Birthday kickoff

We are getting ready for our quarterly trip to AL, stopping in Atlanta for some shopping and football of course. Yesterday was Jonathan's birthday so we had a little kickoff celebration. I had my heart set on making him a cake but forgot to buy the icing to decorate so I improvised with his favorite candy. His gift looks rather small, but it does not include the new, upgraded Tivo in the bedroom:)

Packing is going to be interesting. How in the world am I going to remember all the sippy cups, snacks, bowls, bottle liners, etc? I am sure we will be stopping at Target for some entertainment anyway. Gets tricky when you are spending 2 nights in a row in hotels with no dishwasher!

5 AM Bust

Last night I was completely busted. Thanks to the newest front tooth coming in, we are having some night sleep disturbances. Most of the time I can look in the cracked door and evaluate to see if an intervention is necessary. However, last night I needed to make a crib side evaluation which requires stealth-like movements. In this case, hands and knees were required. As I fumbled across the floor, the crying ceased. And then my scuffles became more noticeable. I tried to make a retreat but it was too late. She suddenly lifted her head above the crib bumper and eye contact was made. Not a good thing as loud communication began immediately. Needless to say, it would have been a good candid camera moment.

Have you ever heard of an 8 month old who discovers the pacifier??? Yes, it has always been around since the day we took her home from the hospital but never totally appreciated. Goodness knows, I tried! We always carry one around but it is usually regarded as a handy toy. Not anymore. Officially part of the sleep routine now. Strange!

Our first toast and juice snack. Love the toast since it gives me a few minutes of quiet. Hate the mess.

Playtime is exhausting sometimes.

Everything needs to be inspected from the knees.

I always knew I would be funny to someone one day.

Our new friend, the pacifier.

Survival Kit Defined

I am feeling the need to share the amount of items that I carry around on a daily basis because it seems really unbelievable sometimes. I feel like I am training for a strength competition.

1. Infant carrier itself which weighs approximately 3-5 pounds

2. Infant weighs 19.5 pounds

These 2 items (24 pounds or so) are usually resting on my right forearm, while keys and phone are in hand. It is quite a sight. I know our days of removing the carrier from the car are ending.

My left shoulder holds diaper bag at approximately 8 pounds. I am just guessing. Mom says it weighs more like 15 pounds. I have a few different bags so that varies too but they are all close in weight.

Here are the daily contents:

1. Two 8 oz and one 4 oz bottle filled with sterile water.

2. Twelve oz of formula in a plastic dispenser

3. Four 4 oz packets of formula

4. Emergency 3 oz of prepared formula with special sized top

5. Two diapers

6. Wipes

7. Baggies to dispose of dirty diapers

8. Diaper Cream

9. Two or more containers of food in plastic bag

10. Spoons in plastic case (or my Boon spoon which food can be squeezed from)

11. Disposable bib for food feedings

12. Cloth bib for bottle feedings

13. Pacifier with clip in holder

14. Toys (at least 4)

15. Ribbon to tie toy to stroller

16. Disposable camera for spontaneous moments

17. Emergency phone numbers

18. Wet wipes and antibacterial gel for hands

19. Lipsticks and powder

20. Sunscreen for baby (stick and lotion)

21. Sunscreen for me

22. Protein bar (for me)

23. Wallet (not pictured)

24. Teething tablets or gel

25. Extra plastic quart size bag

26. Changing pad (inside bag)

27. Pen

One day I will look back at this and laugh, right??

Meanwhile this has been a big week. Caroline is clapping, kissing and shaking her head 'no' when prompted....so funny to see. And I am not sure when to call her moving around officially crawling. Let's just say she can go backwards by moving her legs for now.

The Many Expressions of an 8 Month Old

Pictures with translations.

Where are we going?

I love eating!
Bathtime is fun...but I am cold

Where is that music coming from?
Peek-a-boo
I can pull up now!
Please pick me up.