Greta is definitely part Monforton:

I'm feeding Greta half a baby nutrigrain bar and some pears when she fusses a bit, stares me dead in the eyes, FARTS, then starts giggling. Yep, there is some Mofo in her.

Thankfully, she does not seem to have any flu symptoms so far.........

I am bad blogger. I'm also in the throws of a bad stomach flu. Pictures of Greta from this weekend when I start feeling better. Here's a hint: They involved several pictures of a cow giving birth. Quite the teaser.

This about sums up Greta's personality these days.....a total ham for anyone that will indulge her. Joan, Greta's Grammy, captured this yesterday. We were lucky to have Joan visit us for two whole days. Greta received LOTS of hugs and kisses. She is also improving her waving and clapping skills.

Greta went for her first late winter/early spring hike with her Dadda yesterday. We found a great deal on a baby backpack at a resale store, and she loved it. Before any hike, one must make all the clothing preparations......Fleece hat (check), fleece jacket (check), Sacagewea moccasins (check, check).

Greta had her two besties over (Oliver and Jospehine), for a nice dinner of puffs and cheese in preparation for today's Red Wings game. Josie and Ollie were super pumped to stand alongside Greta in her laboratory. Greta did not seem to be jealous of their standing/crawling skills.

Clearly, Greta is too occupied with her puffs, pumpkin/apple puree, and staring at her dad.
(Side note: How cute is Josie's little heiny? Such a cute tooshie!)
Oh, don't think Greta and Josie forgot to discuss their hair secrets. Josie knows going to bed with a wet head is a great way to create volume. Greta was sure to chime in that her locks stay healthy with constant caressing, especially during bottle time.

Clearly, Greta has been greatly affected by the recent passing of Whitney Houston. I often see her "singing her praises" to the lost star, and I suppose I need to "comfort" her more during these moments. One way I know Greta is reeling, when she is clearly expressing her remorse and sadness, showing lots of "Mariah Hand," which Whitney was also known for (and the sweating). A comparative analyses:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=00cHTEM9E-g

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QCR69I876sQ

What do you think? Oh, did I mention that Greta prefers Adele over both Mariah and Whitney? Greta does have taste, THOUGH I will surely have to introduce her to the REAL Mariah (gospel choir, frolicking through a field with pigtails followed by hot male dancers, romping through snow in a lame red snow suit).

Happy Friday!

(Needless to say, we will NOT be watching/following/tweeting the Whitney funeral. I'm sure I have a closet to clean.)

Showcasing their turntable talents.

Greta summoning Oliver with a toy...."Come on over here. I have a little something to show you...."

Oliver NOT falling for Greta's trap. He left single, only to return to his man cave.


Greta had a playdate at our house with her friend, Oliver. We love Oliver because he too likes the finer things.....bouncing, Fisher Price Little People, puffs, and speaking gibberish.

GUESS WHO FINALLY HAS A TOOTH COMING THROUGH??!?!??!? YEP, MS. GRETA! (Lower bottom right side.)

Greta and Josephine doing the "Conga" at playgroup. You can tell how excited they were to get their picture taken. Apparently you do disrupt babies rocking out to Gloria Estefan and the Miami Sound Machine.

Happy Valentine's Day! Notice the hairbow? GOOD! (Greta hasn't noticed it.....yet.)

I don't recommend "sorting" or "organizing" baby clothes that your child has grown out of. Not only was I almost a blubbering fool, folding Greta's baby clothes, but I'm looking at her in her johnny jumper thing (going nuts) wondering how she has grown so much. No joke, the onesie we brought her home in is basically the size of a toddler sock. Now, she is comfortably wearing size 9-12 months, "talks" up a storm, and no longer likes falling asleep over my shoulder. TEAR........NOW, I am definitely not dumb enough to go and get preggo right away, but it makes me miss having such a tiny little niblet around.....maybe I'll go to the Humane Society and get my fill of baby magic for the day.

