And here we are again....after a long hiatus.  Well, in the last few months, we've moved to Dave's parents' house, finally moved into our new house, and started settling into our new digs on Woodchime Court. 

Greta reacquainting herself with her birthplace, The Shire.

In case you forgot, this is what Gertie was doing last year.  Thankfully, she is still pursuing a career in awesomeness.

AAAANNNDDD we're back.  Here's what you've been missing:

One of our last weekends in Bloomington.

Flying, Norton style.

Showcasing her chair climbing skills, in her tent of course.

Pants off, dance off (the outside version).

New hat.  New boots.  Ready for snow.

This game is called "find the spike."  Yep.  That is Greta's "fountain."  It is very sharp and it detects the increases the barometric pressure in four global cities.  It does not, however, help satellite viewers get HBO.

Morning Joe ala Bubble Guppies.

Want to know how a superhero flies?  Well, you can ask Greta.  It starts with this pose.........(Notice her hair taking part in the action?  Yep.  Great volume in the back, which helps build the atmospheric pressure thereby surpassing all laws of gravity for perfect flight patterns and viscosity.)

Greta is seriously up and moving!

Alas, I am blogging again.  With the move, rather, "transitional" phase of Dave's new job, we are currently splitting our time between Fort Wayne, a duplex in Warsaw, and our house in Btown.  (I sound very fancy when I say that.)  This is what you've missed:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wuj3oyZRVSY

Yep, it was worth the wait.

I'm still unsettled by the idea that Greta is now a 1 year old, enjoying REAL milk out of her bottle, being able to enjoy real human adult food.  Not okay.  Just when I thought I was signing off on her magicness, she made a clubhouse in the back of Dave's side of the closet.  She found a nice stoop on a pile of his shoes, behind some pants.  This made for 20 minutes of fun (because the marker she was holding earlier became boring). 

Surprising me (even though she totally saw my feet, and listened to me call her name).  Sheer brilliance.

Heading back to her clubhouse.

And this about sums up Greta......cheeky, creative, cute, and Oliver's first mate.  (Please note the upright spikes on the back of  G's head.  And please also note her fat fingers gripping (for her life) the ladder rung.)  This is some good stuff right here.

FYI, if your child is constipated, feed them Carrot Casserole to get the pipes cleaned out.  HOLY COW.  What was I thinking with the Miralax?!?!  This carrot business worked lickity split!  Now I have a "tool" for my baby tool kit---

Greta, Oliver and I hit up Banneker Community Center again today.  One thing that I will surely miss about Bloomington is the FREE stuff for mommies and their kiddos.  The Banneker Center is a restored school that is now used for camps, workshops and classes.  The third floor is a huge open room with tons of toys.  It is rarely busy---today was the busiest, and their were 8 kids there.  Tons of room for Greta and Oliver to walk around like zombies, speaking in tongues about their morning of waffle eating and baby shredding.  I was lucky to have my friend, Lisa, and her two boys meet me there.  It definitely helped pass the time (aka, tire Greta and Oliver out).

Greta had a follow up assessment by the Occupational Therapist at the IU Children's Therapy Center.  She passed with flying colors---she definitely thought that G needed to continue the PT to work on her transitions, as she demonstrates a significant delay (as well as a mild weakness with the entire right side of her body).  The therapist also mentioned how she thought G was very bright and very funny.  (I wonder where she gets it?)

And with the Olympics, my FAVORITE event every four years, I can't help but wonder if G has any Olympic events in her future......I always wanted to be a bobsledder.  I believe that hoop dream is coming to an end as I approach 33 and can hardly run down to the mailbox.

And guess what the Baby Jesus in the Manger delivered upon our doorstep last night?  YEP, Greta FINALLY got up on ALL FOURS all by herself!!!!!!!!!  Whoo hoo!  This is a HUGE step in the right direction, as far as getting all of her systems to work together (systems Ohana).  Oliver and Mackinzie were there to bear witness to such a special and splendid event.  She is also starting to almost move herself forward enough in a sitting position to beginning what looks to be a full blown crawl (forward movement).  HUGE!

 

A picture from Greta's birthday.  She was slightly interested in her cupcake.  Not too too excited though---she shows more enthusiasm when she sees her buddies, animal crackers, or Dave when he gets home from work.  My face is red because it was hot as BALLZ on Saturday.  

