Like many, I have become a huge fan of the Twilight Series by author Stephenie Meyer. It all started when my book club selected Twilight for our February meeting. We were being "trendy" so to speak. Boy are we hooked! We all love it and can't put it down. We are even a little obsessed and admitted that we are so into this series that we've dreamed about it. Seriously! I'm glad I'm not the only one. ;)
After reading the first book in the series of four (five if you count Midnight Sun, a version of Twilight from Edward's perspective which can be read online), I was totally hooked and couldn't wait to see the movie. I managed to sneak out of the house for a few hours one Sunday afternoon while Matt and Reese hung out and enjoyed the flick.
I am now on the third book Eclipse and am loving the escape, the romance and the suspense. I forgot how much I love to read! This has been just what I needed to get back into reading again. I'm even letting the DVR recordings pile up because I would rather read in my free time than watch T.V. If you haven't gotten sucked into the saga yet, I highly recommend it. The romantic story of Bella and Edward is worth all of the hype.
You can visit the author's official website at http://www.stepheniemeyer.com/index.html and if you haven't noticed Target has all of the books on sale including: Twilight, New Moon, Eclipse and Breaking Dawn. Costco was selling the entire series for around $45 at one time.
Happy reading!
Monday, February 23, 2009
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Two steps forward . . .
Reese had more "firsts" this week! She ate bar-b-que with Daddy and Grandma Ruth while I was out of town working in Lafayette and on Thursday evening while I was at book club she took two steps towards Matt all by herself! She did it again for me the next morning too.
Since I was out of town Monday night, I had Matt snap a few pictures of Reese for me so I could see what she was up to.
Mmm...Reese's first bite of brisket.
Not too shabby.
Don't care for the potato salad though.
That was delicious! I cleaned my tray.
After taking two or three steps for Matt and me on Thursday night and Friday morning we kept trying to get her to do it again to no avail. She will stand on her own and walk while holding one of our hands, but she hasn't taken off on her own again. No worries, I'm in no particular hurry. She'll be taking flight before we know it, and then we'll have our work cut out for us.
Walk to Mommy Reese. :)
We met Grandma Pat, Grandpa Joe, Uncle Chris and Uncle Scott for breakfast at Empire Cafe this morning. Reese was playing with Super Puppy before we left and of course I had to take a picture of her "outfit". Big surprise!
Reese showed off her walking skills after breakfast.
It was quite chilly (45 degrees) this morning. Burr!
This is a lot of what we did this weekend . . . walking with Reese.
Like I said, we aren't in any hurry per say, but we do like to help her practice.
Since I was out of town Monday night, I had Matt snap a few pictures of Reese for me so I could see what she was up to.
Mmm...Reese's first bite of brisket.Not too shabby.
Don't care for the potato salad though.
That was delicious! I cleaned my tray.
After taking two or three steps for Matt and me on Thursday night and Friday morning we kept trying to get her to do it again to no avail. She will stand on her own and walk while holding one of our hands, but she hasn't taken off on her own again. No worries, I'm in no particular hurry. She'll be taking flight before we know it, and then we'll have our work cut out for us.
Walk to Mommy Reese. :)
We met Grandma Pat, Grandpa Joe, Uncle Chris and Uncle Scott for breakfast at Empire Cafe this morning. Reese was playing with Super Puppy before we left and of course I had to take a picture of her "outfit". Big surprise!
Reese showed off her walking skills after breakfast.
It was quite chilly (45 degrees) this morning. Burr!
This is a lot of what we did this weekend . . . walking with Reese.
Like I said, we aren't in any hurry per say, but we do like to help her practice.
Matt also taught Reese how to turn the light switch in the dining room and kitchen on and off. He is really good a thinking of new things to teach her.
On a final food note, Reese also ate Salmon for the first time on Saturday evening and she did NOT like it. Too rich, oily and fishy for her taste. I had to laugh when she grabbed a glob that I had pushed aside (knowing she did not care for the fish) and promptly spit it out. It's like she wanted to give it one more try and realized it was a bad idea. I wiped it entirely off her tray after that.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
Grandpa Sam is Home!
I am happy to report that Sam came home from the hospital on Saturday and is doing well. He's got lots of rest in store for the next few weeks as well as follow up appointments with all of his doctors.
Here is what Reese has been up to this past week . . .
Multi-tasking last weekend: Playing with Grandma Fredda, Super Puppy and walking with her toy all at the same time.
Come on puppy, let's go!
Walking with one hand on her scooter and one hand dragging her puppy is pretty talented. She might as well be walking on her own. ;)
Look at me go!
