oh baby!!

PLEASE Follow Me!

2010-01-06T11:29:00.000-08:00

My new website/blogging home:

www.murraymoments.com

Hope to see you ALL there!

Happy Holidays!

2009-12-28T16:41:00.000-08:00

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas! Ours was filled with lots of fun and family. I just love this time of year! Here are a few pictures from Christmas eve - spent with Eric's parents, aunt, uncle and brother, at his parents house.

Christmas morning was so fun with Darby. She was so excited about EVERYTHING. We had to help her open her presents because she would be so excited about what was just opened that she couldn't possibly concentrate on something new!

Now we are packing up and heading to Big Bear for our annual trip to celebrate New Years with friends! I can't wait to take Darby sledding and playing out in the SNOW!

Sending ALL of you warm wishes for a blessed and happy New Year!

Christmas before Christmas!

2009-12-22T14:42:00.000-08:00

This year my parents are traveling to Atlanta for Christmas to visit my Sister, Brother in law and Luisa - most of you know they are in the process of adopting her from Columbia and she is visiting for the holidays. Since they will be gone, we celebrated Christmas early with them on Saturday! I have to admit, even though it was early, it was wonderful! Christmas is SUCH a hectic holiday for us. It was nice not to already be wiped out from the marathon Christmas usually is! Of course even though it was a week early, Redondo Beach Santa still stopped by the house before we got there. Darby was spoiled of course, by Santa AND her Cookie Grammy and Surfer Dude Grandpa.

Christmas definitely wont feel the same this year. It will be the first Christmas I will spend without seeing my parents, and Darby's first without seeing her Cookie Grammy and Surfer Dude Grandpa (even though she only has one under her belt and I have 28, we are in the same boat!) I will miss my Sister and Brother in Law, and Brother and Sister in law, and my 3 silly nephews. It is hard being so spread out from one end of the country to the other.

On the other hand, even though Christmas will be missing my immediate family (which is sad, no way around it!), I am so lucky to have married into a wonderful family and extended family, who all live close by. So Christmas will still be filled with family, and that is the important part!

Thank you Mom and Dad (and Santa!) for the great Christmas before Christmas! We will miss you!

Potty Time

2009-12-19T11:59:00.000-08:00

Darby has had a busy week on the potty! Since last Saturday she has gone on the potty a grand total of 6 times (5 #1s and 1 #2!). One of those times was because she said she had to go (#2), the rest were just routine potty breaks after nap or before bed. Whenever she has a successful potty break, to reward her I blow bubbles in the bathroom while she is still sitting on the potty. The potty plays music when she goes, so that's my signal to bring out the bubbles! Here are a few pictures from today -

Now, I do realize Darby will probably hate me later on for publicly blogging about her potty training. But I don't care. I am just so proud of her and until I can post about all the other successes she will have in life - potty training it is!!

Santa!

2009-12-16T07:17:00.000-08:00

On Sunday we took Darby to sit on Santa's lap. A LOT of other people had the same idea as we did (imagine that!) so there was a long line for us to wait in. Darby was so excited to see Santa (she says Santa, and it is SO cute. I'll have to get a video of it). While we waited, we took turns walking around with her. Southcoast Plaza has so many beautiful Christmas decorations up this time of year. Darby loved the "choo choo" and big tree.

We finally made it to the front of the line in Santa's house and of course her excitement turned to shyness and we couldn't even get her to crack a smile. But I'm not complaining, she didn't cry and I still think the picture is just perfect!!

AND Santa even gave her a candy cane!

Sitting on the Potty

2009-12-14T08:05:00.000-08:00

Saturday night was the same as most. Before putting on her jammies, Darby sat on her potty. We had a few friends over and Darby had a cheering squad. I don't think she was too impressed with the crowd around her in such a vulnerable state!

BUT, all of a sudden the potty started playing music which meant....

SUCCESS!!!!!!

Our little Darby is growing so fast! We are so proud of her first pee-pee in her big girl potty!

I decided to try to potty training now just because she talks about it all the time. Sometimes she even tells us when she is going in her diaper. Of course, it could still take quite awhile, but we are letting her call the shots. If it works this early, great! If not, that's ok too!

No matter what, we are so proud of Darby's first pee-pee in her potty! Stay tuned for video!

Family Pictures ... FINALLY!

2009-12-10T07:21:00.000-08:00

Something I had been wanting to get taken for awhile were professional family photos. We didn't have any really good family pictures, and barely any pictures of me along with Eric and/or Darby! I guess that's what I get for always being the one snapping all the pictures. Even so, I wanted to make sure we had a really good picture for our Christmas cards this year, so my dream of professional pictures came true!

We heard about a photographer named Joe Martinez through a friend and arranged a shoot for the Sunday before Thanksgiving. Joe met us at beautiful Heritage Park in Cerritos and we had a great time playing around the park and posing for pictures. Darby LOVED chasing the ducks and swinging at the playground! We are so excited about our pictures! Joe created a slide show for us and you can check it out by clicking on this link -

http://www.joeshotme.com/showit/murray

I think I cry just about every time I watch it. The song we chose is "our song", hope you enjoy it!

Setting Up Christmas!

2009-11-29T21:11:00.000-08:00

Our Thanksgiving was busy, but just as perfect (and yummy!) as always! Darby LOVED my turkey and ate her way through Turkey Day, just like the rest of us. We had a great time being with family and getting stuffed!

Now that Thanksgiving is behind us yet again, we are gearing up for Christmas - my favorite time of year! I am SO excited for this year. Darby already loves all the decorations we have up and is amazed by all the lights around the neighborhood.

Here is a video I took this evening of Darby around the tree!

On a side note:
Don't forget!! If you are interested in ordering a custom handmade tutu, email me at shoplittlemissmuffets@gmail.com or go to my Etsy site www.littlemissmuffets.etsy.com

What Every Little Girl Needs!

2009-11-24T07:44:00.000-08:00

A TUTU!

This is something I have been wanting to do for awhile, and I am finally getting it all together and making it happen. I am so excited! Right now I have 2 listings up in my Etsy shop (http://www.littlemissmuffets.etsy.com/) and will be specializing in custom order tutu's - but plan on having some in stock to order as well.

Tutu's are part of being a little girl. Darby just loves playing around in the tutu's I have made for her! What could be better then seeing the little girl in your life having fun AND looking super adorable?

If you know anyone that would be interested, PLEASE pass the word on! You can either contact me through my Etsy site or at shoplittlemissmuffets@gmail.com

In other news, we have just been busy getting Darby healthy - she was put on another round of antibiotics because her double ear infections weren't budging! Today is her last day and she seems to be doing much better. I wish I could look in her ears to see for myself!

I can't believe Thanksgiving is in 2 days! There is SO much to be thankful for this year. Darby (of course!), my Mother In Laws sucessful double lung transplant (she is doing wonderfully), loving family and fantastic friends. There is so much more but life with a 1 year old wont allow me to sit here and type any longer!

Here is wishing you and your family/friends a wonderful Thanksgiving!

We're Back...Finally!

2009-11-17T13:30:00.000-08:00

After a week in Texas, a fever (Darby), vomit in the rental car (Darby), a double ear infection (Darby), cough and cold (Darby too!), we are back in action! It's been a crazy 2 weeks but we made it.

Texas was WONDERFUL! Darby and I had such a great time. I picked right up where I last left off (6 years ago) with my old high school friends and it was awesome. We stayed with my friends Katy and David, and their 3.5 month old babe Enzo. We felt so at home in their beautiful house and Darby loved breaking in all Enzo's toys! Darby and I also got to have brunch at my friend Monica's house (another beautiful one!), along with her 6 month old little girl Olivia and a few dinner with a bunch of other old friends too. The trip was absolutely perfect.. until Darby got sick on Sunday night. We were supposed to go to the zoo on Monday but since we were traveling Tuesday I wanted Darby to get as much rest as she could! Flying with a sick baby was not fun but we survived and were so happy to be back on California soil again!

I am SO SO SO sad I never got a picture with anyone, but hopefully it wont be TOO long before we can all see each other again. Here are some of the pictures I took on our Texas adventure!

Darby and Enzo having breakfast together

Kisses for Enzo

Learning how to be gentle with the baby

Ready to head out to meet Monica and Olivia at the park

Monica and Olivia

Katy and Enzo

Friends!

Olivia is such a sweetie!

Darby and I crashed Katy and Davids big family photo shoot...

... and we had some fun of our own!

HALLOWEEN FUN!

2009-11-04T13:41:00.000-08:00

On Halloween we drove out to Orange to visit with Darby's Great Grandpa and Nana! She got all dressed up in her Panda Bear costume to show it off. We also go to see Darby's Great Aunt Sherri and cousin Jordyn - who dressed up too! We had a great time. Darby had fun seeing the horses and even got to ride one with Jordyn!

Darby had a GREAT time Trick or Treating - or "tricktreat" as she would say. Here are some pictures from our fun night!

One of the pumpkins I carved (while Eric napped)

Our "honor system" treat bowl on the front porch since we weren't home to hand out candy!

Darby blowing kisses to the pumpkins (she did this every day)

Ready to hit the neighborhood

First stop: Kaeli (Thumbelina) and Zanes (Iron Man) house!

Treat from Grandma and Grandpa Murray's house

Checkin' out her goodies, she got a ton of candy...

... and she got to eat a Kit Kat!

I'm so behind on posting, you will have to forgive me! Darby and I are heading down to Houston tomorrow to visit some friends. I am so excited, a bit nervous about traveling alone with her, but completely ready for the adventure! We will miss Eric a TON, but he will be busy taking the trailer up to Solvang and doing a 63 mile bike ride with a few of his buddies. I will have the camera with me - of course - so I will be sure to share our adventures with you when we get back!

Happy Halloween!

2009-10-30T19:50:00.000-07:00

For Halloween this year, Darby is going to be a panda bear! She has been practicing wearing her costume (mainly the hat part) for the last few weeks and loves to wear it! Of course, we think she is the cutest panda bear ever! See for yourself!

Darby has also been practicing saying "trick or treat", although the only part that you can understand is the TREAT part. But then again, that's all that really matters anyway!

Hope everyone has a very HAPPY and SAFE Halloween!

Fall Family Tradition

2009-10-22T17:30:00.000-07:00

Now that Darby is a little older, everything seems more exciting! She is constantly in "discovery" mode - into everything, walking everywhere and always learning new things. It's so much fun. We decided to indulge her need to discover by taking her to a pumpkin farm. What's even better is that the farm is called "Murray Family Farms". I found the farm by googling pumpkin farms in the area. Once I saw it online, I knew we had to go!

We made a weekend out of it and took the trailer and went camping in the area, even our dog Billie got to go (but not to the farm, of course!). The farm was so much fun - corn mazes, play areas, petting zoo, pick your own pumpkin and a hay ride! It would have only been made better if there was actually some FALL-LIKE weather to go with it.

Since we pretty much don't have ANY traditions that don't include other family or friends, this will be our first one! We plan on taking our little family back next year to Murray Farms for our pumpkin picking and lots of fun! Darby loved it, and so did we.

We already can't wait until next year!

The Gift of Gab!

2009-10-14T19:34:00.000-07:00

Darby has definitely been given the gift of gab. Our little chatty cathy has already added quite a few words to her vocabulary. Here they are, in no particular order!

