Feeling a bit better...

Today you were one lucky little girl Genevieve! Grandma has been watching you all week with your cranky self from being sick. Today Mommy stayed home to take care of you, because when your sick, nobody (sorry Grandma) measures up to Mommy. You got lots of good rest in and I think you are on your way to a full recovery!

The other day on Groupon they had a funny little baby tidbit at the bottom, enjoy!

The Groupon Guide to: Baby Milestones
Though doctors analyze baby development through a series of tests, including measuring the softness of its hands and seeing if it can balance a cookbook on its head, observation is the best way to determine whether or not a baby is on track to becoming an adult. Here are some signs you should look for:

One Month: Acknowledges sound; becomes irritated when flashlight is shined into its mouth
Two Months: Holds up head; coos, gurgles, graugles, and moans
Three Months: Makes sound that can be mistaken for laughter but is actually the baby clearing lint out of its passageway
Four Months: Uses hands as hammers
Five Months: Able to view magic-eye images
Six Months: Stops mistaking bags of flour for parents
Seven Months: Can sense disappointment; eats solid foods as long as they have been blended into a food slurry
Eight Months: Performs somersaults but only when no one is looking; accepts own mortality

Browns are in Town!

Last January when we went to Seattle we stayed with Grandma's cousin Marta. Her son plays water polo at Pepperdine. They drove (yikes! That is a long drive!) from Seattle to see him play. Grandma had Marta and Rand over for dinner tonight. Great Grandma was even able to make it! We had a nice time catching up. You started the night not feeling so good Genevieve but once your medicine kicked in you were back to your normal happy playful self.

Earlier in the day I took you to the doctor because you still were not feeling well. He said you had a sore throat, poor baby! No wonder you haven't wanted to eat and that warm milk when you nurse must feel so good on the back of your throat.

Poor Little Genevieve!

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Genevieve you are not doing so good. I should have known on Tuesday night about 8pm when you went to sleep that something was up. Poor little girl has a fever and not much of an appetite for food but you sure love nursing! Mommy took you out to get you some medicine when Daddy was at school. I also gave you a cool bath, you didn't like it much at first but slowly "warmed" up to it. Grandma has been taking good care of you at her house. Feel better soon Genevieve!

Fun, Fun and more fun at Grandma and Grandpas

Genevieve you always have such fun at Grandma and Grandpas house! Here is a little summery of your day today:

Genevieve is always interested in what Grandpa has to eat. She gets very friendly when he sits down at the

table. Swiss cheese was a "no thank you," but the fruit rollup was "more please."

We went to the park today. Genevieve really doesn't like sand. She wouldn't walk on the sand to the equipment at all. She liked the slide and the dolphin to ride on. We went to the park by Deer Canyon.

 She like the spaghetti sauce and noodles Dad made--but I took off her clothes for that meal. She is wanting to "graze" most of the day. She goes to the refrigerator or cabinet and says "ba ba." 

The other fun activity today and yesterday was a tent. I put a sheet over the dining room table and she liked reading under there and hiding. She wanted me to read the address book to her. The other new place to hide in the closet in the computer room with the sliding doors. That is fun. 

The Baby Whisper...

After reading and watching Harvery Karp's "The Happiest Baby on the Block" I became an instant fan! His 5S's technique worked so well with you as a baby I can't believe it is not required reading for all new moms and dads! I came across his book "The Happiest Toddler on the Block" at the thrift store and figured it couldn't hurt to read it. Now, If I can get just the book back from you so I could read it, I would be on the right track!

LA County Fair with Mommy and Daddy

It was Mommy and Daddy's first time to the LA County Fair in a long long time! It was Cal Poly Pomona day at the fair and we got in free, yea! Because we haven't been in such a long time we didn't know where anything was and had to spend lots of time trying to figure out where to get where we were going. We met Yvette, John, Charlotte and Tre at the fair, it doesn't seem fair that the LA County fair is practically in San Bernardino County, but it works out well for us. We had a nice time looking at the animals, science exhibits and the like. You went home with Daddy and Mommy stayed to watch the Styx/REO Speed wagon concert, it was fantastic! You fell a couple times running around, poor thing. Daddy resigned you to your stroller after your tumble in the garden area. It must be hard to keep your balance and run at the same time when your so little!

Claremont Midwife Grand Opening

One of the student midwives at Aquanatal is no longer a student! She is almost done with the licensing process from the State of California and when she is all finished she will be offering home births in the Claremont, Upland, Ontario, etc. area. We had a great time checking out her beautiful office and exam room. It was nice to catch up and say hello! Congrads Angela, you deserve it!

Aunt Teresa and Uncle Scott

 

Aunt Teresa and Uncle Scott came over tonight for a yummy dinner and Mommy was able to help your Aunt with her resume. After a overhaul it is looking much better! You of course loved all the attention company brings and had an awesome time playing and being a busy little girl.

