You Wouldn't Believe It...

Mr. DYI* and I FINALLY started the living room carpet project.

So here is all of the living room furniture in our dining room.

Big Empty Living Room - Tiny Girl

It's So Bright


The Big No Nap Tears

Special thanks to all for the crib & bumpers, sheets, quilt, etc... I never thought I would see the day that all is up and all the tools are ALMOST out of the baby's room! SO CLOSE! Now just to get the rest of the room clear and the closet clear so I can fit all her things into it!

I had to post pi cutes of the progress we've made (ok, I've done little to help... pulled nails, nursed the baby, fixed dinner, cleaned the house). Now we're waiting for a brass outlet to put into the floor so there is no more tripping over the massage chair cord. The carpet will be temporarily down until that comes in. Then it's on to the flooring... after Mr. DIY* finds the right gauge nails.

Thank Heavens for Friends & Family

Loving the Knit

Keeping warm on these cold days by layering the knits over the cotton... but I have to make more hats.

So Happy Together

Thanks to Pete & Kathy Lulu has 2 new sleep sacks. I personally love the tie-dye one, but both and the new footie pjs are so amazing she should sell them. I love the snaps she put on them, so easy and convenient.

Lulu is really digging being held by Her Da-da* this week, she's even reaching out arms for him. She watches everything he does, when he leaves the room she watches the door until he returns... it's so cute. Today he was putting together her "Intelligence Center" and she had her peepers tuned into what was going on with the electric screwdriver. I think she wanted her center built and some of her own tools!

We're getting ready for some really busy days ahead. I am starting school on Monday, and still encountering problems with registration but the school advisor is working on it and if I learned anything from getting my Bachelor degree it was to be a squeaky wheel. I am excited and nervous (not the 'what if I fail' nervous, the what lies ahead, can I manage a home, a baby and school and building new business?). School is fun and exciting... and as I took my 'official transcripts' to the college I recalled how great of a student I was... I am a nerd, I like to learn.

My Better Half* was laid off this week, again! I don't know if that means just this week or until they call again? I would ask but I don't think he knows, and I honestly don't think the business owners have a clue either. On the bright side, we're going to be laying new carpet in the living room tomorrow!! Yeah!

Off the Charts

My Cutie

If she was begging on the side of the road with that little face and big eyes I'd give her my last dollar!

We went in for a wellness checkup this afternoon (a little late for her 6 mos because the holidays and school registration). Lulu is 23.5 lbs & 28.5 inches, all numbers are off the charts but the doctor said Daddy* is tall and that would be normal (in case anyone was worried). All tests and what-not showed she is growing well and is very healthy. She 'fits' into 12 mos sizes now. We had her first series of vaccinations, and she didn't notice the first shot, but was puzzled by the second... and then she was not happy until she had a couple mommy snuggles (my favorite part too!) I was a bit disappointed with the nurse "Stacey." I asked her for specific information about the vaccinations and she never gave me the info... any how, I suppose I will always be disappointed if I expect too much.

Surrounded by Love

Bella's Hat

I think the hat turned out amazing!

Our 1st Christmas

Pretty Little Lulu

My mom planned a picture session at Kiddie Creations, and picked out the most beautiful dresses for her granddaughters. The bow was the final touch, and I was pretty surprised she didn't pull it off her head like she does her hats.


Lulu's 1st Christmas Gift

I got her some lame rattles! She got so many fun toys that make lots of noise that my rattles were tossed aside almost instantly! LOL... I should have known, she needs more interation.

Grandparents & Grandchildren

Pene, Mom with Lulu, Bella, Z & Dad hanging out with the kids.

We had a wonderful visit in Colorado for Christmas. It was a White Christmas indeed. Lulu loved being around the cousins, she loves to watch interaction and playing. She totally loves the new and gentily used toys that were given to her... and I am glad she's has more things to keep her little mind ticking. She was pretty good at my parents home, but as usual she hated the drive. She slept 1/3 of the time, content for a 1/3 of the time and screamed 1/3 of the time! We made our first Gingerbread House and Lulu ate the tree when I wasn't looking for 3 seconds!

