All Because Two People Fell in Love

From the Mouths of Babes

2010-10-03T23:08:00.002-05:00

We've been working on our colors lately. Nora now likes to tell you the color of everything she sees. The other day, her and Charlie were at the grocery store when Nora pointed and said "black? black?"

Charlie looked up to see a black man standing in the isle beside them. Charlie picked Nora up and scurried out of the isle without stopping to explain that she was clearly referring to the color of his shirt :)

An Overdue Birthday Post

2010-10-03T22:43:00.005-05:00

People aren't lying when they say you fall further and further behind as kids get older. I've been a terrible blogger lately.

Nora enjoyed her birthday party very much, but I won't bore you with my recap -- see for yourself!

Ain't Life Beautiful?

2010-09-23T08:52:00.007-05:00

One of my college besties got married last weekend in possibly the most beautiful part of this great state I've ever seen. It was at a golf resort off a gravel road in Nowheresville, Iowa, complete with a lake, cabins, outdoor shelter and ATV trails. In lieu of a formal dance-style reception, the bride and groom opted for a bonfire and hayrack ride under the bright autumn stars. It was so serene.

The leaves have just started to turn and their wedding colors complimented the landscape perfectly. I was especially excited for this wedding because Kara told me several times that it was inspired by Charlie and I's wedding, right down to the pastor and our wine box ceremony.

She was right -- it was great and just my style. Also, if I do say so myself, I captured some great pictures! I think in my next life I may be a photographer. The one photo I missed that I wish I could have captured was Nora sleeping by the fire at the end of the night.

Congrats Kara and Jayden!

(Click photos to enlarge)

Turning Two

2010-09-16T11:14:00.007-05:00

At this time two years ago, I was sitting at my desk anxiously awaiting my afternoon ultrasound. Little did I know that a mere 10 hours later I'd be holding my little girl. It seems so long ago, and yet it's hard to believe so much time has passed. Look how much she's grown in one year!

Per tradition, we started our day with pancakes. She even blew out her own candles this time!

Lately, her favorite color is pink, though she can point out pink, red, blue, green, purple, yellow and black.

She can count to 10 with help, and to 5 by herself.

She is becoming very independent and rarely wants help with anything.

Her favorite toys are dolls -- she loves to mother them.

She is a sponge and will repeat anything you say. The other day I was telling Charlie something from the other room. He kept saying what, and I kept repeating myself. Finally, in frustration, I asked "Are your ears broken?" Nora went over to him with a look of concern, patted him on the back and said, "Daddy. Ears broken? Ears. Broken? K?"

We are still tumbling. At class just yesterday, she did her sommersault all by herself. She loves class, the kids and Miss Kelli.

School is going well. It's so, so, so much better than daycare. You can tell she loves it by the way she endearingly waves bye and pushes us out the door when we drop her off and then cries when we come to pick her up :( What's worse, a daycare she hates or a school she loves more than her parents?! On a related note, we just got our first fundraiser for school. We're selling Enjoy the City books for $20. It's jam-packed with BOGO coupons for QC-area restaurants, clubs, plays, shows, attractions and so much more! If you buy 5, you get a 6th free. Make great gifts! Let me know if you're interested!!

Bear's offical birth celebration is going to be Sunday at 4 p.m. at our house. Charlie and I have been working on something really great -- can't wait to debut it!

The End

2010-09-09T14:15:00.003-05:00

It has finally happened. It's been about a month since N last nursed, and at last she has stopped asking for it. We shared 23 (mostly) beautiful months, but admittedly I'm not really sad to move on.

It was a physical and emotional journey, and in the end, I'm so glad it happened and lasted as long as it did but I was definitely ready to be done. I can't really put into words how my feelings toward breastfeeding have grown and evolved in the past two years.

I have a new found respect for women who are brave enough to fight the fight for nursing mamas. I feel a duty to acknowledge those who are giving their babes natures best, and tell them to keep it up. I don't judge those who use formula, but I certainly encourage those who don't. Some say it's a personal decision, I think it's a communities responsibility to make sure new mamas aren't throwing in the towel for the wrong reasons. Education, public acceptance and support systems are seriously lacking, and it's really a shame. I can only hope that other mothers are able to find what they need to press on -- it will be worth it!

Silly Kid

2010-09-09T14:04:00.005-05:00

"Helping" me bake

Piggies!

O.M.G. Funniest thing. I wanted to get a pic of her on her bench but she wouldn't look at me so finally, in an effort to grab her attention, I said "HEY" really loud and it startled her so much she flew off the bench sideways. We both laughed hysterically.

Mama-daughter love

Daddy playing with food

Dad and Bear's first day of school!

Princess

Protesting

Wearing mamas socks as leg warmers

First Day of Preschool

2010-08-30T21:08:00.003-05:00

Already? Already. Bear is officially a Montessori student.

The worst part was she wasn't even sad to see me go. We went into her room, she ran off and became engaged in her surroundings and when I left she didn't even tell me bye. Glad she jumped right in, but it hurts not to feel needed.

Seems lately she doesn't need help with anything anymore. She goes potty by herself -- including taking off her diaper, getting up on the potty, flushing and washing her hands -- she won't let me help her down the stairs, she always want to try putting on her shoes herself first and she even buckles herself into her car seat.

A lot of the decisions we've made, we did with the intent of raising an independent toddler. Does anyone ever regret not being needed?!? I'm only half kidding -- this is going too fast!

It was also Daddy's first day of school today -- well his first in many years. I took the day off for the occasion. After they were both done for the day we celebrated with lunch at Rudy's and a walk in the East Village. It was quite delightful. I took some photos, but I'm too tired to get up and get the camera right now so they'll have to wait.

After we got home, we all napped. Add popcorn and a movie for dinner at home = quite close to perfection.

Cheerleader In Training

2010-08-14T07:33:00.001-05:00

On parenting a toddler

2010-08-13T15:32:00.001-05:00

We're definitely there. That terrible, horrible stage everyone talks about. My child throws a fit about EVERYTHING. Yesterday I needed to go to the grocery store, but I convinced myself that since I'd had a very busy week at work, i wanted to just come home, unwind with some snuggles and spend some quality time with DD.

I get home to her all worked up and screaming because she didn't want to wear clothes. I ask her if she'd like to go to the park and feed the ducks which she did. But it took multiple meltdowns and two trips to "the chair" (lol - where she goes to cool down after a tantrum) before i could get her dressed. Still no shoes on. Went to the garage all pumped about our ride, she puts her helmet on and by the time I get done switching the trailer from the Hubby's bike to mine, she doesn't want to go anymore. I try to get her pumped up again but she just lays on the garage floor crying. ::deep breath::

Calmly take her inside, put her in her chair again. Let her cool off. Soon she's calling for me. I go in and try to engage in conversation, play, anything but she won't have it. Wants to go outside. We go back outside. She cries because she just wants dad (he's mowing). I try chalk, the slide, a make believe picnic -- all a no go.

Ask her if she's like to go to the store and help me get stuff for dinner. She does. While she's in a good mood I grab what I need and out the door we go. Tantrum while we try to get in the car. Ask her if she'd like to buckle herself. More crying. Sit her down, buckle her, get in, drive to store. Crying ceased. Pull sling out of backseat. Crying commences. Ask her if she'd like to walk. "Ya." She walks. Nice guy offers us his cart, she cries because she wanted to put the quarter in (Aldi). I reassure her she can help me get it out when we're done.

Enter store. Able to engage her most of the way through the store by asking her to choose between items, put things in cart, etc. She made good choices and I even let her pick out some ice cream for later, which she was very excited about...until she realized it was for later and not NOW. On the floor screaming again. Ask her to help me put the groceries on the belt. She get up (screaming of course) and runs straight to the only open line, closes the barricade and says "NO". People laugh. I go to retrieve her, she runs. Holding up line. Let her hang out on the other side of the register while I unload. She comes back and says "sorry. ice cream?" "We can have ice cream later honey." More screaming.

I pay. Cashier sarcastically calls her a big helper. She happily helps me bag groceries. Walks out to the parking lot. We load groceries into car, take cart back. She helps retrieve quarter. Tantrum getting back into car seat. Shoves quarter in her mouth because she's mad I me. I have to forcefully retrieve the quarter. More crying. Get home, put her outside with dad and retreat to the kitchen to make dinner alone.

Duck, Duck,

2010-07-30T07:18:00.002-05:00

and more ducks.

Saturday, N and I set out to find some ducks to feed. Since the river was flooding, it was hard to find a place we could get close enough because all the roads were closed leading to the riverside parks.

We wound up at Vanderveer and boy did they have ducks.

We had everything from ducks, to birds, to fish coming by to eat our bread. And we met another Nora! She was two months younger than Bear.

After that we went over to the park. A big storm had torn through the city the night before and we found a neat tree that came down.

An Overdue Update

2010-07-24T14:58:00.004-05:00

What can I say? It's summer, we're home close to family and friends, we started a business, Charlie is going back to school, and I've got an active toddler -- blogging hasn't exactly been my #1. We have been keeping up on photos though.

Nora's vocabulary has quadrupled in the past couple months. She learns new words every day and is getting really good at the ones she knows. We can now count to three, but two is her favorite, and she can tell you how old she is.

She l.o.v.e.s water and swimming, whether it's a big waterpark, her own kiddie pool in the backyard, or simply the bathroom sink.

Officially a daddy's girl, N follows him around whenever he's home and spends all day when he's gone saying "daddy work. daddy work."

N is a huge fan of our CSA, Teresa's Tasty Produce, where we get a box of fresh produce each Monday. She has an awesome appetite, and while she doesn't eat as much meat as I'd like, she'll eat fruit and veggies all.day.long.

Well...until she gets sleepy that is.

I don't remember the context of this photo but it makes me laugh every time I see it.

Lake of the Ozarks

2010-06-22T16:00:00.003-05:00

Have you visited the Lake of the Ozarks? The people there truly are a different breed. Must be the water.

Regardless, we had a great time with Grandpa. As I say every time we get back from a visit, I wish he were closer :( I would love for Nora to know him the way I know him. He is my favorite person in the whole world (well, might be a close second to N now-a-days) and I treasure every minute I have with him.

Entertaining the Bear

My fav!

We did a little sightseeing while we were there too.

The Dam

Guy would just put his net in the water and come back up with a bunch of fish.

They were literally jumping out of the water.

And the cranes were very aware of the best spot to get an easy meal.

Tourists

Jacob's Cave

It was fun, but I think we were all tired of the car by the time we got home. Lot of driving!

But Bear helped.

