Friday, May 29, 2009

Fun Photos on Friday!

I made a slideshow of our hike last weekend up to a beatiful spot about 10 miles away from our cabin called Copper Falls. We had a blast hiking with Pa-Pa and Gram..
and Ali hummed the ENTIRE hike- she's hilarious!

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

9 month checkup

Ali had her 9 month check-up yesterday... she's in the 100th percentile for weight (that's my girl) and 50th for height- hee hee - our little tank! But she's doing good and is developing right on track- I think her doctor wants to bring her home :) Right when the doctor walked in the room Ali looked right at her, put our her hand and said "Hiiiiii" in her high-to-low pitch voice. She so stinking cute! She's such a talker- she says Hi, and now calls her daddy DA-DA. She'll say Ma-Ma, but not directly to me yet. She's also trying to say Jack (one of our dogs) and says Bababababa. She mimics everything we say, and really studies our mouths to try to get the words out.
Over the weekend (I'll post pictures and talk about the trip soon!) we took her in our Kelty Backpack for a hike, and she hummed the entire time! We always say what she lacks in desire to be mobile, she makes up for in her jibber-jabber and curiosity! That's another thing the doctor said- she is very curious and perceptive. That gal doesn't miss anything- she's always pursing her lips together and looking around corners and people to see what she needs to see... just like her momma used to be (before having a baby made my mind mushy).
So our goal for after school is out (in 13 days) is to get Ali on 3 meals a day and move away from baby food- which we could probably do now but it's so much easier at daycare. I guess crawling isn't a milestone so she may never crawl, which is OK. She does scoot around kind of like a sideways crab, so whatever works, baby! The doctor did say that by 11 months she should be pulling herself up and cruising... we're keeping our fingers crossed!
I just cannot believe that in 3 short months we will have a 1 year old. AMAZING how much changes in a year!

Thursday, May 21, 2009

Quick Check-Up and the WEEKEND!!!

I need to start by saying...
HOOORAH KRIS ALLEN
America's newest American Idol!!!
I (heart) you!!!

Now, back to what I was saying...

Well I figured out why Missy Pants has been so cranky lately... poor baby has a double ear infection!!! I feel so bad- I think she's been in pain for at least a week or more- and I thought she was going through a whiny phase! Poor baby girl, momma's sorry she's such a meany! And when I took Ali to the doc yesterday, they weighed her like always... our 9 month old little girl weighs 24 lbs!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 24 lbs 7.5 oz (with clothes on) to be exact! Holy Wow- that girl has GOT to start MOVING!!!! I'm strugglin to get diapers around those chubby thighs! Seriously, no wonder I'm feeling like the world's strongest woman lately! I can pick up things I've NEVER been able to before :)


And I'm reeeeaaaallll excited, because tomorrow my mom and I will load Ali up and head up to our family's cabin for a great 4 day weekend outta town! My little bro and his girlfriend will be up there, along with my parents, and KK will come up Friday night, after his golf tournament. It's a tradition for the fam to meet up there over Memorial Day- and on Saturday, my dad, KK, Griff, Alexis and I get to white water raft the Moyie River this weekend... we weren't able to last year because I was preggo. The water's been running pretty high- so we should see some Class III rapids- I can't wait for my adrenaline rush!


Hope everyone enjoys their families and weekends this weekend! Remember to thank a Veteran for all that they've done for us this holiday!

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

I ♥ Faces Photo Contest

Every time I show anyone this picture, they tell me I should enter it into a photo contest...
So I did!
"I am submitting this photo into the www.iheartfaces.com Blurb Book photo contest. I am granting I ♥ Faces permission to use my photo in a printed version of a book for commercial use and possibly advertising of a photo book on both the Blurb and I ♥ Faces web sites."

ZZZZzzzzz

I am so tired lately! It could be because my little bugga is waking up at the butt-crackity of dawn... seriously Alison, 4:50AM is too early to grace the day with your presence! I have no idea why she is deciding to wake up so early- she goes to bed around 7:30, so it couldn't be that she's getting too much sleep.. I am kind of worried she isn't getting enough actually.
My little bug is also being kind of a pistol these days- she has not figured out how to crawl, but does, however, have a distinct desire to go places... which she assumes is my job to take her everywhere. And when I don't, she sure lets me know how dissatisfied she is with her mother!
She has also decided she would like to stand, but cannot (or will not) pull herself up. So in order for her to enjoy standing, I get to sit behind her in case she falls. Believe me, this is a fun way to spend my time, really! I would rather be playing with toys or something at least a little more interactive!
We also think Ali has an allergy to either grass or pollen. We have been hanging outside quite a bit more now that the weather is nice, and poor baby's eyes get all ready and itchy and watery- her nose runs and she sneezes. She's also developed a raspy cough- not sure if she's got a cold or if she really is allergic to something.
Needless to say, we are so anxious for her 9 month appointment next Tuesday. I can't wait to see how much this girl weighs, and double check that she is developing and reaching her milestones on time- especially with not being mobile yet.
And if I could only figure out a way to make this girl sleep in....

