Army of One!

Well, Bodie has found a better way than rolling to get from one place to another.  He has perfected the "army crawl".  Ahhhh!  Mom!  Time to batten down the hatches and get the baby-proofing in order.

Me and Mailey

Papa Bodie and I

Mailey, Gabby, Jet, and me

Noel Up North

So, I actually was up north last weekend.  We visited a few friends, family, and our last stop was my old house.  We had a great time and great weather up until our last day.  We went for a couple of walks, to a pumpkin painting party, to Sunday school, to the casino for brunch, and to an apple orchard.  (We did the apple orchard in the rain - of course it would happen that way.)  We had a GREAT visit.  

Bodie's measurements:

At the doctor office last Friday, Bodie weighed 16 lbs 7 oz and was 27 1/4 inches long.  Too long for his car seat, but mommy's not sure she's ready to give it up yet since it's so convenient to get him in and out of stores.  He only received three vaccines this time.  Then mommy scheduled the three others ones for a few weeks down the road.  I will be getting a flu mist - live vaccine when we go, too.  That's one where you breath it in instead of getting a shot.  

Bodie and I playing
Bodie at 6 months

Bodie is 6 months old now.  You already know that he can sit up for short periods of time.  He also says, "Mamamama!"  (He seems to say it conveniently when he wants mommy, too.)  But what he's really good at is clapping.  He claps ALL the time.  We say, "Clap, clap, clap!"  And he smiles and claps.  What a genius!

Bodie laughing at me.

                                            

Bodie clapping.

Isaac and I riding a turtle
Looking at the bear fountain.
In between a bear's legs.
Eating a snack.
Playing with Bodie.

We had some visitors this weekend.  The Spratkes came and I was able to meet Isaac for the first time.  We had a pretty good time.  We went to the zoo and did a ton of playing.  We had a lot of fun and only a few problems with sharing.  (Quite often I was found walking around with my favorite toys of the moment above my head - out of Isaac's reach.)  But everyone kept telling me that it was fine to let Isaac play with my toys because he wouldn't take them home.  So, once I was reminded of that, I would share.  By the end of the weekend, one of my very favorite toys   -monkey- could be found with Isaac.  I was that giving.  BUT DON'T YOU DARE LET THAT BOY HAVE MY MAGIC WAND!  Isaac brought a few of his own "Choo-choos" so we were able to play great together on my train table.  Isaac is really good at teasing girls already.  He kept trying to tell me that MY mommy was HIS mommy with the cutest little impish smile that I've ever seen.  I'm so glad they were able to come for a visit.

Look what Bodie can do!
There he is again.

You've seen it.  Bodie can sit on his own.  Not for hours and hours yet.  But long enough to get a new perspective on the world.  And he's so happy about it.  He will be six months old on the tenth.  So it's about time he mastered this ability.  I could do it when I was four and a 1/2 months.  The slacker!

Ducks that WERE swimming but then got out.

THE HAPPIEST BABY ON EARTH

Running The Bases

We went to the Tigers' last home game on Sunday and I had another great time.  We were in a suite and had tons of great things to eat and drink.  From there, you could see all of downtown Detroit and it was a great view of the game.  Once the game was over, I was able to go down on the field (with about 8,000 other kids) and run the bases.  I was in the last group to go around, so mommy and Bodie had to wait a while to see daddy and I.  But we did it.  Paws was waiting at second base so I got to say hi to him again.

NO MORE TEARS

When my mommy dropped me off at preschool on Tuesday, I didn't even get sad.  That's a big difference from all the other times.  I usually get a few tears and am sad when she leaves.  But on Tuesday, I really didn't even care if she said goodbye to me.  It was great.  And SO much easier on everybody involved.

More Fun!

We have been having such a great time lately.  I've been to the zoo twice this week.  On Monday, I went to the zoo with my aunt Teresa and Mommy.  Then on Wednesday, I went to the zoo with mommy, Bodie, and Papa Reg.  We rode the train again.  When we were getting on the train, mommy bumped her head VERY hard on the door frame.  She thought she was gonna have a goose egg.  But she didn't.  After my nap, we ended up going to the Tigers game.  I got to meet Paws and ride the ferris wheel.  What a WEEK!  

 Fun Times!

We've had fun getting into a preschool schedule.  I'm doing much better, only a couple of tears and a slightly quivery lip when mommy leaves.  The teachers tell mommy that I'm the one who had the most fun at school.  Even when I slip and fall and end up with a goose-egg on the back of my head.

Mommy and Daddy went to Lexington for a few days.  While they were there they were able to head to Louisville to see some of the Ryder Cup golf tournament.  They had great time and Bodie and I did just fine without them.  Mommy has some funny stories about daddy packing unauthorized things -shaving cream, and face wash- and then handing the carry on to her to take through security.  (She could have killed him!)  Then, as they were walking away, daddy says, "Well, why didn't they take my razor blades?"  Are you kidding me?  Just keep your mouth shut!  

