Eggbert

We saw Eggbert. I don't know what a big egg with a crown has to do with Christmas, but if you grew up in Orange County, you saw him every year...and he knew your name...everyone's name. I just found out that after the owner died, there was a huge fire destroying everything. They only just realized Eggbert survived. This was his first year back. It was very exciting.

Even the New York Times wrote about his return.

Christmas, country style

When I think of Christmas as a child, I think of two traditions. The Dyker Heights lights and Eggbert.

While we may not get to see the lights in Dyker Heights, we do get this!



This is one of the families homes from the girls' school. I think we can settle with this.

Tomorrow, we're going to Devitts. Nearly every Thanksgiving we came upstate to my Aunt's house for the weekend and would go see Eggbert at Devitt's. Then we would shop at the nursery and my brother and I would get to pick out a new Christmas ornament. Several years ago, the owner of Devitts died and the nursery closed, so I haven't been able to bring the girls. The whole community was devestated. Everyone went to Devitts after Thanksgiving, it's a tradition. Well, I just found out that some old employees bought the store and it's open again! Yay! And the best part...Eggbert is back. Who's Eggbert? You'll just have to wait and see....

I love this kid!

I'm not talking about one of mine. I don't know where this kid, Preston Leatherman, came from, but he's hilarious! I saw the video yesterday and must have seen it at least 20x already and I"m still laughing!!!

My little booger, Abby

If you haven't been following my dramatic posts on facebook this week, than you would not have know that Apani came home Monday with the Coxsackie virus ie Hand Foot and Mouth Disease. Fun. By Friday, all the girls had it. They are not allowed in school until the last blister dries up so it's been a crazy house.

It didn't bother Abby. She just kept showing me her blisters.
Daisy got a fever Thursday and cried, whined rather, all day. Really, non stop. She wouldn't eat or drink because of the sores in her mouth.
Despite countless warnings, Maddy kept drinking out of Abby's cup and Friday she had sores in her mouth and a fever in the middle of the night.
Kaitlyn came home from school Friday and really hasn't eaten much but popsicles.

Talk about stressful! So I decided this morning to make some cinnamon buns. You know, something fun for the kids. I told Apani my plans and you know what that little turd said??? "I'm pretty sure, I love you now."

The good news, once they've had it, they are immune to it! So in a few days, we shall be virus free...till someone brings home the flu. :/

Did you attempt Black Friday?

So I attempted Black Friday this year. I never would have back in the city, but I convinced myself that Poughkeepsie is comparatively small and the towns around it are small, mine is tiny so it couldn't possibly be too bad. Afterall, there's a mall, TWO outlet centers, everyone would be going there, Target or Walmart. I could manage to snag a few deals from Toys R Us. Right?

LOL! Wrong!

We walked in...and out. The line literally wrapped around the store, wrapped. You couldn't even get into the aisles. The shelves looked worse than when we were expecting that hurricane (thanks to food storage, it wasn't a problem for us). It was a waste. Lesson learned. Arrive earlier!! Just kidding. Never again!

Recovery

There is no recovery with 4 little girls. It's more like trying to survive til bed time.

The first night home, I got home just in time to say good night. I guess Maddy really missed me because an hour later she was awake. I tucked her in and an hour later she woke again, this time leaving "gifts" for me on her carpet. She peed. Two hours later, Kaity woke up coughing and needed her asthma medicine. Unbelievable, really.

I finally got to sleep after that. But Fri and Sat (and probably tonight) I've had to help Kaity with her medicine.

I'm in bed nearly the entire day. I'm in so much pain, but the medicine just makes my head spin. I don't know what's worse, the pain, or the dizziness and nausea.

Apani woke up with a fever this morning. My luck, when it comes to health, just stinks! As the day has gone on though, I was feeling myself feeling better. I even made pasta salad. Then Daisy head planted into my gut and I'm feeling like I over did it. But I imagine tomorrow will be even better. I really just want a day or night to myself so I can rest up.

