LILIANA'S WORLD

The Bribery is Working

2009-10-08T12:59:00.002-07:00

She's doing it, folks. My amazingly smart daughter is finally coming to terms with her need (and my desire) for her to be potty trained.

She climbed on the potty herself last night, and then 2 more times on the potty chair. She's earning pretzels left and right. So fast that I've run out.

She did it again this morning and poor Daddy had no pretzels to give her. So a little cup of chocolate milk had to suffice.

Bribing your child

2009-09-21T12:05:00.002-07:00

I am wholeheartedly for this...when it comes to potty training.

It has taken us, what, 6 months to find Lili's trigger on this potty training thing, but we did. CHOCOLATE COVERED PRETZELS.

They are her 'surprise' when she goes like a big girl. She went 8 times in the span of an hour yesterday just to get them.

Hey, it worked. And I'll keep doing it until she is totally potty trained if that is what it takes.

To have the kiddo out of diapers is my ultimate goal (whether she likes it or not). We played the waiting game with her, we let her fight us, we made her sit there and cry, we've even let her run around naked (which she loves by the way and now has really good control of her bladder). Now it is time to do this.

Are there better methods? Probably. But the stubborness of this kid is unmatched. I think we had to work ourselves up to be in the mindset to get this accomplished. I hope we have done just that.

I'll let you know.

Lili and the Move

2009-09-16T15:08:00.002-07:00

She is fantastic. She is really enjoying the new house (which she calls "New House", by the way). She loves to run down the hall and to play on her truck and ride it from one end of the house to the other.

She had a rough couple of nights in the new bed, but she loves it. She still sleeps with the pillow on top of her even though she has sheets and blankets. Her headboard is against the window and she has lined up all her stuffed animals on top of it. Kind of like her night time sentries to protect against bad dreams.

She has the rail to keep her from falling out of bed, which she sleeps almost up against. I bet it reminds her of the crib. But she is loving it.

She has a star and moon light we turn on at bedtime, and a sound machine she likes to fall asleep to.

We do have to keep her out of the kitchen. She came walking down the hall with two broken eggs in her hands last weekend that she had snagged from the fridge. We decided that was enough of that.

We are just getting going really well with the potty training. I hope she takes to it like she did her big girl bed. Positive reinforcement and encouragement. Plus she just might have to wet herself without a diaper a couple of times. We'll see how it goes.

She is amazing folks. I've said it before and I'll say it many, many, many more times. She is the best kid ever, and I'm so thankful she is my daughter.

New things

2009-09-01T14:20:00.002-07:00

For the move we decided (and we are still second guessing ourselves, too) that it is time that Lili graduated from the crib to a big girl bed. It is a lot of change in a really short span of time. Wish us luck. She is getting just terribly long and if we don't do something soon she will be bonking everything as she sleeps. Ok, she does that anyway. But it is a comfort to her and we've not had sleep issues with her in the crib. I guess I am worried the new bed will pose a big problem with the routine.

Above is the picture of Lili, Matt and Punky with Lili's new bed set. She found it today at Nana's house. It had been washed and set aside for when the bed gets delivered to the new house tomorrow. I think she really likes it. She said "Ooh big stars" according to Nana. I'm hoping this will help with the transition from crib to bed.

Family time in pictures

2009-08-19T09:12:00.001-07:00

My water baby
Liliana wants YOU to take her swimming
She is actually eating watermelon.
Uncle Blake, Lili and Foxy
Auntie Tasia is SO happy to see Lili

Breakfast with Lili

2009-08-13T09:23:00.003-07:00

What a weird last couple of days. Last night while waving 'bye bye' to Daddy as he left for softball, I managed (and I still don't know how it happened), to pull the mini blinds right off the window. Quite a shock. Lili was on my hip and just kept repeating "uh oh" over and over and waving.

I think I rigged it back into place ok, but I forgot to replace the towel over the curtain rod that keeps the early morning sun out of the kiddos room. So she was up at 7am. Bad for Matt, good for me. I got my hugs and kisses. She and I even got to eat breakfast together (Eggys and Toes) at the table. She and I ate eggs off the same plate and talked. It was so cute. She's quite messy, I must say, but she is so cute.

I got kisses, I got hugs, I got told all about everything she had on her mind (whether I understood it or not), and we just got some good quality time.

I love my girl SO much!!!

Perfect girl

2009-08-06T14:38:00.002-07:00

Mirror, Mirror, on the wall, I AM the cutest girl of all (or so says my Mommy, Daddy, Nana, Pops, Grandma, Papa, Aunts and Uncles...and everyone else that meets me)
Matt is seriously out numbered and he loves it.

Moments to Cherish

2009-08-05T10:55:00.002-07:00

My sweet girl was just the cutest last night. We put her to bed. Stupidly, we thought she was asleep (dumb parents).

I went to check on her around 9:30 and she was sitting up in her crib with a smile plastered from ear to ear. I changed her and you could just tell she wasn't going to go to sleep. So I took her into our bedroom and cuddled with her on the bed. She was talking and singing and just being SO CUTE!!!

She jumped on the beds, cuddled with both of us, stole my pillow, laughed, and the best part is she laid on the pillow next to me and looked me in the eye and rubbed my cheek. It was the best moment. Matt came and laid down on the other side and she patted him on the back with her free hand.

The bad part of the evening was when the Tickle Monster came after Lili and she threw herself backwards to escape. When she did that, she cracked the back of her head into my forehead. She's fine. Totally unfazed. I, on the other hand, have a goose egg and a giant headache. But I digress.

She was very concerned for me when that happened. She has this soft side in her that is so wonderful to see and be around. She is kind and loving and trusting and generous of spirit. She is learning to share. She has imagination already. She will play in her kitchen for a long time pretending to make smoothies (like Grandma makes for her) and drink them. She even does the "ahhh" after a pretend sip. It makes me giggle and beam with pride.

She tries to sing along to Caillou and Shaun the Sheep theme songs, and usually gets about one word per line of the song. And she shouts that one word for emphasis. She dances like a maniac. Oh and her new thing is to stand on the bed or the couch, flip her legs out in front of her so she lands on her butt, bouncing off the furniture, and she comes to a standing position without missing a beat. My heart is still stuck in my throat after seeing that last night.

She's the reason I have grey hair. I will worry about her for the rest of my life. But that is my job as Mommy. And for her, I'll happily worry. She is perfect.

Spakle, baby, Yeah!

2009-08-04T14:33:00.001-07:00

This is Lili showing us how to spakle. I guess we were doing it wrong :-)
You have to love a happy kid

Look, mama, like this.

Updated pictures.

2009-07-31T15:24:00.002-07:00

Lili rolling out her own little pizza. It never got baked because she ate the dough. Bleck. Raw dough.
Helping make pizza for Papa's birthday dinner. She is such a good girl.
All smiles after the Diamondbacks beat the Pirates. Plus she is loaded full of junk food and had no nap.
Funny Face
Daddy and Lili right before she and Papa ran the bases at Chase Field.

A Moment In Pictures

2009-07-15T13:25:00.002-07:00

The hazards of unloading groceries around a 2 year old is she sees the occasional goodies that are bought and stored out of her sight. In this case, Drumsticks. Or "eyes ceem" as Lili calls it.

It was too funny not to take pictures of.

Eggys and Toes

2009-06-30T11:40:00.004-07:00

Lili came downstairs this morning and asked Daddy for "eggys and toes". Eggs and Toast for those of you that don't speak Lili.

She is the cutest thing ever.

Last week she had her first 5 word sentance, "hey Mom, I have juice". And she did have juice in her little cup. It was pretty neat.

She makes more sense everyday. She's using words correctly to describe things. She still has trouble and gets frustrated and throws things, but she is only 2. We tell her to calm down and use her words. It makes her stop and try to think things through. And usually with a little work we can figure out what she is talking about.

I still can't get her to say truck without it sounding like the dirty F word. Everyone laughs when she says it so she thinks it is right and will get a laugh. And clock just doesn't have an L in it when she says it. Again, everyone laughs. As funny as it is when little ones say naughty things, but it is hard to correct, too.

Mommy is a Mush and Lili KNOWS It

2009-06-23T16:46:00.004-07:00

There are some days with Lili that I get aggravated with her. Then I smack myself and say "what is wrong with you, this is the coolest kid on the planet!"

This Mom thing has me spun. But admittedly I love it despite the occasional frustration and tension. "Am I a good Mom?", "Is she well-adjusted, and if not, I'm sure it is my fault?". But one look in that smiling face and I melt.

The other day she was tired on a long trip back from Peoria, or the other side of the world to those of us in the East Valley. We stopped at our favorite bagel shop, Bagel Nosh. The owner is a good friend of Matt's. Well, they closed early for Father's Day weekend. We have been telling Lili for 5 minutes or so she was going to see Danny. When we pulled away without seeing him, she sobbed. I mean crocodile tears, snot, the whole nine yards. She was crying "Uncle Danny, Uncle Danny" and was a general wreck.

We figured ok, she's tired. We get about 5 minutes away and she says "Lili Sad" and starts sobbing again.

BROKE MY HEART. Matt's too.

Instead of going home we went to Toys R Us. Admittedly, we are weak when it comes to her, and I sure as heck wasn't going to have a sad Lili.

Yes the trip helped. She did stop crying and she decided she wanted a pink plastic princess outdoor chair and to ride the Dino ride by the exit.

We got home a few minutes later and she was asleep before her head hit the pillow.

I'm a complete and total sucker. I know. But when your little girl says "Lili sad", you want anything in that moment to make sure she doesn't stay that way long.

She owns me.

Lili

2009-06-08T14:55:00.004-07:00

My baby really is turning into a little girl. Her features are going from slightly rounded cheeks and arms and legs, to lean and muscular.

I swear her smile gets bigger every day. She's trying a few 3 word sentances like "what is that?" & "where'd it go?". Mostly it is 2 words questions "what sound?", "what happened?", etc. She loves it when you get what she is saying and she feels like she is really communicating.