                                                 

I cannot believe how fast this year has gone by.  Parents of all ages would tell me that before Greta was born; they grow up so fast.  I'm eating their words now.  She talks, walks, gives people the stink eye, laughs, plays with her little friends, objects to certain foods---she is now a real person.  I still look at her and wonder what she'll be like as an adult---what will her profession be?  Where will she go to college?  What will her hobbies be?  She enjoys eating animal crackers, playing with keys, anything related to water, being outside, going on walks, playing with doors/cabinets, seeing her friends (Oliver, Josie, and Sam), push toys, Beans and Biscuit, eating anything that Dave and I are eating, Doritos, licking mirrors, and "helping" to fold laundry.  I am thankful each day that she is a happy, easygoing, and carefree baby.

We had a visit to a Developmental Pediatrician at Riley last week.  I had some concerns about her gross and fine motor development---she still doesn't crawl, pull herself up, and is able to get up from a seated position/laying down position.  I also have noticed she does seem to have much use/utilize her ring or pinky fingers on both hands.  Thankfully, Dave's Aunt Michele (who is a hospitalist at IU North) was able to call on a colleague, Dr. Julie Keck, to run some of my concerns by---she gladly agreed to see us.  Dr. Keck also shares a similar birth story--her son suffers seizures and other developmental issues from a birth injury.  While Greta NEVER has experienced anything of that magnitude, Dr. Keck and I were both robbed of a cheerful birth of our children.

Dr. Keck did notice that she has a strength difference from one side of Greta's body to the other---her gate is not symmetrical, and she has poor muscle tone in her core and chest.  She is concerned that she suffered a degree of hypoxia (lack of oxygen to the brain) during the birth, causing the poor tone.  She is also concerned that there is some brain damage to the white matter on the left side of her brain (causing the weakness on the right side).  We are seeing Dr. Chris Jackman, a Neurologist at Riley in a few weeks.  She wants to a MRI to look further into Greta's brain---I am confident that the MRI will give us a better idea of Greta's minor challenges.  Again, I'm thankful these are minor---while in the waiting room at Dr. Keck's office, there were some kids that were clearly in more challenging positions----spectrum disorders, walkers, wheelchairs, etc.  Greta presents herself as a normal 1 year old toddler---I hope she is able to overcome these delays, developing into a normal little person.

We celebrated Greta's birthday on Saturday.  We had a WONDERFUL turnout of family and friends.  I don't have pictures yet---I'll get them soon.  It was a magical day---Greta received some great gifts---the best?  An empty box of milk duds from her Aunty Jennie.  Yep.  An empty box.  Forget the blocks, push toys, clothes, books ..... an empty box made her day.

 Happy Birthday, Greta!  You are a magical woodland bunny of the forest, filled with sparkles, frosting, and puppy dog softness!

On this mystical, magical day last year, Greta was born.  While that day has since changed my life, bringing both moments of absolute joy as well as sadness and frustration, I am truly blessed to have such a wonderful daughter. 

To celebrate the day, we traveled northward to the Mitten.  We ate lemon rice soup, hung out with Great Aunt Janet, Aunty Adrienne, Aunty Jennie, and Aunty DeeDee, dumped water on the front porch, ate some graham crackers, walked around with no pants, and played with Pepe in the kitchen before retiring for the night. 


I have been dreading this day all week.  My little newborn baby is now a real person.  She laughs, plays, sings, dances, and talks.  A real person.  Time really does fly.

I can't believe it has already been a year.  I think I can finally see myself a bit in her---she gives a MEAN stink eye.  Yep, that is my girl.

Friday is almost here.....I can't believe it's been a year......Tear. 

A flashback to Greta's youth.  She was about 10 days old.  Her ducktail is no longer thriving (as seen above), though her baby bird spikes are still in full effect. 

**I would like to make a shout-out to Katie Ketner Rieffenberger, who is currently vacationing in Hawai'i right now.  We are no longer friends until you come back to the armpit of the world, also know as, The Midwest.  I hope you DON'T meet Don Ho's family, drink a million pina coladas, and NOT catch ten on your first wave.  Peace and love.

