Trip to the Hogle Zoo

They're here!

Grandpa and Grandma arrived and Ella is thrilled! She has been go, go, go since they arrived. We drove to the zoo and couldn't find parking, so went on to plan B -- The Great Salt Lake! Here are some pictures! What a beautiful day!

It took all 3 of them to chase her down so we could walk down to Z Pizzeria for dinner! Again, dinner was Plan B -- the grill was out of propane!

Ella 18 Month Pictures

Can Dogs be allergic to dairy?

Poor Nicky.....several months ago, he started itching. We called the vet and he was prescribed a medication, antihistamine with steroid. It was expensive! I also didn't like him being on a steroid. The vet felt it was temporary and the allergy season would end and he would be able to be off the meds. NOPE! We did a trial off last week and he's been miserable! Joe found the doggy benadryl dose and we have been trying that. I talked to the vet this week and we've maximized benadryl. It helps, but he's still itching.

He goes to the vet this morning. We are worried about food allergy and it's so hard with Miss Ella sharing everything! We are going to begin by trying to stop dairy. The vet may tell us we're wrong.....we'll see what she has to say!

Update - it's not allergies. We have found the cause and several baths should fix him up like new! What a relief!

Freddy the fish

When I pick Ella up after work she is usually playing in the rec room at that time. A few days ago her teacher told me they now had a fish and that Ella loves it and I should let her show it to me. We went to look at the fish and I didn't really think she cared because she just wanted her sippy cup and to go home! The next day she said Ella loves to say "freddy" and "fish". I said, "So....is Freddy the fish's name?". She wasn't very clear and I thought maybe she meant that Ella just came up with Freddy out of nowhere.....but she finally said, yes, Freddy the fish.

I guess it's Ella's first school pet, Freddy the beta fish! He wasn't there today so I'm not sure what that means!

Milestone: Running

Tonight I sucessfully ran more than I walked! Walk 3 min/Run 4 min for 35 min. Small victories will get me through this triathlon! Six weeks from tomorrow!

Mista's Night Out!

There are only 2 of 9 weeks of our crazy rotating schedules when we can get together for a weeknight dinner.....and last night we chose Meditrina. It's small plates and wine. I enjoyed the Jen flight of wine, followed by a glass of the white in the flight that was great. Small plates is so fun --- I think we ordered at least 12 different things!

Thanks for a great night Mista's --- I know at least 2 of you follow me here!

Grandmaand Grandpa are coming!

My Dad and Barb will start the drive from Iowa early tomorrow morning. We are expecting them to arrive Sunday early afternoon. We have projects for my Dad planned. We'll see how the weather is, but I'm predicting playing outside, going out for pizza at our neighborhood pizza place, the zoo or children's museum.

Drive safely! We are excited!

We're making progress!

Every day my little munchkin shines in a new way! We've been dealing with hitting at daycare and home. Like all parents, we want her to be kind and loving. Well....she came into this world a fighter and she can defend herself quite well!

We discuss "nice hands" on the way to daycare most days. Yesterday we didn't and when I pulled her out of her seat and said, "time for school, let's go see your friends", she replied with "nice, nice", as she touched my arm nicely. PRICELESS moment! She hits much less at home (poor Nicky is usually the victim) and I think she's improving at daycare, but it's hard to tell. I'm just relieved she is "getting it". Progress, right?

She no longer throws her sippy cup in the car or in her high chair. She makes her usual baby grunt for attention and will wait until you can grab it from her. This is complicated while driving 75 mph on the interstate, but we make it and then I have it accessible to give her when she wants it back.

She does things she knows she shouldn't while saying, "no, no, no".....but she still does them. We'll get there. All this effort will pay off someday, right? Consistency is hard for me, it's exhausting! And too many times I just want to laugh or give up!

She is becoming her own little person more and more every day. More and more words are coming and I am hoping that it all will get easier as she can express herself with words we can understand!

