Eme in the dog water, again!

Eme stepped in the dogs water with her socks on - she must have thought it was a very tiny wading pool!

Baby Bliss - October 2009

October 12, 2009 – 9 months old


What isn’t she doing? She is crawling like nobodies’ business, pulling herself on everything and walking with the assistance of a walker. Need I say more, we are busy! She is trying more foods every week and even some “adult foods”, like steamed veggies, mashed fruits and breads.

She is also beginning to show aggregation when she doesn’t get her way. But, it’s so dang cute it’s hard not to laugh! She gets upset mostly because she wants to play in the dog’s water bowl or pull on an electrical cord, and we try to re-direct her. We are also working on teaching her “no” and “come back here”! She’s pretty darn good and listens, but sometimes she gets it in her head to get in the water. So when we stand in her way, she will 360 and growl at us. A 360 is when she spins on her butt, using her legs she turns herself in a complete circle, clinch fists and gives us a disapproving growl “arghhhhhhhhhhh!”

But she is also getting good at showing excitement too! As she gets better at understanding words and signs; she smiles, claps and kicks her legs when she sees something or someone she likes!! She is also “reaching” for stuff now, like “pick me up” or “I want to go to you”, or “I can’t reach that”.

She is so much fun!

Baby Bliss - September 2009

September 12, 2009 – 7 and 8 months Old


Hello,

Emelia is growing like a weed; she is now 17 lbs 4 oz, she has 4 teeth, she is scooting along on her hands and knees (almost a crawl) and pulling herself up on stuff. It is so amazing to watch her grow; she is so smart and so sweet! She is also working on foods; she worked her way through the veggies; peas, green beans, carrots, squash and the fruits; apples, bananas and pears. She does not love these foods, but still likes her cereal and oatmeal and hopefully she will grow to like some food soon. She is also drinking from cups, water bottles and learning to use a sippy cup.

She recently had an allergic reaction to Gerber Baby Pin Wheels, they are a starter “cracker like” food that melts in baby’s mouth, but she had an instant reaction and broke out in hives around her mouth. It’s hard to narrow down what in the Pin Wheels she reacted too, because those “convenient starter” foods are loaded with a ton of ingredients. She continued to get hives for a couple days, so Rich took her to the doctors and they prescribed a steroid to help with the reaction. It’s too bad, because before I took it away, she was really enjoying the fact that she was feeding herself. Unlike the little Cheerio type “puffs”, they are still too tiny for her to get to her mouth and these were the perfect size – damn additives, preservatives and unnatural ingredients. So, we are back to one organic ingredient food at a time.

And, as first time – over paranoid parents because she had her first spill, she is no longer allowed more than 6 inches off the ground, unless being held (per Rich). He he he!

And as usual despite her little hiccups over the last two weeks, and the probability that she is still teething, she has been a perfect little angle! She is babbling more and more, and says “dadadad dadada”, but I don’t think she knows it yet – although Rich is quick to claim it as her first word. We also had to move her to her crib at night (a smooth transition), which is on the lowest level possible and she now even plays in her room too! I hate to see her “move out” of our room but she seems to be enjoying these little steps.

Baby Bliss - August 2009

July 25, 2009 – 6 months Old


Hello,

So, this was a BIG month too – she started cutting teeth; two small bottom front teeth and doing lots of other fun stuff. She is sitting on her own; she is rolling over and can briefly stay on her knees, in a crawl position. She started throwing things and watching wear they go, she is beginning to remember object placement. She will pull out and put back in her binky; she will take something from you (and put it in her mouth). And lastly, she went “swimming” for the first time and she has shown a great interest in food.

She is a happy baby and has hardly complained despite her recent troubles. Next month is her Christening, so we look forward to her first travel experience!

Baby Bliss - July 2009

July 4, 2009 – 5 Months Old


Happy 4th of July,

Emelia is 5 months old (21 weeks old this Saturday) and is in the 75%, according to the last doctor visit. She was 25 inchs long and weighed 14 lbs 10ozs, and in good health. This was a huge month for her. She is learning to push and pull on toys – sometimes to get lights and sounds. She responds to her name. She is also getting stronger – she has a nice tight grip, a strong back and legs, and is working on staying in a seated upright position. She has rolled over about ten times – but while she’s asleep and to our dismay not in front of mommy or daddy. (well, not for daddy because he doesn’t put her down long enough; wink, wink!)

She has shown a great interest in the dogs – she thinks they are funny. She often follows them around with her head, watching, laughing and mumbling. She also reaches for them when they are close and doesn’t seem to mind cold noses and occasional kisses.

