13 Months or so...

New family pic- starring Isabel, Annie, Jason and Winnie's nose...... thanks girl!

Well... I haven't been so good about giving monthly updates. I just can't seem to find the time to write- or when I have the time to write- I realize I don't have any new pics so I have missed a couple months. But here's what' new with Miss Isabel- I will try to remember it all because she is changing A LOT! In the pic above she is about 13 1/2 months old. We feel like she no longer looks like a baby anymore- she is ALL toddler. She is losing those baby chub cheeks and slimming down because she is on the move again. (That's right- no walking boot. Her leg is quickly on the mend!)
She has at least three or four new teeth (molars I think) but it is almost impossible to pry her jaws open to see them. That girl can BITE so you enter her mouth at your own risk. I have seen them though, when she is yelling (which she is doing a lot of lately) Isabel is getting very vocal. She isn't really saying that many words (mama, dada, and tickle tickle are about the only few we can recognize) but she talks all the time. She points at everything, shouts oohhh! or just says random vowel and consanant sounds. You can tell she wants to communicate with us. Supposedly, they teach her baby sign language at school but I have yet to see her use it (and we are bad and don't reinforce it at home) so mostly she just yells and babbles.
We have determined that she has a strong will and is stubborn. She seems to get fixated on one thing she wants and then is tenacious when going after it. (Her dad says that is what she gets from me) I don't think that is a bad thing :)
What else? She LOVES her books. She can point to things in the books now. For example, if you say where is Elmo? Where is the duck? Where is baby? She usually points to the right object. It surprises the heck out of us. Jason and I can't believe how many words she actually understands. Words we never "taught" her. (Guess we better be careful) I was saying something in the car about how long and crazy her hair is geting (kind of a mullet at the moment) and I looked back and she picked up her hair with her hands and smiled. What?! I had no clue she was listening or understanding me. Reminder to be careful about what we are saying.
Isabel is also a tiny dancer. She loves to rock out at school, home or in the car. She is really not picky about the music- classical, country, rap, K Love, or Elmo's Greatest Hits. She likes them all. She has about three signature dance moves now.... If I can ever catch one on video I will post it. It is pretty hilarious. Sometimes I will be driving her home with a song on, look back to check on her, and see her just bobbing her head to the music. Cracks me up.

As for food, she has gotten awfully picky. She would like to surivive on fruit alone (and somedays she does). We can't get her to eat much meat or dairy. She mainly just wants pears, apples, oranges, bananas or any other fruit you might have on hand. As you can imagine, this can make for some interesting diapers. She has discovered french fries and saltines- and when we go out to dinner these are staples.

Isabel's fave toys are her books, plastic food, and going for walks in her "car". She still puts every single thing in her mouth and likes to bite and chew on everything. I really wonder if she will ever grow out of that. She refuses to smile or sit still for pictures and loves to play rough- get spun around, swing upside dwon and get tickled by her daddy. We have only had one oe two puke episodes in the last couple of months - thank goodness and she is still a pretty good sleeper. Off to bed at 7:00pm and up at 7:00am . (Often still getting up once at night to say hello, be rocked back to sleep, or have a little milk) When I am home this summer I want to work harder to get her sleeping through with no waking up-

Overall, we are having lots of fun with our little toddler. She is spunky, loud, always laughing an playing "jokes" on us. She laughs when everyone else laughs- just so we know she got the joke too. She is playful and learning new things every single day. It is pretty amazing to watch.

playing with Grandma! Grandma watches her every Tuesday and Wednesday now so she doesn't have to go to daycare. They have so much fun together. It is the best feeling to drop her off with my momma!

Bel loves sitting on her Grandpa's lap and watching Elmo in Grouchland. This is her fave movie. She has seen it 400,000 times. She loves the songs and Jim Henson's puppets. I suppose it could be worse because I am a big Jim Henson fan myself. Grandpa doesn't mind- he loves the cuddle time!

Jason and I got date night this weekend too! We went to a horrible movie and a tapas restaurant ( I said tapas- not topless :) We have both been so busy all week and then we have plans every single weekend and so we hadn't had time to have a date in what felt like forever. I realize now, having a 1 year old, how you have to work and schedule to get time together. It's important!  We ar elucky to have our family so close to watch Bel for us.

Things People Told Me... #2

# 2 "Enjoy it now because they grow up so fast".

I heard this about 1,000 times in the first month Isabel was born. Friends, family members, and complete strangers said this to me whenever they saw me with her. And to be honest... I kind of hated it because I didn't believe it. I mean in the early days of being a new mom each day felt like it lasted about 200 hours--- so time did not seem to be going fast at all. Some days felt like an endless round of breastfeeding, diaper changing and rocking. I really did not know how I was going to make it through the first month. I was going stir-crazy! And then 8 weeks hit and she slept a bit more and ate a bit less and it got a little easier... and then 3 months hit and she slept even more and we started to get out of the house for a while and it got a little bit easier.. and then suddenly she was 6 months old and sitting up, eating solids and going to daycare and I caught myself thinking "Wow! This is crazy. I can't believe how fast the time goes. It seems like she was just a little baby. I need to enjoy it now because she is growing up so fast!"