Mama, Mom, Ma, Mommy (she calls me all of them)
Papa, Poppie
Buh (Billie, our dog)
Book
Cup
Bowl
Juice
Sides (from a song at Gymboree were she goes side to side)
Baby
Ball
Shoes
Hi
Bye
Flower
Thank You
Mi Mi (sleep)
Num num (eat)
Jack
This
See
What's that
Cracker
Apple
Kick
Poo-poo (I'm trying to teach her to tell me when she goes!)
Phone
Clock
Meow (cat)

She has a book that I really think has helped teach her words like - kick - which she likes to point to and say, and actually kick her leg!

Speaking of books, Darby is a bookworm! She loves going into her room and opening the cabinet in her dresser and reading her books.

Darby is also a couch climber now. She would actually climb right over the top of it if we didn't stop her. She loves to climb up on the couch with her books and look at them. I find her this way multiple times throughout the day. It's adorable. Every time I see her sitting there on the couch with her books, I can't believe how much she has grown in 14 months.

The Murray Monster Mash!

2009-10-07T13:12:00.001-07:00

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One Tired Darby ...

2009-10-06T13:47:00.000-07:00

I decided to stop by Costco on our way home from Gymboree today:

I have to admit, while I did feel kind of bad for Darby sleeping in the shopping cart; the shopping trip itself was SO much easier! She woke up just in time for me to check out and leave for home!

Now I just hope she still takes a good nap for me this afternoon so I can get some laundry done!

A Few More ...

2009-10-05T20:14:00.000-07:00

... from our San Diego trip!

Darby enjoying the great view we had at the Hilton downtown San Diego:

Trying to brush her hair with Mommy's brush:

... and being tortured by Mommy and Papa with the complementary hotel shower cap:

Sorry Darby, but it was just took cute and too funny not to take this picture!

San Diego Zoo!

2009-09-29T07:11:00.000-07:00

On September 19th we took Darby to the San Diego Zoo! It was her first time there, and mine too! We had such a great time exploring as a family. She loves the monkeys and gorillas, it was really cute to see how excited she gets when she sees the real thing! We also took her to the Children's Zoo they have there and she got to pet a goat. Here is a slide show of our day at the zoo!

Family Time! (video fixed!)

2009-09-24T07:57:00.000-07:00

Last weekend Eric, Darby and I headed for San Diego and took some much needed family time away! We went to the zoo and Legoland and had a fantastic time! Of course I took a TON of pictures- that I still need to get uploaded. But, in the meantime here is a little video I took with my cell phone at Legoland. There is a little water park area and Darby had a blast! I can't believe how big she is getting, the drunk walk is gone and has morphed into a full RUN. Enjoy the video and check back soon for pictures!

Silly Darby

2009-09-17T17:05:00.000-07:00

Darby likes to try to stand on her head. Not really sure why or really where she learned to do it. But ever since she figured it out, she does it all the time! One day she even did a somersault, which of course startled her, BUT not enough to keep her from trying to stand on her head. I see her doing it in her crib (with the video baby monitor) all the time when she is protesting sleep. Silly kid!

Here are a few pictures I took the other day during one of her head standing practices in the living room!

Who knows, maybe we have a little gymnist in the making!

I Scream, You Scream, We All Scream for Ice Cream!

2009-09-15T14:54:00.000-07:00

On Saturday we had the family over to celebrate Eric's 31st birthday (it was Sept 5th). I didn't want to do the same old, cake-and-ice cream bit, so I decided to make it an "Ice Cream Social"! It was a build your own ice cream sundae party, and it was a hit! We had chocolate, strawberry and vanilla ice cream along with every topping you could want! We even had waffle bowls! Yum! Darby realllly enjoyed it, and even got to stay up extra late partying with her favorite cousin Jordyn. Here are some pictures from the fun filled night.

As you probably noticed in the pics, Julie was there, enjoying the ice cream and family too! She is doing fantastically - gaining weight and getting stronger everyday. Last week we went over to tag along during her evening walk around the block. Her new lungs are working great and we are all VERY appreciative of your continued thoughts and prayers!

Keeping Cool

2009-09-10T13:49:00.000-07:00

One of the great things about living in California is the weather. But this summer, I'm not really sure where the gorgeous "California weather" went!! It has been a hot one! Until last week, Darby was one sweaty, cranky and hot baby, and so was I! (and Eric too, when he was home from work!) Our house is older, and even hotter inside then it was outside. We finally caved and got central air and heat, and it is HEAVEN! BUT, the process was anything but. Home improvements always take longer then you think, so when the AC guy told us 2 days, I knew it was too good to be true. But I never figured it would be as bad as it was! Long story short, we have a new ceiling in the hallway and ONE WEEK later, are sitting in a cool house. The heat is all ready to go for us once it cools down this winter (ok, we are whimps compared to you on the east coast and other places that actually get to experience winter).

Here are some pictures of D hanging out enjoying the air conditioning!

I came across these Darby sized Popsicles called Mighty Mini's. They are "slow melt" - I guess they put gelatin in the pops so they melt slower and they really DO melt slow! The size is perfect and Darby doesn't get covered in melted pop! Moreover, she LOOOVES them. Since she is getting 3 teeth at once right now, she REALLY loves them!!

I've heard from a few of you that you didn't get to watch Darby splashing in the tub before YouTube decided it wasn't appropriate. It's really the cutest thing, but I guess the world is full of sick people. I might try to upload it through Blogger and re post it, I will let you know!

Darby Loves Bathtime!

2009-08-28T09:15:00.000-07:00

Here's a video I took on Monday night during Darby's bath time. She loves her bath SO much she gets upset when it's time to get out and dry off. I've started singing the cleanup song when I pick up her toys, so she knows it's about time to get out. She even helps me pick her bath toys up now!

In other news, Darby added a few new words to her vocabulary this week. She now says "shoes" (which is the cutest thing, video to come!), "ball" and "fish". I am working on "please" next. I've decided I really want to stress politeness - saying her please and thank yous. I don't want her to be one of those kids that says "I want food" when she is hungry. But to say "Can I please have something to eat?" or for now, "num num please" will work just fine. Since she already knows thank you I know she can do it!

I'm sure she can handle i!

Jackson's 1st Birthday Party

2009-08-25T20:16:00.000-07:00

As I said earlier, on Saturday we went to Jackson's (Darby's #1) birthday party! It was a great time, Darby wore herself out (and us too) walking everywhere and got to load up on some yummy sweets. Jackson even tried to feed Darby some of his cake - he owed her from when she fed him her cake - but she wasn't too interested. Guess she's saving it for the wedding! Here are some pictures I took!

Happy 1st Birthday Jackson! Darby loves you and so do we! Thanks for letting us celebrate with you.

Walking!

2009-08-25T10:06:00.000-07:00

In the last week Darby has started walking everywhere! She is still a bit wobbly, but prefers it to crawling now! Here is a video I took this morning while she was walking around the house checking things out.

Darby's boyfriend, Jackson, had his 1st birthday party on Saturday. It was a great party and we had a lots of fun! Stay tuned for pictures!

Concert in the Park

2009-08-21T07:38:00.000-07:00

Every Thursday evening during the summer, the city holds a concert in the park by our house. The bands range from 80's to country to classic rock. It's good family fun, and Darby loves going! We ride our beach cruisers over - Darby has a seat on the back of Eric's - and picnic while listening to the music.

Little miss Darby has been walking more and more. Last night she wanted to walk EVERYWHERE at the park during the concert. I have to say, while it is certainly exciting to watch her reach this milestone - it is so exhausting!

On a side note: I realize I haven't been good about posting my Thursday "Can't Live Without" posts. I have no idea if they've actually been missed, but hopefully once this month is over I can get back to making it happen!

Having Fun

2009-08-18T18:19:00.000-07:00

A few of my cousins - Cami, Adam and Caiti, are in town (Darby's 2nd cousins!) for a few weeks and so far we've been having a great time. They all love Darby, and of course she just loves them too! Here are a few pictures I snapped on Sunday when we were over at my parents for dinner ...

... and here is one of Darby 'laxin in her new livingroom chair! She loves sitting in it while drinking her milk (cold, from a sippy cup - big girl!) and watching Elmo, The Wonder Pets or Yo Gabba Gabba! She even pretends to fall out of it and then lays on the ground and (fake) whimpers. It's a crack up. I need to get it on video!

She is walking all around the livingroom now, but still prefers crawling since it's her faster form of getting from one place to another.

This last week has been busy, as I'm sure you might have guessed from my lack of posting! Darby had a few days of miserable constipation and Eric had Lasik done. Between him and Darby it seemed like I was always doing something or helping someone! Eric is healing great, goes back to the Dr tomorrow to get his bandage "contacts" removed (his lasik surgery was different then normal, he has weird corneas I guess!) and hopefully he will be seeing 20/20 in no time!

In other news, Julie continues to do better by the day. She is moving right along with her physical therapy and getting stronger. We celebrated her birthday (on Aug 1oth!) and watching her blow out her candles - without oxygen - and with her new lungs was fantastic!

Gymboree

2009-08-11T07:43:00.000-07:00

Darby loves Gymboree, and so do I! It's a great change of environment where I don't have to pick up any messes and Darby can do whatever she wants without hearing NO! We have been going to the Play and Learn Class a few times a week for the last month.

The class incorporates free play with a small weekly curriculum - this weeks is Depth Perception. We sing songs, play, and have a great time. The teacher even blows bubbles during every class! Darby is always pooped after which is another plus! I don't know how long we will continue to go (it is so expensive!) but we plan on doing at least one more month.

Another thing that is so great about Gymboree is that they have classes everyday, even on the weekends! We have gone a few times on Sunday so Eric is able to come too. Of course Darby loves having her Papa around and it's double the fun being at Gymboree with him! There are even "open play gym" times everyday during the week for a few hours a day. So far we've just been sticking to the classes (the open gym is during her nap) but I'm sure she would love that too!

Darby's favorite boyfriend crush Jackson loves Gymboree too. The cute thing is that Darby and Jackson periodically hug and kiss each other all through the class. It's adorable. Sometimes Darby just randomly puts her arm around Jackson. I love that she has a good friend already!

On Sunday I brought my camera and took a bunch of pictures! Jackson was still napping so he didn't make it to class, but of course Darby still managed to have a great time. She did however ask for him both on the way (saying "Jack, Jack, Jack?") and in the middle of class at one point.

I know, it's about time!!

2009-08-09T06:41:00.000-07:00

So I have FINALLY gotten (almost) all of the pictures from Darby's 1st Birthday Bash, up on my Shutterfly site! I'm sorry it took so long, I had uploaded them, but then just didn't get around to organizing them and putting them into a folder on the site.

Things have been busy! For her birthday, from her Grandma and Grandad (Finken) she got a months worth of unlimited classes at Gymboree! I have been trying to take her there as much as we can - and she LOVES it. I will be sure to bring my camera today when Eric and I take her to the Play and Learn class at noon.

Darby CAN walk. She just decides not to. She takes about 5 steps now and then plops herself down. When people ask us if she is walking, we say no - because really she isn't - I don't think taking steps and walking are exactly the same thing. She is close, I think probably by September we will have a full fledged walker on our hands. I am in NO hurry for it!

She is talking so much, here is a list of her vocabulary to date:

hi
uh-oh
book
buh (for Billie our dog)
Mama
Papa
Jack
Baby
thank you
see (she usually says "oooooh see?" and points to something)
this (when she is showing you or handing you something)
what's that?
num num (seems as though we taught her this for food and she tells us when she's hungry now - or points to food/pictures of food and says it!)

