Blue bird singing in the dead of night...

Take these broken wings and learn to fly. All your life, you were only waiting for this moment to arrive.

What moment? The moment to shine in her fancy new costume.

Happy Halloween!

The quality isn't awesome, but you get the idea. She stayed in the costume for about 5 minutes. Good enough for me and the camera. :)

Real blue birds fly, so fly she did. I think it made it more realistic for her. I could practically hear her saying "why the heck do I look like a bird instead of a baby. You people are strange".

Oh dearie dear, you have no idea how much you will love Halloween in the years to come. I can feel it. I think I have some learning to do on that good ole' sewing machine before I'm ready for more!

Weekend review

We got a new patio door:

I made some delish mac and cheese from scratch that took about...15 minutes. Seriously good. And not even bad for you.

We made a Thanksgiving-like dinner. It included turkey, stuffing, our famiy's favorite bread roll things, and mashed up cauliflower (review: good, but does not replace potatoes). Dessert was blondies but they did not turn out. boo.

Turkey chef himself:

Some parts of today were tough for this little cutie pie, but look at her, can you even be mad for more than 1 second? Pigtails, tutu, huge grin. Perfect.

Grammy's loving her some Josie time... great weekend!

And just for fun, this is my favorite picture. Why, you ask? Because I love seeing my house full of family! And this view made me just smile. Plus we always forget to use these hooks, so it's nice to see them used. I'm a weirdo, admittedly.

On to another week!

the good old days

I've come to the realization that when I look back on my life and think of the good old days, I will be thinking about right now. How corny is that? Oh but it is true. I was told at work by my boss that I had a refreshing new attitude since I have been back at work. My first instinct was to reassure her that it wasn't going to go away because that is what you tell your boss...that you are always going to be wonderful and perfect. But then I realized that my actions will show my coworkers that my "new attitude'' is here to stay. Honestly, I feel almost like a different person.

My life is so good. I'm truly so happy. I'm making changes to be healthier and it makes me grin. Weird, right? But I find myself truly excited at random points of the day about the smallest thing, like that there is room in my eating schedule for a treat, or that it's 3:00 already and the afternoon staff is there, or that I get to drink my cup of coffee with my favorite creamer (which I do every single day, why does it make me so happy??). I love that the little things add such joy.

Today was day 4 of the start of my Weight Watchers journey. Lets just call it a journey since its going to take a super long time for me to reach my goal, and I'm ready to take it on. I feel better already (I knew I would) and I feel like its going to be more of a fun thing sometimes than a burden. I say sometimes because I have some awful habits (awful!) and they will. not. be. easy. to break.

Josie is the funnest right now. She's moving more and more. She's smiling and laughing all the time. She's playing with anything in sight and always grabbing at new things. Its fascinating to watch her learn and see how quickly she adapts to changes and new discoveries.

Ah! I love it. Life. God, You are so so so good.

Just my monthly "I'm so blessed" post. Thanks for reading (if you still are :)...) (Seems monthly doesn't it? A much needed improvement from my grumpy old self of 2010)

4 month appointment

Did you catch that? She's four months! Ok not quite, just a few days shy. But wow she's growing up fast. Did I say that two months ago? Yeah but it is still so very very true.

This peanut is growing like a weed. Here are her stats:

Weight: 14 lbs 10 1/2 oz (<90%)

Height: 25 inches (75%) - dropped a lot! She's not our string bean anymore I guess...

Head circumference: 16 1/4 inches (75%)

The doc said that we could start feeding her some cereal any time and start her on veggie (first so she doesn't reject it after trying the sweet foods) and fruit solids starting in about a month. Hopefully the cereal will help her sleep through the night a bit more since she has sometimes been waking up around 5-6. Who am I kidding, though, she is a great sleeper and I'm not complaining about the fact that she wakes up that early. At least it isn't numerous times a night.
He also gave me a lotion with 1% steroid something something to put on her dry skin by her hairline on her forehead (whew that was a lot to get out). Poor girl inherited that from me and I have already apologized to her numerous times for it. I'm not sure she has completely forgiven me... it might take a couple of decades before she sees that its not a big deal. I see many days of frustration ahead when her super dry skin hurts and starts to peel off. Ouch! And Dad is no help. He just says "ew.." and walks away. It's not gross, Dad, and it hurts! At least I can sympathize?

Hopefully the lotion helps and we don't have to worry about it. She was great for the appointment, smiling and cooing and rolling all over the place. We were fortunate to avoid any falling-off-the-table incidents, and she only screamed super loud for about 2 minutes after the shots. Wow I hate those things. But she's a champ and moves on with life pretty quickly after. I'm so proud of her.