I'm glad I waited, there's no way I could have done this while nursing Daisy. I thought this was a minor surgery and recovery would be much quicker. Even more importantly, I'm so glad I was able to get it done before Thanksgiving and I can eat without fear!! Hide the scales!

To do - To do - To do

Now that Daisy is weened, I feel like I can work on my To Do List.

First up ~ Gall Bladder Surgery. Let's hope all goes well on Thursday. Thursday!! I'm a little nervous. I know it's routine surgery and a common one at that, but as he was explaining the risks (which are 1 in 300) I got a little scared. But, Thanksgiving is next week and last year I was too afraid to eat, I will not pass up pumpkin pie again!! I may even eat 2 slices with extra whip cream!

Next ~ taking that darn 5 hour class for the DMV which will be more like 7 when you include the trip there and back.

After that? Can you say, ROAD TEST??!!

Truth be Told # 2

I forget things, I mean, everything.

Since having kids, Truth Be Told # 1

keeping the house clean is a battle I can not win.

How we're doing Christmas

Now that ALL the girls are in bed at 7, I try to make money by doing small things on the internet since there's still 3 years before Daisy starts school and I can start working.

Between everything, I've probably earned @ $1000.

Amazon has a task site called Mturk. People use the site to promote business, they promote blogs, universities use it to conduct research, to rate web content, and so forth. I like to do the research or survey tasks because most of them are quick and tend to pay more. But if any task is offering you more than $3, it's usually fake, don't waste your time.

I sell coupons on ebay.

I set up an etsy site.

Now that Maddy is old enough to remember things, unless stores decide to be open 24/7 and I can go when she sleeps, I have to shop online. And ALWAYS use Ebates. If you haven't signed up yet, do it! I love ebates. I got my "big fat payment" today which is in my paypal account and will go towards gifts. And whatever shopping I do will be through ebates to earn more cash back.

I've also been "earning" "money" through Swagbucks. EVERY site I go to, I just search for it in the swagbucks toolbar and earn 'bucks' which I redeem for Amazon gift cards. It's tedious, but every little bit helps. I earned $100 in amazon gift cards in just a few months. Not too bad and not only is it Christmas, but there's 2 birthdays in December.

I love the daily deal sites. I've gotten a few stuff from Plum District and Totsy.

And the other thing I do is Paid the Fastest, which is a little more complicated. But I'm at the point where I get free referrals and let them do the work for me. I've earned the most $$ from there.

I also won a contest that gave a Chuggington gift pack which was filled with a train set, books, puzzles, and dvds. So we're pretty much set. Awesome!

How we survived the power outage

that lasted 74 hours. Some people are still out of power.



Lots of painting...LOTS. Nearly sun up to sun down.



I took the video games out of the closet.





Daisy fixed furniture into her own personal playground.



And play-doh made a quick appearance.

The kids were fairly good sports, til they got bored. By Tuesday it was all fighting. Thankfully, they got to go to school today. Our district, however, is still out. It's unbelievable! I wonder if these are counted as snow days. I'm so scared for winter now.

It got so cold. The temp in the house was in the 40s! The girls would wake up with rosey cheeks and red noses. Daisy was going to bed with a long sleeve onesie, socks, and 2 fleece jammies and her feet would still be cold. It felt so good to take a shower again! I'm so thankful it's over!

I'm joining the revolution!

My own revolution. I'm boycotting laundry. I'm occupying my basement waiting for someone to do my laundry.

I've thrown it all on the bed and am trying to fold it. Daisy comes along and throws it on the floor. But not just any of it, only the folded stuff. Thanks Daisy.

Then she runs to the closets and throws that laundry on the floor. And where do you suppose it ends up? Oh, she brings it to the pile of dirty laundry. And for the most part, I don't realize it til it's covered with actually dirty laundry.

Do you have any idea how much laundry is washed and washed and washed without being worn? Too much!

Why should I have to do my laundry? Why do I have to work hard? Someone should do it for me! I want to be lazy too!

Painting

I thought it would be fun for Maddy to paint today...face and all! The angle that the picture was taken from, is where I was sitting while the whole thing went down. I was watching her do it, but for some reason, nothing was registering.



