Emma is learning to read using Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons. We've started and stopped several times since she was 4 1/2 or so. This time we haven't had to take a lot of breaks or repeat lessons. We do about 4-5 lessons in a week, one a day (so most days we have one.) (Bridey is allowed to do reading if she wants to but only if she asks, which so far is about once every 2 weeks. She does well when we do them though! I ask Emma if she's ready for reading most days. Most days she says "Yes" but if she says "No" I don't force her. Some days she brings me the book eager to do it at that time, so we do it then.)
She's at the point (lesson 16) where I can see things really beginning to click in her mind. She's starting to really get the concept of "sound it out"-- say the sounds on the page without stopping, and they are strung together into words! Amazing! Her face lights up when she comprehends that she just read a word all on her own. Having seen when her brain wasn't quite ready for it, and seeing how quickly the lights turn on, so to speak, when she is ready, it's amazing to think about the capacity of a human brain to make symbols for language and learn to interpret them.
I mean, language in itself is amazing. We not only have the physical ability to make sounds, but to express complex thought through a series of them strung together and assigned a meaning-- and once we start learning the meaning of these sounds we have an almost unlimited capacity to learn more. Learning a new set of sounds (another language) is more tricky, but the younger we do it the better we are at it.
And we've learned to make written symbols for these sound-symbols. Having worked a bit with adults who did not learn to read as children, and watching a child in the prime learning-to-read age, children have it so much easier! The quickness with which the connections are formed and the interest in forming them seem to come together at this time in a conjunction that is very fruitful-- she learns the lesson and it really changes her whole though pattern, without her consciously re-training it, just by repeating what I say and playing these little "games" with me.
I don't remember learning to read, really. By the time I was 4 I was sounding out words, by kindergarten I was immediately placed in the highest reading group-- the kids who came in already reading, or very close to it. So I don't really remember this wonder, this lighting up of the whole being at being able to read. But it's great to watch it in her. It's marvelous, in fact. It really cements my happiness that I chose to be the one to do this with her, not send her away from me to have someone else do it. I'm loving seeing her make connections and learn things every day. I can't wait until she's a strong enough reader to read books on her own and come to me and discuss what she read in them-- comprehending these little symbols really does open up the whole world of stories, thoughts, and ideas. I am, in fact, thrilled to have front-row tickets to watch her journey.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Friday, October 02, 2009
The Safety 1st Complete Air Convertible Review (or, how I got 3 rear-facing car seats in our Corolla)
Most of you reading this probably know that I'm a CPST. Most of you have probably also heard that rear-facing is the safest way to ride. If you haven't, check out this video:
Rear Facing is Safer
While EVERYONE is safer rear-facing, evidence (real life statistics as well as crash tests) shows a significant decrease in injuries and deaths when children under the age of 4 are properly secured rear-facing rather than forward-facing. Nor is 4 the limit; the benefit just becomes less and less significant after that-- but it's still there, and still the safest way to ride as long as the child is within the limits of the seat (in the US that means has one inch of shell above the head in most seats, though in some it's even with the shell, and is under the rear-facing weight limit.) The American Academy of Pediatricians has recommended since 2002 that all children should ride rear-facing to the limits of the convertible seat, and also recommended that manufacturers make seats large enough to accomodate the average 4 year old (40-45 lbs.) Seats are just starting to be released that can actually do this in the U.S. (If friends in Europe are reading this, in Sweden seats are available that rear-face even longer by weight, though about the same length of time by height-- since Swedish seats can typically be used rear-facing until the ears are even with the top of the shell. These seats are approved for use anywhere in the EU. If you'd like more information on them, please check out this site: carseat.se.)
Bridget is under 4, so there is a clear benefit to her rear-facing. While the benefit is not as clear for Emma, she really really really wanted to. And it is safer, though not as measurably so (part of that is that we don't have much data on rear-facing past the age of 4, as it's an age when even Swedish seats are often outgrown.) When one of my Radians' rear-facing limits was retroactively raised to 40 lbs. (applies to all Radians manufactured 9/08 or later) I turned Bridget back rear-facing. Emma got very jealous. She said it was "so comfy" (I let her ride in it one day) and "so safe" and she cried every time she had to get in forward facing.
Now, I'm not advocating giving in to a child's tears ( ;) ) but it's safer; we had the means to get a Complete Air (used the 20% trade in deal at Babies R Us to recycle a near-expired, unknown history seat we had been given and Jeff had a big check) and, well, it made my life easier... Emma loves being rear-facing, is "comfy", takes naps in the car again (which she had quit when forward-facing, for the most part), and loves the expanded view she has out the rear as well as the side windows.
The Complete Air is currently a Babies R Us exclusive (though also available at some Toys R Us stores that have a Babies R Us section.) We got the "Harvest" cover, which is an awesome orange and brown (the other cover currently available is a rather meh grey.)
I put the Complete Air behind the driver's seat in our Corolla. It was not very easy to get all three in and independently tight, and they have a slight tilt from the retractor I used to lock the belts (but not enough that it bothers my kids or that I worry about it.) The Complete Air needed a chunk of pool noodle under it in order to get even the maximum upright allowed angle of 30 degrees from vertical. (I didn't mind, I keep pool noodle chunks with me... And I rather expect that of most seats in our Corolla-- an '03, by the way. Be aware that newer models have prohibitions on car seats, or anything else, touching the back of the front seat.) I had to pull the cover up to access the belt path in order to tighten adequately, and it was difficult to get it back down. I scraped my knuckles a bit too (not uncommon with Dorel seats, unfortunately.) But the end result was that it was in, and all seats were independently tight (less than one inch of movement at the belt path if you remove the seats next to them and tug where the belt goes through.)
Emma, at 5 1/2 years old, has tons of room to grow by height (the Complete Air allows use until the head reaches the top of the headwings-- which go two inches higher than the shell!) She is on the third of five sets of harness slots rear-facing (straps come from at or below the shoulders rear-facing, at or above forward-facing.) She is above the stated height "maximum" of 40 inches. However, manufacturers put a height maximum on because they have to, not because there really is one. Every child will fit a seat differently at the same standing height. That is why these "maximums" are really more guidelines than set in stone-- and while the company will, for liability reasons, stand behind them, well, they're not really important, safety-wise. (Weight limits, on the other hand, should be followed exactly.) Where the head and shoulders hit is the important thing, and by those guidelines, she has a ton of room to grow. (Dorel is ALSO well-known for their idiotic height maximums which really have nothing to do with reality of how a child will fit the seat.) As a technician and as a mother, I am very comfortable using her in this seat to the maximum weight limit despite her being over the "maximum" height guideline. She currently has about 2 lbs. to gain before she will outgrow it by weight (well before height.) This is an excellent choice of seat for tall and skinny kids!
