Tiny Toes

2010-06-17T13:34:00.000-05:00

2010-06-17T13:25:00.001-05:00

I know, I've been missing. It’s taken me awhile to find my way back.

While I realize we are well on our way through 2010, I'm still thinking about the year that passed. 2009 was a year of great gifts and great loss. That’s where I have been. Living opposite ends of the spectrum of life.

The gift was, quite literally, the gift of life. Stella has brought us joy when we needed it most and soothed our souls with humor and love when we least expected it. Nothing compares to sweet baby love bundled up with tiny fingers and tiny toes.

The loss was the death of my father, something I didn’t think would happen for many more years. I now understand the weight of grief, something that never goes entirely away. People tell me that it lessons with time.

But life, is funny like that.

You never know how precious it is until you see it grow and also watch someone drift away. I never thought I would do both at the same time.

What have I learned from all this? (In no particular order because how I look at it changes each day)

Life is short. Sink into it. LIVE it, feel it from the tips of your toes to the top of your head.

Love is unconditional.

Support is the greatest gift of all.

What I do, each and every day, having learned these lessons?

Love fiercely like each day my last.

Tell my people I love them, a lot. Kiss them, hug them as much as I can. Thank them for being “them” with a smile.

Tell people I appreciate them. And mean it.

Never, ever take things for granted. Small things like “Thanks for taking out the garbage Honey. I’m so glad you do this.” means everyone in my family knows the small things they do are important, and mean big things to others.

Enjoy the sunrise, even if I’m tired.

Reflect on each day.

Take the time to ask my girls what they liked best that day. Give them my undivided attention, individually for a few minutes(and sometimes it literally is only a few minutes!). I hope they will remember this.

So now what?

I don’t know.

I think we’ll jump around a bit. We may have to go back before we can go forward.

Stella did it!

2009-05-27T06:31:00.004-05:00

Mission accomplished. Toes have been found!

And she is very pleased.

Now, if she'll just let go long enough to change her diaper, we'll all be happy:)!

My favorite part

2009-05-24T20:56:00.005-05:00

Stella is entering what is my favorite parts of babyhood. She is about to find her toes. Ohhhhh, those lovely sweet little baby toes are just about in her reach and when she finds them.......hours of entertainment for the active player and the audience! She's currently grabbing her ankle, and she seems to thinks that's pretty fun. Just wait!!
I imagine she'll look something like this when she makes the connection.

She is also wiggling around and rolling right up to her side and tettering and tottering. Not quite rolling over but I imagine she will in the next week or two. Then I'm sure she'll look pretty pleased with herself, something like this...

We were also seen taking some photos in the park by a friend driving by. Busted. But Stella was in yellow and the dandylions looked to inviting....

Time keeps on slipping.

2009-05-24T20:49:00.003-05:00

With the arrival of nice weather, we have been spending as much time outside as possible. We went to visit my parents at the farm. As you can see, Lola had LOTS of fun with Grandmaman.

Not to be outdone by Poppas truck of course.

The weather was nice, although we didn't get to enjoy our picnic lunch at the beach due the the cloud of blackflies that descended. Poor Lola, she was pretty mad that we had to leave the playground ... especially as I had been going on about the picnic all morning. But we ate on the back patio at home and it was just as nice, minus the bugs.

Family day

2009-05-06T07:01:00.008-05:00

Despite all the renovations, we did take some time to go to the Zoo. It turned out to be a hot day so we had to do some "wardrobe adjustments" for Stella as we went along.

Lola LOVES the elephants. Look at our big kid now!

Running (and running) through the hollow log is always a highlight.

No trip is complete without a seat on the lap of our favorite Orangutan

I can't wait for the water park to open !

Spring has sprung

2009-05-06T07:00:00.004-05:00

And we are getting dress for it!

2009-05-06T06:21:00.008-05:00

The past few weeks have been hectic as Wil has been renovating the bathroom. He has been working VERY hard to put in a new tile floor, a new vanity and a new toilet. This meant that he has been working evenings and weekends because we were down to one toilet and one sink on the mail floor, which was sometimes a little challenging. It's almost done and looks great. I'm eternally grateful to have such a handy guy in my life. We seem to have divided the tasks well, he does the dirty figuring and I make it look pretty by painting and hanging art. Seems like a great deal to me.

The girls and I are settling into a nice little grove, just in time for the weather to warm up. We try to spend out mornings out of the house doing something. We hit the park, the mall, the library or meet up with friends. I'm happy to have reconnected with alot of my mommy group friends so Lola has been able to have a few park play dates. She really looks foward to this. She is fearless in the park now and will climb anything. Even if she falls, she's right back up there to try it again "by MYself". Having the car a few days a week has blasted open our park options and we have found some great ones here that have climbing walls and curving bumpy slides. They have some along way from when I was a kid !

Stella seems to be hitting all her miles stones so much faster than I remember with Lola. I have already started packing away her newborn clothing and sleepers with a little sigh. I love this stage where she is so little and looks and us with such absolute trust and wonder. Her smiles are so genuine and sweet and each time she gets the giggles, she gets the hiccups. She is also started sleeping from 8:00 pm to 5:00 am which makes me a well rested Mom.

A few days ago I walked into the kitchen to this....

When I asked Lola what she was doing she said "Talkin' to Stella Suuusan" When I asked what Stella was saying she said "I don't know"

Stella-3 months

2009-04-23T20:26:00.003-05:00

Yes, she is 3 months old already.

I took this yesterday morning as I was getting ready and she was sleeping. I just love her to bits.

The joys of language

2009-04-20T06:21:00.002-05:00

Watching your child develop the ability to speak is an amazing thing. We watched Lola grunts develop into very serious conversations of non-sensical words and phrases. Then we got to the "Bulllllly" stage. We could have entire conversations with the word "bully". This was a favorite for everyone. It would go something like this

Me: Bully?
Lola: Buuulllly
Me: Bully Bully?
Lola: Bulllly bulllly!!
Me; Bully Bully Bulleeeeeee!
Lola: BuLLY.

Then came random words thrown at us in rapid fire and not the right order. Example Water, ME!

Now, we have the joy of full sentences, although not always in the right order. Her favorite is "no more _________ anymore me!"

Lately, we have been schooled by Lola into what some of OUR favorite phases and words are. For example, I apparently say "I don't know" at the beginning of my sentences. Any question you ask Lola such as "what colour is this?" She replies "I don't know-red". Wil asks Lola to do things "RIGHT now" and so anything Lola needs is " I want to go the the park RIGHT now".

Lastly, there is the danger of the swearing in front of you kids. Don't look at me like that, everyone has done it! I said the F word, WEEKS ago, I might add, when I realized I had burnt the potatoes for dinner. Last week, as we were driving back from Windsor, Lola excitedly yelled out "F*ck!" from the backseat. Followed by a string of "F*ck Daddy(for the record, I NEVER said that!) "F*ck the cars" "F*ck the trees" "F*ck the birds" and "F*ck the sidewalk" before Wil and I realized that were were, indeed, hearing the work "F*ck". I looked out the window trying not to burst into laughter while Wil seriously told Lola that was not a word we should use to describe things like Daddys, birds, cars and sidewalks.

