The Oscars

Delaney has been doing so well lately taking regular naps DAILY (and is currently napping---I just know she's dreaming about what dress she wants to wear tonight for the Oscars!) So, I had some Barnes & Noble gift cards from Christmas I thought I would take advantage of......And, if Delaney keeps up with her naps, then maybe I"ll get to start reading some of these.......As you can see, I read a WIDE variety of subjects---don't laugh!! I follow The Pioneer Woman Cooks blog for recipes--try the monkey bread, it's our Christmas staple! I THOUGHT I was ordering Pioneer Woman's cookbook but when it arrived, I discovered I mistakenly ordered her novel---oh well, I'd much rather read than cook anyway! Perhaps once I'm done with the books (2012 if I'm lucky), then I'll get to the ONE AND ONLY baby book I own (I've only made it to page 48).............I started reading this book when Delaney was a newborn, followed its E.A.S.Y. plan for raising a baby (and let me tell you, there wasn't anything "easy" about it) called Julie (a/k/a the "expert) and said "I am not raising my baby by a book" and of course she did what any best friend should do when responding to her post partum friend and said "well then don't"!! And I haven't picked up the book since (but it does look great on the nightstand)!!

Ignore the "blurry" picture below, I didn't have my camera with me (I know, bad blogger!). We got up on Saturday and started getting ready. We had a fun day planned. We went down to I.U. to go to lunch with cousin Cerelle for her 19th birthday!! We were gone 6 hours! It was also Delaney's uncle's birthday but since he lives in California, it's a bit hard to get a picture of him and Delaney! We got to see the sorority house Cerelle will be living in next year. I learned so much about sororities it's like they are their own society! I also learned Delaney will NEVER be going away to college!

Eleven Months

This time next month, Delaney will have graduated to her convertible car seat that we bought today. I am just not ready to take it out of the box...........to tell the truth, it's still sitting in the garage! I'm in complete and total denial. I wasn't sure if I should open it up or........... this instead!!!!! Am I the only mother in America who does not like to see my child "advance"?? Really??? I am??? The little girl on the tag who is sitting in the car seat looks like she's about 5 or 6 and that my friends I simply cannot wrap my mind around!!!!

We had a lazy day today but since Delaney is eleven months now I decided a little child labor was in order!!!

After she woke up from her nap of course (check out that bed head!) You can also see tooth #9 that just made its appearance...if her teeth weren't as sharp as shark's teeth and I could stand to let her bite down on my finger for longer then I could determine if it's one or actually two teeth---I think it is two!! Grandpa, have you made her reservations yet at Ruth's Chris????

It's fun to see Delaney play with her "favorite" things---you know like Oprah! Lately, she has been loving her baby (and yes, we know it's really a glo worm)!

Not sure what "the look" is all about--I tell her to "love her baby" and I get what I get!

I know what you're thinking.............I'm going to go on and on about how I can't believe Delaney Catherine is already 11 months old and say things like "I can't believe she's already 11 months", "where did the time go" or the standard "it seems like just yesterday she was born"...well folks, YOU'RE RIGHT!!!!! To say it seems impossible is a MAJOR understatement. Delaney has changed so much just in the last month. Here are some things she's up to:

• she weighs approximately 20 lbs.
  
• she is approximately 29 and 1/2 inches (you do know how hard it is to get an 11 month old to lay still so you can measure her right??)
  
• she waves bye bye now (I told her she better learn to wave bye bye to all of her guests or they'll stop coming to see her---Ya Right!)
  
• she has FINALLY caught on that babies are suppose to nap. We are really getting into a nap routine, I lay her down everyday usually between 12:30-1:30 and she takes an average of a two hour nap---I just don't know what to do with myself when she naps!! I literally miss her when she naps and check on her constantly! She is usually laying on her belly with her legs tucked up under her with her bottom up--cutest thing EVER!
  
• she is down to 3-4 bottles (6 oz.) per day
  
• she loves ALL baby food, puffs, and applesauce
  
• she's not a big fan of juice (but doesn't turn it down!)
  