I think I covered it all. She does the baby sign for "all done" and I have been working on "milk" and "more". I haven't been as good with the baby signs as I wanted to, but I just have a hard time remembering to do them!

Darby is growing by leaps and bounds. She is definitely turning the corner into toddler hood. Here is a video I took the other night of her talking on her cell phone (an old cell phone we had lying around). Sometimes she even talks to her friend Jack on the phone (pretends to) and it is hilarious - she will blabber and then say "Jack,Jack, Jack", it's so funny! She is such a ham, enjoy!

Snoozy

2009-08-03T08:20:00.000-07:00

On her birthday, I had to go in to wake Darby up from her afternoon nap - she was sleeping away the afternoon and I needed to get her ready to go out to dinner! When I have to wake her up, I usually just go in and she pops right up. On this day she was so sound asleep, she didn't even move! I turned on the light, turned off her rain sounds and she still didn't even twitch! I love how she either lays ON or snuggles her doll and just had to snap a few pictures -

Even after the taking pictures, she was still sound asleep!

Now if she could just sleep that good during nap time EVERYDAY!

Updated Slide Show!

2009-08-02T08:16:00.000-07:00

I finally added Darby's 1 year old picture to the slide show!

I guess this means it's time to start a new one for this year. I still can not believe how quickly this year went and that Darby is now a toddler! I am working on uploading all the pictures from her birthday party so stay tuned! I promise to have them posted ASAP!!

I can't live without ...

2009-07-30T09:23:00.000-07:00

... Disposable bibs!

I know I am not alone when I say I forget things. I feel like I forget MORE now then before and it's rare when I actually get out the door with everything I need. On several occasions it was a bib - which is a VERY important accessory because I don't plan on changing Darby's outfit after every meal! So, I decided to pick up some of these -

Now I keep a pack (sold 20/pack for $5) in my diaper bag all the time! What's even better? They are friendly for our environment! You can even turn the bottom up and make a little pocket to catch the food that doesn't make it into your little ones mouth.

A package of green convenience, what more could you ask for!?

Quick update on Julie -
She came home from the hospital on July 19th with new antibiotics to help with the infection in her lungs and trach. Since then she has been resting and eating (her weight dropped to 95lbs, the doctor has told her to eat for her life!) and just trying to heal! Her physical therapy sessions started yesterday. She said it was really hard work and has a long way to go. We are all cheering her on!! It is a long journey and your continued thoughts and prayers are greatly appreciated!

DJ Darby

2009-07-21T08:37:00.000-07:00

For her birthday Darby got a Sing & Discover Piano from our friends Josh and Angela. She has always loved music and dancing, but now she can sing too! She picked up on it right away. Here is a video I took this afternoon, it still cracks me up! Enjoy!

D Knows How to Party!

2009-07-20T08:13:00.000-07:00

Darby had a blast at her first birthday extravaganza! We had lots of family and friends over to celebrate, and we had a GREAT time! Here are a few pictures to satisfy your curiosity for a bit until I can get more pictures posted!

Our good friend Thomas took some great pictures for us (thank you!!!) and I am sure you will enjoy them!

... and because I know you were wondering! This is what was in the big box Darby opened on her birthday! She LOVES it!

Stay tuned for more!!

Happy Birthday Darby!!

2009-07-17T07:03:00.000-07:00

From this:

To this:

In one year!

Happy Birthday to our adorably darling Darby doo!!

I have said this in anticipation of this day, but here it is and of course I still can't believe a year has past. At 9:19am pacific time this morning Darby will officially turn 1 year old! No longer a newborn, no longer an infant, Darby begins toddling into toddler-hood! Our first year with Darby has been amazing (of course!) watching her grow and learn more and more every single day.

Darby woke up this morning to her Papa and I singing "happy birthday" to her - while she looked SO confused! But it was a good start to the day. Eric had to go to work, but I brought her out to the living room where she found her present!

The picture taking ended quickly because she started opening it! Smart girl! Of course she has to wait til Papa gets home from work to really open it, so I moved it out of reach for now. Tonight we plan on taking her out to dinner and getting her some frozen yogurt too!

Tomorrow is her big party day! I just know she is going to have a blast with all her little friends and family.

Oh another note, PLEASE keep Julie in your continued thoughts and prayers. Yesterday she was admitted to the hospital again with an infection in her lungs and trach. The doctor is pretty sure it is NOT rejection - which is good. They have started her the strongest antibiotics they make. She is very weak, but we are all holding hope and praying with everything we've got that she is strong enough to fight this!

One Year Ago ...

2009-07-16T07:15:00.000-07:00

... my sister was in town waiting for Darby to arrive. Even though I was so uncomfortable and hugely swollen in the heat, we had a great time playing scrabble, eating lots of frozen yogurt and just hanging out. I will have those memories with me forever and it was SO special!

... we got our new truck - my non-mom-mom-car as I call it, a week before Darby's due date. It was great timing and we got an amazing deal!

... and exactly a year ago TODAY, I took this picture (around this time too - 7am pacific) right before we left for the hospital. I wasn't nervous at all, just more then ready to hold Darby. We had no idea it was going to take 25.5 intense hours - but we were ready for whatever it was going to take to have our baby in our arms, finally!

Where has the year gone?! I can't believe our little Darby Doo is about to be a YEAR OLD. There's a part of me that is so excited for all the years to come. To watch her grow, learn, amaze us and make us proud. But there this other part of me that just wants to freeze time. Every day that goes by she grows so much - which is wonderful - but at the same time it's another step toward her being older! I just love where she is RIGHT now!

I know I will be thinking of my July 16th, 2008 all day today. How special it was to have not only my #1 (Eric!) by my side, but to have my sister with me every step of the way too. How WORTH it every painful, exhausting, long minute was that gave us our dream come true!

Boobie Baby No More!

2009-07-12T08:31:00.001-07:00

Darby Doo weaned like a champ. She was ready, and so was I! I loved nursing her for those 11 1/2 months and I can't wait to do it again with our next babe. But for now, the break from being a milk machine is welcomed!

I was really surprised at how easily she transitioned to whole milk. She loves it! I did a few bottles with a mix of breast/whole milk to start the transition, but I really don't think she even needed that. She loves her cows milk bottle!

I on the other hand, didn't have such a easy transition! The last time Darby nursed was June 27th (one feeding in the am) and I am STILL leaking at least twice a day! Yesterday I was at the mall and Darby started fussing (it was nap time) an I just wanted to try a few new bras on. So I walk into the dressing room one handful of bras, Darby in the other AND pushing the stroller. As soon as I get in the room I notice I have leaked through 3 layers - bra, tank and top. Beautiful. I forgot to put breast pads in! Have I mentioned that ever since I had Darby I really could care less what other people think? Darby calmed down and I continued with my shopping. I'm sure there were some confused people in that store when they saw me walking around with wet circles on my chest!! Note to self: wear breast pads!

At least I am not as uncomfortable as I was. If you have breastfed and weaned, chances are you know exactly what I am talking about. It was horrible. I desperatly stuffed cabbage leaves in my bra to try to get some relief. Who knows if it worked - or if it was the motrin that finally kicked in and helped me feel a little better. Ice packs were my best friend!

So to anyone who asks, breastfeeding Darby was the best thing I could have done. It was a great experience (painful at times, but totally worth it). The benefits definitely outweigh the potential discomfort (soreness, cracked nipples, clogged ducts) - and it's SO good for the baby. Nursing Darby truly aided in creating a close bond, many cherished memories and saved us a LOT of money!!!

I can't believe my little Darby doo is going to be ONE in less then a WEEK!!!!

Darby & Her Swing

2009-07-10T07:18:00.000-07:00

Darby has always loved to swing. She loved her infant swing and she looooves the swings at the park! We also have a little swing in our backyard. Lately she has been looking into the backyard and pointing to it, saying "weee weee". Of course that makes me want to take her out right away and put her in it. I took this video last week after she requested to go "weeee weeeee".It's kind of long but personally I think it's totally time well spent! Enjoy !

I can't live without ...

2009-07-09T09:20:00.000-07:00

... our shopping cart/high chair cover!

(Darby out to eat - 6 months old)

This is something I use at least 5 times a week! I bought our shopping cart/high chair cover from a crafting website that sells handmade items called Etsy. I LOVE it and so does Darby. It is made with plenty of quilt batting so it is super comfy. But most importantly, it gives a protective layer to keep Darby from coming in contact with all the germs that cover shopping carts and restaurant high chairs! I know germs are everywhere and I am by no means a germafphobe! But if there is something that can help, the less germs the better!

When I was shopping around for one, personally I thought the ones I found in the stores - Target, Walmart, Babiesrus - were made with less then desirable fabric! That's when I decided to search the internet! Etsy has so many available, all made from the cutest fabrics! I will admit though, they can be on the pricey side - around $40 - but totally worth every penny for the amount I use it!!!

People always compliment it and ask if I made it. I wish I could say I did!

Back Home

2009-07-06T13:45:00.000-07:00

I know it's been awhile since I updated everyone on Julie's progress with her new lungs! (I apologize, as I'm sure you were all probably wondering. We have been so busy with camping trips, family and the 4th holiday!)

(Darby snuggling with Julie's good luck UCLA rally monkey!)

On Friday June 26th, Julie left UCLA Medical Center and headed for home, breathing on her own with NO oxygen. She passed the swallow test earlier that week and was able to start eating soft foods. We have visited her a few times since she has been home, but for the most part she just isn't feeling good and not up to visitors. Her lungs are working PERFECTLY. She has had a few other minor issues, like thrush (a rash/irritation) in her mouth and throat that make it very difficult for her to eat and drink. She actually went back into the hospital for 2 nights this last week to get some IV fluids, but is home again now. Eating isn't easy, but she is such a trooper. She moves around the house on her own - free from the oxygen tubes that used to follow her wherever she went. There are lots of medications Julie has to keep up on now, I think the pill taking alone exhausts her. But she is able to rest MUCH better at home without the interruptions of a hospital - and we all know how key that is to the healing process!

Darby has been able to see her Grandma Julie a few times since she has been home. It has been so nice since she was unable to visit her at the hospital. We want to get in as many visits as we can now since after Darby gets her 1 year shots she wont be able to visit for 6 weeks! I think seeing Darby helps to lift Julie's spirits.

Her recovery has been difficult and she still has a ways to go. We all love her SO much and are just anxious for her to start feeling better so she can enjoy her new lungs!

Slideshow Update!

2009-06-30T14:01:00.000-07:00

So I finally got around to updating the slide show of Darby's monthly pictures on the pink chair!

Darby is growing way too fast and into everything. She is standing and balancing on her own! She has taken 2 steps (not holding onto anyone or anything) but hasn't started walking yet - unless she is holding onto her walker toy! When she walks with her walker, she says "weeeee weeee" like she is swinging. She also points to the swing outside and says "weeeee weeee". She does the baby sign for "all done" and says "num num" when she is hungry and wants to eat! (We have always said "num num" for food to her, I don't know why but obviously she picked up on it!) During the day she is always asking for her "papa" and pointing to the backyard. She also points things out to us and says "see?"

I can't believe in just a few weeks she will be 1 and make the step into toddler-hood!

Here is the updated slide show!

I can't live without ...

