Reagan: Six Months Old!

If you're finding it hard to believe that Reagan is already 6 months old, believe me. So am I. Reagan, however, thinks that she's far older than she is, and is getting frustrated with all the baby stuff, like not walking and not eating real food. And so, one of her developments this month: Her two bottom teeth (picture to be posted later. You know, because I don't have one yet.)
So, Reagan is a big baby. It's hard to believe we used to tease her about her chicken legs, because she's so much bigger now. This baby loves to eat. Unlike Kameryn. Much more like Jay and me. And she may or may not be wearing 12-18 month pants. And the 12 months shirts that Jay just bought for her yesterday? Really tight. Which just goes to show that we do feed her. Every once in awhile.Reagan is so fun to be around because she's really happy. She loves to laugh, and she loves her sister. I think she'll be crawling in no time, and once she figures it out, I think she's going to be zooming around this place. I love to see how fast she's learning, but I can't believe how fast it's all going by. I can't wait until I'm with her everyday.

Sixth of the Sixth

1. Go to your documents/pictures.

2. Go to your 6th file.

3. Go to your 6th picture.

4. Blog about it.

5. Tag 6 people to do the same.

I got tagged by Abby to do this, and this is the picture that came up:My friends may have to help me fill in the blanks on this one a bit. I know that we were going out to dinner for Katie's (far right) birthday, and her parents took us to and from in this limo. We went to a really fancy restaurant, one that had 7 courses and brought us ice cream in the middle of the meal. To cleanse our pallets. And I felt like we were SO cool. I want to say we were 14? 15? I'm not sure.
I've been so lucky to have good friends my entire life. Even still I feel like we can get together and pick up where we left off almost effortlessly, no matter how much time has gone by.

So let's see. Tagging 6 people:
1. Allison
2. Danae
3. Mom
4. Special K
5. Liv(e)
6. Allie's Amanda

The Books Of January

As always, this year I've set a goal to read more often, and last year asked for suggestions on good books. I ended up reading these three, only one of them being from the suggestions I received, but I figure at least I'm going in the right direction.

First book was "Marked" by P.C. Cast and Kristin Cast. My aunt Dariece suggested it (Thank you!) It's about vampyres and people who liked Twilight would probably like this one as well. It's an easy read and entertaining, but not as squeaky clean as Twilight. I liked it. Jay really liked it and went out and bought the next 3 books, which he then read in 2 days. And the next one is coming out in March. I would say the book is a mix between Twilight and Mean Girls, and worth picking up.

The second book I read was "An Exact Replica of a Figment of my Imagination." We had gone to the library to get the second book in the Marked series, and this book caught my eye. I picked it up because I thought that the title was interesting, and when I read the back it wasn't my type of book at all. It's a memoir about a woman who gives birth to a stillborn baby, and then a year later gives birth to a healthy baby. I don't do well with sad stories about babies. But I checked it out anyway, thinking maybe I could work up the courage to read it, and after I finished Marked I read the first chapter. The author, Elizabeth McCracken, is a really funny, insightful author who writes a beautiful tribute to her experience and her first baby. Each chapter is almost like a short story in itself, and some of them made me laugh, and some made me bawl. But the book was amazing, and I HIGHLY recommend it to anyone.

The last book I read was "The Book Thief" by Markus Zusak. It was one Allison read and recommended to me. And what can I say about this book? Any way I try to describe it won't do it justice. When I was reading it, I could read 100 pages and it felt like only a couple minutes had gone by. The story is beautiful and the writing is genius. Once you read this book, it will own a small piece of your soul. I think everyone should read it, and at the same time, I don't think anyone should read it that wouldn't understand how amazing it is. I don't know what kind of a recommendation that is, but it's the best I can do.

Up Next: Gone with the Wind. Since the book is 1024 pages it's one I wouldn't even attempt, but my friend Abby recommended it, and Abby knows her stuff. So I'm hoping to be finish it in February.

Waiting on the Weather...

