Progress Report

This month we will have our 6 month post placement review for the adoption agency. Lots to report - walking, (some) talking, daycare, and health. Jude has really taken to daycare, so much so that she's picked up nearly every illness that is common to the daycare crowd. Pink eye, strep, thrush, HFM - yuck. And yes, I've gotten to try out quite a few as well.

I've told Jude she has to make it through the entire month of August without getting sick. It's day 11 and so far so good. We've had two whole weekends without one or both of us down with something. Quite nice.

There's been swimming, the Irish Festival, and today we went to a single parent appreciation day held by a local church. Jude got to play while I had a mini massage, health screening, pedicure, and then they washed our car! So nice!

I love Fall so there are many events planned for the coming months. Next up - christening!

The 'Mine' monster

Jude has learned the dreaded word 'mine' and she is getting lots of practice using it.

We went to the super store yesterday and I had to pull out some bribe crackers. She let out a wicked little 'heh heh' , pronounced them 'Mine', and then looked around to make sure everyone understood.

It's been noted by her teachers at daycare that she doesn't share toys (or the teacher) that well. Hey, she's a work in progress!

Sundays with Jude

I don't know what it is with Sundays. It seems like she has a play or development spurt every Sunday.

Two weeks ago she suddenly became obsessed with her big Lego-like blocks. She built all day long, making careful color and size coordinated structures.

Last Sunday it was a day with her dolly. She spent the morning giving the doll a bath, rocking her, and putting her to bed. She then insisted on taking the doll to church for more of the same. And she sat in the pew like an adult, instead of sitting Indian style on the seat.

Today it's all about the blocks wagon, which has sat in the living room untouched for months. She's spent the last 2 hours pushing and pulling said wagon around and around the house.

Wish I knew what prompts it; I could bottle it and make a fortune.

1 = 2 of everything

There are some things the other parents neglect to tell you before you become one yourself.  Not out of spite but out of pure 'we just do we don't think about it'-ness.

For example, they don't think to tell you that for just one child you will be required to have two (and some times three or more) of everything.   One set of diapering supplies for downstairs and one for upstairs.  Plus another for the diaper bag, and maybe a fourth for the car.  Multiple tubes of every cream (ezcema lotion, itch cream).  A set of sun supplies (towel, suit, sunblock, hat, glasses) for home and one set for day care.

And don't get me started on the pacifiers.  At least the makers of baby pain relievers package the stuff in twos.  Saved me one trip to the store.  One.  


And for my family and friends - a bit of financial advice.  If I were you, I'd buy stock on a certain store with a bulls-eye logo.  I give them at least half my paycheck every week.  Sixteen + more years before she's off on her own.  I will be keeping that company in business.


Now for Jude's 4th of July picture.  We didn't do much, and she was in bed before the fireworks.  Then again, so was I.

Beach Baby, meet water

Continuing our Memorial Day tales, it was too hot on Monday to catch the tail end of the Asian festival. We spent so time with friends at the Easton play fountain.

Jude enjoyed the water and showed no fear of the spraying fountains. I got soaked myself.

Visiting the aquarium

It's Memorial Day weekend - hot, muggy, bad air. Ah summer in Ohio!

I'm still having breathing problems (I don't want to hear it!) so we're delaying the Asian festival until Monday.

I opted for the Newport aquarium instead for today's activity. Yes it was a bit busy, but Jude liked it.

Her favorite by far were the the jellyfish. She'd have been happy to spend the whole day watching them.

We came home to a quick bath and then she crashed. I'm not far behind.

A first and a last

Today was my first Mother's Day!

I haven't celebrated this day for 10 years, since my own mom passed away in late 2001. It was wonderful to hear from so many people wishing us the best.

Jude made it through a whole church service today too - a little Mother's Day miracle.

Now to the last. Today was my last day of FMLA. I go back to work tomorrow. Jude begins full time day care as well.

Fingers crossed for us both!