Greta slept with a carabiner in her hand last night.  Did I mention it was positioned in her hand for 2 hours BEFORE bedtime, during her last bottle, being changed into her pajamas, storytime, rocking, and bedtime?  AND, it was STILL there when she was up this morning.  It continued to stay in her hand through her morning diaper change, morning bottle, morning cruise session through the television room.  Sadly, their adventure together came to a screeching halt when she was introduced to a magazine reorder insert.  Interesting.

She's definitely grown attached to some new toys, dropping her old crew.  Not okay for William, Alphonse, Gingerbread Man, and Farmer Ted.  Thankfully, Cyndl is still in the mix every night, offering Greta solace and comfort as she processes her day of cruising, Cheerio eating, and walking on squishy/circly feet.)

Remember this post.....


Greta's Starting Line Up, i.e., Her Gang
1. Jaleesa
2. Lamby
3. William
4. Vern
5. Ms. Cleo
6. Farmer Ted
7. Cyndl
8. Alphonse
9. JaMarcus Russell
10.Gingerbread Man (real original)
11. Cleo

I was lucky enough to have them stay still long enough to take this picture. (Missing from the picture is her musical dog, Julio Jones, as well as El Guapo, her trusty burro, and Veronica, Vern the Giraffe's life partner.)

It should be noted that Greta goes to sleep, at every nap and every night, with Cyndl, the mysterious white unicorn. She strokes her flowing locks and her sparkly horn. Through this activity, Greta is invigorated with strength, bravery, and courage. She is ready to face any opposition with Cyndl's great powers.

It should also be noted that Ms. Cleo, the musical dog, was Greta's first friend. Ms. Cleo has stuck around through hard times---NICU visits, teething, constipation, diarrhea, and nightmares. Thankfully, Ms. Cleo resonates the spirit of Clarence Clemons, famed saxophonist in the E. Street Band, who passed last year. Mr. Clemons has transferred his musicality into Ms. Cleo to help Greta relax and sleep. 

Minivans with extra fab key are great....here's why:  When GFP falls asleep in her carseat, Momma Carrie can keep the car running, lock the door, and continue on with her house chores knowing her GFP won't be hijacked.

Minivans with comfy seats are great....here's why.  My fat ass can rest nicely while I navigate the mean streets of Btown.  Check yo' self before you wreck yo' self, son.

Minivans with great suspension are great....here's why.  It takes me back to the days of high school when I would partake in doobie smack joint hits with friends in their minivans, enjoying the scenery, as if I was a penguin, floating on a cloud.  Que the Pink Floyd.

(The Subaru, affectionately named #19 for the great Steve Yzerman, was sadly injured in a car accident last week, at the hand of an old man who can barely see.   She is getting some Botox and fillers this week.  In the mean time, old man river's insurance company has hooked me up with a minivan.  I love it.  I'm riding in style.  I blasted ( at a safe volume) some Tribe in my ride while driving home from Enterprise yesterday.  Cool?  No.  Comfortable?  Yes.)

On a serious note.....
I have noticed some major differences with Greta (compared to her little friends).  While I am not anxious about her cognitive development (she is verbal, she seems to understand what I'm saying to her, she favors toys and activities), she definitely demonstrates a significant delay in her physical movements, gross movements that is.  By this age, most babies are scooting/crawling as a form of forward/backward movement to get to something they want.  When Greta is sitting down, she is stationary.  There is no movement at all.  She has no transition changes from standing to sitting/sitting to standing.  When she is on her belly, she does not get her legs underneath her at all.  She cannot pull herself up.  When she is standing (from someone helping her), she walks.  She has taken several (up to 12) steps by herself.  She cruises along furniture very well, often taking short walks from one piece to the next.  However, she is going to fall, there is no cautionary/balance adjusting movements.  She'll fall flat on her butt, or on her face.  She does not try to brace herself at all, as if she has no arms to speak of.   She also does not bend her knees when she is sitting as a means of any movement toward any object, and this is also when she is trying to crouch down to get something from a standing position.  I'm a bit nervous because I understand the majority of our body's balance comes from the posterior portion of the brain (cerebellum).  This was an area directly affected during her birth.  This was the point of the majority of the fluid/swelling after delivery.

