tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-42718512407828302622024-02-19T06:57:59.997-05:00Our Little LentilKristinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12514307448224535409noreply@blogger.comBlogger274125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4271851240782830262.post-60219682418024153762012-10-01T09:00:00.000-04:002012-10-01T09:00:01.767-04:00Photo dump from the past three months.<center>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/62461835@N07/7915701574/" title="I love when she falls asleep on me... Rare for this 20-month-old. Where has my baby gone? by Our Little Lentil, on Flickr"><img alt="I love when she falls asleep on me... Rare for this 20-month-old. Where has my baby gone?" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8440/7915701574_de6a88ff1e.jpg" width="500" /></a> </center>
<center>
Fell asleep after nursing.</center>
<center>
</center>
<center>
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/62461835@N07/8036368830/" title="IMG_0218 by Our Little Lentil, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_0218" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8036/8036368830_4167dd72d4.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<br />
Still love being worn by momma.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/62461835@N07/8036365979/" title="IMG_0172 by Our Little Lentil, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_0172" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8170/8036365979_b065c409af.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<br />
After your bath, you love to be wrapped up in a towel like a baby, and Daddy always shows you off to Momma (or vice versa).<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/62461835@N07/8036371410/" title="_DSC0645 by Our Little Lentil, on Flickr"><img alt="_DSC0645" height="332" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8179/8036371410_20381793d6.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<br />
This summer, we spent a week in the mountains with your Aunt Meaghann, Uncle Paul, and cousin Alice. We dressed you two girls up as Woodland Fairies, and let you play in the woods.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/62461835@N07/8036371692/" title="_DSC0661 by Our Little Lentil, on Flickr"><img alt="_DSC0661" height="332" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8320/8036371692_d1293c7693.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<br />
You take my breath away.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/62461835@N07/8036371962/" title="_DSC0712 by Our Little Lentil, on Flickr"><img alt="_DSC0712" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8449/8036371962_d8e730b9d4.jpg" width="332" /></a>
<br />
You love to paint!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/62461835@N07/8036376142/" title="IMG_0481 by Our Little Lentil, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_0481" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8030/8036376142_3dd6d05407.jpg" width="375" /></a>
<br />
This is all you, baby. Almost nakey, wearing momma's socks.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/62461835@N07/8036375535/" title="IMG_0712 by Our Little Lentil, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_0712" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8170/8036375535_eb6d5d9d27.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<br />
Wearing some new kicks and noshing on a "nana."<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/62461835@N07/8036375859/" title="IMG_0715 by Our Little Lentil, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_0715" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8317/8036375859_2a9c607e9a.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<br />
Momma made you sidewalk chalk paint, and you loved it!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/62461835@N07/8036379944/" title="IMG_0738 by Our Little Lentil, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_0738" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8042/8036379944_a408e8d4e9.jpg" width="375" /></a>
<br />
This makes my heart melt!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/62461835@N07/8036380034/" title="IMG_0760 by Our Little Lentil, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_0760" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8454/8036380034_dcb99b4181.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<br />
You were mighty happy to have free canteloupe samples! And this is your "cheeeeeese" face!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/62461835@N07/8036380284/" title="IMG_0787 by Our Little Lentil, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_0787" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8460/8036380284_ddb4afb0ab.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<br />
Picking you up from daycare after work. Getting you from the building to the car is quite a feat.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/62461835@N07/8036380374/" title="IMG_0796 by Our Little Lentil, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_0796" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8035/8036380374_ee43935106.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
Reading bedtime stories with Daddy. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
</center>
Kristinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12514307448224535409noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4271851240782830262.post-701482621515525272012-09-30T21:51:00.002-04:002012-09-30T21:51:31.639-04:00Adelaide: 21 months! (It's been a while...)Dear Adelaide,<br />
<br />
