7 months old

Yikes! This means you are officially closer to being a whopping 1 year old! Abby girl, slow down. Mommy loves that you are still a baby and I'm not quite ready to have a mobile, crawling, into everything little girl. You continue to amaze us every day and charm everyone with your beautiful smile. 

Here's a peek into your world right now:

• best, biggest smile
• still no teeth, even though a few weeks ago the doc assured us they would be in within a week
• babbling
• shrieking, especially at Aidan
• laughs, oh you have the best laugh, especially when we kiss your belly
• you sit without support, but love to throw yourself backwards so we still put the boppy or pillow behind you
• you have been moving onto your belly more from a sitting position, trying to get anything in sight
• you can straighten your arms now when on your belly...you'll be crawling before we're ready
• still nursing (who knew we'd make it this long?)
• eating stage 2 foods, and hate Gerber puffs, you gag every time
• waking once a night, sometimes twice, to eat and go right back to sleep
• taking at least two naps a day, sometimes a little cat nap around dinner time too
• love the pacifier especially to sleep and when in the car seat
• love the bath, and now that you have a bath seat you want to play with toys, but you also love to lay back when we hold you and kick, kick, kick---you'll be tons of fun in the pool this summer
• wearing size 3 diapers
• wearing 9 months clothes
• beginning to play with your left ear and hair more often
• constantly trying to get the dog
• everything goes in your mouth-toys, bib, fingers, and even toes
• love to be held
• always curious about what's going on around you
• Aidan is your best friend

{Love her smile}

My thoughts on life right now:

Hard to believe that 7 months ago you were born.

Even harder to imagine life without you.

You make us all so happy. 

10 on Tuesday

1. What is the most exciting thing to see on a baseball field?
Sean's answer to this would definitely be a no-hitter, which we've seen only once by Kevin Millwood in 2003. I have to admit that was pretty cool too, but so is seeing a walk-off homerun to win the game. We also saw the Phillies clinch the NLDS for the first time in 2007 in many, many years. In 2008 we were at an extra inning World Series game that they won, and in 2009 we were at the game they won to advance to the World Series. 

2. What snacks do you usually get at a game?
I don't usually get much at a game, thanks to having Aidan occupying my lap 99% of the time, even when half my lap was taken by my big pregnant with Abby belly. There aren't many healthy things and I've been trying to make better choices. But, on the occasion I do get something there and we don't bring in our own sandwiches I usually go with nachos or a helmet sundae. And yup, now I'd love to have some nachos. Oh, and of course I get a hot dog on Dollar Dog Nights! 

3. Do you yell at the umps? Other players?
I usually just leave the yelling to the other fans. I just cheer.

4. If you could be commissioner for a day, what would you change about MLB?
I would make the stadiums more family friendly. Having just a couple of family restrooms in a huge stadium is just plain stupid. And there would be more family friendly meals and food choices too. Oh, and maybe booster seats to put on the seats so my little guy could see around the big guy in the front row. 

5. Which of the following have you seen in person at a baseball game:
a. a rainout? Yes, I've been to a few games where there have been crazy thunderstorms actually.
b. a no-hitter? Yes. Kevin Millwood in 2003. And I can't believe it was that long ago.
c. a grand slam? Yes. Pretty cool.
d. your face on the JumboTron? I think only once, but I have seen us on tv a few times since we're in the 2nd row of left field where homeruns are often hit.
e. a squeeze play? I'm sure I have.
f. a fight? I believe so, and even a clearing of benches...or maybe that was just on tv...we watch too many games.

6. What do you say to people who claim that baseball is boring?
I say No way! It's fun and relaxing, which I think is why I like it. Although sometimes it causes a little anxiety or can be boring, but most of the time relaxing and a good time.

7. What do you think of the recent trend of singing “God Bless America” during the 7th inning stretch?
I really couldn’t care less what they sing during the 7th inning stretch as long as they still sing Take Me Out to the Ball Game. 

8. Old school “knickers” or full length pants?
Old school looks pretty darn funny now that just about everyone wears the full length pants.

