Fluke?

My Tootie peed in the big girl potty last night.  When I got home from a much needed therapy session (yes, I need therapy;) Mitch told me while I was in the bathroom to "look at your daughters potty..." and oh my god, there it was.  A big puddle of tinkle!  She's been sitting on the potty every night before she gets into the bathtub, when she is of course naked, and she LOVES this ritual.  So far we've only had some toots and a lot of grunting and listening.  Apparently last night she chose to let it flow, and was so proud of herself, acted like dude, dad, what's the big deal?!  I can't believe I missed it.  I'm sure it will happen again soon, in the next year or so. 

Happy Anniversary

My in-laws 44th anniversary is today.  They are spending it in Yosemite, where they took their honeymoon.  I can only hope that Mitch and I will be taking one of these photos when year 44 rolls around, and that it will exude as much warmth and love for each other as this one does.

Weaning

These last few weeks have felt a bit long.  We're finally down to only a couple of bottles a day (mostly at sleep times), and drinking out of cups is where it's at.  We've also got Vivi drinking whole milk now.  Yes, she was on formula for what felt like forever.  I kept telling myself that after her 12th month I would do it.  Then I thought 15 months sounded pretty grown up, let's do it then!  She's almost 17 months.

I just always had an excuse not to do it -- to not take away her babyhood.  It's felt like I have been weaning her from more than her bottles.  Like I've been weaning her from a little bit of me, giving her even more independence.  Feeding times are snuggle times.  We sit in the chair in her room, and she curls up on my lap and nestles in with her "cozy" while I brush the hair out of her face and kiss her head.  I usually sing a song.  I always tell her I love her.  Then she goes to sleep.  These times will pass too, long after the bottles are completely gone and she's just too big for my lap.  That is the next step.  All of this weaning.  This growing up and moving on to the next stage of things.  Of life.  It's all going by so fast.   

Sunny days / Middle of winter

Tommy Remender

She did it!  He's here!  Thomas Dennis Remender (aka: Tommy) came into the world on Tuesday in the afternoon, weighing in at 8 pounds 13 ounces.  He is so cute.  Mom and baby are doing great and everything went smoothly.  Doesn't she look gorgeous?  I truly think there is nothing more beautiful than a momma who's just given birth -- she is glowing.  Look at all that dark hair!  I can't wait to feature more of Tommy on this site, and his big sister Edie.  I can't wait to meet him.  Can you tell I'm a bit excited?  Not many people mean more to me than this little family.  It's times like this that are really hard for me to be so far away from my dear friend.  I love you Danni, and wish so badly that I was there (Portland) to nuzzle you both with kisses and love.  You make good ones babe.

xoxo
Eboo

Waiting for Tommy

This expression says it best.  My best friend in the whole wide world is having her second baby tomorrow.  A little boy.  Thomas Remender.  Little Tommy as I've been thinking of him.  I'm feeling emotional and excited and a little sad that I can't be there to love on her and the new little addition.  She is an amazing mommy and I know she'll do great tomorrow!  We're here Danni, cheering you on and waiting eagerly for updates and photos!  What a beautiful spot to be in once again, and what a beautiful mama you are.  That is one lucky little boy...

I love you!

Amber (& Vivi & Mitch!)

(photos of Tommy hopefully soon!)

Pictures by Viv

I know, I know, this is a little trite.  No my toddler can't take pictures on her own without a little help from Momma.  It's the most adorable thing though (of course) -- I "help" her hold my phone while she tries to see what she wants to "snap" and then she pushes the little camera button.  She completely understands the idea, as she should.  She's been the focus of my phone camera ever since she can remember.  This is her little pizza piece.  We've been doing a lot of cooking since Christmas (her Plan Toy kitchen from Uma is highly recommended by me!).  I love that the first thing Mitch said when I showed him his daughters artistic skill was, can we please Photoshop the white trash stains out of the rug first?  Haha.  No, dear husband, no.  It's all about building memories.  I think the picture of Sam is quite good.  Also, note the chubby little daddy cloned thumb WITH the identical white nail marks.  Gotta love genetics!

Enjoy xx

16 months

Dear Vivienne,

It's been awhile since I've written a long note to you.  The holidays are over, and things have settled down and I finally have a little room to breathe and actually face just how big you have become.  You are massive Tootie.  Of course, you are off the charts big, but it's really hit me lately just how "big girl" you've gotten.  You love being a big girl.  Today we were cuddling on the couch and I had a flashback to over a year ago when we cuddled together on this very same couch -- you in all your under 10 pound glory, and me a brand new mommy.  Those moments seem like a lifetime ago and yet they come flooding back in so intensely that it feels like they just happened.  Laying there smelling your little peach fuzz head and watching your heart beat through your soft spot.  Feeling your breath move in and out so much faster than my own.  Listening to you gurgle and coo and toot as I nurse you back to sleep (while watching Dexter in the middle of the night).  Overwhelmed with the sense of absolute love and awe and responsibility. 

I love watching you race into your second year, ready to take on anything and everything in front of you.  You will always be my baby girl, my first born. 

I love you Vivi!

xo
Mommy

Post-meltdown cuddles

Today was hard on my little Pookie.  She's getting a lot of teeth lately, all in a row, and it's taking its toll.  After no nap, and a happy birthday skype call to Auntie Andi, Viv was at the end of her emotional rope.  Let's be honest, I wasn't far behind her.  It doesn't make sense to her that Grandma and Auntie are in the computer and can't come out.  We also just got back from my dad's house (Vivi's Nono) for a quick over-night stay (so she's really missing Nono too). 

It's nothing a little cuddling with Momma, and Yo Gabba Gabba couldn't take care of.  I'm not sure who needed the cuddles more, her or I.  Nothing beats these moments...

Ch-ch-changes

May be coming soon, in the form of Typepad.  If I make the switch, it will be very clear how to follow, no worries!

x

Love this new chair!

So Viv is obsessed with her new potty (thank you Aunt Joann).  To be honest, the cushion factor on this thing makes me a little jealous.  Besides the really cool modern look of it, I do love the fact that she prefers this seat now to any in the house.  To prevent any emails telling me how my kid is too young to potty train, hold up!  Chill out!  We are not potty training per se.  Just getting her used to the idea.  She already squats down every time she poops, and knows all about how the whole toilet thing works (thank you, Grandpa).  I think it's adorable how she wants her baby to go on the toilet now too!  Mommy may have also bought her the most adorable book "Everyone Poops" for Christmas.  What can I say, I love that book...especially the page where the elephant is...you get the idea!

Didn't know this whole post would be about poo did you?  

Goofing around

Last week Mitch and I went on a date -- kinda.  We went to a wedding reception and got all dressed up, and left the baby behind (that qualifies right?).  It was a great time an these are some pictures of us all spiffy before we went out.

Holding hands (and kissing) with Uncle Jeff

Park days