Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Spicing up life
Charlotte has rediscovered the spices from the pantry. She has spread them all throughout the first floor, and a few have even migrated upstairs to her bedroom and playroom. What in the world are we going to do when she figured out how to open them? Do they sell childproof spice containers? Who am I kidding? They sell EVERYTHING!
Yes, I realize she is wearing pjs that are way too long for her little legs. Why are the 12-month pjs too short and the 18-month pjs way too long? Why can't they make 15-month pjs?
Yes, I realize she is wearing pjs that are way too long for her little legs. Why are the 12-month pjs too short and the 18-month pjs way too long? Why can't they make 15-month pjs?
Monday, March 30, 2009
Motherhood Tip #29
Make sure your daughter has finished her vanilla wafer BEFORE you put her in the bathtub. Otherwise, she may fling it down into the water and you won't notice for a few minutes and then it will get all nasty soggy and you'll have to scoop it out with your hand.
And that's just gross.
And that's just gross.
Saturday, March 28, 2009
The long journey home
WHEW! We were on the initial descent into Nashville (after a layover and a plane change in Chicago) and our plane got diverted to Birmingham, Alabama since the airfield in Nashville suddenly closed as a violent storm passed over. Normally, this is no big deal to me. I mean, safety is paramount, right? Did I have a big meeting to get to? No. I can deal with sitting on the plane just a little bit longer.
Well, when you are on the last leg of a journey like that with a 12-month-old, it seems like MUCH more of a big deal. Luckily, I was armed to the teeth with whole wheat Goldfish crackers and some granola bars -- both huge favorites of Charlie Jo's. I think it's safe to say this may not have been the best day for her in terms of nutrition. Oh well.
We were on the ground for 30 or 40 minutes in Birmingham to refuel and to wait for the Nashville airport to reopen, and then we got back up in the air for a quick 35-minute flight back to Nashville. CJ charmed everyone around us and practically climbed between the seats to try to get to the row behind us where a very nice man and lady were entertaining her. After we got off the plane and were walking to the luggage carousels, the man complained bitterly that CJ had dumped him for another guy when he saw her in Corey's arms. Awww...
Anyway, here are some last shots from our trip to Minnesota, including some of CJ playing at the cool play area inside the airport right across from our gate. There's also one of CJ sitting in her very own seat (neither flight was full, and the flight attendant actually requested that I sit her there because it was "safer"?!?!?). I couldn't believe that she stayed seated and strapped in for most of the first flight! Might have had something to do with the super-experienced grandmother who sat next to her and entertained her the whole time.
Well, when you are on the last leg of a journey like that with a 12-month-old, it seems like MUCH more of a big deal. Luckily, I was armed to the teeth with whole wheat Goldfish crackers and some granola bars -- both huge favorites of Charlie Jo's. I think it's safe to say this may not have been the best day for her in terms of nutrition. Oh well.
We were on the ground for 30 or 40 minutes in Birmingham to refuel and to wait for the Nashville airport to reopen, and then we got back up in the air for a quick 35-minute flight back to Nashville. CJ charmed everyone around us and practically climbed between the seats to try to get to the row behind us where a very nice man and lady were entertaining her. After we got off the plane and were walking to the luggage carousels, the man complained bitterly that CJ had dumped him for another guy when he saw her in Corey's arms. Awww...
Anyway, here are some last shots from our trip to Minnesota, including some of CJ playing at the cool play area inside the airport right across from our gate. There's also one of CJ sitting in her very own seat (neither flight was full, and the flight attendant actually requested that I sit her there because it was "safer"?!?!?). I couldn't believe that she stayed seated and strapped in for most of the first flight! Might have had something to do with the super-experienced grandmother who sat next to her and entertained her the whole time.
Friday, March 27, 2009
The cousin convention continues
I don't think any captions are necessary here -- each one would be some variation on "aren't they CUTE?!?!?!"
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Charlie Jo meets the Mighty Quinn
Today, Charlotte and I took a couple of plane rides up to Minnesota to see Aunt Stephanie and Uncle Don. Most importantly, we came to meet Quinn!
Charlotte had very little use for Quinn at first. She was much more enthralled with the sippy cup full of water.
Later, she interacted with her sweet cousin a little while he lounged on his playmat. I know it's just the angle from which I took the photo, but doesn't Charlotte look like a huge ogre compared to little Quinn?
Quinn sure is a cute little smiley guy!
Come over and see your cousin...
WHOAH! I said SEE your cousin, not STOMP your cousin!
Will Charlotte figure out that Quinn is more fun than her pink baby doll? Will Quinn survive it if she does? Stay tuned!
Charlotte had very little use for Quinn at first. She was much more enthralled with the sippy cup full of water.
Later, she interacted with her sweet cousin a little while he lounged on his playmat. I know it's just the angle from which I took the photo, but doesn't Charlotte look like a huge ogre compared to little Quinn?
Quinn sure is a cute little smiley guy!
Come over and see your cousin...
WHOAH! I said SEE your cousin, not STOMP your cousin!
Will Charlotte figure out that Quinn is more fun than her pink baby doll? Will Quinn survive it if she does? Stay tuned!