Thank You Lisa

Lulu Loves the Horse Rides

Better Late Than Never

Putting Up the Christmas Tree

She's not sure what to make of the tree quite yet. It's only half up because I was nursing this morning at 5:00 am instead of starting getting things going... I ran out of time. Maybe by tonight we'll have ornaments too?

She loves the camera.

Days in December

Lovely Little Lulu

Taking a few snapshots for a Christmas card. All these little things that help Mommies save time! Thank you Grandma for a stuffed animal to distract her, to Nana for another cute dress, to Kodak for digital cameras, and to Walmart (I never thought I would say that, darn it!) for easy Christmas cards.

Look At Me

I don't know if it's a baby girl thing but she's loved her reflection in the mirror since she could focus! She knows how stinking cute she is!

Tub Time
One place we unanimously love is the bath time! Since she could sit up we've put a slip mat under her and let her splash around and reach for toys (hard to do when laying down). I am still loving my enormous sink!

I Scream for Ice Cream
I thought we'd give Lulu a little taste of ice cram one evening... I know I am doing all these things I never thought I would do! I slowly put the cone to her lips because I though the cold would shock her... she grabbed my hand and shoved the cone toward her lips.

Then when I pulled away she screamed, angry with me again! So Gerry got her a tiny bowl & every time the spoon left her mouth she had a tantrum. Oh boy, I am praying this behavior isn't lifelong.

A Little Christmas Cheer

We are missing Leo especially during the holiday season. The fresh cut wreath adds a bit of color & cheer to the marker.

The Weekend

Super Diva

Every time she wears a drool bib to play it turns around to make her cape, and this title really fits her!

A Room With Some Floor Space

Gerry's brother came to hunt for the weekend, so I moved the twin bed from Lulu's room into the library... leaving so much space because the portable crib is so small. I cleaned up the tools and we had a place to take out toys. Once in this position Lulu likes to flip to her tummy and try to crawl, however she goes backwards for the time being.

My Piano

She was playing with a piano like this at Tracey's home and she was very interested, so I went and bought one for her. In addition I got the standing one from Lisa with some batteries and she likes it too because the keys light up (will put pictures soon).

Visiting with Uncle

She got a little help playing her piano, and some nice uncle time.

The End

This jumper is 18 mos, it's long on the legs and arms but otherwise comfortable for her. I just love the but on this little suit! Maybe this would be a good Christmas card?

Just Hangin' Out

Book & Worm

Recently Lulu started playing with the rainbow worm rattle because both ends she can grasp and put in her mouth very easily.

We've been pretty busy this week touring schools & Christmas shopping so we don't have many pictures taken. Too bad we didn't take photos because she was dressed so cute!

Everywhere we go someone says:

1) She's so beautiful

2) She's so good

3) I wish I had that sling when my kids were little

If everyone only knew what a pill she is when she's at home. I think I need to get her a few more interactive toys, but soon she'll be in child care... eek, am I ready?

Keyboarding & Mousing

Intense & Decisive

A Tale of Infant Labor

She's so intent on picking the right key.Then she really examines what is on the key.Then she looks at the bigger picture as she scans right... and then she scans leftwhere she finally sees the glow from...

the most facinating mouse in our house.

I had to put these pictures in a series because just one alone doesn't say enough.

Going Home

We had a good trip seeing Ger's mom, brothers & sister... and of course Max.

Black Friday

Hanging Out Watchin' 'Toons

Aunt Joanne bought 2 sweaters, a pair of jeans and these cute leggings... meanwhile we ran into this Baby Einstein inch worm at a used store in the neighboring area, you can't beat $3.80. Grangma also bought her a couple cute outfits & jars of puree goodness.

Thanksgiving Day

It's always nice to see family. We went to the Twin Cities for Thanksgiving, boarded the dogs and stayed at a posh place (because it was the same price as the Ramada and La Quinta). We had a good time despite difficulties nursing with a lot of distractions and way later nights that we are use to. Lulu really liked to watch football on her Grandmothers 42" flat screen TV! She really does like football but she also likes KSAX "Hometown Happenings" so that doesn't say a lot! When the HH comes on the TV she drops everything to watch the screen, it's sort of funny.