Life is moving at such a speedy pace! You are now 21 months old. In the past three months we have done so much, you have learned so much, and we have been so busy! Even on the days when we don't go anywhere, our days are full to the brim. You stay so BUSY. All the time, you're moving and running and going and talking and reading and squirming and screaming and nursing and eating and laughing and, and, and...<br />
<br />
<center>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/62461835@N07/7441580058/" title="_DSC0482 by Our Little Lentil, on Flickr"><img alt="_DSC0482" height="332" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7122/7441580058_31b301d01e.jpg" width="500" /></a>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">This was right after you turned 18 months... at your cousin Hayden's preschool graduation.</span><br />
<br /></div>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/62461835@N07/7787808648/" title=". by Our Little Lentil, on Flickr"><img alt="." height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7139/7787808648_cd1edc9954.jpg" width="500" /></a></center>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Such a funny girl. At the park wearing Momma's sunglasses.</span></div>
<br />
<b>Talking</b>: You have so many words now. I've lost count. Maybe someday soon... maybe near your 2nd birthday which is quickly approaching, I'll sit down and write out everything you can say. It's amazing. You're just now starting to string together two words. Otherwise you're still single-wording everything, grunting, and whining. Oh, the whining. You're dropping your signs now that you know the words for them, and I find myself missing the bird sign that you did so cutely. Holding your fingers up to your mouth and making a beak. Now you say "Birt." You do still sign things that you can't say, like grapes. And you finally definitely know how to say milk: "Meek, meek"... though I think just today I heard an "l" sound in there for the first time. Your daddy and I have always been able to tell what you want, but in the past couple of weeks, you've picked up words and we have no idea what you're trying to say. Maybe something learned at daycare? It's frustrating for all involved, but we know we'll all figure it out soon. :)<br />
<br />
<center>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/62461835@N07/7787809462/" title=". by Our Little Lentil, on Flickr"><img alt="." height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8445/7787809462_37f70cf3aa.jpg" width="500" /></a></center>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b> </b><span style="font-size: x-small;">You love to make art! Here you are having fun with sponge-painting!</span></div>
<br />
<b>Moving</b>: Such a mover! Dancer! Shaker! Runner! You're very steady on your feet. You still haven't figured out how to jump, but watching you try is a treat! You're also going through a rough stage: hitting, throwing, and throwing yourself down (a.k.a. dead-weight) when you don't want to be moved. You can go down the steps without holding onto anything. You can balance yourself standing up on Daddy's tummy. And you love to spin. You make yourself dizzy and laugh, and laugh some more!<br />
<br />
<center>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/62461835@N07/8036367715/" title="IMG_0361 by Our Little Lentil, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_0361" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8318/8036367715_f1738aa22a.jpg" width="500" /></a></center>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Breakfast in bed for everyone!</span><b> </b></div>
<br />
<b>Nursing</b>: You're still nursing quite a bit. A few times a day, and a few times at night. I still nurse you down for all naps at home and at bedtime. You love your mommy milk. You get happy when I ask you if you want milk, and you often smile and play with me while you're at the breast. I'm proud to say that I'm still breastfeeding you at 21 months. I will be heartbroken when you decide to wean. Though, if you wanted to sleep through the night instead of waking up all the time, I might not mind that so much.<br />
<br />
<b>Eating</b>: You are so particular! You're a grazer. We can hardly get you to sit down for a meal, let alone actually eat any of it. You like picking at your food and eating little bits here and there. I don't mind that and think it's very normal. I know you're getting what you need nutritionally from my milk. You eat really well at daycare though, and though they don't feed you organic food, you do get a lot of fruits and veggies there. And they're really great about making sure you don't eat any meat, something our family feels very strongly about.<br />
<br />
<b>Teeth</b>: You have 12 teeth, with your 13th one coming in as I write. 4 top, 4 bottom, and 4 molars (you got all four molars at the same time!). Right now you are getting your first canine tooth. You're a great teether. I don't know if it's the amber teething necklace you wear or if you're just a good teether (not like it's a choice you make), but we hardly have any major issues. Just some crazy sleep and fussy behavior. Totally understandable considering there are sharp things pushing through your sensitive gums! Just be glad you won't remember this at all.<br />
<br />
<b>Potty-Training</b>: You're so awesome at the potty! We've had the potty out for a long, long time... since before you were one. You enjoyed sitting on the potty for a long time too, before you really knew what to do with it. Then we went through a couple months of you peeing, and THEN running to the potty. Finally, you started peeing in the potty. Now you can go through naps sometimes without peeing, you can pee on demand (like before bed or before going out, if you really have pee in there), and you've even pooped on the potty! I think three times now. And we've had the daycare just start putting you on the potty there before naps just to hopefully get you comfortable with the toilet there. We're so proud of you, and really hope that you'll be trained by two! Just think... only diapers at nighttime in just three short months! What a dream!<br />
