Trip to California

We all drove to Kansas City airport.  It was the first time Jamie had traveled with Avery and he was surprised and pleased at what a good traveler she was.  I was glad to have the extra help this time, that's for sure. 

We arrived late Friday night, and my meeting started Saturday moring.  Avery and Jamie and Donny hung out at the hotel while I was in the workshop.  It was hard because I'm still nursing full time and I didn't have much milk to leave Jamie.  I tried to pump mid-morning but something about sitting on a public toilet while it flushes periodically had me a little too stressed to pump more than a couple drops.  That of course made me panic.  Since I didn't get breakfast that morning I was hungry and panicked, and by the time I met Jamie et al for lunch I was in a horrible mood.  We went to Johnny Rockets and had rocket burgers.  That was one of the best burgers I've ever had, partly because I was so hungry... I wolfed it down (although Donny had a double rocket burger and ate it faster than I did, which bordered on gross). 

That evening we met the entire workshop for dinner, which was interesting.  Not a lot of people knew I had a baby, and Jamie got to meet Michelle and Neal and some amphibian folks.  The next day we went to the San Francisco zoo with Neal and Michelle.  Jamie tried to find his gorilla Pogo and was saddened to learn that she'd just died.  He was even sadder to learn that he never actually knew Pogo!  When he and the zoo lady bantered back and forth about when Pogo was given to the zoo (she said 1961, but Jamie- who has a picture of him wish Pogo- said he wasn't even born til 65) he asked his mom.  She told him that it wasn't Pogo in the pictures with Jamie, but ChaCha the chimp.  I'm still laughing!  The zoo was fun, and Avery was a really good girl (of course!).

The next day we went to Sonora to visit Jamie's aunt Colleen and uncle Bill.  His mom and sister Leone were there and we got to see them, and they met Avery.   They were all duly impressed with her brilliance and beauty!  We had a nice dinner there, then went later that evening for pie.  Jamie and I stayed in a hotel, the Christmas Tree.  Avery woke me up crying, and when I went to the bed she was laying on to put my hand on her belly, she was face down.  That was the first time she'd rolled from front to back!  I was surprised!

The next day we took off after breakfast and drove to Monterey.  It was a long drive, but it was pretty.  We ended up at Fisherman's Wharf and walked around looking at starfish and watching the sea otters.  We ate crab and shimp and bought a mug and headed back to San Jose.  We left the following day for home.... a very long drive from the airport in Kansas City.  

First tooth

Little Miss Avery Pants has a tooth!  Her left bottom incisor is barely poking through, I felt it with my finger last night.  That might be why she was waking up in the middle of the night and crying, although being in a new house probably didn't help matters.  She also had a great swimming lesson last night.  The first lesson I tried to get her to kick, and then pull with her arms.  She didn't quite get it.  Yesterday evening after a few minutes she started kicking like a little frog... then later she started slapping the water like shew as stroking.  She even went underwater briefly three times.  She always looks a little surprised when she gets water on her face, but it doesn't seem to bother her. 

I was at work all day yesterday for the first time in days.  I hated being away from home knowing there was so much to do there... but I liked being here knowing there was so much to do there.  Jamie picked up our entertainment center and it's the last piece of furniture we're going to get for a while.  Well, someday we'll get Avery furniture, but she doesn't really have a need right now.  Mom called and said she liked the walls the yellow color that I painted them, but I'm still not liking them.  Poor Jamie.  He hates to paint.  

We're leaving for California on Friday.  Saturday and Sunday we'll be in San Jose, and will go to Sonoma Monday to see Jamie's family.  Leone will get to meet Avery for the first time.  Sounds like a fun trip (work trips usually are) but I'm still sort of stressed from the move.  Hopefully by the time we leave we can have things mostly unpacked.  Hahahahaha.

Trip to Michigan

Avery and I just got back from Michigan where we visited Granny and Grampy.  I was worried that the trip would be hard alone, but Avery is such a dream baby that it was great.  I had to bring the car seat in addition to the stroller, suitcase, diaper bag, purse, and baby... one more thing than my own hands could carry!  So, Jamie dropped us off and helped us check things in at that end and mom and Paul were there to meet us when we arrived. 

We got to the St Louis airport just in time to get on the plane.  It was crowded!  There was someone in the middle seat... thankfully he was a very nice man who apparently enjoyed being spit upon by baby raspberries.  Avery was SO loud on the flight talking and bababa-ing!  But not one cry.   Then we had a two hour layover in Detroit.  I bought a sandwich, found an empty gate, and laid a blanket on the floor and sat there with Avery.  She had her sippy cup and a bunch of toys and enjoyed watching everyone.  She was so quiet, til we got on the next plane then she started talking again!  