The best part about all of this is that each day brings a whole lot of laughter. I'm talking, careless, deep belly laughs that could go on for long periods of time.

This is Lola reading US the story. "Panda bear, Panda bear what do you hear. Her take "Panda bear, Panda bear Whadda wadda hear? (insert laughter here:)

Easter Bunny

2009-04-17T12:31:00.010-05:00

I've been prepping Lola about the Easter Bunnys' arrival for a few weeks. She was very excited about the prospect of having chocolate as Lola doesn't have it very often. I explained that the Easter Bunny would come to Windsor too so we wouldn't be forgotten just because we weren't at home. The chocolate was a hit with Lola and Elise, Stella just observed this year.

We also had a lovely hike with family Sarah, Seb and Elise and friends Dave, Heather and Tom and their kids at Ojibway park. Lola ran the whole way, stopping only to pick up sticks and look for turtles. We bought her new running shoes and they are really paying off. This was also Stella's first hike. She slept through pretty much the whole thing.

oh yes, and our Easter Dress. Unfortuantely, we didn't get a photo of Stella before we had a large wardrobe changing blow out, but here is Lola.

One of these things is not like the other...

2009-04-17T12:14:00.004-05:00

Ok, So I know I'm not suppose to compare my kids but, I'm sure I'm not the first(nor the last) to do it.

I'm just so blown away that Lola and Stella could be soooo different. It will be very interesting to see how this goes as they progress in life. As you know from my various blog entries, Lola is a mover and a shaker. She always needed to be bounced and walked around(rocking was not something she enjoyed) and she constantly needed new places to be and things to see. Stella loves to just.... sit.... and watch. She sits in her chair and looks around for long periods of time. She studies my face and the faces of others very intently, like she has something to say. The other day as she was kicking it out on the livingroom floor, I went to get Lola from her nap. When I came back downstairs with my wide awake little whirlwind, Stella had fallen asleep, in the MIDDLE of the floor, by herself. I wasn't quite sure what to do.....this had NEVER happened before!! Lola and headed to the basement to play a little Dora on the computer until Wil got home. The regular dinner activity woke Stella up, refreshed and ready to go again. Amazing.

Keeping busy

2009-04-02T06:35:00.005-05:00

Trying to get around the neighborhood was something I was really worried about. We are within walking distance of the library, grocery stores and a couple parks, but alot of these are just a little to far for Lola to walk to. So, I did it, I took the plunge and invested a whole $65 in a second hand double stroller. It's a pig, it's heavy and hard to turn with Lola it BUT, it gives us FREEDOM to leave the house quite happily. Lola loves the "new" stroller and her new seat in "first"

Stellas' carseat clips on so she usually sleeps through the whole thing.

Obviously these were taken a few weeks ago when we still had snow. Since the snow has melted we also have other modes of transportation available.

OR we like to to stay at home and as Lola says "maka the muffins for Daddy"

Of course this involves a enormous amount of tasting and mess but a very happy little girl so it's all worth it. Stella usally watches or sleeps beside us as we mix the day away

If it ain't broken....

2009-03-23T06:41:00.007-05:00

When Wil and I first set eyes on Stella, we thought "WOW, she looks NOTHING like Lola" But after a few days, I pulled out some photos and realized she looks nothing like our 2 year old blond haired Lola.

After careful inspection, it appears that we have created the exact same child.

So I better label my photos carefully now as I won't be able to tell them apart!

There are some differences as Stella seems to have Wil's nose, but overall, they are pretty darn similar.

Especially when you look at photos of them being held by friends and family....

Lola

Lola holding Stella

Stella- our happy little gremlin

2009-03-19T06:49:00.008-05:00

It's hard to believe that Stella is almost 2 months old! Writing a blog with 2 kids is more challenging than I thought it would be. I'm working on syncing naps but Lola is on the verge of giving them up entirely so I'm not sure that will work.

But back to Stella. She is our perfect little angel. She's calm and happy and sitting quietly beside me as I write this. Last week she starting cooing and smiling and flirting with anyone who will pay attention. She's happy to sit quietly in her chair as long as I chat with her while I make dinner. At night she's a little gremlin, full of little grunts and chuckles as she sleeps. She's a great little night sleeper: going to bed at 9 and getting up around 3 and then around 6:00. This means I am very well rested and able to carry on with my day with only one cup of coffee to get me started in the morning.

Stella at 2 weeks

Stella at 3 weeks

Stella at 4 weeks

Stella at 5 weeks

Stella at 6 weeks

New Release- Baby Model # 01/27/2009

2009-02-26T20:19:00.004-06:00

We are happy to announce the arrival of our long anticipated "Baby Melis #2" The "Stella Susan" Model is guaranteed to please all that hold her. Weighing 8 pounds 4 ounces at birth, she is perfectly healthy and fully loaded with all sorts of delightful baby tricks.

Similar to the "Lola Rose" model she has a good set of lungs, blue eyes and a head of dark hair. Photo evidence reveals the both models look VERY similar at birth (Note to parents- label the photos and diagrams NOW.) However, as we have seen the "Lola Rose" model develop into a blond haired, grey eyed individual, we are curious to see how the "Stella Susan" model will evolve in time.

We highly advise that you visit us a 1909 Malden Crescent in Pickering, Ontario and view this miracle of life for your self. Our doors are always open to new and "repeat" customers.

Family Christmas

2009-02-21T20:27:00.007-06:00

This year, we stayed. No more 8 hr car trips, no more 4 hr car trips. Just lots of trips to the grocery store for all our visitors. Being 8 months pregnant, i just wasn't up for all the moving about to different beds and different cites. We put up our first Christmas tree. We spent Christmas eve with Rob and Raquel down the street because we COULD. It was fun to be home for the holidays. I get what all the hype was about.

My parents came down for Christmas day. They gave Lola her first kitchen , which she loves, as well as a load of other gifts. She makes tea for anyone that walks though the door. (Sometimes you get a cookie, but you may also get a weiner so you have to be careful.) She spends alot of time calling people on her phone too.

Sarah, Seb and Elise arrived on Boxing Day and Opa Bill and Grammy Faye arrived for dinner on the 27th. It was suppose to be a lovely ham dinner but, as my stove broke when I was put my bird in the oven on Christmas day, it was BBQ salmon instead. For the record, I think it was a nice change. Shout out to the Madills who let me use their stove on Christmas day so we could have our Cotie/Melis dinner.

We learned to appreciate the joys of Christmas now that Lola is old enough to open presents and get excited about it. Family takes on new meaning when you have kids around.

Royal Winter Fair

2008-12-01T11:50:00.004-06:00

We had Melis visitors a few weeks back and decided to head down to the Royal Winter Fair. Lola almost LOST HER MIND with all the animals. We saw the "Super Dogs" show which I was convinced she would NOT sit through. Turns out I was dead wrong as she spent most of the show laughing, clapping and cheering along. Plus there was bunnies, cows and a entire petting zoo to feed. A good time had by all!

Ghouls, goblins and butterflies

2008-11-05T07:33:00.007-06:00

Halloween in our neighbourhood is a BIG event. As the weather was fantastic, most people set up camp on their front porch, socialize and indulge in a few beverages. The street is usually filled with laughing children running helter skelter, patient parents on the sidewalks and the occasional scream as someone gets spooked.