• she is really starting to play with her toys more and more and not just put them in her mouth
  
• she took her first airplane ride in early February
  
• she stands completely on her own but still not walking (thank goodness)
  
• she is in size 3 diapers (I "graduated" her from the size 2-3) and just recently started using the Earth's Best diapers and I can't believe it took me 11 months to try them out! I love them I am a huge fan of ALL Earth's Best products (and no, this is not a paid advertisement)!!!
  
• she has NINE(or maybe ten) teeth............RIDICULOUS!!!
  
• she still sleeps an average of 9PM-9AM (lately she's let me put her down before 9:00--we'll see if that keeps up!)

Delaney Catherine,

Well, here you are, 11 months old. You crawl anywhere and everywhere all day long. You pull up on everything and anyday now you are going to take off! It has been so fun this past month watching all of your changes. Your hair is getting so long and thick, your face is slimming and you are growing like a weed! You have a mouth full of teeth! We spend most of our days at home but of course, you have your daily visitors (except for the two days we had an ice storm!). You continue to be such a good eater and sleeper and all around, good baby! You rarely cry which does wonders for this mom's sanity! Of course I would still love you to the moon and back even if you were a fussy baby! YOU ROCK MY WORLD DELANEY CATHERINE!!!

Love, your mommy

Wordless Wednesday

The Big "D" and I don't mean Delaney...............

I am sad to report little Delaney Catherine has outgrown her cowgirl boots (that her very pregnant mother went out to get for her on BLACK FRIDAY I might add) and needed a new pair. So, I did what any self respecting mother would do of one adorable "fashionista" and we "saddled up", and headed south with grandma Cathy! Texas to be exact! I mean can you think of a better place to go shopping for new cowgirl boots? I know, I couldn't either...........................(I'm considering bronzing these boots!) Family friends, Chris and Carol, opened up their gorgeous home to us in Southlake, TX (everything REALLY IS bigger in Texas).............................I felt like we were entering the set of "The Real Housewives of Dallas" with all of the gated communities! And I know this series doesn't exist (YET) but if by chance the producers follow our blog, we think are you totally missing out on the ladies of Las Colinas!!!!

But, let's go back, Indiana was not left out of the frigid temperatures and ice storms a couple of weeks ago and even though to some people there's "snow" place like home, Delaney and I love to travel (she just doesn't know it yet). So, we were happy to pack up and leave the winter weather behind! But, as luck would have it, Dallas got some very unusual weather the day before we arrived, luckily, the snow melted the next day and the bad weather did not interrupt our plans!

We arrived at the Indianapolis Airport and parked in the garage (which we later found out collapsed and ruined some vehicles but fortunately, not ours). After checking in, we discovered our flight was over an hour delayed so we had some time to waste. So, we took turns strolling Delaney around the airport---she didn't seem to mind the delay at all! Oh and let's get this out of the way now, NO, I did not match her outfit to her stroller (which by the way, we need to say thank you to Erin for letting us borrow!) We counted the trays we used through security...SEVEN! 2 diaper bags, 2 purses, 1 carry on, 2 coats........................

We finally boarded the plane (oh and just so you know, American Airlines DOES NOT allow those boarding with small children to board first) but when you're "small child" is as cute as Delaney, procedures/policies/rules go out the window "Sorry, Mr. Gold Club holder, coming through!" Here is Delaney sitting on her grandma's lap and if you ask her, Delaney was perfect on the plane. But, if you ask her mother, she could have been better! But then again, I do have high expectations. I had half a mind to make Delaney get on the intercom to apologize (she never really "cried" just had a few fussy/restless moments) then I realized...A. Delaney can't talk and B. most of the people sitting around us had on head sets-----too bad I didn't think to bring my own! ha ha ha The flight went by pretty quickly but not quickly enough for Delaney to NOT NEED A DIAPER CHANGE AT AN ALTITUDE OF 30000 (and I'm not talking a simple #1 change either people!) Now, I purposely picked flight times that would accommodate Delaney's routine and had the flight not have been over an hour late, the diaper change would have taken place on the ground!

I really did think Delaney would sleep on the plane, but of course she waited until we landed and were at baggage claim to start doing this..............................

