Reese is just the BEST BEST big sister and little helper! Scott and I are so incredibly proud of how she has "adjusted" to this little person in the house. She brings her stool to the changing table for every change to check Riley out, puts away dirty diapers, gets things for me and if Riley is on the ground to be swaddled (btw, Scott is the MOST awesome swaddler EVER) Reese brings in diapers.... granted they aren't the newborns, but it's the thought that counts!
I also made SUCH a new mom mistake!!!! UGGG! Riley had pooped up her back.... the "newborn" diapers don't hold in the explosion, though small, that comes like a shot gun out of Riley. I was in the middle of changing her, buck nekkid, she pooped all over me and the floor!!! Scott broke out the steam cleaner.... OY VEY. Never again... well, until next time! hehe
I've added photos of Reese and Riley to the end of her 18 month section, more photos of just Riley to come on her site.... but had to share this one!
Our FIRST Family Photo.... Heading home from the hospital.
We had a GREAT weekend! Saturday was spent cleaning up around the house. I know, doesn't seem like too much fun, but alas, Reese LOVES to dust, and I'm 100% in nesting mode.
I did pretty much ALL the laundry, picked up all the toys (human and dog) organized everything and finished up doing a load of dishes and feeding Reese for us to take a good 1 1/2 hour nap. We both needed it! S
Scott got home around 2 and we headed out to the park! We had SUCH a good time and it was SUCH a wonderful HOT day. Reese LOVED LOVED LOVED the swings. We tried to get her to go down the slides, play in the sand and sea-saw, but she kept pointing back to the swings. Scott was all too happy to push her, tickle her belly as she came back to him or grab her legs and let her go. He musta pushed her for a good 30 or so minutes! She'd giggle with glee, but more often than not, she'd just look around and observe everyone else doing stuff.
We then took a walk down to the creek's edge when Reese saw ducks. She chased 2 for a good 200 yards!! It was hysterical, good thing Scott was there, I couldn't keep up... the DUCKS waddled faster than I could! SHEESH!
Reese sobbed and sobbed as we left the park, only because she wanted to swing more, but I was feeling sick to my stomach because I was so hungry. Poor kid, she truly had a good time, and in turn so did we.
Sunday I got up at 5:30AM... couldn't get back to bed, so we'd I do? Laundry and dishes. Scott called me around 6 to tell me that it was hailing golf ball sized "stones?" and tornado warnings were going off. Not more than one minute after I hung up with him did it start to rain and hail at our house! Pea sized, but still a wee bit unnerving. I finally got back to sleep around 7 and slept in until 8:30. Reese I think got up around 7:45 - 8:00 but was in her crib gigglin' and laughin'... I'm sure playing with her baby, "Bah" [sheep] or her pillow bear.
After I got up and got Reese up I got cookin' on our Sunday ritual of cinnamon buns, but went ahead and fed her her morning yogurt [watermelon burst]..... Reese stood a good 5 feet away from me at all times while at the stove repeating over and over "Hah - Hah" [hot, hot]. She knows not to get near the stove. One of my girlfriend's son at about 10 months old grabbed the inner racking and seriously burned his hand. Scared me to death, so I make sure to keep Reese FAR FAR away.
When the buns were done, I took em upstairs and we all enjoyed sticky buns in bed. THEN we got ready for the day, but by this time Reese was ready for her morning nap. No worries! Scott needed to get some work done, and I have been in a mad fury getting a huge freelance project done before Riley arrives. AND, did I mention I was in nesting mode? I mopped the floors, dusted and rearranged Reese's closet.
At around noon Amanda and Gus came over! WOO HOO! They were so wonderful, they brought us a hamper and matching canvas bag for Riley's room AND 2 books for Reese!!! They are such wonderful people, and expecting their first son in August! WOO HOO! It was a nice treat after going to lunch with Amanda at OG on Thursday. Sorry Reese was asleep, ya know she'd have LOVED to see you two! Thank you again guys!!!
Reese woke about 20 minutes after they left and was famished. I fed her lunch while Scott vaccumed the stairs and scrubbed down the shower and the toilet in the master bath! Killed two birds with one stone, it needed to be cleaned and it also prepped the walls to put up the Frog Pod that my mom gave Reese for Easter. YAY! No more toys on the floor!
THEN, we headed to JCPenny's Outlet for me to see if they had any changing pad covers.... holy cow. Not only did they have the covers for 1/6 of the price, they also had a changing pad!! I got everything that would have been over $60 for $11. I love that place. Reese was hysterical going up to everything she already has... especially the step stool that Scott got her so that she can climb up on the bed better (though she knows how to pick it up and place it other places to get a better reach... lil' stinker) and making gestures/sounds to indicate she knew what it was.
THEN we headed over to the IL's to pick up a patio set that used to be his grandma's that his dad had been keeping. It's a nice Rubbermaid set! Poor Tom, he was "devastated" to see that the umbrella had been chewed by a little unwelcomed visitor in his tool shed. I was just thrilled that we are slowly starting to get "stuff" for "our" back yard! Scott was also thrilled that his dad showed him how to remove the 3rd row in the van, and that it also scooted up to make more room in the trunk.
Linda also surprised me with the CUTEST animal themed dishes!!!! She purchased one plate, a bowl (different animal for each) and thermos! They are way too cute. I love them and will definitely come in handy walking around the zoo, trips and to the beach!
Tom is also working on a "nap mat" [like they use in kindergarten] for Reese. He's very excited about it and it's really sweet he's doing this for her!
