Eliza Speaks

Eliza had plenty to say last night after her bath. Sorry about the camera work . . . as you will see, she was pretty wiggly. I was trying to film and make sure she didn't fall out of the chair.

This one is for you, Grammy

We have been SUPER busy with the new house and moving, so I haven't had much time for blogging, but here are some recent (and somewhat random) pictures to help tide you over until things get back to normal.

New Pictures

Yesterday, I took Eliza to have her one year photos taken. I was very pleased at how they turned out. Here are a few of my favorites.

Website Wednesday

As I have admitted many times before, I am now a blog addict and I have become obsessed with home decorating as we prepare for our BIG move into our new home. The Nesting Place is the perfect blog for me these days because it is all about home decor. There are some great ideas there . . . I love the idea of painting words/thoughts/phrases on the wall but I am just a little unsure about my ability to make it look like the picture!

Swim Suit Model

Aunt Maryellen and Uncle John sent Eliza this super cute swim suit for her birthday. Although she wasn't being very cooperative when it came to picture taking, she loved wearing her swim suit. It fits her perfectly and looks adorable. . . .thanks again Maryellen and John.

Eliza's Birthday: Part Three

The Cake

There is no doubt about it . . . Eliza LOVES cake. I have never seen a baby attack their cake the way Eliza did! She had a great time eating and decimating her cake. All in all I think Eliza had a GREAT birthday!

Eliza's Birthday: Part Two

The Presents:

Eliza is so blessed to have so many people in her life who love her. Everyone was excited to watch her open her presents . . . . and she sure did have plenty to open.

She loved the new push toy from Aunt Kristen, Uncle Richard and Cousin Jacob. They also gave her a new pool toy and puzzle (that she seemed to enjoy eating)

The adorable hat is from Aunt Maryellen and Uncle John (they also sent a super cute swimsuit) and the toy is from mom and dad.

The cute flower for her hat came from Grandma and Grandpa along with a Madam Alexander doll, a first birthday figurine, a personalized picture frame and a little bit of spending money.

Eliza is a very lucky little girl to have so many people who love her. It was a special day to have all of our family with us to celebrate.

Eliza's Birthday: Part One

Going Out to Breakfast

Unfortunately, Grammy and Granddaddy needed to head home and were unable to stay for the party, but we were able to go out for a yummy breakfast before they had to leave. Eliza enjoyed sharing pancakes with Grammy and toast with Granddaddy.

Here is Miss Eliza in her Birthday Girl Attire

Eliza with the birthday sunglasses (seconds after this picture was taken, she pinched her finger on these glasses . . . bad mommy)

Drinking a little milk before breakfast arrived



Eliza and her Grammy

Grammy and Granddaddy went all out and really spoiled Eliza. She had a bag full of gifts. . . clothes, books, a cell phone and a train. Eliza was so excited to see her Grammy and Granddaddy and she is so glad they were able to be here for her big 1st birthday!

What a Difference a Year Makes

March 15, 2008

March 15, 2009

Special Vistors

Eliza's Grammy and Granddaddy came into town this week to help celebrate her first birthday. We went out for a steak dinner and we were lucky enough to have Eliza's Grandma and Grandpa join us too. Eliza was excited to have all of her grandparents together in one room. She was definitely the center of attention.

Eliza and her Grammy

Eliza and Grandpa

Grammy and Granddaddy look happy to see Eliza

Eliza's 1st year

Yesterday as I was buying supplies for Eliza 1st birthday party, (a backyard BBQ with a Backyardigans theme) I began to think about what life was like BE (before Eliza). In all honesty, I really couldn't even remeber. I can't even imagine our lives without her. We are so blessed to have her and we are honored to be her mommy and daddy. Here is a quick look back at the year that forever changed our lives.

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Fashion and Website Wednesday

Since starting my blog a few months back, I have become a blog addict. I never knew that there were so many blogs out there. I have found so many great blogs to read that I often feel like a kid in a candy store. I always try to squeeze in a little time during the day to read some of my favorites. One of those favorites is Kelly's Korner. I have become such a fan of Kelly that I have even convinced my sister to start reading.