Happy Valentine's Day! In celebration of today, Greta played with a clean diaper for about 20 minutes. I put it on her head, she laughed. She waved it around like a Terrible Towel, and laughed. We then parlayed our party into the kitchen so I could tackle the dishes. I put on Pandora's Spiral Staircase station, so we were serenaded by the musical stylings of Michael McDonald, Phil Collins, and Earth Wind & Fire. Good stuff. I danced, she laughed. She is now napping, as she softly caresses her sparkly white unicorn, Cyndl. Happy V Day!

I am proud to say that I successfully made a trip to Target with TWO children, under the age of 1, with NO meltdowns or blowouts. I usually watch my friend Becky's son, Owen, on Mondays. I was feeling like a prisoner in my house today, so I plotted to get the babies BOTH fed, changed, and cleaned up before our trip to Target. Thankfully, they both fell asleep in the car, and continued to sleep during our visit. I had a nice woman come up to me, offering me congratulations on my two babies. I received some dirty looks, and some heartfelt smiles. All in all, it was a good day at Target. Sadly, I was only going in there for 3 items, and I walked out with $92 worth of merchandise (but limited to lightbulbs, a nightlight, coffee, and a new hairbrush).

I am trying to teach Owen how to be a super mellow baby like Greta. She wrote the book on being a "chill baby." Now, if I can just get Greta to STAY asleep tonight, that'd be PERFECT.

July 2011

February 2012

What a weekend! We had a magical visit from Greta's Pepe, my dad, after several weeks of missing each other. Dad and Mom were in Hawai'i for a month, and it seemed like forever! Dad came in on Friday night and we spent the majority of the weekend relaxing, i.e., playing, watching the Travel Channel, the Pro-Am at Pebble Beach, and discussing the state of Michigan's economy. Greta had a great time with her Pepe. If only we could find a way for them to see each other once a week.

We also had a special visit from Jamie and Jason Siebert. We hadn't seen Jamie in a LONG time...(see picture above). Clearly, Greta's done some significant growing. She was a trooper getting passed around----Jamie and Jason are HILARIOUS, and definitely brought us up to speed on the current IPS drama (the old school district where I used to work). They have 3 kids that are very busy....it was nice for them to have a relaxing day without three super busy kiddos.

Greta and I have a busy week coming up....Owen is coming to play with us tomorrow, a visit from Ms. Doris (our realtor) on Wednesday for a sewing lesson, and playgroup on Thursday. I suppose this is a great way to Greta back in the swing of things after two weeks of yucky coughs and runny noses. She is definitely acting like her normal, chipper self.

On a different note, I'm becoming increasingly curious about his new Bringing Up Bebe book---it has received tons of buzz, as it is a new book on rearing independent children. While I have not read any parenting books, I am very interested in this subject manner. I'd say the main things I'd like to teach/share with Greta is independence, confidence without arrogance, honesty, compassion, and a strong work ethic. I know this is a tall order, but I suppose with these traits, she can really take on the world as a good person. When I first began to think about getting pregnant, I remember freaking out about the idea of having a nasty, unappreciative, mean child----these kids DO exist. I've taught them in school. It is my worst nightmare. While this was a reality for me, I would usually forget about the environment that they were being raised in---Dave and I did not grow up in households like that, and we didn't create a household like that with our dogs. I suppose we are in good shape so far----I think the biggest compliment I could ever receive as a parent would be someone approaching me, telling me how courteous my children are and how kind they are. To me, THOSE are things that people remember you for-----I also joke that I want Greta to be a high-powered attorney or investment banker and to marry well, but I know with strong personality characteristics and strong virtues, I'm sure she'll be fine. Afterall, I don't have any felonies on my record, I don't smoke crack, I change my bed sheets often, and I brake for dogs. I'm sure these are all things that help rear a good kid.