9. What do you do about the obnoxious drunk guys/girls sitting around you?
I do not like them. Generally I'm mumbling not so nice things and giving dirty looks. And of course hoping that security will escort them out. Thankfully we sit in a pretty good section, and we're in row 2 so that means less seats around us. 

10. For a game you’re watching in person, what’s your limit on extra innings? How many before you just bail?
Again. It depends. Does the game mean anything? Who is playing? What time is it? Do I have to go to work tomorrow? Is it cold outside? Is it raining? Am I hungry? Who am I with? The longest game I've been at was 16 innings on July 2nd and 3rd, 2004. It just so happened to be a fireworks game too. So believe it or not, when the game ended after midnight...5 hours later...they had the fireworks. And they were worth it. 

My thoughts on life right now:

Only 21 days until Opening Day! I can't wait! I love baseball season. Think Aidan can pass for three again this year? He can sit on my lap again. Two kids, two laps, too uncomfortable! 

So big!

{Time to put away the swing, Our little Abby girl isn't so little any more!}

10 on Tuesday

1. What did you do this weekend?

We did a lot! Friday night I went over Lauren's house to visit and meet brand new baby Aubrey who was born on February 19. It was nice to hang out with the girls, munch on some food, and just relax (and of course enjoy some Abby time while there too!). Sean and Aidan went to Mr. Kingsway where Cait was escorting Mr. December. Saturday we did some straightening up, I ran to Deptford for a few returns/errands, and then that night we went to see Jason play at Auburn Road Winery. It was great to finally be able to see him, between being pregnant and having a newborn we haven't seen him much, and there was no excuse since he was playing early and less than 20 minutes away. There was a great turn out and he was great as usual. Oh, and the wine wasn't so bad either. Sunday morning was church, then in the afternoon was the Rite of Election. Since I'm going through the RCIA program to get confirmed, all candidates and catechumens went to the Rite and heard beautiful music that reminded me of a Mexican vacation at times and met the Bishop. That was the really cool part. After that, we went back to Steph and Brian's for dinner. Whew! This could have been a longer post in itself! 

2. Do you prefer short fingernails or long fingernails?
I prefer short.

3. What is your favorite use for Pinterest?
Dreaming? Wasting time? Too bad I don’t have endless time, space, money, and sweet DIY skills.

4. Do you sleep with your mouth open?
Pretty sure the only time I do is when I'm sick.

5. Where did you have the best pizza you’ve ever eaten?
I'm a huge fan of Mack & Manco's down in Ocean City.

6. What do you eat for breakfast on weekdays?
Usually oatmeal, but Sean has been kindly making me a yummy and quick coffee cup scramble (2 eggs, scrambled, made in the microwave.).

7. Do you watch awards shows? Why or why not?
Eh, sometimes, but I don't make it a point to put them on.

8. Can you whistle? Snap? Curl your tongue? Bend down and touch your palms to the ground?
Whistle: yes, not very loud
Snap: yes
Curl my tongue: yes
Bend down and touch my palms to the ground: on a good day

9. What email service do you use?
My real and important mail goes to Gmail, but junk goes to Yahoo. And then there's Outlook for work. Sheesh. 

10. What is your favorite outdoor activity?
Sitting in a beach chair. A close second is taking the kids for a walk preferably on the boardwalk.

{Aubrey Grace born 2.19.12}

{My favorites: Kind Of Blue & Blessington}

My thoughts on life right now:

Okay, so now that I've done this great post. Great because it has photos. I need to go back and add photos into all the posts that I haven't added them to {Christmas, Abby's milestones-4,5,6, and anything else}. Oh, and I also really want to get back into blogging at least once or twice a week. I have been away from the computer for a while, which while a nice break, I miss writing all this non-sense down. It can be kind of therapeutic sometimes, and we all need that. 

6 months old

Wow! Time flies! I can't believe that Abby is 6 months old. In just 6 short months we'll be celebrating her first birthday. That kind of makes me sad. I wish I could hit a pause button and enjoy every little smile, giggle, cuddle, and moment with her even the 3am feeding. I've already started brainstorming ideas for her 1st birthday.

At her check up, she was:
16 pounds {50th percentile}
25.75 inches {50th percentile}
42cm head (I think) {58th percentile}
She checked out as healthy as can be again and we feel very blessed about that.