By the time we got home Reese was ready for her afternoon nap, yup, she's still on a 2 a day nap schedule, fine with me, the kiddo needs her sleep, not gonna deprive her of it! Scott and I baked twice baked potatoes and stuffed zucchini. SO YUMMY. Scott did an awesome job on the potatoes... while I had "zucchini" duty.
That pretty much sums up our weekend, busy busy busy. But at least everything is together and ready for Reese to become a big sister!
We hope you had a great weekend!
Whoops, meant to add those photos a month ago...
Saturday, April 22, 2006
Hiya ladies, gents and things in between! I completely forgot to upload a few more photos at the END of the 17 month section for Reese. Enjoy!
I haven't really made mention of the recent things that Reese has done to make us gut bust.
Since she was a newborn everytime she'd have a massive smelly diaper I'd always hold my nose and say "peeeeeyew!!!" and say "How does something so pretty expel something so vile?!" And she'd always laugh and laugh. About a month ago she started to grab her OWN nose when I do any sort of diaper change, she sees another baby getting a diaper change OR if Scott or I are using the bathroom! She grabs her nose and giggles. I follow up by saying "What? Are you stinkin?" And of course, giggles more. I love that kid.
AND, Reese has started to say sentences!!!! Her favorite being "Bye bye dah-dee." And on Easter she said "Hi dah-dee." SO CUTE!
When we leave to head out to the garage no matter if anyone is on the front porch of our neighbor, or playing basketball behind them, she yells "Hi!!!!" Just in case someone is there that she didn't see! And if she sees the kids playing basketball she says "Hi! ---- Baaaawwwwlllll [in a really low voice]"
She's also started to figure out what a "yelling" and "whisper" voice is. She's been doing whispers for quite a while now.... especially when it comes to "Pah" [Grandpa]. She will run up to me/MIL when she sees him, or we are turning onto their street and say "Pah" SO CUTE! And when she's in the car I'll say "Say Bye Grandma REALLLY loud!" and she screams "BYE!!! BYE!! BYE!!!"
Spells are also becoming more of a common thing. It is the most hilarious expression her whole body makes. I love it.
I also am always amazed how her brain works. All I have to say is "Reese, throw your diaper away" and she'll try and fold it up, if I'm in the middle of doing it for her, take it into the diaper champ, put it in, flip it around, clap her hands in sheer delight, walk away and find something to play with. There for a while I had to make sure to look in the trash bag before I tied it up because she had put in some of her wash clothes in to "test it out" silly kid! But now she just points to it and squeezes her nose.... see above "Peeeyew" story.
I also like that I can say "Reese, get mom a diaper to change you" or if she needs to be change.... she brings me a diaper, lies down and I get her all cleaned up.
Another is "Take this into Dad so he can.... [change you, put diaper on, put this away, play with it]" she takes whatever it is into him while yelling "Dah dee! Dah dee! Dah dee!"
The patting of the leg has also not quit. She sees how we call in Oreo, so therefore she bends down just a little and hits her thigh while saying "Doggy!" or "OoorreeeEEEEEooooo."
And as most know, we have had to tent our child since about 8 months when she decided that she could flip out of her crib..... well, over the weekend we have had to SAFETY PIN the tent zipper!!! That stinker had figured out how to unzip her tent. On Sunday we heard "Daddy! DAH-DEE!!" *thud* Without hesitation I flew up out of bed, ran into her room and found her sitting there, stunned and when she saw me she cried and cried, but within 60 seconds, she was over it.
SCARED US TO DEATH.
I do truly think she's ready for her "big girl bed".... but only after Riley is ready for a crib.... too much of a drastic change to have happen in the next week (+/-) for Reese.
She still has 3 more swim classes.... we had a BLAST playing last night, and slept in until 7:40 when I HAD to get her up to get her dressed and out the door.
Alas, mom was right again! Reese was teething, 2 more teeth have popped through and the other two "gap fillers" will probably pop through in the next couple of days.
We had the BEST BEST Birthday/Easter Weekend. It was just gorgeous Saturday and though a little chilly with overcast, Sunday was just as nice.
Saturday Scott got up and went to golf with his Dad. I kept the cell phone on me at all times, and didn't call Scott at all for fear I'd "mess up his game." Didn't want a repeat of when I was PG with Reese! He did awesome too, shot an 80!!
I took Reese to a friend's house for an Easter Egg Hunt in her back yard. I ended up doing most of the fajita cooking, but it was fun! Reese did REALLY well with the egg "clean up" and the highlight was when she thought that her eggs belonged on the tree too, because there were 2 eggs hanging from a branch! Photos to come.
She did leave with a few battle scars. Mike built a swing set in their back yard and while Reese climbed up to get to the slide she slipped, hit her forehead and elbow. Oh well, no worries, already had her Easter photos taken, just more memorable events / battle scars to chalk up to toddler hood! It was just funny that it was in the SAME place she scrapped her forehead when she hit the fireplace Valentine's Day. Again, photos to come.
After the Easter Egg Hunt we headed home so that I could put Reese down for a nap before we went over to Scott's parents for our Easter / Birthday dinner. DELICIOUS. And since Riley has dropped I can actually have a meal without having 6 bites of food and feeling full... only to want something else about 2 hours later. Reese was way more interested in watching her cousin and wanting to go run outside than eat, which was ok... she'll eat when she's hungry. After dinner we opened gifts. And yes, there are even MORE photos of this as well.