Once my parents got back, I had some visitors come down.... Grandma Mabel, Papa Clinton, and Aunt Teresa.  Grandma Pat came for a day visit as well.  I wasn't feeling very well.  I had a cold and I was exhausted.  So I slept for 4 1/2 hrs before they woke me up.  Then the next day I was feeling much better and ended up taking Aunt Teresa to the zoo.  The polar bears weren't swimming yesterday, but I was able to ride the train for the first time.  

 

First Days of School

This is a video of me BEFORE we left for my first day of school.  Don't be fooled.  This is not how I looked when I realized that mommy was not going to be staying with me.  But it is what I looked like when she came to pick me up.  I had such a good time.  I haven't made any close friends yet, but I'm quick to add that all the kids are my friends.  I've also added a picture of my new Tinker Bell backpack.  I LOVE it.  I have a new lavender towel for rest time.  It is supposed to be left at school, but I keep insisting  that it will be lonely in it's little cubby.  (Even though everyone else's rest time towels stay.  MINE will be lonely.)  So, it comes home with me.  

I cried a little bit when it was time for mommy to leave me again today - my second day of school -, but she waited in the entry room and I only cried for a minute.  

Last Days of Summer

It's taken all summer, but I've finally gotten up the nerve to jump off the diving board of our pool.  This does not, by any means, mean that I'm scared of the diving board.  I will sit out on the end of it when no one is in the pool and without a lifejacket on.  But don't you DARE ask my to jump off of it into the pool with my lifejacket on.  All that has changed now.  I'm no longer afraid to take the plunge.

Another Busy Weekend

This weekend started out quick with trip to the airport Friday morning to pick up Aunt Heidi. (Pony-tail Heidi) Then we headed downtown to meet daddy for lunch. After lunch we came home for a quick, late nap. During my nap, Mimi Becky and Papa Reg came down to visit. They took Heidi to Alma with them that evening. We were supposed to head to the airport again at 8:30 am Saturday to pick up Heath. But because of the hurricane in South Carolina, had to wait until his flight came in at 2:14. As we were pulling out of the driveway, mommy got a text from Heath saying that he had already landed. 45 minutes early. So, we flew down the highway and made it to the airport just in time. He hadn't yet made it to the exit. Then we went up to Alma. Got there at 4:30. Had pizza at Pizza Sam's, then left to head back home with Heidi. Her plane left at 6:45 Sunday morning. (I didn't have to make that trip to the airport.) We had a pretty lazy Sunday morning. Just tidying up the house. But then, Grandma Pat and John came to visit in the afternoon and we went out to dinner. Whew!

Preschool Begins

Well, not quite yet.  I went to a conference today that mommy had with my preschool teachers.  It only lasted a few minutes.  But it gave me time to become even more acquainted with the school and it's teachers.  By the time it really does begin next week, I'll be so excited to be there when there are other kids, too.  Mommy was roped into signing up for various things while we were there today.  She thinks it will help her meet people.  We'll see about that.  But she is excited to be the new Scholastic Book Order Parent for this year.  WHEW!  What a responsibility.  At least she didn't sign up to be the Pizza Fundraiser Parent.  

I'm adding some pictures of me playing at the playground in our neighborhood.  They are from last week when it was a little cooler.

 

We Have Had a Great Weekend!

On Friday, I had to visit the doctor to get a physical for entering preschool.  I am very healthy.  They pricked my finger to check my blood.  I didn't even jump.  I now weigh 30 lbs and am 40 inches tall.  In the morning, before the doctor, mom took Bodie and I to the zoo.  So, I had to pose by all of the cement animals.  I'm also sending a picture of me pointing at a seal.  He was swimming in one of the vent currents.

After my doctor appointment I decided that it would be fun if we went out to eat at the place where you bang the gong.  (Mongolian BBQ)  Then we went for ice cream.  (What a day)

The next morning, daddy took me to get new shoes for school.  They are pink and silver tennis shoes.  (If I have to get tennis shoes, they have to sparkle.)  After the shoes, I went by Build-a-Bear Workshop and told daddy it would be fun if we made another animal.  Since it was "Indulge Noel Day" he decided that would be a good idea.  Then he took me to Toys R Us where we picked up the new Ariel movie.  Then it was time for our movie to start.  It was a "Free-d" movie about bugs going to space so I had to wear funny glasses and the bugs kept flying at me.  It was so much fun.  After the movie, it was time for my nap.  Mommy woke me up from my nap at 5:00 pm when it was time for us to go to the Tigers game.  We met Kevin and Monica for dinner and then rode a bus to the game.  We stayed for the fireworks afterwards and it was so much fun.  "I love you, Mon and Kev, for going to the game!  I betchoo have fun at theeee fireworks?"