Here's what she's been up to in the past month:

• ticklish~especially on her belly and neck
• sits supported, usually falls to right side
• yells, laughs, babbles
• eats cereal
• first veggies were peas and sweet potatoes, she prefers cereal
• tries to grab Toby at all opportunities
• gives us great big open mouth kisses
• holds out her arms to reach for us
• still nursing, and weaning might be harder than continuing at this point
• getting up around 3am to nurse, but then goes right back to sleep
• loves the Jumperoo
• tries to grab everything nearby
• always smiling

My thoughts on life right now:

I seriously can't believe she's 6 months old. Wow.

I really, really need to take some time and get pictures uploading. I've got loads of blogs to fill with pictures! 

10 on Tuesday

1. How do you feel about Groundhog’s Day?
I think it is fun for little kids and kind of ridiculous how some adults take it so seriously. I mean, Spring doesn't come until 6 weeks later anyway, right? 

2. What color are your fingernails right now? 
I guess you could call it au natural.  

3. Do you like riddles?
It depends. Sometimes they are just annoying.

4. When you were 10, how old did you think “old” was? At your current age, how old do you think “old” is?
When I was little, I probably thought an “old” person was 50. Now I think it depends on the person. Someone can be old at 60, but others can be old at 90.

5. Do you wish on stars?
Yup.

6. Do you recycle?
Yes.

7. On a scale from 1-10, how good of a cook are you?
Maybe like a 7. I’m not very confident in my skills, nor do I usually have what I need to actually cook something.

8. Do you color your hair? Professionally or at home?
I stopped doing it at home when I was getting it all over the place, even in rooms that I didn't dye my hair in. So now I get it done professionally maybe four times a year.

9. One a scale from 1-10, how do you rate your manners?
About a 7. I could work on them a bit.

10. Who are the last 5 people you have texted?1. Cait
2. Meg
3. Sean
4. Lauren
5. Kathy

Weigh In Wednesday

Weight loss to date: 39 pounds {yay!}

BMI: 24.2 ~ Good to be in the "normal" range. 

Weight left to lose: 6 pounds 

First Goal: 25 pounds {Reached: 9.14.11} 

• Reward: Coach Baby Bag {got it and love it!} 

Second Goal: 35 pounds {Reached: 12.18.11} 

• Reward: a few new clothing items 

Final Goal: 45 pounds 

• Reward: originally thought some new clothes, but I'll be happy that my old ones fit!

Success: I'm actually fitting into work pants I haven't worn in years, literally. I can run for 15 minutes without stopping. I signed up for my very first 5k. It's the Phillies Charities 5k and is on March 31st. Right now I'm feeling pretty unprepared, but I've got a little time. I checked in with the nurse at the gym last month and this month and I lost 3 pounds and a decent amount of inches. I can see a little more definition to my waist. People have noticed the weight loss, some just in my face, others as the whole body. I'm feeling healthier.  

Set-Backs: I still don't eat as well as I could. I tried cutting back on calories and noticed a decrease in breast milk, so I upped the caloric intake again. I really need to eat healthier, and cooking more often would be a solution to improving my eating habits. I still have this damn muffin top. Seriously, I can feel my ribs and see definition up by them and above where my "waist" is. But below the waist near my belly button is just flab. Ugh, it's so annoying. And now I'm kicking myself for not taking better care of myself when I was pregnant with Aidan, wishing I didn't get pre-eclampsia and high blood pressure, wishing I didn't gain 65 pounds and stretch my skin out. Oh well. I'm on the road to healthy now. There's no looking back.    

Exercise: I've been getting a good workout in at least once a week. I've also been walking a lot more at school. I'd love to get to the gym twice a week and do Zumba at home once a week. I'm just so tired once Abby is in bed that I'm not far behind her. Maybe once the weather is nice I can take the kids for a walk after school.  

Sean noticed some of my weight loss, and even though he didn't say anything specific until I started talking about it generally, I was happy to hear he noticed it too. I've got to keep up the loss though. And I really need to start running or else I'm going to come in last in the 5k! :)  

My thoughts on life right now:

Just not enough time in the day.