She seems to be grasping and understanding a new word a day. I love it when she tries to pronounce a new word. She sometimes mixes syllables or creates her own version of the word. Tickle is ticky, and wiggle is wiggy, things like that. She can say noise perfectly, which to me seems odd since she can't say truck (it sounds like a naughty word when she tries). And clock is missing the 'L'. Super hard not to laugh, by the way.

She is loving her pool and goes in it about twice a day. She mostly puts her feet in and plays with toys (the water has been a bit chilly). But she is out for about 45 minutes at a time either before the sun is in the patio or after. She kind of knows the schedule already.

Her laugh fills the room. And she knows to say "Bless you" when someone sneezes (though it sounds like Bessy). She also knows a fake sneeze from a real one. And the fake ones she mimicks which is seriously adorable.

I just love this kid.

New Pool & A Great Weekend

2009-06-01T09:52:00.002-07:00

Lili got a pool for the patio. I must admit I am a tad jealous. It is one of those hard plastic ones with a slide. The kind I always wanted when I was a kid, but I always got the plain ones, sans the slide. I know, I was deprived :-)

All weekend all I heard was "poo" (Lili for pool) and her pointing to the patio. Yesterday we filled it, got her in her bikini, and she had a blast. For about 20 minutes before she pooped. That quickly ended the pool session. But it didn't stop her from wanting to go back all day.

She has a cleaner more organized room today. We hung my shadow box that my Grandfather made (he made one for each of us girls, and they are really cool). Now she has a place (hung high and out of the way) for all her nicknacks.

We moved the crib and it seemed to help her sleep better. The A/C isn't hitting her directly and she didn't wake up choking and crying, thank goodness.

There are just a few boxes left to go through and we need to fix up her closet. I'd love to paint, but unless we get new carpet, it is kind of a pointless pursuit. I vacuumed what was left of the life right out of it. If I knew then what I know now I would have insisted the previous owners recarpet before I purchased the house.

All in all, though, it was a great weekend. The kind of crappy ender to the weekend was when Lili woke up an hour before my alarm went off this morning. Matt and I are walking around in a sleep deprived fog (that's what I get for letting him teach me Chess at 11pm). He's home dealing with the grump, and getting ready to go see STAR TREK with his brother this morning. This will be his 3rd time going, so I'm a bit jealous. But he's so tired I don't know if he'll enjoy it.

I'm at work. The boss is getting ready to go to Disneyland, so it is a quiet week.

Lili & Sofie

2009-05-22T11:05:00.001-07:00

She only likes those with four legs, a wet nose, and a tendancy towards nipping her when they are excited.

Lili and Punky

2009-05-11T11:41:00.001-07:00

Adventures in E. Coli

2009-05-05T19:33:00.002-07:00

Ok, so this whole infection thing was caused by E. Coli (harkening back to the whole bathtub incident on Easter).

The Dr. at the urgent care did not test the samples as he said he was going to or we would have known that it was E. Coli causing the problem 2 weeks ago. Our Dr. caught it on a retest. The Bladder Infection was from E. Coli, from the tub. The antibiotic they gave us did nothing but constipate the poor kid.

Now they have to retest her again to see if it is gone, then they will determine if she needs more antibiotics.

But in the mean time she is on Miralax at bedtime for a month (and an adult dose, no less). She gets very limited amounts of dairy to make sure she isn't having a lactose problem. Plus, she has a contact irritation on her thumb (i.e. her saliva has given her thumb sucking thumb a rash), so we have to treat that, too.

The poor kid can't win. She is actually feeling better, so there is no real rush on a retest, so we didn't have to catheter her at the Dr. We can get the sample at home, thank heavens. She's had enough trauma for awhile.

I still can't get her to take a bath without screaming, so it is sponge baths and quicky showers with Mommy holding her. This too, shall pass...at least the Dr. thinks so.

I hope this is the end of all this. 3 weeks of a sick kid is too long. I don't know how parents who have kids with chronic or life threatening illness handle it. They are far stronger than I am. This infection was horrible on all of us, but really very minor in the grand scheme of things. Matt took it the worst (emotionally) and is second guessing every decision he makes.

We will get through it. We are very lucky to have a kid who is usually very healthy, and I have to remember that when I want to complain about things. She is healthy, happy and wonderful. And I am so blessed she is my daughter.

No More Ammoxicillian for Lili

2009-04-28T09:38:00.002-07:00

Every time I think Lili is better we have another issue to deal with. This poor kid has been miserable for a week. The antibiotics almost did more harm than good. She's been off them for 3 days now and the effects are still apparent.

It is very frustrating to see a kid go from happy to completley miserable and inconsolable. I've talked to the Dr., and I'm doing as directed, but it still sucks.

I don't want her in pain or upset or fearful, and that is what she is right now. In pain, upset and fearful.

Urgent Care and Other Medical Tales

2009-04-22T14:11:00.002-07:00

Well, as most of you know I had to leave Uncle Blake's wedding reception to take Lili to Urgent Care. My Dad went with us since I'd had a Cosmo AND was an emotional wreck. We were there well past 10pm, but were still home before the party broke up.

She has a Bladder Infection, possibly from soap in the bath water. There was a whole bath time incident that happened several days before that leads me to believe that was the cause.

I think she is permanantly traumatized for bath time. Ever since when I go to give her a bath it is tears, screaming, running from the bathroom. I broke down yesterday and got in the shower with her, instead of forcing her to sit in the bathtub, and she clung to me screaming while Matt washed her. Not fun, not fun at all. She used to love bath time.

Anyway, she is on 7 days of antibiotics and it has wreaked serious havoc on her digestive system. We've got her eating yogurt, drinking as much water as possible, watered down juice (including prune juice), and now I'm contemplating OTC digestive aids. I've got a call into her Dr. to see if they concur, but I'm pretty sure they will.

My Mom suggested that we go this route and she hasn't steered me wrong yet. Heck, it was her and Dad that figured out that she had the infection in the first place. I thought for 2 days she was just being 2 and grumpy (oh, and yes I feel like the world's worst Mother for not figuring it out).

Anyway, while she might be on the mend from the infection, she's now got another problem from the treatment. Side effects suck enough when you are an adult. My poor little girl is suffering now and it hurts my heart to know she is not happy.

Some pics

2009-04-08T16:15:00.001-07:00

I was hoping to post the Easter Egg Dyeing episode, but those are on Mom's camera. Lili liked drinking the red dye. Thank goodness for Food Grade Non-Toxic dye.

Enjoy the pool pics.

Lili's 2-year Check-up Update

2009-04-07T12:31:00.001-07:00

The Doctor says that she is lean and long and perfect (her words). She estimates Lili will be about 5'-10" when all is said and done. Right now she is 37 1/4" tall, which is the 100th percentile. She is 29.6 pounds, which is the 90th percentile. But the Doctor says that it is fine she is in the 90th percentile.

She says her speach is right on track and Lili even gave her a big kiss, which was really cute. We just need to continue with reading to her and encouraging her. She is learning new words everyday, it really is amazing.

She gave us some tips on potty training and how to make it easy on her, not force her, and to have it be a positive experience. That is our goal right now, to get her potty trained. Since Matt is home and she's not in daycare, we can take our time with it and not rush her. If we make it fun, it will happen faster.

We do need to back off on the amount of milk she's having everyday (I think my Mom is right and she should just have it with meals). And it is ok that she is eating mostly carb rich foods (mostly because she's not eating a lot of processed food or junk food in general) and fruits and veggies. We will re-evaluate in a year and see if major changes are needed, but she still wants us to try to get her to eat some more protein and to keep introducing new foods the way we have.

And at 2, nothing is off limits, healthy food wise. She can have peanuts (which she's had for awhile), nuts, all fruits, honey, etc. It is also time to start her on a multi-vitamin.

Happy 2nd Birthday, Liliana!!!

2009-04-06T14:59:00.002-07:00

Waiting for pictures today at JC Penny's with Nana & Daddy.

My baby is 2 years old today. My baby is a toddler; learning, growing, adapting and constantly fascinated by the world around her. She is learning to put words together to create sentences. Her thoughts are getting easier to verbalize.

She is as tall as the kitchen counter, as strong as any child I've ever seen, and so HAPPY. She is either smiling, or chatting away.

I am more madly in love with this little girl today than I ever thought possible. My heart walks around outside my body disguised as a 2 year old little girl.

Her personality is wonderful. She is loving, and kind, and really is beginning to understand how to treat people and animals in a respectful and gentle way. Sure she's a little rough, she's 2.

She gets frustrated when things don't happen right away or she's not able to do something she thinks she should. We'll work on that, though. Her quick temper will be fixed with time, patience and positive reinforcement from her family.

I've learned more patience just because of her being in my life. I've learned about real flexibility. I'm still learning to pick my battles with her and about her. I guess that means I'm not done learning and growing as a person, either.

She's a wonder, an angel, and rotten little turkey...all at the same time. And I couldn't be prouder or more excited to be her Mom.

Thank you, my sweet Lili, for being my daughter!!! I love you always and forever.

Mommy & Lili Bonding Afternoon

2009-03-09T13:41:00.007-07:00

While Daddy & Pops got their measurements taken for their tuxes, Lili and I went to the mall to play. We walked the whole mall. We saw everything at a 2-year old pace (which is a lot of fun when you aren't in a hurry and have no place to be, which we didn't). We took our time.

She and I went on the carousel, which isn't her favorite thing to do but she did indulge me. She did, however, want to watch the carousel. She and I sat on the bench nearby and watched it do its thing and she would dance to the music. She is adorable.

There is this great kids play area at the mall. The only problem is you need 2 people per kid. 1 to sit with the stuff and the other to be baby wrangler. It was darn near impossible for me to run after Lili carrying a diaper bag and trying to help her get on these slick plastic covered play pieces. I had to leave after about 15 minutes (anxiety) because I couldn't handle her and all the kids knocking into her and their oblivious (and seriously stupid) parents. Then I got to drag a screaming and crying and very unhappy Lili away from all the pretty toys.

I made it up to her by taking her over to a quieter spot in the mall to play on the motorized toys. She loved the Ice Cream truck and would play on it without it moving.

This is her trying to flee from the off road vehicle ride. NOT her favorite. She immediatly went back to the Ice Cream Truck.

