Things I've done that others might find interesting

These are things that are on others' life lists that I've done. I need to remember that my life isn't as boring and mundane as I think it is. I just tend to do them in spurts.

• Ridden a zip line in Honduras (on Isla Roatan)
• Swam with sting rays in Grand Cayman
• Saw the Great Pyramids and Sphynx
• Visited the Acropolis
• Owned (still do) a house
• Have an awesome kid
• Have two great dogs
• Went to college (this is not to be taken for granted)
• Hosted outdoor movies in my backyard
• Hosted a pig roast
• Was the honoree for a lobster bake
• Rode in a hot air balloon
  
• Had the opportunity to travel domestically (San Fran, Wine Country, California coast, New Orleans, Chicago, NYC, Maine, Colorado, others)
• Watched the sunrise over a lake (love the fog tendrils!)
  

Adding to my Life List

Things I am adding to my Life List.

• Ghttp://twobaddrouki.blogspot.com/p/life-list.htmlo see the Harbin Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival in person
• Create a silhouette wall
• Print out pictures of extended family for the munchkin and hang them in her bedroom.
• Teach munchkin how to swim
• Go dog sledding
• Go on a safari
• Road trip across the US, maybe along Route 66
• Wrap all presents in the same lovely wrapping paper
• Create thoughtful gifts
• Organize a neighborhood parade
• Organize a block party
• Get to know my neighbors
• Give up TV for a day, week, month
• Write thank yous
  
• Start an annual tradition of go to see The Nutcracker and the BSO with the munchkin, including afternoon tea
• Go to Glacier National Park
• See Mount Rushmore
• Host a Cool-Whip fight
• Participate in a Cloudy Misteriosos event
• Travel to all our national parks
• Travel to Vancouver, BC
  

Some other inspirations (I do not know these people; I just find their lists interesting)
http://benmarcastle.blogspot.com/2010/01/my-life-list.html
http://wellasmel.wordpress.com/thelist/
http://kathleen.bubble.nu/index.php/2010/01/19/life-list/
http://thefightsequence.com/projects/life-list/

Happy Holidays!

Happy 1st Halloween, little monkey

Firsts

A list of baby's firsts

- First roll was from her stomach to her back on (or about) April 15.
- First "solid" food was rice cereal. She still hates it, but she LOVES banana.
- First champagne was at Winnie's Bachelorette Lunch. She pulled the glass from Mommy.
- First tooth: bottom two on June 26 (sharp little razors!) We didn't know she was teething because she didn't drool or fuss any more than usual.
- First swim was in Wanaksink Lake on July 3. She loves playing in the water.
- First beer was at Grandma & Grandpa's annual 4th of July barbeque. She pulled the bottle from Athena.
- Starting consistently sitting unsupported around July 15.
- First wedding was Stephanie & David's on July 19. She even helped pick out the bride's gown during the Filene's Basement Running of the Brides in February.
- Baby pulled herself from sitting to standing using Mommy's fingers on July 27. She may walk before she crawls.

The Many Faces of Alexandra

Earlier this month, we visited family in NY. Auntie Carrie came over for a few hours and brought her camera. She captured Alexandra's many facial expressions perfectly. The only one missing is with her tongue hanging out. That's a constant face now that Alexandra has two teeth. Go baby go!

Get the flash player here: http://www.adobe.com/flashplayer

This Week in Baby's Life

Today Baby and I are spending a day together at home. She hasn't been feeling 100% due to upper respiratory congestion. I am quickly realizing how much of her life I miss when at work all day.

Baby is a babbler after eating and having a diaper change. No laughing, but lots of streaming noises. I think she's telling a story.

She sees the dogs and is very interested. Today she grabbed Indigo and wouldn't let go until he walked away. She had two fists full of fur.

She can't sit or crawl, but loves to stand (while being held up.)

Sitting on the couch in my lap isn't good enough. I must be standing up; moving not required.

She sees her toys and grabs them. She is fond of the elephant doll that is attached to the side of her crib.

She adores being outside looking at the trees.

For the most part, she is a very good sleeper. We can put her to bed around 8 and not hear from her again until 5 or 6. This week, though, she's been up around 1 because of the aforementioned congestion.

Her favorite way to fall asleep is on daddy's chest after finishing a bottle and he watches TV.

Feet and fingers fascinate.

She has dark blue eyes like her Uncle Dave.

She can fit her entire fist in her mouth. Her cousins tried imitating her, but the boys' teeth got in the way.

Baby knows that a bottle provides food. She reaches for it with her hands and opens her mouth wide (wider than when she breastfed.) She's starting to hold the bottle too (with assistance).

I have to wear my hair back all the time because little fingers like to pull. (Not much of a problem since I wear ponytails most days.)

A little someone might be getting ticklish on her feet and sides.

Right now, baby has one thumb in her mouth with the fingers wrapped around her nose and the other fist grabbing her foot.

I am amazed each and every day by this little 12 pound creature and how much she brightens my life and how much love my heart holds for her.