Emma loves the colors of the cover. I like that the seat is easy to wipe clean, though the quality could be better (especially for the price tag!) I prefer a seat that allows rear-facing tethering or has an anti-rebound bar-- this one does not. However I would choose it again anyway, because right now it is our only practical available seat to rear-face behind the driver's seat (the Radian installs too reclined to allow the seat back as far as my husband needs it in our car.) The headwings move with the harness, and are easy to adjust when installed. I have not had problems reaching the tightening mechanism. The tightening mechanism is also very smooth (though I don't have to use it much because of the continual loop routing of the harness strap.)
There are a few drawbacks. The straps tend to twist and need to be untangled every time. The crotch buckle falls under Emma's bottom and has to be fished out. There are no strap covers-- not a problem for her but might be for less narrow kids (if so, you can cut the toes off of baby socks and put them on the harness for neck protection and comfort.) Most significantly, it is not the easiest seat to install, and the bottom harness slots are amazingly high. It shouldn't have been too much trouble to put one more, lower set in. As it is I fear we will see many babies in this seat who have just outgrown a 22 lb. infant seat with a shorter shell, and do not yet fit it by height, especially if installed less reclined (as mine is.) That is something I hope to see remedied in future redesigns (as well as a reconsideration of the idiotic 40 inch height "limit" for rear-facing.) Also, the forward-facing harness weight is only 50 lbs.; while this should be more than adequate if Emma still needs harnessing once outgrowing it rear-facing by weight, a heavier child might reach that weight much earlier. It has tall enough top slots that I would love to see a 60 or 65 lb. weight limit on it.
Overall, though, I'm pleased with the seat, would recommend it, and would buy it again.
Here is our three across.
Our long term (okay, in the next few weeks) plan is to get a new Radian XTSL seat, which will rear-face to 45 lbs., and have that over where Bridget's current seat is (and move hers to the middle for Maggie.) The way Bridey and Emma gain weight, I'm thinking that Emma should be able to rear-face at least until 6-- at which point, provided she demonstrates that she can sit properly, I will be comfortable boostering her (if she wants to use a booster, and as I said if she is behaviorally ready. I'm thinking the Britax Parkway Slide Guard...) For now, we are quite happy with this setup, and the safety and comfort it affords our children.
Rear Facing is Safer
While EVERYONE is safer rear-facing, evidence (real life statistics as well as crash tests) shows a significant decrease in injuries and deaths when children under the age of 4 are properly secured rear-facing rather than forward-facing. Nor is 4 the limit; the benefit just becomes less and less significant after that-- but it's still there, and still the safest way to ride as long as the child is within the limits of the seat (in the US that means has one inch of shell above the head in most seats, though in some it's even with the shell, and is under the rear-facing weight limit.) The American Academy of Pediatricians has recommended since 2002 that all children should ride rear-facing to the limits of the convertible seat, and also recommended that manufacturers make seats large enough to accomodate the average 4 year old (40-45 lbs.) Seats are just starting to be released that can actually do this in the U.S. (If friends in Europe are reading this, in Sweden seats are available that rear-face even longer by weight, though about the same length of time by height-- since Swedish seats can typically be used rear-facing until the ears are even with the top of the shell. These seats are approved for use anywhere in the EU. If you'd like more information on them, please check out this site: carseat.se.)
Bridget is under 4, so there is a clear benefit to her rear-facing. While the benefit is not as clear for Emma, she really really really wanted to. And it is safer, though not as measurably so (part of that is that we don't have much data on rear-facing past the age of 4, as it's an age when even Swedish seats are often outgrown.) When one of my Radians' rear-facing limits was retroactively raised to 40 lbs. (applies to all Radians manufactured 9/08 or later) I turned Bridget back rear-facing. Emma got very jealous. She said it was "so comfy" (I let her ride in it one day) and "so safe" and she cried every time she had to get in forward facing.
Now, I'm not advocating giving in to a child's tears ( ;) ) but it's safer; we had the means to get a Complete Air (used the 20% trade in deal at Babies R Us to recycle a near-expired, unknown history seat we had been given and Jeff had a big check) and, well, it made my life easier... Emma loves being rear-facing, is "comfy", takes naps in the car again (which she had quit when forward-facing, for the most part), and loves the expanded view she has out the rear as well as the side windows.
The Complete Air is currently a Babies R Us exclusive (though also available at some Toys R Us stores that have a Babies R Us section.) We got the "Harvest" cover, which is an awesome orange and brown (the other cover currently available is a rather meh grey.)
I put the Complete Air behind the driver's seat in our Corolla. It was not very easy to get all three in and independently tight, and they have a slight tilt from the retractor I used to lock the belts (but not enough that it bothers my kids or that I worry about it.) The Complete Air needed a chunk of pool noodle under it in order to get even the maximum upright allowed angle of 30 degrees from vertical. (I didn't mind, I keep pool noodle chunks with me... And I rather expect that of most seats in our Corolla-- an '03, by the way. Be aware that newer models have prohibitions on car seats, or anything else, touching the back of the front seat.) I had to pull the cover up to access the belt path in order to tighten adequately, and it was difficult to get it back down. I scraped my knuckles a bit too (not uncommon with Dorel seats, unfortunately.) But the end result was that it was in, and all seats were independently tight (less than one inch of movement at the belt path if you remove the seats next to them and tug where the belt goes through.)
Emma, at 5 1/2 years old, has tons of room to grow by height (the Complete Air allows use until the head reaches the top of the headwings-- which go two inches higher than the shell!) She is on the third of five sets of harness slots rear-facing (straps come from at or below the shoulders rear-facing, at or above forward-facing.) She is above the stated height "maximum" of 40 inches. However, manufacturers put a height maximum on because they have to, not because there really is one. Every child will fit a seat differently at the same standing height. That is why these "maximums" are really more guidelines than set in stone-- and while the company will, for liability reasons, stand behind them, well, they're not really important, safety-wise. (Weight limits, on the other hand, should be followed exactly.) Where the head and shoulders hit is the important thing, and by those guidelines, she has a ton of room to grow. (Dorel is ALSO well-known for their idiotic height maximums which really have nothing to do with reality of how a child will fit the seat.) As a technician and as a mother, I am very comfortable using her in this seat to the maximum weight limit despite her being over the "maximum" height guideline. She currently has about 2 lbs. to gain before she will outgrow it by weight (well before height.) This is an excellent choice of seat for tall and skinny kids!