Then we went to look at the puppies. She was in there ooo'ing and aaah'ing over the doggies for about 15 minutes. We finally had to go and I had to carry a crying baby out of the pet store (if this kid ever thinks she is getting a dog from a pet store she has another thing coming).

I was getting looks from people like I had beat her. She is quite dramatic when she doesn't want to do something.

But all and all we had a great time. I'm still paying for this morning, though. My back and knees are a wreck.

Cute

2009-03-02T10:53:00.003-07:00

She is so happy. I love that smile!
Posing for pictures on her slide in her new outfit.
I saw this outfit at Toys R Us yesterday and HAD to buy it. This will be her birthday outfit. She could wear a grocery bag, though, and still be so darn cute.

Potty Training "Water" Slide

2009-02-25T09:42:00.002-07:00

On a nice, warm February evening this week, we took Lili to the park. This park has a water play feature and she loved playing and getting wet.

When we got home, she was still quite damp so we took her wet clothes off. Well before I could get a change of clothes, Lili thought this was the perfect opportunity for naked time. There she is running around with just her socks on and huge smile on her face. It was pretty cute.

We are still having a time with the potty training, but she signaled she needed to us the potty. I took her in and we sat, she read, we sat some more, she played and sat, but nothing happened. I figured I would give her a few minutes and try again.

I didn't get that chance.

She started to play on her little slide. Next thing I hear is her slapping the platform and there is a wet sploosh sound. She had peed on the slide!

She thought it was hilarious. I was just ever so thrilled with having to clean up the slide and the floor. Matt got to clean her up.

I keep hearing about the potty training technique where you let them run around naked for 3 days and they will finally get it that they need to use the potty instead of a diaper, but damn what a mess.

Gravity...Lili's Kryptonite

2009-02-20T14:24:00.002-07:00

Let me start by saying Lili is fine.

My little climber is bruised today. Quite visibly so, and I'm afraid to take her in public for fear of CPS being called about an abused child. I can assure you, she is anything BUT an abused child.

Miss Liliana decided to climb into an old style folding lawn chair yesterday. It seemed harmless enough at the time, but Lili had all her weight on one side and it flipped. She banged up the side of her face a bit. She has a nasty bruise and a little scratch. She was upset for about 2 minutes and needed a few hugs and some ice, but was right back to playing.

Matt has a sense of the panic/anxiety she puts me through on a daily basis. Now he understands why I freak out when she wants to climb on the big kids playground equipment. And why I get scared when she tries to balance on the thin edge of her slides' landing. And why, well, why I freak out at everything she does that is any way, shape or form off the ground.

He is afraid of becoming a Helicopter Dad, but at the same time feels like it is his fault. She is a fearless creature. She is going to fall. She's a kid and kids fall. She is only 22 months old, after all. Her balance isn't as good as she thinks it is.

She unfortunately has inherited my balance. I can fall on a flat surface when I'm not even moving. High heels are an instant broken foot (I'm very serious about that). And every time I have tried to be cute or funny and balance on something, it has resulted in damage. There was the time I fell off a low wall made of those old, cut telephone pole pieces of wood. I was pulling chunks of wood out of my inner thigh for days. I still have a nasty scar.

Just last week I thought I would be cute at the park and try to walk on the metal balance beam that was curvy. I jumped off and landed poorly on my previously fractured foot, re injuring it. It still hurts.

I hope she grows out of this and doesn't end up a full time klutz like her mom.

The 2nd Masterpiece

2009-02-18T15:36:00.002-07:00

This lovely piece was completed this afternoon at the workroom table in my office. Lili and Matt came to have lunch with me, so to keep her busy I broke out the crayons and paper and she created this lovely piece, which now hangs proudly next to my desk.

She made our day, considering it was a difficult morning for us in the office. A well-timed Lili hug cures all, or at least makes things more bearable.

Lili's First Masterpiece

2009-02-18T09:21:00.001-07:00

I handed her a blank piece of paper before I left today and she went to town. This is now hanging on the fridge. The first of many Masterpieces from my little artist. She is just so talented.

Lili at the Park

2009-02-15T20:10:00.001-07:00

Crayola Baby

2009-02-10T09:00:00.001-07:00

She loves to color now.

2009-02-06T19:45:00.002-07:00

Lili had her buddy Madison over today for awhile. They are becoming such great friends. Lili even sobbed when she and Matt dropped her off at home.

How sweet is that?

My Angels

2009-01-28T15:34:00.005-07:00

The 2 Loves of my Life

Admiring herself in the mirror

What do you mean she is a size 8?

2009-01-27T11:57:00.004-07:00

My kid now has size 8 feet. She is only 21 months old!!!

Her feet have grown 2.5 sizes since the beginning of November, or the end of October. I can't remember.

My mother thinks my feet were a size 8 when I was 4 or 5. She's not even 2, people! They really don't make cute shoes if you are larger than a woman's size 10, and at the rate she's going, she will be.

We got her these same shoes 2 months ago. I should get a picture of the old and new side by side. What ticks me off is that all the ones for little girls are pink. I HATE PINK!! Why not purple, sparkly white, yellow, light green, sparkly red, girly blue. Anything but pink. They had nothing in her size that wasn't pink. And I've only ever seen one other shoe at Stride Rite that doesn't have pink in it (and wasn't all white), and of course they didn't have it in her size.

Time for mama to go cry.

Lili & Madi

2009-01-15T08:57:00.003-07:00

Matt was Super Dad today and got to watch 2 wild and crazy little girls. He had a blast, and so did they. Oh, they are so cute together!!!

Here are some of the great pictures he was able to get. He has kind of collapsed on to the couch and isn't ready to move any time soon (plus Ghost Hunters is on, so he's zoned out). Those two wore him out worse than playing softball does, but he loved it.

The Holidays...a Photo Review

2009-01-10T12:46:00.002-07:00

My Little Angel
Lili's gift from Santa

Playing with one of Daddy's gifts.

Adventures in Potty Training

2009-01-02T15:43:00.002-07:00

When speaking to a 21 month old about pee pee, be specific. Why? Let me regale you with my humerous tale.

Yesterday, like every other morning for the past week, Lili sat down on her potty chair. She grabbed a book and proceeded to tell me all about it. She got up and sat back down several times.

Then she noticed her toothbrush and decided it was time to brush her teeth. She toddled to the sink and tried to reach for it. I said "when you pee pee, you can brush your teeth". I FAILED to mention the 'on the potty' part. She proceeded to pee standing right there. Smiled, then took offense to the fact she was wet.

Needless to say there was a bath and a clean up involved. Plus a slew of phone calls to report on the adventure.

A few new pictures of Lili

2008-12-15T21:02:00.002-07:00

Lili's first time in snow, and she is with Sophia (in the white coat).
Trying to make a snowball (mind you, the 'snow' is man made and on a lush green lawn in a Phoenix subdivision).
Lili and Sophia hugging before they see Santa
Lili playing at the park.
Lili playing in the water in the sink.

Lost moments to cherish

2008-12-11T08:57:00.002-07:00

Lili is my world. Her happiness is my greatest joy, her sadness is my defeat. She smiles and I melt.

I try very hard to remember all of the cute, fun, sweet times because I know this stage won't last long. I already miss my little baby girl. She hasn't been a baby in so long it seems. I miss the way I could hold her and she would nestle herself into me and fall asleep.

She is at a cool stage though. If you ask for a kiss or a hug, she will...as long as Blues Clues isn't on. She will pick up toys, or her milk if you ask her too. If she makes a mess she tries to clean it up. Watching her grab a paper towel and come back with the whole roll attached is quite amusing. Or watching as she grabs the Dust Buster to clean up her spilled Cheerios. If only she could turn it on.

She gives the best hugs. She will wrap her arms around my neck, lay her head on my shoulder, start patting my back and saying "Aw". I just have to squeeze a bit harder and longer when she does that.

But I still miss the purity of her being a baby. She would lay in my arms and study my face. She would curl up her lips and try to smile when I talked to her. She was a warm little body to cuddle with while I fed her. I could sing to her and she would watch me, fascinated. She'd cry but she knew I would come running. I couldn't ever let her cry it out. It killed me to listen to her so miserable.

Now she is walking and talking (sort of). She's even showing signs she is ready to potty train. I won't have that anymore. My husband thinks I hate changing diapers, and I don't. I hate climbing the stairs after a long day to do it. Especially since she MUST walk up them herself. Not crawl up anymore. Walk. Upright holding the banister that she is now taller than.

She is not even 2 years old yet and she is a big girl. She is a tall, skinny, freaking genius. She figures everything out. She knows what everything does. She watches us and learns so she does it right the first time she tries. She hates it when she can't figure something out on her own. She is stubborn. She is brilliant.

I am mad at myself for not enjoying my morning with her more. Our neighbors had a party and kept me up until 2am, even with 2 calls to the police and repeated attempts to get them to shut up (I should have shredded that little shits motorcycle tires with my best knife, but I resisted). So when I got up this morning and she was up as well, I got stressed out. I was tired and wanted to veg out until I had to leave, but I was thrust into Mommy mode. I should have relished that time with her, but I didn't.

I got in the car feeling like I'd missed out. And I had. I took something beautiful and got bitchy about it. I so rarely get to see her before I go to work and then miss her all day. I should have kissed her more this morning. I should have chased her around the living room. I should have played the "oh no Mommy is gonna get me" game in the crib this morning.

Instead I got frustrated, took her out, changed her diaper, took her downstairs and let her do her own thing.

I did enjoy our eating eggs together. I did enjoy her playing in the sink as I got ready. But I should have relished in all of it. I have so few of these days with her this little, at this stage, and even wanting to be in the same house as me.

Lili's First Experience with Caribbean Jerk Chicken

2008-12-07T19:58:00.005-07:00

After a wonderful day hanging out with Deanna and Madison, Matt, Lili and I came home. On the way, we stopped at Buffalo Wild Wings where Matt got his favorite Caribbean Jerk Chicken wings. Spicy and hot, my friends. I hate them. I like spice, but not the habanero spice that is in these things.