And just when we thought our journey was over, we got to see Grandpa again at a wedding the very next weekend. Nora darted across the parking lot yelling "Papa! Papa!" and my heart melted.

Wordless Wednesday: My 21-Month-Old

2010-06-16T13:00:00.002-05:00

Say It Isn't So

2010-06-10T11:01:00.004-05:00

My baby will be starting school in the fall. Today I sent off the check to hold her place in the local Montessori school. I've posted before about our interest in Montessori, and my love for the method has only grown since I first stumbled across it.

This spring I taught a Junior Achievement class to the fourth graders at this school. I was in awe of the dreams and ambitions, passion for learning and exceptional communication skills of this group of kids. Now maybe I just don't spend enough time with this age group, but they were truly fascinating to watch and interact with.

One moment that particularly stands out to me was when I had divided the room into two groups to complete a worksheet. One group was social and quickly finished their work by working together. The other seemed to take more of a fend-for-yourself method to doing the work. I noticed one girl was struggling and looked very frustrated that her group members weren't helping her understand how to do the assignment, and just as I stood to see if I could help, a boy from the other team came over and asked if she needed help. He proceeded to walk her through the steps and explain how his group came to the conclusion that they did. I felt teary.

Near the end of my class, I toured the school with the director, and as I suspected it's fabulous. Four rooms make up the school: 2- to 3-year-olds, 3- to 6-year-olds, first through third grade and fourth through sixth. Each classroom has learning stations appropriate for the age group present. All of the common subjects are displayed in an artful, interactive way.

In the morning the children come together as a group for an activity such as singing or dancing. Then they are released to go to the learning station of their choosing, and can move about freely throughout the day. They can work independently or interact with the other children.

The teacher primarily is an observer, but is present for questions and anything the children may need. As she learns each child's learning style, she will make note of areas they need improvement on and create opportunities for them to hone their own skills.

We had initially decided to hold off another year since N is only two, but ultimately decided that we thought this was not only as, if not more, cost effective than day care, but it was also best for her restless mind. She will glean so much more from this environment than she does at her current day care.

She has to be two before she can enroll, so she won't start right at the beginning of the school year, but since her birthday is just a few short weeks after school begins they were willing to hold her spot. Gah, I thought I had a couple more years before this day came!

Oh and for those of you who don't read my other blog, check out N's new Montessori room.

Oh Geez

2010-06-09T09:06:00.003-05:00

Has it really be a whole MONTH since I've posted on this blog? What can I say -- it's summer and we're soaking it up.

Here's what we've been up to.

Enjoying spring

Listening to tunes

Learning new things

And enjoying old favs

Cuddling

Doing each other's hair

Finding great yard sale deals!

Spending time as a family now that Dad has Sunday off

Being a kid

And growing up

Oh and spending lots and lots and lots of time with those who mean the most -- unfortunately I forget my camera a lot so they aren't in many pics :)

Wondering Where We've Been?

2010-05-07T08:17:00.004-05:00

I've been doing a lot of posting on my other blog -- you can find lots of photos and details on projects we've been working on there.

The other day was kind of a crazy day at work, but isn't it amazing how a photo or a few words can turn your day around? While plugging through 50 bazillion new e-mails, one popped up from the Hubby that said "bear and i just wanted to tell you that we love you whole bunches!!!! have a good day babe!" with this attached:

How'd I catch such a good one?

Grilling With Grandparents

2010-04-22T07:03:00.000-05:00

Sunday, the Bear and I went to Nana and Papa’s for a luncheon with the fam. They cooked some delish steaks, and N entertained herself playing with chalk, water, and the crazy neighbor boy. You know, the 4-year-old who said, “I know how to use saws, I’m trained.” Remind me never to allow Nora over there unattended, please.

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Wordless Wednesday: Silly With Dad

2010-04-21T21:53:00.001-05:00

Spanking: The Argument Against Corporal Punishment

2010-04-16T12:03:00.003-05:00

This is a repost of a column I wrote for examiner.com. Since I love including thoughts, logic and insight to our jouney through parenting for the Bear to have later on, I thought it appropriate to include this article here. You can see (and comment on!) the original article here.

I linked to an article on spanking and it's correlation with aggressive children in this week's Tuesday Tours. I don't believe spanking is an effective or humane way to raise a child. I know many disagree with me (as can be seen from the comments section of the article I posted), but here's why I don't -- and never will -- spank my child.

1. It is abused. No, I didn't say abuse, I said abused. The arguments for spanking usually ramble something about how when done correctly, it can be an effective tool for...blah, blah, blah. The truth is, rarely is spanking done in a calm, collected manner. Usually when parents spank their children they do it out of anger. When children stop or don't respond to the spank, parents spank harder to get their message across. It's a fine line and an easy one to step over when you don't have a clear boundary to begin with: How hard is too hard? How often is too much? How old is too old, and what age is too young? In fact, I don't think any form of discipline should be given in anger. Refraining from spanking is difficult, especially if the parent was spanked as a child, but doing so will give the parent a chance to gather thoughts and respond in a more effective manner.

2. It is illegal for adults, so why would we condone it for children? Even the death penalty in most states is performed in such a way that doesn't inflict pain on the convicted. How did we, as a society, ever decide we didn't want to harm death-row criminals, but that it should be legal for a parent to intentionally inflict pain on their children? It is a fact that judicial corporal punishment has been completely outlawed in most of the Western world, and yet corporal punishment of children by parents is still legal in all 50 U.S. states, and legal by teachers in 20 U.S. states.

3. It's contradictory. You are an example for your children; do they get to hit you when you do wrong? To hit and also prohibit hitting sends mixed messages. Often children who are spanked or otherwise abused focus physical aggression on smaller children and animals the same way they are by their parents. If we want our children to make good decisions and be compassionate toward others we have to model it, and that includes being forgiving and offering solutions when they make a mistake or are defiant.

4. Misbehavior is an effect, not a cause. Defiance often is the sign of a bigger issue -- instead of spanking, try to find out what is triggering the misbehavior. It may be as simple as wanting your love and attention -- now is that worth hitting over? It certainly isn't going to halt the behavior because the need still isn't being met. There are better ways to teach right from wrong, patience and tolerance. Actions are visual emotions -- if she is behaving negatively, she probably needs me so I need to assess what cues I'm missing to make her behave this way.

5. Spanking breaks trust. As an attachment parent, I constantly and consistently aim to instill in my daughter that she is a person. No matter how small, she has a right to an opinion and she will be treated with the love, trust and respect of any other being in our household. As such, I would not condone hitting her any more than I would my dog, cat or husband. It's devaluing and implies a structural superiority that ultimately lowers a child's self esteem and can cause insecurities throughout childhood.

6. Fear is not respect. Children should behave because they respect their parents and their authority, not because they fear punishment. If the child is too young to understand the correlation between respect and good behavior, the child is too young to be spanked anyway.

7. Spanking doesn't work. Children should have boundaries; and they will test them. How you react will determine their decision to do it again. Spanking, while potentially a short term fix because the child fears the repercussions of recreating the act, doesn't address the actual concern. If you spank your child for running toward the street, s/he learns mama/dada might hit me if I do that -- so then what happens when you aren't around? If you educate them on why it's dangerous and address the issue rationally, you will have taught them a lesson that will continue to benefit them their whole lives. Same goes for drinking, smoking and sex with teens: if they only fear the parental punishment, the likelihood of experimenting is increased; however, if you have taught them that their actions are directly affecting themselves, not you, they are less likely to intentionally abuse their own bodies.

8. I love her too much. Even on an off day, I count my blessings. Tragedies happen to children every day, and I don't want to have any regrets if something were to happen to my baby. I don't like to see her sad or in pain. I would never allow anyone else to inflict pain on my child and, by extension, I could never allow myself to do it either. Children are curious, children are rambunctious, children make mistakes -- don't we all? It's how they learn, and how we react to them -- how we read their signs and embrace their adventurous side -- will ultimately shape who they become. I know who I want my child to be. Do you?

If you find yourself struggling to react appropriately in a calm manner to your child's behavior, consider seeking anger management help through the Iowa Anger Management Directory.Alternatively, a family councilor may be able to help get to the root of behavior issues. There is no shame in asking for help, and doing so may result in a happier, more in tune family that everyone will be thankful for.

Over Half Way To Two

2010-04-16T11:35:00.006-05:00

Friday at 9:16 p.m. marked 19 months since our baby girl entered this world at a teensy 5 pounds 3 ounces. Today she is nearly 25 pounds and a smart, funny, adventurous little girl with an attitude that can go from gleeful to tantrum in 2.5 seconds.

Her most recent, and possibly new fav, word is dude, which is admittedly hilarious and comes out sounding more like a drawn out "due".

I'm amazed every day at how loving and compassionate she is -- hugging everyone and blowing kisses to strangers -- and equally amazed at how quickly she can do a 180 when she doesn't get her way.

As the weather warms and we spend more and more time outside, we're starting to see she has inherited her mamas grace -- or lack thereof. With a skinned knee that keeps breaking open and a bump on her head the size of a golf ball, we're lucky we haven't been accused of abuse.

Some things we've been doing are composting, building a laundry line and getting ready to plant our first garden. Nora loves to be involved and active.

Our most recent venture was riding a bike, which to say the least, didn't go so hot. After a month or more of searching, I finally found the perfect bike trailer to pull her in and she hates it. Despises it. Wiggles so hard I can't get her near it. We will rest and try again later, I suppose. Hopefully she come around because there is a beautiful trail along the river just down the street from our house.

What else? She's starting to love dressing herself. She continues to love to eat. This weekend N got her first dance pictures taken, even though we won't be doing recital this year -- and she's still loving tumble bears. Most recently, she learned how to balance on one foot and she now enjoys practicing all.the.time. Oh, and ring around the rosie has become a regular family activity in our home...just make sure you remember to fall down because N gets really angry if you don't!

We're still working on weaning. Some days she is completely fine with it, and others not so much. We often go several days without nursing, and then she has an off day or gets overly tired and becomes relentless that she must nurse. Originally, I was so burnt out and ready to be done, but with our new arrangement it doesn't bother me as much. As long as we've weaned completely by the time she turns 2, I'm OK with the every once and a while schedule we currently have. I definitely never imagined we would continue this long, but am very proud of us for our accomplishment -- and I have a whole new respect for mamas that are able to breastfeed for an extended period or with one child right after another!

Cheers to a happy, healthy, loving toddler!

Six

2010-04-11T23:35:00.010-05:00

Six is the number of outfits the Bear wore today. It was a long, fun-packed day at the house and it seemed every time I turned around she was a mess and in need of a change of clothes.