*** I remembered this story while looking for a recent picture to add. Miss Independent was browsing through the cupboard and found the baby oatmeal, found a tupperware and insisted on pouring it into the container (I stepped in to help). I let her "help" add the water and wouldn't you guess, since it was her idea, SHE ATE IT! Classic!

Triathlon Training Update

It's down to the wire! SIX WEEKS from Saturday, I will complete a triathlon!

Swimming - it's coming along! I swam 10 laps which is 500 yards yesterday. That is 5 football fields! I have take breaks and it took me a total of 20 minutes, but I did it! I can do it! My plan is to keep increasing the number of laps I do without a break and continue to shorten my break time. Yesterday I swam 2 full laps without stopping and swam every lap only stopping between laps instead of stopping between lengths. I finally reached my goal of swimming the length of the race! I think I have the swim under control!

Biking - this is the part I have been least worried about. I have taken many spin classes in the last 5 years and I have strong legs. I biked 8 miles tonight and it wasn't too bad. Mostly I am bored biking in the gym so this weekend I would like to bike outside.

I picked up my bike from the shop last Saturday and I tried it out on our street. WOW! I haven't been on a real bike in over 5 years! I didn't know what to do. My pedals have a metal piece to keep my shoe in and I'm scared of it. Don't worry Mom! I will figure it out. I know how to RIDE the bike, but the whole stop, get off a moving object....it's sadly been a while! I am hoping for a successful 10 mile bike on Saturday on Legacy Parkway. This is an area with NO CARS --- which is what Miss Scaredy Pants needs!

Running - it's coming along. I am currently following the plan of 3.5 min walk/3.5 min run for 35 minutes. I did it tonight and it's hard, but I can do it. Most of it is attitude for me. I just need to convince myself I can. I will continue to increase the running portion by 30 seconds every 3rd run and I should be there! I have to run every other day to make it happen and I have a feeling it's going to get harder.....

While running I like to do the math of how far I'm going. Tonight I ran 1.5 miles!!! That is just under half of what I need to run in the race. I can do this!

All in all, the process is working. BUT, it's crunch time and I have no more time for excuses. I have to make this happen and I'm determined.

I have been working out hard this week and I am feeling it - not in pain in my body, but hunger pains! I learned the hard way that I have to fuel my body with nutritious foods or working out is a failure......so I am just eating lots of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains!

This is a very positive change for me!

Bedtime at our house....

Tonight was one of those nights I was secretly happy to be home early to accomplish a few things before I'm back to work for a very early morning tomorrow (blogging was in my plans). We had bathed Ella earlier so it was simply PJ's, book, song, and bed --- easy, right? I hinted once or twice and clearly asked Joe more than once to do it. Then I heard Joe say to Ella, "Mommy will sing to you soon and you can go night, night.". I realized it was my job and I wasn't getting out of it tonight.

He claims he didn't believe me and that he doesn't like to take my favorite job away from me. Don't get me wrong, I love bedtime.....but just not tonight.

I was wrong, he was right! I NEEDED to put Ella to bed tonight. She warmed my heart in so many ways.....I left her room with tears (the happy, joyful, sappy ones) and I am so thankful for my precious sweetie (and incredible husband too)!

Hawkeye Tailgater in Training

Let's go guys! The weather will be fine!

I had planned to blog about how fun and wonderful the Iowa Alumni Picnic was tonight....but that didn't happen. We left our house and it was starting to cloud over, by the time we left the gas station it was sprinkling, and sprinkling even harder when we got up the canyon. We're troopers though....we hiked in the 1/4 mile and got ready to picnic. One other couple and there son arrived as well. They are very nice and their son is the same age as Ella --- I expect to see them again soon and I think the Iowa alumni will plan a Happy Hour in July.

Reason #1: Ella didn't want to wear her coat even though it was raining and cold. She can tough out the elements with a smile.

Reason #2: She loves the tailgate food! She was perfectly content enjoying her 7 layer dip in the pouring rain with purple hands and through a royal fit as we left and put her in the stroller.