Lola and I have been "practicing" trick or treating all week (with the help of the bathroom door) but she was shocked to emerge into a street party.

She did her rounds and quickly got the hang of holding out her bucket for candy.

Our neighbour David, was a larger than life Elmo which was both facinating and horrifying once she figured out how big he was. We spend a good deal of time asking "Where's Elmo?" only to find him and break down in tears 'cause he was so big. David decided to remove Elmos' head to show Lola that it was a costume. She carefully looked at David, then Elmos' head on the lawn chair and said "oh MAN....." (which is her new favorite saying)

Once our bucket was full we took a bit of time to enjoy some of the spoils and then it was out to roam the streets and visit with the other kids.

We can't wait for next year!

Another summer come and gone...

2008-10-25T21:05:00.008-05:00

I can't believe it has been over 3 months since I last did a post! I have no excuses other than the usual(busy with work, busy with life, busy working mother of an active 2 year old) but it is nice to take a bit of time to catch up.

Lola loves to run, usually away from us! She's a constant mimac and parrot. She learned how to water the garden, not that we got to do it that often with all the rain we had this summer!

We also went camping with Daphne and Owen on the August long weekend. We loved spending time with quality people we don't get to see nearly enough now that we are no longer in Ottawa. Lola loved being outside and we were blessed with little rain, but the beach was was little chilly.

We did find some other ways to pass our time....

Lola decided that THE BEST place to sit was in the middle of the road. This way, she could keep a good eye on everyone that might wander by and pay some attention to her. Luckily, there was very little traffic, but it was still hard to convince her that the campfire was more fun!

My beach babe

2008-06-30T09:18:00.004-05:00

Lola is enjoying testing out the backyard pool

As well as going to the beach and playing with friends. As Dannick, JM and Erin were down for the weekend, they had a great time rolling around in the sand.

It's time....

2008-05-21T13:06:00.008-05:00

For us to realize that our "baby" is no longer a baby but a real live Toddler! She's growing out of toys, clothes and shoes at an alarming rate.

She's eating with a spoon, and getting most of the food IN her mouth. In fact, she only wants to feed herself.

Daycare is teaching Lola all kinds of words, her body parts and even her colours. Grandmaman and Grandpa inadvertantly taught her to cross her arms, although she looks more like a rapper as she hasn't quite figured out how to tuck one arm under the other yet.

And yes, she's a handful. She ONLY has one speed. RUN. She refuses to hold my hand as we run down the street. On Monday, at Ontario place, she ran the opposite direction and when I said "bye" she waved, blew me a kiss and ran off in the direction of her choice, causing Wil to dash after her before she got too far.

Yes, she seems to have inherited a bit of a stubborn nature. Hmmm? Not sure where she got that. But she is constantly smiling when she shakes her head not and that kinda makes up for it....

Going to daycare in my FAVORITE boots

2008-05-15T21:17:00.001-05:00

our favorite thing to do... 'specially if we don't get caught

2008-05-15T21:14:00.004-05:00

Team Melis: the changes

2008-04-29T08:39:00.007-05:00

The past few months have included alot of changes for team Melis. After 2 months of "Daddy daycare" Wil started a new job. YEAH! MUCH closer to home, he has managed to shave off over an hour of commuting which we all get to enjoy the benefits of. Lola started a new daycare as our babysitter decided to go back to work. We were VERY sad to move Lola as Judith has given her a warm loving home, home cooked meals(sometimes for us too!) and lots of guidance. But, we felt is was also time for Lola to start spending time with other kids.

We settled on Muppets which Lola also has a friend at(from baby group) and is on Wil's way to and from work. I'll admit, the first 2 weeks were rough on all of us. Funny, I found it much harder to leave her now than I did when I first went to work. I think it is because she is just one of many children now. I worry, about things I didn't before like....
Is she eating?
Is her diaper being changed enough?
Is she sharing?
Is she making friends?
Is she napping?
Did I tell them that she Baby Van Gogh makes her scream and cry but Old Mac Donald is a hit? Do they watch TV?
Is she happy? Does she think we are abandoning her with a bunch of strangers? Does she know HOW MUCH we adore her when we are not there?

The answers are all good. Yes, she's eating everthing, but fruit from a bowl 'cause she just likes to squish it if it's on her tray. Yes, we got the diaper thing sorted so no more diaper rash. She seems to be getting along and is happy all day so I think that means she is making some friends and sharing(or dumping) toys. She's napping but not as well as she does at home.

The other day when I picked her up, she saw me from across the room and ran over with a smile and a laugh right into my arms. A new feeling of joy for me. Kinda like when you go to pick up a friend at the airport and you see them in a crowd of people. It takes a minute before you both see each other, then get to each other and and then it is just hugs and laughter and jumping around. But Lola is like that every day! Lola's joy is so pure and open, as is her anger when things don't go to her liking! It am amazed that we have a child that is so curious and happy. Yes, some of that she has learned from us, but alot of it is really ALL her own personality now.

I'm amazed,
daily,
filled with laughter,
daily,
and truly
happy.

An actual smile!

2008-03-13T19:55:00.002-05:00

Lola LOVES the camera!

But now when she sees it all she will do it this

it's been a challenge to capture an actual smile... but here it is!

Zoe's snow day

2008-03-13T19:34:00.008-05:00

Lola recieved this book when she got her first library card. For awhile, it was her favorite. Everyone that read it to her found themselves walking around and chanting "Where is zoe going?" Over and over again. It's catching. Here's our version

Lola's Snowy Day

Where is Lola going?

Riding in her sled

Big hill

Skating rink

Snowy dreams in bed

The changes....

2008-02-04T20:50:00.000-06:00

Are still happening at an alarming rate for me. Last year at this time, I was home with Lola, taking daily walks and religiously checking the weather channel to make sure it wasn't too cold. She was only 6 months old. Look at her now!

Although, I'm not sure WHEN she'll get her bottom teeth as she has a pretty big space between her 2 middle teeth and her molars.....

She is also started to talk. We have been babbling, very seriously, with hand gestures and head nods for about 2 months. Now we have a couple of actual WORDS. Not surprising, her first word was "Down" as in "Mommy, I need to keep running and I can't when you are holding on to me." Tonight she said "Bed" and ran to the stairs when I asked if she was ready for bed. We're hoping it stays this easy.....

Here is a little selection of some of her favorite things to do....

But we really like to try on Daddy's shoes....

Weekend adventures

2008-02-04T20:17:00.000-06:00

We decided to take Lola to the ROM. Raquel, Wil and I wanted to see the Dinosaurs exhibit and we hadn't been inside the crystal addition since it had been open. We headed out early on a very chilling Saturday morning to be there when it opened at 10. We found that were weren't the only ones with this idea on a day when going to the park was not an option. There was a line up of strollers to get in. We stopped at McDonalds for a coffee. But it was fun once we got inside and looked around. From what I saw of the dinosaurs as Lola and I and ran by, it was great exhibit, very impressive. Lola seemed to like the empty hallway leading to the bathrooms best. I was very glad I had spent $20.00 to run up a white empty hallway. Luckily, we took turns chasing Lola so I did get to have a quick look about and do a small amount of reading. Unfortunately, I forgot the camera, but I think lots of other people have photos of Lola as everytime she saw a camera, she beelined over, inserted herself in the middle of the photos and started to strike poses. I'm not kidding. According to Wil, most families found it entertaining but one decided to up and leave. Apparently, our posing bandit was the last straw in a busy morning.