She modeled the dress Aunt Tiffany made her for Easter, and had fun admiring herself in the mirror.

Yesterday Nora skinned her knee pretty bad, and today she fell down and scraped the same one again.

She’s definitely recovered from her previous illness, because man, today all she wanted to do was eat. I could hardly get a meal in because every time I’d go to take a bite N would say “eat” or “bite” and anxiously await me to hand over my food.

She especially loved my homemade yogurt.

Then she helped me bury some food scraps in the compost pile. After which I lectured the dogs about not getting into to the pile and N felt the need to reiterate. It was hysterical watching her fold her arms and jabber away, occasionally pointing her finger at Chateau in a stern manner.

Later N went swimming while I laid out. It was SO beautiful out and just warm enough for a luke-warm swim.

Later we planted some seeds for our garden… OK I planted and N dumped out my previously planted containers – we’ll see how those turn out! LOL.

Overall it was a spectacular day. Looking forward to many more days of warm, outdoor enjoyment.

P.S. Happy birthday, Nana Buskirk! Hope you had a wonderful day – xoxo.

Easter is the New Christmas

2010-04-05T21:33:00.001-05:00

Well one would guess so by the number of gifts N got anyway. The day started with an Easter basket opening and egg hunt at home. We spent most of the day in Swisher with Charlie’s family. Nora had lots of fun. I won’t bore you with my ramblings though, here is the proof.

My Little Sickling

2010-04-01T14:19:00.000-05:00

I've been out of town for work and the Bear has been sick and at home with dad. Talk about mama guilt!

It started last week. She had been feverish on and off, but we get that a lot with teething and growth spurts so I didn't think anything of it. Then she developed a rash. It was mostly in the diaper area but had creeped down her thighs a little too. Sunday we woke up to find the rash had turned to blisters and sores. NurseLine said to keep her diaper off and to get her to the doctor first think Monday.

Went to the doctor Monday, and doctor said to keep it covered and clean. He also gave her an antibiotic. He diagnosed the rash as a form of impetigo and said he needed to see her again in two days. The rash got better but she still had a fever when she went back for her checkup. Doctor said he couldn't see anything else visibly wrong with her and that if the fever continued for another 24 hours we needed to take her to the hospital for further testing. He also noted that on some rare occasions the perscription can cause a fever.

Last night she was relatively chipper when I got home, but within an hour she was burning hot again. We gave her some tylenol and went to bed (OK I passed out from exhaustion and N came to bed with me). This morning she seemed to be fine again. So far no fever.

Time will tell right? Crossing our fingers for no e-room visits this week.

18 Month Stats

2010-03-26T14:58:00.000-05:00

We met Nora's new pediatrician today. I don't love him, but I don't hate him either. He just wasn't very...friendly. He wasn't overly personable and he didn't get too excited about N either -- I loved how our old pedi would engage with her and this new doc was very get-down-to-business like.

He reprimanded us for a few things (including blaming us for 400 children in California getting measles), and commended us for still having her rear-facing in her car seat and not encouraging her to watch TV. I guess we're half way good parents.

Nora weighed 23.5 pounds, putting her in the 50th percentile, and is 33 inches long, putting her in the 75th percentile for height. I forget the head circumfrence but it was also 50th percentile.

She did have to get two pokes today, her DTaP #4 and polio #3, but she handled it like a champ. No more vaccines until her 2 year checkup - yay!

Have a good weekend!

Growing Up in the Technology Age

2010-03-24T04:37:00.002-05:00

Craft day at John Deere Pavilion

2010-03-22T16:33:00.000-05:00

On Saturday, we went to check out the baby chicks at JD Pavilion with some of our friends from tumbling class.

Nora got to:

Climb on tractors

Milk (OK water) a cow

Make a chick like the live ones we saw

And be silly

I think it wore her out

18 Month Review

2010-03-16T01:28:00.000-05:00

In case you missed that, I said 18 month review, as in Nora is 18 months old today! I can honestly say it has flown. I've been twiddling my thumbs trying to think ingenuis commentary to write, but I got nothing -- I'm still in disbelief.

One year ago I was blogging about Nora's first time at the playground, and now I stand back and watch her run, talk to the dogs, give hugs and kisses (oh and high fives), read books, and tumble. I never cease to be amazed at her newest talent and her ability to absorb her surroundings.

I don't blog as much as I used to (though I try to post pics often!) and I feel like I skip over so many stories that give us endless entertainment.

Last week, Charlie was on his hands and knees looking for her nuk in her room when Nora came up, grabbed the back of his pants, looked down and said, "Poo?" And I continue to laugh even as I type.

She's also becoming quite resourceful with her words. Recently she's picked up:

Bee
Poo
Pse (please)
Mo (more)
Na (banana)
Eat
Teau
Dog dog (Charlie firmly believes she says it twice because we have two dogs)
Me (not to be confused with Mimi)

She enjoys coloring (and eating the crayons), being outside, and showing off. She loves to dance and will do so to any type of music, including elevator music.

She also loves people. We will be in the grocery store and she will walk up to strangers, take their hand, and try to lead them away. I'm fairly confident if anyone were to try to abduct her, she would gladly go along. At Aunt TJ's dance competion a couple weeks ago, she squeezed her way into the center of a circle of women who were chatting, and crossed her arms, moving one arm up and down like she was gesturing her sentance, and started babbling...loudly...as if she were a part of the conversation. And then laughed when everyone laughed at her adorableness.

Nora is a big helper these days. She likes to throw things in the recycle bin and trash for me, loves helping in the kitchen by pouring measured ingredients into the bowl or pan, and if you're sad, she will gladly retrieve a tissue for you.

I still can't say I have a favorite age because so far I've loved them all, but watching her grow is so fun and rewarding. She is so affectionate, and maybe I'm biased, but she seems so smart for her age. I look forward to seeing how she changes and grows in the next 18 months.

Say Hello to Davenport's New Resident Examiner

2010-03-11T14:42:00.000-06:00

I've been on a mission to take on some freelance work to get back to what I love about writing. It seems the less writing I do, the grouchier I become -- writing is my outlet and without it I tend to retain emotion. It doesn't seem to matter what I write about, its just the simple act of doing it that provides a tension outlet for me, kind of like yoga.

My goals for this job are to get a jump start on building content for my portfolio, honing my writing skills and hopefully getting my name out there -- oh and did I mention it pays? Not much, rest assured I will not be jumping ship on my day job anytime soon, but being paid to write feels so much more meaningful and professional than blogging for free. It is important for you, all of my loyal readers, to note that it is a sliding pay scale based on the number of articles I submit and the feedback they receive (i.e. leave comments), how many followers I have, and the number of unique page views my articles receive so visit often!

Without further ado, I give you the Davenport Attachment Parenting Examiner.

(Almost) Wordless Wednesday: At the Mall

2010-03-10T10:38:00.002-06:00

Kara came to visit from Wisconsin. Forgetful me scheduled an oil change for my car during her visit and we ended up spending 2 hours at the mall waiting for my car to get done. Luckily, Kara is a good friend and she didn't seem to mind too much -- plus her and Nora had a good time, I think!

Hello Spring

2010-03-07T11:11:00.004-06:00

So nice to finally be able to go outside! Here's what we've been up to.

We had to change N's pants three times yesterday...but she had fun and it was worth it!

A Winter Farewell

2010-03-06T12:05:00.003-06:00

At a whopping 40 degrees, I decided to take N out for her first sledding adventure...in the front yard. Now, before you criticize, I'm fully aware we look under dressed given the current temperature, but man did it feel WONDERFUL! I could have sworn it was 60 and it was only after I began typing this entry that I realized it was actually significantly cooler than I had thought. Without further ado, I give you our winter farewell in photo-story form.

A First I'm Not Sad I Missed

2010-03-04T12:15:00.000-06:00

Poor Bear must have been feeling under the weather on Wednesday. Day care had closed due to a power outage, so Mimi and I split the day taking care of N.

I dropped her off in the afternoon and headed off to work, and about an hour later Mimi called to say N had thrown up :{ Not only that, but it had gotten all over Mimi when it happened! Can't say I'm disappointed I wasn't there...there may have been two of us to clean up after!

For what it's worth, N seems like she's been fighting some sort of mild bug, but she's handling it well and doesn't seem to be slowed down by it one bit! Tough girl.

Mmm Mmmm Good

2010-03-01T15:15:00.002-06:00

Why is it that 85% of the photos I post of this kid involve food? I think it's safe to say that in another 14% she is sleeping and 1% would fit into the Other category.

Here's what N has been eating lately.

Soup

Harris Pizza

IDK what she's eating, but look how good she's doing with her fork!

Canteloupe

Maybe I always take photos when she's eating because eating seems to make her happy... who knows. I would venture to bet this won't be the last of them though ;)

Another Funfilled Winter Saturday

2010-02-21T13:14:00.002-06:00

Weekends drone on when it's just the Bear and I, especially cooped up in this tiny house.

Yesterday, we kept busy first with a trip to Babies-R-Us where N tried out a tricycle, knocked lots of toys off the shelf as Mama followed behind picking up her mess, and met some new friends who loved picking her up and pushing her in a wagon.

Next, we headed to the pet store. N enjoyed all of the animals but there was one puppy she loved the most. He adored her, and they were super cute together.

After she told the puppy bye and blew him kisses, we drove to the river to find some ducks. At a scorching 40 degrees, we lasted about 15 minutes outside throwing crackers (and trying to stop N from eating the ones on the ground) before concluding the ducks must not be hungry :)

By the time we were done, Bear was tuckered.

Hopefully that takes care of our craving for adventure -- the weather forecast predicts we'll be staying in for a couple days.

I Said Something Today

2010-02-19T14:22:00.007-06:00

that I think sums up my parenting philosophy perfectly.

You see my baby sister -- who is not technically a baby anymore; in fact, she's an adult -- is writing a paper about me. She asked a question having to do with the influences of my parenting style, to which I responded that I sometimes wonder to myself, if I only had a short amount of time left with N, how would I parent her differently? My answer is always "I wouldn't", and that's how I know I'm doing it right.

Of course I have had moments where I wish I would have handled the situation differently, but the basic principles I put my faith of child rearing into I would not change. Yes, this is basically just me bragging about how well versed I can be...sometimes. :)

Happy Friday!

Wordless Wednesday: Medicine of the Mind

2010-02-17T07:27:00.001-06:00

Family Museum: A QC MUST for Little Ones

2010-02-16T14:07:00.002-06:00

Winter has gotten the best of me, and I've been feeling some serious cabin fever in our teeny tiny place lately. I had heard rave reviews about the Bettendorf Family Museum from other parents in N's tumbling class, so on Saturday we decided to check it out.