Well, Lili being the ridiculously curious child she is decided that while daddy was two-fisting these wings she would grab one for herself. This is after at good 2 or 3 minutes of being told 'no', mind you. She grabs the wing, runs away from Matt's grasp and takes a bite. I laughed because I knew what was coming, and because I was too far away to stop it. And after the afternoon of her sliding down slides to big for her against my wishes, I felt this lesson was a lot easier to learn by experiencing it. I get very few parental 'I-told-you-so' moments that don't actually involve her getting hurt, falling down or breaking something that I felt it was ok to let it happen.

Her eyes watered and she starts blinking a lot. Then she comes to me with her tongue out trying to get me to wipe the hot off her tongue. Cutest thing ever. Tears streaming down her face, she's ready to cry. I had to force her to drink milk, which did help. But silly baby put her fingers back in her mouth.

After we finally got her to wash her hands and drink some more milk, she was fine. But I will carry the memory of her first real spice experience forever. I wish I had a camera at the ready.

The Baby is Sick

2008-12-02T19:55:00.004-07:00

Watching Blue's Clues Transfixed

She actually laid down on the couch. She must be ill.

Lili and her "Get Better" bear. She didn't let it go for hours.
___

My little sweet Bug (Lili Bug, that is) is sick. So am I, but that is beside the point. Poor baby has a head cold, congestion and the start of an ear infection. She's coughing, miserable and not sleeping.

She woke up at midnight last night and kept Matt up until 4am. She had a coughing fit and she was wired.

She's finally asleep. The doctor gave her antibiotics (she made it 20 months without them, yea) and has us give her a dose of Benedryl before bed. I hope she sleeps. She needs it.

Pictures

2008-11-25T09:07:00.002-07:00

Lili didn't like the way things were in her drawers so she "redecorated" them yesterday.

She is just a doll, isn't she? Such a poser!

Not again...

2008-11-20T13:28:00.002-07:00

She locked him out...AGAIN! This time, thankfully, I had changed the lock sets, distributed keys to everyone in the family (so we know Matt will always have his on his key ring), and got the rock to hide one in. He had his key and got in no problem.

She locked the bottom lock this time, too. I am so thankful we got the new lock sets and installed them. I'd be breaking a window about now to get inside to her.

The Great Outdoor...Patio

2008-11-18T09:44:00.002-07:00

Love-bug Lili loves her patio. I need to get some outdoor carpet for her. Since we have no grass and no way to grow any, she needs something with a little cushion. She is quite accident-prone as of late.

Her little knees look like she has liver spots. She keeps looking at the sky as she walks and trips. And she's had a few imaginary banana peel moments. I think she catches her self before her head hits full force, but it still hits. And she hates ice on her boo boos.

Locks and a new anxiety...

2008-11-12T11:36:00.005-07:00

There was a time in my life when it didn't matter that I did not have a key to the bottom lock of my front door. That all changed this morning with a call from my husband, on my neighbors' cell phone, announcing the need for me to get home because Lili had locked herself in the house.

Matt took Jr (my sister's dog) out front for a quick constitutional, and in that amount of time, Lili locked the screen door. Top lock, thank God! This is a feat in of itself. That lock is a bit of a hassle. You must pull the door knob, jiggle it as you turn, etc. But Lili managed to get it locked with little effort.

And what is amazing is that this is the one day in 4 years Matt has not had a house key on his key ring. Kyla took his last night so she could let Jr in this morning on her way to work (her roommate is moving in today and the four-legged love sponge needed to be out of the way). He had his keys with him, but no house key. And no phone.

I was in Downtown Phoenix when I got the call. I raced home, paniced. I knew Matt was there, but what can he do with a locked security door between him and her? Thoughts of every horrible nature popped into my head. We currently have 2 couches in our house, so I envisioned her climbing the one that is replacing our old on, getting on the table, the freezer or the island and falling, stabbing herself, or just plain getting hurt.

I don't know how I got home so fast, or how I managed to do it without killing myself or anyone else. I hope there were no speed cameras around because I'll be getting tickets for sure if there were.

She is fine, but she was crying when I got there. She couldn't understand why Daddy wouldn't come in the house. I swooped her up in my arms and hugged the dickens out of her...and then started crying uncontrollably for about 10 minutes.

I have always suspected I was becoming my mother. Now I have the proof.

Kyla and I are going tonight to get new locksets for ALL of the doors. I don't want the next time she does this to be with the little twisty locks on the door knobs, the ones I mentioned before that I DO NOT have a key for. Then I'm storing extras in strategic locations around the damn house and in the cars for just such an emergency.

A few new pictures

2008-11-11T14:10:00.005-07:00

This is Lili occupying herself at a children's store with the movie "Ratatouille". I must say the thought of rats cooking dinner makes me never want to eat again. Bleck. But she liked the music.

This is Lili in her new Princesses Chair that she picked out. I pushed for the Tinkerbell one (that is purple and green and not a spec of pink), but I lost the battle. Sigh...

To the best of my knowledge this is the first time Lili has ever been on a ride at a store. This is obviously Dino, at it is as the Toys R Us near the house when we got her Princesses Chair.

She was far more enthused with the ATV than picking out furniture. I have a feeling something like this will be under the tree this Christmas.

Her new favorite past time...Sled Dad races in the living room. That is her leash/backpack thing hooked to it.

I think this is self-explanitory. She did this all by herself.

19 Months Ago Today...

2008-11-06T10:38:00.007-07:00

Today Lili is 19 months old.

My little Lili Monster has gone through a lot in a short about of time. Difficult labor/delivery, a (short, thankfully) stay in the hospital, the dog attack and subsequent surgery,a couple of colds, vaccines, skinned knees, several bonks to the head, and her first car trip.

She has gone from a little lump of love, to rolling over, to sitting on her own, to standing on her own, to walking on her own and now to running on her own. She's learning to talk, to eat like a big girl, and she even gives you her feet when she sees the socks and shoes come out (albeit usually the wrong foot for the shoe you are holding up).

She relishes bath time, play time, her alone time, using the slide at the park by herself, and any chance she has to harass the dogs in our family (Jr., Punky and now Foxy).

She hates to be told no. She cries if she doesn't get her way or if you won't get up and follow her when she wants you to.

She wants to feed herself, she turns on the bathroom faucet by herself, pushes things under the light switches so she can stand on them and flip the switches to her hearts content, as well as the washing machine and dryer (and usually when they are empty). She climbs the stairs by herself. She bounces in her crib. She grabs books and reads.

She's had personality from day one. She is going to be this independent little imp for the rest of her life. She will work to get her way no matter the situation, which can be both good and bad. She will have goals and accomplish them all because she wants to. She'll figure out any problem, situation, or road block that comes her way.

She has a heart as big as she is. She has a smile that is even bigger and can light up a whole room. Her laugh makes my heart skip a beat. When she wraps those adorable little fingers around my hand, I melt into a puddle of mom goo.

She's the light of my life and becoming her mother has been one of the single greatest experiences of my life. My baby grows and changes everyday. She learns a new word every day. It is exciting to be a part of this journey she is on. And I can't believe I am so blessed to have a healthy, happy, and wickedly intelligent child.

She is my "Little Wonder". Every time I hear this song I think of her. Here it is for all of you to enjoy.

Back from Sedona

2008-11-02T21:25:00.006-07:00

We had a great time. Lili most of all...provided she was not in her car seat. She loved running around Sedona and Oak Creek Canyon. But the moment you tried to put her back in car seat the screaming started.

Matt & Lili at Slide Rock State Park
Lili appreciating public art by climbing on it and playing on it.

She did not like the drive up once we hit the peak at I-17 before Camp Verde. Her first ear pressure popping experience. Not fun, but she did get a Happy Meal for her pain and suffering.

Getting her Happy Meal

We were unable to get a larger hotel room, so poor Lili got to sleep in her pack n play in the bathroom. In all fairness we tried it in the room and she just kept poking Matt in the head and pulling his hair. No one got sleep the first night, causing a bit of stress on my part the next, but all is better now.
Lili falling face first into some flowers she was trying to sniff. I laughed, yes, but it was funny and she didn't cry.

We did come home a day early, but it is all good. Lili is now nestled in her crib sound asleep and Matt and I are watching Family Guy while I upload pictures.

And now for some nature pictures ...

Lili at the Park today

2008-10-19T19:31:00.003-07:00

Pictures of Lili

2008-10-16T20:31:00.004-07:00

Hi All,

Sorry it has been so long since I blogged about the munchkin. Things have been very busy around here preparing for Zoo Walk on Saturday. Plus the exciting Holiday Book Drive for the St. Peter's Indian Mission School that is coming into play here REALLY soon. I will post more on that later.

I've got a bunch of pictures of the Lil-meister for you to enjoy.

She loves to feed herself now (and notice the beautiful new color on the wall that Matt painted as a surprise).
This is what Lili does in the mornings. She gets her milk and her cheerios, cuddles on the couch and watches the Sprout Channels Sunny Side Up Show with Daddy before starting her day of running around, climbing, running around, screeching at the top of her lungs, running around, eating, running around, sleeping, running around, making a mess, running around, helping Matt unload the dishwasher or sort laundry, running around, and greeting me at the door. Busy busy day!
See above description :-D
This is her REALLLLYYYY missing her mouth. She thought this was hilarious. Then Matt made Mohawk out of it (after he stopped laughing) and I had to wash her hair 3 times before it all came out.
And this was tonight. She used the spoon for awhile, but then, as you can see, she switched to using her whole hand. Quite messy but hilarious. I just love the fact that she wants to do things for herself. She is independent and I think it is great.

I really love this little girl, and I'm so glad I have her in my life. I'm blessed and do my best to treasure her and cherish every moment of her little girl-hood.

Lili's 18-month Checkup

2008-10-08T16:14:00.003-07:00

She is still perfect, folks. But we all knew that.

She is in the 97% for head size (genius), 90% for height (tall, 34"), and 70% for weight (skinny, 24.11 pounds). Again, she is a tall, skinny genius. I've said it before, I'll say it again.

I asked about the talking thing. She says about 6 words but doesn't seem to move past that. And she gets frustrated trying to say what she wants to say. The Dr. said there is nothing to worry about. She is fine, no need to panic, and yes I was panicing, but I am calm now. Whew!