This weekend we got PILES of snow! So we headed to the park to play. We made our first snow angel. Lola wasn't too sure about it it....

we played on the swing, played on the slide and ran around

and then it was time to go home

Winter fun

2008-01-16T20:07:00.001-06:00

Lola got a new sled. We thought it would be a great idea to take her out for a snowshoe over the holidays.

After all, it was mild and there was PILES of snow at the farm. So, off we went. We quickly realized there was a problem as we were sinking more than we were snowshoeing. Then, the worst possible thing happened. The sled got suspiciously light. We looked back. Lola was spread eagle, facedown in the snow. Once we got to her and rolled her over it was funny to see that she was pretty unsure of what was going on and TOTALLY fine. We decided to soldier on. I looked back just in time to see Lola's feet in the air as she summersaulted, backwards out of the sled.

We picked up our passenger and decided to head for home.

We had only gone about 200 feet.

Hopefully we'll have better luck when we head to the fish camp in Feb.

Until then, maybe we'll stick to the park.

Sometimes...

2008-01-10T20:56:00.000-06:00

After a long day at work, I REALLY wonder if it's all going to be ok. Am I crazy for wanting to work in a place where I sometimes get SOO busy I forget to even go to the bathroom until I get home at night?

Some days, DEFINATELY.

Some days I spend my time commuting desperately trying to dream up other jobs I could get that would make things easier.

I am in AWE of people that do it all. I can BARELY get out of the house with 2 matching socks. I frequently worry that I'm going to run outthe door in my slippers and realize while I am waiting for the train that I forgot to change. I have a WHOLE new set of standards when it comes to organization and cleanliness. Really, how often do people that work all week actually clean their bathrooms and wash their floors. It's not like I'm there to dirty it anyway. Right?

I don't know. I miss Lola when I am at work. I miss that I'm not here to make her baby food and watch her learn new thinks. I'm sad that I miss the little changes that happen EVERY single day. I miss going on long walks, rolling around on the floor and singing the same damn nursery rhyme that she loves sooo much.

But,

I DO appreciate not talking about "pee pees and poo poos" all day. I like having a little bit of my time when no one needs me to do anything and I can just.. sit.. or listen to music... or READ. I like that work is a place I am not "Mama", just Marie-Paule at ext 2449, who is probably not at her desk because she is running around a studio trying to get stuff done.

Is that selfish?

I'm TRULY happy
but I wish...
I wish

it was just a little bit easier.

That I could cook dinner and not feel rushed and starved at the end of day. That I had time to take photos again and paint my living room a colour I actually like. That I had time to do yoga and go for a run....

A bit of Holiday Fashion Fun

2008-01-07T21:06:00.000-06:00

It's important that someone this small looks good ALL THE TIME....

Merry Christmas!!!

2007-12-18T20:18:00.000-06:00

Yet another fantastic Sanata!! This was at the family party for Wil's work. Lola is a perfect model...

Fall Fun

2007-11-21T11:55:00.000-06:00

We have a great U-Pick place near our house. In the fall, the have a fun park for kids complete with a pumpkin canon AND canapult. Best of all, the have PILES of pumpkins!

Our first "trick or treat"

2007-11-02T12:09:00.000-05:00

Wil carved us a great pumpkin!

We headed out to show off our costume and visit with the neighbours. We didn't bring a bag for candy as Lola can't eat it. I still seemed to come home with my pockets stuffed!

The costume was a hit! Lola loved running around, as you can see, that's pretty much all we did. Other people loved watching her run around too. The weather was perfect so we didn't even need a jacket. I already have our "family" costume planned out for next year.....

Happy Halloween from the Melis "chick"

2007-10-31T07:28:00.001-05:00

She liked wearing her new costume...

She wasn't too sure 'bout it when she looked in the mirror though!

Tonight, we'll tour the neighbourhood.... stay tuned!

Reasons to give thanks

2007-10-31T07:19:00.000-05:00

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving this year. Our house was filled with family, our bellies were filled with yummy food and our hearts were filled with all the good feelings that come from spending time with the people you love.

Grandma Melis, Grandmaman and Grandpa Cotie came to visit for the weekend. Good thing we bought new living room chairs in the spring as it was a full house! We went to the Mc Micheal gallery in Vaughn to see the Robert Bateman exhibit, which everyone really enjoyed. It is a beautiful location with lots of paths for walking. We will be returing when it isn't raining to enjoy them. They had a special play area for kids. Lola seemed to like the canoe alot.

I know that Wil and I couldn't have asked for a better Thanksgiving.

Birthday celebrations

2007-10-29T11:55:00.000-05:00

Lola turned 1. We had a party. We were really happy that most of the downtown folk made the trip. Wil and I had a great social with everyone( but time went by too fast and we didn't have enough time for extended chats with everyone). We hope everyone enjoyed the great weather, social and snacks!

Lola was generally confused but all the fuss. Luckily, I had a helper to open presents as Lola was much more interested in the wrapping paper. Special thank you to everyone who came and brought a present. We really just wanted a gathering but, as usual, everyone was incredibly thoughtful and brought gifts too. Here is our thanks,

Penny, I put on Lolas boots today for the first time to go to day care. Too cute for words

Noelle, Mike and Jen, the books are something that I love reading as much as Lola loves listening too.

Harold, practical and stylish our little girl is!

Jackie and Doug. Love the sweater, perfect for the season and she is "digging" the snack bowls.

Rob and Raquel, the books are ALL Lola wants to look at. Over and Over and Over and yep, OVER again

Jane and Jay- she is the best dressed kid in the 'hood. The tights are a perfect match for her denim skirts and dresses,

Grandmaman and Grandpa, Lola got some killer jeans and some new onsies

Grandma Sue, Lola looks stylish as ever

Opa Bill and Faye, the music box is a keepsake she will have forever.

Aunt Sarah and Uncle Seb, A classic story to add to Lola's collection

Juan and Julie, the hippest sweat suit we have

Hernan and Patti, clothes to grow into-PERFECT!

1

2007-09-25T19:30:00.000-05:00

It's still hard for me to believe that exactly one year ago today, I was gazing down at Lola's face, wondering and imagining what would happen NEXT. Our baby had arrived. Wil and I were taking turns holding a tightly swaddled baby that we would be taking home with us!! She was here, and we had to name her. We called her Lola Rose but, really, she wasn't even "Lola" yet. We had given her a name, but we had now idea what kind of personality she would attach to it. A year has passed and we are delighted with all the new and wonderful things that Lola has given us. Like her namesake, she has a wonderful personality; full of surprises, smiles, laughs and general good humour.