Getting dressed up on Sunday with no where to go. Matt was out of town this weekend, and I spent a few hours at the hospital with Mom visiting Sam. 
Reese envies my phone most of the time.
Mom, can you stop with the picture taking...I am trying to make a call.
Enjoying Mommy's lasagna for the first time!
Posing with Mommy. I wanted to get a shot of her new pj's. Target has the cutest pj's!
Enjoying her second Valentine's Day. We went to visit Mom and Sam as soon as they got home from the hospital.
Opening her valentine from Grandma Fredda and Grandpa II (as Sam calls himself).
Loving on Daddy and Super Puppy.
While Matt worked a few hours and prepped the Honda for my overnight trip to Lafayette tomorrow, Reese and I went to the park this afternoon. We both needed to get out of the house and away from the chores for a while. As soon as we arrived at the park she started giggling and kicking her feet; she was so excited to be there and she knew we were about to swing. It was neat to see her get excited in anticipation of getting to play at the park.
I knew she needed a nap, but she refused to fall asleep in her crib. So about 30 minutes later it was time for her bottle. I gave it to her in her high chair, so I could start dinner and she passed out.
Showing off more new pj's and laughing with Daddy.
Now, give me my bottle please. :)
Here is what Reese has been up to this past week . . .
Multi-tasking last weekend: Playing with Grandma Fredda, Super Puppy and walking with her toy all at the same time.
Come on puppy, let's go!
Walking with one hand on her scooter and one hand dragging her puppy is pretty talented. She might as well be walking on her own. ;)
Look at me go!
Getting dressed up on Sunday with no where to go. Matt was out of town this weekend, and I spent a few hours at the hospital with Mom visiting Sam.
Isn't this the cutest little outfit? My child dresses better than I do, and I have started to envy her leggings. Do they make this in my size? (We are so into the layering thing lately!)
Reese envies my phone most of the time.
Mom, can you stop with the picture taking...I am trying to make a call.
Enjoying Mommy's lasagna for the first time!
Posing with Mommy. I wanted to get a shot of her new pj's. Target has the cutest pj's!
Enjoying her second Valentine's Day. We went to visit Mom and Sam as soon as they got home from the hospital.
Opening her valentine from Grandma Fredda and Grandpa II (as Sam calls himself).
Loving on Daddy and Super Puppy.
While Matt worked a few hours and prepped the Honda for my overnight trip to Lafayette tomorrow, Reese and I went to the park this afternoon. We both needed to get out of the house and away from the chores for a while. As soon as we arrived at the park she started giggling and kicking her feet; she was so excited to be there and she knew we were about to swing. It was neat to see her get excited in anticipation of getting to play at the park.
She was really into watching her shadow and the other kids swinging behind me.
I knew she needed a nap, but she refused to fall asleep in her crib. So about 30 minutes later it was time for her bottle. I gave it to her in her high chair, so I could start dinner and she passed out.
Showing off more new pj's and laughing with Daddy.
Now, give me my bottle please. :)
Other things Reese did this week:
- Playing with her table toy while placing one foot on her piano.
- Placing her foot in and out of the laundry basket.
- Putting her foot on the bottom shelf of the kitchen island while playing with water bottles on the top shelf (I am beginning to see a pattern here, and I think it is always her right foot that she is putting in/out and on/off of things).
- Walking on her knees . . . baby steps to the real thing.
- Getting super hyper after her bath. She wrestles with her towel and crawls and jumps around the bed while I try desperately to catch her long enough to slap on a diaper.
- Becoming more independent each day. She will not let us feed her with a spoon anymore. She wants to feed herself! So much for that 'Yo Baby' yogurt I bought.
- This one is from a few week's back, but sometimes I forget to post things (Mom syndrome): Reese loves to point to a feature on her face and have us tell her what she is pointing at. So now, I go through all of her features from her head to her chin and point them out on my face and then hers.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
On the road to recovery!
I am happy to report that Sam is off the ventilator and has a normal white blood count. I went to visit him today at 5:00. Mom and I were able to hang out for over an hour even though he is still in ICU. After observing him tonight, he will be moved into a regular room tomorrow. Sam's sense of humor is intact and he is handing out orders as usual. ;)
We are so thankful he has turned the corner and is on the road to recovery! Thank you all for your prayers and positive thoughts. Keep them coming! We appreciate it more than you know.