2009-06-25T08:33:00.000-07:00

... these ingenious sippy cup (or snack trap) straps! You can hook them to the highchair, car seat, stroller or wherever else you can figure out! I came across them at Walgreens of all places and couldn't pass them up. I am so glad I spent the 6 bucks (for a pack of 2 straps) they have been more then useful.

They are long enough so that Darby can still throw back her juice like she does -

... and when she gets in her silly "uh oh" throwing mode, the sippy or snack cup is only going to go SO far! It doesn't hit the floor so there's no getting dirty, and she can pretty much pull it back up herself.

I never expected to come across such a find at a drug store. This was definitely a diamond in the ruff!

I'm sure I could even figure out a way to make these simple straps myself, maybe I should! Whoever had this idea is one smart person!

Eric's 1st Fathers Day & Julie Update

2009-06-22T10:25:00.000-07:00

After Eric gave me such a fun day on Mothers Day, I knew I had to plan something extra special for him too. We had a busy weekend with family (my sister and brother in law are in town) and of course we celebrated with both of our Dads too. On Sunday Darby and I took Eric out on his special Fathers Day outing!

First Darby gave her Papa his 1st Fathers Day gift! An Angels tshirt that says DAD 1 on the back! He loved it! (He also got a new beach cruiser a few weeks earlier that was his gift too!)

Then we went to Pollywog Park in Manhattan Beach so that Eric could do one of his favorite things - play a round of disc golf! Darby and I enjoyed walking around the park watching him play and enjoying the beauuuutiful weather!

After the park we drove down to the Manhattan Beach Pier and had lunch (and of course a beer) at the Manhattan Beach Brewing Company. We had a great time, and of course Darby enjoyed being with her Papa. She just loves him so much!

On Sunday morning while D took her morning nap at my parents house in Redondo, Eric and I went over to UCLA Medical Center to visit Julie. Eric had also spent the afternoon on Saturday with her. She is able to talk if she applies pressure with her hand to the spot where the trach tube was. Hopefully she passes her next swallow test, failing 2 has been tough. It was great getting to see her looking happy. She is really doing awesome and looks great.

I can't live without ...

2009-06-18T14:52:00.000-07:00

Like I said before, I am all about anything that makes life easier. Thus, I am a fan of the "Snack Trap" or "Snack Catcher"! The particular ones I've bought for Darby are made by Munchkin, but there are other brands out there that are pretty much the same.

With these snack cups, Darby can easily reach in and grab her snack, with out being able to dump it all out at once! Also, she pulls out just what she eats so there's no mess (but I'm sure it's possible!?) and whatever is still in the cup can easily be saved for later!

I usually bring one filled up with a snack for Darby whenever I need to run errands. It's easy for her to hold on to (she usually holds one of the handles, although she isn't in the pictures!) and best of all it's self-serve so I have both my hands free!

Today ...

2009-06-17T13:06:00.000-07:00

... I was that mother in the store with the child SCREAMING at the top of their lungs. Darby has been teething pretty bad lately. She has 2 bottom teeth, and it looks like she is getting a few more on the bottom. Any day now. I just wish they would pop through so my poor baby can get some relief and a good nights sleep (and me too). At least when she is screaming in public I can comment she is teething. I'm sure it's only a matter of time before it's because she is being naughty!

... Darby is 11 months old! I realize I still haven't posted a 10 month post, but I'm sure you all understand this month has been a bit crazy for us! I will post months 10 and 11 together soon!

... I talked to Darby's Pediatrician about transitioning from breast milk to whole milk. I am going to mainly pump (even though I hate it! So time consuming!) and give her bottles of breast milk/whole milk combined. Today after lunch she had breast milk mixed with half an ounce of whole milk. I will do that for a few days, then switch to 1 ounce, and gradually increase till its all whole milk! The only time Darby really nurses for comfort is in the middle of the night (but not every night). That may be challenging with the weaning, but I am confident she will do fine. I have loved nursing Darby. It has created lots of special moments and has been very beneficial for her!!

... My Mother in Law is doing GREAT! The trach tube has been removed, she is no longer on any oxygen and is starting to talk again. Eric even talked to her on the phone this morning! We are so happy for her. She may even be able to come home in a week or so! Amazing! Thanks again for all the prayers!

Julie Update & Fun with Cousin Miles!

2009-06-14T10:02:00.000-07:00

As Julie's recovery from the double lung transplant continues, she is taking lots of baby steps in the right direction! We were able to visit with her a few times this last week, and she is really looking great. Yesterday when we arrived at the hospital, we could see her walking around through the windows in the doors to the ICU! We joined her for the last half of her last lap around her section of the ICU, and she did great. She still has the the trach tube in, so she is still unable to talk, but communicates by either writing in her book or mouthing words/sentences. Hopefully the trach tube will be out sometime this week, but really it's hard to predict. It just all depends on how things look each day. She is on a feeding tube for now, but once the trach tube comes out they will do a swallow test to make sure everything works ok - then she will be able to eat some soft foods. She did write us a note while we were there telling us how she can't wait to be able to DRINK again. I can't imagine not being able to take a sip of water when I wanted! Poor thing!

Last week they did a procedure to remove a small piece of her lungs so it could be biopsied for rejection. While we where there the Dr. came in to share the results. He said there was slight rejection, but nothing he is worried about. They will start Julie on some additional meds to help with that and said slight rejection like that can be normal for this stage after a lung transplant.

Like I've said before, there are always some setbacks but that is just par for the course. All in all she is doing GREAT and we are all just SO proud of her.

Last week my 7 year old nephew Miles came to visit for a few weeks. He is staying with my Mom and Dad in Redondo, but of course I will get to see him quite a few times while he is here! On Thursday he came over to meet Darby for the first time and to play for awhile. They had a great time playing together. It is so cute to see Miles interact with her, you can definitely tell he has smaller siblings at home. He is so good with her and loves to kiss her cheeks!! (who doesn't!?)

On Monday and Tuesday mornings we are taking Miles and Darby to Disneyland! It will be the first Disney adventure for Miles and as you can imagine, he is just SO excited.

My sister and Andrew are coming to visit in a week and we also have a family camping trip planned while they are all here! Miles can't wait to go in the trailer, he thinks it looks so neat. It should be really fun. I love when my sister and Andrew visit (we don't get to see them as much as we'd like, I wish they lived closer!) and having Miles here too just makes it all extra special!

I can't live without ...

2009-06-11T08:15:00.000-07:00

As a mother, I am always on the hunt for ANYTHING to help make life easier. There are definitely some things out there that do the job. I've decided I need to make sure everyone else knows about these gems too! The plan is to post each Thursday about something I just can't live without - or don't want to live without! Hopefully I can stick to the plan. Of course Darby updates and things about her will still be thrown in, but I'd also like to branch out a little and have more variety in my posting.

First things first. Diaper trash bins. Some people swear by the Diaper Genie - but I don't want to hassle with having to buy specific trash bag refills. I feel like a regular trash can would stink up the house to high heaven. We have a Diaper Champ but even still sometimes when you walk into the room you can tell there are dirty diapers lurking. Well, not anymore! I discovered these babies:

They WORK! It's amazing. Dirty diaper smell no more. I'm almost positive if you just used these with a regular trash can in the baby's room, the smell would be significantly less. Another reason why spending money on the Diaper Genie refills isn't worth it. Unless they make scented refills ... and if they don't they probably should!!

I know it's not that complicated to put some Johnson and Johnsons No More Tears shampoo on a washcloth. It takes 2 seconds, if that, and it's probably more cost effective then these:

BUT I can't live without them. I keep a pack of these (and a spare) under the sink in the bathroom. I don't have to remember to grab a washcloth before I stick Darby in the tub. All I have to do is reach into the cabinet, dip it in the water, lather D up, rinse her off and toss the washcloth. There is always enough soap on it, it doesn't irritate her eyes just like the normal stuff and simply put - it just makes life easier!!

10 Month Old Time Outs & a Julie Update

2009-06-09T14:30:00.000-07:00

I have to say Darby is certainly wise beyond her months, and not necessarily in a good way! 10 months old and she already knows how to throw a tantrum - I'm talking head whipping back, body turning into jelly, scream filled, TANTRUM! I always thought tantrums happened later, at least after their first birthday! Darby knows what the word "NO" means, she hears it a million times a day because she LOVES getting into everything she shouldn't, even if she has just freshly heard the word "No". She will look at you when you say "no" then go back to doing what you told her not to! Naughty little thing!

Today, she was attempting to get into the cabinet in the living room (for the millionth time I might add). I've decided that once I've said "NO" and removed her from doing what she shouldn't be, if she goes back to it, she will get a time out. Yes, time outs at 10 months old. I think if she is old enough to know what she is doing (which she DOES), she is old enough to be corrected! Obviously I am not expecting much from 10 month old time outs, but I have to start somewhere. I've decided to stick her in her packnplay immediately after saying "NO" for just a few minutes. Hopefully she starts connecting it all and we get somewhere.

Saying "NO" a thousand times a day is exhausting. I'm sure only to get worse before it gets better!

With Julie's lung transplant it is all about baby steps. She is making improvements daily, but there are also set backs. All in all, she is doing great. Right now she is breathing on her own (with some extra oxygen) and no longer with the help of the ventilator. They have taken her out of bed and she was able to sit up right in a chair. Of course she is still in pain and has a ways to go, but being a week out from such a massive surgery, she is doing wonderfully. Her lungs are working 100% and she is fighting with everything she has. We love her so much and ask for your continued prayers!

Some Complications

2009-06-05T12:23:00.000-07:00

I am sorry to say Julie isn't doing as well as she was. The bottom of both lungs are not functioning. This morning they had to place a tracheostomy tube and of course she has not come of the ventilator yet. Please continue your prayers. We are hoping to go for a quick visit later on today if she is up for it.

Yesterday I had these made. Since Julie is in the ICU she obviously isn't allowed any flowers to cheer up the room. I figured being able to see Darby (and since Darby isn't allowed in to see her) might help lift her spirits a bit. I got them blown up to 12x18 so no matter where they are in the room, she can't miss them!

I really just wish it was 4 months from now already and she was home and everything was perfect. I am REALLY so very lucky to have such a great Mother in Law in Julie, and to have married into such a close knit family.

I will post another update when I have one.

Julie Update & D's New Doll

2009-06-04T14:37:00.000-07:00

Today Julie's progress has slowed down slightly, but she is still doing well. In order for her to be taken off the ventilator, some of her pain medication has to be reduced - so she has feeling in order to breath properly. Of course this causes lots of pain and discomfort for her. Also, she was so used to breathing with little quick breaths that breathing at a normal pace (with the help of the ventilator) has caused her some anxiety. Yesterday evening when Eric and I were in visiting her she wrote a note to us saying that for so many years she was used to breathing faster that having such controlled slowed down breathing feels odd. It will take some time for her to get used to breathing the right way again.

We are still hopeful that tomorrow she will be taken off the ventilator and breath on her own for the first time in years. If it doesn't happen tomorrow, we will be hopeful that it will be the next day. At any rate, she is still doing well - much better then expected. She is in the most capable hands ever at UCLA Medical Center with the BEST doctors, and has about a million people saying prayers for her!!

While we were at the hospital, Eric found his way into the gift shop. He found the cutest baby doll - that is almost the same size as Darby - and just couldn't pass it up. She has fallen in love with the doll and will not let it go! I can lay her down for her nap with the doll and she holds on to it and doesn't fuss! Today when I laid her down for her nap I snuck back in a took a quick picture, then took one of the baby monitor. It is just took cute not to share with the world!