I think white shirts are out for a while... no wet t-shirt contests allowed in my house! Seriously, she looks like she got hosed down with all of that drool covering her head to toe. No signs of teeth yet, though Doc said they could be coming soon though.

He was also super impressed with her ab crunches she was doing (always an over achiever, just like momma, showing off how good she is) and said she looked really strong and ready to move. If you ask nicely, she might show you her six pack someday.

Love me that healthy baby!

Ponytail... now she's 13.

Nothing makes a little bitty baby look like a little bitty teen. First ponytail! Many more to come I'm sure.

Isn't she sweet?

Side view

I'm ready for my first date!! Because I'm 13 going on 30!

I love so much when mom tugs on my head trying to get my hair just right. 

Probably my favorite, the side pony: baby style

Alone

Mike was gone this weekend, which means I was alone with Josie. I was a little excited to just hang out with her and not have an agenda. On the other hand, I haven't been alone with her for that long before so I was a little nervous.

For the most part it was fine; Josie hung out, ate, slept, etc. But there were moments when I just couldn't figure out what was wrong, and she was so upset for what felt like so long. In reality, it was probably only like 20 minutes, but it felt like the whole day.

What I learned is this: I hope so hard that I will never be a single parent. Just having Mike around in the evenings and popping in throughout the day makes a world of difference. I can handle her on my own just fine, but having his support makes it manageable. All in all a great weekend! I love those moments I get to spend just her and me. She's such a sweetie...

Oh she loves her dog! Sleeping with it is her favorite, but only for naps when I am watching... :)

What high quality this picture is...

take the picture already!

Josie's idea of a photo shoot fail.

Ok mom, just tell me when!

Maybe try from over there... I don't like that angle.

I said on three! That was on two!!

Oh look at that double chin. One more time...

Seriously lady, what are you doing. 

Here, give me that. I'll just do it myself.

This is me. Done with you.

All is well when the pacifer joins the party.

whole lotta baby

"Why would you leave me to die like this?"

 "I'm busy now, just hanging with Dad"

 "And then we went on a walk and then I ate my lunch and then I took a nap and then..."

 "Oh hold on, this tastes good"

Heart to heart. So much to say, so little time.

"Oh, hey mom, did you need something?"

Don't those baby blues make your heart melt?

Car Seat Cover. Done.

You, sewing machine needle, almost won. But I pushed on and came out ahead in the end.

In my crazy crafty way of thinking (these days) I decided to make this myself because it looked do-able. Is it? Yes, but that doesn't mean mine turned out to be perfect. Here's the finished project after 2 or so hours of decent progress and a happy attitude and another 1 hour of pure torture and sewing machine angst. Turns out that sticky tape velcro doesn't need to be sewn on after being applied. In fact, you might just ruin your needle or in general make you never want to sew.ever.again. 

 Ta da!

Favorite part - the buttons sown on the imperfectly shaped handle thingys.

Yep! Good enough for me...good enough for now. Maybe some day I will try again and it will look like a grown up did it. :)

Sick little lady

• pink cheeks
• fussy
• slight fever
• insane amounts of fist/my hand/anything in sight in mouth
• tugging on ears. a lot.

So... could be teething or could be an ear infection. If she's disgruntled tomorrow morning then we're going in. To the doctor that is. We have an appointment next Monday, but I don't want to go through the weekend with a sick baby. If it is an ear infection it can't be that bad. She's more fussy in the evenings and generally happy and smiley in the mornings and afternoons (so Grandma has told me).

So what is not fun about all of this? Well, all of it. Especially the whole can't-console-my-baby-and-now-she's-asleep-when-she-should-be-awake thing. A full night's sleep after this weird afternoon nap would be greatly appreciated.

Boo! I scared you didn't I? Happy Halloween. :)

Love you Eddie.

Eddie Bauer that is. Who doesn't love a $15 highchair that gives momma the chance to get some food cooked and baby the chance to watch and play. 

Auntie is the funniest

Meh Monday... Meh=randoms

Were you all wondering what the new name was going to be?? I am sure you were. all. weekend. Well, me too. After I saw how everyone's votes were all over the place, I realized that none of those names truly described me. Why oh why are all the good names taken. I think every name I came up with that I truly loved is already taken by someone who doesn't even appreciate it. Baah.

Guess the new blog name hunt will continue on.