Now, onto all of the fun things we got to do in Texas...........I asked Delaney if she wanted to go to the Superbowl but she said no, that was "so last year".....our friends had a fun Superbowl party and as you can see, Delaney was in denial over who was in (or not in) the game this year! We had so much fun at the party and my little socialite was a big hit. Grown men who should have been engrossed in the game were more interested in GUESS WHO??????????????? Everyone at the party cheered for the Colts....ooops, I mean Packers so we were glad they won! Delaney fell asleep with 2 minutes left in the game. (Oh, and if you're wondering, she pretty much stuck to her sleeping schedule of 9-9 while we were there!)

To sum up what we did in Dallas best it takes just three words, eat, sleep, shop (you'll see).....during one of our shopping trips I took Delaney to the bathroom for a diaper change. Well, apparently she didn't like her outfit because in the bathroom she wet all over her clothes as I was changing her diaper....INSERT LISTEN TO YOUR INNER VOICE WHEN IT SAYS TO PACK A BACKUP OUTFIT! So, out to the childrens department I went (oh and did I mention she decided to do this in Nordstrom???????????) Fortunately, I found this shirt which already matched her pants which I was able to salvage and just get her a pair of socks to go with it. Crisis averted (but really, what kind of fashion crisis can you have when you're in Nordstrom???) As we walked out of Nordstrom, the very next store was Saks. I informed little Delaney Catherine had she pulled that same stunt in Saks, she would have likely been walking around topless and sockless!!! Here is our hostess/shopping guide/chaueffer, Carol. She and Delaney's grandma have been friends since 1971!! (notice the pack n play in the background---they also had a stroller, high chair, car seat, and crib for Delaney to use).

With the Superbowl in town we thought for sure we'd spot some celebrities! Now, I know when you look at this picture of Delaney at brunch you're probably thinking "oh how cute" well, yes, it would be cute to be sockless and shoeless if we were at say...Denny's! But, we weren't! Here is what my daughter looked like AT THE FOUR SEASONS IN LAS COLINAS!!!!!!!!!! Hello, Delaney Catherine, why didn't we just bring you a shirt that says "I'm from Indiana"!!! I told her that is no way to behave and she was likely to get us kicked out! I mean just the day before Demi and Ashton were reportedly there (where were we you ask?? why shopping of course!). We think while we were there we spotted Snoop Dog but Delaney wasn't impressed!

Here we are just before we left the house to....you guessed it.....go shopping!!!!

We did not have time to sit home each day just so Delaney could get her nap in so she had to do it in the car which was NOT a problem!

Ok, so, let's get back to that new set of cowgirl boots, we stumbled (and when I say stumbled, I mean safely crossed over several lanes of traffic when we spotted this store) upon Cavenders but a certain someone was in the car sleeping so I had to go in and shop and bring her boots out to the car to try them on her!

And, here's what I came out with and, in our signature colors to "boot"! (yes, I really do crack myself up!)

So, we were able to mark off cowgirl boots from Carol's typed agenda!!!! I do believe a true professional shopper never leaves her home without her shopping agenda.

And then there was this little slice of heaven.....I stumbled upon Golightly's blog before we left for Texas and was so excited to find out it was only 20 minutes away. Due to their weather, their tea room wasn't able to get its food deliveries and was closed. But, we did get to shop................and, I found exactly what I have been looking for!

Since we remodeled our kitchen in the fall of 2009 (uh huh, for over 2 years) I have been on a mission to find a large, framed chalkboard. I am still laughing over the fact I had to go all the way to Texas to find one! Make that "the perfect one"!!! And, just a few short days after we got home, our faithful UPS man showed up right on time (after 9:00 am of course) with it!

Grandma had never been to an American Girl store so we just had to go...............(and no, Delaney did not get anything "YET") although,

after her behavior on the plane ride there, I did contemplate buying this! (I really am just kidding, she did pretty well and I know none of you would believe me if I said she didn't)!!

And then, on our last day in Texas, we got to see horses. Chris and Carol's friends, Tom and Jackie, opened up their home (and stables) so Delaney could see their horses. And, in true Delaney fashion, she welcomed the opportunity and loved them!

