10 on Monday

This is a just a quickie post.  I am going to do a post (or 2) on our beach vacation this week. For now, here is a 10 on Monday.

1. We just got back from a week at the beach.  We stayed 4.5 days at a condo in Orange Beach and 2.5 days in Fairhope at The Grand Resort and Spa.
2. Rory packed her beach bag today and told her Daddy that she is going to the beach.  He told her no, that we would have to go another time.  She told him very firmly "I am asking you 1 more time, take me to the beach!"  Not much of a questions huh?
3. Because of the tropical storm that passed through the beach the previous weekend, there were TONS of shells on the beach...we brought home probably 60 or so...not kidding!
4. Rory starts preschool tomorrow.  I am so excited I can hardly stand it.  She is pretty excited too!
5. This past Friday was my Dad's birthday.  Loved spending it at the beach.  I don't know why, but I feel so much closer to heaven at the beach..is that weird?
6. I am back at work today...BOO!
7. I am going to the grocery store tonight to get stuff for Rory's lunch...do you know how hard it is to find a lunch box for a toddler?  They are all HUGE, I finally found 2...I got one of them and I am going to order the other one next week. Never hurts to have a spare.
8. We have had major regression on the potty training front.  Hopefully she will pick it back up soon!
9. I am having trouble thinking of 10...apparently my brain is still at the beach.
10. Yeah...read #9.

:)

10 on Tuesday

We are still alive, it has been a wild few weeks, but hopefully everything is getting back to normal and I can begin blogging more again.

1. Rory had a fever virus for a week.  SHe was pitiful and it concluded with a wicked awesome rash...not fun, but short lived thank goodness.
2. The week AFTER the fever virus.  We wound up in the ER because Rory had a UTI.  If you haven't ever had to hold your 2 year old down for them to put a catheter in, you aren't missing anything....trust me.
3. I had a great birthday!  I am officially 31...crazy!  I got a new washer and dryer... You know you are old when a washer and dryer is an appropriate bday present! 
4. Rory is full on in the 2 year old attitute at the moment.
5. I asked R what she learned at church on Sunday and she said "God made pizza." 
6. We have been doing some minor home improvement projects around the Humphrey house, more to come this weekend. 
7. Tinkerbell brought Rory a pouch of pixie dust in exhange for her pacies...PLEASE let this one stick! So far, so good.
8. I need a vacation!  We are SLAMMED at work!
9. Having trouble getting 10.
10. I haven't taken any pics in a week or two.  That is the longest that R has gone with no pics being taken!  Poor kid...right?

Ten on "It is Tuesday somewhere"

Just a quick update, a la bullet points!

1. Hives showed back up last week.  YUCK, miserable!
2. We are going to Gatlinburg for a long weekend, it can't come soon enough!
3. I have a serious case of the 'Mondays'
4. Considering taking the twin bed out of Rory's room for a while until it is time for her to be in it all the time.  We had it in there when she was little bitty so that we would have a place to lay down for middle of the night feedings or if we needed to.  It is nice having it in there, but I think Rory would rather have the play space.
5. There is a 4x6 pink tent in the middle of my living room.  It was a Christmas gift from my Aunt Linda.  Rory LOVES it.  We will probably leave it there for a few more days, and then take it down for a while but for now, she is loving it.
6. Rory asked to listen to Belle in the car on Saturday.  I didn't want to listen to the CD, so I told her that I didn't know where it was.  She pointed at the radio in the dash and said "Mommy you push 123 on the car and we listen to Belle"  I guess she has the CD player figured out, great.
7. We LOVED the lovely weather this weekend.  We opened up windows in the house and let it air out.  It was heavenly!
8. Yesterday, we went grocery shopping and I let Rory take her little metal shopping cart and shop too.  Kevin pushed the big buggy and I wrangled Rory, apologized to other shoppers for her Kamikaze steering and snuck items from her basket, back to the shelves.  She enjoyed it and we had a good time.
9. The song of the week is...Sesame Street.  She doesn't watch Sesame Street, but we have a CD with a bunch of songs on it.  She gallops around the house singing "Sunny Day..sleepin da cwowds away..ah ma may to where the air is street, tell me how da get to sesame street." 
10. Life with a toddler...always an adventure....keep them coming!

