Friday, January 30, 2009
Baby Laughs
Enjoy the laughter! Sorry that the video is sideways! I can't figure out how to flip it.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Dinner Time
For the last several week, I have been having some trouble getting Teegen to eat for me. As in baby food that I have slaved over on the weekends. Very tasty and organic baby food. She will eat for the teachers at daycare, but not at home. Until tonight...when i handed her the dish and let her hold it! She ate both peaches and peas until there was none left. Maybe I should start calling her Miss Independence.
My feet taste pretty good too!
These peaches are delish!
I can't say the same about the peas, but I will eat them
My feet taste pretty good too!
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Seven Month Update
Last Friday, Teegen hit the seven month mark...what???? Where did all that time go? She continues to grow and thrive, never ceasing to amaze me! There are times when it seems like just yesterday, I was cuddling a scrawny 4 day old in the NICU. And there are times when it feels like Teegen has always been a part of our family.
Do you think that we need pictures in the bathtub?
Working on crawling
Mom, I think this is an inappropriate time for photos
Who's the cutest hippie?
Other recent developments include:
So what's she doing now? More like what is she not doing now. This girl loves to move and is always busy! While not crawling just yet, she can get where she wants to go when on the floor, either by rolling or scooting. Sometimes she will do the worm to grab a toy just out of reach. When she is sitting in your lap, she is constantly grabbing things. Larry and I are seriously considering Lasik surgery given the number of times Teegen has yanked our glasses off. One of her favorite pasttimes is hairpulling, so I am thinking of shaving my head. Funny, she doesn't seem to bother Larry's hair.
We tried for a seven month picture with Harry, after Mom forgot.
You see that I didn't want to sit still.
We tried for a seven month picture with Harry, after Mom forgot.
You see that I didn't want to sit still.
Do you think that we need pictures in the bathtub?
Working on crawling
Mom, I think this is an inappropriate time for photos
Who's the cutest hippie?- Imitating sounds--a few of the little boys in day care with Teegen make this throaty "he-he-he" noise, which she was picked up as well. She has also started growling.
- Has tried lots of new foods, including apples, pears, mangos, peas and butternut squash. She is still not crazy about anything but her bottle.
- Very interested in the remote control. Thanks to YaYa, Teeg has one of her very own.
- While trying to crawl, she can pull herself onto all fours and get herself into the "downward dog" yoga position.
- Loves to fall asleep with her Daddy in the recliner.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
How Cute!
Just a quick shot before school! There is supposed to be a matching hairbow, but alas, not enough hair!
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Vacation Rewind
I've been meaning to write a bit about our vacation a few weeks ago, however between sleep deprivation of vacation and a recent health concern (which has turned out to be nothing so far) I've not had the chance to catch up.
Last spring, Larry and I were presented with the chance to head to Jackson Hole, Wyoming with family and friends for a snow filled vacation. Not ones to pass up a great vacation, we signed up as a couple, hoping that we would travel as three, which was obviously the case.
We were set to leave on January 3rd at 7 a.m., which was when our travel follies began. For starters, due to some staffing issues of a certain airline, we missed our first flight. So instead of arriving in Jackson Hole at 1 p.m., we left Richmond at 2 p.m. We finally got to our destination at 10 pm. The one plus of the situation was the bump to first class. Oh if I could only travel that way all the time. And Teegen was such a trooper. What a great little traveler we have!
Teegen and Mommy in Jackson Hole. Teegen spent a lot of time in
the Hotsling and loved it. So did I.
Trying on Daddy's boots
View from our car on the way out of Wyoming
Our Hotel from the outside
Our original plans while out west were to leave Jackson Hole for Las Vegas on Wednesday in order to make our court day to finalize Teegen's adoption. While our bad travel karma hit again when the weather forecast called for over 20 inches of snow in Wyoming the day we were to leave. Unable to reschedule our court date, we made the decision to DRIVE TO LAS VEGAS....in one day. What were we thinking?
It actually was not too awful...okay, it was pretty awful, but Teegen did great. I think that the worst part of it was the worry that we were not going to make our court date. And literally not seeing a car for about three hours.
So we left Wyoming at 8:30 am and arrived at our hotel in Las Vegas about 11:45 pm. Finally we were able to get to bed about 12:45 am, were up at 4 am and on the road to our court date by 5:30.
At last, we were at our final destination...the courthouse. What an awesome experience! Our hearing took under thirty minutes and was highlighted by Larry forgetting our anniversary. Actually the judge was just giving him a hard time. Our attorney asked us each a few questions and then the judge entered the order of adoption. A few pictures later and we were on our way back to Vegas.