Monday, May 18, 2009

A Bittersweet Ending

Saturday was the last game of the season for my softball team. We ended up third in the state, which was disappointing as we had the talent and ability to win it all- but taking home a trophy after not making an appearance at the state tourney in 3 years was a great accomplishment for our season.

So now I'm left with a bittersweet ending. The coach in me wants to keep going, move forward, and plan for an outstanding season next year. We've got a money freshman pitcher coming in- she will definitely be the best in the state- quite possibly the best that the state of Idaho has ever seen. Needless to say, we've got a chance to go all the way again next year. I look at our underclassmen- who I've spent countless hours coaching and working with- I've seen direct improvement and feel so proud of what we've accomplished as coaches with our players- and it feels good. I've made an investment in these girls, and I'm proud of that.

... and on the other hand I see my family- my 1st priority. With Kris coaching at the college level next year, there is absolutely no way that he can be home with Ali while I am with my team. That would mean she would be spending the majority of her day at daycare. Someone else would be enjoying her; watching her grow. That is something I do not feel good about at all. That is why I have made the decision to be a mom first. I am going to stop coaching to be with my baby girl. I need to take this step, and in my heart, it feels awesome. I have no resentment or regrets. I can't wait to spend the springtime with my baby girl. There is so much fun things we will be able to do next year-so much I felt like we were missing out on together this year... and with her walking and running next year, we can enjoy the park, downtown CDA, bubbles, sidewalk chalk, bike rides oh.. the possibilities are endless. Thinking about it makes me smile.

But it's still a hard decision. Bittersweet, really.

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

A GREAT 1st Mother's Day!!

I thoroughly enjoyed my 1st Mother's Day!! We hosted brunch for my parents and KK's momma... which I cooked... and everything turned out yummy(phew!). We had sausage souffle; potatoes O'Brien; huckleberry muffins; orange rolls; coffee and orange juice! I also made each Grandma a stepping stone with Ali's feet stamped in them- which of course where a big hit! My momma gave me a hanging pot, plus brought over some cards I had made her when I was little for Mother's Day- sooo cute and funny to look at! My mother-in-law gave me a bunch of pepper plants and heirloom tomato plants for my garden- so fun! KK bought me a new ottoman for our living room to replace our coffee table (it totally does not match our furniture, plus it has sharp edges to bump Ali's head- noo good!) I'm so excited for it to be delivered!! I love that it has storage and it will accent our furniture beautifully!!!

And my dad brought over a reading program he bought off TV to start Ali on word recognition right away - I'm so excited to start it with her... I LOVED to read when I was a little girl ( I might have been a little obsessed, actually) and my dad claims it was because of his diligence of showing me flashcards and reading tons to me when I was a baby.. I'm hoping to encourage Ali in the same direction!
After brunch we spent the rest of the beautiful, sunshiney day working in the yard- planting our garden and flower pots... while Ali played on her blankie in the shade :)
Needless to say we had a wonderful day on Sunday. My heart was full this Mother's Day- my sweet baby is so worth it and all the gift I need.

Friday, May 8, 2009

Happy Mother's Day!!!

To all the wonderful Mommas I have met in bloggy land... THANK YOU for all you do- for the great advice you give- and for the great mommy's that you are! HAVE A WONDERFUL WEEKEND!