See those white chairs in the background? They're there because Daisy keeps using them to climb onto the table. Exhausting!

See the high chair? That's what I should have used to feed Daisy and maybe I wouldn't have had such a huge mess to clean.

On the other hand, she painted her face rather well, don't you think? I think purple is a good color for her. You?

Learning Language

Maddy says the cutest things. I don't know if it's because she's so darn adorable or because she hears her sisters say things and tries to use it as though she knows what she's talking about.



Maddy told me today that she was going to show me the best trick of her "whole entire life." That's 3 whole years! Are you sure???



While checking out at Kohl's, she picked up a gift card and with difficulty attempted to put it back, she says, "This doesn't make any sense!"




She was rubbing her eyes with her blankie and said, "I'm tired. Is it nighttime this year?"



I find myself often reminding the girls, "You need to behave."
They hear, "You guys need to be - hAve."
After a few minutes, Maddy will ask, "I being - hAve?"
It makes perfect sense because I also tell the girls that they need to BE good. In turn they ask, "I'm being good?"
It reminds me of when Kaity and Abby were about Maddy's age, one learned from the other to ask, "I being - A - hAve?"




We went out to eat the other day, which is something we rarely do because 4 kids are exhausting just to think about. So on the ride over I was preparing them and telling them what there would be to eat. You know, so there's less time deciding and waiting while we're there and can leave faster and hopefully avoid any and all potential meltdowns. I told them, that first, we would have salad and breadsticks and Kaitlyn excitedly yelled, "I want a breadstick. ... Do they have cheese?" I said, "Ummmm? I'm not positive." Maddy quickly piped in, "I want a positive!"

...how about an quick update. Maddy turned 3 and Daisy turned 1 and the girls went back to school. Pictures? One day??

I feel like I have no time for anything lately. Maybe cuz El is home all day. He works nights and is driving me insane. (I don't think people are meant to be around each other for so many hours.) I feel like I have to keep the kids extra entertained so he can nap. It's exhausting and it makes me resent him a little. He gets to get away. I'm stuck here. I work all day and all night...Daisy is tough. She doesn't nap and tosses and turns all night. How awesome would it be for him to take the kids out so I could get a nap? I would dream about it if only I could get to sleep...

Seventh Generation Diapers Giveaway!

Giveaway: a package of the new Seventh Generation Free & Clear diapers (size 2, 4, or 5)




Seventh Generation, Free & Clear diapers have a brand new look that makes it ‘clear’ what makes them so special.

What Seventh Generation leaves out is just as important as what they put in. Free & Clear diapers do not include chlorine processing, fragrances, latex and petroleum based lotions. In an effort to contribute less overall landfill waste and continue to ensure a premium standard of absorbency, the new Free & Clear diapers have been redesigned with a lighter-weight core. With processed chlorine-free wood pulp in Free & Clear diapers, Seventh Generation also makes certain that no chlorine is released into the environment during the totally chlorine-free (TCF) whitening process of the diapers and training pants.

Seventh Generation has also reduced the size of the diapers’ plastic packaging, meaning that each pack now contributes even less overall landfill waste than before. In fact, Seventh Generation Free & Clear diaper packaging can now be recycled at local supermarkets where plastic bag recycling collection boxes are available.

I received a package of these diapers and Daisy helped try them out! She is 14 months old now and running everywhere. She's going through an awesome stage where she wants to nurse all night, really, ALL night and her size 4s of our current diaper weren't making it. Seventh Generation sent me a size 5, PERFECT, let's try them out!! I like them and I'm picky when it comes to diapers. I want something that protects against leaks and won't irritate the skin. These are a great fit. I like to know that I'm not putting harsh chemicals on her skin and to know that I'm doing something good for the environment is definitely a plus!


To be entered in the giveaway, post a comment! I'm pretty sure I know everyone who reads my blog, but if I don't, leave your email so I can contact you if you win. Winner will be chosen randomly, Wed, Sept 14.