Friday, February 06, 2009
Thursday, February 05, 2009
Prayers for Grandpa Jones
Last night Mom had to rush Sam to the emergency room as he could not breathe and was gasping for air. Turns out his lungs were full of fluid! They had to sedate him and put a tube down his throat. He was on 100% oxygen last night and was placed in ICU. X-rays showed that his heart was ok, but his lungs still had fluid in them. They also gave him a diuretic to release the fluid from his body. Today the nurses ran tests and discovered his white blood count was high. We discovered that he has pulmonary edema and pneumonia. His last chemo was on January 20, 2009 and the side effects have been very hard on him. He is improving and is only on 40% oxygen now. He had to get a blood transfusion later this evening as his red blood count was low. We are hoping he will be able to get off of the ventilator tomorrow. I know he is frustrated because he cannot talk. Thankfully, he recognized Mom and me today and was trying to communicate with us. We told him what was going on and that he was improving.
As you can imagine, this is extremely hard on my Mom, me, and Sam's daughters, family and friends. We ask that you keep him and his caregivers, nurses and doctors in your prayers for a speedy and complete recovery. We'll know more each day, and I'll try to keep everyone updated.
As you can imagine, this is extremely hard on my Mom, me, and Sam's daughters, family and friends. We ask that you keep him and his caregivers, nurses and doctors in your prayers for a speedy and complete recovery. We'll know more each day, and I'll try to keep everyone updated.
Sunday, February 01, 2009
Reese's 1 year Milestones
I took Reese to her 12 month check up last Thursday afternoon. She had to get 5 shots and have blood work! It was a little bit ridiculous and wore us out. They actually took the blood out of her arm! I was shocked; I just thought they would do it out of her foot. Shows what I know. I was almost too frazzled to go back to work, but once we got home she was in such a good mood and enjoying Grandma Ruth that I decided to head back to wrap up my day. The blood work was to test for lead poisoning and anemia; I got the results this week and they were normal. I am so relieved. I worry about possible lead ingestion because we live in this old 1939 house, and I know it has lead paint and lead pipes.
The doctor reported that Reese weighs 22 lbs 3 oz and is 31 inches. She still does not enjoy being on the examination table. She will not let me put her down while she screams and cries. She's got a good memory about getting shots on that table. She doesn't even like the doctor to examine her. Once again, the doctor said we should "play doctor". Ok already, I'll go find a toy medicine kit. I love our doctor though! She is very sweet and down to earth.
Reese is on target for 'normal development' as per the 12-15 month guide we received from the doctor's office:
- Usually follows a definite daily pattern - check
- Opens cabinets, pulls tablecloths - check
- Likes to feed self - check, check
- Expresses complete thought with single syllable ("da" means "I want that") - I told the doctor I didn't think she was doing this, but as soon as we got home she pointed to a toy she could not reach and said "da". Go figure.
- Utters a few words ("mama", "dada", "ball") - sometimes; she does talk a lot but I do not understand a word of it.
- Loves rhythms and rhymes - check
- Shows more negativism - yep she can throw a tantrum when she wants to
- Has developed a deep attachment to a few familiar people - Yes, ME and GRANDMA RUTH (and sometimes Matt). Sorry Daddy, but she is at a stage where she seems to prefer Mommy over Daddy. I am sure that will change one day, but I hope not. ;)
- Loves to make parents laugh - and herself
- Shows somewhat less stranger anxiety - depends on the day
- Displays a sense of humor - yes, when I give her water through a straw, she will grab the straw with her teeth and hold on to it while I try to pull it away.
- Walks with assistance - check
- Crawls rapidly - check
- Stands alone - check (for 30 seconds or so then she sits down)
- Seats self on floor - yeah like I said
So in addition to the milestone's above Reese has been:
Lying around on the couch watching T.V. (she was in this position for 30 seconds and I managed to capture it on film)
Multi-tasking; she can walk with her toy and watch T.V. (she really doesn't watch that much television, but she does enjoy musical shows and commercials)
Sporting the yellow t-shirt. She looks so good in yellow! I couldn't get over how cute she was when I came home for lunch. BTW, Grandma just loves dressing Reese in her new birthday clothes. Everyday, Grandma and I say how cute Reese looks in her new outfit. Of course we are not biased at all!
Receiving her first piece of international mail from my friend Caroline who lives in the U.K.
Loving playing with socks and helping Mommy with the laundry. It's so funny how she just grabs pieces and tosses them aside.
Getting real attached to her paci. I know I am probably supposed to start weaning her from it, but it soothes her so well.
Looking super cute in her corduroy dress and matching bow, tights and shoes. The dress is still a little big so she'll be able to wear it a while.
Walking with Daddy...in another super cute outfit. The cord dress was too baggy, so we changed her outfit mid-day.
Pounding on the chair pad.
And seeing what is underneath.