A picture with the attendees of the adoption hearing
The Virgin River Gorge. You have to drive through here to get to
Teegen's birthplace. It is breathtaking!
When we were finally back in Vegas, we were simply exhausted from the events of the last few days. We planned to sight-see on Friday, but Teegen woke up with a fever, so we simply hung out in the hotel/casino all day. We took turns in the casino, hitting it big on a Star Wars Slot Machine and just relaxed. Larry even let me sneak off to watch Twilight, which I loved. The next day we headed back home, with very smooth travels.
Even though we had multiple snags in travel, it was well worth it. What an exciting adventure to add to our list of memories.
Sorry for the lengthy post. Stay tuned for Teegen's 7-month update!
Last spring, Larry and I were presented with the chance to head to Jackson Hole, Wyoming with family and friends for a snow filled vacation. Not ones to pass up a great vacation, we signed up as a couple, hoping that we would travel as three, which was obviously the case.
We were set to leave on January 3rd at 7 a.m., which was when our travel follies began. For starters, due to some staffing issues of a certain airline, we missed our first flight. So instead of arriving in Jackson Hole at 1 p.m., we left Richmond at 2 p.m. We finally got to our destination at 10 pm. The one plus of the situation was the bump to first class. Oh if I could only travel that way all the time. And Teegen was such a trooper. What a great little traveler we have!
Teegen and Mommy in Jackson Hole. Teegen spent a lot of time in
the Hotsling and loved it. So did I.
Trying on Daddy's boots
View from our car on the way out of Wyoming
Our Hotel from the outsideOur original plans while out west were to leave Jackson Hole for Las Vegas on Wednesday in order to make our court day to finalize Teegen's adoption. While our bad travel karma hit again when the weather forecast called for over 20 inches of snow in Wyoming the day we were to leave. Unable to reschedule our court date, we made the decision to DRIVE TO LAS VEGAS....in one day. What were we thinking?
It actually was not too awful...okay, it was pretty awful, but Teegen did great. I think that the worst part of it was the worry that we were not going to make our court date. And literally not seeing a car for about three hours.
So we left Wyoming at 8:30 am and arrived at our hotel in Las Vegas about 11:45 pm. Finally we were able to get to bed about 12:45 am, were up at 4 am and on the road to our court date by 5:30.
At last, we were at our final destination...the courthouse. What an awesome experience! Our hearing took under thirty minutes and was highlighted by Larry forgetting our anniversary. Actually the judge was just giving him a hard time. Our attorney asked us each a few questions and then the judge entered the order of adoption. A few pictures later and we were on our way back to Vegas.
Before we left town, we stopped in at the NICU where Teegen spent the first few days of her life. It was a bit surreal to be back in the hospital and remembering all the emotions that were present in June. The NICU staff was excited to see her and how healthy she is. We were also able to stop and meet our coordinator at the adoption agency. We've emailed and talked on the phone numerous times but this was the first time we were able to meet. That meeting really brought our journey full circle.
Teegen and Mommy right before our finalizatoin hearing
A picture with the attendees of the adoption hearing
The Virgin River Gorge. You have to drive through here to get toTeegen's birthplace. It is breathtaking!
When we were finally back in Vegas, we were simply exhausted from the events of the last few days. We planned to sight-see on Friday, but Teegen woke up with a fever, so we simply hung out in the hotel/casino all day. We took turns in the casino, hitting it big on a Star Wars Slot Machine and just relaxed. Larry even let me sneak off to watch Twilight, which I loved. The next day we headed back home, with very smooth travels.
Even though we had multiple snags in travel, it was well worth it. What an exciting adventure to add to our list of memories.
Sorry for the lengthy post. Stay tuned for Teegen's 7-month update!
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Back at Home!
We are finally back from a week of traveling. We had an eventful week that was not without it's drama. More posts to come, but here are a few teaser pictures of some things we did.
Teegen and Pop watched skiers and the snowfall
Teegen got to swim for the first time.
Channeled "The Man in Black" Johnny Cash
Teegen and Pop watched skiers and the snowfall
Teegen got to swim for the first time.
Channeled "The Man in Black" Johnny Cash
Posing for her picture after her adoption was finalized.
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Ready for Vacation
Looks like someone is ready for vacation. Now if only Mommy could finish everything on her list!
Six months already?
Our girl is growing, growing, growing. Teegen and I headed to the doctor this morning for her well-baby check up. She tipped the scales at 17 pounds, 5 ounces and was 27 inches long. She didn't stop moving while the doctor was examining her. Needless to say, she is very busy these days.