I'm worried that this is the beginning of a slippery slope for Greta.  Again, she shows signs of normal development, but this seems to be a doozy in the growing up department.  I'm worried that she won't be able to match up physically with her little friends and she'll look different.  (While I love Greta NO MATTER WHAT, I don't want her to look different to others, as something to make fun of her for.)  I also don't want her to experience any setbacks in her life from someone elses hand, i.e., the OB that delivered her.  I'm more than willing to wear that badge for the rest of my life, as I am her mother.  I am thankful up 'til this point, she's presented herself as a very normal little person who loves bath time, swings, spatulas, yogurt, and bouncing.  Again, this thought of fear and anxiety for Greta's well being has been at the back of my mind since I first saw her in the NICU.  While every mother fears for their children's well being, which is normal for any mom in moments of danger/peril/uncertainty, I suppose for me, it was going to be inevitable at some point.

I understand children are extremely resilient, but looking back, her head was in bad shape.  And again, I as her mother, would take all of her injury/pain/discomfort so she could have a happy and normal existence.  (And as Dave would say, someone did THIS to her.)  That is the hard part of all of this---I could accept some sort of delay if that is what God intended for us---but with her injury, there is always a question looming in my head if this was at the hand of my OB, not God.  And for that, I will never forgive the OB.  I know I won't ever accept choosing her as my doctor, but I have to go about my life and try to be the best for Greta and Dave.  My injuries aside, I have to keep moving forward for my family. 

It has almost been 1 year since Greta was born, but on days like today, it seems like yesterday.  I have to be confident that she'll be okay because she's my daughter and she's a tough chick.  I don't think I've passed the weak gene down to her, at least, I hope not. 

Wagon.  Her newest form of transportation.

Greta and Oliver's first yachting date.

Testing the wind speed/velocity/humidity before stretching her "sea legs."

If there is one thing that the last several months that I'm thankful for, it is the women I call friends.  Without my "Mommies" and "Cookies," and teaching friends, the last 11 months would have been much harder.  (While I'm also thankful for Effexor and Concerta.)  

Have you ever met someone that you can completely be yourself around?  Like they are a sister from another mother?  Yep, that is Mackinzie.  She has 4 sisters, likes reality television, loves carbs, and often bitches about housecleaning.  Yep, she is a good friend.  Her son, Oliver, is a magical pirate, who loves to eat, dance, and play with his dog, Lola.  Greta loves being around Oliver--I would not be mad if they decided to marry at a young age.  We see them at least 4 times a week.  They are a great pair to do an activity with--even if it is grabbing coffee, or discussing couponing with.  PLUS, Oliver's dad has a fun boat.  Whoo hoo.

I'm also thankful for my friend, Jamie.  She knows EXACTLY what it is like to have a baby who isn't always operating under the best circumstances---her little girl, Sophie, has some neuro issues.  She has spent countless days in the hospital.  Jamie knows exactly what it is like to have a sick kid, unsure of the future, with little faith in doctors.  Jamie totally gets it.  Totally.  She was there when Greta was born, doing her best to make Dave and I feel comfortable, bringing us food, checking on us, checking in with the doctors---these friends are almost impossible to find.  I'm lucky---I have two.

Greta's PT appt is on Friday.  I'll surely post her consult results afterward. 

I am a bad blogger. Greta had her first boat ride this week, as well as several dates with her BFF, Oliver. Her poopy situation is on the up and up, and her walking abilities are improving. No crawling, pulling herself up, or sitting from standing. Physical therapy starts on Friday as well as a new neurologist to see in July. More on this later.

Before the choking incident tonight (and thankfully she is okay), Greta doing some walking with Mackinzie at the Banneker Center today.....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h3zh-1U78H4

And some swinging (with her crew yesterday)...........
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1VcgfxkOeVI

Greta is 11 months old!  I have yet to take the monthly picture.  I'll get around to it.....

A tuckered out GFP after a day of playing with her homies.

Cooling off, Indiana style.

And we're walking.........

 

 

Oliver and Greta comparing "Noz" configurations on their whips.

I've been duped, once again, by Ms. Greta Button.  Yep, I was CONVINCED she had another ear infection.  CULPRIT?  Teething.  Yep.   Dental Trickery at its finest.  NOT OKAY.

 

This is Greta's band:  Diaper Elastic

They play every other Thursday at Oliver Rekers' house.  