Crawling is boring. Walking is fun. She had 3 teeth, with a fourth to arrive any day. She knows that Wil is Da Da, I am Ma Ma. If she cries and looks up with puppy dog eyes, we WILL pick her up and play some more(even if it IS bedtime). She loves flowers. She wants to put them in her mouth. She wants to put EVERYTHING in her mouth. All in all we have settled into a comfortable routine that seems to leave us all happy(and thankful) at the end of the day.

People say that children change your life. I'm going to have to agree. I can't imagine it any other way.

At the zoo

2007-09-16T12:19:00.000-05:00

We got alot, Lola likes it. Now she can see the animals and she is always curious to see what they are doing.

A little off the top

2007-09-16T12:07:00.000-05:00

When we were in Windsor on Labour day weekend, Lola got her first hair cut. I love her curls but she was looking like a little ragamuffin, so Grandma Sue took care of everything. Lola seemed to enjoy the whole thing. Since it has been cut, her hair looks even blonder. When I look back to when she was born with all that dark hair I wonder where it went. What happened? Will she stay blond? I guess only time will tell but it's fun to guess!

Yummy? Yummy!

2007-09-16T11:59:00.000-05:00

When Lola sees the ziplock that I keep the Cheerios in appear, her whole face lights up. She loves the challenge of trying to get them in her mouth. I just wish she would take in interest in putting other kinds of food and drink in her mouth. No matter how many times I try to get her to hold her own bottle, she would rather just sit there little a litter gerbil while I feed her. She's still her own little personality.

Similar expressions occur when we put on the Baby Einstein movie. She has been watching the same movie since she was 3 months old, once a day, while Wil and I eat dinner or clean up the kitchen. Each time she sees the catapiller logo, you would swear it was the first time. She starts gasping, clapping and double hand waving. She is beside herself with excitement until the credits roll by. Something tells me I should could my blessings as I am sure as she gets older, it will be more difficult to entertain her.....

August

2007-09-10T19:57:00.000-05:00

Our summer was very very busy. We went to the beach at Frenchmans Bay to play in the waterpark and enjoy the beach sand.

We checked out the waves but we didn't really like the look of them.....

We went to the fish camp to see Grandmaman and Grandpa

We posed in the boat,

We posed in our high chair

We posed on the beach

But left fishing to the boys

Lola's party trick

2007-08-08T20:24:00.000-05:00

For those of your who are "regulars" you may have notice that Lola always appears to be smiling. As Jane, Jay, and Raquel can attest, Lola loves to smile for the camera. On demand. Even if she is throwing some kind of fit. Once a camera is whipped out, she's all smiles.

I swear, I didnt' teach her. Ok, maybe just a little bit......

She loves cheerios these days. That's about it though, I keep making all kinds of baby food and she only seems to like the stuff I buy from a jar. Sigh, what's a mother to do?

But she loves her present from Daphne and Owen!

And she loves to watch Daddy but the lawn. Lawnmowers are facinating machines....

The mother of all updates

2007-07-29T20:10:00.000-05:00

We have had a busy few weeks! We celebrated Opa Bill's birthday with a BBQ and the Melis family. Even though it did rain we still had lots of good conversation, food and fun.

With our regular babysitter recovering from surgery, our parents have stepped in to take care of Lola while we continue to go to work. Sue was down 2 weeks ago and they had a great time together.

My parents were down for last week. Lola really enjoyed have her grandparents undivided attention.

It was a perfect time to visit as well as she has learned to crawl and is cruising around funiture like a pro.

And we put up containment devices( AKA gates...)

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Wil and I are wondering where our "little baby" went. We find ourselves watching her sleep and being amazed at how big she looks to us now. We are delighted at how much FUN she is and feel very lucky to have such a happy and good natured child. She is constantly smiling, laughing, clapping and waving "bye bye". While I believe everyone has good days and bad, Lola's seem to start and end with a smile.

Movin' and shakin'

2007-07-18T20:58:00.000-05:00

It should be duelly noted that Lola is now moving with her own steam now. It is 10:00 pm, Wil just finished putting up baby gates. She is crawling, reaching, grabbing, pulling herself up and starting to "cruise" around the furniture.

Things are about to get VERY interesting......

The Next Generation......

2007-07-18T20:48:00.000-05:00

Lola and I went home to the farm two weeks ago to visit my parents. Wil was at a bachelor party in Barrys Bay at a cottage, so it was just the ladies. This is Lola in the Cotie high chair. It was used by my Dad and his 2 brothers when they were babies. When my parents inherited it, it was in pieces. They had it put back together and it is enjoying a second wind. It has been used frequently by visiting family and now it is Lolas' turn. She seems to like it.

Water baby

2007-07-04T20:55:00.000-05:00

Need we say more?

2007-06-28T20:48:00.000-05:00

We are on the verge of watching Lola crawl. She sits, bounces and leans forward to get her favorite toys( all due to Wil's training schedule before I get home from work. But her MOST favorite thing to do is stand and walk around holding our hands. Killer on our backs, but it makes her SO happy it is really hard to say no.

Wednesday, when I left Lola in her crib while I started her bath, she figured out how to pull herself up to standing. Although she looked pretty upset when I got back as she didn't know how to get back down.

We are looking forward to the weekend when we can relax in the backyard and spend some time at the park. 3 days of fun in the sun. I am hoping it will be warm enough to hit a splash park as we just bought a bathing suit.

Today

2007-06-28T20:47:00.000-05:00

I looked at this headband and said "No way".

Then, we tried it on and I said "Maybe just for today........"

The chiclets

2007-06-28T20:45:00.000-05:00

Here's a good look at Lola's chiclets. No other appearences other than these first two.... yet.

Busy..

2007-06-19T19:49:00.000-05:00

Ok, so we have been busy. I know, I know, it is no excuse but it is the truth. The fact is that, now that I have been back to work for almost 2 1/2 months, all the pre-cooking and baking that I had done is now gone. Wil or myself has to cook dinner every night and by the time everything is cleaned up and Lola is in bed, it's late and I am ready to head to bed myself.

But, Lola's doing great! She's finally found a comfortable position to sit in while I feed her....

She's really enjoying eating and treats like cookies

We have been taking the train downtown to meet friends( thanks for meeting up Mike and Nat!)

And having a blast at the park

Fashion wise, some days are better than others

But we can still strike a pose

And we are pretty darn happy!

Inside my brain on a hot day

2007-06-02T20:14:00.000-05:00

Today was hot. I love hot. There is nothing I love more than feeling like a nicely browning piece of toast.
Wil and Bill(Opa) went to the Jays game.

Lola decided that napping was unnecessary.
I promised I wouldn't spend any money so we went to the Dollar store.
I bought Lola a funky yellow ball with red flowers thinking this could be a new game for us.

She's terrified of it. Seriously, she screams when she sees and I have to hide it because she keeps trying to look around me if I just put it behind my back

GREAT, now what?

Well there is always time for a photoshoot. Especially when it is hot enough to break out some new summer dubs....

Of course, Autumn needed to be in on the action

It's only 4:00..... maybe we'll go for a walk. I mean, summer is definately here so I should by some sunscreen right? I'm a responsible parent, after all. Off to the mall. Maybe I should just Look at "The Childrens Place" Oh, everything is on sale... no, we are on a spending freeze, remember? Oh, but I just ran into a friend from University that I haven't seen in 10 years! We chat up each others kids, they say that they just came from H&M. Maybe we should look there..... just look. I find the most darling hat. I want it for myself. It fits Lola perfectly. It is even cuter on than it was on the shelf.