Real Mothers know that a child's growth is not measured by height or years or grade... It is marked by the progression of Mommy to Mom to Mother...
4 YEARS OF AGE - My Mommy can do anything!
8 YEARS OF AGE - My Mom knows a lot! A whole lot!
12 YEARS OF AGE - My Mother doesn't really know quite everything.
14 YEARS OF AGE - Naturally, Mother doesn't know that, either.
16 YEARS OF AGE - Mother? She's hopelessly old fashioned.
18 YEARS OF AGE - That old woman? She's way out of date!
25 YEARS OF AGE - Well, she might know a little bit about it.
35 YEARS OF AGE - Before we decide, let's get Mom's opinion.
45 YEARS OF AGE - Wonder what Mom would have thought about it?
65 YEARS OF AGE - Wish I could talk it over with Mom.
The beauty of a woman is not in the clothes she wears, the figure that she carries, or the way she combs her hair. The beauty of a woman must be seen from in her eyes, because that is the doorway to her heart, the place where love resides.
The beauty of a woman is not in a facial mole, but true beauty in a woman is reflected in her soul. It is the caring that she lovingly gives, the passion that she shows, and the beauty of a woman with passing years only grows!

Thursday, May 7, 2009

ON to STATE!

My softball team's going to the State Championship! Woot Woot!
(this is a picture of our senior pitcher and catcher)
... and even though this sport takes so much of my time- I STILL LOVE IT WHEN WE WIN!!!

Wednesday, May 6, 2009

And now she's...

Standing up by herself!

(pardon the grainy photo- it was taken on my cell phone)

Yep, that's right, big girl Ali has found a new passion- holding onto whatever is in sight and balancing on those chunky monkey legs! She now refuses to be sat down... when we try to put her on the floor to play, she puts those legs stick straight underneath her and will (very loudly) persist if you do not get her something to grab on to. Granted, she has yet to pull herself from the sitting to standing position.. but it is another move to independence!
She still has not shown any desire towards crawling or creeping, but she does somewhat scoot on her bummy and will walk a little bit holding onto our fingers... and although I am anxious for her to become more mobile, I know I should be thanking my lucky stars she is delaying the process for a bit.
... and just a quick update: We LOVE LOVE LOVE her new daycare! She is so happy there- she is thriving with the new toys and kiddos to dote and play with her all day. Debbie is like another grandma for Ali. The minute we walk into the door, she's already forgotten about me and is looking around for the other kids (she's the first one there) and looking for all the fun toys to play with. She's napping so much better now and just so happy in the afternoons- it's awesome! What a blessing!
And one more awesome tid bit! In August I'm planning a trip to Texas to visit my bestest friend Rose for her baby shower (we find out next week what's she having- whoo whoo I'm sooo excited). I'm getting really excited for the trip because I get to meet two of my best bloggy friends, Andrea and Lindsay!!!! I'm hoping that Ali will be a princess and that I'm brave enough so she can meet B and Miss Priss- but either way I'm getting so excited to see the gals and hang out!!!!

Monday, May 4, 2009

Manic Monday

We ended up taking Ali to an in-home daycare run by the mother of the gal I coach softball with. I AM SO THANKFUL AND HAPPY about this situation. I just was not completely sold on the daycare we were taking her too. First of all, it was outrageously expensive and I could not rationalize paying an over-absorbent amount of money to have my baby sharing 2 girls with 6 other babies. I also did not feel good about my 8 month old taking time away from newborn babies that needed to be held.. which would mean she would not be held.. anyway- I think that option will be better for Ali when she is more mobile and able to play by herself a little bit more- right now with her not crawling yet I want her to be somewhere with someone I know that is loving on her when I can't be!
...and when I took her there this morning for her first day, I walked away with a happy feeling. Debbie had tons of toys out that were perfect for Ali- it was immaculately clean, and the other kiddos are all kids of parents I know and like. So we're happy! And I'm hoping she'll take her again next year- keep your piggies crossed!

On another note- this weekend KK tilled up my little garden plot in the yard.. it's waiting for me to fertilize and prep it after practice for seeds next weekend! I'm planting tomatoes, Italian green beans, onions, carrots, cilantro, basil, and oregano! This is the first time I've had my own veggie garden: I usually do random veggies in pots around the yard- I'm so excited to see how it works out! Oh! I'm also going to plant squash and a pumpkin plant on the side of the house, just for an experiment... So fun!

AND today begins the 2 week countdown to the end of the softball season!!! I CANNOT WAIT to get my life back! I can't wait to spend afternoons taking Ali for walks and hanging in the backyard.. You just don't know how much I want these two weeks to fly! Coaching has been fun this season, don't get me wrong, but it's so different when you're a momma. I miss my baby girl, and I can't help but think of what fun things I would rather be doing with her then spending time with my team. It's time for me to hang up my coaching shoes for awhile... I can't miss this stuff for anything!

Friday, May 1, 2009

Fun Fotos for Friday!

Ali loooooooves that baby in the mirror!









Happy Friday, everyone!!
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