Operation Toddler Bed...

was successful! She couldn't climb into the bed fast enough on Saturday night, she was trying to climb on the mattress before we even had it all the way on the bed. She laid right down on her pillow, with her"babies" and did pretty good going right to sleep.

Last night, daddy took the crib apart. She again climbed right into her new bed, but she got back up about 4 times before she finally stayed. I checked on her once last night, and she was sleeping on the floor, but at least she was still in her room!

Daddy will be working on get her bedroom door up this week (I hope), but so far so good. Now, if we could just master PTing! SIGH....

Craziness!

I have to tell you, I CANNOT believe that our fall semester of school starts next Tuesday!! Where did the summer go? I certainly wasn't ready for all of this and it has landed like a lead balloon!

Work has been crazy busy- the phones ringing off the hook, students coming in by the dozens to register (even at this late date), talk about payment, pick up their textbooks...you name it, they're hear asking about it or trying to do it! The hardest part is that some of our most popular programs are already full for the fall, so it seems like we're turning some students away when they aren't interested in any other options. I hate that, but what do you do? We've been enrolling since mid-April...

On a happy note, I'm going to see Joe Nichols tonight at the Power & Light District for FREE! I'm sure that tomorrow morning I will be completely dead tired, but I love Joe's music and can't pass on the chance to see a free show. I know it won't be the same as a full blown concert, but that's ok. Its a great chance to get out of the house and enjoy some "me" time, as Damon will be staying home w/ Elizabeth. I'll try to post about it tomorrow and let you know what I think.

No pictures today, but will have some in a week or so-we're having our annual family & friends party next Saturday, so hope to have some fun pics of all the cousins and such...while I'm not looking forward to the prep work, I am soo looking forward to seeing our friends and family. More to come on this later....

I was also not ready to come to terms with how grown up Elizabeth has become in the last month or so. She is now asking to brush her teeth, wash her hands, only wants to take showers, not baths, wants to dress herself...you get the picture. If all goes as planned, I am meeting some folks tomorrow to purchase a toddler bed for her from Craig's List. Hope it works out...told Damon today that we REALLY need to get a door put on her room if we're serious about letting her sleep in a toddler bed.... so we'll see what happens. Maybe, just maybe, we'll actually get her closet and room door up this weekend...but I'm not going to hold my breath.

Catch you all later...have a great weekend!

Pictures from our mini-vacation....

Finally, here they are! Sorry for the delay. With school getting ready to start soon, the office has been VERY busy, leaving little time for playing on-line! Just wanted to share these pics...promise I'll try to get a better update posted soon!

Friends & Vacations!

It's just about the most awesome thing to spend quality time with good friends. Elizabeth and I recently came back from spending three wonderful days with my friend Cindy, her husband and their daughter. Cindy and I are friends from the days after we lost our first babies....so we have lots in common. We are very fortunate that our little girls were born about 4 weeks apart, so they are doing lots of the same things.

We had SO much fun w/ Cindy! We went to book talk at the local library, got to see their church, went to the mall and played outside lots! We also were blessed to meet Cindy's sister, her son, and Cindy's parents while we were there! Cindy and her husband prepared wonderful meals for us and we had a great time! It was sad to have to leave and come home! Cindy should be sending me pictures of the girls soon, so I hope to have some to post here shortly.

Thanks Cindy, Nate, Hannah, Amy and Andrew for a wonderful 3 days! We hope to get together again soon!

Another goodbye.....

Well, its seems that all I've been doing the last year is saying goodbye to coworkers. I'm starting to wonder if its me or just bad timing.

Anyway, my supervisor for the last year had decided to retire. Its a great thing for him, as he'll get to travel w/ his son and go on some amazing hiking/climbing trips. It will be hard for us left behind as we will be without an official direct supervisor for the time being. The other Dean will be stepping in until we complete the hiring process for my supervisor's replacement.

While I'm sad that John is leaving us, I'm happy for him. I know that he will enjoy his travels/adventures. We'll miss is Cheshire cat grin, dry jokes, McDonald's coffee cups and the ever present gum/mints he always seems to have in his pockets. Mostly, I'll miss his supporting and caring nature and the way he encourages me when things get rough.

So, here's to "see you later, John"! I won't say goodbye, as I hope we'll see you again in the future.

18 month check up!

Its hard to believe my little girl is 18 months! We headed to the pediatrician today for our check-up and shots. It was soo cute...Elizabeth gave Dr. Sauer a hug when she came in! Everything looks great and she is really pleased with how Elizabeth is doing overall. We were slightly concerned that her height has dropped off a little bit, but she is still on the charts and within normal ranges. So, at this point, we'll just keep an eye on it and worry if it continues to be a downward trend or anything weird. After all, its not like her daddy and I are tall people anyway! She recieved two vaccines today, her DPT and Hepatitis A- she only cried for about 15 seconds after the shots and then she was all smiles again.

Here's our stats at 18 months:
Height: 31 inches (25th %)
Weight: 24 lbs (50th %)
Head circum.: 47 cm (75th%)

All in all, it was a good and quick visit. I'm very proud of my girl-she's growing up so fast!

The Terrible Two's ....at 18 months???

LOL! I just have to remember to smile. Miss Elizabeth is definitely showing mommy and daddy her independent spirit these days! She is a pro at shaking her head and saying "no" and we've mastered the fine art of temper tantrums. She wants what she wants, when she wants it. Daddy and I are struggling to say no to her, but it is so hard! She is the only person in the world I struggle to say "no" to...but I know that we need to in order for her to grow up being respectful and knowing right from wrong. I hope I'm not the only first time parent that struggles with this!
We're also challenged in the meal area..some days she eats like a horse, other days she picks at her food. Like yesterday, for example, it seemed like all she wanted to do was eat! Every time we turned around, she was asking to get up in her high chair and for food or a drink! I think she wore daddy out with it.
Other than these, what I suspect are normal stages, life is really good. Despite her moods, Elizabeth is mostly a very loving and considerate little girl. She loves to give hugs and kisses, especially to mommy and the dog and she is completely enthralled with her 3 fish!
Daddy and I are thankful that summer is on its way, so we can hopefully get out and enjoy our yard and the pool before too long- swimming lessons are on the agenda for this summer!

Hugs to all our friends near and far...we love you!