I am still going to use the flash cards and sound out words with her. She is having a bit of trouble with sounds and gets frustrated. We'll work on it.

One day she will babble and then the next she'll be talking in full, coherent sentences, just you wait.

A few favorites

2008-09-29T14:02:00.000-07:00

My girl

2008-09-22T10:26:00.003-07:00

My sweet little monkey girl is climbing everything. Matt had to move the living room around because he was sick of walking in the kitchen only to look back and see her climbing the arm of the couch onto the roll top desk.

You tell her no and she smirks and goes on ahead with whatever plan her devious little brillant mind has cooked up. Consequences be damned! You tell her no, she cares not. You move her, she runs right back. You swat her bottom, she cries and keeps doing it.

She is the exact opposite of me in attitude. Yet, at the same time, she is the perfect kid. Go figure!! She is fearless (I worry, fret and over-analyze), she is overly energetic (I'm quite lazy as of late), she is wicked smart (I have my moments, but the brain she has she got from her brilliant dad), and she is a skinny mini (and I, so, am not...yet).

Green Green Everywhere

2008-09-10T13:52:00.010-07:00

Lili has decided her new favorite color is green. It used to be red, but now it is green. She points it out everywhere. Now I have to find a bedroom set for her that has a green color to it. I should still be able to get the garden theme I want to do (yea!!), but finding cute, girly, yet not-quite conventional bedroom sets is hard.

Lili has this great personality. She is fearless and funny. Now she is getting cuddly, but she is this little independent creature. She needs (nay, demands) her alone time and will spend 45 minutes up in her crib and just play. I figure when she is big enough for a big girl bed she is going to be the same way, only she will have more free reign over her bedroom.

This is the one we are leaning toward

I like it, but I think it might be a little too adult for my baby It's green, but I don't think it paints the serene picture I'm going for.
This one could work, and it brings in the yellow Matt loves so much.

This one is nice, it is lilies, but I don't know if she could read by it.
Funky and green, but a dust magnet.
Cute, but would she hate it in 15 years?
Dragonflies, for the garden theme, but it gives me a headache just looking at it.

Now this is a touch lamp. Those are useful, but no green...
This is 2 lilies, and it looks like it might have some light.
This has green and an angel, but again, does it have enough light to read by?
This is a bird. That's about all I can say about this one...
This is supposed to be a blossom.
This would go great with that one bed set above
I like these types, but Kyla thought this pattern would drive her to drugs. I don't know about that.

I want her sheets to be soft and comfy, yet tough enough to put up with the abuse a little turkey like Lili can dish out. And she has to have pretty drapes, and maybe a rug. If I can make it work up there, I want her to have a cute little chair that is where she and I can cuddle while I read her bedtime stories while she cuddles her dog or her bear or her duck, or whatever stuffed friend she is in the mood to share the story with.

I want a little sanctuary for her. I always had my room as a haven to escape (and later years lock my then clothes stealing little sister out...but now she buys me clothes instead, isn't she great!!!). I want that for her, too. She already knows the value of alone time. When we drive her crazy or she's had enough she lets us know she wants to go upstairs and she enjoys it.

And part of me wants to fix up her room so that we can then work on ours and create that haven we desperately need. I've got the sheets, the drapes, the rug, and the pretty painted wall. But I have a mound of stuff in the room that gets put there because there is no better place to put it. I want a peaceful retreat where I can get inspired to write (the living room just isn't cutting it), where I can lay my head down at night and not think about the clutter on the floor, and where every thing has a place and is put there.

Saturday alone with Lili

2008-09-06T10:19:00.002-07:00

I wasn't left alone with Lili for 10 minutes before she toddled into the kitchen and got quiet. This is what I found. She had pulled the pasta off the counter, along with the plastic wrap, and was playing with the dried angel hair.

Sniffles

2008-09-04T20:56:00.002-07:00

My little Lili Bear is still sniffling. Her fever broke late last night, drenching her in sweat. Before that she cried for hours and was inconsolable. It broke my heart not being able to soothe her stuffy head. She cried and cried. But she seems better today.

Grandpa had her all day today. He said she was feeling much better, but was still a bit slow (yet she was as busy as ever, go figure). She napped, she actually ate something other than fruit, she drank a lot, all good signs.

I hate it when she is sick. There is nothing I can do but cuddle her, put the vaporizer in her room, force her to drink, wipe a runny nose as she races by, and love her. I feel useless to her because that does little to relieve her aching, running nose and stuffed up head.

She gets far more lovable when she is sick. She wants to be held more, hug more and cuddle more. I do love that part of it.

Why can't I take a decent picture???

2008-09-01T20:35:00.005-07:00

The unfairness of it all. Matt has this uncanny ability to take amazing shots of Lili.

She is smiling, looking at the camera, and genuinly happy...
She's laughing...
And here she is in a candid moment.

And this is what I get...

She looks constipated and depressed...
Here I forgot to turn off the zoom and she turned her head...

And this one she ran at the camera between the time I started taking the picture and when it actually took (and my smart ass of a husband pointed out that if I put the last 2 pictures together I almost have 1 good headshot...he's an ass).

It's not fair :-(

I know, I'm a whiner. All that matters is that I have a healthy, happy, well-adjusted, polite little girl. Which she is. Except today, she has a cold. But even with a cold, she's still a treasure of a child. On her worst day she is better than a lot of kids on their best days.

2008-08-30T10:31:00.022-07:00

Well, this is the best I could do with the Carousel ride Lili and I took at the mall. I tried to upload the video, but after 3 hours, I got fed up waiting for the download.

Lili's First Diamondbacks Game

2008-08-23T20:42:00.003-07:00

The grounds crew and Matt's good buddy, Grant.
Lili and her teddy bear leash (kept her from running away)
Cracking peanut shells on the floor
2 incredibly exhausted parents
Lili flirting with the boy behind us. She is going to make us nuts when she is a teenager.

Birthday Party

2008-08-23T14:56:00.003-07:00

We went to Madi's birthday party today. And much to Matt's and I's surprise, Lili was very good and she actually played really well with other kids her age. We are so proud. She didn't hit or slap anyone and for the most part was great. I need to get permission from Madi's mom to put a few cute ones of Lili and Madi up, but until then here are some pictures...

Lessons in Parenting

2008-08-22T16:46:00.003-07:00

My husband just sent this email to me, I had to put it in here...

"When your 16 month old daughter makes a dookie and you change her, here is a simple rule to follow.

If you pull the tabs off her diaper to see if it is pellets (requiring only 2 wipes) or smeared everywhere (requiring up to 6 wipes), make sure that you reattach the tabs so your daughter does not yank the diaper out from under her launching poop pellets all over the room

It is things like this that make me glad I'm at work during the day
:-D

Sad day for reptiles

2008-08-20T10:34:00.005-07:00

Lili has been pointing at the Albert Belle clock above her window every time I put her to bed for about 2 weeks now. I'd just look up and say clock, but she kept pointing insistently. I had no idea why and the clock was too high to reach. And then once we go through the whole bedtime routine, I forget about it.

Well I guess when she got up this morning she did the same thing for Matt. This is what he found.

I felt so bad. Poor dead lizard. He probably had a field day in our house eating those darn black bugs we couldn't get rid of forever (thank you Riddex plug in bug getter ridder).

It makes me wonder how she knew it was there.

A photo study...of Lili

2008-08-14T21:52:00.002-07:00

Lili playing with the collander

Lili reading

Showing Daddy how great the book is

This is where the Porcupine (named Fluffy) meeting the Rhino (named Hippo).

Great book

And this is the point where she got over excited and ripped the cover page

Hurry up and open the cereal Dad, geez

She wants an ATV for Christmas

Looking good

Cutie pie

Interesting insights unearthed by an article

2008-08-08T14:20:00.008-07:00

I just got done reading this article "The Real Differences Between Boys and Girls", http://www.parenting.com/article/Baby/Development/The-Real-Difference-Between-Boys-and-Girls, and I was fascinated. Here are a few of my own observations that relate to the article.

The Toys
Lili has everything from Matchbox Cars, a pull toy animal train, balls, learning toys and a baby doll. She really favors her stuffed animals the most. She cuddles with them at night, and walks around during the day putting them aside or handing them to someone for safe keeping. She does like the baby doll, but keeps picking it up by the hair which is kind of funny. But she is instinctively delicate with it, otherwise. She holds it carefully, which amazes me. She has no older siblings or cousins to mimic, that is her instinct telling her a baby is fragile. But she will throw her other toys around the house to hear the sounds they make.

She loves her drum set and turns it on to dance with. She is gentle one minute, and a rough and tumble, fearless little sprite the next.

Action
She is always on the move. She will climb up, over, around and through anything in her way. She can figure out how to do almost anything by watching. The coolest thing is that she will reverse any action Matt and I do, say how we block her from going this place or that. She watches how we block the area, then she starts with the last step we did, undoing things as she goes, until she is through the obstacle. It is quite amazing.

She has such fine motor skills, I am constantly amazed. Turning pages in a book, tearing paper, you name it, she does it.

Motion
She loves faces, but she loves technology even more. She figured out what the TV remote did by like 7 months. She couldn't figure out what button did what right away, but she would pick it up and point it at the TV. Now she knows where the mute button is, the off button, the volume, and the channel changing button. It is quite impressive.

She starting walking unaided on her 1st birthday. But yet we can't get her to say much more that 7 words in English. She either speaks Alien, Angel or Japanese depending on who in the family you talk to. But she jibber-jabbers ALL DAY LONG.

Boy vs Girl
I can't say truly if there is a real difference between boys and girls that is that noticeable. Everyone always says girls are gentle and soft and quite, and Lili is rarely any of those things. But she is also a lot like I was. I wasn't really a girly girl either. I liked pretty things, but I wanted to jump off things (and did with occasional negative side effects, and I have the scars to prove it) and play hard. And I did. And she will too.

But I would love to have a little boy one day, to compare the two
:-)

Time to drift off topic
I think it has a lot to do with the parents and how they treat the child. My Dad never told me there was something I couldn't do because I was a girl (may be things I shouldn't do, but that is another story). He and my Mom played with us, taught us to be imaginative and play by ourselves, and encouraged us at anything we wanted to do. I think that helped a lot. And just because I don't wear pink and think I should be Happy Homemaker doesn't make me less of a woman. I want Lili to know that too.