10 On Tuesday - A day early

1. Rory, Mom, Tim and I all went to the Birmingham-Southern homecoming game on Saturday.  We had a good time and it was SO good to be back on the Hilltop again. 
2. I just turned Rory's car seat from Rear to Forward facing.  We are extended rear facing folks.  We waited until the last possible minute to turn her, but considering when I weighed her yesterday and she was at the rear facing maximum, I figured the time had come.
3. I admit that I feel a bit guilty that I had to turn her around.  I wish that we could have rear faced for another year or so.  I know that she is SO much safer rear facing...am I a bad parent by turning her? UPDATE: I just realized that I turned her early...the weight limit is 33lbs, not 30...now the question is, do I turn her back rear facing or just leave her forward?
4. Halloween is this weekend and I can't WAIT to dress Miss Priss up.  She is going to be SO CUTE!
5. It is almost November, CRAZY!  Where has this year gone?
6. I really want to do some rearranging in my living room.  Kevin is resistant...we will see how long it takes me to convince him.
7. Santa delivered Rory's kitchen for us to hold for him until Christmas.  Santa, if you are reading this, I am having trouble not putting it together and bringing it into the house...just for the record.
8. Brock's birthday party is Saturday morning.  He is turning 5 tomorrow.  I can hardly believe it. 
9. I am really missing my Dad these days.  Being at 'Southern this past weekend made me miss him even more.  As we would walk parts of the campus, I would have memories of being in that spot with him.  I just miss him.
10. I made Rory a shirt that she wore this past weekend to the game.  It said "BSC class of 2031."  I got A LOT of complements on it.  It was really cute.  I will try to get pics up soon!

22 Months - 10 on Tuesday

I am apologizing in advance, these pics are going to be terrible quality.  I forgot to email them to myself here at work, so I copied and pasted them from the W@lgreens photo site and put the (c) on in paint here at work...it will have to do.

22 Months...as in almost 2 years old.   I can't believe it!  What a joy she has been, especially recently.

We took her to the pumpkin patch this weekend and she had a blast (except for the horse, NOT a fan).  We really enjoyed watching her too! I will try to get some of those pics up this week.

At 22 Months:

1.  Knows her ABCs, and recognizes a lot of the letters

2.  Will spell her name for you, even if you don't ask her too. ("R-O-R-Y dat spwels Rory")

3.  Will count things up to 20.  If there are more than 20, she just starts back over at 1.

4.  Is obsessed with Belle from Beauty and the Beast, 'My Zowski' aka (Mike Wasowski) from Monsters, Inc.

5.  Knows her right from her left

6.  Is carrying on little mini conversations, like this one we had on Saturday (while I changed her diaper):

• R: I need my pacie
• L: You don't need a pacie, Rory
• R:  I don needa pacie, Ima big girl
• L: Yes, you are a big girl
• R: I need my brush and cone
• (I had put them behind the wipes box when I laid her down, to attempt to hide them from her since I don't let her play with her sterling silver brush and comb)
• L: I don't know where your brush and comb are.
• R: I know day are, Mommy.
• L: You do?
• R: Day right in hind my wipees (sits up, moves the wipes, gets the brush and comb)
• R: I foun um Mommy
• L: Yes, Rory, you found them...how exciting.
• R: It Uh-mazin (Amazing)

7.  Refers to herself, and other people, as her nicknames.  "Hey Shugga Pwume" (Hey Sugar Plum), "Rory a Tiny-Guurl" (I still call her Tiny Girl), "I a Doll-Baby" (what Mom and Tim call her), "Hey Punkin Bwef" (Pumpkin Breath...don't ask me, ask Kevin) 

8.  Still takes her blanket, whom she calls 'Sweet Pea', and at least one other object to bed.  Sometimes, she takes a book to bed, and will open it up to one of the pages and lay her head on it and go to sleep.  When I go in to turn off her lamp before I go to bed, I have to sneak it out from under her.  Lately, it has been her Belle doll, and Goofy.

9.  Sings Ring around the Roses and wants you to get in the floor and "Fall down" so that she can laugh at you.

10.  Says her whole name, and it is too cute, "Rory Meh-dif Humfee."  Good thing her first name is not that hard, Meredith and Humphrey are going to take some practice!

Well, that is it for the 22 month post. 

Rory,

Today, you are 22 months.  It is so strange, 22 months seems, in some respects, like such a long time and at the same time, not that long at all.  Daddy and I were talking last night, about what a big girl you are and what a funny little personality you have.  It doesn't seem that long ago, that you were still a tiny, tiny baby. At night, when I get you out of the tub and wrap you up in your towel and sing 'Buntin,' I try to sing as slow as possible, since I know that this is the ONLY time of the day, that you will let me cuddle you up like a little baby.  You are growing so fast, and are such a clever girl.  Daddy and I couldn't me more proud of you if we tried. 