<br />
<br />
<center>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/62461835@N07/8036371849/" title="IMG_0363 by Our Little Lentil, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_0363" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8313/8036371849_eed8202eb6.jpg" width="375" /></a>
</center>
<br />
<center>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/62461835@N07/8036366375/" title="IMG_0110 by Our Little Lentil, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_0110" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8449/8036366375_16af5e695b.jpg" width="500" /></a></center>
<br />
<b>Other neat things</b>: You can put your shoes on and take them off by yourself... and you will do so repeatedly. You can remember things. This is so cool! For instance, just this past week you and I went to Panera Bread and had cheesy noodles, bread, and an apple. When we got home, Daddy asked you what you ate there and you were able to name everything! You also LOVE LOVE LOVE to take care of your babies. Putting diapers on them, shushing them, rocking them, even giving them YOUR milk. :) Daddy loves playing with you. You both chase after the ball to see who can get to it first and you LAUGH so loud during that game. You love it when we hide and jump out to scare you as you run by. You love to help around the house, picking things up, unloading the dishwasher, putting away clothes, feeding the cats, and even trying to use the dustpan. And you love to read, always picking book after book after book for either me or Daddy to read to you. You're even starting to "read" to us!<br />
<br />
<center>
</center>
<center>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/62461835@N07/8036371945/" title="IMG_0385 by Our Little Lentil, on Flickr"><img alt="IMG_0385" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8312/8036371945_b90f7d1341.jpg" width="500" /></a>
</center>
<center>
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/62461835@N07/8036372510/" title="_DSC0639 by Our Little Lentil, on Flickr"><img alt="_DSC0639" height="332" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8032/8036372510_595018687f.jpg" width="500" /></a>
</center>
<center>
<br />
</center>
<center>
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/62461835@N07/8036369705/" title="_DSC0603 by Our Little Lentil, on Flickr"><img alt="_DSC0603" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8455/8036369705_53d3520179.jpg" width="332" /></a></center>
<br />
<br />
I can't imagine what you'll be like just three months from now, when you turn TWO. Things are happening so fast. It's all so bittersweet... I know I mention that in nearly every letter. But watching you grow is so amazing, yet I miss the tiny you. Looking back at old pictures blows my mind... I don't even REMEMBER those days!<br />
<br />
Love you baby girl. I can't imagine life without you know, and can't remember what my life was like before you were here. I'm so glad I get to be your mother.<br />
<br />
Love,<br />
Momma
Kristinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12514307448224535409noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4271851240782830262.post-11022986771179438812012-06-25T14:29:00.000-04:002012-06-25T15:37:49.005-04:00Adelaide: 18 months!Dear Adelaide,
<p>My sweet girl, you are now 18 months old! A year and a half! Most days I look at you and catch a glimpse of the little girl you are becoming. You're thinning out a little bit and some of your expressions show us what an energetic and outgoing person you're going to be (and are!). Your dad and I frequently think about you in years to come: how you will look when you head off to kindergarten, the "no" face you'll make when a boy asks you to prom (you make a pretty fantastic No face). It's amazing to think that a year and a half has already flown by. It makes my heart grow and ache at the same time. My sweet little girl, so big already. So much your own person. You have been from day one. We are trying our best to nurture you and guide you as gently as possible into the person you already are. We're showing you the ropes of this crazy world and hope we're not making too many mistakes along the way that you'll later remind us of. :) Each day is a joy, a struggle, a whirlwind. I've been told that's life with a toddler. But no matter how hard or difficult a day feels, at the end of the night when you've been sleeping for a couple of hours, I already miss you. Life with you is amazing!
<p><center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/62461835@N07/7441565044/" title="_DSC0428 by Our Little Lentil, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8009/7441565044_de9c6e706c_z.jpg" width="640" height="425" alt="_DSC0428"></a>
<br><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/62461835@N07/7441557570/" title="_DSC0453 by Our Little Lentil, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8149/7441557570_8e4d1ef79c_z.jpg" width="640" height="425" alt="_DSC0453"></a></center>
<p><b>Eating</b>
<br>Adelaide, you are a finicky eater. Some days you'll eat so good! A variety and lots of it. But other days, all you'll eat is a couple crackers and maybe some fruit. You will always eat whatever carb is placed in front of you: pasta, bread, crackers. You love apples, bananas, strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and grapes. You love sweet potaotes, any kind of bean (green, chickpea, black, etc.), mashed potatoes, hummus. You really like smoothies and fruit drinks (the real stuff, not fruit-flavored junk).
<p>You're really good with your fork and spoon, though you will always revert back to using your fingers to eat - it's just so much faster and foolproof that way!
