What A Doll!

All decked out in a new dress from Nana, and some new Mary Janes.
Going to see Grandma Betty for Thanksgiving Day.

Giggling with Daddy

Giggle, Giggle, Giggle

I am not quite sure how I remember how we discovered that making this particular noise makes her laugh... but it doesn't matter, anything to hear that cute giggle!

The Heat Is On

Gerry and I started reading Willa Cather's My Antonia last night. We're really enjoying it, when I remembered that I needed to make him bread for his lunch sandwiches for the remaninder of the week. I walked out to find Thing 2 laying across the heater duct. Not an uncommon event in our house when the heat is on, just never ceases to make me laugh. She actually pushes the plastic sheild off the duct so she can absorb all that heat. Sometimes she even uses the plastic cover as a pillow. We have strange animals!

Tube SocksThe yellow socks I knit Lulu before she was born fit her 3x... and that last was questionable. At the wedding we attended in October my pal Lynn was making baby tube socks and I thought what an excellent idea since all the effort that went into a heal gussest for her previous sock that she fit into for only a short period of time. So here they are... almost done, and maybe I will make a matching hat? Maybe not. I am working on some felted hats after this.

Dog Days of Hunting

Hanging Out With the Boys

Hunting firearms season is over in our zone. Thank God, I really don't enjoy walking 2 dogs and a child through the woods in blaze orange - too much prep work! Anyhow The Hunter* shot a deer in the middle of this week as you can see by the blood on his clothes (nice, right).

Little Lulu is enjoying being able to sit up. She sits on the floor and Harvey finally gets a lot of the petting he requires to be happy. Meanwhile, Grom likes the baby but is more hesitant of children after being run down by Penelope's baby doll stroller.

Lulu is now 5 mos old. 23 lbs & 28.5 inches long, and her foot is 4 inches.

We went to a Lorna Landvik author book tour signing this week. It was pretty fun. Lulu was pretty good and L.L. was really funny. Her new book is called 'Tis the Season.

I was inspired to by an infomercial to pull out my food processor (the bigger version of the Magic Bullet). I made cheesy potatoes, and banana bread yesterday. I just have to say the MB is probably a lot easier and quicker than the Cuisinart food processor I have. Changing blades and emptying out the basin are what takes the most time. However the most inconvenient part of the food processor is the 1" diameter hole that is given to shove food into... I must be missing a secondary lid?

A Couple Rainy Days

A Baby Crate

She loved it, sitting up with her monkey and scout.

A New Matteress

Thank God, waking up without a backache!

New Hat from Auntie Steph

Rain doesn't stop us from going on a few walks a day, I just put on my little hat.

My Pal

Lulu and I have become good pals. She's happy to hang out with me and get O's & X's, and her smile is rewarding for me.

November 9th, 2009:

Yesterday I had her in the walker and she put her arms up so that I would pick her up, it was first. So of course although I was rushing around to get dinner on the table and the house picked up before my Girl Scout meeting I had to pick her up.

Yesterday we received a box from both Mom & Dad, and one from Auntie Steph. Oh what fun everyone has buying her precious things. From my folks she got 2 dresses with krinolyn skirts and a blouse with pretty little flowers and piping down the front. From Auntie Steph she got 2 hats that are so FUN! One fits her now and the other will soon.

Here is a little video for Penelope:

Eating Cereal (2 min)

Playing with Scout (31 sec)

In the Sunshine

Today was a day with a series of snacks and 4- 10 minute naps... so after 2pm I gave up and just went to bed with her and waited for her to fall asleep and read Chocolat. The little pill wouldn't let me read while she was nursing kept turning over and slapping down my book. After her 3:30 - 3:40 pm nap today the sun was shining through the window on Lulu and she just looked so precious it made my heart smile, so I got up to grab my camera. She and I laid around and cuddled, hugging and kissing. She actually turned to face me when I was kissing her cheek, how precious was that moment! Then we shot some short videos and a few timed pictures. She is fun.



We're preparing for a weekend with Dad hunting... oh boy, no break for Mommy this weekend. Well, sucking it up because we love the venison.



I guess I am turning out not to be a Dreadful Gardener after all? She's turning out pretty well... of course, I killed all my plants this year OOPS!

Mostly About HATS

Little Lulu Button and I are really becoming pals. I can see how Dad's sort of lose out on bonding when they are so small. Being with her day in and day out is as daunting and rewarding as the sun rises each day. I've learned most of her cries and for the most part can remedy any situation within 5 minutes (as long as we're home, and I want to ;-P ). When her Daddy gets home he's tired and she favors being soothed by me because it's familiar all day long. Poor Dads they really have it rough.

Today was a nice day at my knitting group. Yesterday Book Club, today knitting. She did well, not as good as last week, but sat in my hat while I undid an inch of knitting in the socks/mittens I started her. Anyhow, she was pretty angry with me grunting most of the time because the knit piece was just out of reach. However I totally am so ecstatic that she can sit up unassisted now because I can set her on her blanket on the floor and she can entertain herself for oh 5 minutes at a time... then a little love, then 5 more minutes for Mommy! Yeah! We didn't buy any new projects (yeah Mommy). I am showing a little restraint despite the really beautiful new skeins of yarn they brought in this week in wonderful vibrant colors.