The other night, before I went to bed, I went in to turn off your lamp, just like usual.  I stopped by your crib and brushed the hair from your eyes and laid my hand on your gently rising back and I thanked God for every little thing about you.  I stood there and prayed over you.  I prayed that Daddy and I will be good examples of Christ for you, I prayed that He will place a hedge of protection around you and keep you safe and healthy, I prayed that He will show your Daddy and I how to parent you so that you will be a strong, noble, child of God, I prayed that he will hold you in the palm of His hand.  I thanked him for the gift that you are.  We prayed many a night together that we would be given a chance to be parents.  Daddy and I both thank Him every night for the gift of you.

Rory, I want you to know something.  I have wanted to be a mother since even before I can remember.  I used to play with my dolls and would try with all my might to imagine what it would feel like to have a little girl of my very own.  Never, in my most persistent wishes, could I have imagined what you would be like.  You are the most splendid thing I have ever known, and I thank God for every second that we spend together.  I can't wait to see what God has in store for you my sweet girl. 

You will always be my Baby Rory, my sweet Tiny Girl.

All my Love,

Mommy

10 on Tuesday - of sorts

Our computer is broken, it won't stay on, just gives us the "blue screen of death."  I am taking it to my Bro-in-Law today so that he can, hopefully, fix it. Thank God that I backed all the important stuff up on the external hard drive about 3 weeks ago.  So...no pics today, just a little update on the House-O-Humphrey.

1. Mom and Tim came down this weekend and watched Rory so that Kevin and I could clean out the garage.  Whew...I am still sore!
2. Preparing for New Orleans in November for my Bestie Allison's wedding in November, Thanksgiving, Rory's 2nd birthday and Christmas in December.  This next weekend is our only free weekend for the next 6, then we have a 1 week break and don't have another break in weekend plans until after Christmas.  I am glad though, I wouldn't have it any other way!  We are loved so well, that is why we are so busy.
3. I had a bit of a health scare in September.  I was still having hives and so I went to a dermatologist at the Kirklin Clinic and he ran all sorts of scary tests (Lupus, C@ncer, Leukemi@, tumor markers, etc).  The Lupus test came back borderline, so I had more lab work done.  Praise God, those tests all came out fine. 
4. Rory has started to recognize both her emotions, and those of others, and feelings recently.  In the last few days we have heard the following phrases about 499 time
1. "I not skehd" (I'm not scared)
2. "Belle is sad" (Belle, as in  her Beauty and the Beast doll)
3. "Daddy/Mommy not sad" (We tell her we are sad when she acts up)
4. "I ky-ing" (I'm crying...you know, that no tears, fake cry)
5. "Rory isa happy gurl"
6. "Rory isa big gurl"
7. "Wanna take a nap" or more commonly, "Wanna go-da bed"
5. Rory has also gotten into coloring lately.  She calls it "Culla Culla."  To say that she is obsessed is an understatement.  Rory knows her basic shapes (circle, square, oval, triangle, heart) and her basic colors (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple, black, white, pink) and she will drive you crazy with requests for you to "Culla Culla" a red square or a "geen" circle.  She tries so hard to draw them herself.
6. The Rory Bee is really starting to take off.  It is a lot of fun and I have enjoyed making stuff for other people, and of course Rory too!
7. Rory is getting a Kitchen and a TON of accessories for Christmas.  Santa is going a little crazy finding stuff to go in it.  Good thing Santa has all those elves...this stuff might be getting expensive...you know, if he actually had to PAY for it.
8. I am in the final stages of narrowing the party theme down for Rory's Birthday.  I can't believe that my tiny baby is almost 2.  It didn't think that it was possible, but the 2nd year went by faster than the first.
9. We started looking into preschool and Mother's Day Out programs.  Wow, a lot of choices and A LOT of good programs.  Rory is going to love it.  She LOVES Gymboree (to the point that she asks to "Go-da Gymbo-wee" and sings the songs constantly, so I know that she will just love being with other kiddos and doing fun stuff.
10. It has been beautiful out lately.  I think that I am going to take Rory to the park on Saturday and let her play.  She always enjoys being outside and I enjoy watching her explore and discover God's creation.  

Well, that is it for now, hopefully, I will be back with new pics soon!  Hope everyone has a great week and enjoys this wonderful, Fall weather!

10 on Tuesday

Short on time so I thought that  ToT would be appropriate.