Watching my little one is an amazing thing. The new things she discovers fascinate me. It could be something simple that I take for granted, like opening a door or picking something up off the floor, but she does it and she is so proud of herself.

Each new word is a milestone. Each time I hear her call me mom, each time I ask where something is and she points to it or goes and gets it, it is amazing.

I have a little person living in my house. She's not just my baby anymore, she is her own being, with her own thoughts, personality and attitude. Being her mom is the single greatest experience I've ever had in my life, followed closely by being Matt's wife.

Lili's New Word

2008-08-07T09:01:00.005-07:00

Well, she's stopped calling everything with 4 legs "doggie". She now says cat when she see my porceline cats in the display cabinet. I am so proud.

You can ask her where the cat is, and she walks over and points to them.

Lili's New Game

2008-08-06T13:38:00.003-07:00

Lili and I have a new game.

We had a girls night while Matt went to softball last night (which lasted about an hour before she crashed, but still). I chase her and she runs and giggles. I hide in the kitchen and she looks over her shoulder until I pop out and look at her with that I'm-Gonna-Get-You look and make tickle fingers (you know, you move your fingers like you are tickling someone).

She then dissolves into giggles as she runs from me. She flings herself against the cushions of the couch and laughs, hides her face, and climbs up while I say "I'm gonna get you". I then start tickling until she collapses on the couch, on her back laughing and giggling, with a huge smile on her face as she tries to push me away with her feet. I tickle her for about a minute, let her up and she runs to the kitchen. All the while looking over her shoulder. Then the game starts again.

We did this for about 30 minutes until she laughed so hard she spit up. It took her by surprise, but she didn't cry. She just bounced up and tried to get me to get her again. I decided at that point she had really had enough and didn't know it. So we played on the floor with her toys.

Pushing Buttons

2008-08-05T09:04:00.003-07:00

I adore my daughter, don't get me wrong. But I've had a really bad headache for two days now. Last night she thought it was funny to slap, punch, poke, and pinch my head and face. She's lucky she is cute, otherwise she might have been flung across the room. As it was, I just cried and made Matt come get her. She knows when I'm not feeling well, and she knows right where to poke to make me cry.

I guess that is what children do through out their lives. They find your weak spot (mental, physical, emotional) and then do a little jig to drive you nuts. I just figured I would have a few more years before she found all my buttons.

I love her to bits, but she thinks it is funny when Mommy gets upset.

EW GROSS!!!

2008-08-01T11:26:00.002-07:00

Lili has a new trick. She took her diaper off in the middle of the night on Tuesday. I found her like that about 11, changed her diaper and put her back to bed. She wasn't happy I woke her up, but oh well.

Well, she took her diaper off the next morning after I left and peed all over the bed. Matt had to do the sheets then, and clean the baby.

Then when he put her down for a nap he didn't put her shorts back on after changing her. She ended up taking off her diaper, finger painting with her poop (getting it EVERYWHERE), and then realizing it was gross, she threw a fit.

There was another load of sheets, a battle to disinfect the crib, hose down the icky baby, and then he proceeded to call me and work and tell me ALL the disgusting details. BLECK.

It is time to potty train her.

A Video & Pictures from the Not-So-Distant Past

2008-07-23T21:53:00.004-07:00

This is helpful Lili. She likes to help Daddy load the dishwasher...then unload as soon as his back is turned.

Lili is quite the little reader. I love the relaxed lounging she is doing.

This is from February 2, 2008. Lili was almost 10 months old. She now can see over the bars to her crib and her Indians mobile is out of the crib because she kept ripping the bears off and hurling them across the room (poor Dad, she's a Cubs fan just like Mom).

15-month Check Up

2008-07-21T15:24:00.002-07:00

Well, Lili is the picture of good health.

Weight: 22.9 pounds
Height: 33 inches

She is in the 50th percentile for weight and the 94th for height. She is still a tall, skinny genius.

They had her stand on the big girl scale this time. I almost cried. My baby is a big girl in the eyes of the world.

Dr. Strubble says she is healthy, beautiful, and is impressed by how much she does and knows.

She says that the way she walks is not a problem and that by the time she is 5 her brain will figure out how to distribute the weight evenly as she steps. So no intervention is required.

She got 2 booster shots and cried big crocodile tears. She did the whole hold her breath in and turn red, then let out an earpiercing wail. It was quite sad. She cuddled her teddy and drank her milk. She was very quiet. Matt said that she looked longingly at me as I left the van and headed back in to the office. My poor baby.

She's playing with Aunt Kyla & Jr. now. Daddy is going to get some work done.

Beautiful Lili

2008-07-21T11:29:00.002-07:00

Matt just sent me this. She looks like she is posing. What an angel!!

She has her 15-month check up today so there will be an update to follow with all the info.

Video of Lili's New Dance Sans Music

2008-07-20T21:22:00.003-07:00

Lili's new dance consists of spinning. She cracks me up!

A few random pictures (pretty good for a camera phone, huh?)

2008-07-15T09:59:00.002-07:00

Lili at Chili's wearing my sunglasses. She is such a little Diva (yeah right)!

She is chewing on a coaster at Chili's

Lili's potty. She still won't sit on it and try.

Lili and Jr. Thank heavens she isn't scared of dogs after all she's been through, but this poor dog (who is SO good with her, and is patient too) gets chases, slapped, pulled at and generally tormented by her. He deserves a steak :-)

This is Lili playing with the sun shade for the truck. She figured out she can play peek-a-boo by hiding behind it. She thinks it is hilarious.

Lili visisted the office today

2008-07-11T16:37:00.001-07:00

Here are a few shots from my computer camera. Lili came by (with Daddy) to spread a little sunshine to all of us at the office. Isn't she wonderful??? Such a good girl.

The Sick Baby is on the Mend

2008-06-29T11:47:00.005-07:00

When Lili was sick she loved the popscicle. It did help get her to have more liquid into her system.

She also was really into carbs when she was sick. So much so, she shoved a whole Ritz cracker into her mouth.

She loves running around naked. She will even remove her diaper by any means necessary. Here she has ripped an entire side off. This is taken two steps before what was left hit the floor and she ran around with a look like "I'm Free!".

The Fever

2008-06-25T21:31:00.002-07:00

My sweet baby girl has her first non-injection related fever. It was 104 when we got home. My folks gave her a couple of doses of Tylenol during the day and it finally started to work after we gave her a nice cool bath. They said she was out of sorts and just not her usual bubbly self.

She was cuddling with Grandma when I got there, but she was ready to have a few Mommy cuddles. Nothing is better than Mommy or Daddy cuddles when you are sick. I'm almost 30 and that's what I want when I don't feel good.

She wasn't acting sick, per say, just not quite herself. She still motored all over the house, ate tons of food, but she didn't want to drink her milk, water or pedialyte. We kind of had to force liquid on her.

She got tired earlier than normal, so we put her to bed. I've been hovering. We woke her up about an hour after she fell asleep to take her temp, give her Motrin and get her to drink more water. She wasn't happy with any of it, but she did drink, and enjoyed a quick cuddle before demanding to be put back to bed.

I waited an agonizing hour and couldn't wait any more. I had to check on her. She was sleeping well, but felt warm. I got a cool wash cloth and tried to cool her. It helped but she woke up. But I did get her to take several more sips of water.

She's sleeping soundly now and she is a lot cooler to the touch than when I brought her home. I think the heat of the day and having been taken right out of the car seat had a lot to do with how high the temperature was.

I'll wake her at 11 and dose her again and take her temp. Hopefully I can get a little more water in her and she'll sleep well. I'll set the alarm to get up at 2 and check her, and hopefully her fever will break soon.

Mama's Love Bug

2008-06-25T09:20:00.003-07:00

Lili is just the cutest little thing, ever!

She didn't want to wake up this morning. 12 hours of sleep just wasn't enough for her. She did that stretch and whine that let me know she wasn't pleased with being awoken so early (it was almost 7:45). After a quick diaper change she was her normal bubbly self.

She gobbled up her cheerios while waiting for Daddy to get the rest of breakfast done. And she downed her milk rather quickly.

She didn't have time or the desire to kiss me goodbye, she was too busy eating. I kissed her on the top of the head and she grinned at me in between bites. Nothing like a mouth full of cheerios smile to get one laughing in the morning.

She's at Grandma & Grandpa's today. Daddy is working again for Eric. This thrills my father no end. I'm just waiting for him to tell Matt to go back to work full time so he can quit and watch her all day. She energizes him. He acts 10 years younger easily when she is around or he knows she is coming over.

They had to get a bigger doggie door yesterday so Katie can get in and out when she is there, so I'm sure Lili will be trying her hand at getting out the door (Thank heavens my folks don't have a pool). She would try with the smaller door but she couldn't get both shoulders out the door. I can't wait to hear how many times she tries to escape today.

Lili Pili

2008-06-19T16:25:00.002-07:00

Lili has been at Grandma & Grandpa's all day. Matt is working for a friend of his today and tomorrow (provided Lili hasn't exhausted them past the point of reason). She was taking pots and pans off the shelves when I called the first time. And mom says she loves to fling the stainless steel water bowl for the dogs. She likes the sound it makes.

She's had 3 dogs to torment. Dad picked up Jr. & Katie today. Jr. because my sister is working a lot. And Katie because my Uncle had ANOTHER medical episode. We still don't know if it is a heart attack or what.

Mom has been keeping a careful eye on her and the dogs. Tess hates her unless she has food, if she doesn't she is pretty good about avoiding her. Katie I just don't trust because she was with an older person before John, so we don't know what she will do around a baby (but so far she's ok). And Jr., well, they are buddies. When she pesters him too much he moves. He's never barked or snapped at her. And yes, I know, that can change in an instant. But so far so good.

I miss her today. I hate being away from her, but today is especially hard. So much not-so-much-fun stuff has happened today. I just want to kiss my baby and hug my hubby to make it all go away.

