Visit to Chicago

Photo credit: Linda Swift

 We took a trip up to Chicago to see Dan's parents, as well as his aunt and cousin - both visiting for different reasons.  It was great to have so many people in the house!  Linda took a few pictures and sent them over.  Harper looks like such a little girl in these!  Where is my baby?!

Photo credit: Linda Swift

Harper is exploring prepositions

 Auntie Ciara will be so proud; Harper is exploring prepositions.  She can now climb over and on top of things. Such as the barricade of stuff we have blocking her from the kitchen (read: cat food and litter pans).   The couches are also fair game.  Harp is putting her little muscles to good work (did I tell you that Dan nick-named her small muscles Shock and Awe?  She's ferocious!  Can't you tell?).

She is so proud of herself!
What's next?  Modifiers, perhaps?
Realistically, we'll work on more consonant sounds and the remaining vowels she has yet to explore with her spirited interjections.  Ahh!!  EEE! 


And in other news, we're packing!  In a few _____ (days? a week?) we'll know if we are staying in town, or moving on.  We are waiting to hear back from a prospect in Kankakee.  It will be a fast move, as we have given notice with our current living arrangement.  By the end of October we will have a new address, and hopefully a bit more space.

It takes us a while to get dressed in the morning because...

...we have to play games, of course!

It's a blur, but we're having a great time!

Harper and I have started a new game.  We chase each other up and down our small hallway and around a chair.  It's a grand time.  Forgive the shaky hand, but from the video you can get a sense of how quick she is getting.  She also can climb on all of the furniture.  She throws her knee up there and hoists herself like a champ!  I think she really enjoys being able to get around!

Call the Midwife

There is a new show starting soon.




Something to tide me over until the next Season of Downton Abbey, perhaps?

A visit to Rader Farm

Peas Please!

 Harper is securely in the world of finger food.  Today's snack: peas!  She was also being a total ham, so I couldn't resist taking some pictures. 

 And she was kind enough to flash her teeth.  There are five now, with a sixth coming in on the bottom as we speak. 

 This a peek of the chart Dan and I were making to understand Harper's typical sleeping patterns before setting one up of our own making.  For 4 weeks, we kept track of each hour of her life in 30 minute segments.  I came up with my own short hand for night wakings and feedings.  It was one of the best things I've done in this crazy path of motherhood.

 Batch cooking for some of Harper's food.  Cooked carrots are one of Harper's favorites! 

 She's stretching out! 

 Fun with mom and the camera :)

Other essentials for a diaper bag

Not only do I make sure there are diapers, wipes, and an extra outfit in the diaper bag, I include snacks.  Harper is starting to get the hang of chewing, and loves the resistance of the crunchy baby cereals.  She is doing great with her pincher skills in both hands and only seems to have trouble with some of the slippery foods, like cut bananas that sometimes stick to her tray.

With that being said, what this post is really about is bringing snacks to feed Dan.  Just like the snickers commercials Dan turns into somebody else when he's hungry.

If you have an Other that doesn't want to admit to his/her grumpiness, I suggest you plan ahead too.

Some of Dan's approved snacks (that he will actually accept when he's hungry and not dismiss as "coddling food"):

Mixed nuts
Sunflower seeds
Pretzels
Carrot sticks

And if we're stopped, say for gasoline, I've noticed his mood rebounds immediately when an ice cream bar can be had, or a coke.

I'm finding it's the little things that can keep the family peace.  I'll take a salty snack bag tucked in the side door pocket of the car over the weighty sigh associated with needing to stop at one more store before going home. 

I don't want to imply that I'm awesome, but...

...this morning wouldn't have been possible otherwise.

When Comma left us, she had to go through some hoops to be ready to travel internationally.  *Word to the wise - if you have any plans to go abroad with a pet, do your homework.  It can take anywhere from 10 days to 6 months for the needed papers/quarantine/blood work to be ready.  We got off easy because my vet is awesome, and Turkey has limited requirements

At that time, I made the appointment for my boys to have their annual visit.  Well yesterday when I told Dan about the 8:30 appointment, he reminded me that he was volunteering and wouldn't be able to help.


Do I reschedule or do I drink some awesome sauce and take a go at transporting two cats and a 9 month baby?

Awesome sauce!

And really, it wasn't that bad.  I pulled Harper's Baby Bjorn out of the closet and set to work.  The cats got settled in their carriers and ushered to the car first, then Harp and I followed.  The staff at the clinic were helpful with the doors (as they saw me with one cat in each hand and Harp strapped to my front - it was quite a sight), and Harper was happy to just be apart of the action.  No fussing, no crying.  There were plenty of dogs coming in and out to keep her mesmerized.

 Then home again for a snack before going to story time at BN.  There is a new Olivia book which is pretty funny.  It was lost on Harp, but seeing the 20 or so other kids was fun for her.  She has recently learned how to "high-five" and likes to be able to participate in the conversation with it. 

We were home by 10:45, and Harp is down for her nap.  Nap time!  That is such a wonderful thing.

I am going to go take another swig of Awesome Sauce and get some things done while Harper is down.  I'd say day four of Mommying is going pretty well.  

Gawker moment: baby products

I'm still getting used to my new schedule as the Mominator (because, as I've said in the past, "Stay at home Mom" just doesn't fully encapsulate the scope of that that means).  Harper is getting used to me being around and is taking to the changes quite well - she is napping at the same time everyday (or trying to), she is napping in her crib and not her swing (or dad's lap), she is going to bed in a more routine way.

Did you notice those all had to do with sleep?

Anyway...

Her becoming accustom to a schedule means I have some time too.  Eating, napping, and reading my blog list are usually what I fall back on.  Today my curiosity was peaked by this post on You Are My Fave.  I don't need a play yard, but I have been looking at strollers in hopes of upgrading (from umbrella stroller to one that doesn't hurt my back for long walks.)

I came across this...

A stroller that does what? (I encourage you to watch the short video)

I don't know if all those gadgets are worth the price tag, but I can't help but look at it.  

I think I'll stick with my $25 dollar umbrella stroller a bit longer, thanks. 

A bit of Sunday