We spent the weekend packing and moving from one lake place to another.  Oh, did I say we? I spent most of my time with Josie while everyone else did the heavy lifting. I wouldn't pass up that quality time for anything though. She was fun and happy and we didn't have any meltdowns like we have had in the past on busy weekends.

The new place is going to be so great for my parents and we are pumped to see them make it their own.

Ok that picture wasn't from this weekend, but a little Josie lovin never hurt anybody.

I also stopped breastfeeding/pumping this weekend. What a relief it is to be done with that! Less to carry around, less to think about, more to pay. There always has to be a downside... I can't believe how expensive formula is. I know everyone knows this and its no surprise, but with her eating so much more now we go through it like crazy. Good thing we have Sam's Club to keep it real.

Josie started daycare with Grandma today. Besides the hussle bussle get everything ready for Day 1, I think the change won't be a problem and she's going to love all that one-on-one attention.

Yet another random picture for you all to enjoy (again). This sad little boat is just sitting in our driveway and doesn't even get to go for a ride (imagine me standing next to it saying "wanna go for a ride??" Buckley style). Here's hoping that we can get it transported to the lake before it makes a permanent spot on our driveway. I want my garage spot back!!

I think she looks different in pictures than she does in true life. I never get to just stare at this random face for real when she's cooing and moving. It comes and goes too quickly.

Random enough for you?

Vote - blog name

I'm feeling the need to change my blog name. MSDeyle worked great when it was just my close family and friends reading it, but now that its a bit more known out there in the blog world (don't worry, it hasn't gone to my head yet... ) I feel that it should be something that isn't confusing. Let's face it, my last name? Not the easiest thing to pronounce. So I've created a quiz. I brainstormed for hours thinking of a new name and I've come up with a few ideas. Please choose your favorite!

Time for school!

The weather might not agree that a flowery jumper is appropriate today, but we do!

Pumpkin smoothie

Remember how I had made a Green Monster before and absolutely loved it? Well, I have been eating it every day for lunch and have been in need of variety. The first time I switched it up, I substituted blueberries for the apple making it a banana/blueberry/spinach/kale/milk smoothie. I also left out the peanut butter which lowered the overall calorie count.

Then I saw a recipe for a pumpkin smoothie and new I had to try it. Here's the thing. I always think I love pumpkin so very very much, until I make something with it and realize that its not as good as I am dreaming it will be.

My smoothie consisted of pumpkin (pureed), pumpkin spice, nutmeg, cinnamon, milk, kale, spinach, and a banana. I must have put way to much pumpkin in, because it tastes like baby food, and not in a good way (is there a good way?)

I will try one more time tomorrow with a whole lot more banana and a whole lot less pumpkin. I'm hoping less is more. Otherwise, I'll have my official first bust and will never trust pumpkin again (dramatic, but still true).

In case you were wondering, yes it still appears green. The blueberry combo had a purplish brown look to it (actually looked appetizing according to my coworkers) but it takes a lot to overcome that spinach green. I don't mind it as long as it tastes good!

Changes

We've made the super-difficult-prayed-super-hard-finally-came-to-the-decision to find a new church. Life has changed so much now that we have a family of three. When I think of our future, my first thought is "how does this affect Josie" not "what about me?"

Our church is small, and there are almost no young kids. It never bothered me before, although I did notice that there weren't a lot of young people (the ones that have kids...). I just assumed that eventually there would be and when we got to that point in our lives it would be fine. Well here we are, and it's not fine.

Other things helped lead us to this decision, but now we have the task of finding a new church. Where do we start? What happens if we don't like any of the churches on our list-to-check-out?


We want a church that has a solid youth program, a dynamic and spiritually led worship team that isn't just a bunch of performers, a pastor that inspires us and is obviously allowing God to speak through him, and fellowship that brings us true friends and mentors along the way. It seems like so much to ask and impossible to find. And yet we'll look. God is good, and will show us where to go. I believe he is testing us, seeing how far we'll go to find Him. We are willing, we are ready, and we are scared. Now is a time for us to turn completely to Him, find our own ways to worship Him when we aren't necessarily getting it at church each week, and renew our own personal relationships with Him to guide us, strengthen us, and truly lead us (have we ever truly been willing to let Him do this?)


Needless to say, we are overwhelmed. Pray for us. Talk to us. Help us. I hope we have good news to share with you all soon.

G'night parentals

We're going to hang this above her crib, per Josie's request, so we know what she is thinking when we put her to bed and she cries for a half hour.

Kid, it's not fun for us either.

Good morning world! Too busy playing to pose for a picture.