Standing Tall

Not much to say...just wanted to share the latest pics.

Where Have The Dog Days Gone?

With summer fading into fall the first round of sickness is hitting our household. First Victoria, now me (Rod) and I'm sure Kristin is soon to follow. Unlike just a few months ago, the common cold is not very scary for this family anymore. For that, I am thankful.

On Saturday night, Jeff was able to ride with me at work. We had about a dozen calls of various seriousness and Uncle Jeff was able to get a sneak peek on my child rearing philosophy. We were sent to a "family trouble" at a house I have been to several times recently for the same problem. The 15 year old granddaughter was intoxicated and not going along with the program. At first I wondered how a young lady could get like this...then I asked about mom and dad. "Ed is in rehab, and I have no idea where Shannon lives." This was the 15 year old talking about her mother and father. It seems that the temporary fix for her attitude was a set of handcuffs, an MIP violation, and a stern lecture from myself and Officer Atkins. I'm sure it lasted a whole 15 minutes after we left the residence....a place we now refer to as "Bizzarro World". Thanks Jeff for keeping me awake...and sorry we couldn't get into something more fun. Maybe next time it won't rain all night.

Busy weekend and other stuff

We've got a busy weekend ahead of us. Saturday is the annual scavenger hunt/road rally around here, and also Mandy's baby shower. So we'll be all over the place (V and I, that is). Uncle Jeff is coming up Saturday night to do a ride along with Rod. Hopefully they're busy (but not too busy!).

In the midst of the chaos is this... the joy of learning to self-feed.

And this... just plain joy. This was one of the first outfits I bought back in October when we found out we were having a girl. I remember how small the outfit seemed at the time. Then when V was born, and so tiny, I thought the outfit seemed huge, and it an impossible thing to fathom she would ever be big enough to wear it. Now it fits!!! And for those of you we'll be seeing Saturday, don't tell anyone she's already worn it!

Soooo Big!

She's such a big girl! Though those are still 0-3 month size pants, and they're too long. Hopefully that doesn't mean she's destined to be short like her mommy.

Pluggin' Along

Not much new to report around here. We're still fussy (not just V...) and no teeth have arrived yet. She might have a little cough, but there's not much we can do but let it run its course. We bought some fun new finger foods today, and Victoria wanted to share with you all!

Also, I forgot to share the pics I got from Jen of Ayden and Miss V (and Nat-Nat!) from Labor Day weekend:

9 month well-baby visit

We had our 9-month well-baby visit this morning, and everything went great.

Updated stats:
16 pounds, 3 ounces
26 inches
Head circ: 43.7 cm

Height and weight are in the 50th percentile for her adjusted age, and head is in the 75th... a little more in line than before. Overall developmentally, V seems to be somewhere between her adjusted and actual ages... doing everything a 7 month old should be doing, and most things a 9 month old should be doing.

No Synagis (RSV vaccination) this winter, as she doesn't fit the parameters for it anymore.

The nurse practitioner said she thinks she sees V's 2 lower front teeth below the surface, so hopefully they'll make an appearance soon.

And now for today's pics...

Like the Sesame Street song, "one of these things is not like the others..."

Where's the baby???

Click here for the new video!!! I think her new nickname should be Little Drummer Girl!

Please...

Please let this be the storm that brings the calm... soon!!! The past few days have brought Miss V to a runny nose, and waking up every 2-3 hours at night. I'm hoping, since she doesn't have any fever or other illness symptom, that this might finally be the indication that a tooth or two might be just around the corner. Meanwhile, less sleep for all of us is the norm.

Thankful

As you all know, I have so much to be thankful for. Starting with an amazing husband, and beautiful daughter. Thanks to all of you for your birthday well-wishes. I do love the dishwasher... though I'm still trying to get the hang of having it! Rod and I went to dinner and a movie last night (I wouldn't recommend paying to see Miami Vice in the theater, tho), and V celebrated her 9-month birthday hanging out with the neighbor kids.

For a few years, it seemed we were at the Renaissance Festival on my birthday weekend, and it was always very hot and dusty. We haven't made the trip to the Ren Fest the past two years. This year on my b-day, I think the temp here got up to a whole 65 degrees!!! V's nap was a little more bundled this morning than she's been in a while.

Then, while I was making chili this morning, I heard a funny "banging" and looked over to find this!

How I Remember

Being that it is Kristin's birthday is on Saturday, I am reminded of the events that have changed our lives so recently. Obviously the biggest impact on our lives came on December 9th when Kristin gave me the gift of a beautiful daughter. It is supposed to be the happiest day of your life, but for us it was bittersweet. Looking back, we couldn't have asked for much more given the circumstances. We rolled with the punches and kept our spirits up with help from family and friends. On December 27th my world was flipped upside down and I nearly lost my anchor. "WTF" is right!