So, a couple weeks ago I gave my job notice that I'll be leaving when the weather gets warm. Jay makes enough when he's working at his seasonal job that we've decided I'll stay home with our girls. I know that it's a risky thing to do with the economy the way it is, and I realize that I may be home a couple months and then asking my current job if they'll take me back, but it's worth it to me to try. Which is a little surprising, because growing up I never thought I would want to be a stay at home mom. I kinda resented the idea of it. But come on, how could I know back then how much you miss your babies when you have to leave them for 8 hours? How could I know that your kids immediately become the people you don't want to be away from for any substantial amount of time?
So I know I'm leaving, but I don't know when. And because of that, it doesn't feel real at all. Especially now when it warms up a little bit and then snows the next day. But I'm looking forward to the transition and excited about what it will mean for me.
Thank you for everyone that I've told so far that's supported me. Like I said, I know it's risky. But I also think it's exactly the right thing for me right now.

Mostly Right

I have a lot of things I need to update on, and obviously I've fallen a little behind. I'll be updating a lot more frequently in the next few days. Story number one for today involves potty training Kami. We started a couple weeks ago, and Kameryn is doing extremely well with it. We've got her a little Elmo potty to sit on, and she hasn't had very many accidents during the day. We're so proud of her. And she's proud of herself.
There was just ONE thing we needed to be a little more clear on explaining to her. Had to do with quantity.
Lesson learned.

If You're In the Mood to Laugh...

Please visit Jay's website and watch the video he took of my girls yesterday. I don't know that words can adequately describe exactly how it makes me feel....

Sisters

Reagan has recently decided that she's done with the whole baby-staying-in-the-same-place business. A couple weeks ago she started sitting up by herself, and a week ago she decided to master rolling from her back onto her belly. Kameryn didn't start sitting up by herself until she was 6 months old, and Reagan is 4.5 months old, but I'm not really surprised that she's doing it a bit early: Reagan wants to be just like Kameryn. She thinks Kameryn is the coolest, most entertaining person on the planet. If Kameryn talks to her, Reagan will instantly burst into laughter. There's nothing I like better than seeing my two girls playing together, which is happening more and more often.

I know that Reagan's going to take Kami's clothes without asking and Kami will probably tell Reagan that "lunch is a privilege and not a right" at some point, but I'm so glad that my girls get along so well. I hope they'll have the type of relationship that I have with my sisters!

4 Months Old!

Reagan turned 4 months old yesterday. Which is weird. Seriously, how is it going by so fast? Jay was so excited because 4 months is the time that we can start giving Reagan rice cereal, which he wanted to do right away. And Reagan? She's just glad someone is FINALLY feeding her! Mainly since no one EVER does!

Christmas At Home

This year's modest Christmas was Reagan's first, and the first one that Kameryn will probably be old enough to remember and healthy enough to enjoy!

Getting ready to go see what Santa brought!
Reagan, not so sure about this whole Christmas thing.
Reagan's new octopus, which talks when you press his legs and teaches her color names in 3 languages!
Reagan thinking this whole Christmas thing is pretty cool!
Kameryn was so mad after we got her dressed in an outfit Santa brought that she decided she hated Christmas and didn't want to open ANY presents. So I told her she didn't have to open any of her presents, but we should watch while Reagan opened some of hers. And after seeing how this whole present thing worked, Kami decided maybe she would try it out after all. The first present she opened was this little dog from Santa.Who she has totally fallen in love with. When I asked her what the doggy's name was, she told me, "Doggy Mackenna."
This was the first phase of Christmas. After our Christmas, we went to Jay's parents house and then to Allie's house for my family. And we got so much stuff, I think it will be like a second Christmas when we go through it today to put everything away! Thank you to everyone who spoiled me and my family and especially my girls!!!

Undead - Hollywood Undead

1.Put your iPod/iTunes on shuffle to get the first answer.
2. For each subsequent question, press the next button to get your answer.
3. YOU MUST WRITE THAT SONG NAME DOWN NO MATTER HOW SILLY IT SOUNDS!
4. Tag 10 friends who might enjoy doing the game as well as the person you got the note from.

