Be careful what you wish for

Be careful what you wish for. You just might get it. Vanessa now is very comfortable with using "Mommy". It's interesting how she uses it differently than "Daddy". With Daddy she points and says, "Daddy" just like she would for shoe, to label him. With "Mommy" it's to get my attention. "Mommy!" (lifts up her plate) tells me she's done and I need to take her plate away.

Last night I was trying to read a cookbook to make a grocery list and I got Mommy...Mommy...Mommy. She was happily playing with Play-Doh (Pay-Poh as Vanessa would say) but now she knows how to ask for me to get my attention.

By the way, Play-Doh's a big hit. I got out some cookie cutters some plastic utensils and a cup/rolling pin. She plays regularly and loves it.

Response to Motrin

I love this blogger. Motherhood Uncensored hit the head on the nail with humor.

Babywearers Speak out against Motrin

Motrin put this add out this week-end and had to pull it by Monday because of all of the upset mothers out there. I agree with the irate moms. I'd be in much more pain if I'd carried my bundle but the point I'd like to make here is how the world has changed. It's amazing the power women now have in Marketing and Purchasing. Two days of moms blogging and twittering about this ad and they pulled it. I think it's the first time that blogs have had such an influence. I'm glad that when women are passionate things can get done!

Beep Beep Beep

The other week I caught Vanessa backing up and saying Beep! like a truck would as a warning. She then hit the island so I said crash! She thought it was totally hilarious so we did it over and over. It was the highlight of one very long day. Now I catch her doing it every so often.
Today while I was resting, Vanessa and her daddy watched the Als play football. Every time there was a tackle Vanessa would say, "Crash!". I'm so sorry I missed it.

Happy Birthday to me!

(it's a long story and not pretty so beware)
On Thursday, Vanessa came down with the stomach flu. I thought maybe it was my cooking but after a horrible diaper a couple of hours later, I realised we were in for it. Over all Vanessa is handling it very well. She sure isn't sparkling self but I don't mind the extra cuddling.
On Friday morning of my birthday Eric went upstairs to get Vanessa and then called for back up. She through up in the night so we ran a bath for her and cleaned her sheets. She was happy to play in the bath. After cleaning up I brought her downstairs for breakfast but she wasn't hungry. I was happy to see her drink a lot of water.
She was doing ok so I put her down for a nap later and left her with Pamela while Kay spoiled me at the spa. I had a great time relaxing. I tried not to think about Vanessa. I knew if Pamela ran into trouble Eric could come home. I tried out the sauna and the baths and went for a full massage. I was so relaxed. Since Vanessa had the flu and we were running low on laundry detergent, Kay took me to Walmart. I started feeling nauseous but chalked it up to a good spa day. I went home and Vanessa greeted me with "Mommy". What a perfect gift! She was happy to see me and I her. Things went well with Pamela. I had some fresh bread. MMmmm.
Good think I went straight home because it was my turn for the flu. Pamela was nice enough to cook us dinner since we were staying in for Vanessa but I unfortunately didn't have any. Eric put it in the freezer to eat soon. He says it was really good.
I had a really rough night but I feel much better this morning. Just trying to get my energy back.
This year I was actually getting a birthday party which I had to cancel. Thanks everyone anyway maybe later. So to recap. I've never felt so good, having a massage and so bad in the washroom on the same day. At least this year is memorable. Vanessa waiting for my birthday to clearly say "Mommy" was the highlight!

Babywearing over the months

I love to wear my daughter. She's now 20 months old and I still wear her in a mei tei or a sling. I must admit it is getting harder with the winter coming. My first love with baby wearing came from the stretch wrap. I couldn't see how anyone could do without. My daughter, Vanessa could watch the world go by or nap as she saw fit. It was wonderful having her close for her and me. I could go anywhere with her, for a walk on the mountain, to the grocery store, to parties and even small boutique stores where a stroller would be impossible.

She's just had too much and takes a nap. She didn't nap on her own until 6 months so this was a life saver

We went for a walk around the campsite. The leaves were rustling in the wind and the sun was shining through them. Vanessa was taking it all in.

Even as she got older she still napped in the wrap.

Here we are getting out to play some mini-put.

Vanessa's hanging out doing the tourist thing.

I did skip a step in my babywearing trip. I have a ring sling which I use a fair bit. It's faster to put on than the wrap or the mei tei and does not get stuck in the wet in winter. Soon enough Vanessa will be too big to be worn but I'm glad I've had a chance to document it. Babywearing keeps Vanessa very happy. She feels secure and involved in the activities. I find she's a very independent toddler now and I like to think that's because of the babywearing.

Have a look at other babywearers and maybe enter the contest yourself at Adventures in baby wearing. Also check out Nonny and Boo. they have some lovely carriers.

Vanessaisms

Vanessa is still getting cuter and cuter. I'd just like to take down / share some things she does. She loves to clop around the house in whoever shoes are about. They each make their own sound and have different challenges to walk in. So funny. Vanessa asks for Daddy all the time. Even when he's in the room she points. "Daddy!". She'll repeat a word over and over until you repeat it. Sometime I wonder where she learns Spanish. She points at things and says, "Que". until you tell her what it is. Once you tell her, she agrees with you. Yup! She's got a new ways to ask for your attention. She opens and closes her hand towards her and says, "bere". It's from me always gesturing and saying, "come here". She also grabs you hand and walks you over to something. She has this impression if you're there she can get away with anything.

Oh my these cheeks are heavy!