Where Have We Been?

Reading Twilight! My sister's wish has come true, another twilighter has been born! If you haven't read the Twilight series by Stephenie Meyer you should because they are incredible. So incredible I can't seem to quit reading them and get anything done lately. Oh well. No one comes in our house anyway. Wait, that's not true. The inspector from the moving company came to see all the stuff that was damaged by the movers today. Our last movers were horrible. Somehow they managed to scratch Emilie's brand new crib all over, break the wiring on the brand new dryer, scratch the new washer and dryer and scratch our glass table top. There were other damages too, those are just the main problems. I was really upset because I made it so easy for them to pack everything, and they did such a crappy job. I also very nicely asked for them to be careful with the crib (it was brand new, Em wasn't even born yet) because it was special to me but that seemed to be the piece with the most damage! I almost feel vindicated knowing that they will have to replace so many items. We have decided not to purchase anymore nice furniture or appliances until we are out of the military, that way we can keep them like new! Em has been kinda fussy lately. I have no idea why. Is she teething? Is her reflux bugging her? Does her tummy hurt? There are always so many options. I seriously think babies should change colors to identfy issues. Like purple could mean a burp, yellow equals hunger, blue is sleepy, red is an earache? It would make my life so much less worrisome, and all babies so much happier. If only! Well, here are some pictures of the little chubberkins, since that's what you came for anyway!

We went for a walk the other night and Emilie sat like this the whole time. I kept moving her because it couldn't have been comfortable, but she would go right back. Finally we just padded the stroller with a blanket to make us feel better about it.

Two am in the Call household!

I think this is the first picture of the three of us ever!
Ready for our vacation!

Okay, I had to post this video because it is too funny. Apparently, this is how a glow worm is supposed to be played with by a five month old!

Just For Fun

I think mine is the most accurate, but overall (I'm not sure about Em, she's too little) I think this us!

What Kassie Means

What Kassie Means

You are a seeker of knowledge, and you have learned many things in your life. You are also a keeper of knowledge - meaning you don't spill secrets or spread gossip. People sometimes think you're snobby or aloof, but you're just too deep in thought to pay attention to them. You are usually the best at everything ... you strive for perfection. You are confident, authoritative, and aggressive. You have the classic "Type A" personality. You are the total package - suave, sexy, smart, and strong. You have the whole world under your spell, and you can influence almost everyone you know. You don't always resist your urges to crush the weak. Just remember, they don't have as much going for them as you do. You tend to be pretty tightly wound. It's easy to get you excited... which can be a good or bad thing. You have a lot of enthusiasm, but it fades rather quickly. You don't stick with any one thing for very long. You have the drive to accomplish a lot in a short amount of time. Your biggest problem is making sure you finish the projects you start. You are friendly, charming, and warm. You get along with almost everyone. You work hard not to rock the boat. Your easy going attitude brings people together. At times, you can be a little flaky and irresponsible. But for the important things, you pull it together.

What's" Your Name's Hidden Meaning?

What Emilie Means

What Emilie Means

You are friendly, charming, and warm. You get along with almost everyone. You work hard not to rock the boat. Your easy going attitude brings people together. At times, you can be a little flaky and irresponsible. But for the important things, you pull it together. You are confident, self assured, and capable. You are not easily intimidated. You master any and all skills easily. You don't have to work hard for what you want. You make your life out to be exactly how you want it. And you'll knock down anyone who gets in your way! You tend to be pretty tightly wound. It's easy to get you excited... which can be a good or bad thing. You have a lot of enthusiasm, but it fades rather quickly. You don't stick with any one thing for very long. You have the drive to accomplish a lot in a short amount of time. Your biggest problem is making sure you finish the projects you start. You are relaxed, chill, and very likely to go with the flow. You are light hearted and accepting. You don't get worked up easily. Well adjusted and incredibly happy, many people wonder what your secret to life is.

What's" Your Name's Hidden Meaning?