She wore her first bow and first pair of tennis shoes. Not for long, but I wanted her to get use to them. She does a lot of sucking on her fingers, but will now suck on toys and brings just about everything to her mouth, including her toes. She also likes her “wooly”, a pink fuzzy bear blanket thing, it’s soft and she holds it during her cat naps. She also got an “umbrella stroller” – which she really likes, a couple new toys, and a walker in the shape of a JEEP this month. Just the tips of her toes touch and has scooted backwards a couple times, but it won’t be long. She really seems to enjoy toys with buttons – unfortunately the ones that make sounds ;)

She still loves her bath!! And, she is laughing more – which sometimes sounds like Elmer Fud (he, he, he, he, he), but a lot of squeals and open mouth smiles. She really shows excitement when mommy or daddy come home, and daddy is teaching her to make kissing noises (however, it is a reverse kiss, she sucks in her bottom lip). It is a lot of fun and new things happen every day.

Her hair is getting longer and I will soon get to clip off a little lock. Well, until next time!

Baby Bliss - June 2009

June 6, 2009 – 4 Months Old


Hello,

Emelia is 4 months old. We are all adjusting well to the work week and she seems to be comfortable in her daily routines. She still loves “Mr. Sunshine”, looking in mirrors, and watching people’s faces. She is more interested in mimicking your lips – she will smile at you, when you smile at her, and is now better at following voices and objects around the room with her eyes. She will often watch the dogs walk around. She is also laughing more and enjoying the sound of her own voice. I love her little giggles and squeals. She is getting close to turning over, she gets her legs over and can get to her side but not quit all the way over. She is really starting to notice her feet and using them to kick things and uses her toes to “grab” things on her play year. Here is the 4 month “Mr. Bear” picture, enjoy!

Baby Bliss - May 2009

May 3, 2009 – 3 Months Old


Hello,

Emelia is now 3 months old - between now and the terrible twos' I am told is one the most exciting and fun time in a parent's life. I have already noticed how much more alert she is, how much more she is trying to communicate with us and how much stronger she is getting. She can now hold her head up with control, stand up (put her full weight) on her legs, hold herself in a sitting position with some assistance and she is working on grabbing and kicking with more control. It's so wonderful to watch as she learns, tries things, concentrates and works on deliberate movements. She is also "cooing" and "oohing" more, which it is just a delight to hear her small voice. She is also following objects with her eyes. She recently outgrew the newborn clothes and some of her 0-3 month’s clothes. The last doctor’s appointment said she was now 22 inches long and weighed 11lbs 8ozs and was doing great!

She is sleeping through the night on a consistent basis (since about 9 weeks) and seems to be a good sleeper. She goes down to bed sleepy but awake, and takes a nice long nap in the afternoon. I had to return to work this week, so I will greatly miss her and my nap time too.

She is pretty good at scooting, but has not been able to turn over yet or get into a "crawl" position - I love watching her coordinate and try these new things, and she is doing very well. She loves her bath time, "Mr. Sunshine" a light-up sunny face on her play yard, "her blanket" a blanket on our couch and looking at people faces. She is beginning to like her swing (she often takes cat - naps in it), her "seat" (a supported chair to encourage sitting for 3 -6 month olds) and looking in mirrors. She has not taken to the car seat, although is OK driving but will start to cry when the car comes to a stop, or the stroller (which is her car seat on pedestrian wheels). But all is well; she'll have another doctor’s appointment at 4 months, so I look forward to updating you then.

Talk to you later,

Love us

Baby Bliss - April 2009

April 4, 2009 – 2 Months Old

Hello,

Due to popular demand, I guess I should have started a monthly update of baby, now that she is here :) Ha ha ha.

Yes, Emelia is doing great! She is growing well and has remained healthy. At her two week visit she had gained some weight at 7lbs 5ozs and grew an inch. However, I think she has gained at least another pound since then and grown another inch or so. She is now grown out of the "Newborn" clothes and some of the 0-3 months. She also outgrew the "swaddle", two weeks ago she kicked out of it and now sleeps in those adorable footy pj's. Lately she has been sleeping during the night - two back to back 5 hour blocks. But occasionally has an off night.

She has also been healthy so far, luckily we escaped whatever virus Rich had! She has another (2 month) doctor’s appointment coming up soon. But so far she is showing good signs of development. She started "cooing and ahhing", but hasn't found her "voice" yet. It is still very new and accidental.