Here are some of her latest developments
She still only has two teeth, but we are eagerly anticipating the arrival of two to four more in the near future.
Teegen loves to stick out her tongue and blow raspberries. While at the doctor for her checkup, the doctor commented "Teegen, you have a big head (17 3/4 centimeters)." Upon hearing this, my precious little girl looked up at the doctor, stuck out her tongue and blew one of the biggest raspberries I have ever heard.
She is rolling over constantly and will scoot while on the floor, but only in reverse.
Teegen has finally realized that Tobie, the dog, exists. She will actually laugh out loud when Tobie comes around.
Mastered rice cereal and oatmeal, and is starting some veggies and fruit. I am attempting to make most, if not all of her food, which seems to be working so far. Sweet potatoes are her favorite.
Loves to try to hold her own bottle.
Talks all time. One morning on the way to day care, she babbled non-stop.
And the crowning achievement....Teegen is now sitting up without support!!!!!
Sitting up by myself. Daddy's hand is there "just in case."
Did you know I have feet?
Teegen after bathtime at 2 weeks
Here are some of her latest developments
She still only has two teeth, but we are eagerly anticipating the arrival of two to four more in the near future.
Teegen loves to stick out her tongue and blow raspberries. While at the doctor for her checkup, the doctor commented "Teegen, you have a big head (17 3/4 centimeters)." Upon hearing this, my precious little girl looked up at the doctor, stuck out her tongue and blew one of the biggest raspberries I have ever heard.
She is rolling over constantly and will scoot while on the floor, but only in reverse.
Teegen has finally realized that Tobie, the dog, exists. She will actually laugh out loud when Tobie comes around.
Mastered rice cereal and oatmeal, and is starting some veggies and fruit. I am attempting to make most, if not all of her food, which seems to be working so far. Sweet potatoes are her favorite.
Loves to try to hold her own bottle.
Talks all time. One morning on the way to day care, she babbled non-stop.
And the crowning achievement....Teegen is now sitting up without support!!!!!
Relaxing in the tub!
Sitting up by myself. Daddy's hand is there "just in case."
Did you know I have feet?
Teegen after bathtime at 2 weeks
Teegen after bathtime at 6 months.
Resolutions 2009
Like I said last year, I don't typically like making resolutions. However, I found that by putting them in writing where they were easily accessible, I made myself more accountable for them.
Last year, I made 5 resolutions: To eat less sugar and work out more; Start an earnest effort to work on my license; Read at least one book a week, start playing my guitar again and to stop calling our child "Owen." So how did I do? I admit that I completely bombed eating less sugar and working out more and playing my guitar more. Neither one of those panned out. However I did pretty well on the remaining resolutions:
Number #1-- To start a more healthy lifestyle. With my new job, I should be able to get to the gym over lunch. This is something that both Larry and I have to do for ourselves and for Teegen.
Number #2 -- Work on our finances! I know that many people will focus on this over the next year or two and we have to make it a top priority. We would like to look towards a second adoption and the finances have to be in check.
Number #3 -- Try to be more "green."
Number #4 -- Read a book a week in 2009. I really want to do this one. So it might be a resolution until I actually accomplish it.
What are some of your resolutions?
Last year, I made 5 resolutions: To eat less sugar and work out more; Start an earnest effort to work on my license; Read at least one book a week, start playing my guitar again and to stop calling our child "Owen." So how did I do? I admit that I completely bombed eating less sugar and working out more and playing my guitar more. Neither one of those panned out. However I did pretty well on the remaining resolutions:
- I started and finished the effort get my license. I am officially an LPC.
- Now, by the simple notion that Teegen was female and arrived this year, we stopped calling the baby Owen. So perhaps I can't take all credit for this.
- I may not have read 52 books this year, but I read 30 to 31 books this year. And with the arrival of a newborn midyear, I consider this resolution kept!
Number #1-- To start a more healthy lifestyle. With my new job, I should be able to get to the gym over lunch. This is something that both Larry and I have to do for ourselves and for Teegen.
Number #2 -- Work on our finances! I know that many people will focus on this over the next year or two and we have to make it a top priority. We would like to look towards a second adoption and the finances have to be in check.
Number #3 -- Try to be more "green."
Number #4 -- Read a book a week in 2009. I really want to do this one. So it might be a resolution until I actually accomplish it.
What are some of your resolutions?
2008 -- The Year in Review
I really meant to get this posted before 2009, but that didn't happen. I am still trying to adapt to the notion that with an infant, things don't always get done when you would like them to.