Reason #3: She looks awful darn cute in black and gold and she can really work the sparkle as well!

Reason #4: Joe was working on dinner plan B while I was ordering photos and she found the empty beer bottle.....I think every kiddo has one of these photos.

Reason #5: I caught her doing this the other day - we only put a few in the fridge at a time and I hadn't moved the case to the panty! Maybe it's time for legos?

Impressive! I had to stop from laughing to get the camera as fast as I could!

At least we got to enjoy 7 layer dip and pasta salad, and Joe and I a beer before returning home! I'm excited to get the club up and running and excited to get together with this couple that we seem to have a lot in common with. It's hard to make friends as adults and this is a very hard area to make friends, so we are thrilled!

Tylenol Recall - get your money back!

Click here to go to the McNeil website to request a product refund. I found 3 bottles of tylenol and just went through the process. If you have less than 6 products you can do it online, more than 6 and you have to call. I'm not sure I'll ever really see a refund, but it's worth a try, right?

Kiddie Kandids is back

We finally took Ella for her 18 month pictures. Better late than never, right? I had been emailing a new photographer and had an appointment Friday, but then cancelled due to her severe allergic reaction on her bum!

She was cheery this morning, we didn't have much planned.....so I called this morning and got her in at 4.

I had a hard time choosing what to order! She did a great job.

This is the new and UN-IMPROVED Kiddie Kandids. You have to wait 1-2 weeks for your pictures. The website isn't fabulous. They were very unorganized today as well, but they just reopened. It's cheaper....and OK. I don't have anything to post, but I will scan them in and post when I get them.

I still think we will opt for an outdoor shoot with an up and coming photographer this summer.

From Shonda

I found this link as well. I do miss my Grey's podcasts, but this entry was almost as good!

Go Shonda!

Crystal Light Pure Fitness

I blogged about it and I have finally tried it! I have found that nutrasweet doesn't work for me. I drink mostly water with lemon or iced tea with lemon. I wish I didn't have a soda now and again, but I do!

I was excited for a more natural, but low calorie beverage and Crytal Light Pure Fitness is a great option! It's sweetened with cane juice and Rebiana (from the stevia plant). It doesn't have the side effects of nutrasweet for me. Each packet has 30 calories and is intended to be mixed with 16 oz of water. My nalgene bottle is 20 oz and I add 1/2 a packet! I mostly drink it at work and keep some in my purse and desk drawer. It's a nice alternative to plain water! I think a little bit of powder added to my tea would be good too.

I have had grape and I also bought the lemon/lime. I don't think I'd like the strawberry/kiwi.

Have you tried it?

Being a Mom

My favorite part of being a Mom today is Ella's singing! It's so darn cute. The only song she ever sings along to is "Twinkle, Twinkle" and I love every second of it. It's hard for me to keep singing because I start to giggle. I wish I could capture it to have forever and ever, but I'm not sure I could handle listening to my own voice drowning out hers! I know it won't be long and I will be able to post a video of her singing all of her favorite songs, but I will miss the baby babble singing!

It's been fun that she can give REAL hugs and I just melt when we wraps her tiny little arms and hands tightly around my neck! I wish I could bottle up that feeling for the bad days (and nights).

Loved it!

I did stay up late Thursday night to watch the Grey's season finale on DVR. I loved it!!! I love the writers. The characters were put in a horrible situation and their true colors shined.

After watching, I was a littled bummed about who they killed off, but all in all, my favorites are in and I will be awaiting the next season!

Here is a greak link of an interview with Shonda Rhimes. I think she is an amazing writer! I would do anything to spend a day in the writers room with her!

Thursday update

I am so happy it is finally Thursday.  It's the end of a very long 3 weeks of the dreaded and difficult evening shift for me!  I am exhausted, but I got the best night of sleep last night.  I've been working on laundry

every day and never getting it "done", so tonight I am going to treat myself to the Grey's Anatomy Finale after work IF I can get the laundry finished while watching.  I'll be a late night, so I will cross my fingers that Ella sleeps past 7 again tomorrow!