WE NEED IT. I am, after all, a responsible parent. I'll pay cash. That makes it ok, right?

oh yeah, sunscreen. hmmmm, there is a great magazine about BBQ recipes, that also responsible as we do need easy quick meal ideas for after work.

oh yeah, sunscreen.

We head home. We have photoshoot number 2 with our new hat. Dad and Opa arrive home.

"Nice hat" says Wil

"I know" I say "I paid cash"

Another one!

2007-05-30T20:24:00.000-05:00

Another tooth, that is! We noticed it on Saturday morning. Each day when I check they have grown in a bit more. Guess we'll have to wait and see when the next one arrives.

This is Lola and Wil 2 weekends ago when we found a new path down by the lake. I was the perfect day for a walk and we all enjoyed ourselves.

Going to the Zoo, how 'bout you?

2007-05-29T19:48:00.000-05:00

So, we did it. We got a zoo membership. As I have already been 3 times, it has now paid for itself. Dave and Heather were visiting on the weekend and convinced Wil he should get a membership too. I swear, I never would have guessed that I would like going to the zoo in a million years but I quite enjoy it. It'll be really fun when we can take Lola to the splash park when the weather is hot.....

And I think Lola seems to like it as well.

We had a busy weekend with Dave, Heather, Miles and the Bump visiting. Plus we got to have the downtown folk visit for Sat afternoon in the backyard. Heather and I even got to go for dinner with Penny and Noelle when the boys offered to babysit. All in all, a very successful weekend!!

One down!

2007-05-21T20:05:00.000-05:00

Lola got her first tooth today! We noticed it this morning, rather, Wil did when she was chomping on his finger and it was a little sharp. It is her bottom left tooth and I can see the right one ready to break through any day now.

She's saucy...

2007-05-14T21:41:00.000-05:00

and she knows it. This was Lola celebrating Mothers day.

Checking things out

2007-05-14T21:40:00.000-05:00

Lola loves to inspect things, especially grass when we go to the park.....

yum yum!

2007-05-14T21:35:00.000-05:00

Lola tries her first cookie, a "Mum Mum" She hasn't quiet figured out how to get in in her mouth, but shes is getting closer, and she was pretty excited to try.

Sunday morning

2007-05-14T21:34:00.000-05:00

Relaxing on a Sunday morning....

GOING TO THE ZOO!

2007-05-01T19:49:00.000-05:00

The weather was perfect for a trip to the Zoo on Sunday. It was wonderfully sunny and warm. Since Wil need some extra "sleep"( read... he was out way late and his body was definately paying for it, let's face it, we are not 18 anymore so we probably shouldn't treat our bodies that way...) Raquel, Melissa, Lola and I headed off for our own little adventure. I'm not too sure if Lola even noticed the animals, but she did dig all the cool reflections in the water!

Us "Big Kids loved having Lola around as an excuse to ride the hippo and take lots of photos....

Wil did decide to wash the car and enjoy the lovely weather as well. Lola supervised....

Wil is away in Halifax until tomorrow so I was responsible for dropping Lola off and picking her up. I also had the car to drive to the Go which was great. And I solved the mystery on where people park. I found another entire lot of 700 hundred and some spots! Yeah for me! It is a bit of a walk but still beats taking the bus! All these little things I don't know about Pickering that I am slowly finding out as time goes on.

First time at the Park

2007-04-23T21:30:00.000-05:00

Lola's first time at the park in the swing. It was definately a hit....

Summer, Summer, Summertime!

2007-04-23T21:22:00.000-05:00

We enjoyed our first really nice weather this weekend and had a picnic down at the waterfront. Wil and I had subs, Lola watched.... and waited for us to be done so we could push our "diva" around some more........

Week 1 at daycare

2007-04-23T21:15:00.000-05:00

Well, we all made it through the first week. Of all of us, it seems the easiest transition was actually for Lola. She's drinking bottles, having naps and coming home with a smile on her face. All good things for us. She did wake up a little early one night but that could also be that she is teething.

This was this morning as we were getting ready to go. I got her dressed in a cute dress which she didn't get to wear too long as she had a "blow out" that required a wardrobe change. Oh well, we'll keep trying...

As for me, the days are going to be long with the commute but work is going to be great. I will be busy and not just sitting at my desk which will be a breath of fresh air from my last job.

Can I hear and AMEN....

2007-04-15T18:45:00.000-05:00

She did it! No thanks to me, I can't take any credit for the fact that she will accept a bottle. This photo was taken Friday when she was at daycare and I was touring work. What a relief for all of us. I am sure there will still be a few more struggles ahead but at least I know she will have a full belly......

Countdown

2007-04-12T19:58:00.000-05:00

Tomorrow Lola will be having her first official day care experience. I will be going downtown for 1/2 a day to get everything sorted and settled for my first official full day on Monday. I admit, I'm a little nervous. I'm writing lists for our daycare provider of alll Lola's likes and dislikes. I have all the usual parent fears, what if she cries, what if she won't eat, what if she misses me. Or what if she DOESN'T miss me!! I know, she'll be fine.... but she's still so little to me......

It's been a busy week trying to get everything ready. I hosted my first and last Wednesday baby group meeting at our place. I am really going to miss those Wednesday afternoons with ladies and babies. We even had a story time in my honour called "when Momma comes home tonight", which made me feel much better about the process of leaving Lola. But I look forward to staying in the loop and joining in on activities when I can. Wil had to head off to Vancouver today for work but he will be back in time for the weekend. My parents have been down helping me to clean, cook and pick up furniture for the livingroom( they have a large truck!). As well as showering their only grandchild with loads of hugs, kisses and praise for her new tricks. It's been fantastic to have them here. For those of you that have parents closeby-I am offically jealous.

We also bought Lola a jolly jumper today. We got the expected results. Total uncontrolled bouncing and giggles. PERFECT!

It seems that this blog will be evolving into a working Moms' take on life. Expect some good stories as Lola, Wil and I get settled into our new routine.....

Big changes...

2007-04-09T20:21:00.000-05:00

We are now on the countdown to another big change. In 7 days, I will be going back to work. I have found a position downtown that I am very excited about. While it is going to be so hard to leave my litle Lola, this is one of the reasons that we moved to Toronto- to find work that we are really want to do. And so, the past few weeks have been alot of rushing around-going to job interviews, finding daycare and shopping for a post baby wardrobe to accomdate my "breast-raunt" shape. So far, it has all gone well. Jenell was a total savior as she watched Lola while I went to my interviews( and Lola got to hang with Van). Daycare is sorted and we have found a lovely woman who seems very excited to look after Lola, within walking distance from our house. Raquel and I had a great time shopping today to make sure that I will look good enough to work in an office/studio.

Don't get me wrong-there is just one little hitch. Lola still refuses the bottle, and sippy cup. But she east cereal and carrots! AND she will tolorate formula from a spoon. I KNOW- that's not really good enough. I have been trying to be very, very patient. I have tried everything that has been suggested but I am at a loss. Any advice would be appreciated......