8 MONTHS!

Yes, someone turned 8 months old yesterday! We had a busier day than expected and I was not able to post the pictures I wanted to. We had a very nice, but short, visit with Nana (our neighbor), a wonderful mall-walking date with Oliver (and his mom, Mackinizie), and dinner with Auntie Jennie. Greta tasted avocado for the first time and seemed to enjoy it. It was very complimentary to the cheese quesadilla she had the other day with Elisabeth. I should mention, during our walk in the mall, we met an older woman who was sure to tell us that child molesters are going straight to hell. Clear as day. We were just sitting there, minding our own business, when this nice older woman comes over, sits down, and tells us this. Interesting. Bloomington folks.

Now that Greta is 8 months old, I should discuss some more things she likes and doesn't like:

LOVES:
Mangoes, sweet potatoes, bananas, her toothbrush/comb/hairbrush set, bouncing in her exersaucer and jumper, riding in the shopping cart, making high pitched noises, and waving her arm in the air (we call this Mariah hand---as in Mariah Carey).

DISLIKES:

She does not enjoy thicker textured food (yet), getting buckled into her car seat (it is restrictive), getting her nose wiped, and being ignored by Beans.

She has definitely grown to accept her crib as her sleeping space---she goes down very well for naps and bedtime with her light up dog, Cleo, and her white unicorn, Cyndl, as companions. We turn on her music, turn on the heater and sound machine, and within 10 minutes, she's usually asleep. She takes two naps a day, sometimes 3, and sleeps about 11 hours a night. We are VERY LUCKY to have such a nice sleeper on our hands. The nightmares still occur about once a week, but they do not seem to be as bad as they were when she was younger. She enjoys being read to eat night before bed---she loves this book called "Tails," which has different textures of tails to touch on each page.

She isn't crawling yet, but seems to be getting closer. If we put our hands or arms down near her feet as a place for her to push off, she moves forward, like a slug, but moves forward. She usually rolls over immediately, but she is seems to be getting it. She is wonderful at sitting---she has great posture and strength. If she can't reach something, she usually gives up. We are working on that.....she topples over from time to time, but it does not seem to scare her or upset her. This is a good thing.

She doesn't have any teeth---I can't feel any, and she doesn't seem to be getting any in....no redness or swelling. It doesn't seem to bother her at all.

She doesn't hold her bottle while she is eating because she is too occupied with caressing her hair. I suppose this is her relaxation time....much like an adult's glass of merlot at the end of the day.

She plays very well independently. She is not at all bothered being alone in the room....in fact, I love her ability to do this. She does make noises to get my attention, but she is not at all bothered by this.....she often talks to herself and occupies herself with her hands or whatever toy she is playing with. If she has a piece of clothing in her hand, she loves to waive it around. This must be her version of Pittsburgh's Terrible Towel.

She LOVES being sung too---silly songs, soft songs, songs with gestures....LOVES IT. She laughs and stares. It is priceless.

She talks a ton....lots of consonant sounds, high pitched and low grumbling sounds. She totally knows how to get attention. I usually "talk" back when she seems to be saying words....I usually laugh when she makes the noises, as she is trying to be silly. She can often be seem talking to her hands and the door frame (from which her bouncer is hung). She'll bounce for an hour and laugh the whole time. I suppose she'll enjoy her time on the treadmill when she is older.

She definitely notices other little people around her....I have a great group of girlfriends who have young kids---and they definitely notice each other. She likes to observe and absorb her environment before she starts socializing. I'm sure this is the Dave part of her.

She fits nicely into 9 month clothing, and seems to slowly be working her way towards 12 months. She is definitely at the top of the growth chart. Thankfully, her baby bird spikes and ham face keep people guessing her age.

When Button is sleeping, I find myself searching the internet for Fisher Price Little People vignettes. I'm obsessed, to put it mildly. I went to Once Upon a Child the other day and bought the carnival and airport (and whatever pieces came with it). I'm addicted. It is taking everything in my power to NOT march back over there to get the rest of the stuff I saw. I have a problem. Greta isn't even old enough to appreciate it-----in fact, she has been playing with her toothbrush for the last 20 minutes. Seriously.