The Latest

2009-06-03T21:55:00.000-07:00

I am sorry for the delay in updating everyone. I just wanted to wait to post until I had something uplifting and positive to write.

After a long day (Tuesday) filled with lots of waiting, the double lung transplant surgery finally got started around 11:30-ish, I think the donor lungs arrived somewhere around midnight. It lasted about 6 hours. Time could not have moved slower during those hours. We received an update around 1:30am that the new lungs were being sewed in. The next update wasn't until around 5:30 when they were finishing up.

After a long morning filled with not so great news on Julie's progress (I don't want to go into too many details, because I really have no idea what she is comfortable with me writing for the world to see), the afternoon brought much needed HOPE.

In the morning, Julie had been requiring 100% oxygen to breath with help of the ventilator. By the early afternoon, she was down to 80. By the late afternoon she was at 40! A normal person breaths at a 20, that is not far off. Once she is down to a 20, her breathing tube can be removed. This morning the Dr was saying she would need to be kept out for days. But by the afternoon she was awake. She looks great (given the circumstances) the difference from the morning and the evening is nothing short of amazing. She is writing notes, asking questions and communicating. Still, of course she needs rest, is in pain and there is still a LONG ways to go. It's all about baby steps.

Thank you God, for this wonderful gift for my amazingly strong Mother in Law, whom I love with all my heart.

Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers. Please keep them coming!

Update

2009-06-02T17:09:00.000-07:00

The transplant surgery is scheduled for around 7 or 7:30 tonight. From what we've heard it can take anywhere from 6-10 hours. We will be here every minute until the surgery is over and we know Julie is doing ok.

Darby is having a great time getting lots of attention from her Grandma, Grandpa, Great Aunts and Uncle, Uncle Ryan and Great Grandpa and Nana!

Awhile ago Darby and I were in with Julie and a girl popped in that had a successful double lung transplant a year ago. She ran a MARATHON in March. Darby might be the only one who will be able to keep up with Julie once she's recovered!

Please keep the prayers coming!

Prayer Request

2009-06-02T14:22:00.000-07:00

Some of you might already know that my Mother in Law, Julie, has been waiting for a lung transplant since December. This morning the call came in and right now we are all camped out at the hospital. The surgery probably wont actually be until later this evening - they have to run some tests on the donor (a 17yr old on life support) before the organs can be harvested.

Please pray for Julie, for the success of the transplant surgery and her recovery. I will post an update when I have one.

Thank you all!

Funny Faces

2009-05-29T10:06:00.000-07:00

Darby has quiet a personality. Lately it's been showing through in some of the pictures I've snapped. Here are a few!

The "I've been caught totally emptying the stuffed animal bin" look:

The "Are you seriously going to keep taking pictures of me?" look:

The "Papa hurry up and come inside!" look:

The "What's that?" look:

The "I thought Elmo's foot would taste better" look:

The "Uh-Oh I fell" look:

The "I stink" look:
(she seriously needed a diaper change!)

Memorial Day Weekend Adventure

2009-05-26T09:10:00.001-07:00

For Memorial Day weekend we went on a camping trip with our friends - Mark, Rachelle and Jackson! It was a GREAT time and the babies had so much fun playing together! It worked out so nicely because Darby and Jackson are pretty much on the same schedule with naps, eating and bedtime - and Mark and Rachelle are on the same sleeping schedule as us! We were all in bed by 10:30 every night and up with the babies between 6 and 6:30. It was perfect! We went on walks, attempted to rent a pontoon boat (but never did!), played games, enjoyed the sun, went to the park to set up the baby pool so the kidos could splash around, played boccie ball, sat around the campfire and enjoyed lots of beer and lots of laughing. It was a perfect weekend!

Between all of us there were a TON of pictures taken - mostly of Darby and Jackson - but we ended up in a few. Here are a few of my pictures to tide you over until I can get ALL the pictures loaded up to Shutterfly!

A True Story

2009-05-19T22:01:00.000-07:00

Everywhere we go, I am always getting stopped by people commenting on Darby. This is one of those stories, that took a dramatic turn! I was approached by a lady at the grocery store recently. This is what happened.

Lady: Ooooooh look at that baby. She looks sort of like the Gerber baby!
Me: Oh thank you. *smiling*
L: My 2 girls looked EXACTLY like the Gerber baby.
M: Oh? Wow.
L: Yes, blue eyes, light hair. Now they are grown up. Are her eyes blue?
M: Yep. Definitely blue.
L: Sometimes they don't stay that way, they might still change.
M: Oh we are pretty sure they will be blue.

(she moves a little closer the shopping cart)

L: Oh, I have laryngitis. I went to the doctor today. I wont touch your baby don't worry.
M: Ok. Not swine flu, right?? (said in a joking manner!)
L: No, just laryngitis. Well my daughters had the most beautiful blonde hair. Now the older one dyes it black with a light streak by her face and the other dyes it red!
M: Oh?

(Hopelessly wanting this conversation to be over so I can finish my shopping!)

L: *reaches for her cell phone*
L: Here let me find some pictures. Now how do I do this?? *after a few seconds she finally figures it out and shows me - like I care!*
M: Oh they are pretty. (what was I supposed to say!)
L: Yes they are SO pretty and SO smart.
M: Oh that's really great.
L: So, you're expecting another? Or you just haven't lost the weight??

(wondering first of all, HOW she thinks she KNOWS what I looked like prepregnancy and secondly I have a bit of a belly, but seriously, PREGNANT??)

M: Oh, I haven't lost all the weight...
L: Oh yes, loosing the weight is so hard. Well I can't wait to have more of my own one day!

(I give her a confused look)
L: Grandchildren!
M:Oh yea.
L: Ok, I better go. Bye.
M: Bye. (Quite honestly wanting to cover Darby's eyes and give her the finger)

I guess if I look pregnant still, at least it's because I have THIS to show for it:

Such a BIG Girl!

2009-05-15T14:54:00.000-07:00

When Darby started grabbing the spoon from me while I would be feeding her baby food, I decided it was time for her to learn how to use a fork! She has taken to it pretty quickly - still needs help loading it up with a bite of food, but got the concept right away! She is such a good eater too (we always knew that!). Here she is enjoying some macncheese, chicken and watermelon for lunch the other day! She makes some funny faces these days!!

P.S. If you are a mom and you have a little one that is still bib-wearing age, and DON'T have one of the kiddopotamus bibs D is wearing in the pictures, (or something like it) GET ONE. I looove it! It is super easy to clean, catches pretty much EVERYTHING that misses her mouth (saves me time because before I would have such a huge cleanup to do between Darby, the highchair and the floor!) I like this one in particular better then anything else I've seen because its heavy but soft plastic and the pouch doesn't close!

My 1st Mother's Day!

2009-05-11T14:54:00.000-07:00

I had a GREAT first Mother's day! All I wanted was a fun day with Eric and Darby and I definitely got that! After we brought a yummy breakfast to enjoy with my mother and father in law, we headed off to a surprise destination! I had no idea where we were going, all I knew was that we would be outside, and it was a perfect day to be outside!

We arrived at the LA Zoo just before noon and I was so excited! I hadn't been there since I was a child - and that was also the only time I had ever been there! We had a great time exploring the zoo and enjoying the beautiful weather!

My favorite animals are the gorillas, chimps and orangutans. Darby loved watching them too! There was a mother and child orangutan, and it was so cute - and appropriate for the holiday!

We took a break to give Darby snack - we saved her leftover pancakes from breakfast, and they came in handy! We laughed about giving Darby pancakes at the zoo, but she loved them! We enjoyed a cold drink and some shade and checked out the map!

(you can click on the picture below to make it bigger and see it better)

We browsed the shops on our way out and got a cute tshirt for D and I got an Ed Hardy LA Zoo mug! I drank a cup of coffee out of it this morning!

Darby and Eric also got me some pretty flowers, an adorable card and some new shoes. I have been talking about wanting MBTs forever. If you aren't familiar with them, they are shoes (that are unfortunately horribly ugly) with a purpose! They strengthen your core, tone your leg muscles and improve your posture, among many other things! I was very surprised and excited that I get a pair! Here are my pretty flowers:

... and here are the cards I received from Darby/Eric (center, isn't it cute?), my brother&family and my parents! I also got some pretty crocheted washcloths (I use them to clean Darby up and LOVE them!) my Mom made and a gift certificate for a MASSAGE!

I couldn't have asked for a more perfect Mothers Day! Being a Mother is amazing. I love everything about it! I could use a little more sleep, but hey there is always something no matter if you are a Mom or not! It's worth it! Thank you Eric and Darby for making my 1st Mothers Day PERFECT! xoxo

I hope ALL you Moms out there also had a fabulous day celebrating with the ones you love! Happy Mother's Day!!

9 Months Old!!

2009-05-07T08:51:00.000-07:00

WOW. I can't believe our little Darby doo is already 9 (quickly going on 10!) months old! Time is flying and she is growing! At her 9 month check up she weighed in at 20.3 lbs (75th percentile) and was 28.5" long (also 75th percentile). The doc said she is right on track, well, if she was a 13 month old!! No wonder our little amazon is wearing 18 month sized clothes!

Getting a picture is getting much more challenging now that Darby is on the go - to put it mildly! But even so, here are a few 9 month shots in the pink chair!

Kissing the pillow - she even makes the "mwah" sound now!

As a 9 month old, Darby:

Pulls herself up to stand, wherever she can! When she's done she plops herself down on her bottom.
"Cruises" - walks holding on to something like the couch or the ottoman.
Has 2 teeth and at least one more on its way in!
Says - "Hiiii", "uh-ooooh", "Mama", "Papa", "Buh" (for Billie, our dog), and "Elmo".
Loves to feed herself (picking stuff up) like chicken, beef, macncheese, bread, watermelon, grapes, peaches, crackers veggie sticks ... the kid loves to eat, and she loves to feed herself!
Points, with her pointer finger, at EVERYTHING!
Loves to read/look at her books. She turns the pages all on her own! Her favorites are "Where is Spot" and the Baby Einsteins "Mirror Me" - she still kisses the sun, now with her "Mwah" sound.
Is into everything. Pulls the dvd's off the shelf, turns the volume knob on the sound system, turns on the PS3, ejects dvds, tries to get into Billie's dog bowls, if there's something on the ottoman - she wants it. Keeps Mommy on her toes!!
Loves the park - and the swings. I try to take her a few times a week.
Has such a little personality. One time recently, I was kissing on her a little too much and she hit me!
Dances! She sways from side to side and puts her arms up! I need to get it on video! It's adorable.
Loves our neighbor friends Kaeli and Zane. When they are over, she is constantly by one of them, poking their arm, or pulling their hair. She loves playing with those two!
Still doesn't sleep through the night, but is such a good baby otherwise. Even though it can get rough, I just remind myself how happy she is all the time, how easy she is to take everywhere with me and how it could be so much worse! I know she will eventually sleep all the way through - right!??

Here is the updated slide show for comparison!

Darby & Billie

2009-04-29T14:52:00.000-07:00

Darby loves our dog Billie, and luckily, Billie is really good with Darby. Sometimes she acts a little annoyed but for the most part Billie doesn't mind the new "impostor" in her world. I'm sure once Darby is older and can throw the ball for Billie they will be best friends! Here is a video I took of them together somewhat recently.

