9 months

Apparently my last post led some to believe I was announcing a pregnancy. Let me clear up the confusion right away. Not pregnant.


But the baby I do have is wonderful. She has 6 teeth and is working on two more. This means she is very drooly and covered in runny nose. But she has learned some neat tricks. She can understand kiss, hug, kitties, mum, dadt, gives "five," tries unsuccessfully to stand alone, and is a constant companion to the kitties. I think they like that no matter what, she can always be counted on for a rub.

Also at about the 9 month mark, she became so much more expressive. She is constantly chatting and lets us know if she isn't pleased with something or bored. It's amazing to have "communication." She is also starting to get some formula to supplement her breast milk. I give that effort a solid C. However, table food - A+. So far she has tried everything. Which is good because she is in the 95th percentile for height and 43rd for weight.

And thanks to the musical stylings of such fine artists as Jay-Z, Ludacris, and Michael Jackson, I made my first 5 mile run tonight. I still have 8(!) miles to go but it's starting to look like I have a chance. Ok, gotta do momma duty. I will try to get pictures up tonight.

Observations from a sick day

Adelyn had a nasty fever yesterday and developed a tight chest and horse cough. So we are going on day 2 at home. She is doing much better today but still had a temp this morning. Some interesting things I have observed during our time:

• Hoda and Kathy Lee - day 2. I missed them since maternity leave!
• Adelyn is on the move. She and the cats are attracted to the same things that they aren't supposed too have. It's almost a race to who can get it first. Then they taunt each other. Adelyn has been coming out the winner and chasing the cats away.
• Baby #2 for March as arrived! Congratulations to Angie and Jay on the birth of Miles Jay.
• Adelyn has changed the language on our tv to French. So I guess we will be learning a new language.
• She spends the whole day saying "dad-e."

All for now. Have a good week.

Things occupying my time.

The question could be asked, When do we get to see more adorable pictures of your baby?

Not tonight - sorry folks. It's been a long week so this is a bullet points update.

Things that have occupied my time lately:

• Officially began training for my half marathon. I call it "my" half marathon because I now OWN that run. That's an example of my self-motivation talk since I am training alone. Good? No?
• Signed up for my first 5K on my first Mother's Day and of course the half marathon on Adelyn's due date from last year.
• Cleaning and cleaning and cleaning the house.  Should be listed next week.
• Touring other homes.
• Derek and I took a random Tuesday, went out for breakfast, used our massage gift certificates at Aveda, toured houses, and actually spent time together.

And what that has meant for life:

• Sore knees. thumbs down.
• Always a struggle to make time to run. The guilt that missing one run can cause is outstanding. Really wishing I had a training partner but secretly love the time to myself.
• Excited to be doing something new and challenging. Love surprising myself by being able to go longer or faster or not being winded after a good run. Especially happy to have something to commemorate two special days.
• I have never thought this place was so big until I realized all of the places that dirt and clutter could be. Dang.
• Touring other houses is overwhelming. I am ecstatic that we aren't in a rush to move because this is really going to be a process.
• Loved a relaxed day with Derek. 

Also excited that pregnant friend #1 had her baby. Congratulations to Christy on the birth of GraysonTimothy!
P.S.Some people bring dinner when you have a newborn - I am bringing a chicken from Sam's Club. Guaranteed tasty and not something I will wonder if you hated! Winner winner chicken dinner.

It's about time

In a move that I put off for way too long, I finally bought a highchair! Yay. Maybe I will get a diaper bag one of these days.  My friend Randee needed to get rid of her highchair, I needed one, neither of us wanted to take the steps = perfect. I love it and more importantly, Adelyn loves it. Thanks Randee!

At 8 months, Adelyn is sporting 4 fun teeth, one top-curly-when-wet head of hair, long legs, and a big smile. She is learning words, sounds, and identifying things by name. She repeats dada, ball, kitty, mum. She seems to be able to find the kitty's or daddy when we ask where they are. She LOVES to make singing noises, shaking her musical toys, playing with drumsticks, and clapping hands. And she crawls - mainly army crawl - but definitely able to get on hands and knees and move a little. She still loves to jump and bounce and is totally ready to move on her feet - the preferred method. What a love bug.

Quiet

It's spring break in college-ville and since that's the world I work in, it's quiet.

It's time to put it out there. I signed up for a Grandma's half marathon on June 18, 2011. Why you ask. Well, because I became obsessed with it - which usually means I need to do it. Second, because June 18, 2010 was Adelyn's due date. Third because it's something I have to do on my own - just me and 13 miles. And finally, because I think about that first run after having her and what an amazing feeling of physical freedom it was. Even if its not a pretty sight, even if I am the last to cross the finish line, even if I have to walk...  I LOVE being a mommy but running has been so amazing for me as an individual. This is me proving to me that I can do it. Plus, there are only so many episodes of The Biggest Loser and I Used to Be Fat that a girl can watch before she needs to just move!

And after all of that - I am terrified.

So that's my big challenge for the next few months. On top of that fun, we have decided to list our house. Cleaning and organizing this place was an amazing feat. It was a great sense of accomplishment but also a knowledge that this is just step one.

So really not quiet unless you want to talk about work.

Quiet Sunday

I woke so proud of myself. I was going to have Adelyn ready and get to early service at church. No interrupted naps for this family today. We hustled all morning and got into the car by 10 to 8. Victory. Then I backed out of the driveway. Oh no. Since Derek was working, I just couldn't risk driving up to North Mankato by myself and get stuck. The snow has returned.

So plans change. :) I haven't left the house since and it's been great. Adelyn and I had play time and we hit all the meals and naps on time. I organized "the cabin" (our total wood paneled upstairs). There is still plenty of work to do but it felt great to get a start.

I could have used a trip to the gym but somehow the sleet on top of the snow really discouraged that choice. Instead I baked.

I love this oatmeal and wanted to make my cookies a little more healthy. (In theory at least.)

Motivation.

The final product. Chocolate Chip cookies with oats.

 And some homemade chilli.

Adelyn's First Valentine's Day

Adelyn got so many nice Valentine's Day cards and gifts! She got clothes, books, money, and candy! And I didn't buy any of it. Below are some pictures of her opening her cards from the daycare friends.

We clash. Sorry. This is her treat bag from daycare.

She can't eat it but she is excited!

Showing me her Valentines. Look Mom, coloring book and fruit snacks!

Look at my stickers Mom! And more fruit snacks.

Showing Bear her pencil and card in a bag. She was so overwhelmed by the noises and new bright colored cards and baggies that she didn't even put things in her mouth!

Until here. I guess her stickers looked good enough to taste. This ended our photo fun.

Chilling with Uncle Chris during the weekend.

Happy Valentine's Day!

Just for Christy. Checking out Connor's card.