1. Rory has an ear infection.  She has run a fever off and on all weekend while we were in Decatur for Sarah and Victoria's recital.  She seems to be doing better today!
2. Took her yesterday for her "18 Month - Well Child visit" that was actually a "18 Month - Why is my baby running a fever and grumpy like Godzilla visit."  No shots for Miss Bee yesterday, we are delaying her 18 month booster to 2 years.  No biggie! We did get her weighed, she was 25lbs 2 oz and almost 34 inches long.
3. Contemplating going private with the ole blog.  I have had some issues lately with lifting of some info from the blog for malicious purposes.  I have to keep my family safe!  I have taken some security measures on the blog, if they work, we will stay public, if not, I will let you all know in plenty of time so that I can send you invites to the private blog.
4. Coming up on the 3rd anniversaries of my Dad and Nonie's deaths.  I can't believe that it has been 3 years already.  I know that they both would be proud of Kev and I and so proud of Miss Bee.
5. I have been playing with my embroidery machine a little bit lately, I will post some pics soon of some things that I have made for people.
6. I forgot to do a 17 month post for Rory, oops!  I took pics of her on her 18 month birthday, but she looks like she doesn't feel good (mostly because she didn't) but I will get them up as soon as I can.
7. My cousin Emily is getting married this weekend and Rory is a flower girl.  I will try to post some  pics of that next week after we get home.  R and I (and the dogs) are going up on Thursday after work and Kev is coming up on Friday to join us.  God HELP ME with Rory and the 2 crazy pups in the car with me on the way to Decatur, this could get interesting.
8. My Uncle Mark (Dad's brother) is coming up this weekend too.  We haven't seen him in a year, I am excited for Rory to get to see him and I know that he is excited to see her too.
9. Running out of thing for 10 on Tuesday
10. The girls did a great job at their recital, they are so grown up.  I just love watching them dance.  Speaking of, I have started looking around for dance studios in the 'Ham for Rory.  I know I still have a good year and a half before she can even start, but whatever!

10 on Tuesday

1. We are going to the beach.  I can't wait!
2. I had lunch with Mandy and Maci today.  I love those girls (and Emma) so much.  I can't believe that Maci is almost five and Emma is going to be in fourth grade.  CRAZY!  I remember when Mandy and I met and Emma was like Rory's age.  Crazy!
3. Have I mentioned lately how much I love my hubby?  No?  Well I do.  I don't think that I could have found anyone more perfect for me.  We truly are a great team!  I know very few men who would love being at home with a baby as much as he does.  
4. I am almost 30...as in like just over 2 weeks.
5. My house is a disaster...oh well!
6. My Father in Law fixed our TV last night!  We have been watching a 19" TV for a week and it is SO nice to have our big kid TV back.
7. We have been playing in the back yard a lot!  A whole lot!
8. Sarah Grace and Victoria are going into the 10 grade...I think that I am going to be sick!  Where did my babies go?  It is so surreal to see them with MY baby...They are so funny.  It is so interesting to see and hear them going through high school and remember what it was like to be there...it don't feel like it was that long ago!
9. I had a great conversation with Allison last week.  She and DJ are enjoying DC but boy do I miss her!  I miss our weekly lunch dates.  We always have the greatest conversation, even though we couldn't be more different on a lot of issues, but she is truly one of my dearest friends.  
10. If I didn't mention it already..I'm ready for the beach!

10 on Tuesday - ON WEDNESDAY!

I forgot yesterday, sorry!

1. Miss Bee and I were in Decatur this past weekend for my cousin Emily's engagement party in Huntsvegas.  The weather was so bad on Saturday that it was touch and go as to if we would even be able to make it to the party but by the time 7:00p rolled around, everything was good to go.  We had a good time, but I am STILL tired from the weekend.
2. Kevin couldn't get off of work to go which made me sad.
3. Rory is loving all this warm weather, she has been enjoying running around the back yard lately.
4. Yesterday I bought a whale sprinkler for her to play in, but now it is cool outside so she hasn't been able to enjoy it yet.  Hopefully the weather will warm up again soon.
5. I woke up this morning to the sounds of Rory in her bed counting to 10 and saying all her ABCs.  I admit I just laid there a listened and watched her on the baby monitor for a while as she talked to herself. 
6. Colleen turned the big 3-0 last week...Happy Birthday!  I am right behind you!
7. We are not doing anything this weekend, thank goodness, I am beat!
8. Kev and Rory have come and had lunch with me 2 times in the past 2 weeks, love that.
9. Trying to plan a trip to the beach with Kevin's family.  I can't wait to go!
10. Now when Rory hears music she starts bouncing up and down and says "I Day-n-sin."

10 on Tuesday

1. These girls turned 15 this past Friday.  More on that later! 
2. Some kids like to sleep with a fuzzy blanket or soft toy...my kid's choice of bedtime snuggle item last night:  a book (and 3 pacies which is pretty standard)
3. This is going to be a long week, I can already tell.
4. I forgot Feb is a short month so payday comes this Friday, not next Tuesday
5. Rory was getting into something last night and I told Kevin that his baby was being naughty.  Rory heard me and wandered around the Living Room repeating 'I Naw-Nee' over and over.
6. Rory has this horse and I walked in the living room the other day to find her riding it with no diaper on.  Apparantly we are descendants of Lady Godiva...who knew.
   
