Yummm....

We started rice cereal a few weeks ago when Mia was around 4 and a half months old. As you can see in the picture, she wasn't too excited about it. She didn't hate the cereal, but yet she also didn't willingly eat it. So we waited a little longer to try again - we figured there was no rush. A few weeks later we tried sweet potatoes, which she liked much better, as you can see.

Tonight we tried avacado and she loved it! This was the most reaction we got out of Mia. She was excited everytime I gave her a spoonfull. Now I just have to get better about getting solids into her schedule. I guess it is time to break out the steamer and food processor. I need to whip up some new flavors.

The Return of the Hat

One the household "chores" I despise the most is packing up the kids clothes when they grow out of them or at the end of the season. It is always so sad seeing the cute clothes being put away in a box. At least I have been able to pull most of Allison's clothes out and have Mia wear them, including the adorable winter hat that Aunt Jodi bought for Allison last year.

What Do Ya Mean I'm Too Big?

This Ain't Your Father's Station Wagon

For the past few months Brian and I have been talking about replacing his car. We were trying to hold off for a few more months until the weather got better so it would also give us more time to save towards the down payment. However two weeks ago, Brian discovered a nail in his tire and it wasn't fixable. We didn't want to put any more money in the car for a couple of replacement tires, so we decided to take the plunge and get something new. Luckily we had been doing research on cars for the few weeks prior and we agreed on looking into a Pontiac Vibe. I had actually spent my lunch hour the day his tire went flat looking on-line at cars in the area, so I had a good idea of where to look.

We found a 2008 Vibe at a local dealership close to his parents house. So the next day, we dropped the kids off to their house so we could take a test drive. The car passed the first test....could it fit the double stroller? It fit perfectly with enough room to spare for a diaper bag and other small items. We were pleased with the car and decided to purchase it and have been happy with it so far.

I have to say, never in a million years did I think that I would once again be riding in a station wagon. We had one growing up and I was very happy when my dad turned it it...just before I started driver's training.

Allison was very upset with us that we chose the Pontiac Vibe. She had her eye on a new Little Tikes Cozy Coupe, however we didn't think that would be very practical for a family of four. We decided however, that since she is such a good kid, that we would splurge and buy the 30th Anniversary edition of the Cozy Coupe for her. Nothing is too good for our kid!

A Good Night Visit

Last night I went out to dinner with the girls (including Mia) and Brian and Allison had a daddy-daughter date night.

The two of them went out to dinner and then to the mall, so Allison could ride the carousel. The last two times Allison has been there, Brian had both girls with him by himself, so he couldn't take Allison on the carousel. Much to their disappointment when they arrived at the mall, they found that the "animals were sleeping", which is the mall's way of saying we don't have anyone running the carousel for the next hour. So off to the play area they went, where Allison spent the next half hour playing. They then walked the mall until the "animal's trainer's" lunch hour was over. At the appropriate time, they went back to the carousel for their long-awaited ride, only to find it still wasn't open. Brian, being the wonderful father that he is, patiently waited another ten minutes until the operator came back. It was worth the wait though, as Allison enjoyed the ride.

I also enjoyed my evening out with the girls. It was nice to spend some time with them and also to enjoy Mia. She was in great spirits and loved smiling at everyone. We didn't get home until almost 8 pm, so I was disappointed that I missed Allison's bedtime, however due to the carousel incident, Brian and Allison didn't get home until late, and he just put Allison to bed. I decided to sneak into her room to say goodnight. She was laying in her crib and when she saw me she got a big smile on her face, like she was so surprised to see me, and held out her hand. I rubbed her face for a minute and gave her a good night kiss. She was content with a quick visit and didn't fuss when I left the room. I was content with her smile, as it melted my heart completely.

Settling In...

It has been about two and a half months since I have gone back to work and we are settling into our routine quite nicely. I have to say it has gone smoother than I expected, other than Brian and I being sick for 6-8 weeks straight...which I actually did expect but hoped that it wouldn't happen.

Allison is becoming more outgoing at daycare and is playing with the other kids. Needless to say, going to daycare hasn't suppressed her appetite. Deb said that Allison loves to eat and wants to eat all day. Amelia is getting used to daycare also. She is getting a little bit better about not wanting to be held all day while there.

We do have the occasional rough patch here and there. A few weeks ago, Allison went on a nap strike while at daycare. She wouldn't sleep during nap time at all, although today she did nap for an hour and a half. Hopefully the strike has ended.

I am getting used to being away from them too, although it was hard for me to leave them today. I had to work most of the day on Saturday, and Sunday was spent running errands, so I didn't get to spend a lot of quality time with them this weekend. Plus I still haven't seen Mia roll over yet. I had a hard time with the fact that I missed her first time rolling over because I was on my way to work. However, I am very excited that Brian got to experience that since he was at work when Allison first rolled over. I wanted to stay home with Mia today so I could see her roll over for myself. When I left work today, the guilt trip machine started to rev up a bit. I had one of those days at work where nothing was going right, which made it even tougher to be away from the girls. When I came home, Brian told me that for the first time after dropping Allison off at daycare, she walked right in and started playing. She left him standing at the door. Ironically what brought a sense of relief for me, brought a slight twinge of sadness for Brian.

Breaking News...

Mia rolled over from her back to her front this morning. Of course she waited until just after I left for work, so I missed it by two minutes. Sigh........why don't they cooperate on this kind of stuff?