 

We all finally had a good night of sleep and I felt Ella was well enough to go to daycare.  Her poor little bum looks burned and is so swollen!  She looks forward to taking many baths - I'm not sure if the bath makes

her feel better or if the thought of watching some Sesame Street while drying out is the motivation.  "TV and Daddo (elmo)" are her favorite words lately.

 

We have a 3 day weekend of baking soda baths, air time, and relaxation.  I cancelled her 18 month pictures and I'll reschedule eventually.  The Iowa Alumni picnic is Sunday night, so I am crossing my fingers it doesn't

rain from 5-8 PM!

Sleepy

Why is it so hard to get up in the middle of the night now? We did it for so long when she was little, but we have enjoyed the full nights of sleep. Going back to getting up is hard! A huge thanks to Joe for being the one out of bed most of the night including a bath at 2:30AM!

Let's get this baby better and some sleep for us all!

Ella loves hockey!

Last night during the "evening check in call" I could hear Ella in the background saying "hockey, hockey, hockey". I knew they had just walked in the door....so during my later "did she go to bed call" I asked if they watched hockey. The playoffs are on and Joe is way tired of explaining to me how it all works, but I do know that hockey is on almost every night!

He said she cheered and cheered when he turned it on. The guys at work were jealous and said I couldn't even understand how much that is every dad's dream! I guess they have quite a routine while I'm at work!

A few weeks ago we were out to dinner and the NBA game was on. Ella looked up at the TV and cheered "hockey, hockey, hockey". The table next to us got a kick out of her!

She's always liked hockey and I didn't want to take her to a game this year because of many reasons including the very loud horn! Next fall, we'll be heading to a Grizzly game as a family!

We are home again

Poor Ella!  Her rash is back.  I think we have found the problem.  She is allergic to desitin.  I understand allergies, but as a Mom today I just don't get it!  I called in late to work and Joe will come home early.  Poor baby!

Ever had one of those days?

It was 80 and beautiful yesterday.  Today it was raining and 50!  I've had extra stress going on with Miss Ella the last few days.  I put on my winter pants and sweater and went to work.  Overall, I was not in a cheery mood.  This afternoon I heard about a change in process at work that is a great idea (of course I feel it's a great idea, it was mine last fall).  The individual telling me about this is the same person that shot my idea down last fall.  I was frustrated! 

I was MAD.  Hours later, you could still see mad on my face and the individual asked me how I was doing.  My response, "frustrated".  I had fortunately had some time to think and stew.  I had rehearsed the confrontation in my head.  It didn't go exactly as planned, but may be one of the best ever for me professionally.  It ended positively. 

 

I can't change the people I work with and I can't change the overall culture of my management, but all in all, I think I handled this situation the best way that I could and it feels good to express my frustration in an honest, calm way.  I think back to my very first pharmacist job and I have come a long way!

Always entertainment at our house

I talk a lot about how entertaining Ella is and I think all kids are entertaining for many reasons, but one of the reasons that I married Joe is that he is a big kid! He is constantly making me laugh and often not on purpose. Here's a great example while watching TV Friday night.

Joe, "I wish I had asked you to get chips or something at Costco, I need a snack"

** he can go to the grocery store, but I had just been to costco and asked if he was SURE he didn't want anything

Laurie, "sorry, there's some good crackers, try them"

Joe, "these? I thought they were for you, to keep you regulated or something."

Laurie, "cracking up laughing, JUST TRY THEM, Ella likes them."

In truth there was a huge display of them and they were on sale. I read the ingredients and thought they looked like a good option. I like them and I think he did too - he said "the garlic helps". A little fiber never hurt anyone....

All Gone - as Ella would say

The rash is gone, the swelling is gone and the dermatology appointment is cancelled. Back to the grind --- work for me and daycare for Ella. We were all up early this Monday morning and back to normal (I say that as if normal exists in our lives) - let's go with back to our usual!