Today Kelly did a post about how to be fashionable during these difficult economic times. Maryellen called me in the middle of the day to tell me that she was linked on Kelly's blog and Kelly made a comment on her blog. I have to admit I felt a wee bit jealous! :) So today's Website Wednesday is a bit different as I attempt to keep up with my sister.

Yesterday I read a story on Fox News that was talking about fashion and the recession. Here are their tips on how to be a "Recessionista" for Spring.

1. White Jeans
2. Neon/Day Glo Items
3. Scarves
4. Ruffles
5. Floral Print
6. Big Chunky Jewelry
7. Aviator Glasses
8. Nautical T Shirts
9. Brightly Colored Cardigans
10. Colorful Bags

Just the Girls

Tonight it was just us girls . . . so we did girly things. We went to Hobby Lobby to look for things for the new house. . .didn't buy anything but I have many things on my wish list . . . picked up some take out . . . .came home to watch Dancing with the Stars. . . Eliza was impressed. . . she clapped and cheered . . .

She drank some milk . . .

Played with the remote. . . .

Then off to dream land.

I would say that is a pretty good girl's night!

This Makes No Sense

Eliza and I were out running some errands today and I totally forgot about the time change. Eliza was getting very fussy because it was past her normal lunch time, so I needed to get some food to her quick. I decided that she would have a grilled cheese sandwich, banana and milk. I gave her the banana to munch on while I made her sandwich. However, I made a HUGE error because I sliced the banana and Eliza REFUSED to eat it. When she eats a banana, she likes to hold it and bite it. I then gave her the half that was not sliced. Once the sandwich was done, I just cut in half because I figured she would want to bite into it as well. WRONG! The only way she would the sandwich was if I cut it up and pulled it apart - so it really wasn't a sandwich any more. It was just toasted bread with cheese. Go figure.

Grandpa and the Great Outdoors

Eliza loves spending time with her Grandpa and she loves being outside. When she gets to do both at the same time it is quite a treat.

Website Wednesday

You probably have noticed that I tend to change my blog background quite frequently. I get bored easliy and am always looking for a change. I blame my short attention span on spending too much time with 12 year olds. However I am too cheap to pay $60 - $80 to have my blog professionally designed, so I am always looking for new free blog backgrounds. I have recently come across 2 new sites that captured my attention. If by chance you too are blogger who is always looking to shake things up. . . then you should enjoy these sites!

Delightful Dots
Aqua Poppy

Mean Mommy

Eliza has always been a FANTASTIC sleeper. Bedtime is a breeze. We do have a nightly routine (kisses, book, Glo-Worm and music)but Eliza always goes to bed awake and puts herself to sleep. I am the first to admit that we are so lucky. However, things have been a little tough recently in our house.

Last Saturday, Eliza had to go to the pediatrician because of her ears (both infected). On Friday I had to take the doctor because she was running fever and she was still feeling crummy. I was worried that her ears weren't healing but that was not the problem. Her ears were fine, but her mouth and throat were covered with small white sores caused by rampant yeast due to the antibiotics she was taking for her ears. This condition is called thrush. She is still on multiple medications but she seems to be on the mend. On top of all these ailments, Eliza is also teething. Her back molars are working their way in.

Because of all of these factors, Eliza has not been sleeping well. Last week, she and I spent several nights sleeping in the recliner. She also spent a few nights sleeping with us in our bed. The new routine is, she will go to sleep in her bed but wakes up shortly thereafter and wants to get out of her bed. She fights me when I try to lay her down and she turns on the water works. Since she has always been such a good sleeper, her new sleep tantrums have me worried. I don't want her to think that if she just throws a big enough fit, we will give in to her and let her sleep with us.

Therefore, the past several nights I have been employing some sleep training techniques or what I call "the mean mommy technique". When she wakes up during the night, I go in her room for two minutes to comfort her but I don't take her out of the bed. When my two minutes are up, she usually begins crying and raising her arms up for me to lift her up. Eventhough she is crying, I leave the room and "let her cry it out" for five minutes before I come back in. It breaks my heart to let her cry but I am willing to try this for awhile. Last night she fell asleep before her five minutes ended, so hopefully things will be getting back to normal soon.

One Giant Step for Eliza