Goodness, between my parents and Scott's parents it was like Christmas all over again! Not to mention that Easter was also lumped into some of it as well! We are loved, err spoiled, so!
We ended up leaving the IL's around 7:30, to get Reese in bed by 8:30. We all crashed pretty hard to wake up Sunday for another fun filled day! Scott finished the night with "what are we doing tomorrow morning?" I said "Nothing that I'm aware... why? What's going on?" He said "Nothing, just wondering." I knew that stinker was up to SOMETHING. All I said was "we need to wake up before Reese and put out the Easter basket for her.... g'night!"
Sunday morning I woke pretty early, too many bathroom breaks. I gathered up some of the items I had stashed upstairs, some were still in Reese's closet, so I had to wait for her to get up before I could add it, but Scott told me "go ahead and get the stuff off the buffet area as well." I go downstairs and immediately burst into tears! Scott had surprised me!!! Not only had he gotten a TON of stuff for Reese's basket, he also spoke with the Easter bunny and put out a basket for me and himself.... AND set up an Easter Egg Hunt for Reese!!!! It was so incredibly sweet!!
Reese got up, I got her bathed, changed, finished up putting the stuff downstairs and I went downstairs and "prepared" myself for the photo taking. Reese's face was PRICELESS when she saw all the eggs...... and she immediately started to pick them up.... First one at a time, then 2.... And at one point 4 and tried for 5.... But they kept slipping! When she finished picking up everything she put the basket around her arm and gave the "all done" sign. SO INCREDIBLY CUTE. Then she realized that she had other stuff to go through! She recognized a bag of chocolate eggs that she gave Scott for his birthday, so she picked up the other bag... walked over and handed it to Scott with a big "Daddy!!" My heart melted.
She REALLY REALLY enjoyed Easter morning, and going through all the stuff she got. Scott was so proud of his John Deere collectible farm to "match the farm you got her Sue." He is so very thoughtful when it comes to stuff like that. I love that man. TONS of Photos from Easter morning are definitely being added to the mix as well.
After putting up all the candy, eggs in basket HAD to stay with Reese on her arm at all times, including in the car, we mounted up and headed to the AKRON ZOO!! Reese was getting REALLY tired by this time, but I figured that she would perk right up when we got there, which she did, and didn't really get cranky until the end, which was 100% understandable.
It was déjà vu all over again when we went to certain exhibits this year. I have photos from practically the same spots when we took Reese to the Zoo for Mother's Day 2005. She LOVED seeing the penguins swim back and forth in front of her.... walking around, of course holding on to Scott's hand and the stroller..... feeding the goats, a little apprehensive about the sheep, but only because of all the slobber.... Scott would hand her a cracker, she'd hand it back and point to Scott to feed them! But her highlight was feeding the ducks!!! At one point she was "double fisting it." I love that kiddo! Photos AND video to come.
After the zoo we all came home and crashed. Reese only for about an hour and a half.... I could have slept more, and of course Scott wanted to, but there were too many things that needed to get done. Especially with the impending addition to our family!!!
Scott was the man when it came to Riley's stuff!!!!
Hope you all had a wonderful weekend and a very Happy Easter, if you recognize the holiday. We had a WONDERFUL Birthday as well!! Thank you all for everything!!!
I was able to pick out, clean up and post photos from the zoo and pool Tuesday in Reese's 18 month gallery. Gosh I love that kid. LOVE HER TO PIECES!
Here are a few of my favs:
Lemme tell you about MY day....
Happy feet! Happy feet! Giraffes!
WEE!! Down the slide!! She went down all by herself! I was SO SO SO SO proud of her. She's usually scared to death of going up at McD's play land... but she went up the 2 stories and slid down! I was clapping and cheering her on the WHOLE time. I just kept thinking in my head "Lord please let her come down, lord please let her come down because I CAN NOT go up there and get her!
Within 60 seconds of being in the car, Reese passed out.
Reese and I went to Cleveland Zoo yesterday! We met up with about 10 other of my friends and their 1 – 2 kids each. We had a whole sea of strollers!!! Reese was a doll and we had a BLAST and walked all over creation and back! As can be evident from my ridiculous sunburn on my face and forearms. I always remember to slather Reese down and forget to do myself, oh well, better me burnt than her!
We got to the Zoo around 10, I had a free pass and it was a PERFECT day. Low 70’s and sunny. It was absolutely AMAZING to see the difference from this time last year and this year with respect to how Reese reacted to the animals or recognized them. I was truly weepy at some points because she’d LAUGH with excitement, say “Hi!” or try to hold out a cracker or two from her stroller to the Bears that were a good 15 feet away divided by a very deep rock moat. It was just so cute to see her crane her neck or look down and through the fence to get a better view. Scott called at one point to see how Reese was doing, he was at work at his store LITERALLY right up the road, but couldn’t come and meet us. He was so bummed when I was telling him about how truly amazing it was to see Reese point out the elephants, bears, birds and everything else when asked. She’s a TOTAL animal lover! But I he felt better when we reminded each other we can take her to the zoo this summer, I really need to look into season passes.
It was hysterical in the birdcage. For $1 you pay to get a cup of nectar to feed the exotic birds. There were 3 or so on the bottom of the fence so I took Reese over and tried to see if she wanted to feed them, she was MUCH more content at having me hold the cup and she watch…. She DIED laughing when at one point I had 3 birds on my hands, 1 one on my shoulder and 1 on my head…. BOY I wish I could have had photos of that! Oh well, I “lived the moment.” Much more difficult to take photos when you are the one with the camera and the only one there with your child!