IF SOMEONE ASKS YOU FOR SPARE CHANGE, WHAT DO YOU SAY?
74-75 - the Connells

WHAT WOULD BEST DESCRIBE YOUR PERFECT DATE?
Smooth - Carlos Santana and Rob Thomas

WHAT DO YOU LOOK FOR IN A JOB?
The Origin Of Love - Hedwig and the Angry Inch Soundtrack

WHAT IS YOUR LATEST DILEMMA?
Alone - Heart

WHY DON'T YOU HAVE MORE MONEY?
When I Grow Up - Pussycat Dolls

WHAT IS YOUR SECRET NICKNAME?
Love Me Dead - Ludo

WHERE DO YOU GO AT NIGHT?
Bleeding Love - Leona Lewis

WHAT IS YOUR EMERGENCY PLAN?
Hey You - Pink Floyd

WHAT DO YOU WANT FOR YOUR FRIENDS?
Sad But True - Metallica (?)

WHAT DO YOU DO FIRST THING IN THE MORNING?
Candy From a Stranger - Britney Spears

WHAT IS YOUR RINGTONE?
Sweet Caroline - Neil Diamond

WHERE DO YOU WANT TO BE IN FIVE YEARS?
Closer - Nine Inch Nails

WHAT IS YOUR POLITICAL AFFILIATION?
Disease - Matchbox 20

WHAT CAN YOU DO FOR YOUR COUNTRY?
Down and Out - Tantric

WHAT CAN YOUR COUNTRY DO FOR YOU?
Dreaming with a Broken Heart - John Mayer

WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING AT?
Hallelujah - Kate Vogel

WHAT IS YOUR PROBLEM, PAL?
I Will Follow You Into The Dark - Death Cab for Cutie

WHAT IS ON YOUR CHRISTMAS WISH LIST?
Push Push Lady Lightening - Bang Camero

WHAT'S THE BEST SONG TO MAKE LOVE TO?
You Could Be Happy - Snow Patrol

WHAT WOULD YOU DO FOR A KLONDIKE BAR?
Gives You Hell - The All-American Rejects

WHY DO FOOLS FALL IN LOVE ?
Into the Night - Carlos Santana

WHAT MAKES YOUR BLOOD BOIL?
Womanizer - Britney Spears

WHAT MAKES YOUR LOINS ACHE?
When Your Heart Stops Beating - Plus 44

WHAT'S THE SECRET OF YOUR SUCCESS?
Scottie Doesn't Know - Sum 41

WHOM DO YOU ADMIRE MOST?
Genie in a Bottle - Christina Aguilera

WHO IS YOUR MORTAL ENEMY?
The Devil Went Down to Georgia - Charlie Daniels Band (Awesome!)

WHAT HAVE YOU DONE WITH YOUR LIFE?
Set The Fire To the Third Bar- Snow Patrol

WHAT HAVE WE LEARNED?
Put the Needle on It - Minogue

WHAT WILL YOU POST THIS AS?
Undead - Hollywood Undead

I tag Wesley, Allison, Danae, Chelsee, Geoffrey, Kim, Abby, Amanda, Liv and Jay.

WE: What do you do when you don't feel heard?

My answer can be found here.

Treats

I love a good Mountain Dew. Kami loves the aforementioned peanut butter on a spoon. And Reagan has a favorite treat as well:
She loves a good foot. One is good, but two are better.
Sometimes when you're sucking on a good toe, you just are able to ponder the world in all it's majesty.

Interpretations

I was in the kitchen today before work, making egg sandwiches for lunch. Kami starts asking for something, but I can't quite understand what she's asking for. At first it sounds like, "Piter."
"Spider?" I guess.
"No."
When she says it the second time it sounds more like "Potter."
"Water?" I guess.
Wrong again. Kami can tell she's going to have to spell this one out for me, so she starts explaining in steps, slowly, so I can follow. Obviously, sometimes you have to simplify so Mom can understand.
"Spoon." She says while opening the drawer and pulling out a spoon for herself. Then she goes to the pantry, opens it, and points up.
"Potter. POTTER."
And it dawns on me. Butter. Peanut butter. My daughter wants a spoonful of peanut butter. And I know that some people think that is a really weird thing to do, and I get that.
I, on the other hand, do it on a regular basis.
And now, Kami and I can enjoy our peanut butter together. Spoonfuls of it. And there's something that makes me so happy about that.