Emma loves the colors of the cover. I like that the seat is easy to wipe clean, though the quality could be better (especially for the price tag!) I prefer a seat that allows rear-facing tethering or has an anti-rebound bar-- this one does not. However I would choose it again anyway, because right now it is our only practical available seat to rear-face behind the driver's seat (the Radian installs too reclined to allow the seat back as far as my husband needs it in our car.) The headwings move with the harness, and are easy to adjust when installed. I have not had problems reaching the tightening mechanism. The tightening mechanism is also very smooth (though I don't have to use it much because of the continual loop routing of the harness strap.)
There are a few drawbacks. The straps tend to twist and need to be untangled every time. The crotch buckle falls under Emma's bottom and has to be fished out. There are no strap covers-- not a problem for her but might be for less narrow kids (if so, you can cut the toes off of baby socks and put them on the harness for neck protection and comfort.) Most significantly, it is not the easiest seat to install, and the bottom harness slots are amazingly high. It shouldn't have been too much trouble to put one more, lower set in. As it is I fear we will see many babies in this seat who have just outgrown a 22 lb. infant seat with a shorter shell, and do not yet fit it by height, especially if installed less reclined (as mine is.) That is something I hope to see remedied in future redesigns (as well as a reconsideration of the idiotic 40 inch height "limit" for rear-facing.) Also, the forward-facing harness weight is only 50 lbs.; while this should be more than adequate if Emma still needs harnessing once outgrowing it rear-facing by weight, a heavier child might reach that weight much earlier. It has tall enough top slots that I would love to see a 60 or 65 lb. weight limit on it.
Overall, though, I'm pleased with the seat, would recommend it, and would buy it again.
Here is our three across.
Our long term (okay, in the next few weeks) plan is to get a new Radian XTSL seat, which will rear-face to 45 lbs., and have that over where Bridget's current seat is (and move hers to the middle for Maggie.) The way Bridey and Emma gain weight, I'm thinking that Emma should be able to rear-face at least until 6-- at which point, provided she demonstrates that she can sit properly, I will be comfortable boostering her (if she wants to use a booster, and as I said if she is behaviorally ready. I'm thinking the Britax Parkway Slide Guard...) For now, we are quite happy with this setup, and the safety and comfort it affords our children.
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Maggie's latest "accomplishment"
Maggie, after months and months of me trying to get her to, finally learned to sign "please" in church this morning.
Of course, after doing is several times, she then refused to sign it to Abba. Only when she's alone with Mommy.
Heheheh. Typical.
(Don't you love how they each come out with their own personality?)
Of course, after doing is several times, she then refused to sign it to Abba. Only when she's alone with Mommy.
Heheheh. Typical.
(Don't you love how they each come out with their own personality?)
Friday, September 18, 2009
When they grow up
A thread over on car-seat.org got me asking my kids what they want to be when they grow up. Emma has a whole list:
-a magician
-a firefighter
-a mommy
-a "cooker at Souplantation"
-and "I want to take a car seat class like you so I can teach parents how to put in their child's car seat!" (That would be a CPST. ;) )
I asked Bridget and she said, "I'm a Bridget! I want lunch!" *giggle*
-a magician
-a firefighter
-a mommy
-a "cooker at Souplantation"
-and "I want to take a car seat class like you so I can teach parents how to put in their child's car seat!" (That would be a CPST. ;) )
I asked Bridget and she said, "I'm a Bridget! I want lunch!" *giggle*
Monday, September 14, 2009
Bumbleride Indie Twin Giveaway
Kate at The Shopping Mama is giving away a Bumbleride Indie Twin stroller. It's a really cool stroller, folks. Head on over to her blog post about the giveaway to check it (and the super-cool stroller) out!
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Ugh.
Maggie's been reacting to something. We're reasonably sure at this point it's soy. The store had ONE kind of soy-free bread today, and it was $3/loaf. For a small loaf. Ugh.
I think I'm going to have to get a breadmaker. (I Don't Do baking in the oven for anything more complicated than baking powder biscuits or a cake now and then. If it takes a rise, I don't bake it. Not from scratch anyway. We don't have room to rise anything!)
Anyone got recommendations for a compact, reasonably priced, well-performing, super-idiot-proof bread machine? I'm talking, "dump dry ingredients in. Dump wet ingredients in. Push no more than 2 buttons. Remove bread and eat it." That's what I need.
I think I'm going to have to get a breadmaker. (I Don't Do baking in the oven for anything more complicated than baking powder biscuits or a cake now and then. If it takes a rise, I don't bake it. Not from scratch anyway. We don't have room to rise anything!)
Anyone got recommendations for a compact, reasonably priced, well-performing, super-idiot-proof bread machine? I'm talking, "dump dry ingredients in. Dump wet ingredients in. Push no more than 2 buttons. Remove bread and eat it." That's what I need.
Monday, June 15, 2009
Summertime, and the livin' is... rainy?
We've been having "June Gloom" here. Not every year, but some years, it happens. It happened 6 years ago (wow, that long) on our wedding day. It rained out my little brother's birthday party many a year.
I kind of like it. (Well, when it doesn't drive my ring ceremony/wedding reception indoors in a tiny living room packed full of 80 people!)
It's a nice break before the heat of July and August. I like the grey skies, a change from the blazing sun we expect much of the year here... I actually love the weather when it's like this, as long as it doesn't ruin my plans!
On to other subjects...
We have a new bishop. So funny because I've been feeling for a few weeks we were going to get a new bishop. When they made the announcement I was out in the foyer with Mags. Later Jeff and I both agreed that as soon as we heard he was to be released, we knew who was going to be called as our new bishop! Funny how that works...
I went to a really fun baby shower Saturday night. I love baby showers. I really do. And afterward, I did a car seat check-- always fun! I found out that the woman whose seat I checked, one of my new best friends in the ward (they just moved in) lives literally a 1 1/2 minute walk (if I walk slowly!) from our apartment complex! She has an 11 month old and is due with her second in August... I think we will be over there quite a bit in the Fall! It's a hard adjustment sometimes to go from 1 kid to 2, I know from experience! And she's having them much closer together than I did, that can make for a hard few months as well, I've heard. I'm so glad to have a friend that lives so close. I don't think we'll ever be quite as close as my "BFF" Rayann and I are (we live halfway across the country from each other but we're close nonetheless) but it's nice to have a real friend in the ward, not just a friendly acquaintance you care about but aren't close to and don't "share" with.