We also got big laughs at the seal exhibit. All of us had our kids up on the rails so that they could see them swimming and barking. Every time one would bark she’d say “Doggy!” “Doggy!” I was trying to explain that they were seals, though they did sound like dogs! She would DIE laughing when they would dive and come up for some air and clap their fins.
She LOVED being able to walk/run around, but always found solace back in the stroller with PLENTY of snacks and cold water/juice to drink. I couldn’t get over how wonderful she was the ENTIRE time we were there…. with OUT a morning nap, though she did sleep in until 8AM…. We left the zoo around 3:00. I unpacked the stroller and packed up the van to head home, but the time I was around the first bend of leaving the parking lot I looked back and Reese was yawning, before I even got up ½ way to the main hill to leave the zoo she was SNORING! Took less than 30 seconds for her to zonk out. She truly had a good time!
BUT, there was no rest for the weary when we got home. She wouldn’t go back to sleep when we got home around 4, but she did “rest” a little bit before I scooped her up along with all her swim paraphernalia to get her ready for Scott to do her swim class with her. Laura and I were heading back up to Cleveland for mom’s night out. One of my last ones for a little bit. Laura and I were on the sidelines with our cameras snapping, laughing at our kids and making sure that our hubby’s did all the things that they were supposed to!
Reese is COMPLETELY different around Scott. Not in a “Oh my god, where has this dormant child been living?” but with me I’m more of the “Authoritative / fun one” where Scott is just 100% FUN. I’m ok with that, really. She sees me SO much more than she does Scott that it’s almost like a treat at the end of the day to spend “Daddy / Daughter Time”, this was also compounded by the fact that she was EXHAUSTED, but not too exhausted to play in the pool. Scott asked the instructor my question about when to let Reese fall / go under and swim up without traumatizing her so that she understood that she needed to hold her breath, etc. The swim instructor was all for it because Reese can go under the water and hold her breath without blowing in her face. So there is Scott, 1…2….3…. *dunk*… he let Reese try and swim back up to the top and she came up sputtering!!! Scott and I were saying “Good job! Good job!” because she did swim to the top…. while still sputtering / coughing she’s laughing and clapping all at the same time! EVERYONE around us was DYING laughing. The instructor thought it was the most hysterical thing EVER. Lucas, Isabelle’s brother – Reese’s friends, my friend Laura, who’s also in the class did SO well too! He’s been really timid of the water, but since Mike was in there with him he was much more open to going under the water, getting splashed etc.
To end class they all did “Ring around the Rosey *dunk*” Scott would go under with Reese, so when they both came up she’d be laughing hysterically and saying “Dahdee! Dahdee!!” And then look for me to see if I saw what was going on. I love that kid.
We all helped the guys get the kids stuff together so that they could take showers and get the kids ready. Scott was waiting for a family room to open (No opposite sex children in the main locker rooms) and we were chatting away, Reese still all giggles. A gentleman and his daughter were pacing up and down the hallways and he looked at us and asked if there were family restrooms anywhere. I didn’t think that they were, and I looked down and his daughter (maybe 6?) was obviously in MAJOR discomfort needing to go to the bathroom. So what’d my “Mom radar” do? “Would you mind if I took her into the ladies locker room bathrooms?” And because I know that in this day and age there are some REALLY awful people out there (though the NAT is all over checking ID’s including driver’s licenses because NO ONE that has been convicted of crimes against children is allowed in the facility), I introduced myself to her father, as well as to Scott and Reese so he didn’t think I was a complete nut. He was SO grateful and his daughter, Sarah, was so cute and SO relieved that someone like me had offered to take her to the bathroom! I waited for her to finish, and it was so cute when she said, “I think I need some help…” I said, Ok, no problem! I didn’t want her to feel worse than she probably already did, or embarrass her, ended up that she couldn’t get her wet bathing suit straps up and over her arms again…. So cute! I helped her get situated then hoisted her up to wash her hands and delivered her back to a VERY grateful father. Felt good to do my “good deed” of the day.
By this time Scott was able to get Reese into a family room while Laura and I headed out the cars to switch around things in seats and for me to fill up the tank then we got the show on the road! Where were we going then???? Oh yes, mom’s night out!!!
Laura and I headed back up to Cleveland for Mom’s Night Out at Carrabba's Restaurant. It was OH so good, and I even got a free dessert with “Best Wishes” sung in Italian for my Birthday… Thanks Laura. We met up with 3 other ladies in my mom’s group and had a WONDERFUL dinner and conversation. It was such a wonderful way to end the evening! I dropped off Laura at her house around 10, she gave me even MORE clothes for Riley and I came home, popped some Tylenol (I’m not THAT crazy to know that I would be sore in the morning) and crashed into bed around 10:30.
WHAT a jam PACKED day/evening, but it was 100% worth it!!!!!
I have TONS and TONS of photos to download from my camera and upload to Reese’s site. I’ll hopefully get those up and done by this weekend.
OH, and I almost forgot.... My MIL, Linda, took Reese to the doctor's this morning because last night Scott said that Reese was really tugging/rubbing her left ear... and it wasn't a sign of being tired. She had done it a couple of times in the past day or so, but Scott said "nothing like last night."
She called me around 10 and said that Reese's ear looks red, but no fluid! YAY!!! It's probably just irritated from her cold and swim classes, but NO FLUID. THANK HEAVENS.
