Pictures pictures pictures!

In case you haven't noticed, I'm a little crazy about pictures (it's a genetic disorder I inherited from my dad, who ALWAYS had a camera close by!). So I can't resist the urge to show you our first official family portrait. We just got these back...they're from Andra's six month photos. I'm posting our two faves. These were the ONLY TWO pictures she would smile for, so I'm glad they turned out well! 

Birthday Princess

The whole family got together this weekend to celebrate Zayda's 4th birthday. It's hard to believe she's 4 already! It seems like she was born just yesterday. I was working in Lexington, so when I got The Call that Erin (my big sis) was in labor, I had to rush home to Indy...praying I wouldn't miss anything. I made it in time to see our Zayda Kathleen welcomed into this world! 

Watching Zayda grow up the last several years is one thing that made me want to have babies sooner than I thought I would. It's so much fun watching her grow and change and interact with my parents (her grandparents). Zayda brought so much joy to our family, I figured we should add some more! Zayda seemed to have a great birthday...and we had a great time celebrating with her! Her favorite birthday presents: a new bike, beginner roller skates, and a "First tooth" baby doll. See below for picture of Andra and her cuz Garrett at the party.

(P.S. Andra seems to be on the upswing of her sinus infection, but last night was still pretty miserable. I really hope our gal sleeps tonight!) 

  

Sick Baby = Tired Parents

Well, Andra has her second sinus infection. Poor girl. I'll never forget her first one. It was the week I went back to work after maternity leave. It's hard enough to leave your baby...twice as hard when your baby's sick. Gosh, that was a tough week. 

Nothing's worse than when your baby's sick, I've decided. They can't tell you where it hurts, and you can't figure out how to fix it or help them feel better. Last night was rough. Probably the worst night we've ever had...even worse than when we first brought her home from the hospital! She only slept 3 hours--and those 3 hours were in her swing of all places, with me crashed on the couch next to her. The rest of the night she cried. 

The doctor gave us some antibiotic today, so we're hoping that helps! It sure did the trick last time. I'm afraid of what the night may bring. I hate that feeling of dread. I suppose it can't get any worse. At least I hope not! 

Easter Sunday

Our family had a wonderful Easter. We actually went to service Saturday night, so we wouldn't have to fight the Sunday crowds. But...we still put our gal in a fancy dress to visit the grandparents on Sunday! Hope you enjoy the pictures of her. The Easter bunny (bunnies!..she got multiple baskets!) spoiled her, but we talked to her about the true meaning of Easter: that Jesus was resurrected when he rose on the third day. She looked a little confused. :) I'm not sure how much she understood, but it was worth a shot. :) I hope everyone had as wonderful an Easter as we did, and got to spend time with the people in your life who matter most. 

Ready...Set...BUMBO!!

Dave found this online tonight, and it's had us giggling ever since. Every new mom already knows what a Bumbo is...they're the latest rage for babies. It's a rubber-type seat that the baby sits in...it's super portable and most babies love them...a mother's lifesaver when she needs to free up her hands for a few minutes. So, watch this video...maybe you have to be a mom with a Bumbo in your house to find it funny...maybe not. You be the judge! 

Ready, Set, BUMBO!!! video

Happy St. Patty's Day!

I didn't wear green because I don't own a single piece of green clothing, but a little leprechaun (Grandpa V.) bought Andra something special for St. Patty's Day. This is what our little goofball looked like when we came home from work! 

Hate when the weekends are over!

Maybe someday I'll make an entry without a picture of Andra...but this one's too cute! We had lunch with Dave on Friday, so here she is taking over Daddy's office. He wanted to show her off to some of his coworkers. As usual, everyone commented on her blue eyes and how much she looks like her dad! 

We also took Andra for her six month photos on Saturday. We got some great photos...I'll have to post some after we pick them up. Unfortunately, she didn't smile very much. When she's in new places, she gets really wide-eyed and shy...and just likes to look around with Mom and Dad close by her side. So she wasn't super animated, but they managed to get a couple good grins out of her, and we got one great family portrait. 