Happy Father's Day

2008-06-15T14:54:00.002-07:00

Father's Day Family Photo

Lili in her "Little Rome" collection from Gymboree (thanks Aunt Kyla)

Lili in her Phoenix Fire Dept. T-shirt (thank Uncle Blake)

She is such a happy kid.

When Beautiful Bathrooms Make Babies Crazy

2008-06-12T10:32:00.004-07:00

Yesterday Lili was in rare form. It was like she was high on Speed. She would not stop. She was running all over the house, eating everything in sight, climbing on, over, or through anything, and sending Daddy over the edge when the family was visiting.

She was incredibly over stimulated. We had some work done on the bathroom (see other blog for details). She had a stranger in her house all day and it really through off the routine. When Matt put her to bed she was practically falling asleep in the changing table. She didn't make a sound when she hit the mattress. Nor did she play for her usual 30 minutes before falling asleep.

I went to check on her around 9:30 and she was dead asleep. She only partially woke up when I got in the linen closet to get a towel (who puts a linen closet in a bedroom anyway). She sat up, looked at me, smiled, and fell over and went back to sleep before I was out of the room.

The Handy Man is back today, but hopefully he will be done early and she can relax. And Matt, too.

But you know what, I have a beautiful bathroom. I mean really. So it was all worth it.

Helpful Lili

2008-06-05T09:44:00.002-07:00

Lili is becoming helpful. Slowly, but it is happening. She doesn't just remove neatly folded clothes from the laundry basket, she now throws them wadded up back into the basket. Hey, it is a start.

She is learning to put her toys back. Well, she FLINGS them back. Again, it is a start.

She was helping Daddy clean yesterday. I guess she is finally not afraid of the Dust Buster since she is holding it.

"SO BIG" is her new thing. If you say it in a sing song way, up goes the arms and she stretches for the sky. She's a love bug.

For Uncle Blake

2008-06-03T08:56:00.003-07:00

Blake was bummed that I took down these photos and the entries that went with them. Since he doesn't mind being part of the blog, I'm putting the pictures back up.

He's probably the proudest Uncle I've ever seen. He loves that little girl so much!! He was the first person from Matt's side of the family at the hospital. Now THAT'S a picture I need to post here. I've got a great one from the recovery room at St. Joe's with Uncle Blake holding a less than day old Lili with the happiest smile.

She's an easy kid to love, even on her worst day. Her worst days are some kids best days.

Blake & Lili at Family Night

Uncle Blake in his turnouts with a very happy (and cookie covered) Lili

All smiles

Proud big brother & the new Fire Fighter

Teaching Lili to be naughty at an early age.

I am sorry

2008-05-27T20:01:00.003-07:00

To anyone that I have upset with any blog entries I have made, I sincerely apologize. I never meant to upset or anger anyone with the things I have written. That was never my intent, and I feel horrible that anyone was hurt or upset because of what I wrote.

I will no longer write about anyone other than Matt, Lili and I, and I will no longer write about anything that does not directly affect our daily life.

I will spend the next few days editing old blog entries. I will take out anything that references anyone other than the 3 of us (including pictures), in the hopes that no one will again be upset by anything I write, past, present or future.

Again, I am sorry.

Mya

So Blessed

2008-05-27T12:00:00.004-07:00

I have the most wonderful child. She fills my heart with this complete love I have never ever experienced. The relationship I have with my husband makes my heart skip a beat, but the unending love I have for Lili takes my breath away.

I had her all to myself for a few hours yesterday, which is a rare occurrence. Usually it is just on Matt's softball nights and she usually is asleep for most our time together. But I got to spend a lot of mommy/baby time with her. She is magnificent! Her intelligence is staggering. She can figure out a way to undo or get through anything. Her fine motor skills are amazing. I don't even mind that she won't hold her bottle. It gives me a a little more time to think of her as a baby when she is cuddled up next to me.

She is the most precious gift I have ever been given. Sometimes I forget (a little) what a blessing she truly is. She was born healthy, strong, and perfect. She was the biggest baby in the nursery at birth, by several pounds. All the other babies were these tiny, frail creatures who looked like they would shatter if you touched them (although that didn't keep the nurses from beating the burps right out of them, it seemed like). I would cry because she was under the UV lights, but looking back, she was probably the healthiest baby in there, and I really had nothing to cry about.

How many of those tiny little bundles never went home to be loved by their mommy? How many of those tiny angels are forever disabled because they were born too soon or too sick? And how many of them ended up as strong and healthy as Lili?

I never want to forget how blessed I am. She is my angel on earth. She is here to remind me of all the good in the Universe. She is God's Love personified.

Every smile, every belly laugh, every splash in the tub, every cheerio that goes flying across the room, every squeal, every messy kiss she gives me, every time she lays her head on my shoulder, every raspberry I give her that makes her giggle, even every tear she sheds will remind me how much I love her and how blessed I am to have her in my life.

Memorial Weekend BBQ

2008-05-25T16:51:00.006-07:00

Matt & Lili

That gorgeous face

My Girl

2008-05-20T10:06:00.003-07:00

My little Puddles was just adorable this morning. She was happy and very awake when I was getting ready. She gave me the biggest smile ever when I walked in the room to get her. Her eyes disappear when she smiles big. It is so cute.

She let me kiss her and she hugged me back. She's becoming more and more affectionate lately and I love it.

I came home last night and she was playing. I could hear her talking before I even got to the door. She was telling Daddy all about what she was doing. I walked in the house and she was using her little Disney Princesses suitcase as a step stool to look over the exercise bike. Daddy was right there just in case she lost her balance. I walked in and she looked at me, gave me that gorgeous grin and started talking to me.

She is the most amazing child. I am truly blessed to be her Mom.

I miss my baby

2008-05-19T13:13:00.004-07:00

Lili at 3 months

Despite her slaps and whatnot, I miss my baby today.

She didn't wake up until well after I had left for work. I didn't get my cuddles and kisses before I left. I didn't get to smell the top of her head. I didn't get to have her stick her tongue out at me and giggle. I didn't get kicked in the leg as she bounced her leg in the high chair while drinking her bottle. I didn't get to see her make a fish face. I didn't get to read one of her favorite books.

sigh

I miss her most on Mondays. I had her all weekend to cuddle and love (and get slapped by).

I miss Matt, too. He's cuddly and I could use a hug right now. Work is too busy.

Again with the slapping

2008-05-18T18:53:00.006-07:00

picture by jbelluch from Flickr

If that little twerp slaps me one more time I'm grounding her until college.

This habit of slapping people is getting worse. No doesn't work, saying "gentle" doesn't work, holding her hands to prevent slaps doesn't work. I'm lost for options. I tell her no, that hurts, but she smiles and does it again and harder.

She slapped me really hard at Pruitt's (furniture store) the other night, then pulled my hair. Ouch doesn't work either, by the way. Matt took her and she did it to him, too.

We took her home and put her to bed.

She did it again tonight. When everything failed, I put her down away from me, Matt and the toys and she cried. And I let her cry. She had yanked so much hair out my head was hurting as much as my face.

She crawled over and slapped Matt, so we decided to put her to bed. She's been up there 10 minutes and she's cried a little and complained a lot.

I just don't know what to do. I won't yell at her or slap her because she just won't understand either. And I don't want her to thing slapping is ok.

HELP!!! I don't want to be raising a violent bully of a kid.

New Blog Background

2008-05-15T09:59:00.003-07:00

I've gone round and round trying to find a Blog Background that fits my Lili's personality. She is such and individual that nothing seemed right.

She likes red , she loves books and music. She uses whatever she can as a drum. And I know she loves baseball. She's fascinated when a game is on, and she has a pretty decent pitch. I've been hit enough by whatever she's turned into a projectile to know that she has skills :-)

She's a baby gourmet. She won't eat anything that is plain. She wants spices and herbs on everything. She wants to do everything but hold her sippy cup or bottle herself (much to everyone's annoyance). She's independant to a point.

She LOVES technology. Remotes, cell phones, computers, game controllers, the TV, watching the washer and dryer spin, and anything that will make a noise, light up or move on its own has her attention the moment she notices it.

She has this rotten streak in her. She knows when she shouldn't do something and she knows she is going to get in trouble, but she goes ahead and does it anyway. Always with a look of "na-na-na, ha ha ha" on her face.

She tries new things. She figures things out. She is fearless.

I've settled on this background for now, but I know there has to be something else out there that better suites her spirit.

Mother's Day Pictures

2008-05-12T10:51:00.006-07:00

Lili's Mother's Day outfit from Nana

Lili looking at the stained glass window at Nana & Pops' house

Lili and the clown from Mother's Day Brunch

The Long Arm of the Lil

2008-05-09T13:51:00.003-07:00

That child has the most ridiculous reach I've ever seen. I think she can will her arms longer.

We were sitting at the restaurant for lunch and we moved EVERYTHING out of her reach...so we thought. She was happily making noises, eating, drinking, smiling at everyone. Matt and I each take a bite of our lunch and the little twerp found a way to grab the sugar packet container and dump everything.

She's like Elasta Girl from the Incredibles.

It is frustrating and funny all at the same time.

So much for swimming...

2008-05-09T09:15:00.002-07:00

If you can believe it, the pool has been too cold for Lili. Tuesday's class left her shivering, teeth chattering and when her lips started to turn blue Matt pulled her from the pool, wrapped her up and took her home. He is a good Daddy.

The weather has been in the 90's, but it isn't enough to warm the pool to a decent temperature. We are going to wait until late May to start her again. They are moving the classes way up North while they resurface the pool at Cactus park. So, it may be a good thing we've decided to pull her from the class. Matt doesn't need to be driving with her even further.

We'll try for a pool much closer to home come the end of May.

More of Lili Swimming

2008-05-01T12:52:00.003-07:00

Preparing for class

Modeling her new swimsuit

Having fun!!!

Pictures From Lili's First Swimming Lesson

2008-04-30T07:06:00.003-07:00

This is Lili and her instructor, Jordan

Again, with Jordan

This is Lili and Daddy. She is kicking

All done

Lili didn't cry at all. She LOVED the pool and Jordan. She even let Jordan take her away from Daddy. Probably because of the fish shaped kick board she was using.