My Girls

I remember being pregnant with Reagan and worrying that there was no way I could love another baby as much as I love Kameryn. It seems silly, but it was a real concern. Now, I don't know if there's anything that I love more than seeing my family all together. Reagan is full of sweet baby smiles, and Kami loves talking to her and getting her to smile and coo. And I'm so proud of both of them.


This was the first picture I took of them.
And then the flash popped up and surprised them both...
Beautiful Girls!CHEESE!!!

Three Months Old!

Yesterday I was feeding Reagan and reading my "Your Baby's First Year" book out loud to her. I was reading the "Age One Through Three Months" section, and it was fun to learn about where she should be at this point, and learn about all the things she's learning right now. It's amazing to me that babies can learn so much so fast. Some of my favorite parts that I didn't know before:

"Just as your baby naturally prefers the human face over any other visual pattern, she also prefers the human voice to other sounds. Her mother's voice is her absolute favorite, because she associates it with warmth, food and comfort. Babies like the high-pitched voices of women in general - a fact that most adults seem to know intuitively and respond to accordingly, without even realizing it."
I also loved that even these first conversations I have with her teach her "Many of the subtle rules of communication, such as turn taking, vocal tone, imitation and pacing, and speed of verbal interaction."And my favorite part: "By responding quickly and enthusiastically to her smiles...you let her know she's important to you, that she can trust you, and that she has a certain amount of control in her life. This contributes to her developing self esteem."

I'm so grateful to have such a happy and healthy baby, and to have a family that is such a strong support system for both of us! I'm so glad that Kameryn and Reagan can both rest assured that they have a lot of people who care about them and want them to be happy!

WE: What are you Thankful For?

"Even in black and white, you color my world"

Thankful For:

Obsession

My mom moved into a condo not too long ago, and since she was cleaning out her house I got a couple boxes of things I had left there. I've gone through some of it, and in one of the boxes I happened upon this little treasure:
Possibly my first Journal. And some of the most embarassing stuff I've ever written. For example:
It says:
"Feb. 18, 1996 8:18 pm
Dear Journal,
I'm so mad! It's not fair. Just because L&C (Lois and Clark, of course) was bad, I'm gonna be in a bad mood for the rest of the week. Let me tell you what's going on in my life right now.
L&C sucked tonight. Clark loves Lois so much he's like going to kill Lex or anybody to get her back, but NO! She has to go off and get amnesia and call herself WONDA and now everyone thinks Clark is the bad guy. It stinks. Now I'm gonna have to rely on my imagination, Kent and Henry to have a great week. As Anne says, "I'm in the depths of despair!"

***A picture of "what was going on in my life" when I was 12.***

Usually I like finding the stuff that I've written. Most the time it's not too bad, and helps me remember things I've long forgotten. But this? Yikes.

The CD of My Life

DANG IT! I missed Saturday's post, and now I'm posting this one late enough it says it's Tuesday! Is there a Nablopomo for every other day?! Because apparently I would ROCK at that one!

It occurred to me today that I really wish my life had a soundtrack. I would love the guy who did 3:10 to Yuma to do the instrumentals. And I hope I do something cool enough in my life that I could get Muse's "Supermassive Black Hole" in there. And I'm no good at baseball, so that idea's out.

What songs would you guys want on your soundtrack?

This is How We Do It!

My family got together at Allison's house to watch the game. We were all rooting for the U, except for my dad and Joy who didn't end up in any of the pictrues. Which I understand. After the brutal defeat, I would be embarassed to admit I was rooting for the Y also.TOUCHDOWN!!!

Every time the U scored or intercepted or blocked a pass, we would yell and scare Reagan to death! But she was a pretty good sport!





Danae and I support the U. Allison? Supports Guiness.

What an AWESOME game!