7. I hate my washer and dryer but am too cheap to buy a new one.
8. Rory spent a lot of time outside on Saturday since the weather was nice, she really like running around like a crazy baby and expending energy.  I admit that it was nice getting some fresh air.
9. It is supposed to snow tonight...wasn't it 65 three days ago?
10. I can't think of 10...sorry

  

10 on Tuesday - Thursday Edition

No pic, sorry!
 1. It is almost February...the month of 465 birthdays. Kevin is turning 30, enough said.
2. Rory doesn't like Broccoli, I think that it is the texture
3. We are going through the stage where Rory pushes us to see just how far she can push it before we push back. We are winning....most of the time.
4. The other night I told Rory to be still so that I could wipe her hiney and she said in an extrememly perky voice "Hi Niney!" It was pretty funny.
5. Is it Friday yet?
6. I am reading the book "The Help" It is pretty good...I definately recommend it.
7. We have NOTHING planned for this weekend...YAY!
8. I made braised short ribs, mashed potatoes and baked beans for dinner on Monday and they were GOOOD!
9. I made Chicken Divan for dinner last night and brought left overs for lunch today. One of my favorites.
10. Have I mentioned that I am ready for Friday yet? I have? Well I would like to repeat for dramatic effect...Is it Friday yet?

10 on Tuesday

I haven't done a Ten on Tuesday in a while, so I thought that I would give it a go.

1. Rory is 13 months old today...enough said
2. We (Rory and I) will be in Decatur this weekend and would love to see anyone that is available.
3. Kevin and I both turn 30 this year...Kevin in LESS THAN A MONTH!
4. It is cold...I know, you are thinking..."Duh, it is January Lauren" but really, we haven't had a cold snap this prolonged in...well, I can't remember.
5. I am having trouble coming up with 10.
6. I am all caught up on laundry.  That is an accomplishment considering, including uniforms, we go through at least 7-9 clothing changes between the 3 of us in 1 day, on a good day.
7. Rory is on whole milk and we have switched her to Horizon Organic with DHA.  She likes it better than regular whole milk.  We tried giving her just regular whole milk and she won't drink it.
8. Rory is going to be in a wedding in June.  My cousin Emily is getting married.
9. Speaking of weddings, we have 5 to go to this year, including 2 way out of town.  1 in Houston in April, 1 in either DC or New Orleans in the fall.  We are taking the baby sitter with us to Houston for sure.
10. Sarah and Victoria will be 15 in just over a month.  I think I am going to be sick.

Ten on Tuesday--Wednesday

1. It is November already, I don't even remember October.
2. Rory took her 1st big spill this past weekend, at my In-Law's house. I was in the kitchen, apparently everyone in the living room thought that someone else was watching her, she went down the steps. I FREAKED out! Rory screamed, she is fine, has a bit of a black eye and a bruise on her hip. It still makes me sick to think about it.
3. I have Rory's Birthday invites done, I just have to get them printed.
4. Last year at this time I was 8 months pregnant and miserable. I can't believe that it has been a year already!
5. I am so excited for Christmas and Rory's birthday but I am going to spend too much, I can already tell
6. We (Rory and I) will be in Decatur this weekend. I don't know yet when we are coming and going, but we will be there at some point.
7. Rory's new skill of the week...saying Poop (although it sounds like boop). If you ask her what is in her pants she says "Boop" even if there isn't. Great...very lady like don't you think?
8. I miss my friend Allison. She moved to DC with her fiance 2 weeks ago and I am about to go crazy missing her.
9. I ordered us new stocking this year. THESE are mine and Kevin's and THIS one is Rory's. Mine and Kev's came in yesterday and Rory's should be in this week.
10. I can't think of 10...sorry!

Top 10 Helpful Baby products

Ok, so I am not including the major things like: Crib, Diaper containment unit (although for what it is worth...our Diaper Genie Elite broke after 2 months and we now have a diaper champ), car seat and stroller since those are all rather personal choices.