It was really nice of Linda to take Reese, I REALLY REALLY appreciated it!! She said that as soon as they walked into the doctor's office EVERYONE was saying "Hi Reese!! Hi! Hi!" My child is loved. And when the doctor came in he said "Hi!!!" but then realized it wasn't me, but Linda! He said "Oh, you must be Scott's mom??" And she confirmed and made a comment about "Grandparents are so wonderful!! Our kids are watched by theirs, you all are true life savers." His wife is a doctor in a neighboring county.... which ironically my FIL saw her last year as she was filling in for his regular doctor. Linda said that the only time Reese sobbed and sobbed was when she was getting her clothes off.... poor kiddo, traumatized by the doctor's office. BUT, at least she's happy and healthy!!
Thank you again Linda!! You are a life saver in so many ways!!
This weekend was pretty much a blur, and poor Reese has a massive cold compounded by teething. POOR congested baby.... ummm... I mean girl.
Saturday Scott went and played golf as part of his birthday gift while I took Reese on her FIRST Easter Egg Hunt Saturday in Norton at the Columbia Woods Park. It was SOOOOOOOOOO windy and cold, but we managed to bundle up and head on out. Reese and I met up with my girlfriend Laura and her daughter Isabelle (2 weeks older than Reese). It was SO cute to see the girls interacting with each other and trying to figure out what in the heck they were supposed to do. All in all, the girls had a really good time, including Laura and I! And we knew the Easter Bunny personally *wink*.... but dummy me (pregnancy brain).... didn't get a photo with her! DOH! Semi shot in one of the snap shots though.
Isabelle and Reese had a system down... Bella would hold the basket, Reese would go get the eggs... it was so so so cute. I had to tell Reese "clean up the eggs" for her to get that she had to pick em up and put them in the basket! Then Isabelle figured she could help out too. Reese was VERY courteous if she dropped an egg (slick from the gloves she had on) that it one rolled near another child, she'd offer it to them! Some of the parents were a little over zealous, but no one got trampled and we even got a few compliments on Reese's ears. I wasn't sure how many kids were going to be there and wanted to make sure I didn't lose her! LOL
The girls did a good job, and didn't find out until AFTER we had eaten at McD's that we had 3 prize coupons.... oh well, still had a blast!
Here are some shots, the rest are in her 18 month gallery:
Had to figure out what was going on! but Reese "cleaned up the eggs" LOL That's how I got her to put em in the basket!
And since they worked so hard, and it was so cold after the hunt we headed down to the McDonald's for the girls to play. Isabelle is a dare devil!! She would climb up to the 3rd story and come down the slide!! Reese was MUCH more content going up and down the stairs. hehe
Best diaper butt friends.
Climbin' all over the place!
Saturday evening we vegged out and worked around the house doing laundry, dishes, playing, etc. Reese took a nice long nap.
Sunday, was designated lounge around the house all morning until we absolutely had to get up and leave to head to a friend's son's 3rd birthday party. Reese was a wee bit cranky due to the lack of a morning nap due to her cold... and over all didn't feel well. As soon as she saw the dogs though she was GOOD TO GO! We stayed a couple of hours, but it was 6 and all presents still weren't opened and it was quite obvious that Reese was ready for bedtime. We headed home before the cake and Reese was out like a light in the car. Poor snotty kiddo!
Tomorrow we are heading to the zoo! It's supposed to be in the upper 60's low 70's!! Can't wait!!!! Will post photos from the birthday party and the zoo tomorrow at a later time!
We've gotten through 2 swim classes! They FLY by though... Reese has the BEST time in the water. She wants to get outta the water and jump in, or play on the stairs mostly, but loves loves loves kicking around and splashing. She started doing the CUTEST thing when we work on jumping in. Everything dealing with the water is set to queues.... counting then an action. When jumping in the side of the pool it's "1, 2, 3 - Jump".... well, when I say "One" She holds up BOTH of her index fingers REALLY close to her cheeks or a few inches out in front, gets a big toothy grin and I have to almost catch her in between the 2 & 3! The other classes that are waiting after us always laugh at her.... because it really is hysterical. AND, she started to jump in backwards, have to work on that one.... but she got the idea that she can sit down and slide in backwards like coming out of a chair.... of course, me right there to catch her. I need to ask the instructor at what point do I let her "fall in" and swim back to the top without traumatizing her.
We are planning on heading to the Cleveland Zoo on Tuesday! WOO HOO! We're meeting up with several of my friends and their kids for a fun filled day of walking around and checkin' out the wild life. And yes, I know... I know.... "Sue take it easy." But this is the way I look at it.... Reese and I will never be just "Reese and I" in about 18 days.... or less, depending on when Riley decides to show... and Reese maybe only 18 months old and not remember much, but the fact of the matter is I want to get in one more good "Mommy 1st Daughter" outting before Riley arrives because though we have plans for this summer, nothing will be "like it was" and that's not saying that it won't be better (or sometimes worse from some people's stories) but the good times will out weigh the bad and I KNOW I'll be a blubbering mess the first time that Reese leans over and does her "MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMmmm *smack*" kiss on Riley..... I'm sure while ripping away a stuffed animal or something in the process.
But I am THRILLED beyond belief with Reese's development and tolerance of many things that usually send most kids through the roof... my most favorite expression of Reese's is "Mom, what's their deal?" She raises one eye brow and her forehead crinkles... I die laughing everytime she does it... my "gentle observer." I see a strong writing of her memoirs later on in life..... ya know, after the customary law or medical degree.