You can download and print a coupon for $2.00 OFF any ONE Seventh Generation Baby Product (Diapers, Training Pants, or Wipes)! HERE

Disclosure: Coupon, prize pack, information and giveaway were all provided by Seventh Generation through MyBlogSpark

Links

Seventh Generation on Facebook
Seventh Generation on Twitter
Seventh Generation Free & Clear diapers on SeventhGeneration.com
For information about the whitening process
For information about the role of pigments in diapers

So sore!!

My right leg is extremely sore. I spent all morning trying to figure out why. I last rode my bike Thursday so it couldn't be that and it would have been both legs. Could it have been something at church? Maybe crossing my legs for so long holding Daisy trying to get her to sleep? Nope, it was from using the pedal while playing the piano!! Maybe 10 minutes for prelude, opening and closing hymns and my leg is sore! Am I really that out of shape?! I knew that since moving (almost 2 years ago!) my life has become rather sedentary having nowhere to walk to but come on, it hurts!!

Well, the girls go back to school Wednesday so I'll once again get a 4 mile daily walk up and down a steep hill and I finally got the littles a trailer so I'll also be on the bike trail daily...hopefully, Maddy hates it, but Daisy loves it. I'll get my exercise and maybe lose some more weight. I've been stuck where I am for several months now. I would love to lose another 30 lbs but I'd be more than thrilled with 20. And who knows maybe I'll even be able to play the piano again without needing a day to rest after!!

When one of the members found out I play the piano, he asked if I had one. We sold it before we left thinking it wouldn't survive the 2hour drive in a truck filled with other furniture and boxes and we did not want to also have to rent piano movers. So, no, I told him. Turns out he has several...he collects them and offered to give me one! The building that he stores them is closing in a few weeks so I'll have one by Christmas!!!

Do you remember ...

Kaitlyn always asks if I remember obscure events from her short 6.5 years of life. Sometimes these "memories" are from her infancy, that she "remembers" because she's seen a photo.

Today she wanted to know if I remembered when we still lived in Brooklyn and she was sick so she didn't want to go downstairs, she only wanted to stay in my bed and watch TV.

I had no idea what she was talking about. So I attempted to make a point.

"Kaitlyn, do you remember when Grandma and I were trying to talk but we couldn't hear each other because you and Abby were so loud?"
She began to say, "Nnn" (Point would have been made.) But Abby interrupted and said, "Hey, that happens every day!"

And indeed it does!

Daisy says snack

and she wants one now!! She doesn't need patience, she needs a snack! There is no time to waste and there I am bothering her to speak.

Duh!!!

My mother bought me a bunch of Neuhaus bars for my birthday. Under any other circumstances, they would have been gone quickly. However, in the summer, I don't care for chocolate. The inconsistent weather makes them bloom and within a day, even the best quality chocolate is ruined.

Yesterday, I pulled out the bag, picked out a dark chocolate raspberry and split up among my little ladies.

Kaitlyn could not stop saying, "mmm, mmmm, mmmmmm."
So I asked, "Is it good? Do you like it?"
Maddy replies, "Du-uh!"

Can someone please tell my children to act their age?!
I feel like I'm arguing with a teen sometimes when I'm talking to Apani.
Maddy...really? Duh? Come on! You're only 2!
And Daisy is rolling her eyes. I'm in over my head...

Mediterranean Wraps

I could eat these every day and for the past 2 weeks, I have!

The Veggies
1 cucmber, sliced thin
2 tomatoes, sliced thin
1/4-1/2 cup of Kalamata Olives, halved
1/4 cup of crumbled feta
4-5 T fresh chopped parsley
4 scallions, chopped
the juice from 1 lemon
Toss together

The Yogurt Sauce
1 small container of plain greek yogurt
1 clove garlic
rind from 1 lemon

salt and pepper

flatbread or pita for 4

I like to toast the pita so it gets a little crispy. Spread on the yogurt and spoon the veggies on bite by bite. Otherwise, it's really messy and the bread gets soggy. Go for the nonfat yogurt. This stuff has so much flavor, don't waste fat or calories. Save it for the ice cream!