After we were picked up from the airport, we went to lunch in town.  Mom and Paul couldn't believe how she just sat in her stroller occupying herself while we ate.  We went back to their house and I slept for a little while (after three hours sleep, I needed a nap) with Avery.  The next morning we went visiting Del and Flo, their neighbors.  They were duly impressed with Avery's beauty and intelligence.  Then we went to the Whaleback Inn, where everyone is staying for the wedding and really loved it.  Aunt Linda and Michael came up that afternoon and Grandma Timock came over to meet Avery for the first time.  They stayed the night and the next morning Linda, mom, Avery and I went to do wedding things.  We went to the house where we're going to get married, looked at a picture of the cake, looked at some flowers, and even looked at some dresses... then we went and ate BBQ at the place we're going to get after-wedding food from.  Everything was perfect.  

That evening we went and took Paul out for Father's day.  Before dinner we went to New Kids In Town where Grampy bought Avery her first swimming suit (her first lesson was the next day).  He also bought her a beautiful pink hat and a quacking duck.  We went to a really fancy restaurant and put Avery in her stroller right next to the table.  The waitress went nuts over her.  The food was great and Avery was really well-behaved.  It was funny, though... we thought the place was a little deserted until we went to leave we saw that people were being seated on the other side of the restaurant.  That side was full!  I saw a man walk in, look at us with a baby and nod his head toward the other side of the restaurant.  Those people didn't know what they were missing, I tell ya!  

Our trip home was just as uneventful as our trip there.  We stopped over in Minneapolis and gave Avery her fifth state she's  ever been in.  Jamie was there to meet us and we stopped at Jack in the Box for tacos on the way  home, because he was so good to be our shuttle!  We both missed him very much!

Avery's letter from Michigan

Hi Papi!  Remember me?  It's Avery Rose (Boo, to you)!  I sure miss you a bunch and wish I was old enough to talk on the phone, because I would tell you that I love you.

 

I have been such a good girl.  You would be proud of me.  I was a little loud on the planes on the way here, but I was only talking and blowing raspberries and not crying so I hope people didn't mind as much.  I sat next to one guy and got him all spitty, but he just smiled.  Mommy had to bring so much stuff in the airport... you should have seen her going through security!  She was glad you helped her to check the bags though, I could tell.  We got to play on the airport floor on a blanket.  I sucked ice cubes and played with my blocks and watched the big planes.  I asked if Uncle Greg was in one of them, but mom said probably not.  Only the planes with the animals on the tail, she said.

 

I am doing well with Granny and Grampy.  Grampy is always trying to eat my little toes, and I laugh at him, which makes him smile.  I like pulling Granny's hair.  She made me laugh really hard this morning!  I met my Great Aunt and my Great Grandma.  Not sure why they're so Great.... you and momma are WAY greater.  Momma said I finally met the last of the grannies.  She was really nice, but she talks a little funny.  I guess because she's from Minnesota.  I've never been there but I think we have a layover (whatever that is) tomorrow on the way home.  I'll see if they talk funny there.  I also met my second cousin Michael.  He held me for a minute and I guess that was a big deal because he's never held a baby before.  I guess that makes me very special!

 

Today we are going to do wedding stuff.  We counted 19 adults and 6 kids that are going to be at the wedding.  Well, I didn't count them because I can't count that high yet, so I'm taking momma's word for it.  We are going to see the flower garden where the wedding will be.  Then we are going to visit the cake lady and see a picture of the pretty cake granny ordered.  Then the flower shoppe to get a boquet.  THEN we'll meet Michael and Paul for lunch at the BBQ joint we're getting food from for the party afterwards.  Yesterday we went to see the Whaleback Inn, where everyone's staying.  I was sleeping in the van most of the time so I didn't get to see much, but I did see that you can see Lake Leelanau from the main cabin and there were lots of flowers so it's very pretty.  After Great Auntie Linda and Michael leave after lunch, I think we're going to the fabric store to buy some fabric for granny's windows.  The window treatments momma made for her when I was in mommy's tummy look terrific and she wants her to make some more.  I asked her when she was going to have time, because we're moving and all... but mom said she's make the time as soon as possible. 