New Ribbon Hat

Then I went to River Bend, and got this REALLY great hat, similar to the same pattern I sewed her in red, but this lady put pink and black ribbons in it. It's a 1-2 yr old hat so it'll fit her for at least 1 year I hope (see my hat is smaller). I was so excited because it's the same pattern I made 2 weeks ago that I called mom and we talked about hats and flowers/ribbons etc... WOW am I a bore! They really were cute though. Actually there are things about my hat that I like more than the new one, but that's top secret until the project is off the drawing board. OH, and until after I get the sewing machine I found in my yard out of the garage and check out if it works... the Dressmaker doesn't cut it for much although it was fun.

Then to Fresh Catch to measure her foot size 2+ but smaller than a 3 (am I good or what!! That's what I said a blog or two ago). Then home to make dinner.

AND I raked leaves today for 15 minutes (L.'s nap). Not to bad.

Sitting Up

Going to Town

Mom needed a picture printed, so we packed up to go to town. Notice Tata's (my dad) cute little outfit that he had to buy Lulu. It's really cute on her. Oh by the way Mom, before I forget. Her feet are bigger than a 2 but smaller than a 3.

Sitting Up with Dad

I snapped a couple pictures of Lulu sitting up.

The other day I thought maybe it was a fluke because her screaming, back arching tantrum I thought it was just that she had tightened her core muscles. Then today I set her in a chair and that's a bit of a leaner and she sat upright, so onto the floor she went where falling over wouldn't be too far from the ground.

We went to Walmart today to get some negatives priced to be put onto CD, and a negative from 1995 of my sister, mom and myself (see FaceBook). BTW, Lisa, cost for reprints from negatives are .28cents per print, but if you only selected the pictures you want printed/put on CD it wouldn't be so bad. They said give them a few days. I am going thought my prints and marking lists for what I want burned to CD and skipping prints.

Anyhow while we were waiting I was checking out the Leap Frog stuff... I bought a dog named Scout it because it was on sale (saved $3.88) and because when she saw it singing and talking to her, her eyes lit up like it was magical!

Oh I can see I will be weakened by this little cute child of mine! AND of course it plugs into my computer so I could download her name so it says things like "lets sing a song about you" and proceed to spell her name.

Halloween Afternoon

Our First Halloween

We went to Downtown Park Rapids and Trick-O-Treated at only 4 downtown stores, Monika's, River Bend, Wildwood & Beagle books. Then we stopped into Bella Cafe for a coffee and to warm up before we headed home. Lulu likes to be around people so she was pretty quite the enire time. I just wonder what was going through her mind watching all the people with face paints and costumes. Of course for all she knows this is how people are everyday.

November 1st: Lulu sat up alone, unassisted and not leaning forward, or falling to either side.. However, she was tired and though we tried to give her praises for her effort she spent the entire 3 minutes screaming at the top of her lungs. Maybe it doesn't count? Maybe all the screaming was tensing up her tummy and back muscles?

Lulu's 1st Halloween Costume

My Little,Very Cute, Monster Baby Girl

I was thinking and thinking about what Lulu could be for Halloween. I was going to pull out Ezekiel's first Halloween costume but figured I could make something with the wonderful little "as seen on TV" Dressmaker. Then my Mom & Dad sent some outfits and the green leggings, t-shirt and hat were in it... so I added the bolts nubs to the cap and sewed the skirt and feltrd on polk-a-dots. I think its cute, what do you think?

Clearing (More) Trails

Quick Trip to Town

We were off running Girl Scout errands today, Lulu was not happy going into the car seat but after a 10 min nap she was happy to be coming out of the car seat.

A Walk Through the Woods

We've been taking walks through the woods an clearing trails so in the winter we have xc-ski trail in our backyard.

My Little Papoose

Lulu Loves the Woods

She's always so calm and chilled when we go out for a walk, I wish I had known that during the summer I would have spent more time outdoors just walking around doing nothing... hmmm, nope wouldn't have worked well with her short nursing sessions.

A Little Happy Family

Although we're often called 'The Bickersons' we really do get along very well, and have the same goals for building our lives together (which is good since we are married!). I name all our trails on the 60 acres yesterday we cleared the TPL (To PipeLine) Trail, unless I come up with something better... it's a brushy trail with a lot of thorn trees. Other trail names: John's Way, Middle of the Road Trail, Loop Trail, The Way Back Trail.

Taking Control

This is a nearly 3 minute video, where at the very last few seconds Lulu decided she wanted to take the spoon and feed herself. Oh boy, just like her mom she is!

More Baby Girl

New ThreadZ!