The Millbrook Pool

It's our second summer up here and we finally made it to the "pool". It's more like a lake but without the plant life and fish. I guess it's a pool. They drain the water after Labor Day, but there's sand. I don't know, they call it a pool, so it's a pool.

Anyway, WE. HAD. A. BLAST! There's only a few weeks of the season left, so we won't get the pass this year. I wish it wasn't so expensive, we would go daily. Oh and if I also had 3 extra pairs of eyes and arms. It was easy today, I had Grandma and Grandpa with me, I couldn't do it alone. And I still haven't gotten my license, so I literally can't get there alone! I'm pathetic!

But yea, oh man, the girls were wiped out. We were there nearly 4 hours, got home and the girls didn't fight at all, they were too exhausted. They played outside for a few minutes, ate, watched a movie, and they went to bed. I love days like this. I love when they get along. Oh how I love days free of whining!

Grandpa was trying to teach the girls how to swim and they were doing so well. Maddy was a natural...floating on her own (with floaties) kicking, swimming, I think she had the most fun out of all of them. We only left because we started getting cold! It's over 90 degrees and we were cold! It was a great day. I didn't bring the camera because I was afraid of losing it or someone stealing it. Glad I didn't, someone stole Daisy's float boat. Not a big deal, it was only $2 and she didn't like it.

It was supposedly crowded...these people have never tried to do anything in NYC. I wouldn't call a handful of kids a crowd! The pool was huge and we had plenty of room to swim around. El and I may take the girls tomorrow. Don't tell them, it's a secret!

Sooo, come visit and bring the kids to the pool!! I'll make an awesome lunch! There's picnic tables, a playground, grills, and hot food if you don't want to bring any. Oh and an awesome little BBQ spot next store that has yummy food and delish ice cream. Seriously, come!

My favorite Pasta Salad

I made this today because I've been craving it for awhile but I made a few substitutions and what a HUGE mistake!!

I tried fresh red pepper instead of roasted because it needs a good crunch...still haven't figured out what else to use, but yea, I shouldn't have. I'm so disappointed! Now I'm going to have to make it again tomorrow. The girls like it, so I don't mind.

1 box of Tri Color Pasta
8oz jar of artichoke hearts
1 can black olives
1 jar of roasted red peppers
small bulb of fennel/anise, coarsley chopped
1 bunch scallions, chopped
2-3 oz feta

Dressing
1/3 cup Balsamic vinegar
1/4 cup salad oil
2 T honey
3/4 t dried basil
1/2 t dried dill
1/2 t garlic powder
1/2 t pepper
1/4 t salt

cook pasta, chop/slice everything, and mix together.

Rhubarb Apple Compote

Oh my goodness this is soooo good!!

It's like strawberry rhubarb pie without the crust, just the gooey, yummy, inside

1lb fresg rhubarb
1 large apple peeled, cored thinly sliced
1/4 - 1/2 cup white sugar
juice and zest of 1 orange

Cut rhubarb into 1" pieces, put in pan, cover and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer 10 min or until fruit is soft.

You can, if you dare, drizzle with yogurt and then top it off with brown sugar and chopped nuts, which is also really delicious, but I don't think it needs it. Daisy LOVES it.

Dr, I need help!

SV Day 3, 4, 5

Apani has pneumonia.

We were on our way out the door to go to the ER last night and she asks, "Can you do my hair?" Beauty must never be sacrificed no matter how sick one is!

My new obsession!

Making videos!!

This was a conversation I had with Abby when she was 3 and a 1/2. ...



The problem is, you can only publish videos with points and unfortunately, you can only publish one movie before you have to buy more points. But you can earn points through referrals! So SIGN UP!

Where's 4? No, actually, where's my head?

We went for a walk. Whenever we go for a walk, my focus becomes not on where we are going, but on keeping track of the girls. I need to do several head counts. Today, like once before, link I had a moment of sheer fright as I thought I had lost one. I count 1 ... 2 ... 3 ... ... ... ... 4? Where's 4? 4!!!! After freaking out I realized, 4 was ... IN THE STROLLER I was pushing. I'm an idiot.