I promise to post some pictures later. I'm working through this crises right now.

Someone is 8 months old today! Someone is also napping.....picture to follow....

These non-child pornographic photos were snapped after a blowout. Jennie said we were a Category 4 blowout, but I strongly disagreed. I felt like this one was a Category 2, possibly a Category 1. Here is my criteria for accurate blowout rankings:

TROPICAL STORM: Poop/fecal matter squished out the side of the diaper, usually leaking through the pant and/or onesie.

CATEGORY 1: Poop/fecal matter squished through the diaper, on the onesie, AND the pants.

CATEGORY 2: Poop/fecal matter through the diaper, on the onesie, on the pant, and the lower back.

*CATEGORY 3: Poop/fecal matter through diaper, onesie, pants, and up the back.

*CATEGORY 4: Poop/fecal matter through diaper, onesie, pants, back, and on the
shoulder (s), and/or foot.

*CATEGORY 5: Poop/fecal matter all over the damn place, and not limited to back, shoulders, foot, HAIR, and HANDS, as well as mom's clothing/hair/hands, the changing pad AND table, and other random objects nearby. This is a nightmare which will involve the compassionate and caring assistance of an innocent bystander, which is NOT limited to:
a) neighbor
b) father-in-law
c) terrified babysitter
d) husband/partner/spouse.

***Categories 3-5 usually demand a wash down with a soapy rag, or most obviously a dip in the sink/bathtub (which later must be wiped down with bleach). This also usually involves dropping all future activities, as this usually happens at the worst possible time, such as dining out with friends, driving on a long road trip, or shopping at a fancy department store. Friends that are present when these situations arise who do not have kids usually use these moments as birth control, outrage, mass hysteria, or an opportunity to conjure feelings of food poisoning/seeing an animal hit by a car.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s_KqY_F6hyU

More shenanigans with Jennie. It should also be noted that Greta's crazy bouncing caused a MAJOR RUCKUS in her pajama pants.....almost bath worthy, like earlier in the day.

Somone was a bad sleeper last night. The 5 am shenanigans is ridiculous. Mommy is tired. Thankfully, you are sleeping now (right next to your white sparkly unicorn, Cyndl). I'm hoping that we have a better run tonight, after Auntie Jennie tires you out from playing dress up and Little People carnival.

Seriously.

Starting to feel a little better, with the help of Pepe's Navy Lacrosse hat. This made for a whole 7 minutes of fun! (Then, it was back to her toothbrush, remote control, and Vern, the giraffe.)

After a certain someone's afternoon Tylenol kicked in, we headed out to Petsmart and Kroger for some much needed essentials. This was the Button's first time in a shopping cart without my down coat as a padding/brace for her. Yes, this is her shopping cart seatbelt. More importantly, it protects her from the disgusting germs people leave behind on their carts.....apparently, they are dirtier than drinking fountains and currency. Gross.

She had a wonderful time starting at people with her death-gaze and enjoyed holding the various bags of chips and pecans (the packaging makes crinkly noises). VERY HELPFUL. In the photo, she has her gameface on, due to the high volume of customers at both stores. She knows from her mommy that shopping is no time to dilly-dally. We are in it to win it.

Because I'm feeling so nostalgic, I am posting yet another snapshot of Button. This is her one month photo shoot--taken by Mande, photographer of all things awesome. She still makes that pouty lip thing now.....tear......

Flashback Friday!

Here is Greta at 6 days old. This onesie is about the size of a Kleenex. Those little baby bird spikes? Yep, those are gone. She does, however, still make that overbite, pouty lip thing when she sleeps. SO CUTE. Also, her little thorax (diaper), was the size of my hand. (Tear.....)

Now I get why moms get knocked up before their kids start walking.......

Greta, as of 11 a.m. this morning. Less puffy-eyed and ready to take on the world (i.e., bounce for an hour and scream at her hand or the door).