Reese had her 18 month check-up yesterday morning. Our doctor said "She's my model patient!" WOO HOO! She's a healthy 28 lb, 34.5 inches long and with a head circ of 20 inches. "Very very proportional, 95th percentile across the board." He's very impressed with her walking skills and "intellect." Reese was so cute in her gown, the first time she was offered to wear one. We pointed out every elephant and clown on the thing by the time the doctor saw us, but Reese was VERY hesitant about what he was going to do to her because she just had her temperature taken by the last person that came in, and she has to still get it done "the infant way" until she's 2. Poor Reese, she was VERY upset... but she got over it pretty quickly, as SOON as the nurse left. LOL
We headed outta there and met Scott for lunch and rested the rest of the day until around 5:00 when I took Reese to her first swim class for her Toddling Turtles last night she had a BLAST! A girlfriend of mine and her 2 kids (12 1/2 months apart) are in the same class with us... so cute that Reese knows who Isabelle and Lucas are! I have tons of photos... Reese is a DARE DEVIL. She'll jump/fall in the pool if you aren't keeping a CLOSE eye on her!!! She LOVES to be dunked.... and she was scurrying along the stairs and I leaped up and ran over to get her so she didn't fall down and Laura said "Whoa! You move fast!" Hey, I may be 37 weeks PG, but I be damned if I am going to be the one who let their kid fall in the pool!
I'll post photos later (Scott came to take photos), Reese was a RIOT!
I got up early, Reese and i took showers and I started on laundry and cleaning up around the house. Scott went and played golf with his dad, he had a good game! Shot an 83!!! My husband works so freaking hard, that I do love it when he goes and "gets outta the house" to relax, just as he's back long enough for me to take a shower and get something to eat by the time Riley is here!
While Scott played I seriously did some damage on the house. Put away stuff that i had "been meaning to", cleaned up Reese's room (not that it needed a lot, for some reason I'm finantical about keeping her room clean, just really happy room and "keeps me calm" when I've had "one of those days"). Did a bunch of laundry, cleaned up my computer desk, full time task within itself, made the bed, hung up clothes, moved things around in Riley's room... put Reese down for a nap, all so that I could be out of the house by 12:15 to drive over to my friend Laura's for her sister's Party Light Party.
This wasn't before I left Scott a "Honey Do List"..... pretty much anything that involved washing dishes, chemicals and cleaning the bathroom toilets was on his duties. But he was all for it, he's a neat freak, I LOVE IT! I just ran out of time! When I got home around 2:30 I put our FIRST "Welcome" mat.... felt so good! First time I've ever had one of those. And helped vacuum up, but before I knew it Kathy was knocking on our door to set up for my jewelry party!
8 ladies, 3 kids and 2 hubbies were the final count, but had SUCH a good time and I had bought the exact amount of food I needed, never have done that before! I told Scott to be ready to make a food run if nessassary.... it was a prefect number, 7 more would have come, but it was either hospitals, watching children, sickness or vacation that kept them away.... oh, and of course, me being 3 1/2 weeks from delivery! The party was really great because it was the first party we've had at our house!!!! I laughed so much my throat hurts this morning! I also got to see some of the ladies that were at the candle party at mine, which is always a bonus!
Everyone left around 8:30, which was really 9:30 due to the stinking time change, BLAH!!
Today, REST AND RELAXATION, Riley did NOT like how much I did yesterday. The only thing I'm doing is having Scott help me clean out the van.... everything from the VUE just kinda got stashed away, and Laura gave me a big ol' box of infant summer clothes to go through.
I was once one of those "I will never get a 'mylifeisover-van'"... but after 1 kid and another on the way, I'm a convert.
My husband is the freaking man. He managed to trade in for this Dodge Caravan SXT, with running boards, tinted windows, keyless entry, eletric everything, spoiler and tinted windows
I don't know if it's due to this time of year, or the impending new member of our family, but it seems that I'm trying to jam as much stuff in as humanly possible before April 26th!
This past weekend was a blast though! Friday night was our monthly "Mom's Night Out" small crowd this go 'round, only 3 of us... no kids, no husbands just wonderful conversation about of course, our husbands and our kids and good eats! We met at a local Chinese restaurant, which opened up a several weeks ago. I couldn't believe how fast word of mouth travels! There used to be NO ONE there but I had a heck of a time finding a parking spot! We chatted, laughed and ate for so long that the manager came over and said "I'm sorry ladies, we are closed, however, I'm going to give you VIP cards." Yes, that's right, the first time I think any of us have ever closed down an establishment and didn't need to call a cab! But hey, walked outta there with 10% off our next meal. I had a blast, and bummed that this is my last MNO for several weeks....
Saturday morning we all slept in until around 8:30! I couldn't believe it, I think that Scott might have worn Reese out, but I think the feeling was mutual! After we got up, I ran some errands and came home to do a ton of laundry, pick up toys, "supervise" Scott putting up the bathroom down downstairs, do the dishes, organize Riley's room so that we could move around the dresser, put away Reese's 18 month clothing and start of any 24 month clothing that's slowly biting the dust. While I was doing all this, Scott was cleaning, reorganizing and even MOPPED the entire back mud room / breakfast nook area and kitchen. I noticed that a couple of my plants were droopy, so I also repotted one plant into another one outside... which was really bizarre because it was cool, but not cold, snowing, 1/2 the sky had the sun shinning and the other looked like all Hell was going to break loose. Oreo was busy running around the back yard, while Scott and I tried to contain Reese in the house.... But she was busy yelling at Oreo, I tell you what, we can NEVER EVER get rid of Oreo.... EVER!..... Case in point...........