Greta mixes it up on the ivories AND the drums.  Owen prefers the tambourine and Oliver enjoys the maracas.  They usually do 80's cover tunes, with the occasional Neil Diamond mash-up.  

I have finally figured out when Greta has been receiving D-'s on the sleep chalkboard for the last several weeks.  While this is NOT rocket science, or some deeply intricate sewing pattern, clearly, I have NOT been smart enough to figure it out.  I GIVE YOU......................Teething.  Yep, once again, this little "blip" in her life's roadmap will include several weeks of non-sleepy night times, all because of teeth.  Teeth blow.  NO ONE told me how hard this was going to be---breastfeeding was a snap compared to this.  NOT TO MENTION teething, paired with a growth spurt, and throwing in a flair for throwing things---yep, I'm dealing with a almost-11-month-old monster.  Aside from whipping her sucky (pacifier) out of her crib at night, aside from getting her foot tangled in the spokes (crib bars) or her crib, ASIDE from gas, Greta is not being a good sleeper.  This absolutely sucks.  So I am once again going to call up my Columbian drug lord friends for some sweet deals on Children's Ibuprofen.  I understand that Greta is not old enough to understand the true healing magical powers of rubbing Beanie's ears OR the tender feeling of slapping on a clean pair of sweatpants.  Until then, we are back on the sauce.  THEN maybe I can get some shut eye.  Until then, enjoy:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jrNXUbD53Mg

This is Greta eating her morning biscuit, i.e, blueberry waffle.  She enjoys this time, because it allows her moments to reflect on her previous night's sleep as well as the day's activities.  This is also a time for her to focus on creating a "situation" that would entail a new thorax, i.e., diaper.  This is also the time when Biscuit and Beans come out of the woodwork to steal Greta's crumbs when they fall to the floor, or when she turns her head.  Biscuit is a master at thievery, taking several pieces of food in an instant.  Beans, on the other hand, is much more low key---she usually takes this time to get lots of pets and rubs from me.  (Which is followed by a short walk to a nearby closet for rest and relaxation). 

Greta also uses this time to work a bit until the snack time hour---tinkering with a spatula, block, or random sock.

You may also notice that her hair looks extra "flat."  Yep, that is what going to bed without a bathies will do.

FYI---she did poop twice today AND there was NO poop in the bathtub.

If you look closely at this picture, it may resemble a certain Ewok named Wicket, enjoying a tasty snack (this scene can be viewed in the great motion picture, The Ewok Adventure: The Battle for Endor.)
Here is a clip from this amazing film.  No treats for Wicket, but if you watch the whole movie, you'll see plenty.
 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TvZm6fl1040

I give you Greta "walking".........

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s16lJ8eT8R8

FYI, she can take steps by herself.  She has difficulty pulling herself up (she doesn't at all).  We start physical therapy in two weeks to help her with her "transitional movements" i.e., standing to sitting and sitting to standing.  She doesn't bend her knees at all to get up and when in the tummy position, she is unable to get her knees up underneath her.  It is as if it is really uncomfortable.  She sees her buddies Sam and Oliver moving around like crazy, and she wants to roll with her homies.  

I'm a horrible mother because I have been neglecting this blog.  I've been quite busy trying to be an extreme couponer while also keeping the house afloat.  Well, the couponing is going okay, and the house is seriously suffering.  I folded about 35 loads of laundry this week.  I'm a bit closer to finishing all of it.  I'm so over it.  Greta has been very busy socializing with her bestie, Oliver.  He had a BIG birthday last weekend (1), and with their playdates, she is quite the social butterfly.

Dave had an interesting night with GFP last night---I went to fetch some Mexican food with some of my Cookie wives, while Dave was left to wrangle the furbabies and the two-legged.  They played, and at around 7:45, he fed her the last bottle of the day.  She finished her bottle, no problem.  He then proceeded to burp her.  While he was burping her, she fell asleep (gross play clothes, and wet diaper in all).  I went in to check on her at around 1 a.m., only to find her completely asleep with a SUPER PEE BOMB for a diaper.  But, there was NO WAY I was going to wake my sleeping child.  NO WAY.  Well, around 3 a.m., she woke up, SUPER DUPER WET.  I then had to completely change her clothes and give her a new thorax (diaper).  NOT HAPPY GRETA.  I brought her into bed with me, a big no-no, but when I am this tired, this is the only option.  Fast forward to 4 am, and she is still awake, thrashing around.  She finally fell asleep before Dave got up for work.  Needless to say, I'm exhausted, looking super hot, and Greta is putting herself to sleep right now.  NOT OK.