<p><center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/62461835@N07/7441552140/" title="_DSC0474 by Our Little Lentil, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8010/7441552140_b068724f57_z.jpg" width="640" height="425" alt="_DSC0474"></a></center>
<p>You just recently drank successfully from a real cup. You love your sippy cups, and often will refuse to even try to drink from a real cup. However, the other morning I had some chocolate almond milk, and you wanted to drink some, so I poured a bit into a small cup for you and you did it! Of course, you ended up with a chocolate milk mustache (and beard) and some dribbled down the front of your dress, but you did it! And you were so proud of yourself too!
<p><b>Nursing</b>
<br>You are still nursing strong at 18 months. Some days I feel like you are a newborn again, nursing every couple of hours. I still nurse you whenever you want, except when we're out and I know you've had milk recently and you're not hungry. I will nurse you in public, but only if you really need it. I still nurse you to sleep every night and nap. Seeing your sleepy milk eyes makes me so happy. Feeling your hand rub my belly and chest makes me so happy. Seeing the contentment in your eyes, hearing it in your deep sigh when you latch on, hearing your happy gulps... this is what I'm meant to do... nourish you until you're ready to be done. Which ain't happening any time soon!
<p><b>Talking</b>
<br>Oh boy, you are a babbler. All. Day. Unless we're in the company of strangers. Then you clam up. But you really do love to talk. Aside from the nonsense babbling that we don't understand (but nod and answer to), you do have some words. Ball, car, eat, apple, bean, bear, bee, baby, dada, mama, papa, book, yuck, uh-oh, pee-pee, poo-poo, diaper, store, yum, down, up, yeah, no, hi, bye-bye, night-night, balloon, draw. You also make a ton of animals sounds: moo, roar!, monkey sounds, woof, meow, an elephant trumpeting sound, cock-a-doodle-do (in your own way, of course!), and sometimes a pig snort.
<p><b>Signing</b>
<br>Along with talking, you also sign a lot of words: Please, thank you, more, sorry (we taught you that one when you started hitting!), tree, apple, music, book, help, milk, eat.
<p><center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/62461835@N07/7441548582/" title="_DSC0487 by Our Little Lentil, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5450/7441548582_2b745ecd9b_z.jpg" width="425" height="640" alt="_DSC0487"></a></center>
<p><b>Sleeping</b>
<br>You still wake often throughout the night to nurse. Sometimes you'll sleep for 4-5 hours, and rarely will you sleep for 6 straight. But, those nights are happening more often, which is really good for all of us! We are following your lead. If you need me, I am there. Some people really don't agree with the way we're handling your sleep, but my thought is that no matter what, you'll know that mama and dada will always be here for you when you need it. You can trust us. We will never abandon you to let you cry-it-out. That method does not agree with our parenting style. You are also still in our bed, and we love to snuggle with you. Your crib is attached to the bed, and I'll often place you in it after you fall asleep, and sometimes you'll roll over into it. My feeling is that when you are ready for sleep independence, that crib space will be there for you, and we'll still be nearby so it won't be scary. (Of course, if it got to the point with your night-waking that it was hurting us and making it unable for us to cope with day-to-day stuff, we may have to nudge you quicker into sleep independence, but right now it works for us.)
<p><b>Play</b>
<br>You are FUN! You love to roughhouse, tickle, run at us, spin around, dance... anything active. You like to hide behind the curtains and call "dadddddyyyyy" and run out and tackle us. You like to play hide and seek... the kid that ends with a roar and squeal! You love, love, love to be outside. We draw on the sidewalk with chalk, walk through the grass, take neighborhood walks, hang out by the garden, play in your water/sand table. Anything really. You just love the fresh air and sunshine. You LOVE to read. You will bring us book after book after book (and on and on and on). You plop down into our laps and help us turn the pages and even act out some of the actions of the characters. You particularly like "Papa Please Get the Moon for Me" by Eric Carle. You point Papa out on each page, and even say "Papa" like an ornery Italian woman.
<p><center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/62461835@N07/7441542022/" title="_DSC0551 by Our Little Lentil, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5333/7441542022_ff5b53e16c_z.jpg" width="640" height="425" alt="_DSC0551"></a>
<br><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/62461835@N07/7441543320/" title="_DSC0548 by Our Little Lentil, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5271/7441543320_07d3f39974_z.jpg" width="425" height="640" alt="_DSC0548"></a></center>
<p>You LOVE to draw! You make a drawing motion and say "dwaw." You love to use crayons, markers. You love to paint. You use your fingers, paintbrushes, and even sponges to paint. You have a chalkboard that you draw on whenever you want, and you have sidewalk chalk that I mentioned above. I am in the process of creating a special art station here at home, where you will always find the things you want to create with, instead of having to ask me for it. Paper, crayons, markers (washable, of course) top the list. But I want there to be so much more. I want you to grow up creatively and be able to make your own decisions. Art will help you do that!