Summer shoes

I just ordered 2 pairs of summer shoes to wear to work. It's hard to find cute and comfortable shoes that have closed toes. I chose this pair in black and this pair in brown.




These are the shoes I want, but I won't pay full price, so if you see them on sale, let me know! I tried them on at REI this weekend. I have a new brand to watch for sales, Jambu.


Ella also scored this pair.

Joe sent me a great coupon (an additional 30% off) from Sierra Trading Post and I had fun shopping tonight!

Mother's Day - rescheduled

We took Dorothy to Diva's this morning for brunch. The food was great! Ella did pretty well --- it was hard because they didn't have a high chair and we rigged a booster in a chair. It was sort of unorganized and probably a blessing we didn't try to go last weekend. It sounds like it was complete chaos last week! Sadly I didn't take a single picture --- too busy trying to eat and contain the munchkin.

Dorothy came over for a bit afterwards and Ella entertained us all!

Joe is playing lacrosse just blocks from our house and we may go watch when Ella is up from her nap.

Such a gorgeous weekend! Spring has arrived!

New York is booked

We really drug out feet on booking this trip. Maybe the expense of it or the fact that Joe and I had to spend some time together figuring out the details, but it feels good to finally have it done!

We leave Friday, June 11th after work and land in Newark at about 11:30 PM. We bought Ella a seat --- it was an expensive seat, but she has it and my hope is she will enjoy dinner, watch a DVD and then sleep soundly (big dreams, I know). We will see family in Long Island Saturday and Sunday morning. Aunts, Uncles and cousins (including brand new baby Madison) - we can't wait to see everyone.

We will head to Grandma's house Sunday afternoon and be with her through Monday evening. We are excited to see Uncle Joe and Aunt Mease as well. Monday and Tuesday night we have a hotel in Times Square -- great location. We decided to get to the city Monday night so that we have a room to go to for Ella on Tuesday --- insurance as we called it! I am excited to possibly go to the Today Show Tuesday and/or Wednesday morning and we have a long list of things we want to do in Manhattan. We will return home Wednesday night.

We are very excited to see family and I always enjoy the hustle/bustle, food, shopping, and culture of New York! New York family --- Ella is 15 months older than our last visit and full of spunk, you are in for a treat! I have a feeling she is going to like the pace of NYC.

In record time!

We picked up the new crib tonight and Joe put it together in less than an hour with Ella's help! She kept moving the screws around into different piles! It looks nice and matches the dresser. It doesn't have any teeth marks and I'm not sure if she'll feel the need to add them or not!

What a season

I am amazed by the writers on Private Practice and Grey's Anatomy. They are just my kind of shows! I used to listen to the podcasts and I tried to download some a few weeks ago and they don't do them anymore. I miss them!

I regulary watch Grey's and I DVR Private Practice and this season I watched most of them in the last few months --- 4 or 5 episodes in a few days and it always makes me like the show even more!

I thought the season finale was good and such a tear jerker. I was super overtired and just crying and crying last night! Another reason why I'm sleepy today......although this one is 100% my fault and the fault of my DVR for showing me the beginning of Private Practice at the end of Grey's......

I suspect I will be up until after 1AM next Thursday as well to watch the Season Finale of Grey's after work!

Anyone else addicted?

Ellaisms

Ella has pronounced Elmo as Daddo for a long time and she has never changed as she has learned to make new sounds. This weekend she was looking at a picture of herself and said Dadda. I guess it's consistent! It's Ella Chat and I think it's cute! I'll be proud and relieved when she can make the "L" sound, but I will be a little sad to see Daddo and Dadda eliminated, it's just so cute and so Ella!

I taught her the word Owie and it has been nice, but she takes it to a new level. Most of the time if anything touches her, she says "owie, owie, owie" while making sure you know what hurts, looks at her finger or whatever and then says "aaaaa, gaaa" while doing her sign for all done. It's hilarious! If it's a more severe injury it may require a look over and kiss from Mommy, but even then she decides it's over and says, "aaa, gaa". She just has a look of relief as she does it and you can tell she is so excited to be able be understood!