Today, we are living and growing together as a family. Everyday that we are together, I am grateful. Every week she is able to raise my daughter, I am confident. Every month my life becomes enriched. Every birthday, I will remember.

On Saturday, Kristin will turn 28 years old. I am a lucky man. Kristin is a picture-perfect wife and mother. Happy Birthday Beautiful!

I See Cute People

It seems that Victoria is becoming more animated every day. Now if we could just poke those pesky little teeth out maybe the screaming fits would end.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOMMY!

Victoria decided that her dirty dishes were getting a bit much and wanted to get Mommy the new dishwasher she had been asking for. Much thanks to Scott for showing me the ropes and helping me take the 39 inches of cabinets and turning them into a 15 inch cabinet with a 24 inch dishwasher. This project actually went smooth and was completely finished in two days. Doesn't hurt that Scott is a plumber with an electrical license. Please join Victoria and I, in wishing Mommy a Happy 28th Birthday on Saturday.

The best EVER!!!

Okay. Those of you who know me know I love elephants. When Aunt Bo and I went shopping in Birch Run a few months back, I found this onesie at OshKosh. It finally fits, and in my opinion, it's just the best thing ever!

Sooo big!

And in other news... the kitchen is a little messy right now, due to some minor renovations. Mainly, making room for the dishwasher Rod bought me for my birthday!!! I'm pretty sure if you had told me when I was younger that I would be so excited over such a gift, I wouldn't have believed it. On the other hand, I probably would have liked it as a gift when I was living with mom and dad, too! We've been blessed again at this house with the gift of great neighbors. Before we had Scott & Colleen, now we've got Scott & Charee. Rod's been helping them build their pole barn, and in return Scott's helping Rod build a cabinet for the new kitchen space.

Fun-filled weekend

Rod had to work all weekend, and additionally got to go to the MSU/Idaho game Saturday (woohoo, it's football season!!!). So instead of sitting around the house, Victoria and I headed to Lexington. V tried out some new toys at Jaj & Busha's house, caught a performance by Great-Uncle Jimmy in town Saturday, and even practiced her horn-playing skillz Sunday at Uncle Jeff's last J-Cats performance. Monday morning found us at Joe-Nat's place having a short play date with Jen and Ayden (hopefully I'll be able to get some pics from Jen). Saturday night, I also got to visit with some former classmates for a little while, which was nice to do. Hadn't seen many of them in 10 years (though I would have seen a few if I had gone to our reunion!) All in all, we were a busy family this weekend. Last night brought rest and even a good nights' sleep.

The new (old) toy... can't be more than a foot away, though. Those old toys don't have any way to keep a kid in place!

Enjoying the soothing music during ThumbFestNeed I explain this one?!?

And girls' night out at the Caddy!

Can 'ya tell???

Do ya think these two are related, or what??? We got to take a quick trip up north to visit Grandma Penny, Papa Jim, Uncle Steven, Aunt Pam and Faith. Faith had a great time, and was showing how she'll soon make a great, big sis!

I Get What I Want

You try and say "No" to this face...

Independent Sitter!

Okay, still not for too long, but it's a milestone nonetheless!
And here's a video, since I'm told the photos don't do Miss V justice! Note the ever-present line of drool... still no teeth, though!

Our Super Sitter

I'm Queen of the World

Victoria enjoying a new toy at Grandma and Grandpa Balcerski's. We thought she would bash her head, but she did just fine.

On a side note: Got a great deal on a hitch for the CR-V today. $140.00 for the whole deal. I also had a chance to use the "Insta-Ramp" Bruce gave me some time ago. They worked great and MONSTER QUAD was a perfect fit in my utility trailer. Guess Jim will have to chase me after all.... (For those of you that do not know, Jim likes to try and catch dirt bikes and quads that come into the yard.) Between Rich and I on quads, and Steven in the sandrail, Jim will have his hands full!

A little late

Pics from last weekend, a little late! V really does smile most of the time, however whenever she sees something shiny (jewelry, phone, camera) she gets the dazed look you see in most pictures.

With "Aunt" Mandy

With Aunt Marie

Getting ready for Aunt Marie's baby shower

New Wheels

We finally decided on a new vehicle. Its a 2006 Honda CR-V. Having an Accord has given us some insight on the quality that Honda is putting out. This vehicle will provide us with another gas efficient vehicle that is safe and has enough space for the whole family. Plus I can still pull my MONSTER QUAD around once I get the hitch put on. Enjoy the pics, or stop on by for a free ride.