We were pretty lazy on Sunday. Well, I was lazy. Dave ran 9 miles for his Mini training. I decided not to run this year. Unlike Dave, I have to SERIOUSLY train and invest a LOT of time to be ready for the 13 mile run. This year, I just couldn't find the time between work and wanting to spend every waking minute with Andra...so Andra and I will be cheering from the sidelines this spring! I did, however, take Pudge on a 2 mile jog. 

One final thought. I found an amazing tilapia recipe! It's a Paula Deen recipe. I find most people either love or hate Paula Deen (a chef on the Food Network). I, personally, love her! I got hooked on her show when I was home on maternity leave, and I've been a loyal fan ever since. Most of her recipes will make your arteries clog just looking at them, but this one was relatively healthy, and tasted OUTSTANDING. We halved it, and it was still amazing. 

Zesty Grilled Tilapia:

Recipe courtesy Paula Deen, 2007

6 (6-ounce) tilapia fillets 
6 tablespoons olive oil, plus additional for brushing 
1 tablespoon grated orange zest 
6 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice 
1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger 
1 teaspoon hot sauce, to taste 
1 teaspoon salt

Freshly ground black pepper 

Place the fish in a large nonmetal dish. Whisk together the 6 tablespoons oil, the orange zest, orange juice, ginger, hot sauce, salt, and pepper, to taste; pour over the fish. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for 30 to 60 minutes. 

Meanwhile, prepare grill. Brush the fish with additional oil. Grill until fish just flakes when tested with a fork, about 5 minutes per side for each inch of thickness. 

Spring Fever

It's too early in the season for it to last, but we sure have enjoyed the last couple days of warmer weather. Feels so good to be out in the sunshine! It'll be nice once everything's green and it STAYS warm! 

The "spring ahead" is a little weird though. I feel funny putting Andra to bed when the sun's still up, but she hasn't seemed to notice! 

Then and Now

It's hard to believe, but today is Andra's six month birthday! For a little perspective, I posted a birth picture of her, and a recent picture...she looks like a different baby!  I can't believe she's been part of our lives for six months. I still feel like we just brought her home from the hospital. I'm proud of what we've accomplished as a family. I remember how nervous, apprehensive and emotionally unstable I was when we first brought her home with us! I'm sure it was partly hormones, but I was terrified of doing something wrong. Six months later, I feel much more confident and relaxed about my mothering skills. You always hear people say their children are their "pride and joy." Those words really do describe it perfectly...I'm incredibly proud of her, and she brings me more joy than I ever imagined possible. She's changed our lives in the most beautiful way, and we love her beyond words. Now if we could just get her to sleep through the night! ;) 

Ironically, today also marks my last day at my current job. I thought I was asking the impossible: to find a decent part-time job that would still help pay the bills, but more importantly, give me more time with Andra. God blessed us and made the impossible possible...before Andra was even six months old! I've got a couple days of "mommy & me" time scheduled with Andra, then I start my new part-time job Monday. I'm extremely excited and a little bit nervous...just the typical new job jitters. I'm anxious to get into a rhythm with the new job and especially to start working from home! 

Well, there it is. My second blog entry. I'm on a roll! ;) 

Here Goes...

Well, I've had so much fun reading my friends' blogs, I've decided to create one for our family. No promises on how frequently I'll update it, but I'll do my best. Maybe someday Andra will have fun looking back at her early days and Mom's and Dad's thoughts about raising her! 

The latest development in our little world is that I've been lucky enough to find an outstanding part-time job, which will give me more time at home with Andra! I'll even be working from home most of the time! Maybe having more time away from work will give me a chance to update this blog. :) We'll see! I have no doubt this part-time job is an answered prayer. It literally fell in my lap...a gift straight from heaven, no doubt! 

Other than that, our whole family is anxiously awaiting spring...Pudge especially! He's tired of being cooped up, and he needs to burn off some steam. He's looked a little sad in the eyes lately, and I think it's the winter blahs. This has seemed like the longest winter EVER, but I think it's just because we're so anxious to get outside with Andra and get those baby piggies in the green grass! There's a whole new world out there she hasn't had a chance to explore, and we're excited to watch her discover it all! 

As a test of my blogging skills, I'll post a recent picture of our family--minus Dave--someone's gotta be behind the camera! 

Well, until next time... (again, no promises!)