And finally, Greta received a magical package from her Pepe----two Navy teeshirts to celebrate the upcoming Navy football season.  Go Navy!  Beat Army!

For your viewing pleasure, I give you GRETA CLAPPING:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dsvulr0cSWw

(Sorry my voice is so loud in the video....I was right next to the phone speaker.)

Please note in the video, how there is NO ELBOW BENDING while clapping.  VERY precise.  VERY agile.  Much like a ninja, with awesome dance moves.

And we are back! 

This week has been crazy.....to sum it up, all of Greta's fellow gang members have been sick.  We are talking foot-hand-mouth, roseola, UTI, ear infections, rashes, etc.  NOT GOOD.  SO, this morning, Greta and Oliver were FINALLY reunited for the first time since last week!  Oh how they missed each other!  Poor Oliver has been Mr. Grumpy Pants, dealing with a high fever, and a nasty rash.  Thankfully, he was almost back to his old self---showcasing his sweet dance moves (pop, pop, lock, and drop), eating pieces of fruit, eating some of my muffin, and collecting random toys and placing them in even more random places.  He is celebrating the big 1 this weekend.  He doesn't know it yet, but Greta bought him a sweet sword to practice his pirate moves.  (It was either that, or chalk.  Swords are way cooler.)

Greta and I are heading to Fort Wayne today to hit up some garage sales.  She is excited to see both her Grammies!  Grammy Jan is driving down tomorrow afternoon.  LOTS of Grammy (and Poppy) time.

This is some of Greta's best work.....a crop circle surrounding her, meticulously placed items within her reach to investigate for further scientific evaluation.  Lately, she's been forming crop circles around her as she plays with her toys.  Her newest passion?  Tearing Kleenex, pulling clothes out of her drawers (especially shorts), screaming, and trying to bounce in her walker.  While she has a black belt in bouncing, walking is an area where she needs improvement.  She's going to have to see the physical therapist again to help with her crawling skills.  As I describe her movements, she has no transitional movements from floor to stand, and standing to sitting.  I'm a bit concerned, because it is as if she has no idea how to go from one to the other.  NOW, if she is upright, she can actually take a few steps on her own.  She has great balance.  I'm sure it is because of her amazing circly/rounded/deep/wide feet.  I will keep my readers posted when we begin the therapy.  We will not look at this a set back, but just another platform to entertain anyone that will pay attention to her, and possibly massage her appendages.

I should also mention that this photo is a great indicator of how circly/magical her fat hands our---very softies, very squishy, always smelling like syrup and sparkles (just like a unicorn).  OH, and because she loves eating crackers so much, they often smell like crackers.

I will not take credit for this photo.  It is the artistic work of Mande Miskewycz, mother to Cali and Wrigs, and soon to be mother of a human baby (in July).

Oh, and Greta now weighs 22.11 pounds (she has now surpassed Bean Bean).

Guess who has yet ANOTHER ear infection? Yep, GFP. No likey.

On a brighter note, she (and I) enjoyed a nice visit to Ellettsville Primary School to volunteer for Elisabeth's workshop. It was great fun and Greta really enjoyed herself.

Hopefully we'll get to see Uncle Ben and Special Friend Chrissy tomorrow----he will be driving back to Illinois and we hope to intercept him in Indy.

Happy Wednesday and GO WINGS!

And the poopies aren't cooperating, once again......

Round #2 of Poopies in the bathtub. I'm thankful Daddy was around to clean it up. Moreover, Greta felt "relaxed" enough to really take matters into her own hands..... by touching the poop. Awesome.

Oh....Greta has taken a few steps....on her own.....AND.....she has two tiny little teefers breaking through on the the top.......