Reading a book on the floor while Mommy packs another bin full of clothes she has outgrown.
Taking a break.
Having fun with Daddy.
Doing pull-ups...I wonder if she'll get to 25 by the end of the year? 
Taking a long nap with Mommy after a nice walk on Sunday afternoon.
The doctor reported that Reese weighs 22 lbs 3 oz and is 31 inches. She still does not enjoy being on the examination table. She will not let me put her down while she screams and cries. She's got a good memory about getting shots on that table. She doesn't even like the doctor to examine her. Once again, the doctor said we should "play doctor". Ok already, I'll go find a toy medicine kit. I love our doctor though! She is very sweet and down to earth.
Reese is on target for 'normal development' as per the 12-15 month guide we received from the doctor's office:
- Usually follows a definite daily pattern - check
- Opens cabinets, pulls tablecloths - check
- Likes to feed self - check, check
- Expresses complete thought with single syllable ("da" means "I want that") - I told the doctor I didn't think she was doing this, but as soon as we got home she pointed to a toy she could not reach and said "da". Go figure.
- Utters a few words ("mama", "dada", "ball") - sometimes; she does talk a lot but I do not understand a word of it.
- Loves rhythms and rhymes - check
- Shows more negativism - yep she can throw a tantrum when she wants to
- Has developed a deep attachment to a few familiar people - Yes, ME and GRANDMA RUTH (and sometimes Matt). Sorry Daddy, but she is at a stage where she seems to prefer Mommy over Daddy. I am sure that will change one day, but I hope not. ;)
- Loves to make parents laugh - and herself
- Shows somewhat less stranger anxiety - depends on the day
- Displays a sense of humor - yes, when I give her water through a straw, she will grab the straw with her teeth and hold on to it while I try to pull it away.
- Walks with assistance - check
- Crawls rapidly - check
- Stands alone - check (for 30 seconds or so then she sits down)
- Seats self on floor - yeah like I said
So in addition to the milestone's above Reese has been:
Lying around on the couch watching T.V. (she was in this position for 30 seconds and I managed to capture it on film)
Multi-tasking; she can walk with her toy and watch T.V. (she really doesn't watch that much television, but she does enjoy musical shows and commercials)
Sporting the yellow t-shirt. She looks so good in yellow! I couldn't get over how cute she was when I came home for lunch. BTW, Grandma just loves dressing Reese in her new birthday clothes. Everyday, Grandma and I say how cute Reese looks in her new outfit. Of course we are not biased at all!
Receiving her first piece of international mail from my friend Caroline who lives in the U.K.
Loving playing with socks and helping Mommy with the laundry. It's so funny how she just grabs pieces and tosses them aside.
Getting some curly q's on the back of her head. When her hair gets wet it curls up so cute.
Discovering the cup in the bath tub. I am waiting for her to dump the water on the floor; hasn't happened yet. ;)
Getting real attached to her paci. I know I am probably supposed to start weaning her from it, but it soothes her so well.
Looking super cute in her corduroy dress and matching bow, tights and shoes. The dress is still a little big so she'll be able to wear it a while.
Walking with Daddy...in another super cute outfit. The cord dress was too baggy, so we changed her outfit mid-day.
Pounding on the chair pad.
And seeing what is underneath.
Reading a book on the floor while Mommy packs another bin full of clothes she has outgrown.
Taking a break.Having fun with Daddy.
Doing pull-ups...I wonder if she'll get to 25 by the end of the year? Taking a long nap with Mommy after a nice walk on Sunday afternoon.
Going to her first Super Bowl party at The Bellah's. Matt insisted she wear her "sporty" Adidas pants and Elmo t-shirt. I insisted she wear a big pink bow.
Watching Mommy hold 2 week old baby Lauren and talking to Leslie (baby Lauren's Mom).
Reese is also ticklish on her feet and belly. She really gets going when you tickle her belly. I love her laugh!
She still eats everything in sight. By that I mean, she will eat anything I give her. I am thankful she is a good eater. And she loves to feed herself.
We are working on getting her to drink from a sippy cup or a straw cup. She prefers the bottle of course, but the doctor says I should only give her 100% whole milk in the cup. The bottle has to be 1/2 formula and 1/2 whole milk, so she will not get attached to drinking milk from the bottle. Any tips on this one?
I almost forgot to mention that Reese loves to play "Ride a little pony down to town!". I was reminded of this game from Grandma Ruth (who else). I place Reese on my lap or knee and sing the jingle and then drop my leg when I get to the part "Don't fall down!".
One more thing, when we cough, Reese mimics us and coughs too. Funny!
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