Lola and the Easter Bunny

2007-04-08T08:57:00.000-05:00

Happy Easter everyone! Since Lola can't have chocolate yet, we took photos....
This is her special "Easter dress" courtesy of Shannon in Taiwan, it is a perfect fit!

Look, no hands!

2007-04-07T13:34:00.000-05:00

This is our new favorite game, "knocking over blocks and getting Mommy and Dad to stack them up again"

Update

2007-04-02T19:34:00.000-05:00

Lola is changing at an alarming rate. I figured it was time to list some of her latest achievements that continue to amaze Wil and I.

1.Over the past few days she has become particularly giggly. Not that I am complaining. I love being greeted in the morning with an ear to ear grin and giggles. Either she's really happy or my bed head is really bad. I'm going to go with her being happy. The smallest things can set her off into a fit of giggles that usually ends up with the hiccups. She's loving when we move and shake her "buddies" around. She giggles when we sing songs and play peek a boo. Although, I have discovered I just actually have to say "boo" and she laughs hysterically so I don't bother to hide.

2.Lola has also learned how to roll from her stomach to her back as she doesn't really like playing on her stomach. She now actively grabs at toys and switches them from hand to hand. AND she LOVES to pitch them to the floor.

3.She learned how to sit up and knock over the Baby Einstein Blocks( thanks Lyndsey and Laurence!)While she still needs to be spotted in case she leans to far, this is a new thing for us to do, and we do it, over and over and over again.....

4.She finally likes her lady bug activity centre-WHEW- I was getting worried! She has figured out how to spin and shake the toys and gets a real kick out of bouncing around. Another thing we can do.

5. She has perfected the move we call the "shimmy shake". This involves lifting her butt of the ground for momentum and using her heels and shoulders to scuttle across the floor. This move requires constant monitoring as she has been spotted moving from one side of the room to the other in mere moments.

6. She's eating cereal everyday. Wil has been much more successful at feeding her than I have. Tomorrow, we try sweet potato.

All of these things are wonderful.

But there are 2 things she is NOT doing.

1.Napping. It continues to be a struggle to get to her take a nap, even though she is a screaming mess from being so tired. I have tried countless routines, countless locations and the only one that seems to succeed is sleeping in her stroller. Not really the best solution but the only one that seems to work.

2.She is still refusing the bottle. I now have 3 different bottle systems with 5 different nipples and 3 versions of sippy cups. She seems to hate them all. But we will keep on trying......

She figured it out....

2007-04-02T19:25:00.000-05:00

This is what I found Lola doing with the sock she just learned how to pull off....

TOES!!

2007-03-31T10:45:00.000-05:00

As you can see, we have found our toes. And we LOVE it. All of Lola's socks are wet on the end as she keeps sticking them in her mouth. My little yoga girl!

Happy

2007-03-31T10:34:00.000-05:00

I went home recently to pack up some of my memories from my parents house, inorder to give them back some much deserved space. This was my favorite doll when I grew up and I thought I'd pass it on to Lola for some quality cuddle time.

Melis curls

2007-03-19T19:23:00.000-05:00

Captured by Sarah on the weekend.

MMMMmmmmmm ?

2007-03-19T19:09:00.000-05:00

We thought it would be a good idea to try cereal. Lola always watches in facination as we eat. As you can see from our photo, she's not too sure about eating herself yet. All in good time.....

Ladybug friend

2007-03-13T10:24:00.000-05:00

We bought this for Lola a couple of weeks ago and now she is finally big enough....

I think I like it Mom and Dad

I KNOW I like it!

Standing

2007-03-13T09:03:00.000-05:00

Lola does everything "her" way. She has decided that she really does not want to sit(or learn to do it on her own). She would rather stand. So, like the great Dad that he is, Wil discovered that Lola can do this now...

Again, constant monitoring with this trick or else the result is a SERIOUS face plant.

The abyss

2007-03-12T11:37:00.000-05:00

Blogs are funny little creatures. They scurry around peoples desktops. Sometimes they are full size items on peoples home computers, other times they are furtively read at work. I have been told that they can be really sanity savers.
But really,

I have no idea.

I just keep writing into the abyss.

Sometimes, I get comments from my most loyal comentator( you know who you are) and often people will mention a photo when we speak. But are people enjoying my writing? Do they think my humour is wierd. Do they think I'm wierd(wait- don't answer that..) Do they think "that child is spoiled silly with all those photos being taken" I really have no idea.

Please leave me a comment....

Fashion-ista

2007-03-12T11:32:00.000-05:00

We are moving(read-growing) into our new wardrobe. I am packing away onsies and sleepers at an alarming rate. This is an outfit from Grandmaman which Lola has now grown into. We like to think of it as the evolution of the pink Ewok.

Rolling, Rolling, Rolling

2007-03-06T07:10:00.000-06:00

Move over Oscar! Our first "short" is hitting the small screen.

Starring Lola Rose Melis. Directed by Mommy. Produced by Mommy and Daddy Melis. Please note: No stunt doubles were used.

Best bedhead EVER

2007-03-02T12:02:00.000-06:00

Our newest tricks! Boy, are we happy about it!

2007-03-02T08:42:00.000-06:00

It's been a big learning week for Lola. She has started to roll. Yeah! I'm so happy for her. However, I can no longer leave her unattended( while I hit the bathroom in record time) and know that she can't actually "get" anywhere. She did her first roll on Wednesday when we were practicing. Yesterday, she did it all on her own. The look on her face was pretty funny as she was definately trying to figure out how she got there. This has also been accompanied by toe grabbing. For some reason, her FAVORITE time to do this is when I am trying to change her poopy bum. Go figure.

Weather is terrible today here in the GTA. After a 2 hour and near ditch experience on last nights commute, Wil opted to stay home( and safe). A good thing as when he called the office, he was told the power was out. I will be missing my first " walk and rhyme" at the PTC( Pickering Town Centre) as I am not leaving the house with the stroller in freezing rain. This new activity at the PTC will hopefully help us meet some new people. I had joined a baby group run by the Durham Health Department and have met some great Moms who are fun, interesting people to hang out with. While our official group is now over we have decided to continue meeting as it has been alot of fun and a sanity saver. Being new to the area, meeting new people has been great for Lola and myself. Having our new neighbours has also been utterly fantastic. Raq drops by regulary for tea and talks. I forsee a regular Wednesday night meeting for our guiltly pleasure tv show that just started. You'll have to figure out what it is for yourself.....

TEST DRIVE!

2007-03-01T18:38:00.000-06:00

She still looks pretty wee but ........Lola's got a new chair! While we haven't worked up to trying food yet, this is a nice(read safe) place for her to sit while we eat. She does have a facination with watching me eat so I don't think we are too far off........

and she looks happy to be part of the action!

Sometimes, you just GOTA take a nap...

2007-02-26T19:45:00.000-06:00

The past week has been busy. We have been working hard at some "sleep training". I figured it was time to address the situation. Lola would cry if I put her down but then smile and want to play when I arrived at the crib to pick her up. Heather promised me that if I stuck it out, her tried and true method would pay off in as little as 3 days. It seemed impossible but.......

She was right.