Also, someone on car-seat.org found a company that is still writing liability policies for CPSTs, and I called up and found out that as a volunteer (I never take any money for my services) I can be covered at a discount (50% off the employed rate.) Woo-hoo!
A friend from my childhood found me on Facebook. It's so nice to hear from her. She and her parents are still in the area; I'm hoping some time to get together and meet her kids!
Jeff's little brother left for his mission. He'll be serving in the Washington Tacoma Mission. What's really funny is that Jeff guessed he'd be in Spokane! He was closer than anyone else in the family! We know Kevin is going to be a wonderful missionary. He's a great guy and Tacoma is lucky to have him.
Jeff's first day at his new full-time job today. It's going well, from what I hear so far. I'm really happy he's at a place he likes.
We have a new plan. Since Jeff will be getting home relatively early from the new job, every evening when he gets home we'll be doing a 30 minute cleanup. Everyone (well, not Maggie but everyone else) will clean, together, just for 30 minutes a day. We have some cleaning that needs catching up and seeing as Maggie doesn't let me put her down much right now (teething) and the kids can destroy 3 times as fast as we can pick up, I think putting them in charge of helping undo the damage they've done is a good idea. We'll do it 5 or 6 days a week until the entire place is really in order. (I'll also be de-stuffifying during this time, and try to get rid of 2 or 3 bags of stuff a day.) Then we'll scale back to just 10 minutes a day, and keep that up for, well, forever. We're hoping that this will work!
So, things are... going, here. Hope all my readers are well. :) Let me know if you want to hear more about a certain subject... I sometimes have no clue what to blog about. ;)
I kind of like it. (Well, when it doesn't drive my ring ceremony/wedding reception indoors in a tiny living room packed full of 80 people!)
It's a nice break before the heat of July and August. I like the grey skies, a change from the blazing sun we expect much of the year here... I actually love the weather when it's like this, as long as it doesn't ruin my plans!
On to other subjects...
We have a new bishop. So funny because I've been feeling for a few weeks we were going to get a new bishop. When they made the announcement I was out in the foyer with Mags. Later Jeff and I both agreed that as soon as we heard he was to be released, we knew who was going to be called as our new bishop! Funny how that works...
I went to a really fun baby shower Saturday night. I love baby showers. I really do. And afterward, I did a car seat check-- always fun! I found out that the woman whose seat I checked, one of my new best friends in the ward (they just moved in) lives literally a 1 1/2 minute walk (if I walk slowly!) from our apartment complex! She has an 11 month old and is due with her second in August... I think we will be over there quite a bit in the Fall! It's a hard adjustment sometimes to go from 1 kid to 2, I know from experience! And she's having them much closer together than I did, that can make for a hard few months as well, I've heard. I'm so glad to have a friend that lives so close. I don't think we'll ever be quite as close as my "BFF" Rayann and I are (we live halfway across the country from each other but we're close nonetheless) but it's nice to have a real friend in the ward, not just a friendly acquaintance you care about but aren't close to and don't "share" with.
Also, someone on car-seat.org found a company that is still writing liability policies for CPSTs, and I called up and found out that as a volunteer (I never take any money for my services) I can be covered at a discount (50% off the employed rate.) Woo-hoo!
A friend from my childhood found me on Facebook. It's so nice to hear from her. She and her parents are still in the area; I'm hoping some time to get together and meet her kids!
Jeff's little brother left for his mission. He'll be serving in the Washington Tacoma Mission. What's really funny is that Jeff guessed he'd be in Spokane! He was closer than anyone else in the family! We know Kevin is going to be a wonderful missionary. He's a great guy and Tacoma is lucky to have him.
Jeff's first day at his new full-time job today. It's going well, from what I hear so far. I'm really happy he's at a place he likes.
We have a new plan. Since Jeff will be getting home relatively early from the new job, every evening when he gets home we'll be doing a 30 minute cleanup. Everyone (well, not Maggie but everyone else) will clean, together, just for 30 minutes a day. We have some cleaning that needs catching up and seeing as Maggie doesn't let me put her down much right now (teething) and the kids can destroy 3 times as fast as we can pick up, I think putting them in charge of helping undo the damage they've done is a good idea. We'll do it 5 or 6 days a week until the entire place is really in order. (I'll also be de-stuffifying during this time, and try to get rid of 2 or 3 bags of stuff a day.) Then we'll scale back to just 10 minutes a day, and keep that up for, well, forever. We're hoping that this will work!
So, things are... going, here. Hope all my readers are well. :) Let me know if you want to hear more about a certain subject... I sometimes have no clue what to blog about. ;)
Tuesday, June 02, 2009
New Job And Assorted Other Stuff
Jeff has officially accepted a new job. It's a good one-- good pay, good hours, not too long of a commute, doing something he likes. Yay for Jeff!
He should start next Monday. So we're running around doing anything we need to before he starts!
I have my CPST kit together and have done a few checks (at a safety fair and I also do private checks.) It's a great kit. I'll take pics some time. :D
We've had a crop of babies in our ward, well, will soon is more accurate. So we've had a bunch of baby showers. I love baby showers. There was one a few weeks ago, another in a few weeks, and I've volunteered to throw one for a mom I've made friends with (they're new in the ward.) It's her second boy in rapid succession so we're planning it for the month AFTER the baby is due, as a "meet the baby party." So we can all take her kids and give her a break, and do something nice for her at the same time. (I offered her a shower and she wasn't sure, I brought up that idea and she liked it a lot more.)
So of course I've also been hitting sales and SHOPPING for baby shower gifts. That's my favorite...
Emma is FINALLY getting her dental work done in a few weeks. She is excited-- we found a new dentist that she REALLY REALLY likes (their office is FULL of toys, why would she not?)
I had a good birthday. I guess. Am I really 26?
Anyway, things are pretty good right now. Relatively speaking. I hope they continue to be so.
He should start next Monday. So we're running around doing anything we need to before he starts!