"Hiiiii" from Darby!

2009-04-26T15:40:00.000-07:00

Darby's most used word is "hi". I like to say its her FIRST word (my first word was "hi") but she did say "elmo" before that. Although she doesn't say "elmo" half as much as she says "hi"! Therefore, I say "hi" really IS her first word! She also says "uh-oh", if that's considered a word!

Here's a video of D saying "hi" and waving from her packnplay. She is SO on the go, putting her in her packnplay is a must for my sanity. I can only say "Darby, no!" so many times a day!

Who wants to bet "no!" is her next word??!

Testing My Signature!

2009-04-17T22:10:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to test out the signature I made!

But while I'm here, I'll post 2 pictures.

I know I've told you about Darby's LOVE for Elmo. Last week I put one of the Elmo's World dvd's on and sat her on the blanket, next to her Elmo Live doll. She sat and watched, giggled and squealed. It was adorable!

At one point, she reached over and held Elmo's hand. Priceless!

The girl loves Elmo. What can I say!

Darby's 1st Easter

2009-04-15T22:07:00.000-07:00

Easter was a BUSY day (to put it mildly) for us! Of COURSE the Easter bunny came, and Darby was so happy to get her Elmo Easter basket filled with fun Elmo things! She got some socks, a book, dvd and some Elmo Easter eggs!

Then we got all ready, and Darby put her beauuuuutiful Easter dress on (thanks again Great Aunt Lynne and Great Uncle Kevin!) and we were off! First stop was to see Lynne and Kevin for an Easter morning visit so that they could see little D all dressed up!

Next up was lunch at Eric's Aunt Cindy and Uncle Jim's house with that whole side of the family (his Mom's side!) It was a great yummy lunch - Darby loved the potatoes, and it's always fun seeing everyone.

She got LOTS of snuggles from her Grandpa Dave ...

... and her Grandma Julie made her the most adorable little bunny rabbit!

She even crawled around and played with her one and only GREAT Grandpa!

Darby had lots of fun playing around with Jordyn too!

... and Francie! (who is off to Notre Dame in August!)

Our final stop (before HOME!) was my parents house in Redondo Beach. We were greeted by their GIGANTIC agave plant, that grows something like 4 inches a day!

Darby had a great time crawling around and exploring their house too. Of course I took a million pictures, I just can't seem to help myself! Here are some:

I love taking pictures of Darby, but I certainly don't have enough of us together. Luckily, we got a few good shots on Easter ...

... and one with Grandma too!

We were exhausted, but it was a great holiday and we are so lucky to have so much family close by to celebrate with! I just can't wait until next year, hopefully Darby will be old enough for an Easter egg hunt in our backyard!

Just out of curiosity ...

2009-04-14T09:24:00.000-07:00

I'm pretty sure I know a good majority of the people who read/follow this blog. Mostly family and some friends. BUT, I still just get SO curious to know who is reading/following (besides the people who are following publicly through Blogger! I think there are 8 of you now.)

So, please help satisfy my curiosity! Leave me a comment (you don't have to tell me who you are if you don't want to, just click "anonymous") and let me know you are here! I would appreciate it!

Here's a picture of D and I on Easter. I'm so glad we got a couple good shots!! (I'm usually the one taking pictures.)

Darby in her Easter Dress

2009-04-13T16:03:00.000-07:00

Here are some more pictures I took of Darby modeling her beautiful Easter dress, bought for her by her Great Aunt Lynne and Great Uncle Kevin.

We had a wonderfully exhausting Easter, filled with lots of family. I need to upload the pictures from Darby's first Easter, and once I do I will OF COURSE post them here!

Happy Easter!

2009-04-11T19:47:00.000-07:00

Look Who's 8 Months Old!

2009-04-09T19:39:00.000-07:00

So as usual, I am a bit behind on posting Darby's monthly pictures! While we were on vacation, on St. Patrick's Day to be exact, Darby turned 8 months old! I really can't believe how fast it is flying by. When Darby was born, everyone always told me (many times over!) "enjoy it every second of it because it will go so fast!" Of course I knew it would, but MAN is it! I do enjoy every second of it but also wish it would slow down a little! I am going to blink and have a one year old.

As an 8 month old, Darby...

has 2 teeth, both on the bottom.
combat crawls like a PRO - she is so fast!
takes a break from crawling by sitting. She still does her side lie, but not as much now that she figured out how to sit real quick!
points at everything with her pointer finger.
has eaten - chicken and beef - the real deal, and loved both!
said her first word - "elmo" - we are pretty sure at least. I took a video of her saying it the other day, I'll post soon!
LOVES elmo, to say the least. If he is on tv, she sits and waves her arms up and down, squealing. It's really cute.
waves hi and bye.
is wearing 12 and 18 month sized clothes!
wants strangers attention, wherever we go! She is flirt and will turn around in her high chair when we are at restaurants to "chat" with people at other tables!
is learning what "no" means. She has been trying to play around with the cable box and dvd player buttons. Every time I tell her "NO!" in a stern voice, she whines. I know she understands what I am saying!
coughs if I cough. It is hilarious.
is good at entertaining herself. It comes in handy when I want to shower in the mornings! I can just plop her in her playpen with a few toys and she is set!
loves other kids. It's so adorable to see her interact with other babies and older kids too. She loves the neighbor kids (and they love her back!).
loooooves listening to the Raffi cd we bought her on vacation. She will even "sing" along with us sometimes!
get SO happy when she sees her Papa come through the door after work. Once he picks her up, if I try to take her from him, she leans towards him and wont let go. She loves her Papa!!

Here is the updated slide show! She is getting SO big!

Darby & Jackson

2009-04-08T09:42:00.000-07:00

After we got back from our vacation, Jackson came over to play. Of course he brought his Mommy, Rachelle and Papa, Mark along too. We had a great time catching up and watching the kids play.

After dinner Darby shared her cookies with Jackson - it was his first time eating a biter biscuit!

Before bedtime Darby and Jackson crawled around together. Jackson started crawling up on all fours while they were over! It was pretty exciting! We don't know if Darby will ever crawl on all fours. She seems VERY content with her combat crawl! Whatever works for her!

Darby had a great time playing with Jackson. She really loves other kids, which makes us happy since we plan on having a few more (in time!).

On The Road Again ...

2009-04-05T21:36:00.000-07:00

This weekend we took our favorite neighbor friends with us for a few nights of camping - rv style of course. We did LOTS of fishing, but we didn't catch a thing (besides 2 plastic bags and a few sticks). Even still, it was a perfect trip. Darby just loves playing with Kaeli, Zane and Myka and the weather was beautiful.

With all our traveling, Darby is turning into quite the road warrior!

Our Vacation: A Visit to the Cabbage Patch!

2009-04-02T21:25:00.000-07:00

Our last day of our Georgia/Florida vacation was filled with a trip to the one and only Cabbage Patch - BabyLand General Hospital! (along with a stop at the outlets to do some shopping!)

It was really cute (if you ask me, Eric, or any man, might have a different opinion of the place!), Cabbage Patch Kids galore! It was a self-guided tour through the "hospital" and the first stop was the nursery.

Our little Darby doo fit RIGHT in. If you ask me, it's hard to tell her from the Cabbage Patch Kids!

She made some friends ...

Visited the preemie babies in the NICU ...

... and made a quick stop by to see the babies freshly born from the cabbage!

While we were shopping around the gift shop, an announcement was made "Mother cabbage in labor. Please proceed to the giving tree if you would like to experience a live birth." It was an experience, to say the least! Before the "birth" the nurse preformed an ultrasound on the "Mother cabbage" to find out if it was a girl or boy. The ultrasound screen turned pink - thus it was a girl.

Then she gave "Mother cabbage" a shot of TLC and the Cabbage Patch Kid was born! Amazing!

If you had one as a child, you know that each Cabbage Patch Kid comes with a unique name and birth certificate. The nurse had 2 children in the crowd name the newly born baby. The first name was chosen by a boy, the middle name by a girl. Without further or do, I give you:

Elizabeth Melinda

After the birth (I mean seriously, we watched a baby being born out of cabbage, how much better could it get??! ha!) we went and picked out a preemie baby for Darby to take home. She loves her little Cabbage Patch baby!

With that, our vacation had come to a sad end. We had such a great time with Emily and Andy, they were fantastic hosts. They have a beautiful home, fun dogs, cook YUMMY dinners and we love them and thank them for making our vacation perfect!

Our Vacation: Last Morning in Florida

2009-04-01T11:40:00.000-07:00

Our last morning in Florida came WAY too fast! We were all really sad to leave, but before we did we had fun shopping through the little shops on Main Street in Rosemary Beach. My sister and I got these cute handmade headbands - we ended up picking the same fabric! Go figure!

After browsing Main Street, we headed out to see the sand dunes. It was beautiful!

We were disappointed to find out that the access to the beach was closed, so we were not able to go all the way to the sand and ocean. It was a bummer, but it was still really neat to see and the weather was gorgeous, of course!

After a seafood lunch, we got on the road and headed back to Georgia - for what seemed to be a never ending car ride! There was a major trucking accident and the freeway was completely closed down for a while. Poor Darby was so sick of sitting in her car seat for so long, so because we weren't moving at all, we let her out - which she loved. Of course we eventually started moving again and had to put her back, and she was very unhappy about that!

When we finally made it, at about 11pm, it was so good to be back to my sister house!

Only one more post to go - our day trip to the Cabbage Patch Babyland General Hospital!

Our Vacation: Florida Fun!

2009-03-30T08:53:00.000-07:00

After arriving to Rosemary Beach, Florida with overcast, gloomy weather, we were very happy to wake up to a beautiful sunny day on Tuesday! Perfect for our plans of going to the pool and beach!

Little D started the day off with some fruit while wearing her "Kiss me I'm Irish" bib, because it was St. Patrick's Day!

Then we were off to the pool for Darby's first dip!

She loved her little ladybug floaty!

Then Darby took a nap to recharge her energy for the lunchtime move to the beach!

It was BEAUTIFUL! Darby had a blast playing with her sand toys!

Andy and Eric played some frisbee!

Darby even shared her sand toys with Aunt Emi!

Wednesday was more of the same. This time we started at the beach and moved to the pool after lunch! Here is Darby with her legs covered in the sand! She didn't know what to think about it!

A quick dip in the ocean with Papa. The water was pretty cold, and Darby wasn't very impressed!

After spending the morning and part of the early afternoon at the beach, we headed to the pool for some more fun!

Then it was back to our flat for dinner and to pack up to leave on Thursday. It went by SO fast!

Stay tuned for our last morning in Florida and more!

Our Vacation: 1st Day in Florida

2009-03-25T10:48:00.000-07:00

On Monday (the 16th) we packed up and drove from Atlanta to Rosemary Beach, Florida. The weather was rainy and really dreary, but we all agreed it was OK since it was basically a traveling day! It took about 6 hours (we stopped for breakfast at a Waffle House and at the Florida welcome center for some orange juice!). We watched a few movies on the way and Darby was a good little traveler!

Here we are at the Florida welcome center, Darby's 3rd US state and my 49th!

Rosemary Beach is a community where some people vacation and some people live. After visiting, Eric and I both agree that if the summer heat isn't too unbearable there, we are definitely retiring there one day!