What Nathan Means

What Nathan Means

You are very intuitive and wise. You understand the world better than most people. You also have a very active imagination. You often get carried away with your thoughts. You are prone to a little paranoia and jealousy. You sometimes go overboard in interpreting signals. You are usually the best at everything ... you strive for perfection. You are confident, authoritative, and aggressive. You have the classic "Type A" personality. You are a seeker. You often find yourself restless - and you have a lot of questions about life. You tend to travel often, to fairly random locations. You're most comfortable when you're far away from home. You are quite passionate and easily tempted. Your impulses sometimes get you into trouble. You are truly an original person. You have amazing ideas, and the power to carry them out. Success comes rather easily for you... especially in business and academia. Some people find you to be selfish and a bit overbearing. You're a strong person.

What's" Your Name's Hidden Meaning?

Sleepy Sleepy!

Emilie did NOT want to nap at all the other day. She took three 20 minute naps which is WAY less than normal. By the end of the day, things caught up with her, and here is the result.

Poor thing. I took her out of the highchair and was going to clean her up and put her to bed (yes, I was actually going to skip the daily bath, it would have been a miracle!) but she woke up. Miraculously here is Em 10 minutes later...

She loves to blow raspberries and suck on the corner of her highchair. I wish I had half the fun cleaning up her mess as she had making it! I really don't mind, it was really cute. Here are some pics at the end of her little party.

I thought she looked so cute all sleepy and swaddled the other day, I couldn't resist posting yet another picture of her sleeping. Yes, we still swaddle her, she would never sleep otherwise.

We love to hang out and have lazy mornings since Nathan doesn't work until later. She was so cute in her boppy and pj's here (our couch is really ugly, but it's clean, comfortable, and it was free!) Don't worry, we were right there to catch her if she fell.

Toes

Emilie has found her little toes. She is constantly reaching for them, it's adorable! Here is the little roly-poly reaching for her feet. Again, she isn't dressed. I don't know why she is never dressed in pictures or videos. I swear I put clothes on the poor child!

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Ignore all the weird noises, if you will, she usually laughs, but of course never in front of the camera. Here are a few pictures of her and her toes on the changing table, the greatest place ever!

Okay, so the last one I added because she looks cute. Then again, she always does. Have you noticed she loves to stick out her tongue? She rolls it and twists it and blows spit bubbles all the time, so goofy!

I just have to show everyone that I made something! I have started crocheting beads onto socks, sheerly out of cheapness. Kaitlin had socks like these when she was a baby that someone made as a gift. I looked online for some for Em, and they were like $7 a pair! For baby socks! Seriously!!! So, I said I would just make them myself, and I did! They turned out okay, I think I went a little overboard with the beads though! If you want to try and make some, let me know and I will email you instructions!

The Perfect Load

I am a happy girl today! When I opened the dishwasher to unload it absolutely nothing had flipped over and filled up with water during the cycle! Nathan thinks I'm nuts, but makes my blood boil when it happens. I go to great lengths trying to position everything so it stays put, but something always manages to flip, then the water pours on other dishes, which makes them wet and dirty because the water that collects in the dish includes debris from the beginning of the load, then I have to rewash everything. It is a vicious cycle. Maybe I am crazy, but I was so excited that I finally got my perfect load! Well I better post a few pics of Em or else my Mom will disown me. Besides, no one reads the blog, they just look at my pictures. It's okay, I know the truth!

Here's Emilie standing up. Nathan asked if I velcroed her to the bed. Only he would try something like that. I just leaned her against it and she stayed. It was really cute. Her little legs are getting so chubby!

Smiles like these are the greatest part about being a Mom, they are just for you. (But I don't mind sharing!)

I took this myself because Nathan is always at work. Everyone wants pictures of Me and Nathan for some reason! It's a pretty bad picture, but it's all I have for now. Just focus on Em, please!