BACKING UP TO THURSDAY ---------
Oreo desperately needed grooming, especially with the warming weather supposedly on the way. So I grabbed up Oreo and put her in the back with Reese to head over to PetSmart. The whole time Reese was laughing and playing with her in the back.
I check Oreo in and the lady takes Oreo from my arms and Reese starts to CRY hysterically. I mean it was like she was just given a shot, but she kept pointing at Oreo and EVERYONE tried to calm her and say that she'd see her in a few hours, etc. There was no consoling this child until we got out of there.
We went on about our day and when I got the call to come and pick Oreo up I got my print out to pay and while I was in line, 2nd from the front, the lady brought Oreo out from the back and you could see her through the big windows..... at the TOP of her lungs she said over and over "DOGGIE! DOGGIE! DOGGIE! DOGGIE! *squeal*"
I tried to lower the volume by saying "Is that Oreo?" and she'd say "OooOooOooo".... in a low voice, so that seemed to appease her for 1 or 2 Doggie's.
EVERYONE, I mean EVERYONE in the front of the store stopped, spun around looked at Reese and then at me and I smiled and said "She saw our dog in the window..." When I opened up the grooming area door to get Oreo Reese squealed with glee and everyone stopped at their stations to turn and laugh. Oreo and Reese are truly the BEST of friends.
BACK TO OUR REGULARLY SCHEDULED PROGRAM ---------
I watered the plants, let them drain outside for a few minutes before bringing them in and saw that Scott was still mopping up the floors so I decided to take the piles of rugs and wash em. I think the theme for Saturday was laundry for me.
It was getting close to lunch time, so I fixed Reese her lunch and fed her while Scott started to do more routine cleaning and I ran out of washing detergent as well as some other odds and ends that I had forgotten to pick up earlier that morning. Scott agreed to put Reese down while I headed out. She slept for a good 2 - 3 hours! I couldn't believe it! I guess we pooped her out! Scott took that time to watch a movie, The History of Violence. REALLY GOOD FLICK. I really liked it.
Reese woke up shortly after the movie finished so we decided to start to tackle the upstairs, but didn't get too far because it was well into the evening hours and we were all pooped. With a little dusting and vacuuming we all called it a night because we all were thoroughly exhausted. Scott and I thought Oreo might be sick because she didn't budge... I mean I had to almost lift her out of my spot to get into bed. Reese and she chased each other around the house or outside ALL day... from the time we got up until the time we all said "Nih nih" [Night Night], but Oreo was back to her rambunctious self by the next day.
When we got up, around 9ish? Yes, another lazy lazy morning.... I baked cinnamon buns. Our new "Sunday morning tradition." I LOVE HAVING OUR STOVE BACK! Everyone enjoyed breakfast in bed. One of Reese's highlights because Oreo was RIGHT there beside her. Scott and I took some returns back to Lowe's for a baby gate we had, but it had some missing parts, and a few things that we had bought but didn't need which just paid for 2 vents to cover this REALLY weird opening in Riley's room. So all it all it evened out and we got everything we needed to finish off the upstairs, and Riley's room.... Minus a door knob, don't ask me why her closet doesn't have one!
We boogied back home so that Reese could eat lunch and start her nap before Ryan came over to start to paint Riley's dresser. Ryan is Scott's cousin who is a FANTASTIC artist, he designed Reese's 1st birthday party invitation for me. I love his style and he loves doing kid stuff, so it was right up his alley. We supplied the paints, brushes, canvas, stool, water, everything except the talent.... I have taken photos of the progress of Riley's room, but I am not going to post them until it's DONE. Ryan worked SUPER hard and for a really long time yesterday, I only peaked in a few times to see how it was going, or to put Reese down again for her nap because she kept hearing us talk or Oreo's tags jingle.... But she eventually went down.
While Ryan painted, I did some laundry and more dishes..... while Scott worked on installing the vent system. I heard metal being put through some sort of rotary saw, went down in the basement while Scott was retrofitting the two pieces together. So nice to have a handyman around! Scott and I also watched Flight Plan with Jodi Foster..... very predictable, glad we rented it. Had some similarities in Panic Room..... just too much of a familiar story line.
After the movie Scott helped me hang up a photo and a clock in the bathroom downstairs as well as install Reese's coat hooks! It's SO cute when you ask Reese to "go get your coat." She goes right over and picks out her favorite.... Though we sometimes have to pick another one so it's not so hot or won't keep her warm enough. I just love how she understands and knows where everything goes. She's definitely "there is a place for everything, and everything has it's place" type of child.... All the way down to me putting down a floor mat and Scott said "Sue, it's not straight...." Before I could turn around and fix it, Reese gets up off the floor where she was reading with Scott, walks over, fixes it and backs back up to resume her place on the floor with Scott to read. LOVE THAT KID!
Ryan left around 5ish and only has a couple more hours of work to do on it.... IT IS SO DARN FANTASTIC! I LOVE IT! And especially since it's gender neutral, it can be used over and over again! He hopes to come back over later this week or next Sunday to complete it.