 

Life with a Pool

I went outside one evening after dinner and found the BIGGEST fly I had EVER seen. It was as big as one of my mom's thumbs. We took several pictures of it. Then, once we got the fly out of the pool I decided it would be fun to set my slide up by the pool and use it to slide into the pool. It was a very cool evening, but I wanted to try it out anyway. So, daddy dutifully got into the pool so I could go down the slide 3 times and then be done.

Our First Tigers Game

Mommy and Daddy took Bodie and I to our first Tigers game. We had so much fun. I was able to get a pink hat. That was the most important part of the game. Right when we walked in I saw the hat stand and picked the pink one out first. They had one that fit me and it even says princess on it. PERFECT! Here are some pictures from the game day. We had lunch outdoors at a bar and from there we went to the game.

Four Month Update On Bodie

We took Bodie to the doctor for his four month check up last Tuesday. Once again he received 5 vaccinations. He weighs 13lbs 12oz and is 26in long. The doctor noticed that he is moving right along with his motor skills and was very pleased with his progression. So, Bodie has now started to eat cereal. He always ate it all up, but he whined and cried the entire time. After a few days, mom got an idea. She mashed bananas into his cereal, and he ate it all up without making any noises except at one point he said, "Yum!"

Here's a video of Bodie showing things he likes to do now that he's four and a half months old.

From Piggie Bank to ATM!

The nickel has made its reappearance into the world. It came out Monday morning, right before the pediatrician's office opened. My mom was supposed to call that morning to get another x-ray! Yay. I can now go to the restroom on my own, in the normal potty, and no one has to search my poo-poo anymore. I will tell you that I wanted to put that nickel into my piggie bank, but mommy said it was way too yucky, so she threw it away.

Child-care, Here We Come!

This week we have started to go to the child-care center that is in the fitness center mommy goes to workout. The first day, I didn't do very good at all and mommy finally just left me there in tears. (Itdidn't take long for me to get happy, the nice ladies working there turned on the Little Mermaid.) Bodie did great . The second day, I did really good. Didn't even want to hug mommy goodbye. I just ran right over to the computers when we were let into the gate. Bodie did great.

Somebody's Getting Big

Here's another update on Bodie: He rolled over on Monday afternoon. Mommy and I were in the kitchen making pizza. Bodie was out in the living room on his little playmat. He was having a great time talking to himself in the mirror that hangs from above. Then after a while, he started to whine a little bit. (That's not like him, he's usually VERY happy.) When we went out to check on him, he was on his stomach, face-down, poor guy. We don't know how long he had been that way. But, sooner or later your neck gets tired and you lay your head down. Then, it doesn't take too long before your squished nose starts to bug you.

Piggie Bank

So, on Friday, I was under the impression that when I woke up from my nap.....I was a piggie bank. My mom was vacuuming the carpet and found a nickel under the couch. She asked me to please pick it up and put it on the kitchen counter. I had every intention of doing just that. But, on the way to the counter, I saw something else I wanted to do that needed both hands. So I put the nickel in my teeth. Then, when I stood up...(You know where this is going, right?)....The money went down my "froat"! I then ran out to my mom to tell her just that. She started freaking out just a little bit. Finally decided to call 911. The ambulance came and the three paramedics couldn't understand why they were there since I was dancing around the living room, obviously not in an emergency state. They told my mom to take me to an urgent care. It was the end of the day and daddy was almost home. So once he got there, we took off for an urgent care 15 minutes north of our house. We were there for about an hour. They took an x-ray, saw that it was in my stomach, and sent us to the Children's Hospital......40 minutes south. (We should have gone there to begin with.) Once we made it to the ER, I got another x-ray. It showed that it was still in my stomach. They sent us to a little room and told us a surgeon would be right in. 3 HOURS LATER he opened the door, told us it was in my stomach and so he wasn't going to do anything but wait it out. Then he sent us home. We got home at 1:00 am. Yes, I know that money doesn't go into my mouth and I'm not supposed to eat it. I've known that for over a year. I wasn't trying to eat it. I was trying to pick up my shoes and needed both hands to do it.

Needless to say, everyone gets really excited when I have to...ahem.... use the restroom. But, the nickel hasn't come to the surface yet. While at the Border's restroom on Sunday, the people in the other stalls were laughing when I asked my mom if my nickel came out yet. I'm sure it's just gonna clink right into the toilet all nice and shiny. I have to have it back, but mommy says she's not sure I'm gonna get to keep it. Boo!

I went to my doctor for a follow-up appointment this morning. My tummy isn't sore anywhere, so unless the nickel makes an appearance before Monday, I will be getting another x-ray in a week. I was able to get weighed today. I'm a whopping 29 lbs. I've gained a 1/2 lb in 7 months. I better start watching my diet.

Princess

For my birthay, Monica and Kevin sent me a gift certificate to Build -a- Bear Workshop. Here's a picture of the bunny I made and named "Princess." I had tons of fun doing it. Then, I carried her all around the mall for over an hour. I didn't want to put her in the box she was sent home with, so mommy had to carry that. I love Princess, she had wings, and a shimmery magic wand sound when you squeeze her hand.