Sum Vaca Day 2

Kaity almost lost an eye, thank you Abby.

Lots of time out, for Abby.

Yelled ... a lot, thank you Mommy.

Daisy keeps falling but keeps trying.
Transition to crib, failed, thank you El.

Maddy is on bath strike.

Slept an hour later this morning. o_O

Try not to yell today.

Summer Vacation, Day 1

So much for sleeping in...

Birthday cake for breakfast

She's a-walkin'!!

Go Daisy Go!



She took a few steps the other day and now there's no stopping her. She's so proud of herself and offers lots of encouragement...high pitched squeals and clapping...super cute!

Something I learned over the past few days

QUIT COMPLAINING!! Because things could be so much worse. Yea, it's hard taking care of 4 kids, but I am healthy. Til a few hours ago, I think I broke my foot. It looks like there's a golf ball in it. I'll be heading to the hospital as soon as the girls are in bed.

So if I ever start complaining again, someone needs to hit me in the head because at least I can get out of bed.

What a storm!

And it couldn't have happened at a worse time.

I noticed Maddy falling asleep before 11. Her naps, when she takes them are much later, usually around 2. So I went over to her and she was burning up. I took her temp, it was 103.4! Man this child and her high fevers!! I gave her several cups with tylenol, all wasted. She was NOT in the mood to drink. She just wanted to lie down, watch tv, and sleep.

We made an appt and saw the dr who saw nothing wrong, (no infections), assuming it's a virus, she said just give her plenty of fluids and tylenol. ... easier said than done. I planned to go to the pharmacy and pick up some tylenol suppositories because there was no way she would take the medicine and she wasn't drinking her juice.

As I'm walking out the door of the office, the power went out. There were some crazy winds. The whole town lost power. Have I mentioned how much I hate it here sometimes?? So I couldn't run to the pharmacy, but I knew I had one suppository left at home so I wasn't too worried. Yea, well, it was expired.

So here we were, sitting in the dark, with a high fever, no A/C and oh yeah, temps outside above 90 degrees! How in the world was I going to bring her fever down? I thought my only way was to force tylenol with a syringe. She spit what she could out and then vomitted all over the floor. I was devestated. My poor baby didn't drink more that a few ounces all day and there it is sitting in front of us on the floor. What was I going to do now? Am I just putting off a trip to the ER? Really? Again? Can we PLEASE just go a week orTWO without a trip to the Dr/ER?

I tried giving her salty things to encourage drinks. It didn't really help. She took a few sips. I decided to give her a bath, but when I went to get her, she was asleep again.

Three hours later, the power returned. My mood lifted. She's sleeping soundly in a nice cold room. I'm waiting for her to wake up for some juice. I hope she wakes up feeling better.

One of my greatest desires ... at the moment

To sleep like a baby...anywhere, any time.

Apani took a nap today. She hasn't had a nap since her time in the womb so she woke up a little disoriented and asked "Is today still Sunday?"

She's 11 months!!

It's FINALLY nice enough to play outside!!!



I just LOVE the view!




Are we already getting ready to celebrate her 1st birthday?

Here's what's new.

Kisses!



Waves!

She can sign 'finished' and 'more'...w e l l, she takes my hands and makes ME sign more. But she can also say more and saying it seems to work better for her. She has even said Daisy a few times.

One of my favorite things she does is the way she hugs. She is such a cuddler. Whenever she is picked up, she tightly wraps her arms around your neck, squeezes as hard as she can, and lays her head on your shoulder. It's heaven.

With the humidity, she isn't really rockin' her Beatles hairdo anymore. It's more like the Flip.


Checking on our Strawberries




We stopped the birds, but now bugs keep eating them :'(



Chocolate!!!



Best Friends



Sometimes, Maddy doesn't like having a shadow, I mean best friend.

If you eat all your dinner...

you can have fill in the blank. Lately, it's been: some of your Easter candy.

I find myself saying this nearly every day. Besides Daisy, who will eat anything, EVERYTHING, my girls are picky...especially Maddy. It's not so much that they don't eat well, they just don't like what I cook. They get plenty of fruit and veggies, they just don't like dinner. So I find myself bribing them to eat.