I forgot the camera ::sad face:: but I can't say enough great things about it. It was cheap ($6 for my ticket and N was free!) and there was so much to do. N got to try out some musical instruments, play dress up, learn about shadows and reflections, and -- her favorite -- cook, clean, and talk on the phone in the four and under playhouse.

The house had two phones: one in the kitchen and one on the other side of the wall. When you would pick up one, it would make the other ring. When it rang, my tech-savvy daughter would drop everything and run to answer the phone. She would then procede to pace back an fourth with the phone to her ear moving her hands as she said "blah ba me do blah ba na..." When she had finished her conversation, she'd hand the phone back up and go back to whatever she had been previously occupied with. I wish I had the video camera, it was hysterical.

We will definitely be going back.

Officially a Quad Citian

2010-02-09T06:24:00.001-06:00

It's like a rite of passage. And she handled it beautifully.

Wordless Wednesday: What is in a Name?

2010-02-03T09:26:00.001-06:00

Gonna Party Like It's My Birthday

2010-02-01T07:07:00.000-06:00

Well there probably won't be any partying, but I did have a delish homemade breakfast this morning ala the hubbs. I'm also hoping to get a couple of vacation days approved for the end of this week so I can do some much needed reconnecting with the fam after a hectic couple of months.

N and I this morning (sporting the new sweater Mimi got me!).

I'm sure everyone has this realization at one point or another, but it seems so funny to think back to when I thought 24 was old...not old as in going to die soon or anything, but just grown up -- I don't feel grown up :) Cheers to another healthy and happy 24 (and hopefully more!) years!

Panties!

2010-01-28T12:36:00.004-06:00

I'm sure I'll get frowns for this when N gets old enough to realize what I've done, but I had to show off how grown up she looks in her big-girl panties! They are of the boy short variety, so at least they're modest ;)

On a related note, EC is going very well. We had regressed for a little while (or Mama and Daddy had gotten a little lazy - tomato/tomato), but we have been more alert to her subtle signs lately and it's paying off. I don't think day care is taking to it very well becuase they just accepted a bunch more kids and it's been a little crazy around there. When she's at home though, she usually either makes a "ssss" sound or goes into the bathroom, which cues us in that she needs to go.

Sadly, distractions happen and if you're not watching for the cues it's easy to miss them so we have had some misses; but we can tell she is getting tired of diapers and I think that is going to help move things along now that she is very aware of when she needs to go. She got to wear her panties for about an hour last night and was actually sad when we switched back to the diaper ::tear::

Bittersweet Homecoming

2010-01-25T08:13:00.004-06:00

We survived. A whole week apart, and I think we faired pretty well. I kept busy enough to not dwell too much on what I was missing and Bear enjoyed her time with Daddy.

Since school cancelled on Wednesday due to weather, they got 3 full days at home together and, from what I hear, they had lots of fun. I could tell when I got home that they seemed more connected. I was surprised how easily N just let things go back to normal -- I had envisioned her being very clingy and perhaps regress a little in her confidence of me always returning, but after the initial excitement of seeing me it was just as if I had never left.

Well, mostly. I think my trip may have been the final straw for our nursing journey. I chose not to bring my pump on my trip (which was a terrible idea BTW -- boy was I in pain!) mostly because I thought it would be a hassle but also because thought I had reached a point where I would be OK with weaning if N started showing signs of being ready. Part of me wanted to make it to age 2, but physically I had become really burnt out and I was constantly reminding myself that we should only continue if both of us were still happy with the arrangment.

That's what I thought. But now that I've returned and she has only asked to nurse a couple of times, and both for very short periods, I'm feeling immense guilt over it. I feel like I pushed her into it instead of waiting until she was ready, and I'm doubting that I was really as ready as I thought. At least I didn't want it to end like this -- I always thought we'd talk about it first and plan a final goodbye and ultimately agree on the decision together. Of course I know 16 months is a long time and that if she truely is weaning it doesn't diminish the huge accomplisment we made, but it doesn't keep me from mourning the end of this part of our relationship.

I'm truely torn between hoping she'll still change her mind and appreciating that this was such an easy transition for her; however, despite my own hesitations I'm going to let her make this decision for us. If it is the end, we had a great run and I can only hope that the bond we created will continue to grow. In the meantime, I'm going to soak up the hugs and smother her with kisses, and try to make up for some lost time. Don't be surpirsed if I don't post much this week -- I'll get back to blogging as usual in a week or so.

Preparing to Part

2010-01-14T07:37:00.001-06:00

I'm going out of town for a week beginning Sunday. It will be the longest period of time I've been away from N to date.

As I mentioned in yesterday's post, she's been having some separation anxiety already due to all the changes we've been through in recent months, and I'm nervous this trip is only going to intensify our power struggles. Of course she'll be with her Daddy, but he still has to work. Besides, sometimes a girl just needs her Ma.

So what's a mama to do? Well, truthfully, I don't know and I'm open to suggestions. What can I do to make this easier on my Bear?

While I figure it out, we've been spending lots of time cuddling, playing and being silly. Here's the proof:

This will be my last post for a little while as we take time to wind down, gear up, and say our goodbyes. I want to get in as many snuggles as possible before I head out, and once I get back I'm sure we'll be long overdue for some R7R.

Today I...

2010-01-13T22:32:00.002-06:00

Didn't cry at drop off! I had fun listening to a story about snowmen shapes and coloring a snowman. I didn't need my nuk at all today!

Nora's been having a hard time adjusting to the new day care and all of our changes lately. She really likes her teacher and her new BFF JoLee, and she is always in a good mood when we pick her up; she has just been making it very difficult to leave her. She gets very emotional when she gets dropped off, and she has become very clingy at home too after a day at day care. So when there was no crying today, that was a big hooray!

Finding Faith

2010-01-08T08:30:00.002-06:00

This post may be a little controversial, but it something that has been weighing on my mind a lot lately. My intention for this blog is secondarily to keep the family informed about Nora and our family, and I enjoy sharing it with you all; but my primary intent has always been to create a journal for Nora to revisit through the years and provide her with a story of her life and our journey as a family. With that in mind, this is a topic I have been wanting to address for some time now, and I hope you'll be respectful of our beliefs as we have been of those around us.

Religion is something I have struggled with my whole life. Truthfully, I have spent most of my life not even knowing or putting much thought into what I believe to be true. Having a child has made me want to know, made me want to explore my faith and spirituality because how can I ever teach her to be herself and stand up for what she believes if I don't know what I believe and can't demonstrate the same?

So after much thinking, pondering and internal battling, here is what I do know about what I believe:

I believe we create our own happiness. There is no destiny or predetermined path laid out for us in which we have to fulfill to be happy; happiness is achieved through learning to appreciate the good in our lives and not let the bad get us down. Happiness is 90% mental and 10% circumstances.
I believe no god or higher power exists as a judge of whether we are right or wrong and good or evil, and I do not agree with such being used as a scare tactic to convince people to do the right thing. God is not a being which exists or has ever existed, rather the image of a divine being was created as an example of how we should strive to live our lives.
I agree with the moral lessons that can be found at the root of most organized religions. Compassion, caring, hope, grace, selflessness, acceptance, love, and honesty are all values I hope to be able to instill in my daughter whether through religious exploration or otherwise.
I believe the search for spirituality should be about creating a good life and finding inner peace without regard to living impossible standards. For me, faith is not about a greater being -- it is about creating a framework of morality and hope.
I believe the earth was created by a series of scientific events with no supernatural intervention. I believe in evolution and the science that proves it. Nature in and of itself is a miracle on earth and there is much to be learned from it.
I believe evil and wrongdoing are a result of human nature, lack of morals and values, and poor judgement. I do not believe we are being tested or that a force exists solely to tempt and encourage sin.
I believe life's purpose is about the journey, not the endpoint. The ultimate goal is to look back and have no regrets; to live life and die happy. To live for the afterlife is to always be searching for something better which ultimately hinders having happiness today (see bullet 1).

So there you have it, my deepest, most inner thoughts on paper (or screen, really). While I mostly disagree with much of what is taught in church, I appreciate the sense of community and generally positive influence it can have, especially on impressionable children. This being another driving force behind my search for spirituality, I have been on the hunt for church-like community with others like me.

Just before moving, a friend brought Unitarian Universalism to my attention. After further research, I found a Unitarian church in Davenport and was drawn in by this statement:

We believe that personal experience, conscience and reason should be the
final authorities in religion, and that in the end religious authority lies not
within a book or person or institution, but within ourselves.

Isn't it beautiful? To me this boldly screams, we create our own happiness. It says that it doesn't matter if you believe what I believe, as long as we're both fulfilling our spiritual desires we are both right.

So we decided to give it a try. Last Sunday I willingly went to church without pressure or peer influence for the first time in...well possibly ever. I went confidently knowing that I would not be judged or told what to believe.

Unfortunately, Nora had other plans and her patience only lasted about 10 minutes into the service. My thoughts and absorption of the environment were far from uninterrupted as I suddenly became more concerned with my restless toddler. We will try again this Sunday.

Tumblin' Bear

2010-01-05T08:53:00.003-06:00

Nora went to her first tumbling class yesterday. She is by far the youngest in her class. Typically the youngest they take for tumble bears is 18 months, but since between my sisters and I we've been going to Kim's for over 20 years, N gets special accomodations :)

Overall, it went pretty well. She did very good at participating and following directions when it was her turn. We will need to work on sitting on her square when it's not her turn though -- she certainly wasn't shy or quiet, and she loved running up and down the mat while the other girls were taking their turns.

Sommersaults with Miss Kelli

"Look at your button!"

Backrolls on the cheese mat

Ring around the rosie

And a video...don't mind me conversating with a 2 year old in the backgound :)

Out With the Old, In With the New: Recapturing 2009

2010-01-01T21:23:00.011-06:00

January: Nora hit quite a few developmental milestones including learning to roll and starting to teethe.

February: All dressed up to go out for Mama's 23rd birthday!

March: Nora started eating (and L.O.V.E.D) solid food. She still does.

April: First encounter with the Easter Bunny. In hindsight, this was much more successful than Santa.

May: First I-Cubs game.

June: Busy month! We made a couple trips to Onawa for Aunt Shannon's bridal shower and wedding, Nora had her first trip to the Omaha zoo, and Nora finally got to meet cousin Milo, Great Aunt Julie and Uncle Ken, and Great Uncle Butch and Aunt Chris at the Wood family reunion.