<p><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/62461835@N07/7441547306/" title="_DSC0490 by Our Little Lentil, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5075/7441547306_fae387e667_z.jpg" width="640" height="425" alt="_DSC0490"></a>
<br><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/62461835@N07/7441534996/" title="_DSC0562 by Our Little Lentil, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7111/7441534996_3a0d73899e_z.jpg" width="425" height="640" alt="_DSC0562"></a>
<p>Oh, there's so much more... I will have to write you again soon, sweet girl. I could tell you about our potty training beginning, about bathtime fun, about our strong attachment, about switching daycares, about our summertime fun so far, about so much. But, this letter is getting long, so I will wrap up for now.
<p>We love you very much. You are our moon girl!
<p>Love, MamaKristinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12514307448224535409noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4271851240782830262.post-29424173436727158872012-05-17T11:31:00.003-04:002012-05-17T11:31:55.432-04:00Lately.(<span style="font-size: x-small;">I will preface this post with saying that if you're just here for the mass of photos of the past couple of weeks, just scroll down past all my rambling. It's okay with me if you do.)</span> <br />
Guys, I have been so busy. So, so, so busy. I haven't kept up with writing my blog, or reading blogs in weeks (except for the few I remember about as I'm laying in bed with Adelaide nursing her down). I don't really have anything to show for the lack of posting. Nothing has really been eating up my time, except I just can't find many minutes in the day to sit down and catch up. Breathe. Just be. <br />
<br />
Well, I did finally crack open a non-baby-related book the other night. For about 20 minutes, I blissfully read and ate black bean and cheese taquitos dipped in salsa. It was nice.<br />
<br />
But the rest of the time? Busy. Taking care of an almost-17-month-old (!!!) whose latest trick is whining as soon as mommy steps in the door at daycare in the afternoons and not really ceasing until she gives out at the end of the night. And that's not even a real given anymore, either. This week has been treacherous in the sleep arena: laying down at 7:15 only to fall asleep at 8:45, waking up repeatedly in the middle of the night, crying and flailing about when I try to lay her back down, wanting to be up - immediately - at 5:30 in the mornings instead of letting momma and dada slowly rise from slumber. <br />
<br />
And Kevin has been incredibly busy. Meaning, he hasn't done hardly anything around the house because he's up to those beautiful blue eyes in sawdust, welding rings, and heading up drums. An 18-drum order is fantastic for business, but not so great for family life. This also means that our house is a disaster zone - piles of drum-makin' stuff everywhere. He should have them delivered out tomorrow, so hopefully that will be a start of a cleaner, calmer house, with a more-present Kevin around to help a bit.<br />
<br />
But even though it's been a hard couple of weeks, it's still good. I mean, really! She is growing so much. In fact, last weekend, she woke up a bit after being in bed for a while. Normally she'd start crying, and after a minute Kevin would go in and console her (i.e. she'd knock out as soon as he'd walk in the door - just wanted to know we were still there, is all). But that night, she woke up, swung off the bed, and toddled down the hall with her arms up and a big smile on her face. It was so darn cute that I picked her up and let her cuddle with me on the couch in a big goofy grin and watch comedy shows. I think she knew she was up when she was supposed to be sleeping. A kid who just got a special treat, you know?<br />
<br />
Plus, she's using her signs more. Please, thank you, more (with an audible "mo" along with it), and milk are her common ones. We're trying to teach her a version of help, but she mostly just goes through all the signs when she needs something waiting for one to apply. It's kinda cute.<br />
<br />
And even though there's so much more goodness, my menial break at work is almost over, so here's that promised photo dump you've been so patiently waiting for... hope all is well in your world!<br />
<br />
<br />
<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/62461835@N07/7137314963/" title="_DSC0442 by Our Little Lentil, on Flickr"><img alt="_DSC0442" height="425" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7055/7137314963_1442164b9e_z.jpg" width="640" /></a> </center><center>Helping out in the garden... watering the plants.