So really- this one was true. It doesn't always feel true in the moment, but it doesn't make it any less true. Someone I work with once explained motherhood as "days that feel like years and years that feel like days". I totally get that and I try to remember that one more now. Really it is like that with our lives in general. How often do we wait in anticipation for the next thing and forget to enjoy the moment. (For me- almost always!) So this is a good motherhood lesson I have learned and will now probably annoy other new moms with when I say "Enjoy it now because....."

Things people told me that I didn't take seriously... #1

So now that I have officially been a mom for over a year I can finally look back on the early days of motherhood with more fondness. I remember the sleepless nights, breastfeeding dramas, and c-section scars but I don't remember just how HARD and daunting I thought the whole mommyhood thing was. The fear and stress I had about caring for a newborn seem more like a distant memory now. I think they call this "mom - nesia" and it must be why people go ahead and get pregnant again at some point. Now, I am not writing this because I am thinking about having another baby (oh no- not yet. Being a mom of a toddler has enough stress and worry of its own for now) but I am writing it because I was thinking about some advice other moms gave me before I had Isabel and feeling kind of reflective. Its funny because before you have your first baby people tell you all kinds of things and you just kind of smile, nod and file it away in the back of your brain. In fact, I have found that some of the "advice" or comments those people made didn't actually make sense or mean anything to me until about14 months later. So this post (and maybe some others to follow) are dedicated to the many things people told me about motherhood that I didn't really take seriously or understand until now.
So enjoy
#1 - "Enjoy your sleep now because you won't ever sleep again".
 I found this "advice" among the most annoying. Really? Like I'm NEVER going to sleep again? Sure. And besides- I am a night owl. I pulled MANY all-nighters in college. I can so handle not sleeping at night. Besides- how do you "enjoy your sleep now"? Am I supposed to go lay in my bed all afternoon in preparation for my baby coming 2 months from now?

I guess this was one of the biggest shocks to  my "new mom" system. The truth is- you WILL sleep again and you will be just fine- you will adjust--- BUT it is true, your sleep will never be the same as it was pre-baby. Your sleep will depend on someone else's schedule and the days of sleeping in are pretty much over. Babies don't care that it is the weekend. And even though I was confident that I could pull an "all-nighter" from past experiences, I didn't realize how hard it would be trying to pull an all-nighter- EVERY NIGHT! Lack of sleep was the hands-down hardest thing for me about being a new mom. (and can still be a problem today!) Luckily, I have a great husband who gets that, and we share the sleepless nights now. This one was the toughest adjustment for me but it also had a lot of benefits. I mean, I can't tell you how much more productive I am now that I go to bed at a normal time and wake up ealry. No sleeping my mornings away anymore. I am never running late for work (actually I am there 1/2 hour early which is a shock to my coworkers) I am awake early enough on the weekends to plan out my day, get my errands run and still have time to do fun things with my family. Really. This one turned out to be true and not so bad!

Aunt Debby Visits

Isabel got to see her Aunt Debby from Arkansas this weekend. (They have only met in person a few times since she lives so far away.) Debby was able to drive up with her friend Gail for the weekend and they stayed in Dwight with the Leppin's. We spent lots of time together and had fun. On Friday the Leppin's came here and spent the day with Jason and Bel while I worked (poor me) and then came to my Grandpa's wake. On Saturday we left for Dwight and stayed overnight. Aaron grilled a delicious dinner and I ate seconds and thirds! The next morning we went to church and then a luncheon at the Dwight Methodist Church. Finally we headed home Sunday afternoon. Isabel was a pretty good sport during the trip but she is definitely starting to get a little bit of "seperation anxiety". She is not a shy girl by any means but suddenly she likes to stick close to her mom and dad in social situations. It takes her much longer to warm up to people than it used to.

Aunt Debby is so entertaining

Bel with her Grandpa

What a bookworm.

This is a game we call "tickle tickle". Isabel hardly knows how to say any words yet but she has picked up on the words "tickle tickle". She will approach you and scratch your feet- giggle and then say "tickle tickle". Actually pretty funny!

On a swing (MUCH less dangerous than a slide!)

Aaron preparing the chicken, brats and pork- yumm!

Grandma and Grandpa got her a special chair- she just needed a little help getting in it

Flowers are for smelling picking and eating, right?

Last Friday my Grandpa Davis passed away. His health had deteriorated quite a bit since he had moved to Illinois from Michigan, and he had spent the last several months living in a nursing home. I don't think he was ever the same after my Grandma died a few years ago- I know he missed her very much. Still, it was nice to have him nearer to us. He was even able to meet and hold Isabel. When I think about my Grandpa Davis I will remember silly memories like the "treasure hunt" map he made for us when I stayed with him for a summer break. I will remember how he taught me what a "doppleganger" was and how he said I could blame mine for any bad behavior I might have. I will remember how he would become frustrated after his stroke when he spoke but how he would always keep trying anyway. I will remember how he became very affectionate in his later years, giving my sister and I big hugs whenever he saw us. My Grandpa was a very smart, interesting, well-travelled, well-read man. He and my Grandma had a long and loving marriage and were deeply committed to each other. I will miss him- I love you Grandpa.