Now, I know what you're thinking, WHY am I all bundled up in a down filled coat and Delaney is in short sleeves??? Well that's easy, because she's wearing her cowgirl shirt and we had to get her picture in it! Trust me, her grandma and grandpa were there, she had her coat off for 1/2 a second!
I don't exactly call sunny and 50's freezing either!!

Delaney will go to great lengths to see her grandpa. I mean she flew all the way to Texas where he already was! Delaney LOVES LOVES LOVES her grandpa. And as you can guess, he's pretty crazy about her (I don't blame him)!!

And then it was time to return home to what I think was recorded as the coldest day all winter. So, with plenty of snacks in hand, we boarded the plane WHERE DELANEY'S SHOE SOMEHOW ENDED UP IN FIRST CLASS! The girl sure knows how to mark her territory! A very nice lady sitting in the very first row must have recognized it on Delaney when we boarded (goodness I hope it's not because Delaney kicked her in the head---I mean WHEN did those aisles get so narrow??) and carried it back to us---all the way back to row 22! I bet that's the first time she'd ever been in "last class"! I think it's safe to say there is nothing I can do to keep shoes on my daughter! Delaney was absolutely perfect on the flight home and was quite the entertainer---literally flirting with the pilot when we boarded!! I was just waiting for him to come and get her and ask her to help fly the plane!!! Oh, and yes, she decided to make me change ANOTHER #2 diaper on the flight home! And, did you know planes have diaper changer tables in their restrooms??? Ya, neither did I! Until of course, AFTER I changed the 2nd dirty diaper! There is a table that comes out from the wall above the toilet....who knew!

And then, we heard "ladies and gentlemen this is your captain, we should be landing in about 20 minutes" and on que, I looked over at Delaney to see her doing this.......................

Thank you Chris and Carol for being such wonderful hosts!

I wasn't sure how Delaney would do on the plane and really stressed over it for the month leading up to our trip! But of course, all of that worrying was for nothing because she is the perfect travel companion which is a good thing because now I know how much she's going to love going to Paris someday!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I think I'll go ahead and start teaching her French!!!

Too much in one day...........

We decided to get out yesterday and go to Babies R Us and Buy Buy Baby. Which wouldn't have been so upsetting except that it was to start looking at BIG GIRL car seats! I don't know why I thought that was a good idea after I had just ordered Delaney's birthday present (which means I am coming to terms with the fact my baby is going to be turning one before I know it)! While we were checking out, the cashier asked how old Delaney was and I replied "almost 11 months" to which she replied "oh almost one" to which I replied "No, almost 11 months"!!! Grandma Terry intervened and politely explained to the cashier that I live in a state of denial when it comes to the growth of my baby. Grandma Terry is also likely to never go out in public with us again!! So maybe I'm not coming to terms with this after all............I mean how much of this can one new mother take????? So, after pulling out the "baby bible" to see which car seats were recommended (oh, and after going to their websites to read their reviews----what, didn't you read the prior post about the Type A personality??) it was time to take Delaney to "test them out"....so, off we went! (P.S. if you know someone having a baby, buy them this book, it was a lifesaver for us, I took it with us when we registered. The husband and wife team "rate" every single baby product you can think of by grade---bet you can't guess which grade Delaney is only allowed to have????) I often pull it out when I need to buy "baby gear".........(bad quality pictures taken with cell phone). "mommy, I don't think this is the one for us" (check out her high arches on her feet!)

why does my daughter look like we're taking her off to college????

as much as I would like to get one in our "signature colors" (see, even her outfit is in them), it just doesn't match the interior of our car!! ha ha ha....just kidding, the Britax just weren't for us, they were big and bulky but isn't it just the cutest thing!?!?!?!