More Nanners

Rainy Sunday Hangout

We had a nice lazy Sunday with the rain, reading in bed. The first time I tried on the hat & socks I made for her they were TOO BIG, now the hat is perfect and the socks are TOO SMALL! So I am making her some tube socks and matching mittens, the thought that if I lose 1 or 2 we still have a pair! Then I spent awhile trying to get Lulu to say Happy Birthday to Tata... see video, whith a little imagination you can hear it.

Happy Birthday

Moving Forward

Going Bananas

1st Food

I know that the current recommendation for first foods is 4-6 mos depending on the child, her doctor doesn't say any different. During the day she nurses, but I am not sure she gets anything because I don't feel a let down, and think she's just latching to suck (she's not swallowing like she would if I had milk in). I express the opposite side and get less than 1 oz, so I decided to try banana's instead of cereal since grains are hard to process. She seemed to love it, but is tongue thrusting.

Wisconsin Bound & Other Fun

We had a great trip to Wisconsin. Lulu slept for the first 1/2 of the trip, then the last 1/4 of the trip. Gromit and Harvey slept too, although they woke often to check our progress. We arrived safely with Winnebago's intact and parked on Dianne & Dave's property.

Old Barn

Daddy & Lulu

We hung out in the RV for a bit, let the dogs run around and went to have dinner while we waited for the evening card games to begin in "The Lodge." I didn't take pictures because I forgot my camera. It was my first time playing and all I have to say is it's so much more fun than watching the huge group of 15 play!

On the wedding day we started with Breakfast at the Peterson's, delicious eggs & cinnamon rolls. Thank you! Gerry, Lulu and I hung out until the wedding just relaxing and playing with the dogs. Gerry played fetch with Maisie which made Lulu giggle, so cute, of course I didn't have my camera. We wrapped our gift and then wrote up the inside of the card I made the previous week. Then we were off to the wedding.

The following morning we had breakfast at the Mitchell's. Lynn, Conrad, Lulu & I went to Dale & Chuck's place on the River to see the progress. Many other family members were present there also. I have lots of pictures but posting on facebook for Lynn. After Gerry & Dan loaded up the fuel oil we had lunch with the Peterson's and were on our way back home.

Lulu is Too Cute for Words

Lovely Gift

We arrived at home to find a LOVELY GIFT for Lulu.

Les & Marlene made a toy box. I really couldn't ask for better friends!

Thank you Les & Marlene for watching our girls and the toy box.


Lulu Sleep Talking


This is a little clip for Penelope, we love & miss you!

Pictures with Gerry

You've Gotta Have Friends...

Thursday:

My Buddy Mac

Lulu loves her monkey Mac, she's often wrestling him and biting him.

Zutano

My favorite outfits are from this company (so far). I love the bright colors and design. Same brand as the monkey jumper she wore last week. Thanks Nana for this outfit. And thank you Lisa for the blanket. What a wonderful baby gifts we've been blessed with.


Friday:

Mirror, Mirror on the Wall

Talking to the baby in the mirror. Mirror, mirror on the wall who's the dearest one of all.... She loves talking to her reflection but still doesn't know who the baby is.

Uncle John & Gramdma Betty at the Lake Cabin

Then we were off to spend the afternoon at the cabin with Uncle John, Uncle Bob, Grandma, Aunt Joanne and Max. Thanks Grandma for the really cute & warm designer sweatsuit.

Saturday:

Give Me That

Little Ms. Lulu Button likes to hold her own bottle from time to time. Always wants to be in control just like her mom!

Monday:

The Dressmaker

I've been making cards, very inspired but turned out one awful card that I re-created, and 4 OK cards. After 5 years (or more) I pulled out the Dressmaker to see how it worked (never used).

Zoned Out with the Toy Keeper

First I decided to make a few Pacifier Keepers, then I thought I'd stitch a pocket onto a card. I found the little 'leash' was best suited for holding onto her favorite chew toy, Nuby.

Tuesday:

Then I spent a morning with Lisa and her boys, we felted a couple balls. Thank you again for lunch Lisa. I am very glad that we met I just think the world of you!!!

Here You Are!

When I got back I hung out with Lulu (OK, she was hanging out the whole time with us) but that's a given. Lulu has a somewhat new fascination with her feet since last week.

It's really cute.
Last week she started grabbing them and is REALLY determined to hold them... I got a picture finally.

I got her down for a nap about 4pm and I decided that I can't wait for my mom to get a sewing room together and make the things that I have in my mind, and while I have out the Dressmaker... I cut some brown shopping bags and made a few patterns (I've never made a pattern in my life except for pottery templates but I figured it's gotta be close to the same idea) and then cut some cloth and took a stab at a couple hats,

The Hat

Well it was "try 2" of the hats, and someone is NOT happy about being my Guinea pig! If that look doesn't say a thousand words!

I also made curtains for the RV which turned out OK for a first time, and considering the Dressmaker is suited for... well, not much!

I just have to also mention (not pictured) that we had a good time reading today at the dinner table, she really loves her books. It was cute to see her in her chair with a book in front of her and she was touching the pages and looking at the pictures. Then she sat in my lap and listened to the whole story of The Pokey Little Puppy.