July: Nora got to experience frozen yogurt at the Pleasant Hill Days parade...I'll let you decide what she thought.

August: First steps! We also celebrated Grandma Mary Lou's birthday, retirement and her and Grandpa's 50th wedding anniversary.

September: Our Bear turned 1! We also said goodbye to Grandpa Cupp.

October: Nora played in the snow for the first time. We also made a trip to Missouri to visit Grandpa Barnes, and Nora dressed as a flower for Halloween. We also put an offer on the house that 31 days later became our new home.

November: Most of the month was spent packing. Nora was a big helper.

December: Home at last. We settled in to our mini house and enjoyed travel-less holidays with family and friends.

Passing the Buck

2009-12-29T11:08:00.000-06:00

...Or change actually. Meet Star. She is a 20-something purple pot belly who has a taste for metal. It has become tradition, really, that every Christmas when Grandpa Barnes comes to visit he brings Star full of change collected throughout the year. Then I empty the change through her slightly-too-small hole, send her back and sure enough the following Christmas she is full again.

After 20 years of practice I can empty this baby in about 35 minutes -- a huge improvement from the several hours it used to take me. Yes, practice really does make perfect. I have this down to such I science, I even know which spoons work best (ice cream) and which ones are wasting time (soup), and now, I'm passing the ritual on to Nora.

Last night we emptied her. Nora was so helpful, carefully picking up any coins I dropped and throwing them in the bucket. She didn't even try to eat any! Tomorrow, we'll take the change to the bank to see how much we have to open Nora's first savings account.

13 Steps to a Better Life

2009-12-28T09:15:00.001-06:00

Don't worry - Christmas updates coming soon, I'm just tracking down a few more photos before I post.

In the mean time, check out this article from one of my new favorite blogs, Get Rich Slowly. It's not a new post, but it's timely; I'm going to use this list as the basis for my New Year's resolutions. Hopefully, you'll find it as inspiring as I did.

How to Enjoy the Holidays

2009-12-21T15:28:00.005-06:00

Oops! I actually meant to post this on my other blog, but I'll leave it up since I guess it can apply to both audiences!

The holidays are supposed to be a joyful time full of cheer and good company; but for many, it becomes a source of stress or even depression. Stress over money, too much to do, too little time, family squabbles, lost loved ones...stress.

What I love about Christmas is that it is one of 3 days the hubby and I have off together all year. Sure we spend it hopping from one house to another delivering gifts like Santa and eating an amount comparable to what normal people eat in 2-3 days, but we get to spend time together and I try to drink in every minute.

Now granted, I tend to be a pretty logical, see-the-bigger-picture type of person so what works for me may not work for everyone, I wanted to share what I do to keep stress to a minimum.

1) Stay out of the drama. Families will bicker, shoppers are rude, relatives will complain, and someone will get left out. That's how it is and how it will always be. Don't push back, don't feed the fire, just let it go and spend more time with those who make good company.

2) Don't try to please everyone. As Scrooge-ish as it may sound, I've learned is that you can't please everyone. Sometimes the right thing to do is to make it about you. Now that we have N, I no longer feel guilty making a decision based on what is best for me rather than what everyone wants or what we would normally do.

3) Budget. And stick to it. The bottom line is you shouldn't give more than you can afford. Where is the joy in giving if it stresses you out? What friend or relative would enjoy getting a gift that means you have to go into debt to purchase it? Homemade gifts are usually most appreciated and happen to be budget friendly, too.

Not crafty? Give a coupon for a free sitter, lunch date, or shopping day. Close friends will appreciate spending time with you more than a material gift anyway. If you're big on gift giving and have a lot of people to buy for, put a set amount away every month beginning in January so come December it doesn't feel like such a financial burden.

4) Say thanks. Take time to reflect on your blessings. Remind those around you that you love and appreciate them. Don't let the past get you down.

5) Say no. You don't have to attend every party/meal/gathering you're invited to. This time of year is chaotic for everyone, and your friends will understand if you can't make it. Make it up to the host by inviting them to do something once life returns to normal. Why do we have to pack everything into 2 days of the year? If it's a close friend, plan to exchange gifts at your after-Christmas gathering.

6) Breathe. Just breathe.

Do you find yourself stressed during the holidays? What do you do to minimize the emotional impact of the hustle and bustle?

Learning to Share...Or Not.

2009-12-16T13:18:00.001-06:00

Corrinne brought over her new Baby Alive doll on Saturday, which, if you're not familiar, is a doll that eats and drinks (loudly) and then pees and you have to change the diaper. Nora luurrrved it! At first she was content just sitting on Corrinne's lap, but after a while she got the hang of it and no one else was allowed to touch her new toy -- ah, the joys of toddlerhood.

Nora, Meet Ora

2009-12-12T07:48:00.003-06:00

It seems I've become more eager for N to open her presents than I am to open my own -- even if I didn't get them for her!

Before we left Des Moines, Aunt Shannon brought over a present for N, and I assured her we'd put it under the tree and have her wait til Christmas to open it. Last night, I decided she'd waited long enough...

Apparently Teau was anxious as well

Digging in

This is Ora. She was born on Sept. 9...good thing it wasn't the 16th because that would be creepy.

Kisses. Oh and N can say "baby" now. She kept hugging Ora and saying "baby" while patting her on the back!

PS. Nora says "Thanks Aunt Shannon!"

Thanksgiving Catch Up

2009-12-11T10:08:00.002-06:00

Some (and by some I mean very few - people aren't lying when they say you quit taking so many photos after the first year!) photos of our fab turkey day and moving preparations.

Nora packing her toys

Love this grin

Cooking TG side dish

What a shrimp

She already knows how to work the pouty face

The dog whisperer

Ah Friday!

2009-12-04T07:20:00.005-06:00

Many apologies for the lack of photos and updates lately. We had a wonderful Thanksgiving full of good food and lots of family. Unfortunately, Charlie stayed home since he had to work at 4 a.m., but other than that it was good. Oh, and I may have strained some muscles in my shoulder beating everyone in Wii tennis.

We closed on the new house on Tuesday. We had a little bit of a hiccup and closed a couple hours late, but better hours than days! Wrigley and Chateau got to explore their new neighborhood after a friends dad thought some stray dogs let themselves into the yard and then got locked in ::puzzled face:: ...three hours later Charlie found them a couple blocks away still together and covered in animal feces -- but safe none-the-less.

I had to come back to Des Moines to finish out the week at work here. Our company holiday party is tonight and after that I'm free to go. I'll start at the Davenport office on Tuesday; Charlie returns to work Sunday. Sure am missing my Bear though -- this is definitely the longest we've ever been apart. Charlie is coming up for the party, so tonight is also the first time N has ever been away from both of us overnight! She's staying with Mimi though, and I think they'll have fun.

Off to work -- see ya'll soon!

Trading Traditions Part 4: Giving More Than Gifts

2009-11-26T08:16:00.004-06:00

First, I'd just like to note that while we are finishing up our packing this weekend and will be staying in Des Moines for Thanksgiving, this is the last holiday we will be spending away from family. Come Christmas we'll be settled and ready for the chaos to begin! And in future years, Charlie's 18-hour Black Friday schedule will no longer prevent us from having turkey dinner with those we are most thankful for.

This is part 4 of a four part entry on holiday traditions. I found this one to be highly appropriate for a Thanksgiving entry. I'd love for you to comment and share your favorite traditions of holidays past and the ones you want to start with your little ones in years to come.

Part 1: Christmas on Christmas Eve
Part 2: Back to the Basics
Part 3: A Toy for a Toy

4) Giving More Than Gifts. It's true the holiday's are a time of giving, but people are in need of much more than presents under the tree. Each December we are going to choose a place to volunteer as a family. Donating our time allows us a way to get out together during a season that usually encourages staying in and provides an opportunity for reflecting on how blessed we are to have what we have. Maybe we'll find a favorite place to volunteer each year or maybe we'll use the opportunity to help someone new -- what's important is that we are using our time to better the community in which we live and give gifts of food, hope, and warmth to those who do not have basic necessities.

Happy Thanksgiving all. See you soon!

Trading Traditions Part 3: A Toy for a Toy

2009-11-25T07:13:00.001-06:00

This is part 3 of a four part entry on holiday traditions. I'd love for you to comment and share your favorite traditions of holidays past and the ones you want to start with your little ones in years to come.

Part 1: Christmas on Christmas Eve
Part 2: Back to the Basics

3) A Toy for a Toy. Much like an eye for an eye, for each gift Nora receives we plan to encourage her to pick one to give to kids in need. A new toy can replace an old one she doesn't play with anymore, and a new outfit can fill the hangar of clothes she has outgrown. Since they are her belongings, she also will get to pick which charity or organization she would like them to go to.

Trading Traditions Part 2: Back to the Basics

2009-11-24T10:02:00.004-06:00

This is part 2 of a four part entry on holiday traditions. I'd love for you to comment and share your favorite traditions of holidays past and the ones you want to start with your little ones in years to come.

Part 1: Christmas on Christmas Eve

2) Back to the Basics. We have decided we don't want to overdo the consumerism side of holiday giving. I have no doubt in my mind that I will never be able to persuade our families to tone-down the gift giving because, well at 23 I'm still poked and prodded for a Christmas list every year despite my insistance that it is no longer necessary to spoil me rotten. Absurd amounts of gifts under the tree is just what they do (and hey, I'm not complainin!); however, at home, we have decided we prefer to just stuff stockings and then give one other very special gift. In part, this new tradition (and the one coming in #3) is inspired by our 625-square-foot house and the need to keep it simple, but I'm also hoping minimizing the materialistic aspect and broadening the act of giving will have a positive impact on her as she grows and learns what the holiday's are really about.

to be continued...

Trading Traditions Part 1: Christmas on Christmas Eve

2009-11-23T09:13:00.003-06:00

I'm a planner. I'm a planner by trade and a planner by nature. I plan everything. I love the idea of spontaneity, but in reality it's stressful for me not to know what's going to happen next. Everything I do has a list; half the time my lists have lists.

This compulsive mindset carries over into my parenting frequently. I feel like I need to plan every week, decision, change, and lately, traditions, ahead of time. I can't help it. So with the holiday's fast approaching I've been doing a lot of thinking (read: planning) about how I hope to convey the meaning of the holidays and Christmas to Nora. This thinking has since translated into a list of traditions I would like to carry on and start with her each holiday season.

To spare you from having to spend a whole day reading my ramblings, I would like to share my list in four parts over the next four days as we lead into Thanksgiving. I'd love for you to comment and share your favorite traditions of holidays past and the ones you want to start with your little ones in years to come.

