Tuesday, August 31, 2004

The waiting game

About a week (though it seems like FOREVER) ago, I ordered Lauren's new stroller. It is in Evansville and I have called UPS to have them hold it at their hub, but I have to wait until 9:30 a.m. to see if it has gotten pulled off of the truck. I sure hope so. We leave later today for Chicago and I would love to have the new stroller to help us with our trip.
By the way, Oprah, here I come again and this time I'm bringing John!!

Monday, August 30, 2004

The tale of the impending babysitter...

Sounds spooky doesn't it? It is. Believe me. We are going to Chicago Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday and will be seeing a taping of Oprah. It will be my second time to go and John's first. Still exciting but this time with a twist. Since we are going, so is Lauren and I am a little nervous about using a babysitting service where I call, reserve a babysitter, babysitter comes to our hotel, we leave, come back and Lauren has played (I HOPE!) the whole time and is well rested and ready for our next adventure. I hope so. They sitters are licensed, screened, insured, and bonded. Still, butterflies have decided to reside in my stomach and John's.
I'm sure everything will be fine. In case it's not, John has opted to give up his ticket and stay with the baby and I will go see Oprah solo. It's a small price to pay for safety. But I'm sure she'll be fine.
I hope so.

Saturday, August 28, 2004

Holiday World

We went to Holiday World today and had a great, H-O-T time!! Free soft drinks/water is an outstanding idea and I praise the park for giving something away for free. Lauren rode the merry-go-round for the first time, sat in Santa's lap, played in the Holidog Playland and loved the water sprinklers! At one point, she was in only her diaper. Yes she was slathered, more than once, in SPF 45.
Now, we are worn out! She slept for only 45 minutes and I slept none, so tonight, I am hoping for outstanding sleep!
http://www.holidayworld.com

Monday, August 23, 2004

The Fight of the Nap

I have never figured out why in the world babies fight a good nap. It's cool, dark and semi-quiet. It's in the middle of the day. You feel refreshed when you are done. All good things in my opinion. Ask Lauren and she'd say I was WRONG!!
I think she actually hates knowing she is going to sleep in any fashion. If she falls asleep in the car, all's well because she can "control" when and where she is sleeping. If she is put in her crib awake at any time of day, watch out! She is banshee angry!! I think it she could, she might poke out my eyes she is so mad. Then, after much (typically 2-10 minutes) of blood curdling screams, silence...Beautiful silence.
She's rested. I'm rested. All's right with the world once again.
At least until night time...

Sunday, August 22, 2004

My monkey

I think Lauren has been influenced by the Olympics we have been watching. She is "in to" hanging from everything. The counters, the dresser, the table...Anything she can get her hands on. She even hangs on me whenever she can.
Watch out Carly Patterson. Lauren in on her way...

Friday, August 13, 2004

Sleeping beauty

I am looking at the most precious baby in the world. She is gorgeous. Smart. Quick. Amazing. Fantastic. Loving. AND, currently sleeping in my lap. I love her. I just love her so much.

Monday, August 09, 2004

The power of crying

In the last couple of weeks, Lauren has been harder and harder to put to bed while she is sleeping. Therefore, we have started crying it out. The first night it was about 15 minutes, next night 7 minute, then 6 and tonight, 2 little minutes. Not bad.
I knew eventually it would come to this, but she is still a baby. Just not so little anymore...

Saturday, August 07, 2004

This is my dilemma

I used to give Lauren a bottle every night and hold her until she was sleeping. Then, quietly, I would tip-toe down the hall and put her in her bed, raise the rail and tip-toe out again, closing the door behind me. That is now a thing of the past. I still give her a bottle and hold her until she is sleeping, but here's the catch. She no longer stays asleep once I put her in her bed. She bolts up and starts SCREAMING!!! I don't mean a little bit either. I mean, full on, "someone is trying to rip my arm off" screaming. It last for anywhere from 5-20 minutes and is very sad to hear, but I think necessary. I have started shortening the time that I hold her sleeping in hopes that one day, I will be able to put her in her bed while she is still awake. At this point, however, that seems like a pipe dream. Fingers crossed for us tonight!!!

Sunday, August 01, 2004

Big things are happening

The two major milestones we hit this week: jumping with both feet and saying "Uh-Oh!". She jumped when she saw Aunt Rebecca and Foxy and started saying uh-oh when she fell down. She says words, but uh-oh is the first on her own, without prompting from me. I say uh-oh when she falls or drops something, but I didn't think I said it enough for her to "get it". Guess I did though. What a fantastic little person she is!! And so smart!