I have my CPST kit together and have done a few checks (at a safety fair and I also do private checks.) It's a great kit. I'll take pics some time. :D
We've had a crop of babies in our ward, well, will soon is more accurate. So we've had a bunch of baby showers. I love baby showers. There was one a few weeks ago, another in a few weeks, and I've volunteered to throw one for a mom I've made friends with (they're new in the ward.) It's her second boy in rapid succession so we're planning it for the month AFTER the baby is due, as a "meet the baby party." So we can all take her kids and give her a break, and do something nice for her at the same time. (I offered her a shower and she wasn't sure, I brought up that idea and she liked it a lot more.)
So of course I've also been hitting sales and SHOPPING for baby shower gifts. That's my favorite...
Emma is FINALLY getting her dental work done in a few weeks. She is excited-- we found a new dentist that she REALLY REALLY likes (their office is FULL of toys, why would she not?)
I had a good birthday. I guess. Am I really 26?
Anyway, things are pretty good right now. Relatively speaking. I hope they continue to be so.
A Butterfly Song by Emma
Emma is running around naked, with her towel spread out as "butterfly wings," and singing a song. She runs and hugs and cuddles Maggie and then goes away again, all the while singing:
I am a butterfly
I love you so
I warm you up
Holding you close to my heart.
I am a beautiful butterfly
See my wings open and close
My beautiful wings
See? They are green wings.
I am a butterfly
I cozy you up to warm you up
I kiss you and love you
I am a beautiful butterfly.
I am a beautiful butterfly
I once was a caterpillar
Now I am a butterfly
A beautiful butterfly with wings.
I am a butterfly
I kiss you and cuddle you
I warm you up with my wings
And then I go away.
I fold my wings and hold them close
My green butterfly wings
I am a beautiful butterfly
And I know butterfly songs.
I fly around on my wings
I am a butterfly
A beautiful butterfly
And I make you warm.
Isn't that lovely? I thought it was very sweet.
Then she fell down and started screaming. Oh, well.
I am a butterfly
I love you so
I warm you up
Holding you close to my heart.
I am a beautiful butterfly
See my wings open and close
My beautiful wings
See? They are green wings.
I am a butterfly
I cozy you up to warm you up
I kiss you and love you
I am a beautiful butterfly.
I am a beautiful butterfly
I once was a caterpillar
Now I am a butterfly
A beautiful butterfly with wings.
I am a butterfly
I kiss you and cuddle you
I warm you up with my wings
And then I go away.
I fold my wings and hold them close
My green butterfly wings
I am a beautiful butterfly
And I know butterfly songs.
I fly around on my wings
I am a butterfly
A beautiful butterfly
And I make you warm.
Isn't that lovely? I thought it was very sweet.
Then she fell down and started screaming. Oh, well.
Friday, May 01, 2009
Life goes on...
...and I am a bit overwhelmed by it sometimes.
I know I haven't posted in a long while. The last day of tax season Jeff (and other employees; like maybe a fifth to a quarter of the total employees) got laid off. So I've been proofreading resumes, etc. as he searches for a new job.
We've been doing all the normal stuff, and trying to catch up on what got left behind during tax season. Tomorrow we are going to drop the kids at my mom's while we go to the laundromat and do scads of laundry.
Bridget has been super-cranky the last few days. I have a sore throat and icky nose, I wonder if she does too?
We are still trying to find a dentist who will work on Emma's teeth. We've been trying for a year. This last open enrollment we switched to a different dental plan, we still can't find someone who will see her sooner than six months from now. One tooth is almost gone it's so decayed (she has very soft teeth. We take good care of them but when her adult teeth come in I'm going to have them sealed. She just has like no enamel for some reason.) We did finally get an appointment for the renal imaging she needs done. I don't know how she's going to do with that, it's a shot and then she has to lay still for at least half an hour while they do multiple five minute series of images. Hmmm. I don't know how they expect a five year old to lie still in a strange place while nervous for that long with no sedation... We'll do our best though.
I did some water aerobics in the spa today. The girls (well Emma and Bridey) were in with me and copied. They thought it was fun. The neighbor kids thought we were insane, but I don't care; they're kind of rude kids a lot of the time anyway...
I got an awesome stroller, carrycot, and European infant seat (which will not be used to transport a child, of course, but is fun for the kids to put their dolls in in the house) last week and it's really nice. And it cost very little-- especially compared to the price I looked up for it!
I am super stoked for my class next week. I think I am just going to have a fantastic time!
We had the girls' birthday party. I'll post an account and pics when I get them off the camera; my mom took the box it was in home with her and we haven't got it yet.
So that's life right now... Hope you reading this are all well. :)
I know I haven't posted in a long while. The last day of tax season Jeff (and other employees; like maybe a fifth to a quarter of the total employees) got laid off. So I've been proofreading resumes, etc. as he searches for a new job.
We've been doing all the normal stuff, and trying to catch up on what got left behind during tax season. Tomorrow we are going to drop the kids at my mom's while we go to the laundromat and do scads of laundry.
Bridget has been super-cranky the last few days. I have a sore throat and icky nose, I wonder if she does too?
We are still trying to find a dentist who will work on Emma's teeth. We've been trying for a year. This last open enrollment we switched to a different dental plan, we still can't find someone who will see her sooner than six months from now. One tooth is almost gone it's so decayed (she has very soft teeth. We take good care of them but when her adult teeth come in I'm going to have them sealed. She just has like no enamel for some reason.) We did finally get an appointment for the renal imaging she needs done. I don't know how she's going to do with that, it's a shot and then she has to lay still for at least half an hour while they do multiple five minute series of images. Hmmm. I don't know how they expect a five year old to lie still in a strange place while nervous for that long with no sedation... We'll do our best though.
I did some water aerobics in the spa today. The girls (well Emma and Bridey) were in with me and copied. They thought it was fun. The neighbor kids thought we were insane, but I don't care; they're kind of rude kids a lot of the time anyway...
I got an awesome stroller, carrycot, and European infant seat (which will not be used to transport a child, of course, but is fun for the kids to put their dolls in in the house) last week and it's really nice. And it cost very little-- especially compared to the price I looked up for it!
I am super stoked for my class next week. I think I am just going to have a fantastic time!
We had the girls' birthday party. I'll post an account and pics when I get them off the camera; my mom took the box it was in home with her and we haven't got it yet.
So that's life right now... Hope you reading this are all well. :)
Saturday, April 04, 2009
I CAN'T BELIEVE IT!!!
Someone stole one of my Radians! Maggie's! :(
They were drying right outside our door (enclosed, hidden area, behind locked doors in a gated entry building...) I just can't believe that one of my NEIGHBORS did this. :(
I hope they at least find out how to use it correctly. *sigh* (The instructions weren't with it.)