</center><center> </center><center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/62461835@N07/7161552366/" title="_DSC0485 by Our Little Lentil, on Flickr"><img alt="_DSC0485" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7220/7161552366_bacab254ef_z.jpg" width="425" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/62461835@N07/7161558466/" title="_DSC0477 by Our Little Lentil, on Flickr"><img alt="_DSC0477" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7080/7161558466_c04afdf5d7_z.jpg" width="425" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/62461835@N07/7161561514/" title="_DSC0470 by Our Little Lentil, on Flickr"><img alt="_DSC0470" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7082/7161561514_0a4e62575d_z.jpg" width="425" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/62461835@N07/7161563690/" title="_DSC0462 by Our Little Lentil, on Flickr"><img alt="_DSC0462" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7222/7161563690_3d0ff4e796_z.jpg" width="425" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/62461835@N07/7161562978/" title="_DSC0460 by Our Little Lentil, on Flickr"><img alt="_DSC0460" height="425" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5444/7161562978_6670cd6aec_z.jpg" width="640" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/62461835@N07/7161567066/" title="_DSC0450 by Our Little Lentil, on Flickr"><img alt="_DSC0450" height="425" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8012/7161567066_4833056047_z.jpg" width="640" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/62461835@N07/7161570388/" title="_DSC0431 by Our Little Lentil, on Flickr"><img alt="_DSC0431" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7104/7161570388_17c0ddcf2e_z.jpg" width="425" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/62461835@N07/7161571924/" title="_DSC0430 by Our Little Lentil, on Flickr"><img alt="_DSC0430" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8154/7161571924_9f260939ac_z.jpg" width="425" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/62461835@N07/7193051518/" title="_DSC0427 by Our Little Lentil, on Flickr"><img alt="_DSC0427" height="425" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7238/7193051518_dd123e92a5_z.jpg" width="640" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/62461835@N07/7193052574/" title="_DSC0428 by Our Little Lentil, on Flickr"><img alt="_DSC0428" height="425" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7101/7193052574_12a136f632_z.jpg" width="640" /></a> </center><center>Mother's Day lunch at <a href="http://flyingbiscuit.com/" target="_blank">Flying Biscuit Cafe</a>.</center><center> </center><center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/62461835@N07/7193053422/" title="_DSC0437 by Our Little Lentil, on Flickr"><img alt="_DSC0437" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8141/7193053422_3ceb2237fb_z.jpg" width="425" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/62461835@N07/7193054332/" title="_DSC0444 by Our Little Lentil, on Flickr"><img alt="_DSC0444" height="425" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7099/7193054332_91f542ac6e_z.jpg" width="640" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/62461835@N07/7193055232/" title="_DSC0445 by Our Little Lentil, on Flickr"><img alt="_DSC0445" height="425" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8158/7193055232_5495c65bde_z.jpg" width="640" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/62461835@N07/7193057018/" title="_DSC0442 by Our Little Lentil, on Flickr"><img alt="_DSC0442" height="425" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7085/7193057018_7653d0dd7a_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></center>Kristinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12514307448224535409noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4271851240782830262.post-49395753206014366542012-04-30T20:32:00.000-04:002012-04-30T20:32:59.522-04:00Such a little girl.<br />
<br />
<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/62461835@N07/6975571202/" title="_DSC0461 by Our Little Lentil, on Flickr"><img alt="_DSC0461" height="425" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7122/6975571202_a72d7eac46_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></center><br />
<br />
Sunday my baby took a baby to nap with her for the first time, and it made my heart melt. She hugged that doll till she fell asleep. I brought it with me today when I picked her up from daycare, and when she saw it she grabbed on tight and whimpered, like she missed it all day. She carries it around, patting it on the head and hugging it. <br />
<br />
This evening, I picked her up off the counter where she was entertaining herself while I did the dishes, and left her doll behind. Adelaide patted her chest where her baby should be, and I thought I was going to cry. <br />
<br />
She is so sweet, and growing up. I wish I knew her every thought. She's becoming a little girl, isn't she? I love her so much.... look at this <i>kid</i>: <br />
<br />
<br />
<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/62461835@N07/6965314394/" title="_DSC0465 by Our Little Lentil, on Flickr"><img alt="_DSC0465" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7205/6965314394_e1506a974e_z.jpg" width="425" /></a> </center><center>I'm 99% sure that these overalls are mine from when I was little... awesome!</center><center> </center><center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/62461835@N07/7111390533/" title="_DSC0451 by Our Little Lentil, on Flickr"><img alt="_DSC0451" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7133/7111390533_d280a50e16_z.jpg" width="425" /></a></center><br />
<div align="center">