Yes, we have taken lots of pictures, but have no way to share them - I will make my way to a Kodak kiosk soon and load them on a disk, so I can put them on the website. Our computer is a dinosaur and does not work well (I usually use the one at work but I am home, so I have to deal with this brick!). She is a good baby; in fact she is so smart and very strong. Almost from the beginning she could hold her head up, but now she can turn it side to side on her belly. She can also balance on her legs already; she scoots and is working on grasping. More and more each day she is observing the world around her and trying to make sense of it. She is alert and interactive, and has smiled on demand a couple times.

She is also turning out to be a good sleeper, not only will she go down while still a little awake, lately she almost "tells" us to put her down, so she can sleep. Apparently it is not as comfortable to fall asleep in an upright position anymore.

She is also more content being put down (out of arms); in her bouncer or in her swing. And I still think she looks like Rich - if you see his baby pictures, she is like a mini - me of him, but her looks change week to week too, and some still think she looks like me.

The dogs are doing well with her - especially since she doesn't cry as much - however, I think they are more interested in her toys though.

Well, hope all is well - God bless you and the economy - we wish you good health this spring and will write again soon!

Love the Worrell's

PS: There is a new sitcom coming out in April that is called Parks and Recreation - for the record I had an idea for a funny movie called "Parks and Recked" that I pitched to a producer two years ago. Despite being beside myself - I am not boycotting the show - I can't wait to see it!

Making a homemade CROSS CENTERPIECE for Christening

Homemade CROSS centerpieces:

I also enjoy making homemade arts and crafts. Making something from nothing, well not nothing but out of nothing. I like making things up - I like making things I see. If I can visualize it, I can make it! I use to want to work in movie special effects and make miniatures all day, but by the time I got to college everything was digital and there was hardly any "hands on" work anymore. So I incorporate my passion into special events and party planning. Here is one of my favorites! The hand made Cross Center Pieces I made for my daughters Christening. Please feel free to take a look and take a page out of my "book". Hope you like it and can make your own! If not, give me a call, I'm for hire :)

CROSS CENTERPIECE. All the supplies needed to make 3-D stand up cross center pieces. Used at Emelias' Christning: Felt, double sided tape, scissors, pencil, straight edge, ruler, foam core, spray mount, adhesive gems, tulle, while ribbon, pink ribbon, white flowers, and (wedding corsage) pearl straigh pins.

CROSS CENTERPIECE. I measured and cut 9 crosses (8 inch tall X 6 wide) from a 30X20 piece of foam core board. I used a ruler and pencil to mark each cross for cutting. I used a straight edge (carpet knife) razor for cutting.

CROSS CENTER PIECE. I used 1/2 inch foam board (30X20) and was able to cut 9 crosses our of each (8 inch tall and 6 inch across). And out of each square cut out (trash? nope!) - I made the square bases to stand up the crosses.

CROSS CENTERPIECE. After the crosses were cut out, I used satin ribbon and double sided tape to line the edges of the crosses and the bases.

CROSS CENTERPIECES. After the ribbon was in place, I cut out felt crosses to tape to each side of the foam crosses, and the tops of the bases.

CROSS CENTERPIECE. After the satin and the felt were in place, I put the cross and base together. Then I added embelishments. An adhesive gem in the middle, tulle, white flowers and ribbon.

My Supervisor shares his history

So every now and then my supervisor finds it necessary to share a story about a past work experience, and sometimes I find it very helpful and sometimes I just find it entertaining. I know a story is coming because he'll say "I don't know if I ever told you this" - did I mention he has a very short memory. He'll often finish with "my wife says I should write this stuff down". So some stories I have been privy to on more than one occasion and I thought maybe I would write them down for him. Anyway, here are a couple he shared recently:
The Cow:
He once got a call from the Mayor who wanted to donate a Cow statue to the parks and rec department to be used in a playground. The mayor insisted on him coming to view the Cow, and as it turns out, find a way to move it, in the drive way of a yard sale. So he went down there. Sure enough the Cow was about 1/3 the size of a real cow, but it was in no way appropriate for a playground. He pointed out that the Cow had sharp horns and a thick sharp base. It took some convincing but the Mayor finally let go and did not make him put the Cow in a playground.
The Contractor:
There was a problem with one of the pumps on the town's lake fountain. So naturally the whole town was aware of the situation and shared their concern and opinions till the fountain was fixed. But, nothing in government is ever done fast enough! So a citizen called and wanted to know "what the hold up was", that the amount of time to fix the pump was "unacceptably untimely". He also felt the need to tell him that he himself was a contractor and he had never scene a "project" take this long. So my supervisor kindly reminded him that government works at a different pace than the private sector. For instance unlike the private sector - we have to submit a project plan, then we have to get at least three bids, then we have to get approvals on the bids, then we have to enter into a contract and get that approved too. And at any time during this process we have to stop to answer questions and research alternatives. The citizen accepted this.

