Random thoughts

*I stole this list idea from Sarah.

*Some rows in airplanes have an extra oxygen mask for when infants are riding along--we were asked to change rows on our Houston to Shreveport flight because of this. I always wondered!

*Yes, the redneck next door is setting off fireworks at 2pm while my baby is taking a nap. I won't mention the part about Jon using the table saw on the patio--makes the neighbor seem more cruel.

*I have been researching how to make baby food, and it's really simple. I may end up heeding the advice of the cynics and just buying it, but it doesn't seem that difficult or time-consuming. Plus you can make a ton at a time and freeze it. Of course, we'll see how I feel when she's eating more than a jar every couple of days... Oh, and unlike some people, I'm not doing it for fear of preservatives/additives, I'm just doing it to save money--I can get a bag of carrots for the same price as 3 oz. of Gerber carrot puree.

*I am also researching down comforters/high thread count sheets on overstock.com. Since my bedroom will be getting a bit of a remodel in the next month, I'm thinking of using some Christmas money on a king-sized down comforter (vs. my current full--or maybe it is a queen?), and nice sheets with deep pockets that will fit our gigantic mattress correctly.

*Emily has started shrieking this past week, and it drives me crazy. I'm not sure how to teach a 6-month-old that sounding like the shrieking eels is a bad idea, no matter how funny "Princess Bride" was. It's rather embarassing in stores, airplanes, and other public places.

*Changing a gross, amoxicillin-poopy diaper on an airplane can prove VERY interesting.

Jon's Christmas present

10" Bandsaw
For those who aren't familiar with what a bandsaw does (Mom), it can cut wood like this.

Even more Christmas pictures

Funny face made at breakfast with Grandma Hale.
Em always has to sleep with a blanket over her face--great for suffocation.
We made a whirly out of her cowlick while we waited at the OC airport.
All snuggled in for the long flight (OC to Houston); we had all 3 seats to ourselves, so we didn't have to check the carseat.
She doesn't quite have the long wispies that Micah does, but the hair on top of her head is pretty long.

More Christmas pictures

Uncle Jeffy (I LOVE this picture!)
The Welch gathering on the 26th.

Emily & Micah

We got to see Jeff, Wendy & Micah at Julotta this morning. It seems like we either had decent pictures of the kids, or of us, but never both. It was great to catch up

Bath time

Emily's baths this week have been in the kitchen sink--and she has LOVED sitting up and splashing like crazy.

Starbucks

Emily is definitely her mother's daughter. Well, and a coffee-loving Steele, and like the others in our family who are addicted to Starbucks.

Playing

Emily likes to taste a lot of things now...from Emmy to the giant duck.

Santa

Santa's beard was apparently very tasty.

Great-grandparents

On the way home from the airport we stopped to see Grandpa & Grandma Welch. Emily enjoyed finally meeting some more great-grandparents.

First Flight

Emily was a great flyer--she slept for all of the first flight and most of the second.

California update

We've had a blast in California so far. I'll post pictures later--either when I get home, or when I get an SD card reader. For now you can look on my mom's blog. We've seen all of the great-grandparents, the Reeds, the Harts, and some aunts & uncles. We've been to In-N-Out, Carl's Jr., and Red Robin. We've gone to see Santa and taken pictures (although Emily tried to eat Santa's beard), and took a ride on Silver Bullet. And we've slept...a lot. It's been wonderful.

CALIFORNIA!

School's out, and we're heading to California!!

Developmental updates

Our little squirmer now rolls from back to front, and she's getting better at sitting up. I'm afraid her stationary days are numbered.

Sweet ride

You know you're jealous.

Eyes

Today Emily had her blocked tear duct probed. The whole procedure probably took literally 3 minutes. I was glad we didn't have to see it--but we did hear her crying down the hall (probably more from being restrained than anything else). She had another meltdown when we put her in the carseat--I think she needed some more cuddle time.