And this sweet tie-dye number is from a beautiful friend of mine... <a href="http://amstewartview.com/section/248668_Hand_dyed_fabrics.html" target="_blank">check her out</a>.</div>Kristinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12514307448224535409noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4271851240782830262.post-13229867808491364562012-04-28T13:20:00.004-04:002012-04-28T13:20:55.458-04:00Still nursing at 16 months.From the beginning I've said that I will nurse as long as Adelaide wants to, and my view hasn't changed. I love this relationship, and the cuddles that go along with it. Some days it's the only time she slows down and I treasure the sounds of deep gulps and the little noises she still makes when she nurses.<br />
<br />
<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/62461835@N07/7111388873/" title="_DSC0507 by Our Little Lentil, on Flickr"><img alt="_DSC0507" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7226/7111388873_4850c4d49c_z.jpg" width="425" /></a></center><br />
I never hold her in the cradle position anymore. She sits square on my lap and leans forward. Most of the time she looks out to the side, but she'll also turn her head to look at me and play with my face. I'm able to give her lots of attention and kisses. I love it.<br />
<br />
<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/62461835@N07/6965312696/" title="_DSC0520 by Our Little Lentil, on Flickr"><img alt="_DSC0520" height="640" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5232/6965312696_b909ab89a8_z.jpg" width="425" /></a></center><br />
Who knows when we'll stop. I don't see her quitting any time soon. She doesn't ask for it as often as she used to (and she's FINALLY just now using the actual milk sign!), but she still nurses through the night, nurses to sleep, and then once or twice in the evenings. On the weekends she'll nurse at naptime, and then maybe once or twice more.<br />
<br />
<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/62461835@N07/7111389261/" title="_DSC0482 by Our Little Lentil, on Flickr"><img alt="_DSC0482" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7120/7111389261_7f5ce5c99c_z.jpg" width="425" /></a></center><br />
I actually hope she doesn't stop anytime soon. I love it, and feel proud that we've made it this far. 16 months and counting...<br />
<br />
<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/62461835@N07/6965313932/" title="_DSC0479 by Our Little Lentil, on Flickr"><img alt="_DSC0479" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7273/6965313932_8e91bf364c_z.jpg" width="425" /></a></center>Kristinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12514307448224535409noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4271851240782830262.post-90659480130119934152012-04-24T10:50:00.003-04:002012-04-27T07:15:32.645-04:00Rice pool party.I've been wanting a sand box or table for Adelaide for a while now. I think I will probably end up making something for her, inspired by so many images I've seen on Pinterest, but who knows when that will be. <br />
<br />
We do, however, have a baby pool that we picked up at Babies R Us when we went to buy her a nice, new, more comfy carseat. It was only $7. <br />
<br />
I didn't have any sand, but I did have a huge bag of white rice that was still halfway full. I'd bought it and used some to make rice warmers a few years ago for Christmas presents, and the unused rice has sat in my craft closet since. <br />
<br />
<br />
<center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/62461835@N07/7097452917/" title="_DSC0450 by Our Little Lentil, on Flickr"><img alt="_DSC0450" height="425" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5114/7097452917_8e4bed737b_z.jpg" width="640" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/62461835@N07/7097453325/" title="_DSC0455 by Our Little Lentil, on Flickr"><img alt="_DSC0455" height="425" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5343/7097453325_afbae8df0b_z.jpg" width="640" /></a> </center><center> </center><center>I dumped it in the baby pool, threw in some bowls, spoons, etc. and let Adelaide explore. </center><center> </center><center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/62461835@N07/7097452097/" title="_DSC0446 by Our Little Lentil, on Flickr"><img alt="_DSC0446" height="425" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7226/7097452097_47aa5dd40f_z.jpg" width="640" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/62461835@N07/6951382930/" title="_DSC0442 by Our Little Lentil, on Flickr"><img alt="_DSC0442" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7123/6951382930_a9893001d5_z.jpg" width="425" /></a> </center><center> </center><center>She.Loves.It. It is a source of independent entertainment for her. I'm able to prep dinner for a whole 20-30 minutes with no interruptions! It did take some redirecting when it came to throwing the rice OUT of the pool, but we don't have problems with that anymore. And even I can't help but squat down and play in the rice with her... it's a very nice tactile experience! </center><center> </center><center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/62461835@N07/7097451187/" title="_DSC0435 by Our Little Lentil, on Flickr"><img alt="_DSC0435" height="425" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5326/7097451187_c02a281a88_z.jpg" width="640" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/62461835@N07/6951382052/" title="_DSC0433 by Our Little Lentil, on Flickr"><img alt="_DSC0433" height="425" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5234/6951382052_5f4a61639d_z.jpg" width="640" /></a> <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/62461835@N07/6951381540/" title="_DSC0430 by Our Little Lentil, on Flickr"><img alt="_DSC0430" height="425" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7275/6951381540_6798d593d4_z.jpg" width="640" /></a></center><br />