1. Reusable Sterilizer bags - these things are GREAT! They come in a box of 10 at T@rget and you can reuse them up to 20 times. We use them A LOT! I also left one at each grandparent home so that there is one there at all times. It is SO easy...just put some water in it, throw your items in, and microwave for 2 minutes. Then you pull it out by the cool touch edge and pour the water out the drain and open the bag and VOILA! sterilized stuff. Seriously can't live without them.2. YoBaby spoons: Ok, I got one of these as a freebie in a packet of coupons and free stuff. When we started solid foods and cereal, I went and bought some of the normal rubber tipped spoons. After using the YoBaby spoon once and one of the rubber tipped ones...I called the YoBaby people and begged them to send me more of these. Turns out you can buy them on their website. They come in lots of 10 for like $3.00. Seriously, they are AWESOME! They are kinda flat so they are really easy to get into baby's mouth, especially at the beginning when coordinating the "open mouth, insert food, close and swallow" is hard. Kevin and I both prefer them and at 10 for $3.oo, you can't beat them!

3. Mesh feeders - there are a lot of different varieties of these. We use them alot. When I am slicing the fruit to make Rory's baby food, I usually have some little slices of peaches or apples that are kinda skimpy and so I throw them in a ziplock and put them in the freezer and then pull them out when I am trying to entertain her. Also, when she was majorly teething, the frozen fruit helped with that, and she was getting a yummy snack. We also put some table food in them when we go out of course (warning, it can be messy), but I like giving her a good wholesome piece of fruit too. She loves them too!

4. Chicco Hook On Highchair - we keep this in the car and use it ALL THE TIME now that she is a free sitter. Also, Rory and I travel a lot so it is handy when we go somewhere for a night or 2 and I don't have to worry about a highchair. We get compliments on it everytime we use it. People are amazed! Also, have you looked at the nasty high chairs in restaurants? They are gross. This thing folds flat and slides under the seat or you can detach the arms and it has a carry bag that it fits in.

5. Baby legs - I have already told you that I like these. Enough said. After the 400th diaper change where you have unsnapped and resnapped 645 snaps, you will see the need. Also, 3am is no time to be messing with a bunch of snaps. The less you have to mess with on a sleepy baby at 3am, the better. And they are cute and come in all different patterns.

6. Bath seat - we had a baby tub...I hated it, Rory hated it, it is a pain in the tushie. I got this bath seat and it is great! It folds flat and travels well. Also, it has 2 different positions so it reclined more when she was itty-bitty and sits up more for her now. Again, I hated the baby tub...with a passion. The only drawback to this is, it requries a full tub of water, unless you use it in a very deep sink. It is worth it though.

7. Baby Swing - We have the Little Lamb swing and I couldn't be happier. It goes both side to side and front to back and worked great! Some babies don't like the swing, but Rory did and it was a life saver for us. She had acid reflux so it was helpful to keep her elevated after feeding her for a half hour in order to keep her from spitting up. We just recently quit using it, when she discovered that she could lean over the edge and watch the ground go by.

8. Sophie the Giraffe: OK, so I asked about her in a previous post. I finally broken down and got her and wow is she worth it. Rory LOVES her and plays with her a lot. She is really easy to squeak and she is easy for her to hold on to. Admittedly, she is really cute too.

9. Avent Bottles - We use both the Playtex drop ins (which I love as well) but if I had discovered these earlier, we would have just used them. Avent is genious! All of their lines are interchangable. Since we use a sippy cup sometimes, it is helpful to be able to put a sippy cup lid with spout and a set of handles on a regular bottle. You can buy extra handles, which fit on the bottles, which makes it WAY easier for her to hold on to. They are pretty pricey, but they are worth it.

10. Quick Mix Pitcher-When making tons of bottles, it is helpful to have a pitcher. This pitcher has an agitator in it that you move up and down to mix the liquid. It really helps to get the lumps out, which you wouldn't think would be that big of a deal, but once you have had one get stuck in the nipple and you have to break and very hungry baby's rhythem, to unscrew the cap, dig out the clump and then replace the top at 2am, you begin to see that anything that you can do on the front end that makes it easier at 2am, it worth it. I got the smallest one that P@mpered Chef offers. Love it.

11. Bouncie Seat - Ok, so there are 11. The first 5 months of the kid's life, we couldn't live with out this thing. We didn't get a bouncie one, but we did get one that played music and vibrated and did calculus...just kidding. When she was little and sloth like, it was nice to have to put her in and take somewhere (like the bathroom-so I could soak in the tub) without having to wake her up or mess with taking the baby moniter and then walking my wet, towel clad self across the house to her room when she lost her pacie in her bed. We had to quit using it when Rory started kicking a lot and would bang her heels on the frame, it didn't seem to bother her, but it drove me crazy. Also, she figured out how to sit straight up in it, and I could just see her leaning too far forward and tipping over the front.

• Ok, so I left off the Bumbo, which was really helpful, but we only used it for a short period of time since Miss Bee figured out how to arch out of that pretty fast. We still use it some times, but not a lot.