We changed our previous routine around so now we have snack, bath, story and bed with Ocean Wonders in the background. While the few minutes of crying seemed like HOURS to me, the results were definately worth it. She never cried longer than 5 minutes before I went in to check on her and sooth her. The first night, she fell asleep under our hands when we( Wil and I) were talking to her. By night number 3, all I heard was one little squeek before she drifted off. This is great for many reasons. Firstly, she understands that she can put herself to sleep without being nursed. Secondly, she sleeps through the night( now that I figured out I have to turn her night light OFF and remove her mobile or else she sees her buddies and thinks it's playtime). Thirdly, if she DOES wake up, she can usually fall back asleep herself, unless she is hungry.

Selfishly, I am thinking that I may actually get to go out one evening....

My favorite Bed Head

2007-02-26T14:28:00.000-06:00

Lola may still have a bald spot at the back of her head but you'd never know it when I pick her up from her crib in the morning. This was the toothless wonder that greeted me this morning at 7:00 am when I went to see what all the noise was about. She doesn't cry, just alot of ennnnnnnnnnn until someone picks her up. Stay tuned for some photos of the "Melis Curls" that occur after her bath....

Evolution: From Ewok to Sheep

2007-02-26T14:25:00.000-06:00

We have finally moved on to our pink "sheepskin" from Raquel. The pink Ewok has offically been sent to retirement in yonder storage box. But I do think this is pretty darn sweet as well....

One and two and three and FOUR

2007-02-26T14:16:00.000-06:00

Lola loves her kick toy from Aunt Sarah and Uncle Seb. It is part of our daily routine of fun and games and appears in our morning play session AND our afternoon/evening session with Daddy. I like to think of it as a mini aerobics class to the tune of "Twinkle, Twinkle". She always kicks harder and laughs longer when I sit beside her and call out encouragement and compliment her "technique". She's pretty good and saving all her energy for one sporatic burst in which her tongue sticks out and all her arms and legs get going....

Isn't it IRONIC

2007-02-20T18:32:00.000-06:00

Well, I never thought it could happen. She looks sweet as pie in her new favorite chair, but this little lady has a very definate personality.

After all we did, the pumping, the crying( and not just Lola!), the feeding tubes and the endless attempts to breastfeed, Lola has now made a decision.

NO more bottles allowed-AT ALL.

Yes, I know, I should have been more diligent and continued to bottle feed her even though breast feeding was going so well. What to do now? I have no idea. We are trying to re-train her to use a bottle but so far, it's not going so well. WHO would have ever thought that she would "forget" something she did for the first 5 weeks of her life? NOT ME, that's for sure!

Isn't it ironic?

Smiles and giggles

2007-02-20T18:25:00.000-06:00

Lola is all about laughing these days. And she's finally able to sit up on the couch. But you have to stay very close because sometimes when she reaches for something she just topples over and she hasn't quite figured out how to roll yet. She's very, very close to figuring that out though. Any day I expect her to "complete" her roll. Right now she gets up on her side and totters, then falls back.

Necessity- the mother of invention

2007-02-16T07:24:00.000-06:00

The problem was simple. I needed to carry the empty basket upstairs to get more laundry but Lola wanted to come too. On a lark, I plopped her in the basket only to discover that she loves it. It is now her new chair while I cook dinner and do other tasks. Goes to show you that kids to like the simplest of things....

V- day

2007-02-16T07:20:00.000-06:00

Happy Valentines Day! We have been trying to keep ourselves busy with all this cold weather. This is the card we made for Wil when it was blizzarding and too cold to leave the house.

HEY! What are you looking at?

2007-02-07T09:01:00.000-06:00

Our darling little girl in her skivies, of course! Check out those baby rolls.....

L-O-L-A Lola...

2007-02-07T08:51:00.000-06:00

It's been too cold to do much this week. While it has been nice and sunny the wind chill is making almost impossible for me to take Lola out for very long. This is what happens when we have to stay inside, I have no more "games" to play and Mom and Lola get bored.....

Ladies and Gentlemen, Place your bets!

2007-02-02T18:58:00.000-06:00

As most of you have seen Lola's eyes are blue. As most have you have heard,I was really hoping they would stay that way. I was convinced( and convincing myself) that they were going to stay blue just like her Dad. Now I'm not so sure. They are definately changing these days and I think I see some little spots of brown. Only time will tell but is sure is fun to guess!

Toys, toys and more toys

2007-02-01T21:35:00.000-06:00

But these are some of her fav new toys given to us by Lyndsey and Laurence. They are perfect for practicing lifting with two hands, have lovely textures and are great for chewing on( you'll notice a pattern here) Oh, and she is amazed at the duck sound. It always makes her stop crying from sheer confusion at what the sound is and where it is coming from. Not that is what I call success!

Our New Trick!

2007-01-30T09:04:00.000-06:00

Lola has started to "airplane" on her stomach! This is very exciting news for all of us. She can also hold her head up and look around and use her arms to prop herself up. Stay posted as there will be some new photoshoots coming up........

Who needs Star Wars when you've got your own Ewok?

2007-01-17T10:26:00.000-06:00

Lola was dubbed the "Pink Ewok" by Jane. I must agree, wholeheartedly.

Lola is about to grow out of this suit so I figured I better get a good shot before that happens. Special thanks to Jovan for this gift. It has been instrumental in our daily walks which is good for the enjoyment of Lola, and the sanity of her mother. Now, if that blasted "Bundle Me" I bought in December EVER arrives we will be moving on to that for our walks and car rides. Not as cute but it will do the trick.

Our Favorite Thing

2007-01-17T10:15:00.000-06:00

Nothing beats a good hand to suck on, or arm or neck..... well, you get the idea.......

Our very own tiny toes

2007-01-09T21:46:00.000-06:00

AHHH finally.... something to chew on!

2007-01-09T21:09:00.000-06:00

She has finally figured it out. Toys are not only for kicking and grabbing-they are also for sticking in her mouth. Alternately, she LOVES to suck on her fist or palm or whatever part of her hand she can jam in her mouth. Combined with all the drool and bubbles she is making, it makes for alot of mouth wiping and giggles. No soothers though, those she just spits out. But beware, if you get your hand or arm near her mouth, she'll latch on before you know what's happened.

Wil has been working hard on her "training". This is their quality time while I make dinner or take a minute to relax. It consists of a bit of flying, brief periods of standing and then "sitting up like a big girl" on Daddy's knee. Oh, and a WHOLE lot of giggling for everyone involved.

It has been really amazing to watch Lola change over the past few weeks. She no longer wants to nestle in our chest to fall asleep and " high shoulder perch" has been mostly replaced by the lower face out "hip ride" so that she can move all her arms and legs while looking at everything around her. She loves to watch the Baby Mozart DVD( many thanks to Heather for this!), she loves to sit for stories and she loves to sit up on our knees and wobble her head around. I am constantly amazed at each new thing she learns. As I packed away another batch of newborn clothes this evening that no longer fit, I realized that everything "they" say is true: babies change and grow up fast. Through all poopy diapers, sniffles, crying jags and middle of the night wakings, I love her more each day. She is an endless source of delight and laughter for Wil and I. She's good, ( mostly) clean fun.