Here is a brief recap of our year:
January-- January started on several high notes. We welcomed the beautiful Annagrace into the family and saw our dossier finally head to the Vietnamese Consulate. Bad news came when we were told there was no way we would finish with the adoption of a child from Vietnam.
February-- We jumped head first into the world of domestic adoption, continuing to work with a local agency.
March-- March consisted of lots of waiting! We did celebrate Thorn's first birthday and I went back to school in an effort to finish the requirements needed for my counseling license.
April-- This month we celebrated our fifth wedding anniversary, watched one of my cousins get married and signed with an adoption agency "somewhere out west."
May-- May seems like a whirlwind. We celebrated Larry's birthday and my dad's birthday. We also found out our profiles were actually being shown to birthmothers. On an emotional front, May was probably when I hit the lowest point I had been throughout the adoption process.
June-- June started off slow, as I was still really low. I celebrated turning 31 in a pretty low-key manner. And then we got the call that forever changed our lives....Teegen had entered the world. The latter part of June consisted of plane rides, bad fast-food and the most gorgeous baby girl I had ever laid eyes on.
July-- We started to acclimated to life as three. Larry and I were both off of work while we adjusted. Towards the middle of the month, Larry returned to work, leaving me to spend time with our daughter.
August-- Teegen smiled for the first time, I returned to work and Larry played Mr. Mom for a few days. Shortly after returning to work, I made a huge decision that it was time for a change and submitting my application for a new position.
September- Teegen started day care, which we all handled better than expected. And she also started rolling over.
October-- The fall brought our first professional family photos, Teegen' s first Halloween, starting rice cereal and a trip to the Pumpkin Patch. I also started my new job this month. So long to on-call hours.
November-- Well, November brought change! Finally! Teegen got to witness voting first hand, she showed her support for her candidate, slept in her own crib, slept through the night and learned how to blow raspberries with her lips. And I passed the exam for licensure!
December-- Teegen continued to thrive! She started on pureed veggies and fruits. I started making pureed veggies and fruits. Larry begrudgingly tasted all the pureed veggies and fruits. She discovered her tongue and blowing raspberries with it. Teegen also started laughing out loud...a lot.
What a year we have had! At the beginning of 2008, I would never have imagined we would be where we are today. I can honestly say that 2008 was my best year ever. I hope that 2009 proves to be equally as exciting.
Here is a brief recap of our year:
January-- January started on several high notes. We welcomed the beautiful Annagrace into the family and saw our dossier finally head to the Vietnamese Consulate. Bad news came when we were told there was no way we would finish with the adoption of a child from Vietnam.
February-- We jumped head first into the world of domestic adoption, continuing to work with a local agency.
March-- March consisted of lots of waiting! We did celebrate Thorn's first birthday and I went back to school in an effort to finish the requirements needed for my counseling license.
April-- This month we celebrated our fifth wedding anniversary, watched one of my cousins get married and signed with an adoption agency "somewhere out west."
May-- May seems like a whirlwind. We celebrated Larry's birthday and my dad's birthday. We also found out our profiles were actually being shown to birthmothers. On an emotional front, May was probably when I hit the lowest point I had been throughout the adoption process.
June-- June started off slow, as I was still really low. I celebrated turning 31 in a pretty low-key manner. And then we got the call that forever changed our lives....Teegen had entered the world. The latter part of June consisted of plane rides, bad fast-food and the most gorgeous baby girl I had ever laid eyes on.
July-- We started to acclimated to life as three. Larry and I were both off of work while we adjusted. Towards the middle of the month, Larry returned to work, leaving me to spend time with our daughter.
August-- Teegen smiled for the first time, I returned to work and Larry played Mr. Mom for a few days. Shortly after returning to work, I made a huge decision that it was time for a change and submitting my application for a new position.
September- Teegen started day care, which we all handled better than expected. And she also started rolling over.
October-- The fall brought our first professional family photos, Teegen' s first Halloween, starting rice cereal and a trip to the Pumpkin Patch. I also started my new job this month. So long to on-call hours.
November-- Well, November brought change! Finally! Teegen got to witness voting first hand, she showed her support for her candidate, slept in her own crib, slept through the night and learned how to blow raspberries with her lips. And I passed the exam for licensure!
December-- Teegen continued to thrive! She started on pureed veggies and fruits. I started making pureed veggies and fruits. Larry begrudgingly tasted all the pureed veggies and fruits. She discovered her tongue and blowing raspberries with it. Teegen also started laughing out loud...a lot.
What a year we have had! At the beginning of 2008, I would never have imagined we would be where we are today. I can honestly say that 2008 was my best year ever. I hope that 2009 proves to be equally as exciting.
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