I saw a horrible spelling of Amelia 2D - Emeilyah; and you thought "Emelia" was bad? Although, I will never find her name plate

SOS! SAVE our PARKS - Day@AZCapt. Mon. Feb 1@10a-1p Janice Miano 602-528-7500 BE THERE!!!!!!

Save Arizona State Parks: http://ping.fm/ch9gT

The joys of toys and eating with an 11 month old

I have an 11 month old little girl. I will have to tell you more about her later. Since she is by far the best baby I have ever met, and I am not just saying that... I mean happy, cuddly, loving little girl, who is smart and strong! I would've never imagined having so much fun with a baby - I guess I thought they would be a lot more work than this. So far, even pregnancy - it's been easy peasy!
So anyway at this age, there are plenty of her toys that make noise, and almost everyone has an annoying song that plays over, and over and over again. Sometimes with words but usually not, it gets stuck in your head and your not even sure you know the words in the first place. But there is no escaping it; because just when you forget about it, it plays again. Today I am sick of hearing her Pooh phone - it keeps prompting her to play along; I want to scream press 6, press 6, press 6 - ALREADY!
Then I must have wanted a challenge today - becuase I decided to try speghetti - O's, she was interested in feeding herself, so I thought why not. Untill she figured that the only way to eat the O's was from around her tiny fingers. So she dug in the O's till one would ring around her finger and then she'd bite it off. Unfortunatly, the RED 10 dye they use in the sauce, was everywhere! Stainning her seat, the tray, the bowl, her fingers, her mouth, my sleeves... what was I thinking. Ahhhh, the joys of toys and eating with an 11 month old. I wouldn't trade it for the world!

http://ping.fm/q8ugW

My Blog Style

OK, so I have decided, I will blog the way I journal. Very natural and honest, with the bit of wit I always deliver in my stories. I will have blogs labeled - "All in a days work" - about work and career field stories; "City Kitty" - opinions and critiques about travel, tourism, parks, events, shopping, liesure activities, dining, work ethics, etc; "The family kat" - about my family; and finally "Old but not outdated" - references to old journal entries and/or my childhood. Then there is also the added joy of my Twitter and Ping entries. Enjoy!

Parks and Recreation - The Pack Rat

Today our parks maintenance crew member, Phil, came in to the office and he had a story to tell us about how they had removed about 1000 brush bushes from one of the park washes. He said they had been removing brush and dead dried bushes all morning, and when they came back from lunch they begun raking the rock back into place and filling the holes. He said "as if it was a cartoon, one by one little creatures appeared looking for their missing homes and shelters, it was so sad". He described the first encounter with a road runner. The road runner came bouncing through, it's long legs skipping easily over the dessert debris, and then slowed down as it stopped at the very point where a barrel cactus had been, and stared. In a very bird like way, it tilted it's head side to side and looked from Phil to the missing cactus. It came closer to inspect the situation, despite the presence of Phil, it gave Phil one last long look of disapproval and then skipped away. The second encounter a short time later, was with a bunny. Slowly, yet agile the bunny enter into the wash and twitched it nose in curiosity. And, if possible the droopy eyes become even more saddened at the loss of an apparently important piece of its' habitat. Then the last and most humorous encounter was with a pack rat, who's' hole was partly covered already. The tiny pack rat popped out, then shook its' head and twitched its' tiny paws to "dust" off the dirt. After blinking its' eyes a couple times and turning it's head side to side, it twitched again as it looked around in confusion. It put its' tiny paws on the ground and sniffed, as if to ask itself "am I in the right place?". Then it looked around again, still blinking the dirt out it's eyes. During what can only be described as the "acceptance" - the tiny pack rat popped back into a standing position and looked straight up to see there was no longer a roof over his hole. Its' little shoulders seemed to collapse and Phil swears he heard a tear drop. Ahhhhh!

So, we naturally gave Phil a hard time; joking that it is suppose to rain tomorrow and the poor little pack rats' home is going to flood; that it probably took that pack rat 2 years to collect all that crap and build a roof; that we would have to encourage the critters to apply for a "Relief Fund" to repair their homes.

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City Kitty's First Blog

Wow, I have always kept a journal, but no one has ever read that, so this is quit different. This is my first "blog" entry (although let's face it, I have been "blooging" forever!) and I guess I am going to have to decied my blog style. I might even have to go back and blog about some journal entrys. I think some of my travel experiences, life and work stories are worth revisting. So enjoy!