Should I be offended?
Should I be offended that my husband refused to let me leave for the airport this morning without this note in Charlotte's pocket? [Yes, I smeared out our phone numbers. Click on the image to make it bigger.]
Did he think I wouldn't notice if Charlie Jo ran off while we waited for our flight? Did he think I would be so enthralled with little keychains in the shape of guitars and shirts that say "Viva Nashvegas!" in the gift shop that I might forget to keep an eye on our newly-mobile daughter? Most importantly, did he really think anyone could read his handwriting in the unlikely event they found CJ wandering alone AND thought to themselves "I think I'll check in this ridiculously tiny pocket on the screaming baby's capri jeans to see if there is a note that includes contact information for not one, but both parents"?!?!?
In Corey's defense, CJ is becoming a little speed demon if given a wide open space and sufficient motivation. Yes, a breath of air can knock her over and into fits of consternation, but she is pretty little and easily lost behind things like acorns and gumdrops. I suppose I shouldn't be too offended, but I reserve the right to make fun of him.
P.S. I love that he (1) used my real name instead of my nickname -- why???, and (2) dated the memo because he such a lawyer.
Did he think I wouldn't notice if Charlie Jo ran off while we waited for our flight? Did he think I would be so enthralled with little keychains in the shape of guitars and shirts that say "Viva Nashvegas!" in the gift shop that I might forget to keep an eye on our newly-mobile daughter? Most importantly, did he really think anyone could read his handwriting in the unlikely event they found CJ wandering alone AND thought to themselves "I think I'll check in this ridiculously tiny pocket on the screaming baby's capri jeans to see if there is a note that includes contact information for not one, but both parents"?!?!?
In Corey's defense, CJ is becoming a little speed demon if given a wide open space and sufficient motivation. Yes, a breath of air can knock her over and into fits of consternation, but she is pretty little and easily lost behind things like acorns and gumdrops. I suppose I shouldn't be too offended, but I reserve the right to make fun of him.
P.S. I love that he (1) used my real name instead of my nickname -- why???, and (2) dated the memo because he such a lawyer.
Monday, March 23, 2009
All play and no work...
The weather today is GORGEOUS! We had a playdate at the park with the playgroup this morning before music class (no, Nicole and Keith didn't come today, unfortunately) to take advantage of it. Other than a slight obsession with eating the rubber bark chips on the playground (which led to mini tantrums when I dug them out of her mouth), Charlotte had a terrific time. There's nothing cuter than a baby in overalls.
Friday, March 20, 2009
High-tech story time
Charlie Jo is lucky enough to have two very talented grandmothers. One (Grandma Jo) is an algebra teacher who will be able to help her with all her math homework when Corey and I reach the limits of our knowledge. The other (NanaB) is a children's services librarian who will be able to help Charlie Jo with early literacy skills and book reports. (Her grandfathers are a little less helpful until CJ gets quite a bit older -- Grandpa Spike can help her create computer programs and Granddad will help her when she falls in love with a foreign national and wants to know how to get him a green card.)
Anyway, NanaB has already started her campaign to get Charlie Jo literate. She has been reading picture books to CJ via Skype (video conferencing over the internet), and CJ is really liking it! I can't believe how still she will sit, and it's funny to see. Today, I sat her in her spare highchair (aka "Zoey's highchair") seat to see if she would sit still on her own (meaning not in my lap). She did! She only took her eyes off the screen to make sure I was still nearby and to reach for a toy to hold during the story.
Corey thinks NanaB should start a subscription service for Skype story times. I told him that's what people think TV is.
Anyway, NanaB has already started her campaign to get Charlie Jo literate. She has been reading picture books to CJ via Skype (video conferencing over the internet), and CJ is really liking it! I can't believe how still she will sit, and it's funny to see. Today, I sat her in her spare highchair (aka "Zoey's highchair") seat to see if she would sit still on her own (meaning not in my lap). She did! She only took her eyes off the screen to make sure I was still nearby and to reach for a toy to hold during the story.
Corey thinks NanaB should start a subscription service for Skype story times. I told him that's what people think TV is.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Now she's a REAL cowgirl!
Tonight, Dan brought over Charlotte's birthday present (in addition to the awesome book the Marshalls gave her at the party) -- a gorgeous, hand-made rocking horse! We put Charlotte on it and she loved it. Isn't it beautiful?!?!? Thank you so much, Dan (and the rest of the Marshalls)!!
Lunch with the Vandy Aunties
After having coffee with the moms' group, we trekked up to Nashville for lunch with Daddy and the Vandy Aunties (my old coworkers). I miss them so much! We had a good time after lunch back at the office. CJ showed off her walking skills by taking a self-guided tour all over the building. We started with a dance party in Kathryn's office.
CJ loves her Auntie Angela!
Too bad CJ covered up Auntie Kathryn's face with the letterhead she stole.
We need to make it up there more often. It's nice to reconnect with my pre-mommy life!
CJ loves her Auntie Angela!
Too bad CJ covered up Auntie Kathryn's face with the letterhead she stole.
