She is really not into dressing up...or maybe I am just mean!
Have a spooktacular day!
Tuesday, October 30, 2007
Happy Halloween!
She is really not into dressing up...or maybe I am just mean!
Have a spooktacular day!
Friday, October 26, 2007
Free At Last, Free At Last...Well, Almost.
Today Ashley turned 7 weeks old! It is also the day that we returned to her doctor for her 2 month checkup and immunizations. At her first appointment, she was in the 50th percentile for height (19.5") and the 20th percentile for weight (6 pounds, 10 ounces). This time, she was 22.5 inches long and in the 65th percentile for height and a whopping 10 pounds, 3 ounces putting her in the 60th percentile for weight! Her doctor said breast milk is pretty much like having a steady diet of Häagen-Dazs ice cream in terms of fat. (Note to self, lay off the Häagen-Dazs!)
The doctor said we were very lucky because Ashley was such a mild tempered baby. She was also very impressed when we told her that Ashley could turn over from her stomach to her back. Apparently, that usually happens at around 4 months! Ashley was doing it at 3 weeks! She is very advanced - we may start filling out applications for gifted programs soon. (Kidding.)
After the glowing doctor's review, the nurse came in to give her the shots. FOUR SHOTS! Poor little thing! But the nurse did them so fast that it was over just as it started. Ashley screamed for about 60 seconds and then that was it. We really are lucky. She is such a sweet baby. Here is a picture of her a few minutes ago - you'd never even know she had to suffer through four shots!
The shots were supposed to be our ticket out of the house, but with the Santiago Canyon fire still burning with no end in site, the air is truly hideous. The smoke even seeps through the windows and doors, so it is hard to escape. And to think that this fire was set intentionally ... unbelievable.
Many of you have asked about the Grammy & Grandpa Larocca's house in Fallbrook. They were evacuated on Monday and are still not allowed back into the area. At this point, their home is untouched by the fire and we are hoping that they are able to get back into the house by the weekend when they return from visiting Baby Sylas in Idaho. I know they have appreciated all of your phone calls and good thoughts.
These fires sure put things in perspective ... hope you are all well.
Thursday, October 18, 2007
End Caps Aren't Just For Lightbulbs Anymore...
So I had to go to Target today despite the "rules" of enclosed locations. You see, I have 1 breastpad left. As in One. Uno. Last time I checked I had two boobs. Where did the other breastpad go? Or are breastpad boxes like hot dog buns?! I digress...
This meant the piggy had to come with me. (I call her this and other rude names because she eats like one and is now pushing 10 pounds.) Before we even get in the door, she has a complete meltdown and is rooting around for something to eat. I was forced to sit on the ledge outside and feed her. I might as well just stop shaving my legs - this is getting out of control.
After that escapade, (from which I emerged with a big wet spot on my shirt because she was so intrigued by everything else besides the task at hand), we entered the store. Immediately, she made her serious, "I am pooping a poop beyond all poops imaginable" face. It is a very serious face, with pursed lips and a furrowed brow. Her skin also turns the color of red that I imagine you would paint your face if you were dressing up like the Devil for Halloween. I pretend I don't see this happening and head to the back of the store for the hotdog bun breastpads. This is when the fussing begins. I scramble for the pacifier. She is not having it. She starts punching the air like a little Mike Tyson, (this isn't too far off because she would for sure bite my ears off if she had teeth...), and the fussing gets louder and louder.
I, of course, cannot leave without the breastpads because these things leak at the drop of a hat. (Whose boobs are these anyway!?) Hoping to soothe her, I take her out of her stroller to carry her and put my hand right into a big, wet mess. She has blown out the side of her diaper. OF COURSE SHE HAS! Let me recap, I have just breastfed outside of a Target, am walking around with a big wet stain on my shirt, my child is crying and my hand is covered in her poop. Long gone are the days of cashmere sweaters and Happy Hour at Chat Noir.
As I turn the corner of the aisle with the breastpads, I notice that there is an almost empty end cap. These are the displays that are at the end of an aisle normally used to showcase a sale product. Yeah, I did it...I changed my daughter's diaper on an end cap in Target. But, I like to think of it as a "product demonstration" for Pampers.
In the end, I got my breastpads and by the time we walked back to the car, wouldn't you know it, she was sleeping like a perfect angel.
This makes it all worth while...
This meant the piggy had to come with me. (I call her this and other rude names because she eats like one and is now pushing 10 pounds.) Before we even get in the door, she has a complete meltdown and is rooting around for something to eat. I was forced to sit on the ledge outside and feed her. I might as well just stop shaving my legs - this is getting out of control.