and then, one of the sales associates at BBB stopped to help us and was soooo informative (who knew, I thought they just hired those people off the streets with little to no knowledge of baby gear---I wonder if being a parent is a requirement to work there!) and recommended this brand "Sunshine Kids"---and the best part, it was given an "A" in the baby bible. CLEARLY, the looks of it didn't sell me (however, the "sleekness" of it sure helps----all of the reviews commented on how it's "narrowness"---not sure if that's a word, allows passengers to comfortably sit on either side of the car seat) but here's what sold me...she said "THIS IS THE CAR SEAT KATE GOSSELIN HAD FOR ALL OF HER KIDS IF YOU KNOW WHO THAT IS AND YOU CAN FIT THREE CAR SEATS SIDE BY SIDE!" What did she mean "did I know who she is". I am probably THE ONLY PERSON on the face of the earth who loves that woman! I am just waiting for my washer and dryer to go out so I can buy the Whirpool Duets---the ONLY set she said she would ever buy/use (and yes, I realize her's were probably donated and she was obligated to say that!).....I own 2 of her 3 books and have never missed an episode. I mean how did this woman know I didn't have 8 kids and just decided to leave the other 7 at home!!! I feel like if it's good enough for Kate, then it's good enough for me because let's face it America, we all know that Kate would only buy the best for her kids----or, accept only the best "donated" car seats more likely stated! The sales associate told us this car seat is made of alloy steel and there was a 2 car parking garage at a mall that collapsed and out of the 2000 cars destroyed this was the ONLY car seat that survived the damage. Now, I don't know if that was true (or maybe she works on commission) and I will of course be researching this....I'm not sure however how much that impresses me because we don't really park in parking garages when we go to a mall! So, in the not so distant future, I will be forcing myself to go back to BBB and leaving the store with this very safe, not so pretty, big girl car seat so we can drive Delaney off to Harvard!!! Oh, and on a more serious note, Delaney made it back home after our 2 hour adventure WITH BOTH SHOES STILL ON!!! (ok, so maybe that wasn't a "serious note" but it was progress).

Oh, and I also "got word" today that a law may be passed very soon that kids are going to be required to be rear facing until they are two (see, I told you the sales associate was informative). I am just glad Delaney inherited her mom's short legs so that won't be such a problem for her!

Computers Are A Lot Like Ice Cream........

Apparently, our UPS driver needs to inform our Fed Ex driver of the Golden Rule....... NO DELIVERIES BEFORE 9:00 AM unless of course it's our new laptop!!!!!! Is it just me or isn't 8:50 AM too early for you to be awaken by the door bell???? I spent way more time than any one person should spend when it came to researching which laptop to buy (but I guess that's what we Type A personalties do!) but when it came down to it, I realized, laptops are like ice cream......everybody's got their favorite!!! I thought I would stay loyal to Gateway (seeing how our old laptop lasted almost 6 years) and when it came time to "add to cart" well, the response I got was basically "this laptop is not available online or within a 90 mile radius"....so that got me to thinking "throw loyalty out the window and pick a "new flavor"....................so, in the words of Tina Turner, Dell "you better be good to me" because I HATE lemon ice cream!!

So, hopefully our blog followers can wake up every morning again to this....................

Oh, and if you're wondering, my favorite ice cream is mint chocolate chip and I have a feeling it will end up being Delaney's!!!

Can you believe???

I took my daughter out of the house with her runny/crusty (ok, more crusty than runny in this picture) nose??? I know, I have clearly lost my mind!! Can you tell we've had cabin fever and needed some fresh air? So, after Dr. Phil (of course) we decided to hit the road (stroller style)! "Mommy, hurry up, I"m ready to go outside"........

Ok laugh if you must (Delaney did), I told you we haven't been out of the house....I had no idea how warm it really was outside today! I mean it has been a VERY long time since we've had such mild weather we forgot what it felt like.........Delaney left the house in her warm, fleece outfit, blanket, mittens, thick sweater (which by the way she has never worn before and it is a size 3-6 months and fits perfectly---ok so the hood may not!) and two hats!

And, about 1/2 way through our trip we had to stop (and not just because mom was out of breath)....to remove: one hat, mittens and blanket!!! I clearly overdid it but successfully succeeded in dressing Delaney warmer than Ralphie when he went out to play in the snow! We had so much fun and can't wait to do it again tomorrow!

Oh, and if you're wondering why Delaney has a runny/crusty nose??? SHE HAS TWO MORE TEETH COMING IN ON BOTTOM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! When will it stop????????????????

Wordless Wednesday

L.O.V.E.

ALLYOU
NEED

IS

LOVE

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY FROM MY LITTLE CUPID