1) Chrismas on Christmas Eve. Growing up we always had so.much.to.do. that trying to fit everyone into one day of feasting and gift devouring just wasn't possible. Thus, we started celebrating at home on Christmas Eve. Of course the actual reason was because Santa couldn't possibly make it to everyone's house in one night so he had to visit us early, but I kind of get the side eye when I tell people that so my cover is that we just didn't have time to do it all in one day. Since Nora has inherited my HUGE multi-sided family and the Buskirks, we're most definitely going to have to continue the 2-day celebration tradition. Plus, as a kid, it's pretty cool to tell all your friends you get to open presents a day early.

to be continued...

15 Month Checkup...A Little Early

2009-11-20T13:30:00.005-06:00

Nora had her 15 month checkup (and shots ::sad face::) today. I realize she just turned 14 months on Monday, but I needed to buy some time before I would have to find a new pediatrition in Davenport so I asked if they would see her early since she hadn't had shots since her 9 month appointment due to our alternate vaccination schedule.

She weighed in at 21 pounds 15 oz and measured 30 inches long. Small weight gain from her last appointment, but boy has she gotten taller! She is right about the 50th percentile in both categories.

Word-ful Wednesday

2009-11-18T08:43:00.001-06:00

My yoga instructor read this poem to my prenatal yoga class while I was pregnant with Nora. I loved it. I still love it. I even quoted the poem on a page of Nora's baby book.

It is inspiring, and at the same time, makes me reflect on my own birth experience and I feel defeated for not being able to have the type of birth I dreamt of. My birth was not empowering, in fact quite opposite. Words that come to mind for me are: Unnecessary. Premature. Belittling. Helpless. Abrupt...

In the past two years, I have grown from a girl who thought birth and anything related to it was gross to a woman who feels passionate about women's rights in birthing and the over-medicalized process it has become. Women shouldn't have to grieve their birth experiences; but I did - I am. It makes me angry every time I think about it. I want to help other women have the birth they long for because the guilt, sorrow, and and disappointment doesn't go away just because the baby was healthy. This poem is a strong representation of the empowerment that was once (and should still be!) embraced by mothers, and I couldn't have said it better myself.

To My Daughters
I’ll tell you about power:
We are born with the potential for every daughter we will ever have
embedded like pearls in the dark flesh or our ovaries.
You were already there, in me,
While I was yet curled within my mother, as she was, inside my great-grandmother;
each mother birthing her grandchildren
through her pelvis,
ivory cradles protecting secret worlds
within our own seas,
worlds of fierce hearts and minds beyond knowing.
Is there a greater power than holding the entire
universe in your belly?
All of Creation? What about our own galaxies pouring forth?
The summoning of all that is love
And alive into our very breasts, our marrow,
Our coursing blood, and luminous milky way
So bright it blinds, with all the power and force of life,
heaven meeting earth, giving to those worlds we hold,
That we see in the irises of our daughters’ eyes

18 Days til Moving Day

2009-11-13T07:43:00.002-06:00

And all I have left to do is pack all of our belongings, change the address on all of our bills, finish making all my Christmas presents (have one started of like 13), sell another 2/3 of my furniture that isn't going to fit in the new place, pick up our medical records, pack my stuff at work and fill out a move request - oh and I guess finding an office space would be helpful too, find Nora a day care and a pediatrician, and find a truck to rent. After that I guess we're in good shape.

P.S. Is my baby (ahem, toddler) really going to be 14 months on Monday?!?

Wordless Wednesday: Honoring Those Who Serve

2009-11-11T08:27:00.003-06:00

Happy Veteran's Day!

The Baugh's Are Coming Home!

2009-11-09T05:49:00.000-06:00

Closing date is set for Dec. 1 -- be sure to include us in your Christmas planning!

We'll be downsizing from 2300 square feet to 625, but we're so happy to be moving back to the QC that we can make it work. Here are some photos of our new shoebox-sized home ;)

We Caught a Poo!

2009-11-08T08:38:00.003-06:00

If you recall, we started doing EC about a month and a half ago. Admittedly, we haven't been as committed as we were right in the start, but the great thing about EC is that it doesn't have to be all or nothing and it's OK to take breaks.

A typical week for us consists of sitting on the potty maybe 5 or 6 times. Sometimes we have catches, sometimes we don't. We seem to have the best luck in the mornings, but we have had catches other times too -- Nora has definitely gained awareness of when she's going, which is the first, and most important, step. Up until now, we had only been catching pees, but today we caught our first poo!

Sometimes I second guess myself and think that this is all too soon, but now I feel reassured that this is the right choice for us. She's so proud of herself when she has a catch, and I tell you what, cleaning a baby bottom after a catch is significantly less time consuming than changing a diaper -- not to mention less of a power struggle. Our bear is growing up so fast :(

Fall Fun

2009-11-07T17:51:00.002-06:00

Can you guess what month these photos were taken?

If you said November, you're spot on! These were taken at the park today...it is an unseasonably warm 75 degrees and sunny today, and we're enjoying it to the fullest.

Nora did get a little overly excited and skin her knee while attempting to run. She cried momentarily, then she was over it and on to eating rocks.

And as usual, we got some mommy-Nora photos too (hey, if I don't take them, who will?).

More Halloween Fun: No Words Necessary!

2009-10-31T16:35:00.000-05:00

Happy Halloween!

2009-10-31T09:20:00.002-05:00

Since it was cold and rainy, we opted not to trick-or-treat or hand out candy...instead we packed up our little flower and went out for a celebratory dinner with Daddy's birthday gift card. Oh yeah, did I mention we bought a house yesterday?!? We will be home to stay in early December -- just in time to spend Christmas with our family.

Nora had 2 Halloween outfits, so appropriately, she wore one during the day and one out to dinner. Note to self: Next time we have 2 to choose from, the one that is able to be washed should be the one worn to dinner.

::costume change::
Nora has a Baby Einstein book we read, and every time we get to the page with a flower on it, she smells the page. So last night when we got dressed up and looked in the mirror, I told her "Look Nora is a flower!" and she leaned in and smelled her reflection -- did I mention my kid is smart?!?

At dinner, an older couple stopped to coo at Nora as they were leaving. The old man looked to me and said, "She's so good! Must be a breastfed baby." I didn't confirm or deny, but I was beaming inside.

Wordless Wednesday: Hey Big Spender

2009-10-28T11:31:00.000-05:00

Catchin Up

2009-10-26T23:10:00.004-05:00

Have you missed us? Sorry to keep you in the dark -- lots going on lately.

First and foremost, we got an offer on the house! The buyers want to take possession Jan. 1, so I'm frantically searching for a place for us to live (if you know of anywhere, I'm open to suggestions!) and I got a good start on packing already.

Nora is constantly on the go. Her new favorite venture is sprinting for the stairs every time we turn our heads, and our less-than-ideal staircase doesn't really allow for a gate of any kind -- definitely keeping us on our toes.

She's becoming quite the problem solver. In addition to climbing the stairs, she has also learned that if she goes up to the kitchen landing she can crawl onto the couch, which puts her at perfect height to snatch halloween candy from the bucket on the sofa table behind the couch.

Daddy returned from the QC with a beautiful tutu and some yummy homemade applesauce from Nana Buskirk.

Nora recently learned how to brush her fuzz. She brushes her teeth every night before bed too.

We just got back yesterday from a weekend in Missouri. Mimi, Nora and I drove down to visit Grandpa Barnes in the Ozarks. It was a lot of driving, but well worth it! Sure wish Grandpa could be closer :( I think he enjoyed his time with Nora though.

Now we're off to bed

Happy Birthday Daddy!

2009-10-16T08:37:00.001-05:00

Look at all that gray hair! Are you 29 or 40?!?

Wordless Wednesday: Prettier than a Picture

2009-10-14T06:37:00.004-05:00

This is only a fraction of the photos -- Shawna sent us home with a disk that had more than 300 images! See more from our photoshoot here.

Playing in the Snow

2009-10-11T19:23:00.003-05:00

My profuse apologies for my lack of posts -- toddlers are tiring!

Saturday morning we woke up to a wintry, snow-covered wonderland. It had begun early in the morning and a layer had already coated the grass and trees. Thankfully, it melted shortly after the snowfall ceased -- but not before Nora got to feel (and eat) some. Since she was so small this time last year, it was her first time playing with snow.

E-mail me alerts when thebaughchronicles updates!

Elimination Communication

2009-09-28T11:12:00.000-05:00

elimination communication (n.) -a practice in which a caregiver uses timing, signals, cues, and intuition to address an infant's need to eliminate waste. EC emphasizes communication between the caregiver and child, helping them both become more attuned to the child's innate rhythms and control of elimination.

Sounds crazy I know. I thought so too when I first heard about it, but after hearing encouragement and success stories from other AP mamas I thought "what can it hurt to try?" So we did.

Typically, EC families start at a very young age, some from birth. Starting at a year, like we are, is considered late, which is obviously very different from typical potty training methods that indicate 2 to 3 years is ideal. The idea behind EC is that babies are born with instinctual awareness of their bodily functions and if the parents encourage use of the potty from an early age, not only are they capable of learning to use it and become diaper free very young, it also prevents having to 'train' them twice: once to use a diaper and a second time to use a potty.

Now I don't know if I buy into all that, but I started my investigation into the method with a book called The Diaper Free Baby and the method was easy enough. You put baby on the potty during times she will likely potty (aka pottytunities) and if/when she goes you make a "sssssss" sound, followed by lots of praise. For poos you can use the same sound or use a different noise of choice. The idea is that once the noise association is made with going potty you will be able to cue baby to go, ie. when I put her on the potty I say "ssss" and she knows that means it's time to go. At the same time she will learn to say "ssss" when she feels the need to go. Even though she is not able to hold it for extended periods of time, she is capable of gaining awareness of the elimination sensation.

For those of you still doubting me, IT'S WORKING! We had our first catch last Saturday. I put her on the potty when we woke up and she went. We've had several more catches since, and this morning when Daddy put her on the potty, she even made the "ssss" sound with him while she went.

We've been trying to let her spend more time sans diaper, especially right after she goes in the potty, and admittedly we have had one miss, but the great thing about EC is that you can do it full time, part time or just every once in a while. It doesn't have to be all or nothing, and it certainly isn't like I originally pictured with a naked baby and a frantic mommy constantly running back and forth to the bathroom because she *thought* baby might have to pee.

It is a little time consuming, but we take advantage of the time on the potty to play with toys and read books -- its no different than if we had been sitting in the living room playing. She is never forced to sit on the potty; when the toys are no longer intriguing and she wants down, we get down whether she went or not.