 

Well, we're getting ready to go soon.  I'm taking a nap now (I told momma what to tell you before I fell asleep... she's a much faster typer than me anyway).  I told them not to leave without me, so mom will probably come down soon.  I know she misses you a lot.  She says the fact that I look just like you helps her not be so lonely for you.  I'm so glad I get to see you tomorrow.  Please be careful on the way to the airport.  I have already asked mom if we can stop at Jack in the Box on the way home... I know you love it and she can't say no to me like she can to you.  Haha...

 

I miss you very much too, Papi.  I haven't laughed quite as much as I do when we're together.  I can't wait to see you and grab your nose!

 

All my love,

Avery Rose

Thursday+

Not much new here.  Jamie came to get Avery, as usual.  He has another job today, and someone else called.   :)  We found out that Larry and Diane are coming to the wedding and bringing Laura.  It'll be good to meet everyone and am glad they can come.

My house is a disaster area.  I am getting more and more boxes packed every day.  Last night I did Avery's stuff. Our room was pretty sparse before, but now it's sterile looking.  I'm anxious to get into the new house and make it a home.

Avery used her mesh teethers last night for the first time.  She sucked on a carrot, but I don't think she could bite off anything so lost interest.  She loved, however, the ice cube I put in the other one.  Big mess, though.  :)  She hasn't been too into the food the last couple days.  Not sure what's up with that.  I guess I'll just keep offering it to her and when she eats it, she eats it. 

Donny is driving me nutso with trying to tell me how we should do things, what we should buy, etc.  He interrupts all of our conversations.  I tell ya, I'm impressed that Jamie can just keep talking and listening to ME and tune him out.  It's something I really need to learn to do.  Quickly!  LOL

I have a race meeting tonight at the library.  I'm going to make a copy of the map Kullman worked on, and work on the registration form.  I also  have some work to do here at work... Occasionally I do that.

Wednesday

Yesterday was Avery's six month appointment.  She didn't see Dr. Holly, but saw Dr. Meyer instead.  He was the very first doc that looked at her.  She's doing really well.  Of course!  She weighed 17 pounds, and was 25 inches long (but I think she was crinkled because she was almost 27 at home) and Jamie won the guess the baby's weight for the first time.  She got three shots, cried for about a minute and left smiling.  

I got to stay home with her all day.  I kept her home because I wasn't sure if she was going to start running a fever, and I'd just as soon not have to pick her up from daycare just a few hours after dropping her off.  I spent a lot of time packing and think I'm getting a handle on things.  I ran out of boxes.. then got more boxes and ran out of tape.. then got more tape and ran out of paper.  I'll be able to get a lot more done tonight.  In the meantime my running's gone out the window.  It makes me sad.. but hopefully I can find a place to run at our new house and get up early and go from there. 

Jamie's gotten a few more jobs.. yay!  Donny missed the work bus this morning and is likely at home kicking himself that he didn't believe Jamie when he said he was leaving in five minutes.   The plan is to get Jamie lots more high paying jobs and then figure out something I an do to stay home and make a million bucks so we can both retire!  :)

A comment from Daddy-- I love you for who you are, what you are about and how very special you take care of and love our Boo - Boo and her Papi. You are the best! Love, Jamie:)

Monday Monday

That was the fastest weekend of AT.  I hardly got to spend any time with Avery, especially yesterday because of Jen's shower... so that was frustrating to me.  We did take a nap together in the evening, and that was cool.  

Avery and I are in a fight now, however. She has awaken at 3 in the morning the past two nights and cried.  I lay there and struggle with whether to pick her up or not.  She sounds so sad (she injects 'woo woo woos' in with her cries which makes it especially pitiful) I have a hard time letting her cry it out.  I tried for a few minutes, then would go over and touch her and make sure her binkie was in her mouth, but as soon as I walked away she'd start again.  Twice in a row I've fed her in the middle of the night... NOT something I want to get back into TYVM.  

We go in for her checkup tomorrow, and more shots.  I'll be taking tomorrow off in case she gets feverish and to pack some things.  I have to get a lot done before the weekend, or I won't feel right about going to mom's.  I can't believe that I decided going up there for four days and returning two days before closing was a good idea!  It will be worth it, though... I think Mom and Paul really want to see Avery Pants.  

Oh, and I signed us up for swimming lessons... I think I'll try to talk Jamie into going too and we'll buy an underwater camera to take pictures.  That'll be so cute!

I sent my chapter off to Linder... yay @ having that done.  Now I need to clean up my office... it's a trainwreck. 