The really sad part is that I have an extra Recaro Como sitting in my living room that I would have given away if a neighbor knocked on my door and asked for a car seat. And instead they violated the trust of our community in this way. It was gone when Jeff got home last night, within about a 2 hour window. I didn't hear anything. I checked all over hoping it got moved but nope.
I also put up a sign (even offering a reward, no questions asked-- also letting them know it was thrown up on...) hoping it would be back this morning. But no. It's gone. :(
This is really upsetting. I think what is most upsetting to me is that it's a seat with a definite learning curve and without the instructions, it's almost certain to be misused.
They were drying right outside our door (enclosed, hidden area, behind locked doors in a gated entry building...) I just can't believe that one of my NEIGHBORS did this. :(
I hope they at least find out how to use it correctly. *sigh* (The instructions weren't with it.)
The really sad part is that I have an extra Recaro Como sitting in my living room that I would have given away if a neighbor knocked on my door and asked for a car seat. And instead they violated the trust of our community in this way. It was gone when Jeff got home last night, within about a 2 hour window. I didn't hear anything. I checked all over hoping it got moved but nope.
I also put up a sign (even offering a reward, no questions asked-- also letting them know it was thrown up on...) hoping it would be back this morning. But no. It's gone. :(
This is really upsetting. I think what is most upsetting to me is that it's a seat with a definite learning curve and without the instructions, it's almost certain to be misused.
Friday, April 03, 2009
A week of cleaning car seats...
I feel a song coming on:
Bringing in the seats,
Bringing in the seats,
I shall come rejoicing,
Bringing in the seats;
Bringing in the seats,
Bringing in the seats,
Though washing's not my fav'rite task,
Cleaning the car seats!
Yeah.
Earlier this week (we've all been sick) Bridget threw up in her car seat. And Emma's. And all over the car. So I got to take all 3 seats out (well, Maggie's was dirty too), wash 2 covers (M's just needed a shake-down and a wipe-down with a disinfectant wipe), and while I was at it I did the spare Radian that we'll be putting in my mom's car tomorrow, since the buckle was sticky (again, just a good shake-down and wipe-down.)
Then I also am getting rid of (sold 1, gave away for shipping 2 others) 3 of my "extra" car seats that were just hanging around. (The Scenera, the Cosco HBB, and the SnugRide, if you were wondering...) So I've been wiping/shaking down and washing up those, too.
It's actually kind of cathartic, methodically disassembling, cleaning, drying, reassembling, and checking for errors all these seats...
Plus, I get to put them back in.
I do love a good car seat installation. (And we're having the car detailed in a few weeks so I'll get to do it AGAIN!)
And, it made room for the new ones. Well, I have a Como (actually I have 2; I had 3 but I am trying to get rid of one still, sold one on eBay) and I got one that is not technically a "seat" but a "child restraint." It's a Ride Safer Travel Vest. Emma tried it on and we got it all adjusted today. Tomorrow she gets to ride in Grandma Pam's car in it! She will be in the middle, between Bridey in the Radian and Maggie in the Uptown. I am actually rather stoked because until now if Grandma Pam wanted to take them anywhere we've been switching cars, because she has a Sentra. 3 kids in restraints in the back of a Sentra is REALLY difficult. This is, like, history-making. ;) I think it's really exciting and cool, but now you all probably think I'm really weird...
Bringing in the seats,
Bringing in the seats,
I shall come rejoicing,
Bringing in the seats;
Bringing in the seats,
Bringing in the seats,
Though washing's not my fav'rite task,
Cleaning the car seats!
Yeah.
Earlier this week (we've all been sick) Bridget threw up in her car seat. And Emma's. And all over the car. So I got to take all 3 seats out (well, Maggie's was dirty too), wash 2 covers (M's just needed a shake-down and a wipe-down with a disinfectant wipe), and while I was at it I did the spare Radian that we'll be putting in my mom's car tomorrow, since the buckle was sticky (again, just a good shake-down and wipe-down.)
Then I also am getting rid of (sold 1, gave away for shipping 2 others) 3 of my "extra" car seats that were just hanging around. (The Scenera, the Cosco HBB, and the SnugRide, if you were wondering...) So I've been wiping/shaking down and washing up those, too.
It's actually kind of cathartic, methodically disassembling, cleaning, drying, reassembling, and checking for errors all these seats...
Plus, I get to put them back in.
I do love a good car seat installation. (And we're having the car detailed in a few weeks so I'll get to do it AGAIN!)
And, it made room for the new ones. Well, I have a Como (actually I have 2; I had 3 but I am trying to get rid of one still, sold one on eBay) and I got one that is not technically a "seat" but a "child restraint." It's a Ride Safer Travel Vest. Emma tried it on and we got it all adjusted today. Tomorrow she gets to ride in Grandma Pam's car in it! She will be in the middle, between Bridey in the Radian and Maggie in the Uptown. I am actually rather stoked because until now if Grandma Pam wanted to take them anywhere we've been switching cars, because she has a Sentra. 3 kids in restraints in the back of a Sentra is REALLY difficult. This is, like, history-making. ;) I think it's really exciting and cool, but now you all probably think I'm really weird...
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Hee hee hee, car seat FUN!
I'm so excited! I am now registered for a CPST Certification Course in San Diego May 4-8! I have been wanting to certify for quite a while and I'm so excited.
We will all go down there and the kids will have a vacation with Jeff while I take MY vacation taking the course. It will end at 5 each evening so we can do fun stuff in the evenings together if desired. And at the end of it I will (assuming all goes well) be a certified Child Passenger Safety Technician! I'm really thrilled because we have a real lack of technicians around here and I hope to be able to help a lot of parents. :)
We will all go down there and the kids will have a vacation with Jeff while I take MY vacation taking the course. It will end at 5 each evening so we can do fun stuff in the evenings together if desired. And at the end of it I will (assuming all goes well) be a certified Child Passenger Safety Technician! I'm really thrilled because we have a real lack of technicians around here and I hope to be able to help a lot of parents. :)
Friday, March 13, 2009
For once a milestone when we were ALL there!
Tonight, while the kids were having a late-night before bed snack, and I was making turkey lasagna for Jeff's dinner tomorrow, and Jeff was keeping Maggie away from the rest of us, Jeff yelled, "She took a step!" I looked over and there she was, balancing, standing, one foot in front of the other. I said, "Take a step, Maggie!" She looked at me, rather befuddled, and so I held out my arms to her. She took 2 more steps! Then she fell, and began crawling toward me, and then got mad when Jeff picked her up and kept her from crawling to me (after all, I had put my arms out to her! The nerve!)