10 on Tuesday

1. Kevin and I made Chili last night to have tonight. I can't wait!
2. Rory is thisclose to crawling...if she can just figure out how to coordinate her hands and knees in motion...she will be a speed demon!
3. We have been getting pretty consistent sleep from 7:30ish to 5:30ish. We still have to go in and put a pacie in her mouth sometimes, or move her back down to the bottom of the bed since she pushes her self up into the corner in her sleep. She will usually take a bottle and sleep until 7:00ish and then she is up for the day. YAY!
4. We have transitioned to the convertible car seat since she out grew the length of the baby seat. She is no where near the weight limit (30lb weight limit, 30in length limit) but she was right at the length limit.
5. We got the Britax Decathalon. I was going to get the Marathon but I have been bargain shopping for the Britax seats and I got the Decathalon on sale, in a discontinued fabric pattern, with an online coupon and wound up paying $15 less for it than the Marathon. I wound up saving about $120.00 off the original Decathalon price and got free shipping. Not bad!
6. Rory LOVES the new car seat. It sits up higher and she can see out the window...she likes it.
7. I am beginning to start planning for Rory's 1st birthday party. It is going to be fun!
8. Rory and I will be in Decatur this weekend. I don't know which days for sure, but we will be there at some point.
9. I turned on Mickey's Clubhouse the other day for Rory, hoping that it would entertain her long enough for me to go to the bathroom. I sat her down on the palate and came back after I had gone to the bathroom and put a load of clothes in the washing machine and another load in the dryer and she was sitting in the same position, eyes glued to the TV. HOLY COW! It is like crack for babies. I promptly DVR'd an episode...just in case I ever need it in a jam.
10. Pics coming soon!

10 on Tuesday

I haven't done a 10 on Tuesday in a while so I thought that I would give it a shot.

1. It is already August. I can hardly believe it! This summer has gone really fast.
2. Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince was good. Although it felt like a lot of set up and not a lot of action (except the end), it was good. I guess all the setting up is a necessity since the last book (2 movies) are so involved. I remember the book being the same way.
3. HPATHBP was a "Date Night" for Kevin and I. We enjoyed dinner and a movie, although we really did miss Rory. We needed to get out just the 2 of us and reconnect...I think that it was good for both of us!
4. I miss my Dad a lot. For some reason lately it has been really hard for me. I think partially because Rory is getting big and doing all kinds of cute things and it is hard for me to remember that he is not here to enjoy her. It just makes me sad I guess.
5. The twins start high school this year. They had band camp last week and boy-o-boy talking to them about it brought back memories. It is hard to believe that I went through band camp over 10 years ago...holy cow...really...10 years? It doesn't seem possible.
6. All this universal health care stuff is making my head spin. I AM for health care reform...I am NOT for government provided health care. I think that we should let the free market system work. Wasn't it basic 8th grade economics that says that competition is the motivating factor for affordability and quality. Better Health care=YES!, Communist Health care=NO!!!!!!
7. Someone's birthday is coming up at the end of this month. I can't believe that she is going to be 11. I remember like it was yesterday when she was born. The big 1-1....it is all downhill from here Brit! Just kidding...hehe!
8. Wow, 10 is harder than I thought that it would be!
9. Is it too early to start thinking about Christmas gifts? Don't read that wrong...I am not ready to decorate or actually do the shopping portion, but I have already started thinking about gifts for people...is that bad?
10. I forgot my lunch today...bummer. I have a lot of errands to do on my lunch break today so the chances of me having time to pick up something are slim to none. Oh well...it isn't like I am wasting away or anything...I am afford to skip a meal or 2 or 20.

10 on Tuesday

1. Rory is 5 months old today...crazy!
2. We went to visit Kevin's grandmother tonight.
3. I want to go to the beach....REALLY badly!
4. Enough with the rain and dreary weather, where are all those May flowers?
5. I will try to get Rory's official 5 month pictures up as soon as I can (I have to actually take them first)
6. I will be 29 in less than a month...28 was a great year...I hope 29 is equally as great!
7. We are slammed at work...seriously....more than I can get done in 1 day!
8. I am having trouble coming up with 10
9. This whole "post-a-day" thing is hard with a baby at home.
10. Rory HATES tummy time, I don't know how she is ever supposed to roll over if she screams until she looses her breath (or I can't take it any longer and flip her over) and I flip her back over. She will roll from her back to her side, but that is really all she cares to do.