We rented a flat (like an apartment) for 3 nights, on the top floor of this building. This picture was actually taken as we left on Thursday, but I wanted to show you now what it looked like from the outside (hence the blue sky). Our flat was the one with the balcony on the top left. We LOVED it!

My sister and Andy were nice enough to let us have the master bedroom so we wouldn't be cramped with Darby's packnplay. It worked out perfectly with the king sized bed too since Darby joined us to snuggle every morning - early morning!

Rosemary Beach has 4 pools, a private beach, playgrounds, a fitness center, cute shops, restaurants and lots of grassy areas to play on. After we unloaded the car and got settled we went out for a walk. First we walked to the Cabana Pool, that also has a playground. Darby LOVES to swing, so we just had to let her enjoy her first Florida swing ride! Of course she had a great time. (So did Eric and Andy!)

Even though it was so gloomy, it wasn't raining so we walked on to the beach. Regardless of the dark clouds, it was still pretty!

Darby's first time sitting on the Florida sand!

She is such a cool baby with her Papa's sunglasses on!

After our walk around Rosemary Beach, we came back and made dinner in our flat. Emi and Andy cooked yummy dinners for us every night! Darby enjoyed her baby food, and a few bites of my meal too! She was always so happy (to put it mildly!) in the highchair that Emi and Andy bought. Here are some pictures I snapped of her squealing and singing the first night after dinner. Obviously, I hadn't washed her up yet from eating, thus the prunes and food all over her face!

Up next ... a beautiful day filled with fun at the beach and pool!

Our Vacation: Georgia Aquarium Day!

2009-03-24T09:14:00.000-07:00

I've decided to post about our vacation in a several different posts, rather then just one.

We flew in to Atlanta on the 14th, to surprisingly rainy and pretty miserable weather! It was so great having my sister and brother in law there at the airport to greet us! They had everything we needed for Darby, so literally all we brought was her! (and a few small things like books and her elephant she sleeps with). We installed the car seat, which took all 4 of us, and we were on our way! (When does installing a car seat become easy!?)

After some sleep (we were so tired!), on Sunday we went to the Georgia Aquarium. The biggest in the world! Darby loved looking at all the fish and beluga whales. I have to say it was a pretty impressive aquarium! Here are a few pictures from our day at the Georgia aquarium:

After we got home from the aquarium, Darby played with Emi and Andy's 2 dogs, Strider and Sammy. They are Australian Shepard/black lab mixes, big doggies but total loves! Sammy wanted to lick Darby's face the every second she was in the room! Darby loves dogs so of course she was so happy they were there.

Here's Darby enjoying a little snack of cheese puffs and juice in the high chair Emi and Andy got. I love this high chair, and so did Darby! She was always SO happy in it, as you'll see in some pictures to come!
After her snack, my sisters best friend Kerri came by for a visit. In 2007 Kerri and her family adopted a little girl from China, Lexi. She is a doll! Darby gave her a big kiss as soon as they met. Little Lexi sang "Happy Birthday" to Darby, and a few other songs from her Kinder Music program she goes to with Kerri. It was so nice finally getting to meet them after following her blog and hearing about them from my sister. A BIG thanks to Kerri for letting us use Lexi's stroller and toys while we were there! Darby loved the stroller and so did we! THANK YOU!
After the visit and dinner, Darby had her bath and went to bed!
Next up... our trip to Florida! Stay tuned!

Havin' A Blast!

2009-03-19T20:56:00.000-07:00

Our trip so far has been SO much fun, and we are NOT ready for it to come to an end (which seems to be FAST approaching much to our dismay). We went to the Georgia Aquarium on Sunday, which is the biggest aquarium in the world! It was really neat, and the beluga whales were so pretty. Our 4 days in Florida at Rosemary Beach were WONDERFUL. Darby LOVED the beach and pool and the weather was awesome. We are back in Georgia now, arrived here around 11pm eastern time. Totally pooped and wishing we were still at Rosemary Beach!!

Tomorrow we are taking Darby to visit the Cabbage Patch Kids, BabyLand General Hospital and then to a park for awhile. It has been great spending time with Emily and Andy, and it always makes us wish we lived MUCH closer to them. Darby is really going to miss her Aunt and Uncle, she has such a great time with them!

I have taken a TON of pictures (really, I maxed out my memory card and had to go through and eliminate some!) so once we are home and settled, I will post more details and pictures from our trip!

Darby's Debut Acting Role!

2009-03-13T15:45:00.001-07:00

Back in January, Darby filmed (along with my best friend Angela) an instructional video for the Dream On Me Portable Crib, sold at BabiesRus, Walmart and Amazon.com. The video appears on each website. CLICK HERE and then click on "view demo" under the picture of the crib to see the video. (Be sure to turn up your volume if you want to hear the instructions too!)

Darby cooperated SO well during the filming. She's a natural if you ask me! :o)

More Darby & Kaeli

2009-03-12T21:17:00.000-07:00

Like I said in the last post, the interaction between Kaeli (4yr old neighbor) and Darby is too cute for words. Today I took some pictures of them in their tutu's (I made Kaeli one too).

The pictures pretty much speak for themselves.

For those of you who asked about how to make a no sew tutu, THIS is a really good tutorial.

I can't believe Darby will be 8 months on Tuesday! She is really growing up way to quickly. We will be celebrating her 8 month birthday in Florida! On Saturday morning we are off to visit my sister and brother in law in Atlanta, and then from there going to Florida for a few nights. We are very excited for our first vacation with little D. I am crossing my fingers that she is a happy traveler during the 5 hour plane ride! She is starting to cut her first tooth, so that should make it interesting!

Darby's Favorite Neighbor

2009-03-11T21:58:00.001-07:00

We are really lucky to live in such a good neighborhood with great neighbors. Darby's favorite is our neighbor-friend Kaeli (4 yrs old). She loves when Kaeli comes over to watch cartoons with her and play. It is so cute to see them interact. Kaeli always comments on Darby's "chubs", and it's adorable!

Here are a few pictures I snapped during a few of her visits.

Little Darby Doo in her New Tutu (made by Mommy)

2009-03-06T16:06:00.000-08:00

Recently, I decided to learn how to make a no-sew tutu, and it turned out pretty darn cute if you ask me! Of course, the adorable model helps make the tutu look even better!

Without further or do, here is little Miss Darby, in her purple tutu!

Darby's 1st Camping Trip!

2009-03-05T14:45:00.000-08:00

In February we had another addition to our family - a travel trailer! Eric and I both grew up camping (our first vacation together was a week long camping trip) and it's something we have always talked about doing with our children. When I was little, we always camped in tents and I loved it. As I have grown up, I have learned to appreciate things like running water and toilets. While I can certainly tent camp with the best of em, if I had a choice, I would be in a RV!

We are looking forward to LOTS of family camping trips! Here are some pictures from our first family camping trip with D! We went to Lake Skinner - a County campsite with a freshwater reservoir. The weather was perfect and we had a really great time hiking, relaxing and enjoying each other!

On The Move...

2009-03-04T08:52:00.000-08:00

In the last week, Darby has started what we call "combat crawling". She can really get around this way and it is so cute (of course). She takes these little breaks where she lays on her side and semi crosses her legs. Like she is posing, it's too funny! I took a video so you could all see!

Darby & Her Cheese Puffs (while camping)

2009-02-26T20:34:00.000-08:00

Last weekend we went on our first camping trip with Darby (more pictures of that coming soon). While we were camping, Darby got to try out a new snack:

Gerber Cheese Puffs.

She LOVES them. If she's hungry enough (and if I would let her) I am positive she would eat the whole can in one sitting. Or close to it anyway! I decided that since we were camping I wouldn't push her to eat her veggies, and let her eat puffs as her main course at dinner. (She had a side of sweet potatoes of course!)

Here are some pictures I took of her while she was having them as a snack earlier in the afternoon while we were setting stuff up. She does so well feeding herself, and she is just so darn cute making "mmmm" sounds while she eats them!

7 Months Old

2009-02-24T12:53:00.000-08:00

Hi! I am 7 months old now ...

... and I can clap my hands! Yaaaaaay!!

I am a wiggle worm, I don't sit still for very long!

I am ...

getting ...

so big!

I can hardly believe Darby is 7 months old (quickly going on 8!). I don't know where the time went, but all I know is that the last 7 months have been amazing. Darby is growing so fast and doing new things everyday.

As a 7 month old Darby...

Claps her hands and sometimes makes "yaaaaaay" sounds while she does it!
Loves yogurt and loves to snack on Gerber yogurt melts, Gerber cheese puffs and all real fruit!
Babbles "Dattattatata" and "Mumumum" but we are still waiting for her to acknowledge us with one of them!
Went on her very first camping trip, and had a great time!
Tried real cut up cooked carrots and peas and wanted nothing to do with them after the first taste!
Still doesn't have any teeth!
Is close to crawling, but not there yet! (and I am in NO hurry for that one!)
Flirts with strangers everywhere we go!

Yaaay for Darby!

2009-02-18T14:49:00.000-08:00

Sometime in the last 2 days, Darby has started to clap! Not only when she feels like it - but when I (or anyone else) says "yaaaaaaaay" Darby claps. It is the cutest! She is such a happy baby, we really are so lucky. Here is a video I took right after lunch this afternoon. She is a bit messy and crusty, but cute none the less!

Darby's 1st Valentines Day

2009-02-15T13:18:00.000-08:00

Darby's first Valentines Day was extra special, and not just because it was her first one! We dressed D up in her cute Valentines day outfit (thanks Great Aunt Lynne and Great Uncle Kevin!) and went over to introduce her to a very special family!

Before I got pregnant with Darby, we had a cat named Tootsie. She was a extremely lovable Siamese kitty we had adopted from the ASPCA a few years before. She was such a good cat, we both hated to see her go. But, with a baby coming, and a dog already (not to mention a small house with limited places for a cat box) we decided we needed to find her a new family. We got SO lucky. I posted an ad on craigslist and pretty much right away found her the perfect home. We have kept in touch with L & J (not sure if they would want their names posted or not!) and they have followed along with this blog! So yesterday we took Darby over for a very special meeting!

It was so nice to visit with L & J and get some love from dear Tootsie. A big thank you to them for the gifts!

Darby also got some fun little Valentines gifts from both sets of Grandparents and her Great Aunt, Uncle and Cousins in Idaho! Her Great Aunt Monica mad her the most adorable valentines bib, which of course she wore when she ate her dinner - sweet potatoes, peach cobbler dessert and a zwieback toast! Thank you!!

Darby even got a extra special email Valentine message from her very 1st Valentine, Jackson!

After Little D went to bed, Eric and I had our dinner. I made lobsters (huge ones) and stuffed tomatoes and we drank champagne with raspberries! On the menu for dessert was chocolate fondue with strawberries, but we didn't have room!

Finally, here is a picture of my gorgeous gift from my sweetie.

You know, some people say "I don't need Valentines Day to tell/show my significant other I love them." That may be true, but after this year I have come to the conclusion that I don't agree. We are so busy all the time and now with Darby added to the mix rarely have special time together to laugh and enjoy each other without interruption. To reconnect again and feel the love. Yes, you can tell your significant other you love them every day, and you should! But holidays are special and feel different from "every day." So for this reason, I love Valentines Day!

True Love.

2009-02-13T13:51:00.001-08:00

Darby's First Mouse Ears & Mommy Loosing It #2

2009-02-09T12:27:00.000-08:00

Darby got her very first pair of mouse ears back in December when we took Darby to Disneyland for the very first time. They are a little big on her now, but of course they still look a.d.o.r.a.b.l.e!!! Here are some pictures I took of her in them!