Baby in a Boot

Jason stayed home with Isabel today and took her to see the orthopedic doctor. She examined Isabel, looked at the original Xray and then recommended that we put her in a "walking boot". This is like a little cast that she can wear during the day for support- but we can take it off for bath or bed etc. She said that there is a good chance that Isabel does have a small fracture and that this little boot will help her support her weight while it heals. (She really does not recommend an actual cast for such a young patient with this type of inury) In 14 days we will have it Xrayed again. At the point the Dr. can recommend whether we continue with the boot. One small problem.... Isabel seems to HATE this thing! She is very annoyed by it. She gets frustrated by how heavy it is and really doesn't try to walk or stand much with it on. So it sort of defeats the purpose-We are going to give it a few days and see if she can get used to it. Apparently, the orthopedic doctor was really nice about the whole thing, sharing how common these types of injuries are and even sharing a "mommy horror story" from her own experience. That made me feel a little better. I am trying to be positive about all of this and am thankful for all of the kind words, love and support from my hubby, family and friends. You guys are the best!

Poor Bel- You know she is sort of a diva and this boot is not very cute. I mean don't they have hot pink or leopard print? Grandma Kathy suggested we bedazzle it or velcro on some flowers...... I'll have to think about that. Maybe a new business idea? Clip on boot flowers?!

Our Spring "Break".... literally

Okay... remember all that stuff I was saying about what a wonderful Spring Break I was having? The warm weather... trips to the pool, museum, picnics etc? Well, I spoke too soon. Friday was a REALLY bad day- a turning point in our vacation actually.

I woke up with a really swollen head. (It seems that I got an infection from my little lump surgery) so I had to go back to the doctor and sit in the waiting room for a couple of hours in order to get a prescription. Then... because I had been at the doctor all morning, and it was such a warm, sunny day, and I was feeling guilty- I decided we should get out and take Isabel to our local park (Jason, Bel, Lucky and I that is). When we got there I picked her up and took her over to the kid's slide. It was a "zig zag" shaped slide and it looked like fun. I climbed the steps- put her on my lap- and then told Jason to "catch us" at the bottom. Unfortunately, as we started down the slide Bel's leg must have kicked out or gotten caught on the side wall. I heard a little "bang" and we stuck for a second and then kept going down. At the bottom of the slide she started to cry and we weren't sure what had happened. Had she hit her arm? Banged her elbow? It happened so quickly we really couldn't tell. Of course, it took just a minute or two for us to realize she must have hurt her leg because when she tried to stand up she would just fall down and cry.

I was so scared and shocked! I made Jason rush home right away and take us to the ER. After a few hours and an X ray the doctor told us that her leg did not appear to be broken but that she might still have what they call a "toddler fracture" and that it could in fact be broken. Apparently these don't always show up on an Xray right away. We were told that if her leg didn't get better by Monday we should call our pediatrician and we may have to get another Xray (I guess an Xray taken a week or so later could actually show some bone "regrowth" - thus, confirming it had been broken)

Oh my goodness!!! I can't tell you how upset we both were. We were so worried, felt terrible for Bel - and of course I felt EXTREME GUILT! I was so mad at myself for taking her down that slide! Now logically, I know it was an accident, I know I had good intentions, and I even know that it really wasn't a risky thing to do. Just a freak accident ... but still. To see my boo boo hurt and to know I was responsible for it?! Ugh.... what a horrible day. Since then she has made some progress- she is able to stand and even took a few steps but she is obviously still not bearing weight on her left leg and it still causes her pain. So we WILL be calling the doctor again tomorrow and will probably have her Xrayed again. And the worst part is? The por thing may actually need a cast if it is broken. Can you imagine?! My heart is just broken about it. I am guessing this is not the last time I will feel this way.... because this parenting thing is stressful and worrisome at times. But, if you think of it say a little prayer this week for Isabel and for quick healing for her leg.

She is being a trooper--- although frustrated that she is having to crawl again now that she has gotten so good at walking around the house.

"Mom..... please do not ever take me down a stinkin zig-zag slide ever again...okay?"

I love being home... and not working!

I could get used to this! Jason and I have been home all week... the weather is gorgeous and we have had time to take Bel swimming, to the park, on a picnic, to the Children's Museum etc. Lots of fun. I stay in my pajamas all morning- J makes breakfast.- What a life!
Here are pics from our day at the Dupage Children's Museum with Grandma Kathy and Aunt Mandy

She had so much to look at.... running from room to room. It was a little overwhelming

I was impressed with this cool picture I took- (totally by accident)

The world's biggest bubble wand!She kept stealing things from each exhibit. Like these balls and blocks- one ended up in our diaper bag!

The Davis girls can never resist putting on a show...

Time for lunch.... Great day to eat outdoors...

Booo... only three days left then back to work~ I know.... at least I have summer break to look forward to. I'm worse than my students. the countdown is on.... 9 weeks :)