I should also mention her giraffe, Vernon, is a part of her starting lineup. When I say starting lineup, I mean key players in Greta's everyday life. She actually "looks" for Vern when he falls overboard (she pushes him off her exersaucer play deck). Vern is one of many:

Veronica, Vern's life partner and lifetime member of Noah's Ark crew.
Jaleesa, a handknit doll, made by Greta's cousins Madelyn and Emily.
William, a duck that came with her play gym. He was down from day one.
Alphonse, another giraffe in her crew. He is also best friends with William.
Cyndl, her white sparkly unicorn puppet. A gift from Jack and Josie Becker.
Sally, one of her Fisher Price Little People. She also rides the bus to school.
Farmer Ted, another Little People. He mans the farm stand in the summer.
Ms. Cleo, her light up lullaby crib puppy. Cleo was Greta's first friend.
Cleo (no prefix), a gift from Ms. Randi. She has fluffy purple hair.
Lamby, another crib friend. A gift from Grammy Jan.

These things are significant members of Greta's crew. She relies on them for advice, support, and most importantly, soft parts to rub and touch when she is falling asleep. HOWEVER, in no way do her friends take the place of human hair that she can pull and caress. Dave's is her favorite....thick, soft, and short. Perfect for nighttime.

I think we are turning a corner with this ear infection. We've shot up some pink bubble gum medicine, we've had about 9 hours of sleep, we have on our kitty/Christmas pajamas. I think we are feeling better.......

Greta: 0 Ear Infection: 1

(Pink bubble gum medicine time. Sadly, I wanted her to go one full year without antibiotics. HOWEVER, she did ham it up bigtime at the doctor's office----lots of pteradactyl noises, followed by sticking her tongue out and smiling.)

This is what my friend Kady calls "Station Play." We rotate the station (or activity) every 20-30 to keep the babies happy. The little guy in the vibrator chair is Owen---I started watching him on Mondays. He is super cute and doesn't fuss, HOWEVER, he doesn't sleep. I told him he is VERY tired and he'll grow more if he sleeps more. He did NOT fall for it.

Greta was unsure of him at first, but then realized he can't use her bouncer. When she figured that out, she went right back to her "1,2,3 hop hop hop" sequence in her jumpy (that also involves yelling at her hand or the door frame.) This sequence has been lacking a bit due to her nasty cold. Another trip to the doctor today. :(

For the record, Greta is NOT crawling and does NOT have any teeth. Yes, I'm a bad parent because she is behind in these areas. HOWEVER, she is great at talking, yelling at her hand, jumping, and playing with her Fisher Price Little People. Take That!

(For the record, Beans was NOT happy that another small human was in our house on Monday. She was so mad, she ignored me the whole time Owen was here. I was redeemed because she visited Puppy School yesterday. She came back smelling of Simple Green. All our happy in the Norton house.)

So yet another day has passed with our little Greta Button being under the weather. Her cough seems to be going away, but the runny nose is still in full effect. We took a nice afternoon bathies today, in an effort to help relax her and clear the gunk from her nose. It helped quite a bit---before the bath, I also fed her some chicken broth. She enjoyed that very much (definitely NOT the noodles, surprisingly.) I found this great herbal balm at CVS that is used like a menthol rub, without the harsh chemicals. Not only does she smell good, but her skin is VERY softies. :)

On a side note, while Greta was enjoying her bathies, I noticed that the tub is actually a jacuzzi. SO, while she was napping, I decided to fill the whole thing up, added a cup of bleach, and let the jets go for about 15 minutes. One word: DISGUSTING. I never cleaned the jacuzzi portion, because we never use it. Now I know why. GROSS. But, it is clean and now Greta's fanny does not need to come in contact with jacuzzi hose germs.

I am debating whether to go up to Indy to the Superbowl village. As I mentioned before, I am determined to see Jim Schwartz, and I know he is there!

Day 2 of nasty cold. And, not much sleep last night because Greta's coughing actually scared her. I love me some yellow boogers.