She is the youngest kid in her group by about 8 months, Matt says. And there is only 1 little boy. Of course, Matt is the only Daddy in the class. Well, he's the only Daddy in ALL of the classes. I'm betting some Dads caught a lot of crap last night after their wives got home and told them what a good Daddy he is for taking Lili to swimming class. :-)

There will be more pictures to come. I hate missing these things, but she had a cheering section and it is preserved for all time on video and digital film.

A few things I have learned this last year...

2008-04-29T13:37:00.011-07:00

There was an article today on Shine.com called "What Do New Parents Really Need to Know", and it asked for comments. So I commented. I've included what I wrote, plus a few other things I came up with after I hit the submit button. Trust me, this is GOLDEN information!!!

As mom to a 1 year old, here are my pearls of wisdom...

*When people offer help, TAKE IT. Don't play the hero, you need a break...and probably a shower.

*Don't let people tell you that you are overreacting. You have a right to, your a new mom full of hormones. Just don't punch anyone.

*The hormones will pass. You won't be emotional forever. By the time you are normal the kids will drive you over the bend without the need of hormones :-)

*Your hubby is perfectly capable of changing a diaper, giving a bath, carrying, and traveling with the baby, so stop thinking you are the only one that can. Give him the benefit of the doubt. If he doesn't know, he'll ask, and don't bite his head off for not knowing or he won't ever ask you again.

*Nap and shower every chance you get.

*Grandparents, Aunts & Uncles are a Godsend.

*Dishes and laundry will always be there to do tomorrow, enjoy your baby now. They grow up WAY to fast.

*Cuddle the baby while you can, before you know it they are walking away from you and don't want to be held anymore. RELISH this time and burn it in to your memory.

*Poop isn't battery acid, so get over it. Clean it up and move on.

*Babies cry and sometimes you just need to let them cry and walk away. It is ok to leave a crying baby in their crib if they are safe, warm, dry and otherwise ok if you need a break. Put them down, walk away for a few moments and come back with a clear head. It doesn't make you a bad parent, it makes you a BETTER parent for clearing your head before reacting badly to a situation.

*Baby proof the house before they can crawl. Don't mistakenly think you have enough time to do it. You don't. It creeps up too fast and then you are left scrambling.

*Pre-treat stains with an enzyme based color safe bleach before you wash or you've just ruined all the baby clothes.

*If you use bottles, by 3 times as many bottles as you think you will need. You will be doing dishes way too frequently if you don't. Just be sure to rinse them after using them or you will want to throw up before you load the dishwasher.

*That odd smell in the car is from a lost baby bottle...trust me!!! Find it, throw it away, and Fabreeze the whole car.

*You don't need fancy burp clothes (cloth diapers or dish towels are fine), moses baskets, and about 2/3 of the stuff on your baby registry. Scale it back or you will be living in a mine field of baby crap. Bottles (if you will use them), diapers, wipes, onesies, socks, blankets, car seats, stroller, and a diaper bag. That is all you really need until they are older.

*When your kid doesn't mind a rectal thermometer anymore, you've taken their temps once too often. Stop being such a schmuck, the baby is fine.

*If you have a bad back, baby slings are a BAD idea.

*The coolest thing in the world is when your parents have a set of clothes, a crib, stroller, feeding paraphernalia, high chair, and their own car seat so they can, as my mother puts it, "rescue" their grandchild from her crazy (yeah, right) parents when ever the urge strikes.

*If your sister gets a side job at a kids clothing store, your child will ALWAYS be smartly dressed in public...provided Daddy puts her in one of the hundred outfits and not a onesie with no socks.

*Visit family as often as you can with the baby. You really don't want that uncomfortable cry when she thinks a stranger is holding her.

*Santa isn't scary when it's really Daddy and you are in Nana's living room.

*The office stops when you bring the baby in, and some days it is a good thing.

*Kids are messy. They make messes at home and in public. Roll with it (I'm still struggling with that one).

*Just because Daddy has the baby held over his head, doesn't mean he is going to drop her. So quit gasping and scaring him and the baby, you make it worse (again, something I am STILL struggling with).

*Babies fall down. They are 2 feet from the ground, sometimes less. They will be fine. Don't react and they might not even cry. If they are really hurt, they will let you know.

*Not everyone wants to see baby pictures, but if they ask how the baby is, offering to show them a couple of pictures is ok. And usually they are glad you have some with you.

*As much as you wanted a puppy, babies are better. You can always get a puppy, but you can't always have a baby. Always remember that you are very blessed. Love that baby with all your heart.

As my dad says "Love Never Spoils". I still cry when I read that in the baby advice book from my baby shower.

I'm sure I have more, but for now this will do.

So Proud

2008-04-26T21:05:00.002-07:00

Beyond being just hilarious, these should prove how proud Lili is of her Uncle Blake's recent accomplishment (i.e. becoming a hero to not only the family but to the community he now helps to protect as a firefighter).

Slap (not so) Happy

2008-04-22T12:51:00.008-07:00

Liliana has developed this incredibly annoying habit of slapping me...and Daddy, the china cabinet glass, Nana's TV, and any dog she gets close to. It is bothering the heck out of me because she gives you a look of "I know you hate this", grins, then slaps away.

"No" doesn't work, saying "Gentle" doesn't work, showing her what gentle is doesn't work, and thwatting her hand (not hard, I'm not abusing my kid) doesn't work either. She literally waits for me to look at her and she gets the most rotten grin on her face and slaps whatever it is she is in front of. And she thinks it is hysterical when she is reprimanded.

I am constantly moving her away, grabbing her hands to keep her from blinding me by mistake (or on purpose...she could be a baby Stewie type), and telling her no.

I know constancy is the key, but how long is it going to take for her to get it and NOT do it? I'm afraid I'm going to have to bubble wrap the china cabinet. You can't replace 75 year old curved glass. At least not cheaply.

She scratched the heck out of Matt's nose during one of her little slap-fests. There is nothing more pathetic than a 29-year old man with a circle band aid on his nose. But to be fair, she did it after he put her on the grass, her known nemesis, and it made her cry while we both laughed at her (it WAS really funny).

Public Humilation...

2008-04-18T20:27:00.004-07:00

Tonight we went to dinner. We just went to Moe's, a favorite for quick and healthy Mexican food. I set a tray of soup & beans for Lili on the table and thinking I had moved the stroller far enough away from the table, turned around to get napkins.

The next thing I hear is a crash. I screamed "Lili" and saw the soup hit her and the floor. She instantly started to cry. Not the "I'm hurt, this burns" cry, but the "oh crap, I'm in trouble cry". I had startled her.

She had managed to reach the table and pull herself closer in the stroller (darn me for forgetting to lock the wheels). She then grabbed the tray to help herself and dumped it.

After several minutes of me soothing a crying, soup covered baby, and Matt trying to clean up the baby and the floor, we finally were settled enough to eat. By this point I'm so mortified dinner tasted pretty bad. Not that Moe's was bad, but I was so upset by the whole event, being stared at, etc., that it just didn't taste right.

Matt is still laughing at me for my humiliation. He thinks I'm overreacting and that I should realize that there WILL be more incidents in public. And I do realize this fact, but I guess the first time is always the hardest.
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Here are some before and after shots of Lili. The first one was taken when she was about 8 weeks old. The other was taken tonight, and in the same laundry basket. She was so tiny, and now she's just a goofy little big girl...

Bumps are a part of growing up...

2008-04-16T09:33:00.004-07:00

Poor Lili. She had a rough day yesterday.

Being the monkey that she is, she decided to climb her toy basket. It is a very large wicker basket with a handle that has done well storing her bits and bobs. Well she got a thought and tried to climb it. Before Daddy got to her she managed to slip and bang her lip on the handle. Poor thing has a fat upper lip. It is still red. And yes, she cried. But Daddy made it better.

Awhile later she crawled over to the front door. It was a nice day so it was open (with the security door tightly shut and locked). She decided she liked the way the door swung and was opening and closing it. Well, she managed to slam it on her fingers. Not too hard, but hard enough to make her cry...again. She has done this before and still doesn't quite get the cause and effect aspect of a closing door/fingers in the way scenario. Again, Daddy kissed the boo boo and made it better. Good Daddy!

Having had enough of a very tired and accident prone baby, Daddy went to softball. He left a usually very overly emotional Mommy to tend to the little one. Lili did great for about an hour. She was happily playing with everything she owns that makes noise. She decided to play with the robot we got her for her birthday. She loves to manhandle it and fling it as she pushes the buttons. Well she was studying it this time. Picking it up and hitting the ground then watching it. Well she miscalculated and smacked herself right in the bottom lip and cried. Mommy got to be the hero that time. And miraculously, Mommy didn't freak out. I always freak out, by the way.

Some ice in her pacifier thingy soothed the sad, bleeding baby, along with a few kisses and cuddles. There was very little blood, thankfully, as she just seemed to pinch the skin between her teeth. Then she was back to playing, happy as can be.

This is a triumph for me. I was all alone, my parents weren't home, my sister didn't answer the phone, and Matt was at softball, and I handled the situation without losing it. If you are reading this, more than likely you know me and know what a feat that is for me to accomplish.

Better parenting through chemistry (yeah anti-anxiety meds)!!

Today she is just as happy as ever. She's trying to teethe still. I don't know if it is the same 2 causing her problems or if there are more under the surface. She's being really careful if she has crunchy things in her mouth. Watching her methodically eat a cheerio is pretty funny.

Matt brought her by the office to drop off my phone (because I'm a putz and left it plugged in). She was covered in teething cookie and had a huge smile on her face. Happy babies are the best, by far. She made my day with that big toothy, cookie covered grin.

Forget Privacy...There's a Toddler in the House

2008-04-15T16:12:00.004-07:00

Ok, I've only just stopped laughing at these pictures. And yes, I showed them off in the office.

Little Miss Monster won't leave her daddy alone long enough to go to the bathroom, so he took a camera in with him to document this not-so-alone time.

That's not even the best one. He put the camera under the gap in the door and this is what he saw...

There is no rest for poor Matty. Now she just follows him.

I still think I have the coolest kid in the world!!