It was only 3 steps, but it was the first time she's done more than try to put one foot in front of the other and fall down or zoom along while pushing the turtle push-toy. I think within a few weeks she will be walking all over the place! Wow! I'm really glad we were all there to applaud for her and witness her first steps. :D
It was only 3 steps, but it was the first time she's done more than try to put one foot in front of the other and fall down or zoom along while pushing the turtle push-toy. I think within a few weeks she will be walking all over the place! Wow! I'm really glad we were all there to applaud for her and witness her first steps. :D
Friday, February 13, 2009
Things you don't want to see
Trust me on these:
-Your four year old suddenly fall down and start seizing
-Your BIG tall four year old looking tiny as she lays, extremely sick, in a PICU bed in a hospital gown with a hep lock in her arm boarded and wrapped in gauze to keep her from pulling it out, her face gaunt with discomfort and pale and flushed with fever.
Emma had a febrile seizure when her fever apparently spiked from 99 to 104-ish. She apparently has a UTI-- not that she complained or anything, and she only had one day of symptoms. It was scary, but she's been released, it probably will never happen again, I'll probably write more on this later. For now I'm just glad she's going to be okay.
-Your four year old suddenly fall down and start seizing
-Your BIG tall four year old looking tiny as she lays, extremely sick, in a PICU bed in a hospital gown with a hep lock in her arm boarded and wrapped in gauze to keep her from pulling it out, her face gaunt with discomfort and pale and flushed with fever.
Emma had a febrile seizure when her fever apparently spiked from 99 to 104-ish. She apparently has a UTI-- not that she complained or anything, and she only had one day of symptoms. It was scary, but she's been released, it probably will never happen again, I'll probably write more on this later. For now I'm just glad she's going to be okay.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Let's Go To The Movies
(Remember that song? I spent entirely too much time singing along to the Annie soundtrack record-- yes, it was a record-- as a kid.)
I could not stand being home any more with the kids but wasn't feeling well. I hit on the idea of a movie. I was a bit nervous because Emma and Bridget had never been to the theater before (Maggie has. We take her along on our dates, she's so clingy.) We went to see Hotel For Dogs.
The movie was okay. The experience was great though! I have to say, after 9 on a weeknight is a great time to take kids for a first movie, because you get the WHOLE THEATER to yourself (in a PG rated film anyway.) Bridget ran up and down a bit and Emma asked lots of questions, but no one cared because we were the only ones there! We had popcorn and lemonade and the kids loved it all. Bridey got a bit antsy toward the end but I let her out in the aisles as long as she stayed close. She cracked me up, there was one scene where the dogs are all running down the street and Bridget yelled, "Come give me hugs, doggies! Mommy, the doggies not listening! They won't give me hugs!" LOL!
Anyway, it worked so well-- I got out of the house but didn't have to walk around, just sit-- that I have told them we can do it again in a month or two. Now hopefully something else will be out that they can see by then!
I could not stand being home any more with the kids but wasn't feeling well. I hit on the idea of a movie. I was a bit nervous because Emma and Bridget had never been to the theater before (Maggie has. We take her along on our dates, she's so clingy.) We went to see Hotel For Dogs.
The movie was okay. The experience was great though! I have to say, after 9 on a weeknight is a great time to take kids for a first movie, because you get the WHOLE THEATER to yourself (in a PG rated film anyway.) Bridget ran up and down a bit and Emma asked lots of questions, but no one cared because we were the only ones there! We had popcorn and lemonade and the kids loved it all. Bridey got a bit antsy toward the end but I let her out in the aisles as long as she stayed close. She cracked me up, there was one scene where the dogs are all running down the street and Bridget yelled, "Come give me hugs, doggies! Mommy, the doggies not listening! They won't give me hugs!" LOL!
Anyway, it worked so well-- I got out of the house but didn't have to walk around, just sit-- that I have told them we can do it again in a month or two. Now hopefully something else will be out that they can see by then!
Monday, February 09, 2009
It's raining
and so, I can't sleep.
So here are my assorted thoughts about our weekend.
Maggie stole dairy food AGAIN and ate it. So we gave in and got her some yogurt at the store. She doesn't seem to like it much. Oh well, the other kids will eat it. And she's not reacting so she now has a wider variety of foods she can eat (eggs are the only major allergen she hasn't had yet. Well, eggs and nuts.) Maybe she will like cheese better.
We've all had a nasty cold. (Maggie had a fever for 2 days and refused to do ANYTHING but nurse. Non-stop. First baby I ever knew to get sick and GAIN weight; she put on about a pound in 2 days!) Just as we were starting to get on the upswing of it, Jeff got it. Luckily he's recovering quicker than we did, since it's back to work with him.
We went out to dinner on Friday night (really late-- 24 hour diner) and checked out the hotel next door to the restaurant (also close to Jeff's work.) We decided to go there next weekend for Valentine's Day. Should be fun!
I untangled Emma's hair. It was really bad, since she'd been sick and I'd not had a chance to brush it. Poor kid. She was really good about it for the most part though. Bribery helps. She got a piece of candy afterwards. She has just enough of my curl to get really tangled really easily.
Took framed pics of the girls over to my aunt and uncle's house for my Uncle Bob's birthday. He loves them, they will hang on the wall where he can see them. :)
The Carmax guy called us, we may have found the car we want... We'll see if it works out! *crosses fingers*
Okay, not about this weekend but a week ago I got a SafeGuard Child Seat. Loved it so much I got another. And I don't even have a car they will fit in yet... It's a really awesome seat, I'm so excited to use it, and I got a great price. I may do a full review with pictures some day. But for now, check out their website here. If you want to know where to get it muuuch cheaper than the $420 list price let me know and I'll share...
I made too much ratatouille for Jeff's dinner co-op so we are having some too (if the kids will eat it...) If it stops raining we will go to the store and get rolls to go with it. I have to get rye bread for Tuesday's dinner anyway, the store was out, and I just think rye bread or pumpernickel goes better with cabbage soup, don't you?
Um, I guess that's it. Can't think of much else. Tired but can't sleep. Want tax season over. *yawns*
So here are my assorted thoughts about our weekend.
Maggie stole dairy food AGAIN and ate it. So we gave in and got her some yogurt at the store. She doesn't seem to like it much. Oh well, the other kids will eat it. And she's not reacting so she now has a wider variety of foods she can eat (eggs are the only major allergen she hasn't had yet. Well, eggs and nuts.) Maybe she will like cheese better.