The Cabinet never gets old...

You must have taken everything out of the cabinet more then a couple dozen times by now, but you still love to get in there and take everything out. Maybe your upset that I keep "rearranging it" from the way you left it on the floor. At any rate you have such a good time doing it then I don't have the heart to put a lock on the cabinet.

Teeth Brushing

Genevieve you love to brush your teeth! You actually love to suck on your tooth brush and you will do it until I take it away from you. You do let me in and brush the few teeth you have before you want to do it yourself!

Fun in the Mud

 

Today you played in the mud at Grandma's house! Here is what Grandma had to say: 

 

"Genevieve had such a good time in the mud. She stomped in it and splashed with her feet. Then she sat down and splashed with her hands. I hosed her off afterwards and she even enjoyed that. The beach needs more mud."

Grandma gave you a bath afterwards, it looks like you really needed it!

What a good eater!

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Sometimes Genevieve you aren't that into eating. There is just to much to do, DVD's to unstack, bags to pull around and musical toys to push buttons on. You have been really into food lately though. Eating lots of food, although you still aren't that into vegetables. I have been sneaking carrot juice into your sippy cup. You don't seem to notice or mind, at least you are getting some nutrients that way!

Grandma Diane's Birthday

It was that time of year again, Grandma Diane's birthday! We had the annual pilgrimage to Olive Garden in Ontario with Tia Christi, Danny, Grandpa Gil, Great Grandpa Fortune and of course Grandma Diane. We even got to use the "family dinning room". You were a pretty good little baby, just a bit of fussing here and there. We even ordered you your own apple juice!

Vintage Dress

Today at Memorial Park they had a Family Fun Festival. Mommy put you in this little red dress that was hers when she was a baby. You looked so cute in it! It was a little short on you so I had to put some little white leggings under it. You got to break in your new leopard print Mary Janes Mommy picked up for you at Target. I wish they sold a matching pair for grownups, they are so cute! We had a good time playing and you had a good time filling your shoes with dirt. What a mess, but you had a good time, that is what counts, right?

Visiting Mommy at work

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Tonight on the way to the Dodger game Daddy dropped you off at my work. You were only here for a few minutes before it was time to leave but everyone loved seeing you. What a cutie! I think you were confused when Daddy dropped me off, you looked surprised to see me when I got you out of the car. Next time when we have more time I will take you back to my office for you to play.

LA County Fair with Grandma

Today Grandma Terri took you to the LA county fair to see all of the "dogs" (rabbits, pigs, goats, etc). It was nice weather and a perfect day to be out enjoying the fair. Grandma's friend brought her granddaughter, Brooklyn along, you got to make a new friend! Grandma said the goat's were kind of scary because they rushed you because Grandma had bought food for them. You enjoyed seeing the animals and people watching. Also, I think Grandma may have bought you some new shoes because these don't look like any shoes we have here at home!

Strawberry Fun

We had such a good time tonight playing with the plastic strawberry container! You would stick your face inside and I would laugh, then you would hand it to me, I would do the same and you would laugh. What a fun way to spend the evening! You also are about 6 strawberries, which doesn't seem like a lot but when you only weigh 23 pounds it is! You ended up with strawberry juice all over your outfit, but that's ok. You had a good time feeding yourself and we we both enjoyed laughing.

Farmer Boys

Today Daddy had a Dodger game and with grocery's running low Mommy cashed in her free cheeseburger coupon for Farmer Boys. We added a side order of fried zucchini and we were in heaven! You did not want to sit in my lap and eat, you wanted to run around and play in the eating area. Since we were the only ones there I let you explore a bit, at least I got to eat my hamburger! You had a few bites but you really loved the balloon they gave you. You enjoyed bouncing it up and down and hitting. What great fun!

1st day of School- Guest Blogger, Grandma

Today was the first day of school for Genevieve. We had  our "grandma and me" class at the Tiny Tots building in Upland. There are about eight babies in the class. It is almost all girls. There is only one boy. There was one other grandma there.

We started with playing with the tub of toys. You wre a little shy at first, but then started walking around and trading toys with the other babies. Not that they wanted to trade, but you were  trying to trade. We did some songs and finger plays and activities--Itsy Bitsy Spider, The Noble Duke of York, and Criss Cross Applesauce. I knew some, but need to learn all of them. 

Next we had a craft to make an apple. Some of the moms were in a panic because we were finger painting, but I figured that you can always wash the paint off. I tried to let you do as much as you wanted and could. Your were a mess on your clothes, hands, face, and leg.  After cleaning up we did Ring Around the Rosie with a parachute. You got to ride around in the middle and then sit under it while the moms fluttered it up and down. 