Scott's computer power supply is on the fritz, which isn't that hard to believe since it's so old, and he really doesn't use it much... but his brother had and older computer and is giving that to Scott. We headed over to his parents house after dinner to spend some time there and pick up the computer. We watched the rest of the Cavs game while Reese played. She's such a little ham I love her to pieces! By the time we left the IL's it was already 7, so we came home and put Reese right to bed.
I responded to email that had been sitting dormant for one too many days in my inbox, while Scott worked on some reports for work. By this time Desperate Housewives was on, so we called it a night.
When I got up this morning Scott told me he signed Reese up for her Toddling Turtles classes in the evenings, which I'm going to take her to 1/2 of them, and he'll have to take her to a few until I can take over again. I'm SO excited to have her back in swim classes, the child LOVES the water, will be neat to see her in an instructional setting again. Scott did say "You owe me." I of course asked "Why?" He said "I stood IN LINE for 30 minutes at 5:30AM this morning while 17 people in front of me signed their kids up." HOLY COW! Scott said that the instructor mentioned that "this time of year is the most popular." I guess so!
SO....... after he told me this I looked at my calendar for the week..... which brings me back to my initial comment of "I don't know if it's due to this time of year, or the impending new member of our family, but it seems that I'm trying to jam as much stuff in as humanly possible before April 26th!"
Wednesday - My dear friend Amanda is taking me out to dinner pre-Riley since she wasn't able to make the sprinkle. MMM CHINESE!!!
Saturday - Partylight party at a friend's house a 1. Everyone pretty much going from her party to my jewelry party at 5:30
Sunday - We thought about going as a family to the zoo, but Scott's gotta work and my Godmother is coming down to take us out to dinner! WOO HOO!
Then the next week ... and for the next 8 weeks.... every Tuesday and Thursday nights for 30 minutes will be spent at swim classes with Reese until Riley is here.
Thursday - I'm hosting a egg coloring play date at a local park, too much of a chance of serious mess at my house! LOL
Saturday - Attending an Easter Egg Hunt
Now that takes me into the week of the 10th..... where Saturday is the 15th....
Saturday, April 15th- Possible make up Easter Egg hunt day if it rains, not to mention Scott's and my Birthday along with Easter dinner at his parents house.
Sunday - Easter Sunday, may head into church.
After Easter.... No clue besides the swim classes and waiting for Riley, who may just show up a wee bit early...... HOLY WOW...... I see the light at the end of the tunnel, I hope it's not a train!!!
Over the weekend Scott, Reese and I were running around all over the place, but had a blast!
Saturday night we went over to a friend’s house to hang out with 4 other couples and their kids. Alana fixed the most fantastic pasta dish and goodies. Reese had a good time playing with the other kids, and especially flirting with Logan.
Sunday was pretty lazy until the afternoon when we headed over to another friend’s house who threw me and two other expecting moms the most fantastic shower! Reese had a really good time hanging out with all the kiddos. At one point Christina, Isabelle and Reese were sitting on the fireplace and singing. It was really cute.
SLIGHT scare for me last night.... One of the gals in my local moms group that was one of the PG moms on Sunday said that her son a weird rash. I sent her to some websites that explained what things were, etc..... she said that she thinks what he has is Roseloa!!! Thankfully she updated later that it was just an allergic reaction. THANK GOODNESS... even though Barb did say that it was nothing for me to worry about nor would be an issue for Reese, just a little uncomfortable.... but no need to worry with it now.
I've added a few more photos to the 17 month gallery, I have a few more I need to post... but atleast I'm keeping up with it a wee bit better.
Over the weekend Scott reminded me that his digital camera takes video clips. I added 3 of Reese saying "Oreo" under her 17 month section, but you can also download them here:
The first is Reese pretty much SCREAMING .... but it was hysterical. The second has her clearly saying Oreo... and the 3rd has Scott catching the last one for the evening.
I "finally" took photos of Reese's room, that's soon to be a "Big Girl Room" 3 months after Riley's arrival. That's when Riley will move out of her bassinett into the crib.
until further notice!!
THEN we got ready for the day, but by this time Reese was ready for her morning nap. No worries! Scott needed to get some work done, and I have been in a mad fury getting a huge freelance project done before Riley arrives. AND, did I mention I was in nesting mode? I mopped the floors, dusted and rearranged Reese's closet. 
Reese was teething, 
He was so bummed when I was telling him about how truly amazing it was to see Reese point out the elephants, bears, birds and everything else when asked. She’s a TOTAL animal lover! But I he felt better when we reminded each other we can take her to the zoo this summer, I really need to look into season passes.
She would DIE laughing when they would dive and come up for some air and clap their fins. 
It was OH so good, and I even got a free dessert with “Best Wishes” sung in Italian for my Birthday… Thanks Laura. 
Linda said that the only time Reese sobbed and sobbed was when she was getting her clothes off.... poor kiddo, traumatized by the doctor's office. BUT, at least she's happy and healthy!! 
I have tons of photos... Reese is a DARE DEVIL. She'll jump/fall in the pool if you aren't keeping a CLOSE eye on her!!! She LOVES to be dunked.... and she was scurrying along the stairs and I leaped up and ran over to get her so she didn't fall down and Laura said "Whoa! You move fast!" 
My husband works so freaking hard, that I do love it when he goes and "gets outta the house" to relax, just as he's back long enough for me to take a shower and get something to eat by the time Riley is here! 
And helped vacuum up, but before I knew it Kathy was knocking on our door to set up for my jewelry party!