After that escapade, (from which I emerged with a big wet spot on my shirt because she was so intrigued by everything else besides the task at hand), we entered the store. Immediately, she made her serious, "I am pooping a poop beyond all poops imaginable" face. It is a very serious face, with pursed lips and a furrowed brow. Her skin also turns the color of red that I imagine you would paint your face if you were dressing up like the Devil for Halloween. I pretend I don't see this happening and head to the back of the store for the hotdog bun breastpads. This is when the fussing begins. I scramble for the pacifier. She is not having it. She starts punching the air like a little Mike Tyson, (this isn't too far off because she would for sure bite my ears off if she had teeth...), and the fussing gets louder and louder.
I, of course, cannot leave without the breastpads because these things leak at the drop of a hat. (Whose boobs are these anyway!?) Hoping to soothe her, I take her out of her stroller to carry her and put my hand right into a big, wet mess. She has blown out the side of her diaper. OF COURSE SHE HAS! Let me recap, I have just breastfed outside of a Target, am walking around with a big wet stain on my shirt, my child is crying and my hand is covered in her poop. Long gone are the days of cashmere sweaters and Happy Hour at Chat Noir.
As I turn the corner of the aisle with the breastpads, I notice that there is an almost empty end cap. These are the displays that are at the end of an aisle normally used to showcase a sale product. Yeah, I did it...I changed my daughter's diaper on an end cap in Target. But, I like to think of it as a "product demonstration" for Pampers.
In the end, I got my breastpads and by the time we walked back to the car, wouldn't you know it, she was sleeping like a perfect angel.
This makes it all worth while...
Sunday, October 14, 2007
Our Little Kitty
You'll need volume to get the full effect, but this is the sweetest sound I have ever heard! (OK, maybe its not so lady-like, but its still cute!)
Tuesday, October 9, 2007
National Lampoon's Vacation
I know the posts have been few and far between lately, but when you have a 4 week old kid, not much happens in your life! I will admit that the long nights started to take a toll on me last week. It is hard to look cute with huge dark circles under your eyes! Even with makeup, it was obvious I had some rough nights. But I think I may have figured out the answer because the last couple of nights have been great! If I give her a 4-5 ounce bottle around midnight, she will sleep for 4-5 hours. That gets me to 4:45-5AM! Now that is doable!!! (Hmm, maybe the magic formula is an ounce to an hour of sleep! Do you think I can get her to eat 8 ounces?!)
Anyway, Chris and I have declared Sunday to be "Family Day." We thought it would be nice to dedicate one day during the week for just the three of us to spend the day together. Last Sunday was our first "Family Day" and we were very excited. We had grandiose plans to have lunch, walk around Balboa Island - maybe look at some open houses and potentially look at some cars so that I don't break my back every time I try to get Ashley in and out of our sedan.
Lunch went great. We had a lovely al fresco meal at Sharky's and then decided to head over to look at an Open House for Mark McGuire's old home in Shady Canyon. Neither of us had ever been into that development, so we thought it would be fun to check out. Homes range from 3.2M to over 15M! They were gorgeous! So we dreamed about which one we would choose if we ever won the lottery! I decided to try out the Baby Bjorn, which is basically a backpack for your kid, as we toured McGuire's house. It was so fun to have Ashley snuggled up to my chest! She seemed to really like it too!
After that, we decided to take a quick trip to Irvine BMW before our walk around Balboa Island. I took Ashley out of her car seat to strap her into the Baby Bjorn while Chris ran ahead for a bathroom break. I was having trouble getting her in because I hadn't undone one of the straps and was starting to sweat (it was 85 degrees out!) and she was starting to cry! I finally got her in as Chris returned and we shut the door to the car. Immediately, Chris and I realized WE HAD LOCKED OUR KEYS IN THE CAR! The diaper bag was also locked in the car - so no diapers, no bottles, no pacifiers! I was annoyed, but what better place to lock your BMW keys in the car than at a BMW dealership, right? WRONG!!! Apparently, they have to call a locksmith or break your window to get into the car. SERIOUSLY?!
About this time, Ashley decided she was hungry, so she started crying. Mind you, I have no blanket to cover myself with if I decided to feed her there. Just me, my kid, my tank top and our Baby Bjorn. GREAT! We asked them if there was a courtesy shuttle that could drive Chris home to get the spare car key. Of course not! They don't work on Sunday! So, we called a cab which arrived 20 minutes later and Chris paid $50 to take it to our house to get the key. (Oh, by the way, our house key was locked in the car too. But Chris managed to get in with a "secret" key.)
Meanwhile, I hunched in the corner of the Irvine BMW Customer Lounge to feed Ashley - but was basically exposed to the entire world. As each salesman poked his head in to check the score of the Yankee game, I just said, "Oh, don't mind us!" And of course, my daughter decided that should should eat for the ENTIRE hour that it took Chris to cab it home and drive back. Nothing like breaking into the reality of motherhood with your boob hanging out at a car dealership! Ugh!
After Chris got back, our little piglet of a daughter passed out in her carseat, so we decided to salvage the day with our Balboa Island walk. The sun was setting, the weather had cooled off and we had a very nice end to our first "Family Day."