Our Form of Child Abuse

Well, I have been trying to introduce peas to Emilie's palate, but I don't think they are going to be friends. I've read that it takes about ten tries of a new food before a baby begins to tolerate the taste, this is our fourth attempt and things are not improving. She loves to eat baby oatmeal, applesauce, sweet potatoes, and bananas. All sweet things, I know. Perhaps I will try again when she is older, I just feel too bad making her gag! Glue time (or cereal time, but it really makes great glue) is quickly becoming one of Em's favorite activites. Plus, we have introduced water from a cup to make things much messier, which adds to the fun! She is so cute with the cup. She starts breathing heavy and kinda laps at the water with her tongue. I don't think she swallows any of it, it all goes down her chest. She'll get it eventually, so in the meantime I am just enjoying watching her try. Nathan is working 3-11 (more like 2-1) right now which has been a little rough for us. He doesn't get a lunch/dinner break so at night it's just me and Em :( We miss our family time at night and can't wait to have it again. He should start a better schedule in a few months. At least that's what he's been told! In the meantime we are looking forward to out trip to Texas in May, followed by an Ohio visit! We can't wait to see everyone. Here is poor Emilie and the peas.

I ended up feeding her baby oatmeal mixed with apple juice. She made a big mess with the water, but had a blast. Here is Em after her dinner. If you look closely you can tell her onesie is totally soaked.

Good thing glue time is always followed with bathtime! Besides, what better dessert is there than some towel and fingers?

She is so much fun. Can you tell I enjoy her?

Why we Love Baby Einstein

Emilie usually hates the car, but not today! She LOVES Baby Einstein toys (Nathan calls the videos babycrack), so we bought this in hopes of making car rides a little more fun for her. Sure enough, no crying! We aren't trying to drive across the country or anything yet, but a trip to Target would be nice! Here are some pictures from around the house!

Hanging out with Mom, eating her sunshine.

Playing XBOX 360 with Dad. For some reason she is never dressed when we take pictures!

I take too many pictures of her sleeping, I know.



Mother Theresa and Emilie, undressed of course. Don't Ask.




She woke up super happy from her nap, probably because she "escaped" from her swaddle.

These were my favorite PJ's of my nephews. I can't believe they fit her already!

Yes, another Baby Einstein Toy. She loves them!

She looks like she's going right to sleep, right?

I think we have a future gamer on our hands. I guess she had to get something from Nathan!

And So The Trouble Begins!

Emilie rolled over today! I can't express my excitement enough. I have really worried about her developing torso strength due to the lack of tummy time she can handle. I guess I will have to find something new to worry about! I even was able to get it on video. See for yourself!

If It Ain't Broke... Break It?

I know I am stubborn. When I was first born the hospital nurses brought me to my Mom and said she was in trouble, this baby knows what she wants. They tried to bottle feed me formula and sugar water, they tried pacifiers and fingers. But I wanted to nurse. Sometimes I will try and get my way even if everything tells me it's wrong. I'm often stubborn to a fault and this weekend was one of those times. I am (still) talking about Em's formula! Okay, so we tried the stinky stuff, and thought things were better. I even took Em in the car and she didn't scream the entire time, which really is a big improvement. But after a few days of the stench, I started to convince myself that maybe it really wasn't the formula change, we were just having a few good days. Also, I focused on the fact that Em really hadn't pooed for a few days, so, I put Emilie back on regular formula. You know, just to see what would happen. Well, finally she pooped. EVERYWHERE! I swear it bleached her onesie (it did, I know it did) which I took as a sign that the Alimentum is bad and all chemically and stuff. Even though two seperate pediatricians have said to keep her on it my "signs" were telling me she is fine with regular formula. The first day on reg. stuff she spit up. A LOT. So I told myself okay, nothing out of the ordinary. Besides, the only thing that will stop the spit-up is time, no medicine or formula can make her tummy mature. Well, Nathan pointed out she was fussier than she was before I switched back. Eh, it was the weekend and he really isn't around during the week so does he really know? Besides, some days are worse than others. Then the second day, things got worse. Emilie was spitting up constantly, like 3 hours after she had eaten. That is normal sometimes, but not this amount. As a last ditch effort before we sentenced ourselves to life with Alimentum, we tried soy, again. The only other time Emilie had soy was in the middle of the night a few months ago. In the morning, she had thrown up everything she had eaten during her sleep (thank goodness she sleeps on her side!) We thought she had a big burp or a tummy bug, but put her back on regular formula just in case it was the soy. Well, I now know it was no burp or bug. Emilie is HIGHLY intolerant to soy formula. We fed her once, and two hours later she retched and heaved until there was no soy left! My poor baby. I feel terrible about it, but I really meant well. So, I have officially learned my lesson. We will be keeping her on the Alimentum from here on out, unless our pediatrician says otherwise. I am okay, because I have found that the ready-to-feed liquid is much less stinky and much thicker (it might stay down better) along with being much easier to prepare. It's more expensive than powder, but I think we can get it covered by WIC or our insurance. Anyhow, the moral of the story is, if it ain't broke...