I'm a horrible mom. It happened: Greta fell off the bed. I literally turned for 10 seconds, and BAM! Down she went. Yep. CPS will be paying me a visit, or at least they should. I feel horrible. She's crying, I'm crying. The dogs are barking. Not a good morning. Thankfully, she doesn't have any bumps or bleeding---I think her body hit first, then her arms and head. AND she was crying, but only for about 10 minutes. She wouldn't let me stop giving her "pats and rubs" on her heiny (which makes things better). I feel terrible. NOT a good Friday the 13th. NOT AT ALL.

Greta enjoying some time with her Poppy Jim.

Greta's new ball pit, compliments of an awesome garage sale. Uncle Ben was there to make it a bit more special, i.e., throwing balls into the air.

Greta's Easter present from Grammy Joan---a magic flower cart just for her (and any of her friends). She was VERY impressed.

Greta's "spanx." These diaper covers were handmade by one of Dave's friends, Jen. They say her name on the back, in case she runs away from you when she is being naughty.

Greta showcasing true fashion excellence: Open toe sandals with white hosiery. This look is making a comeback. It will be in Vogue next month, I'm sure of it.

And onto brighter and bigger things........................

My poopie dreams are finally coming true. Yep, we had a normal poop today. Yes ma'am. I'm thinking it is the amped up bottles I'm giving her at night (and by amped, I mean mixed with 2 tsp. of Miralax---nature's candy). I let her know that her poop was "on the money" and that she needed to keep "forging ahead." I know she knows what I'm talking about.

Poop:

A minor problem in our house lately. Greta is currently ingesting 2 tsp of Miralax once a day, prunes once a day, and sips prune/apple juice during the course of the day. The result? A crying baby who can't take a dump. While she isn't completely bound up, her little fanny is red, her poop is like 3 day old Playdoh, and she strains so much, she spits up. Yep, a problem.

Help.

On a brighter note, we just had a glorious dinner with our friends, Mackinzie and Oliver. Oliver, in typical boy fashion, loves to show off his white boy dance moves, while Greta prefers to "gator" on the ground. It is like The New Dance Show: Bloomington. Priceless.

Yep, our little Button is 10 months old! You can imagine how hard it was to snap this picture. She looks a mess--actually, like a boy. Daddy demanded she wear a "pretty" in her hair, for a feminine touch. She too is enjoying some sweat pants (just like her Momma).

A moment of solitude in the Lego pit at the Children's Museum.
She was about done when this photo was taken. We were on hour 3 at this point.

Greta and her bestie, Oliver, sitting in wonder, just how big the polar bear really is---I tried to get a nice frame with the bear in it to show the size of this thing. I need some more bears to look at in person to really understand the polar bear's actual size. Our next stop, the Field Museum in Chicago. We can get our research done there.

Greta enjoying the water table at the toddler play area at the Children's Museum---she is clenching on for dear life because the table was about 6 inches too tall for her. The sparklies in her hair? Water droplets from Oliver splashing her. Oliver was two seconds away from making his Baywatch call-back, sans Speedo.

Greta playing with some tissue paper. She enjoyed this activity for 20 minutes. Yep, tissue paper.

My garage sale finds from Fort Wayne this weekend. My mother-in-law, Joan, has a black belt in garage sale-ing---yep, she is able to stretch $50 into BRAND NEW treasures---baby gifts, tools, games, toys, furniture. Yep, you need it? She can find it---in mint condition. I am hoping to convince her to write a tell-all book on the ins and outs of successful garage sale shopping. She knows the neighborhoods, whether the sale will be worth her time, and the treasures one is most likely to find at certain sales. Joan, Chrissy (Ben, my brother in law, his new girlfriend), and myself hit up an amazing garage sale and we found all of these brand new baby boy clothes for my sister. In total: 9 washcloths, 8 bibs, 12 onesies, 9 pairs of pants, 6 blankets, 1 pair of overalls, 1 pair of slippers, 1 swaddle blanket, and a new floor gym. Yep, jackpot.

More time at the Children's Museum---she loved these flowers, much like the ones on her mobile.

Greta in her magical Easter dress. It is vintage: I wore this dress when I was her age, which was handcrafted by Grammy Jan.

Another garage sale treasure---a tunnel (and new sun hat). Chrissy was very nice to show Greta the ropes.

Clearly, the last week has been super busy. A trip to Fort Wayne, playgroups, a trip to the Children's Museum, lots of time outside....very busy. Sorry for the delayed post.