Rice cereal

On Monday Emily snatched a baby food jar lid from the arm of a chair when the teacher wasn't looking and started eating it, so today we thought we'd try some cereal. She liked it a lot, and wanted me to keep feeding her (granted, if you follow the "recipe" for baby's first cereal, it's not much more than milk, so I can see why she'd like it).

Today's Christmas outfit

We opted for the shoe-socks today (notice how they accentuate her cankles).

Three more days of school

I think I can, I think I can. These three days of school are going to be a total waste--like anyone can focus. The best day will be Wednesday, which is our annual "hush day". Each student gets a sticker with 7 Mustangs on it; each time they talk without permission, a Mustang is marked. If you have 4 or more left at the end of the day, you get to go in the gym and have free concessions during 7th period. Last year I only had one student in my 7th period class who didn't make it, so I have high hopes this year.
Oh, and I guess I really only have two more days of school since I'm taking Tuesday off for Emily's eye procedure/surgery.

Jon update

I think he's over the worst of it. The highest his fever got today was 100.4, and he ate some mashed potatoes and didn't feel sick. I told him that the next time he feels compelled to lose 10 pounds before Christmas to impress my family, he needs to just eat better and go running.

Spit bubble

This is what eating a receipt on the way to church will do to you.

Christmas shopping

Okay, I know I just blogged about how I've been taking care of Jon, but I also managed to finish the Christmas shopping this morning, and mail five packages (I love click & ship) to their respective recipients. Emily and I hit Wal-Mart pretty early this morning while Jon was comatose--plus we stocked up on saltines and gatorade.

Sick

Sorry I haven't been blogging, but I've been taking care of my sick husband. He's pretty sick, and they're not sure what's wrong. He got two IVs of fluids and anti-nausea medicine yesterday, and he's been running a fever around 102 since Wednesday. So Emily and I are keeping an eye on him...

And I quote...

"The old viking smelled of the sea, like someone who has been at sea for a long time."

That should be added to that email that whirls around. I saw this one with my very own eyes while judging Young Authors entries.

Christmas outfit

Yes, I did it. But it's all hand-me-downs. Black, shiny shoes, white tights, red velvety dress...
threw in the hat for good measure...
and yes, the tights had a ruffly butt.

Exersaucer video

New toy

We broke down and bought an "activity center" for Emily. Best money we ever spent. She has already played for several hours in it, and LOVES it. Video to follow soon.

Christmas plans

For those of you in the SoCal area, we will be at my parent's house for Christmas. We'll be home for a week, from the 21st until the 28th. We hope to see some of you while we're there (at Julotta if nothing else--oh that wonderful tradition).

California mistake

Yes, I grew up in Southern California. I don't think I've ever bought poinsettias before. However, they were on sale (2 for $4) at Lowe's so I picked some up. I thought they'd look nice by the front door (which is where my grandma & parents always put them). Hmmm. Apparently they're tropical plants that like warm weather, so I killed them. Everyone here laughed at me for putting them outside--it was then I realized that I didn't see any poinsettias outside around here.

Random note--I just spell-checked this post, and didn't realize that poinsettia didn't have a t after the n.

Brrrr

Emily and I encountered this on the way to school this morning. I thought I lived in Louisiana...

Poor eye

About once a month or so, this is what Emily wakes up to. The blocked tear duct gets infected (because it can't drain) and she gets lots of goo/eye boogers. Drops & a warm washcloth clear it up pretty quickly, though.

Cutie

To answer the hair question, we're not quite sure what color it is. It still seems brown, but definitely has reds and blondes in it. It's a mystery what color it'll end up--same with her eyes.

Eye update

We had our 2-hour eye doctor appointment today, and we're going to have the procedure done to unclog Emily's right tear duct on the 19th. It was either do it now with local anesthetic, or wait until she's a year old and have to put her to sleep. We opted for the former partly because we'll enjoy having you taxpayers foot the bill.

For Uncle Jeffy

Em wore this to church for Uncle Jeff...

stupid Bruins.

Baby shower

We went to a couples "baby party" for our youth pastor & his wife (Ron & Shea) on Friday night. It was really fun--I might consider a couples party next time.