This reminds me -- I need to get these things on video! Great weekend project!

Finally Friday

It's been one of those weeks at our house! Poor Ella has been miserable. We are at almost 2 weeks of diaper rash issues. It started as a rash and has gotten better and worse and changes throughout the day. The rash is mostly gone. We are left with this swelling. It looks horrible and painful and it gets worse throughout the day. We've been to urgent care, her pediatrician twice, ruled out urinary infection. Next step -- dermatology. We can get in June 21st. Cool, huh? The solo pediatric dermatologist is not in today and I am hoping our pediatrician can con her into seeing Ella next week if this doesn't randomly resolve.

Joe and I have both missed work this week and we have had several sleepless nights. Our plan of attack has been keeping her home from daycare so we can distract her and avoid her from irritating it more. We do warm water baths 3-4 times a day, air time (naked baby watching Sesame Street - so cute), vaseline to diaper area, diaper changes every 2 hours or so, and motrin at bedtime -- she seems to sleep better and so do we. It's a full time job!

Overall, it's better, lots better. She is only saying owie occasionally. BUT we cannot explain this swelling and unfortunately my mind goes to badness and I worry. I pray that it just completely resolves. It looks better in the morning and kind of turns pink to red during the day and just gets more and more swollen. Is this because she is lying down at night and when she stands and moves around this causes more swelling? I think this is why it looks more irritated during the day because she is constantly moving and irritating it. Any ideas? I ran it by a couple of pediatricians last night and no one has any thoughts nor do they have a connection to get us into derm - although one guy suggested parading her by the office as my best chance!

I pray this resolves and we never have to see dermatology, but if it doesn't I pray we can get in early next week!

Update: Appointment with pediatric dermatogist on Monday afternoon! I am so thankful!

Dear Diaper Rash Fairy

Please, please, please let Ella's horrible diaper rash disappear. We all need some sanity in our house and when the munchkin is happy we are all happy. This rash has us all stumped (visit to urgent care and her pediatrician including a urine sample via cath) and she has been miserable long enough!

Thank You Daycare Teachers

I will be honest.  I was frustrated when I saw the "it's teacher appreciation week" letter from daycare.  I got over it and decided to be thankful.  I do appreciate everyone there.  Ella has been the first kiddo there and the last one picked up with our crazy schedules and she interacts with all of the teachers on the first floor. 

I did gift cards for the three teachers in her room with a photo card and teacher specific typed note.  For the whole staff I brought this huge basket filled with pears and apples.  At least three teachers told me they appreciated the healthy treat.

It will be more fun when Ella can help pick out the gifts. 

Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday to my Dad! I hope you have a great day!

Super, Super Jealous!

I learned via facebook that my pal and past co-resident Jessica had quite the experience at work yesterday. Jessica via Facebook "McDreamy was on rounds today in all his glorious scruffiness". She works at Seattle Children's and Patrick Dempsey joined the medical team on rounds! I would have died! I would have been so incredibly star struck that I wouldn't have been able to even work! Way to go Jessica! What an experience!

I guess he was in town to raise money for the hospital. More reasons for me to have a TV crush on Patrick!

Teacher Appreciation Week

Basket found - thank goodness I keep random baskets - this one was a wine basket from Aunt Crystal.

Photo cards designed --- creative memories and the cute tulip photo

Photo cards uploaded to costco.com

Maverik gift cards purchased (gas station across the street from daycare)

Joe will get the fruit and cards tomorrow

Gifts to be delivered on Wednesday!

We're thinking of you!

Joe's cousin Darlene and husband Joe will become proud parents tomorrow (or as I type this today in NY). We are thinking of you and praying all goes well!

We can't wait to find out if we will have a new boy or girl cousin to meet in June! I think Ella's hoping for a girl, but she has many boy friends and would love another boy too!

Keep us posted and send pics soon!