A better day

Last night turned out to be a better night. I cried (hard) all the way home from daycare and by the time I got home I actually felt a little better. Avery and I laid on my bed and we played; I fed her at 5ish and Jamie came over just as she was finishing. She was sleeping by 6, and Jamie was in a bad mood so he left and I started packing. Ugh... packing... I have SO much to do. I wish I could just twitch my nose like Samantha and have it be done. I kept checking on Avery and she actually woke up again.. yay! I took her upstairs and put her on the floor and she toppled over to her tummy, then scooted her way half way across the room backwards. Then she was rocking back and forth and finally rolled over! Yay!! I think I scared her a bit when I cheered, but I was so happy! :)

I called mom to tell her and ended up talking to her for a long time. All the while I was holding Avery and she was just laying in my arms looking up at me. I couldn't find her regular binkie, so I found the 'soother' that we got at the hospital and she actually stuck her thumb in the hole and was sucking on her thumb through the soother. Very funny! She finally fell asleep after I fed her, and she woke up at 5:45 smiling and talking.

I'm almost finished writing my section of the book chapter I've been working on. I thought it was going to be easier than it turned out to be. This spring is certainly one of the more boring springs... no field or lab projects and all writing. I guess that's what happens when one spends 2 months of primo writing time on maternity leave! I did get to go collect frog eggs yesterday. Two species, luckily enough! My colleague in Wisconsin gets one and I'll take the other to do feeding trials. There was such a large chorus of versicolor in my back yard last night that I'm tempted to go looking for eggs in the pond there... but I'm certain the neighbors would think I'd lost my last marble. 

Catching up

I haven't written in a long time, which bums me out. I want to remember everything that Avery's doing, and how old she was when she was doing it. 

At four and a half months she was sitting up. She toppled over quite a bit at first, but now at six months she's doing much better. She's still not rolled over, but don't think that's a problem. I'm trying to get her on her tummy to practice holding herself up and hopefully she'll be inspired to crawl pretty soon. 

She's also been eating solid foods. Well, they're not solid to me, but they're not breastmilk which I guess is what qualifies something as a solid (as opposed to its physical state). I tried rice cereal first just after four months, then oat cereal (which she seemed to like a bit better). We've tried squash and peas and found out that she absolutely loves sweet potatoes. I'm hoping that she I don't have to feed her formula ever. I initially wanted to breastfeed for six months, but am starting to actually enjoy it a bit. Now that six months is here I think I can go longer. 

I'm not sure if this is a good day to write or a bad one. I'm a bit emotional, so am feeling a lot of things. In a way that's good so I can get things down on paper (so to speak)... in a way that can be bad to have a record of sometimes! 

I am struggling with the idea of having Avery in daycare. I miss her so much every day that I sit in my office and cry. It's not getting better, and seems to be getting worse. I'm not so much worried about her as I am me... I feel like I am missing out on so many things. It's just not natural for a mom to be away from her baby for so long, I'm convinced. I wish things were different so that I could stay home, or at least more than I do now. I know she's being taken care of, but want to do it myself and it tears me up that I can't. Then Jamie talks about wanting to have another one. It would cost twice as much in daycare and I would feel twice as badly -- I can't imagine that. 

We are moving to our new house soon. I haven't started to pack and I need to. I want things to be nice when we live there. I have worries though. I worry how I'm going to adjust to living with other people. Boy people. I'm worried that we won't have enough money to make our bills. I'm worried that I will hate living so far out of town. I want to make it nice, but worry that I won't be able to do everything I want to do. I need to give these things over to God, but am having a difficult time because I don't feel deserving. This happens when I don't go to church more often and start feeling disconnected. I want to go to church as a family but can't (and don't want to) force Jamie into going if he doesn't want to. I then wonder what kind of a Christian life I can show my daughter as she grows up and it makes me sad. 

Sometimes when I get to feeling down I have a difficult time remembering and dwelling on the good things. I think today is one of those days. 

I do love my Avery Rose and look forward to every minute I get to spend with her. Usually that's only a few hours in the evenings (unless, like last night she falls asleep too early-- which might be why I feel sad today), but even when she's sleeping I can lay next to her and kiss her warm little hands and feet and stroke her sweet head. Just before I go to sleep at night I pick her up from my bed and feed her. I love the way she barely wakes up before opening her mouth to eat. When she's finished she's sleepy and limp and I hold her and feel the weight of her on my shoulder and hear her breathing.

Well, back to work now. I'm working on a book chapter that turned out to be a little more work than I planned. It's also sounding better than I thought it might. I collected grey treefrog tadpoles today to send to a colleague... at least it got me in the field for a little while, which was good... wet pants notwithstanding.