We bought annual passes (Darby will get in free until she turns 4!) so we plan on going over there often to ride a ride here and there and walk around the happiest place on earth!

Lastly...

As I'm sure you'll remember, awhile ago I blogged about one of my first "I'm loosing it" experiences. Well, on Friday I did something that tops the slipper incident for sure. As I was switching Darby's load of laundry over to the dyer, I picked out a DIAPER. I must have thrown her diaper in the HAMPER instead of the DIAPER CHAMP!!!! Who does that! Good thing it wasn't a poopy diaper, but regardless it tore and there was a bunch of the gel clumps everywhere. Yes, I cleaned up and rewashed. Shaking my head in disbelief of my mistake. I still can't believe I did that. WHAT IS NEXT?!?

6 Month Old Darby!

2009-02-04T14:42:00.000-08:00

As a 6 month old, Darby...

Has started sitting up all on her own!
Prefers to play on the floor with her toys instead of the exersaucer!
Holds her own bottle & sippy cup.
Drinks juice/water out of a sippy cup.
Has tasted turkey and chicken and isn't the least bit interested in either!
LOVES the Gerber Biter Biscuits.
LOVES the Gerber Puffs too! She picks them up herself!
Loves to read her Baby Einsteins book over and over. She pats and kisses the page with the sun. It's adorable.
Is wearing 9-12 month sized clothes, and a few 18 month!
Is wearing size 3 diapers.
Is taking a nice 2 naps a day, morning and afternoon. Mommy loves nap time!
Sits in shopping carts like a big girl!
Is VERY vocal, singing and talking wherever we are!
Is admired by strangers every single place we go. Everyone loves a baby, but I happen to think it's because she is the cutest one EVER!

Here's the updated slideshow!

I finally got around to putting our hospital bracelets, Darby's first hat, umbilical clamp and birth id card in a shadow box. I'm pretty happy with how it turned out. It's going to hang it up in Darby's room.
Just about every day little D and I go for a walk. Lately the weather has been SO beautiful. Weather in Southern California is pretty great all year round, but lately, it's been exceptionally so! Usually Darby is so awake during our walks and no matter how close to nap time it may be, she will not go to sleep. Yesterday however, she gave in to sleep and when we got home she just looked too cute passed out in her stroller. I couldn't pass up the opportunity for a picture:

Crazy Splashing Darby!

2009-01-28T20:39:00.000-08:00

We recently learned we had still been sitting Darby in the newborn side of her bathtub. So of course we turned her around so she sits on the infant/toddler seat. She LOVES it. The other night we took this video while she was splashing around. Now that she has room to splash, I get totally soaked! Watching her have so much fun is the best, so I don't mind getting a little wet! She really gets into the splashing, it's hilarious. Enjoy the video!

Five Fabulous Questions..

2009-01-22T12:38:00.000-08:00

For all the Bloggers that want to play!
Here's how it works: 1. Leave me a comment saying, "Interview me." 2. I will respond by e-mailing you 5 questions. 3. You update your blog with the answers to the questions. 4. You include this explanation and an offer to interview others. 5. When you receive the comment from another, you will send them 5 questions.

1) If Darby had been a boy, what would you have named him?
Originally I was set on the name Jack for a boy. Then we started realizing how many Jacks we knew, how many were on the way, and how many of our friends were planning on using that name too! So it's a good thing she was a girl! We didn't have to argue over names, we both loved the name Darby from the start and we love having a girl!!

Little D, a.k.a. Drooly McDroolerson

2)How did you know your hubby was the ONE?
When Eric and I first started dating, I've heard from our friends that he was so excited he told them we were perfect for each other because "We both live in our Grandparents old house, we both have boxers (the dog breed) and we have the same boom box!" I thought that was too funny. Who would have thought our matching tastes in boom boxes and dogs would bring us to a strong marriage and a beautiful baby?!
On a serious side - I don't know exactly when I knew, I can't pinpoint the "ah ha" moment (as Oprah would say) but as Eric and I dated and got closer, it was pretty undeniable that we were made for each other. He has a wonderful family that I fell in love with alongside him. His parents treated me like their daughter even before we married.
There were a lot of things that made me more then certain Eric was "the one" for me!!

Come on, who wouldn't want to marry someone as stylish as he is?

3) If you could vacation in one of the places you used to live, were would it be?
I am going to count spending a semester in Austria as places I've lived! So hands down, I would go there. I hope one day I will be able to travel with Eric to Europe and take him to Gaming (where I lived). It was a amazing being there, I had reverse culture shock when I had to come home and I pray I will make it back someday!

Snowboarding in Austria at Lackenhof

4) Would you rather have triplets or three babies born a year apart?
3 babies born a year apart. The thought alone of triplets, or twins for that matter, is exhausting! I really admire those who have multiples. I'm sure it is a huge blessing, but a lot of work and I would imagine you would feel spread so thin!

D loving her bath!

5) If someone gave you $5000 today, what would you do with it?
Honestly, nothing exciting. I would put it right into savings. Living off one salary isn't easy in Southern California and me being able to stay home with Darby is a big priority for us.

Swinging at the park!

6 Months!

2009-01-20T14:27:00.000-08:00

I can hardly believe it has been 6 months since we brought our little Darby doo home from the hospital!

Today I took Darby for her 6 month check up and shots. She is now in the 90th percentile for weight - 17.9lbs and the 75th percentile for height - 27". She is in the 75th percentile for head circumference too, but I didn't pay attention to the number. It's big, and full of brains and that's satisfying enough for me!

The doctor was impressed with her progress and growth and thinks in a month or so Darby will be crawling. I hope she is wrong! I am not ready for a mobile baby yet! Mobile in the walker is one thing, but crawling means I will have to do some serious baby-proofing. I hope I have a little more time then the doctor predicts.

We are moving onto other solid foods now - meats. Meat baby food sounds less then appetizing to me, but we will see how Darby likes it. We can also start giving her up to 6oz of juice a day. She even suggested making some very soft rice and pureeing some meat to mix in if I wanted to try to make my own. We will see how adventurous I feel!

Darby got 4 shots today. Poor thing. I opted in for the flu shot on the doctors recommendation. Darby is always so happy, playing and interacting with the doctor, then here come the shots and she is unglued. I hate it! She recovered quicker this time then last time, so that was a relief.

I plan on taking some "I am 6 Months Old" pictures soon.

Tomorrow we are going in to Redondo Beach to visit with my parents - my Dad is home from the hospital after having a hip replacement on Friday. I figure Darby will be excellent medicine for his healing process!

Busy Weekend!

2009-01-18T15:34:00.000-08:00

This weekend is a long weekend (Eric has Monday off) but so far, it's already been a busy one! We have had a lot of fun.

On Friday night we attempted to go over to Disneyland to take Darby on a few rides. It was packed! The line was daunting and we gave up and cruised over to Downtown Disney for dinner. That's a plus of having annual passes. We are just going to try again tomorrow!

Yesterday we went to La Mirada Park. Eric and a few friends played disc golf, while Darby and I hung out with our friends Rachelle and Jackson. The babies are so cute together. It's so funny that sometimes they can be smack in front of each others faces, but just look right past like the other isn't even there!

They swung on the swings, we took a walk around the duck pond and laid a blanket on the grass to hang out. Darby was a bit of a bully, taking Jacksons pacifier right out of his mouth. Poor guy... but I have to say it was pretty cute to watch. Of course, I got some pics!

Here are a few other shots of Little D enjoying her walker - her new favorite toy! She is so all over the place in it, I've had to stop hanging my purse or the diaper bags over the kitchen chairs. She likes to walk on up and get into them! Little stinker!

Today I've been sewing. I got a fabulous sewing machine - a Singer Inspiration - for Christmas from my in laws, and I love it to death!! I'm still a beginner by all means, but am having such a great time learning as I go. I've started out small - bibs, burp cloths, and lovie blankets. Here are 2 bibs I sewed today and a lovie I made last week for Darby.

You're Starting To Loose It When...

2009-01-15T20:48:00.000-08:00

You get ready, get the baby ready, diaper bag packed, put baby and gear in the car and get on your way. Arrive at Babiesrus, only to step out of the car and realize you are still wearing your fuzzy slippers in the odd 80 degree weather in January.

I might have looked silly, but I shopped anyway. With sweaty feet. Tell Darby I need more sleep!

It's a good thing she is so cute, it sure does make it easier at 1 in the morning when she is singing instead of sleeping. Aw, how I love her!

Giggly Darby!!

2009-01-14T16:32:00.000-08:00

Darby had been such a giggly baby lately. I just can't get enough of her laughs, it is so cute! Here are a few videos... the walker one is from this morning and the other is from last night. Enjoy!!

Loving Great Grandma & Yummy Banana!

2009-01-13T11:56:00.000-08:00

We were so happy that my Grandma, Darby's GREAT Grandma, had to escape the nasty winter weather of Spokane, WA and come visit! It was the first time D got to see her Great Grandma and she loves her so much already! This morning we went out to breakfast - that's 4 generations! - and it was a very special time being there together.
In other news, I could never get Darby to eat the Gerber baby food bananas. I personally think they smell so yummy, but I guess not to Darby! I've been putting banana in her "chewy" and she loooooooves it. She can practically eat a whole banana that way! It gets pretty messy, but hey, that's what kids do right?

I can't believe she will be turing 6 months on Saturday. I must say it all the time but - time flies! Every day little miss Darby do just grows and grows by leaps and bounds. She is walking so well in her walker, my next "to do" is to video her so I can post it here for all to see!

5 Months Old!!

2009-01-06T10:16:00.000-08:00

I know this is way overdue - since Darby is now approaching the 6 month mark! - but I've been busy playing catch up after all the holiday festivities! Here are some "I am 5 months old" shots for you to enjoy! I can't believe how much Darby has grown. I've put a slide show on the bottom with the pictures from each month on her pink chair with her pretty pillow, to show you the comparisons.

In her 5th month:

Darby has enjoyed tasting fruits in her "chewy" as I call it. Its a net with a handle that you can put fruit and veggies in, so she is able to taste and get the juices without choking. (Click Here to see what I'm talking about) She looooooves it, and I do too. It keeps her occupied for awhile so I can cook or clean, or just have a little time to myself!

She is just about ready to sit up on her own. She can for about a minute, but then plops over, or goes to reach for something and looses her balance. Any day now she is going to get it.

Darby loves dogs. If we are at a friends house, or even just home with Billie, she leans towards and reaches out to pet them. She doesn't seem to mind one bit getting slobbery kisses either!

She is very vocal these days. Shreeking, laughing or just talking.

Darby loves to play in her walker, and walk around the house. She looks so proud of herself when she does. It's adorable.

She is NAPPING IN HER CRIB! (she has been co-sleeping since we brought her home) This was not an easy task for me, or her, but it is proving successful. Next up - sleeping through the night, in her crib. Am I asking for too much?!

She can roll over from her back to her tummy, and then immediately roll to her back! She is so quick she will be halfway across the living room floor before we know it.

She reaches for anything and everything within sight - when I sit her up after I change her diaper on her changing table, she always reaches for the Desitin or the hand sanitizer - with both hands. She has no problem grasping it and putting it directly into her mouth!

I can't believe she is 5 months old already!!