We had a song about a train that I need to learn. Your favorite part was the end when the teacher blew bubbles and you got to pop them. Now you were smiling and laughing. I had to take off your onesie to wash out the paint and you got to go play with the kitchen set that you had your eye on all morning. While it cleaned the paint off your outfit you explored the other toys in the room. You finished off with belly bumping another baby and laughing.

We return next week. I think you will enjoy it when you learn the routine and feel comfortable. Second day of school here we come.

Day at the Park with friends

This afternoon Mommy invited your friends Abby and Emma to come to the park with us. We had a good time playing and going down the slide. Your wagon with the beautiful red top attracted a lot of attention from the other kids! We had a swarm around us at one point, all wanting to ride in your wagon. We had a fun afternoon, hopefully next time Zach can go with us.

I would be amiss if I didn't mention that today is the 10th anniversary of September 11th. Having been to ground zero it is hard to imagine what it must have been like on that terrible day. You will never know that you use to not have to take off your shoes through security, be able to meet people at the gate and be able to carry bottles of shampoo on board. On 9/11 America, which was largely immune from the kind of terrorism that many people all over the world have long experienced, things changed. Things changed in ways I can't even begin to explain to you Genevieve. The wars, the Patriot Act, the radical divides that have gripped this nation, it is hard to even fathom. I shutter to think what horrible tragedy may shape your generation and it's impact on you. Lives were lost, hero's rose and life has changed. 

In memory of all those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001. 

You are not forgotten.

Happy Wedding Anniversary

Today was Mommy and Daddy's 6th wedding anniversary. It is hard to believe that 6 years have gone by since that September day. One of my favorite readings from that day is:

Old Testament Reading, Ecclesiastes, 3:1-8
Read by Angela Robinson
There is an appointed time for everything, and a time for every affair under the heavens.
A time to be born, and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot the plant. A time
to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build. A time to weep, and a
time to laugh, a time to mourn, and a time to dance. A time to scatter stones and a time to
gather them, a time to embrace and a time to be far from embraces. A time to seek, and a
time to lose, a time to keep and a time to cast away. A time to rend and a time to sew, a
time to be silent and a time to speak, a time to love and a time to hate, a time of war and a
time of peace.

Happy wedding anniversary Garrett...

Brittany Babysitting Service

Tonight Brittany babysat you for a few hours while Mommy and Daddy went out to dinner. Brittany was so excited to watch you and she took excellent care of you while we were gone. Nancy has trained her well! She is looking forward to watching you again soon.

Yogurt Time

Genevieve you have given up on us feeding you your yogurt. You MUST feed it to your self, you stab it with your spoon and get it in bit by bit. When the spoon stabbing is to slow for you, you resort to using your fingers to scoop the yogurt into your mouth. It makes for one messy but satisfied baby!

First coloring sheet

Today Ms. Nancy sent you home with your first coloring sheet. It was a beautiful little red wiggle in the middle of the circle. It was fun to see your artwork! Of course it is up on the fridge, proudly displayed, many many many more to come from you Genevieve over the years...

Genevieve's Farm

Aunt Angela got you this cute farm for your birthday. You played with it in Las Vegas and it keeps you entertained here as well. It came with 6 animals and makes 5 different sounds. You love opening and closing the barnyard gates and hearing the moos. I hope we can keep track of the animals for your farm over time. A big thank you to Angela and Denny for your wonderful birthday gift!

Corn Pops, anyone?

Genevieve is obsessed with Corn Pops right now. She loves taking the cereal boxes out of the cabinet, she has been taking the plastic bag out and walking around with it (luckily not dumping it). She just started reaching into the bag and helping herself to a snack! Try taking it away from her and you are in for a real "treat"! Next time at the store we are going to buy Cheerios, at least it will be better for her then Corn Pops!

Las Vegas: Day 2, time for the Cake Off!

Day 2, we checked out of our Wingate Wyndham hotel in Henderson and after a short stop at the grocery store we headed back to Aunt Angela's house. After a short trip to the pool I took Nirel with me to fill up the car and for a short shopping trip. You stayed with Daddy and were such a good girl. About 2pm you went down for a 2 1/2 hour nap, it was so great! You got such a good rest in and Mommy got to relax. Everyone started coming about 4pm and the Cake Off began!

There were seven entries into the cake baking competition. I had the only ice cream cake, Gina made cake baked in ice cream cones and Nirel made a molten chocolate lava cake. You can see Denny's creation in the photo above. We ate ribs, chicken and brisket and if were weren't stuffed enough it was time for cake! We all sampled some of everyone's cake and then by hidden ballot we voted. Nirel and Denny ended in a tie, so we had to do a tie breaker and Nirel won, much to the chagrin of Denny! We had a great time but had to get back on the road after the party was over, about 9pm. We DID NOT want to get stuck in Las Vegas holiday weekend traffic the next day. You and I dozed off while Daddy drove us home. Good thing to, when we got home you did not want to go back to sleep so I had to stay up with you, good thing I got my sleep in earlier.