We need to make it up there more often. It's nice to reconnect with my pre-mommy life!
Ready for action
In our ongoing quest to raise Charlotte as a human rather than a barnyard animal, we have previously introduced the spoon to mealtimes. That was a passing fad, and a new lack of interest in her beloved yogurt has given CJ very little use for utensils. The next step was to see how CJ did with dishes. She has thrown bowls on the floor in the past, so I bought one of the kind that sticks to the highchair tray with a suction cup. This one is also shaped so that the food that doesn't quite make it to the kid's mouth is funneled back into the bowl.
This was all fine and dandy for a while, but once CJ got tired of the pasta she (1) emptied the bowl by hand (throwing the pasta onto the tray, floor, and even the dog), (2) used brute force to tear the bowl off the tray, and (3) proceeded to fling the bowl onto the nearby table.
Sigh. We have a long way to go.
Oh! But I forgot about Chuck E. Cheese! CJ did eat her pizza pieces nicely off a paper plate at Chuck E. Cheese yesterday. It wasn't until she had consumed about three large pizzas all by herself that she tired of the plate and flung it away. That kid LOVES pizza. Just like her daddy and Uncle Don.
This was all fine and dandy for a while, but once CJ got tired of the pasta she (1) emptied the bowl by hand (throwing the pasta onto the tray, floor, and even the dog), (2) used brute force to tear the bowl off the tray, and (3) proceeded to fling the bowl onto the nearby table.
Sigh. We have a long way to go.
Oh! But I forgot about Chuck E. Cheese! CJ did eat her pizza pieces nicely off a paper plate at Chuck E. Cheese yesterday. It wasn't until she had consumed about three large pizzas all by herself that she tired of the plate and flung it away. That kid LOVES pizza. Just like her daddy and Uncle Don.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Ride 'em, cowgirl
We had lunch with the playgroup today at Chuck E. Cheese. Despite the obnoxiousness and lousy pizza, it's really fun to watch Charlotte enjoy herself there. Please ignore my screechy voice trying to get CJ's attention in this video, but please enjoy watching CJ prepare for her upcoming bull riding competition.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Birthday party weekend with NanaB & Granddad
Trying to convince Charlie Jo to wear something on her head is like trying to get the ocean to stand still.
NanaB & Granddad gave her this cool outfit to wear for her birthday party.
The cakes Alicia made for the party were gorgeous AND delicious!
We had pizza for lunch at the party. Demetri fed Zoey some yummy veggies, too.
CJ got a great book from the Marshalls with lots of bright pictures in it.
Zoey helped decorate CJ's present! CJ tried to eat the envelope the card came in.
Granddad is so proud of his one-year-old.
Ready for CAKE!
Scarily enough, CJ ate almost all of that cake.
CJ looks dazed by the chocolate. The Marshalls all look cute though!
Joslyne & Zoey checked out the cool new play tunnel they gave CJ for her birthday.
CJ loves her tunnel!!
Watching the instant replay of the cake-on-the-floor debacle.
BAROO?
The next morning, we tested out CJ's new birthday suit (well, the bathing suit Corey and I gave her for her birthday, anyway) in the hot tub. CJ is going to spend a lot of time in that tub this summer, I suspect! We have grand plans to make it a "luke-warm tub" for the dog days of summer.
In her new outfit from NanaB & Granddad -- CJ looks like a little mannequin, doesn't she?
Cuddling with Mommy after a terrific lunch at Monell's in downtown Franklin. We discovered that CJ loves cornbread.
CJ tried to stow away in NanaB's suitcase, but she was discovered when it was time to pack.
NanaB & Granddad - thank you so much for coming to help us celebrate CJ's first birthday!!
NanaB & Granddad gave her this cool outfit to wear for her birthday party.
The cakes Alicia made for the party were gorgeous AND delicious!
We had pizza for lunch at the party. Demetri fed Zoey some yummy veggies, too.
CJ got a great book from the Marshalls with lots of bright pictures in it.
Zoey helped decorate CJ's present! CJ tried to eat the envelope the card came in.
Granddad is so proud of his one-year-old.
Ready for CAKE!
Scarily enough, CJ ate almost all of that cake.
CJ looks dazed by the chocolate. The Marshalls all look cute though!
Joslyne & Zoey checked out the cool new play tunnel they gave CJ for her birthday.
CJ loves her tunnel!!
Watching the instant replay of the cake-on-the-floor debacle.
BAROO?
The next morning, we tested out CJ's new birthday suit (well, the bathing suit Corey and I gave her for her birthday, anyway) in the hot tub. CJ is going to spend a lot of time in that tub this summer, I suspect! We have grand plans to make it a "luke-warm tub" for the dog days of summer.
In her new outfit from NanaB & Granddad -- CJ looks like a little mannequin, doesn't she?
Cuddling with Mommy after a terrific lunch at Monell's in downtown Franklin. We discovered that CJ loves cornbread.
CJ tried to stow away in NanaB's suitcase, but she was discovered when it was time to pack.
NanaB & Granddad - thank you so much for coming to help us celebrate CJ's first birthday!!
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