The Woes of Formula

We are trying Emilie on a hypoallergenic formula to see if it helps with her reflux. I'm not fond of regular formula in the first place, but this stuff is making me appreciate it more and more. Before our "trial" of this new stuff (Similac Alimentum) I thought regular formula was smelly and expensive. Ha! Alimentum is seriously twice the price and the smell, oh the smell. Alimentum is a hydrosolate, meaning the proteins are already broken down so babies with a milk protein allergy can digest it. I don't know how they "pre-digest" the stuff, from the way it smells, it must involve burning tar. Unfortunately we can't just use soy, which is smelly too, but compared to hydrosolate it's a bouquet of flowers. Babies who are intolerant to cows milk protein are intolerant to soy protein as well, which basically means we have run out of options. Emilie doesn't seem to mind the taste which is great, and really all that matters is that she is healthy and happy, which she is. We went to the doctor yesterday (just a reflux follow-up) and she is now 16 lbs 12 oz. She has gained almost 1 1/2 lbs in three weeks! She seriously needs to quit growing up so fast! I love her to pieces. She can now push her chest up when she is on her tummy, which we have worried about her developing arm muscles since we really can't give her tummy time due to reflux and her torticollis (or crooked head as we call it) affects things too. She is right on schedule though! She is very playful, she just laughs and giggles all the time. Sometimes I look at her and it just hurts thinking about how much I love her. If only I could bottle each day and revisit it. Like today, she was blowing spit bubbles in her highchair while I put the groceries away. She had a blast! Here is a video, but she had tired out a bit (she had been doing it for half an hour already.)

Too cute! Well, I better get back to laundry, she spit up the nasty formula! But first, here are some pictures!

Emilie sometimes starts to wake up too early into her nap, so we usually just pat her and she goes back to sleep. This time she woke up over and over, so Nathan put her animals on her to simulate his hand on her. It worked!



Here is Little Em trying very hard to push up. It is hard work to lift those chubby cheeks you know! She really looks like my brother Michael in this picture.
She is losing all her hair! :"(

Slideshow!

Make a slideshow - it's easy!

So Lame!

Okay, so I have been in the process of starting our blog for over two months now. Pathetic, I know. In my defense, we did move and have a (almost) five month old baby. So, we are now in Tucson, Arizona for the next two year, we think. Our little Emilie is growing up so much right now. She just started eating rice cereal, against my wishes, which proves that she is no longer a new baby. It breaks my heart everytime she outgrows an outfit or no longer does something she did before, but it is so amazing to watch her grow and learn. My little brother said the most profound thing about your children growing up. He said "You miss everything they did, but love everything they do." Perfectly put. I think I am just upset about having to start Em on solids, and move her into a bigger size diaper right now. Anyhow, I hope to improve our little website soon! In the meantime I will just post pics of Emilie, so nobody notices how lame our page is!

Here is Emilie eating her "lollipop." She loves this balloon!