Right now we are very part-time ECers. We usually have potty time first thing in the morning and before bath or bed. Occasionally during the day when Charlie or I are home she will sit on the potty after naps or after we have been wearing her for a while. We just have one Nora-sized seat on the upstairs potty right now, but Nana Buskirk indicated that's what she was planning to get Nora for her birthday, so then we'll have one for the downstairs bathroom too. Call me nutty, but as she gets better at signing she has to go, I'd also like to have one to keep in the trunk of the car so she always has a place to go when we're on the road. It is my understanding that after they make a distinct connection with using the potty, that often becomes the preference and many times early-pottied toddlers will refuse to go in a diaper -- I'd prefer to have our own clean potty for her to use than to have to stick her on a potentially yucky, too big public one. We'll think through that further as it gets closer.

The most important thing to keep in mind about EC is that it is more important to focus on the communication than it is to focus on the elimination. It is very much in line with attachment parenting in that the success is in the journey, not the result -- it is about learning to communicate with a pre-verbal baby, rather than being the first to have a potty-using tot. I look forward to keeping you updated on our EC journey, and hopefully, creating some other believers along the way.

Resources:
More about EC philosophy
75 Benefits of EC
Getting started
Find a local EC group
Recommended reading

The Celebration Continues

2009-09-27T11:46:00.005-05:00

Hat Nora came home in from day care on her birthday.

Sorry I've been a slacker lately with the blog updates and photo uploads. It has become apparent that I officially have a toddler... I find that at fairly regular 2 minute intervals I am dragging her away from something she shouldn't be playing with and redirecting her to her toys. I am ramping up the baby-proofing today. I just bought a couple of new baby gates and have been installing latches on the cabinets. She's a smart girl though, I wouldn't be surprised if she quickly figures them out. I tried tying twine on the cabinets I really didn't want her in yesterday and she's already deciphered how to untie a bow...

She also doesn't like to be held as much. Normally, I can knock out my biweekly grocery shopping all in one day -- Aldi, Sam's, then Wal-Mart and occasionally a stop at Hy-Vee (I'm a bargain hunter, what can I say?) -- and Nora is content moving between being carried and riding in the cart. Yesterday, not so much. She just wanted to run and play and had no interest in anything I had to say. We ended up having to stop home to let her burn off steam before finishing our shopping.

I need to get a new video up because she walks everywhere now. We are still breastfeeding but I have quit pumping at work, so any bottles she gets while I'm away are 1/2 breastmilk from our freezer stash and 1/2 whole milk. She seems to be taking the transition really well. Once the freezer stash runs out, she will have one bottle of all whole milk per day. I still haven't set a deadline on weaning. At this point we're both still comfortable with it and it sure is easier, especially at night since we're still co-sleeping.

I did, however, recently convert Nora's crib to a toddler bed. I figure she can get down from our bed fine so maybe the conversion will allow us to start transitioning her to her room for naps and, eventually, nighttime. Good thing we got a convertible crib because she never used it as a crib...at least we're still going to get some use out of it! Right now she mostly enjoys standing on her bed and climbing up and down and up and down and up...

We had her 1 year appointment last Thursday. She was 20lbs 14oz and 28 inches long -- 50th percentile for weight and 25th for height. Doctor said she looked great. Her iron is a little low (which admittedly is probably because my iron is low) so she recommended we try to increase her iron intake through foods like chicken and even adding baby cereal to regular meals.

Mimi came up to babysit while Mama had to go out of town for work. While she was here, she taught Nora to talk on the phone. And yesterday I put Mimi on speaker phone so she could talk to Nora and Nora said "hi" to her. I think it made Mimi's day.

We also got to pick up a birthday present from Nana Shropshire yesterday. She's too cute -- she will walk from the couch all the way to her table, pull out the chair and sit down. Gah where does the time go?!?

And the final update to mark in the list of parenting firsts: I got to call poison control for the first time today. I was changing Nora's diaper and she was playing with a bottle of baby shampoo. Concentrating on not getting any potato-soup-scented-poo on me, I look up to see Nora gulping shampoo from the lidless bottle. It wasn't that the lid just popped open, she actually got it off completely. Now I know it's baby shampoo and they probably think of these things, but I wouldn't have been able to calm down if I hadn't called. So I did and the lady basically said she may have an upset tummy but other than that she will be fine and that there was no need to bring her in. What she failed to mention is that Nora would be burping and spitting up bubbles all day...and laughing about it. What a day -- I'm scared to see what the next diaper I change looks like!

Wordless Wednesday: BIRTHDAY GIRL

2009-09-16T06:15:00.000-05:00

Weekend Visitors

2009-09-02T09:52:00.001-05:00

Nana and Papa Buskirk came up for a visit over the weekend. It was a short one, but we had fun! Charlie beat me in Greedy for the first time ever (shh don't tell him I let him win -- after all 7/8 of his points came from dice I passed to him!).

Sunday, Nora napped while Nana and Papa went to look for a new bed at American.

Then, we had a nice lunch at Olive Garden before they headed home.

After lunch it was time for Nora to get ready for her 1-year photos with Shawna. No sneak previews, but here she is getting dressed.

Wordless Wednesday: Package in the Mail

2009-09-02T09:47:00.003-05:00

For the record, I took more photos than this begining with when we were opening the UPS box, but they mysteriously disappeared from my camera. She was funny -- had to make sure every piece of packing plastic was out of the box before she would even consider opening the wrapped box.

Gilr and Her Cat

2009-09-01T07:33:00.001-05:00

Make sure you turn the volume down because mom and I are on the phone in the background - lol.

Then and Now

2009-08-29T19:41:00.008-05:00

After realizing Nora is now 31 inches!, we went and bought Nora the Graco My Ride -- this means she officially has outgrown her infant seats! We had already replaced one and just hadn't decided on a seat for my car yet.

We picked the My Ride because it is one of 3 on the market right now that allow children to be rear facing until 40 pounds -- most go to 30 or 33. Additionally, the added height of the seat makes the seat suitable for up to 65 pounds. This means the seat is likely to expire before she outgrows this seat, making it well worth the $139 price tag (with 20% off coupon).

After much research, we have decided we will keep Nora rear-facing for as long as her seat allows, even if that is age 3 or 4. If you haven't read up on extended rear-facing, you should. Here is a great starting place. If you're not up for reading, just note that rear-facing children -- at any age -- are 5 times safer than children in front-facing seats! FIVE TIMES PEOPLE. I can't think of any reason I would choose to put my child in 5 times more danger. None.

OK that's my preaching for today... now on to the then and now. Here is Nora in her infant seat the day we brought her home from the hospital at 4lbs 11oz and now the day we purged the infant seat for good somewhere around 20lbs.

Wordless Wednesday: Thank Goodness for Grandparents

2009-08-26T22:13:00.001-05:00

Bear is so blessed to have so many living grandparents, great grandparents, and even TWO great-great grandparents! ***Disclaimer: Not all grandparents are pictured below...its late and I need to get some rest***

Sick Baby

2009-08-24T12:00:00.003-05:00

I now have 2 sick babies at home...for those not caught up on our eventful weekend, Friday we spent the better part of the afternoon/evening in the ER with an injured Daddy. Nora was so good considering they treated him in the hall the whole 6-hour stay because they were too full to get us a room. He was released with a vague diagnosis of a "severely strained back" and a lot of pain meds.

After learning Grandpa Cupp was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer, we made an unplanned trip to the QC (injured Daddy in tow) to visit him. I haven't uploaded pictures yet, but he was very up beat, very much himself, and very happy we brought Nora for a visit. I'm really glad we made the trip -- and feeling a little guilty that it took such terrible news to get us there to see him.

THEN, last night Nora felt very warm, but the thermometer said her temp was normal. Again this morning she felt very hot, but temperature was normal. When she woke up she was congested too. We decided to err on the side of caution and take her in even though she wasn't really fussing or acting out of the ordinary. The nurse said she has an upper respertory infection and an ear infection, and put her on antibiotics. I also think our thermometer is in need of replacement because she definitely had a fever. To make matters worse, she had to be tested for a UTI, which came back negative, but was a painful test :( Poor girl.

Here's to hoping everyone gets back to healthy soon!

Wordless Wednesday: Soakin Up Summer

2009-08-19T08:23:00.000-05:00

Montessori, anyone?

2009-08-18T09:52:00.003-05:00

With moving comes a mountain of other time consuming, necessary changes -- finding new doctors and dentists, forwarding mail, updating billing address for everything, new checkbook, new drivers license, finding a new job, and the list goes on -- all daunting as an adult, but does not even begin to compare to having to move a child.

I spent eight months of pregnancy researching pediatricians and day cares, hoping to find what I thought would be a perfect fit for my child. And they have been, but now we have to start over. We loved Kindercare in the beginning, but now I would say we just like it. We loved that it had a curriculum, that there would always be an adult around, and that Nora would be around kids her age instead of the wider range found in in-home day care. As she grows, however, we're finding that they are more reluctant to deviate from the "schedule", and that everything must go as planned. I don't think they appreciate non-mainstream parents.

Anyway, somewhere along my search for the new perfect place I discovered Montessori. For those of you as clueless as I was, Montessori is an alternative education method characterized by child-led learning. The classrooms don't have an agenda and the children aren't expected to all develop at the same pace and take interest in the same topics. Montessori encourages children to think independently and puts a strong emphasis on personal responsibility. One of their arching principles is the belief that hands are an extension of the mind -- meaning the method generally takes a very hands on approach.

In a lot of ways, Montessori supports our parenting philosophy by following the childs cues, letting them develop at their own pace, and not forcing a schedule or agenda. Children stay in the same classroom for a number of years allowing them to form a strong relationship with thier teachers, which I also think is great.

Traditionally, Montessori was geared toward birth to 6-year-olds. The Quad Cities Montessori School accepts children as young as 2 and goes through age 12. I'm not 100% on this yet, but I love the concept and look forward to touring the school next time we're in town. My thought is if we love it, we can plan for Nora to attend once she turns 2 until she reaches school age, at which point we can re-evaluate whether we would like her to continue schooling at Montessori or transition to a more traditional school setting. It really seems like the perfect way to explore all the school has to offer -- trying the shoe to be sure it fits.

Now on to pediatricians...any recommendations? :)

Can We Send Time Backward?

2009-08-16T15:10:00.002-05:00

My baby is 11 months old today.

She didn't like the headband...