We've all had a nasty cold. (Maggie had a fever for 2 days and refused to do ANYTHING but nurse. Non-stop. First baby I ever knew to get sick and GAIN weight; she put on about a pound in 2 days!) Just as we were starting to get on the upswing of it, Jeff got it. Luckily he's recovering quicker than we did, since it's back to work with him.
We went out to dinner on Friday night (really late-- 24 hour diner) and checked out the hotel next door to the restaurant (also close to Jeff's work.) We decided to go there next weekend for Valentine's Day. Should be fun!
I untangled Emma's hair. It was really bad, since she'd been sick and I'd not had a chance to brush it. Poor kid. She was really good about it for the most part though. Bribery helps. She got a piece of candy afterwards. She has just enough of my curl to get really tangled really easily.
Took framed pics of the girls over to my aunt and uncle's house for my Uncle Bob's birthday. He loves them, they will hang on the wall where he can see them. :)
The Carmax guy called us, we may have found the car we want... We'll see if it works out! *crosses fingers*
Okay, not about this weekend but a week ago I got a SafeGuard Child Seat. Loved it so much I got another. And I don't even have a car they will fit in yet... It's a really awesome seat, I'm so excited to use it, and I got a great price. I may do a full review with pictures some day. But for now, check out their website here. If you want to know where to get it muuuch cheaper than the $420 list price let me know and I'll share...
I made too much ratatouille for Jeff's dinner co-op so we are having some too (if the kids will eat it...) If it stops raining we will go to the store and get rolls to go with it. I have to get rye bread for Tuesday's dinner anyway, the store was out, and I just think rye bread or pumpernickel goes better with cabbage soup, don't you?
Um, I guess that's it. Can't think of much else. Tired but can't sleep. Want tax season over. *yawns*
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
I would like to know why...
...Maggie will allow Emma to hand-feed her fruit puff snacks, Cheerios, bread, and other objects of interest, but insists on taking the food from my hand with her fingers and putting it in her mouth herself.
Monday, January 26, 2009
Tired
Jeff went to Oakland Friday and Saturday. Actually left Thurs. night. Not fun. Went to my mom's and Bridey didn't sleep, so none of us did. Friday night we came home. Kids slept 15 hours. Then we went back to my mom's until Jeff got home. The kids love grandma. She plays Play Doh with them. (I am a jerk and hate Play Doh and won't let them touch it unless someone else is around to play with them and clean up.) Emma wants to go over there and play Play Doh again some time on her day off.
Last night I made the first crockpot meal for Jeff's work-- lasagna. I'm going with fancier stuff first to "wow" them so everyone will want to participate. ;)
I took the girls out today and we went to the post office to mail a package, then the store to pick up a few things I need for tomorrow's dinner, plus milk and tangerines. Then we went to the park, had our snack, and then came home. Bridey screamed and didn't want a nap but she was exhausted and went out. Some movied I bought from someone on a forum came, and Emma is watching Sleeping Beauty. Maggie is out and I'm resting too.
Not much else going on. Bought a new car seat last week, getting another one next week. They're very awesome and 60% off!
I should be doing dishes or laundry but I'm tired and I'm not.
Last night I made the first crockpot meal for Jeff's work-- lasagna. I'm going with fancier stuff first to "wow" them so everyone will want to participate. ;)
I took the girls out today and we went to the post office to mail a package, then the store to pick up a few things I need for tomorrow's dinner, plus milk and tangerines. Then we went to the park, had our snack, and then came home. Bridey screamed and didn't want a nap but she was exhausted and went out. Some movied I bought from someone on a forum came, and Emma is watching Sleeping Beauty. Maggie is out and I'm resting too.
Not much else going on. Bought a new car seat last week, getting another one next week. They're very awesome and 60% off!
I should be doing dishes or laundry but I'm tired and I'm not.
Friday, January 16, 2009
life happens
So I've not been much in the mood for long blog posts. But I thought I'd do a general update.
-Jeff has started working long hours. The good news is that he doesn't go in until 10 (or doesn't have to anyway.) So if he stays up late because he doesn't get home until after 9 and then Maggie does her not-sleeping routine (which has been happening lately) he has a chance to get at least SOME sleep.
-Bridget has gone to dance class twice now. She likes it, she says, but she needs to work on her listening skills. Or maybe just her following directions skills. ;) A new little girl just joined their class yesterday who is a few weeks younger than her, so she is not just the odd one out being so young.
-I finally gave into Maggie's pathetic face yesterday and let her have some pita bread. I usually don't give wheat until 9 months but she hasn't had a new food in a while and she's almost 9 months, it's only a few days' difference really, so... Yeah. Maggie LIKES bread. I don't give her bread with egg in it of course, or milk, but simple breads like french bread or pita or Arabic bread that are just wheat and/or wheat/barley flour, water, salt, yeast, etc. she can have now.
Other than that, not much else is new. The kids make a mess, they break stuff, they fight; they play nicely, they share, they pray for each other and help with the baby. It's life, what can I say?
-Jeff has started working long hours. The good news is that he doesn't go in until 10 (or doesn't have to anyway.) So if he stays up late because he doesn't get home until after 9 and then Maggie does her not-sleeping routine (which has been happening lately) he has a chance to get at least SOME sleep.
-Bridget has gone to dance class twice now. She likes it, she says, but she needs to work on her listening skills. Or maybe just her following directions skills. ;) A new little girl just joined their class yesterday who is a few weeks younger than her, so she is not just the odd one out being so young.
-I finally gave into Maggie's pathetic face yesterday and let her have some pita bread. I usually don't give wheat until 9 months but she hasn't had a new food in a while and she's almost 9 months, it's only a few days' difference really, so... Yeah. Maggie LIKES bread. I don't give her bread with egg in it of course, or milk, but simple breads like french bread or pita or Arabic bread that are just wheat and/or wheat/barley flour, water, salt, yeast, etc. she can have now.
Other than that, not much else is new. The kids make a mess, they break stuff, they fight; they play nicely, they share, they pray for each other and help with the baby. It's life, what can I say?
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Tuesday, January 06, 2009
KY Yours + Mine
Ranks right up there with KY Warming Gel.
No adverse reactions, even from super-sensitive me.
Heartily recommended.
That is all.
No adverse reactions, even from super-sensitive me.
Heartily recommended.
That is all.
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