Just pluggin' along

Not too much going on these days, just typical summer fun... visiting friends and family, trying to stay cool. We got to see Aunt Mandy a week ago. It was the first time she and V met each other, since Mandy was sick when she was home last time (way back in December). As always, the visit was short, but I'm so glad she was able to stop by to see us. I was without my digital camera for that weekend, so I'll have to get pics from mom to post later.

We got a new gadget! I finally broke down and bought a real high chair for the house. We had just the portable one that strapped to a chair, and my back's been killing me from bending over. So, thanks in part to a gift from Uncle Jimmy & Aunt Andy (thanks, guys!), we were able to get a new highchair! These things have come a long way from the wooden contraptions our parents had for us. It comes with a detachable toy for when she's sitting but not eating, etc. V loves it, though!

We've spent a bit of time in the car this week, driving around shopping for a new vehicle to replace the monster truck. Hopefully I'll have pics of us to post in the new ride by mid-next week. We decided on a Honda CR-V. They're rated highly by Consumer Reports, and we love my Honda.

Last weekend when we were home, V started saying Dadadada, though sometimes it sounds more like Lala, and sometimes Jaja. If only Mama weren't so tough! In good time. And she's starting to scoot a little, but her preferred method of transportation across the floor is still rolling.

That's it from us for now!

Two-Thirds

Victoria is two-thirds of a year old today. I sometimes don't realize how far I've come until I look back to see all we've done in the past 8 months.

Where we are now:
V's very ticklish... body, toes, neck, butt-cheeks :D She loves to laugh, and her smiles and giggles make my day brighter.

She's doing very well with foods. We're through all the 1st foods, onto 2nd foods, which have a little more texture and a lot more variety. A typical day of eating includes rice cereal and fruit for breakfast and lunch (different fruits for each meal), and meat/starch and veggies for dinner. Of course, the milk is still flowing, and still her primary source of nutrition. But she does love food! Dinnertime is especially fun, and she's learning how to feed herself without gagging herself with the spoon.

Naps are still pretty sporadic. It seemed for a while she had a good 2-3 hour nap in the morning, then a little cat nap in the afternoon. Now she's back to 3-4 catnaps throughout the day, crashing wherever and whenever the mood strikes.

She's almost able to sit up on her own for more than a few seconds (if only that head weren't so heavy!) and she's rolling all over the place. It doesn't take her long at all to get halfway across the room! She's really taking notice of the dogs now, too. They're making sure they keep their distance so as not to lose a handful of fur!

She loves looking at herself, and me, in the mirror. She also loves watching videos of herself!

Teeth still have yet to make an appearance, though Victoria is still chewing on anything and everything she can get into her mouth. We're hoping when they do appear, they'll show up all at once, which I know is just a pipe dream, but a girl can dream, right???

Visitors and friends

Ed, Pam, and Ainsley came over yesterday to visit... we grilled dinner, made s'mores around the bonfire, and pretty much got carried away by the mosquitos, though the bats were out on patrol. Victoria and Ainsley made friends with a dragonfly (I'm learning it's difficult to try to capture a moving object on camera and get a decent shot!)

Tuckered out

Victoria and I went to Bay City today to participate in a Breastfeeding Awareness walk. We walked (okay, I walked, she rode), had lunch, visited with other moms and little ones, and got prizes! I won gift certificates for dinner and a movie! V was great the entire time - just alert and checking out all the sights and sounds. Of course, that meant when we got home, she was just plain tuckered out and crashed for naptime (yes, that's drool - it's everywhere these days!):

And tonight, she crashed hard and fast, too:

Could it be???

Could she maybe look like her mommy, and not just her daddy???

Here's a photo of me when I was a baby (3 months).
And here's Miss V...

Gosh, I love this kid!

There have been some attitude changes the past few days that come as mixed blessings. Victoria has slept completely through the night the last three nights, not even waking me up to put the pacifier back in her mouth, and not being swaddled. (she hasn't had a bottle at night since we came back from WV after Easter). The flip side: I think she's got to be cutting teeth. She's chewing more than usual, and crankier than usual. Of course, that could have something to do with the heat, though the a/c has been cranked nonstop the past few days. Oh - and she's "talking", though only if there's something in her mouth (pacifier, hand, whatever!)

New video: Chatterbox

V got her first really fun doll the other day, too! Her name is Emily, and she squeaks, her necklace rattles, her dress crinkles has fun textures and colors!

Living a Dream!

On Saturday, Chad was able to play in a charity alumni football game at North Branch High School against Imlay City. North Branch got the victory which was sealed by a key fumble recovery Chad was able to scoop up. When I downloaded the pictures onto my camera, I did notice that they were almost all of him on the bench....well, I assure you Chad played a great game and I am extremely jealous.