5.28.2008

Ahhh...Ahhh....Ah-Choo!

Elena got her first cold this Memorial Day weekend. The poor girl had a runny nose and was really congested. She screamed for the lesser part of an hour on Saturday night trying to fall asleep. She wanted to suck on her paci, but couldn't breathe through her nose -- imagine the frustration. She finally figured out a way to keep the paci in her mouth and still breathe, and thus got some well-needed rest. She was pretty clingy to mommy - and got me sick in the meantime - but is feeling much better now! I, on the other hand, could use a bed, some vicks, and a breathe right strip!

She is extremely close to being able to officially crawl. She has figured out how to push up on all fours, and she's mastered moving her legs. Now, she just has to figure out how to move one leg, then one arm, and so on and so forth. Even money that she'll be motoring around by 8 months old. Though, as previously noted, I really wouldn't mind if she took longer than that and waited just a while longer.

DRL would like it noted that she has spoken her first word, and that word is "Dada." I refuse to acknowledge said accomplishment because - although she does say the word rather well, and very frequently - I do not believe that she knows what it means. Once she figures out that "Dada" means DRL, it will go down on the books. (I'll keep you posted)

5.21.2008

A Rather Spendy Decoration

A few updates....

It is believed that Elena is cutting her top two teeth now. She's less thrilled with these two than I think she was with her first two -- which is somewhat strange. But then again, Elena has proven to be one to do the opposite of what's expected. She tried her very first "real" sweet potatoes at dinner last night, and seemed rather pleased. She also had some blended peas, and actually had a brief encounter with her gag reflex. Since DRL hates peas more than he hates Center Stage or my RENT soundtrack, he found it rather amusing. After the second bite, she seemed a little more enthralled by the fresh pea taste. Then she got full.

Swimming lessons are over, and we're looking into starting another session - but this time at Foss Swim School or the YMCA. The pool at Roosevelt Middle School was a tad too cold for our Little One, and her enjoyment was a little stunted because of it.



(Here's a photo of her and I in the pool.)
Mother's Day came and went without much fanfare. Grandma Kay came up on Saturday and we spent the day shopping. She made off with quite the haul of goodies after stopping to see Noel at the Harley shop and me buying her shoes from Payless. Then we stopped at Target for something small -- funny how I forget what -- and ended up leaving with more clothes and shoes. Ahh...there's nothing quite like girls shopping!! Sunday I had a nice brunch with DRL's side of the family while he was at work. I think Elena knew it was Mommy's special day because she slept until 10:00 a.m. -- and so did I!!! And that was the first time since the day my water broke that I have slept past 9 a.m. And it was the best gift, ever. Thank you my darling daughter. Thank you.

Last night was Elena's first time sleeping through the night - without getting up - even once - to eat. She woke up briefly but I stuck the paci back in her mouth and she was out like a light. I've known for about a month now that she's been comfort eating in the middle of the night -- and I'm really hoping she's given that up for good. If not -- I'll gently coax her into it.

DRL and I have also decided that the "Family Bed" days are numbered. I love having her near us but I think it's time for her to learn to soothe herself...and I really believe she'll be the better for it. The problem is getting her into her big, scary crib. Let me take a moment to note that she'll sleep in our bed - with or without mom or dad present - she'll sleep in her cousin Logan's crib, and now in his Big Boy Bed, she'll sleep in Auntie Janelle's bed. She'll sleep all alone like a big, brave girl everywhere but her crib. The instant DRL or I set her down, she's awake and looks terrified!! It's the strangest thing. Today -- DRL put her down for her nap in the crib after she had fallen asleep. She stayed asleep!! For 15 whole minutes!! Folks, this is a big deal. So, cross your fingers for the Family Pelton and wish us luck. Hopefully the crib will morph from a very expensive decorative home furnishing to an actual bed. A place where someone - namely my child - will slumber peacefully and unafraid.

5.09.2008

You Say It's Your Birthday....

Happy First Birthday to Bea Holterhaus!!

And a Happy (hungover) Belated Birthday to Uncle Jake.

I Smile Because I'm Happy

And because I eat....

my feet.


And because I play,

and play,

and play some more.

And because I love my pretty dress

And slapping my hands on the floor.


(Look closely at a few of the shots and you can see her first tooth.)

5.05.2008

Puffs the Magic Dragon

Elena has seen the light that is Gerber Graduates Sweet Potato Puffs. And Banana Puffs. She thinks that they are the best ever -- next to her two teeth, the brim of Dad's hat, and the dragon puppet in the Baby Mozart video. (That's right folks, you needn't adjust your monitors....The second tooth has arrived. After much discomfort and tedious pushing, the second tooth has broken it's way through Elena's swollen gums to join her first tooth in all it's minature glory.) It's really quite fun to watch her try to feed herself. She knows that she should grab one between her thumb and forefinger and slowly bring it to her eager, wide open mouth -- but she opts to slam her hand down on the high chair tray, grab as many puffs as possible, and then slam her open palm into her face hoping that one of the puffs will land in the gaping void that is her mouth. Currently she's batting about .281 -- and I offer assistance as much as I can.

Needless to say, Dog Sister is fervently enjoying the newest addition to the food library de Elena. The stars fly to the floor and Belle is there with lightning speed to make sure they don't sit uneaten for more than 3/100ths of a second. Next up - Cheerios. Maybe we'll get some video and post it -- it really is fun to watch the whole process.

On another note, we got a nice new giant flat screen TV yesterday. The old tube HDTV crapped out on us and rather than go through the time and effort to get a quote to fix it -- we bought a new flat panel LCD. It's glorious. I never realized how crappy the picture had gotten on our old TV until we turned on the new one. While watching CSI: Miami, I could clearly see the failed attempt to cover up a shaving nick on the face of Mr. Wolfe, and it made me giddy.

5.01.2008

Smile Pretty for the Camera....Or Don't....

DRL and I took Elena to Kiddie Kandids yesterday and got her 6 month photos taken. Though she was in a delightful mood for most of the experience, she just would not smile pretty for the camera. I sort of like her stoic face in portraits. We have a coupon for a free photo, so we may do another sitting in search of her beautiful, yet elusive smile.


Tummy Time

A Close-Up

Sitting Pretty

Pretty in Polka-Dots


Rose Petals


Sucking Toes