December 2005

Monday 12.12.05 - The Ins and Outs of Birthdays

Ahh. Back from the OC. We had a great time celebrating Laura's birthday (check out new media) and visiting family. Hef Daddy's parental units treated us to a great brunch in the morning, and then we spent a little time at the beach and saw a small pod of 5 or 6 dolphins very close to shore. Laura enjoyed beachcombing and collecting shells. Oh, and eating some sand. Apparently it is delicious because she wouldn't stop eating it. More on that later.

My parental units treated us to a fancy dinner at a really nice restaurant we only got in to because my Dad knows people. Laura sampled the pate with a smile, but was a little squirmier than usual. I figured she is just anxious to walk all the time since it is new to her, so we took turns walking with her outside to ensure the other patrons would enjoy their meals. When our food came, Laura decided to really make things interesting. Projectile vomit of colossal proportions and reminiscent of The Exorcist erupted from her little mouth (and some out the nose) not 2 or 3, but 4 times in a row. I was horrified. I did my best to "catch" what I could with my napkin and then ran out with her in my arms. She let loose one more time outside and then we took deep breaths and cried. It was awesome. Not awesome cool, awesome as in awe-inspiring. How could so much volume come from such a small vessel? If I hadn't been so shocked and awed, I would have taken pictures for you.

It has been a slow recovery, but she is starting to act like herself again. We were due for some immunizations today but are going to postpone them until the end of the week. Dr. says she most likely had some type of gastro-blah-blah-itis. I have never seen this kid sleep so much, and she is such a cuddle kid now. Other than that, a bit of fever and a mild loss of appetite, she is pretty much herself tonight. We gear up for another trip south this weekend and will be in the OC until after the holidays. So until then, have a great holiday season!

Wednesday 12.07.05 - Happy Birthday

A day that will live in infamy for two reasons in our house. For the rest of my life I will put Pearl Harbor on the back burner. Now, when I think of December 7th all that comes to mind is the chain of events that led up to Laura's birth. But, I won't go into those details here.

I rolled over last night (this morning) at 3:15 am and thought to myself "Hey, I think we made it through without the crying, rocking and hot lava." I closed my eyes and snuggled back under the covers. About 15 minutes later, there it was. The crying. Oh, the screeching cry from the other room. How can someone so sweet and little make such a loud and horrid noise? I let it go for about 20 minutes, and then gave in. Fortunately, that time must have tired her out, because I was able to put her down quietly after only a few minutes of rocking.

It is all worth it though, today Laura turns 1. Here she is on Birthday Morning in her little pink chair (man, does she love to rock) after a bit of oatmeal watching some Sesame Street. Hooray! Hef Daddy was talking about how in many cultures this is a huge milestone for babies, because it means they are far less likely to die. Yippee! We have quite a day planned; mail the holiday cards, get a party hat (and maybe a couple balloons) and some sort of cake. Not a huge extravaganza or anything, just a nice 1st birthday at home. Then, Hef Daddy goes to the airport at 11pm for a business trip (isn't he so sweet to stay long enough for festivities) and Laura, the dogs and I will head to the OC for a short visit with the grandparental units. It is interesting how life goes on and can seem like it has gone by fast and slow all at the same time. At times I can recall every detail of the hospital room we stayed in like it was yesterday, down to the smells and sounds. Other times, I wish I had some magical mechanism to slow the passing of time because I can't believe she is walking and trying to talk and just getting so big! This is why I don't mind the getting up and hot lava, I know it won't last long and I will be remembering it fondly.

Saturday 12.03.05 - New Twist on an Old Favorite

Who didn't play the hot lava game when they were little? Can't touch the floor! It's hot lava! Jump from the couch to the coffee table and don't touch the floor! Well. Laura decided at 3 a.m. that her crib is hot lava. Hold her, she sleeps. Lay her in bed next to Hef Daddy, she sleeps. Walk around with her in your arms, she sleeps. Even begin to bend over to put her in the crib, SCREAMING BANSHEE!!! Bend over in the middle of the room, she sleeps. She totally knows where the hot lava is.

In other news. Here is a happy, non-lava concerned party girl at Cheesecake Factory using Aunt Peggy's toast as Lego blocks.

.Friday 12.02.05 - Smile for the Camera

So, if you really feel cruddy, just think. You could feel like this:

Anyway. She didn't feel that bad for long. Once she caught sight of the Thanksgiving feast she was happy as a clam, or oyster casserole as it were. And everything else on the table, she did not turn her nose up at anything! Today we met Hef Daddy for lunch and she housed the spicy al pastor meat and beans (and cheese and rice and tortilla shell) from my taco salad and didn't even flinch. It is exciting to be at the point where when we go out to eat I can actually consider the kid's menu. I'm thinking of entering her in the next national hot dog eating contest.

Did I mention I am almost totally done with my holiday shopping and wrapping? I rock. It's not that I really think I'm that special, I just usually am so frantic this time of year.

Tomorrow we take to the city for some Chinatown shopping and eatery. Hopefully the rain will let up for a bit of fun. If not, Laurie has a cute raincoat she has only worn once so either way is cool.

I tracked my baby gate order today and that bad boy won't be here until next Tuesday. Do you realize how much trouble Laurie can get into in like 5 whole days? SO MUCH! So you understand how much I hate the Rubbermaid barrier system? SO VERY MUCH! It makes me want to stick my bottom lip out like 2 feet.