that article longer than two paragraphs all in one sitting. You deserve it."

I am not going to bed at a reasonable hour, and it's all my smartphone's fault. It's nothing but an enabler these days.

Tonight, I choose sleep over being well informed.

Unless something interesting happens.

Evelyn is 17 weeks old

...and I am my own worst enemy in the quest for sleep. Especially since I am publishing this at 1 in the morning.

On my phone.

I meant *tomorrow* I would choose sleep.

Baby it's cold outside

Well, did this week get away from anyone else?

Nope? Just me?

I don't know what it is about cold weather, but the thermostat has dropped and all I want to do is snuggle up with my baby and stick around the house reading a book whenever she nods off.

So, that's what we have been up to. I promise to get my act in gear next week. You know, after I take advantage of this weekend to just chill out.

Evelyn Rae is almost 4 months old

...and why is it that I am addicted to books in a series? It tales way longer to read a whole series than just one book.

Halloween, a Photo Essay

This title brought to you by the letter "D" - Because it is 1 am and I am Delirious from uploading photos/eating candy.

But first, in order for the Halloween photos to make sense I must take you back to last week when we bought pumpkins...because you wouldn't have understood *where* those carved pumpkins came from without us showing you that we collected them - right? Right. Moving on. PHOTOS!

Daddy picked out the largest pumpkins possible, so he carried them to the car and we took them home to carve.

The pretty eyes on that pumpkin are my baby's little hands!

The "G" pumpkin was so big in fact...

That Evelyn fit IN it!

I couldn't resist.

I love this one, because it looks like she is saying, "Um guys, I dunno if you realized this, but you have left me in a PUMPKIN!"

On actual Halloween, we got the ladybug dressed up in her, well, ladybug costume to hit the streets! Don't worry folks, we turned down all but two pieces of candy, and those were from someone we knew.

This is my $1 costume. Thank you Target.

We went out with some two year old owls, that were just as cute as could be.

The two year olds did great, so did Evelyn, though she passed out after a few blocks...

 

Happy Halloween!


Evelyn Rae is almost four months old

...and I am wearing pre-pregnancy jeans today. Just thought you should know.