10 on Tuesday - Things not to say V2.0

In contrast to yesterday’s post about 10 things-Fertility Challenged, today (in honor of 10 on Tuesday) is 10 things not to say (or do) to a pregnant woman (my thoughts again included for no charge)

1. “Excuse me, but are you pregnant?” – Nope, not pregnant, just swallowed watermelon seeds and miracle grow…what was your first clue?
2. Rub, rub, rub on pregnant lady’s belly – Do I know you and do you value your limbs? If the answers are “no” and “yes” respectively, back off before I introduce myself in a not so friendly way.
3. “You are eating for two now” – Yep, so what is your excuse? I know that I am pregnant, but there is no need to try to fatten me up, I am doing a GREAT job on my own
4. “Wow, you sure do eat a lot” – OK, see #3…damned if you do, damned if you don’t. I can loose weight...you can't loose stupid.
5. “When are you due…like tomorrow?” – NEVER make this statement, chances are, my due date is not even remotely close and even if it is tomorrow, when you are at the end, tomorrow feels like next year.
6. “Wow, can you even see your feet?” – Nope but luckily I have excellent muscle memory and they are still capable of kicking you in the shins
7. “When are you having another one?” – Umm in case you haven’t noticed, the hotel is currently booked, can I please have some vacancy time to prepare for the next occupant? This is not a Motel 6.
8. “Are you having twins?” – Nope, but thanks for making me feel like a beached whale!
9. “Your poor husband?” – Are you freaking kidding me?
10. “I just love pregnant women” – Really? Because we aren’t really that fond of you.

10 on Tuesday

It has been a while, so I figured that I would do a 10 on Tuesday...or at least attempt to.

1. I am tired of rain. I know, 'April showers bring May flowers' but it doesn't do much for my mood (or attitude). Why not some nice, spring weather (and climate). I would enjoy some good walks before it feels like I am walking on the sun.
2. Rory has her portraits this weekend with the fabulous Erin. I can't wait!
3. Kevin just started new off days. For the next 6 months he will have Monday Tuesday off. It has it's perks. We are keeping our wonderful babysitter Tuesday through Friday from 2-5 and Kevin will use Tuesday to do things that he can't do with Rory in tow. You know, stuff like mow the yard (ours and his parents).
4. We are going to eat at this great Italian restaurant tonight with some friends of ours. It is called Joe's Italian and it is REAL Italian food...as in off the boat Italian. It reminds me of Nonie's food. Man...I didn't realize how much I missed my good Italian until we ate there the other week.
5. We got a new car. It is a Ford Flex. We LOVE it. We traded the Explorer and got this instead. It is AWESOME! It has all the bells and whistles and it gets really good gas mileage for an SUV. I will take pictures when the weather is nice enough (see #1).
6. Yes, I still have the Sky. I refuse to let her abdicate the garage...I may be a Mommy now, but I am still cool...at least that is what I keep repeating to myself in my tired stupor.
7. Ok, I am racing towards my 29th birthday...whew the 20s sure are going fast!
8. The oldest D*uggar kid and his wife are preggers. I am all about letting God lead you in your decisions in marriage, but I think that their philosophy on children (the same as the elder D*uggars) is a bit much. I know that God said to go forth and multiply but he also gives multiple examples of why he gave us a brain to think (and count...budget...reason). I don't know how healthy it is to have 18 kiddos (and still want more). It can't be good for a woman's body to have that many. I dunno...just doesn't seem healthy to me. From a mental or physical perspective. I get not wanting to take the pill because it can cause you to miscarry before you know that you are preggers, but there are OTHER forms of control if you know what I mean. Just my opinion...$.02...not worth much I guess.
9. Happy Bday Colleen...I think that I am a tad early, but I didn't want to forget to tell you!
10. I will get snapshots from Easter put up some time this week. My teeny tiny baby is getting big. She has discovered a new cry this week. We affectionately call her the "ghost." It is really more of a shrieking squeal than a cry. She only does it if she is not getting her way. Yeah, already!

10 sure is a lot.

10 on Tuesday

1. I have a raging headache today. I think that it is from caffeine withdraw.
2. Mom kept Queen Bee last week while I was at work so today is the first day with the babysitter.
3. Kevin and I have been married almost 3 years...wow, that doesn't seem possible.
4. It is BEAUTIFUL outside today which is a nice change from the crazy rainy mess of last week.
5. Kevin's knee isn't any better, but he went back to regular duty today since the doctor said that it might take a year or more for it to go away, or it might never go away...great!
6. Kevin and I bought an Oreck vacuum cleaner...it is awesome. I never thought that I would be so excited about a vacuum cleaner, funny how things change!
7. I miss my Dad terribly!
8. My house is a wreck...and I don't foresee it getting any better any time soon...is that bad?
9. I am ready for a trip to the beach...I haven't seen sand since my honeymoon which was WAAAAY too long ago!
10. We don't have any plans for the weekend, and I am actually glad! It will be nice just loving on my family all weekend!