After dinner yesterday, the girls got some fresh from the oven brownies.

Maddy had a clever idea after finishing her brownie.
Maddy: Can I have taffy taffy?
Me: No you can't have taffy taffy.
Maddy: But I ate all my brownie.

San Salvador Temple

My cousin recently finished a piece that will sit behind the recommend desk at the entrance of the San Salvador Temple. There are no words...it's simply amazing. Christ in America.

Peace

on rare occassions, naptime is a huge success!



too bad Daisy only naps for 20 minutes.

Cruisin' on to 10 months

Our attempt at Easter Pics. There are over 50 shots, I give up.




She loves to eat




A Daisy in the Tulips




Daisy's best friend




Crawling ...




... with pigtails!




She likes to help with the laundry




Daisy is 10 months old!!

And I've decided that things don't get easier.

They just. simply. change.

Some people get a plate of food and take a bite by filling a bit of evrything onto their fork. Some eat veggies or the meat first, saving their favorite for last. Others take one bite of one item and go back and forth. That's how Daisy likes to nurse. Nighttime is horrible. I'm getting even less sleep. She realized that there is not one but TWO boobs and nursing on one just isn't enough. So she goes back and forth taking a sip at a time, nursing no longer than 10 seconds on each boob. It's exhausting. If I don't cooperate, she just grabs the other boob and pulls it towards her. Yes, it's as annoying, exhausting, and painful and it sounds. She also decided that nursing is better while standing and doing all sorts of tricks.

She found her temper. Through the example of her sisters she has learned the fine art of throwing major tantrums. However, in her defense, she has two ear infections, so I'll let these fits slide ... for now.

She's cruisin' all over the place. Will she walk before she's 1? I'm thinking, yes!

Her teeth are coming in too funny. She has 4 on the bottom and her 2 left incisors.

Not much else is new. She did finally start crawling. She loves to run while someone is holding her under her arms. She resembles one of those lizards. I've been trying to get it on video, but she gets camera shy...so here's a lizard.

The old man

What I don't miss about the city is people and their opinions. The other day, some old man told me, "You need a boy." I'm not sure what need he was referring to, kindly, I tried to chuckle it off, but in my head I was screaming. ...
"Need? NEED? NO, what I NEED is a bigger house, a new car because Kaity and Abby are still in boosters for the next few years and 3 car seats and 2 boosters won't fit in our mountaineer, $several Million because there's no way El is leaving this house with another baby, a chef and a maid. Are you willing to provide all that? And a whole new wardrobe and college fund? If not, then NO, I don't NEED a boy!!!!"

More on Naughty Words

Apani, "I know a naughty word the starts with O"
Me, "There aren't any."
Apani, "Yes, do you want me to tell you what it is?"
Me, "OK"
Apani, "Will I get in trouble?"
Me, "No, you have my permission." After all there is no naughty word that begins with O ... right?
Softly, she replies, "Oh sh*t"
Me, "Yes, you're right, there is a naughty word that starts with O. Let's not say that word."

My little ladies

Growing more like a weed than a Daisy ... 9 months!

This has been an exciting but stressful month. Lot's of ups and plenty of downs. Let's start with the worst.

Mom FAIL! She found the radiator. =( All is fine now :)



We've learned a lot this month, some Ups ...
"ma-ma"
"da-da"
clapping
yoga...down dog, but not so easy on the wood floor in footie jammies



exploring on the floor is FUN (that's more of an up for mom...free hands!)
almost crawling, but she's getting so fast on her belly she may just skip it
getting to a sitting position, on her own
pulling herself up to stand
all food is yummy

Lentil Soup


helping with the laundry...



She is NOT as big as she thinks she is ... she makes me so nervous! some Downs
getting to a sitting position, on her own often leads to a face plant on the floor
pulling herself up to stand and immediately falling back
She keeps toppling over. Literally, plenty of downs! There have been lots of sad tears this month.

But overall, she's a happy baby!