Please read the following with a French Accent:
Ha, Ha, Ha ... Bonjour. I am le bébé Ashley. My mom has promised a photoshoot worthy of French Vogue! I shall try to cooperate this week. Bonsoir!
Anyway, Chris and I have declared Sunday to be "Family Day." We thought it would be nice to dedicate one day during the week for just the three of us to spend the day together. Last Sunday was our first "Family Day" and we were very excited. We had grandiose plans to have lunch, walk around Balboa Island - maybe look at some open houses and potentially look at some cars so that I don't break my back every time I try to get Ashley in and out of our sedan.
Lunch went great. We had a lovely al fresco meal at Sharky's and then decided to head over to look at an Open House for Mark McGuire's old home in Shady Canyon. Neither of us had ever been into that development, so we thought it would be fun to check out. Homes range from 3.2M to over 15M! They were gorgeous! So we dreamed about which one we would choose if we ever won the lottery! I decided to try out the Baby Bjorn, which is basically a backpack for your kid, as we toured McGuire's house. It was so fun to have Ashley snuggled up to my chest! She seemed to really like it too!
After that, we decided to take a quick trip to Irvine BMW before our walk around Balboa Island. I took Ashley out of her car seat to strap her into the Baby Bjorn while Chris ran ahead for a bathroom break. I was having trouble getting her in because I hadn't undone one of the straps and was starting to sweat (it was 85 degrees out!) and she was starting to cry! I finally got her in as Chris returned and we shut the door to the car. Immediately, Chris and I realized WE HAD LOCKED OUR KEYS IN THE CAR! The diaper bag was also locked in the car - so no diapers, no bottles, no pacifiers! I was annoyed, but what better place to lock your BMW keys in the car than at a BMW dealership, right? WRONG!!! Apparently, they have to call a locksmith or break your window to get into the car. SERIOUSLY?!
About this time, Ashley decided she was hungry, so she started crying. Mind you, I have no blanket to cover myself with if I decided to feed her there. Just me, my kid, my tank top and our Baby Bjorn. GREAT! We asked them if there was a courtesy shuttle that could drive Chris home to get the spare car key. Of course not! They don't work on Sunday! So, we called a cab which arrived 20 minutes later and Chris paid $50 to take it to our house to get the key. (Oh, by the way, our house key was locked in the car too. But Chris managed to get in with a "secret" key.)
Meanwhile, I hunched in the corner of the Irvine BMW Customer Lounge to feed Ashley - but was basically exposed to the entire world. As each salesman poked his head in to check the score of the Yankee game, I just said, "Oh, don't mind us!" And of course, my daughter decided that should should eat for the ENTIRE hour that it took Chris to cab it home and drive back. Nothing like breaking into the reality of motherhood with your boob hanging out at a car dealership! Ugh!
After Chris got back, our little piglet of a daughter passed out in her carseat, so we decided to salvage the day with our Balboa Island walk. The sun was setting, the weather had cooled off and we had a very nice end to our first "Family Day."
Please read the following with a French Accent:
Ha, Ha, Ha ... Bonjour. I am le bébé Ashley. My mom has promised a photoshoot worthy of French Vogue! I shall try to cooperate this week. Bonsoir!
Saturday, October 6, 2007
Monday, October 1, 2007
Times They Are A Changin'
So, I was lucky enough to have G-Daddy and Christina (we haven't figured out her name yet...) here to babysit so that I could run some errands today. I fed Ashley and jetted out to the mall for two and a half whole hours of shopping bliss! Of course there was a purpose, I had to return some gifts that didn't fit Ashley ... but I also had the opportunity to SHOP ... for me ... and not maternity clothes!!! As I made the rounds to the various children's stores with my returns, I started looking in the windows of my favorite stores, "Pre-Ashley." J. Crew, Banana Republic ... they had some beautiful things on display ... but I found myself thinking, "Hmm, I would have to hike that up around my neck to feed Ashley." and "That would never work with a nursing bra."
In the old days, my biggest concern would be if I had heels high enough for a hem! Or what color lipstick I should buy to match the detail in a sweater! Now I need to worry about wrangling my boobs in and out of a shirt?! This is almost too much...
I guess I will have to focus on clothing my daughter instead! (But ... how will I change her diaper in those cute corduroys?! Oh no! It is starting again!!)
While I calm myself down ... you enjoy the latest pictures of our recent visitors:
In the old days, my biggest concern would be if I had heels high enough for a hem! Or what color lipstick I should buy to match the detail in a sweater! Now I need to worry about wrangling my boobs in and out of a shirt?! This is almost too much...
I guess I will have to focus on clothing my daughter instead! (But ... how will I change her diaper in those cute corduroys?! Oh no! It is starting again!!)
While I calm myself down ... you enjoy the latest pictures of our recent visitors:
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