She has accomplished many milestones in the last month, and it has become very obvious she is rapidly growing mentally and physically. Its all happening so fast, and yet I find myself today with very little to say. So instead I will leave you with a few of my favorite photos from the past month.

Caught on Video

2009-08-15T18:17:00.001-05:00

A Visit to the QC

2009-08-12T12:09:00.002-05:00

Nora and I took a long overdue visit to the Quad Cities this weekend. We got to see most of the family, visit our new (hopefully!) house, even do a little relaxing.

We took a walk with Mimi and Eric, and Nora held Mimi's hand nearly the whole time.

We went to the pool on Saturday. I'm ashamed to say Nora is now more tan than I am.

Saturday night, we had dinner at Cafe Indego with the Kotecki Klan to celebrate Grandma Mary Lou's 70th birthday!

and Nora got to meet Aunt Gadys and Uncle Charlie for the first time

Sunday we had lunch with Nana and Papa Buskirk. Nora slept through most of it, but did wake up to say hello before they had to go.

Overall, I think we wore her out...

Oh and we got a new carrier -- well its on loan, we're testing it -- but I think she likes it!

My Favorite Piece of Parenting Advice

2009-08-07T10:12:00.003-05:00

In a card I received for my baby shower, my grandma wrote, "Listen closely to all the parenting advice you receive, then do it your way."

I don't regret a single parenting choice I have made. I'm a researcher and I am definitely one to thoroughly think through each and every option until I find what I consider to be a perfect fit for me and my family.

Yes, we practice positive discipline. Yes, Nora is still sleeping in our bed. No, she is not ever left to "cry it out", and we continually work to build mutual trust and respect. She is held or worn all of -- OK most of -- the time, we rock her to sleep every night, she is fed on demand and not on a schedule, and we are using an alternate vaccination schedule that ::gasp:: excludes some of the CDC recommended vaccines. I don't worry about my child being clingy, dependent or spoiled, nor do I fear she will sleep in my bed until she's 7. She plays in the dirt, she occasionally eats leaves, and she is allowed to make messes if she pleases.

Why does there have to be a "best way" or a "right way"? I suppose bottom line is I am open minded enough to be able to see that there is more than one way to raise a child and know that what works for my family may not work for yours. Every time I am given the side eye or hear a condescending comment regarding a choice I have made, I can't help but wonder why people so readily criticize something they know nothing about just because its different than how they would have done it. Even if you've tried it and it didn't work for you, is it really that hard to see that not only is every family different, but every baby is different? Each should be raised according to what makes them thrive -- not down the mainstream channel of cookie-cutter tried and true methods.

I do not think I'm better than anyone. I do not look down upon those who spank or sleep train. I don't even offer parenting advice to other mothers unless I'm asked. All I know is that I have the most perfect, happy, wonderful, cuddly baby who makes me appreciate each and every day as a gift, so I must be doing something right.

When I do begin to doubt myself, I remember what my grandma said.

Watch Out World -- Here She Comes

2009-08-06T08:43:00.003-05:00

She's walking! It started with 2 steps. At first I thought it was a fluke, like she started falling forward and her feet just caught her , but then she took a few more -- mostly 1 step, then fall, repeat. She did it again for Charlie when he got home!

Oh boy -- we're in for it now!

I haven't been able to get a photo yet, so here's a diaper on her head instead:

Today I...

2009-08-06T08:42:00.001-05:00

had a fun day. I played with my friend Noah - we crawled around, "talked", giggled, and shared toys. I painted with my hand and with a paintbrush. I also played with blocks and clapped them together.

Wordless Wednesday: Skinny Dippin at Capitol Square

2009-08-05T07:16:00.000-05:00

E-mail me alerts when thebaughchronicles updates!

Standing!

2009-08-03T13:08:00.004-05:00

Saturday afternoon Nora was helping me fold (OK I was folding and she was unfolding) laundry in the laundry room upstairs. It was nothing out of the ordinary as she pulled herself to standing using my shoulder as a clutch, but then she let go. There was no thinking about, no hesitation, just let go and stood there. It lasted about 5 seconds before she casually sat back down and proceded plowing through the freshly washed pile of diapers as if nothing significant had happened. Fourty-eight hours later she has shown zero interest in doing it again, so I'm starting to wonder if it was just a figment of my sleep-deprived imagination.

Speaking of sleep deprived, Nora has 4 full-blown teeth now, and either they are gearing up to push through further or more are on the way because our nights this past week have been anything but restful.

We have made arrangements for Nora's 1 year photos, and we are planning to have her birthday party (yup, its almost here already!) on Sunday, Sept. 13. Details are TBD.

That's our world right now.

...not so...Wordless Wednesday: OMG!

2009-07-29T08:20:00.004-05:00

It feels as though all I have time for anymore is the wordless entries, so just a quick update on the house. So far we've had two open houses. Traffic, at the open houses and through scheduled showings, has been minimal. This Friday we're meeting with an agent to discuss listing with Remax. I'm not 100% convinced this is the best option, but it doesn't hurt to talk right? We're fast approaching our Aug. 14 deadline on the other house, and while the world would not stop turning if we didn't get it, I'm definitely going to be at least slightly crushed if we don't get it.

In other news, Erin is in the hospital awaiting baby Faith's arrival! She was induced yesterday morning and I just got a text saying her water was broken. We're keeping them in our thoughts and can't wait to see photos of their newest edition! Love ya, Erin!

OK now for the wordless part.

Too Cute Not To Share!

2009-07-26T09:35:00.004-05:00

Note: I do not give my child suckers, she apparently instinctively knows how to eat them!

On a side note, this is our 100th blog post! Whoop.

Wordless Wednesday: In Mama's Shoes

2009-07-22T09:18:00.002-05:00

Literally!

Is It Possible? 10 Months Already?!?

2009-07-16T09:00:00.000-05:00

Here we are, two months from a first birthday!

She's crawling, she's pulling herself up, she walks well while holding on to fingers, she bables (and screams - happy screams of course) a lot, she says Dada all.the.time., she says Mama when she's anrgy, she loves being chased, she thinks tickling is funny 1/2 the time, she eats ev-ry-thing in sight (food or not), she claps at things she likes and breathes quickly in and out of her nose in protest at things she doesn't, she likes to read books (short ones), she loves music (Carrie Underwood and Kelli Pickler are her favs), and her favorite toys are ones that play tunes or make loud noises when banged together. It is quite possible her favorite pasttime is turning the knobs on Dada's reciever, which has resulted in programming the max volume it can reach to significantly lower than its actual capability.

Lots of firsts this month! First visit to the zoo, first visit to the beach, first time meeting cousin Milo, first teeth appeard (4 are now poking through, but none are fully in), first time on a boat, first wedding...I'm sure there are more, but I've been terrible at documenting this month! I'll edit if I think of more.

We are proudly still breastfeeding and plan to continue, though she is up to two solids meals a day now and we'll probably increase to three soon.

We are also still co-sleeping, though it's getting a little violent with the thrashing of the legs and fingernails in my eyes at 2 a.m. (I have a post in mind on this coming soon, but haven't had time to get down all my thoughts).

Oddly, Nora has for the most part quit doing baby signs completely. She was getting very good at using signs for milk, come here, and all done, but she has abruptly stopped this month, mostly resorting back to screaming with no other indication as to what she wants, just that she (obviously) wants something. It's a little frustrating, but as the saying goes "this too will pass".

Here are a few pics from the month:

First trip (of many I'm sure ) to Olive Garden

Dancing at Shannon and Slim's wedding

On the Celebration Belle for lunch with Wood side of the family

Dare devils

Cousins!

Sharing popcorn with Mama for the first time (puffy part only of course)

...tantruming when Mama didn't have anymore popcorn

"Did you see that guy cut me off?"

Wordless Wednesday: Cheesin'

2009-07-15T11:57:00.004-05:00

Nora has learned at an early age what "cheese" means. She could be at the peak of a tantrum, but if you pull out the camera and say that magic word she makes time for a big gummy grin...before proceeding through the end of her tantrum. Here are a few of my favorite captures.

Sometimes You Just Need a Break

2009-07-12T10:41:00.005-05:00

As eager as we are to sell and get back home, its easy to forget to stop and breathe. To take time and still enjoy life as is. Well today I needed a break -- so we built a maze and crawled until our (my!) knees were bruised and rug burned. It was fun :)

The house is coming along though. Aunt Shannon came to help yesterday and we got all the windows cleaned and "staged" the basement so it no longer looks like an over-sized storage closet. We had our first showing on Friday and have another on Monday. Next weekend Mimi is coming up to help with our first open house! Cross your fingers for us!

Grow Nora, Grow

2009-07-08T08:03:00.004-05:00

My little oinker's excessive food consumption has finally caught up with her. Since birth she has averaged in the 10th percentile for weight and 25th for height; at her 9 month check up on Monday she measured in the 50th percentile for both! This does not even take into account her adjusted age -- meaning she is the average size of a full-term baby at her same age! Not to mention that at 18lbs 6oz she is well on her way to quadrupling her weight in the first year.

In other news, we went to the ICubs game on July 2 and stayed to watch the fireworks afterwards. I was packed and ready to run in case Nora wasn't fond of the noise, but surprisingly, she smiled and clapped through the whole thing! She l.o.v.e.d. it!

We are still diligently working on the house getting it ready for our open house next weekend. Thus, I learned how to put Nora in the moby on my back. What a fabulous invention! This single 5-yard piece of cloth has to be the greatest baby gadget ever invented, and from here on out every mom-to-be I know will be getting one of these as a gift from me.

And, thanks to Uncle Devon, we (meaning Charlie) were able to get the outside of the house looking presentable these past couple days -- its coming along, but boy is everything harder with a 10-month-old at your side...especially a teething one.

On a side note, Charlie and I celebrated our second wedding anniversary yesterday! It seems impossible that it has already been that long.

Again, many apologies for the few and far between posts lately. It will probably continue to be that way until we get the house projects all tied up, but I will do my best to keep you updated. Happy Wednesday!

It's Official

2009-07-04T17:47:00.002-05:00

The Baugh's are moving back to the Quad Cities...well we have to sell the house first, so if you know anyone looking to buy send them here!

I think everyone has caught wind of the news one way or another, but if you haven't, Charlie and I have decided to leave our fabulous suburban home in exchange for a more humble abode close to family. Our first open house will be July 19 - spread the word!

Today I...

2009-07-02T08:13:00.002-05:00

Listened to the book Five Speckled Frogs and Miss Judy helped me push the button to make the croaking froggy sound. I enjoyed watching little bubbles float around, played with a ladybug puppet, and listened to Itsy Bitsy Lady Bug.