A perfect fix for a sandbox-less household. And when the weather decides to warm back up, I'll throw the rice back in the bag, and fill the pool up with water... and won't that be fun too!Kristinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12514307448224535409noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4271851240782830262.post-9099656696357081352012-04-24T08:06:00.000-04:002012-04-24T08:06:21.742-04:00Spot on.You guys, I was right. I started my cycle the day after <a href="http://ourlittlelentil.blogspot.com/2012/04/feeling-blues.html" target="_blank">that last post</a>, where I talked about maybe having a connection between my cycle and feeling blue. And no kidding, I immediately felt better, and have been doing fine since. My world isn't ending, things look (somewhat)hopeful, and I haven't bawled my eyes out anymore.<br />
<br />
So, next month, we'll see if there's a repeat in my emotional roller coaster. Thanks to all who commented on that last post. It feels so good to know that I can put something sensitive out there and get support and advice and general well-wishing. So good. Thank you!Kristinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12514307448224535409noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4271851240782830262.post-17589058255656193892012-04-19T08:00:00.002-04:002012-04-19T08:00:03.792-04:00Feeling the blues.I may have made a connection between my days of complete sadness and my period. Too much info? Sorry. But it's a revelation, if I'm correct. Pre-baby, and even pre-work, I wouldn't suffer too badly with pre-menstral symptoms. Cramps, a little irritability, stuff like that. Nothing major. (Unless you ask my husband, hah!)<br /><br />But all this week I have been feeling intense blues. Like, want to cry all.the.time. And I think I'm due to start my period soon. And, wasn't it about a month ago that I had a few days stretch of sadness? I can't remember exactly, but I might be on the right track. Maybe my hormones aren't quite back to normal. Maybe it's because I'm still nursing. Maybe this whole motherhood thing just affects me so deeply and some days I don't know how to handle the whole thing, working, money woes, my love handles, absent friendships and absent family members, and dreams of different circumstances. Somedays it all seems too much. And I think those days just might be happening somewhat predictably.<br /><br />So I'm making a note of it on the calendar, these darker days, and when Aunt Flow shows up. And next month, if it happens again, I'll know there's a connection. <br /><br />And if there is indeed a connection, I'll be looking up ways to counteract the blues. Maybe there's a supplement I can take the couple weeks leading up my period, maybe I need to spend as much time outdoors that week, I don't know. Does any of this sound familiar to anyone else? If so, what do you do to handle it?Kristinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12514307448224535409noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4271851240782830262.post-72587926505480874072012-04-17T12:00:00.000-04:002012-04-17T12:00:43.451-04:00Playing with our food.Adelaide hardly eats a good meal anymore. She's always go-go-go and doesn't want to sit still long enough to eat. When she is sitting in her booster seat at the table, she's always trying to climb out of it. In between each nibble, she attempts to stand and I have to sternly say "Sit down, Adelaide." And she does. Takes another nibble, repeat.<br /><br />But I still offer good food. I try to give a variety though I feel I'm always feeding her the same things. Or, I'll cook a bunch of something and feed it to her daily with different sides. <br /><br />Things she'll definitely eat: beans. Kidney, black, lentil, green. It doesn't matter, she loves them all. She'll also eat bread, crackers, things like that. She loves bananas. She takes big ole' bites and then looks like a chipmunk with full cheeks. She loves pasta, applesauce, broccoli, and yogurt (though we only give her a teensy bit of it at a time to avoid a big rash.) And thanks to my mom's offering, we now know she likes kalamata olives. Of course, there's more, but those are the biggies right now.<br /><br />Most of all she loves to play with her food. If she's not down-and-out starving, she'll nibble and play. And I'll allow it until she starts throwing food on the floor and doing her cute "uh-oh." I figure, she's still learning about food, so what's the big deal (until there's a mess on the floor, then that's a big deal)?<br /><br />Like this meal: black beans, and pita bread with hummus and olives.<br /><br /><center><a title="_DSC0438 by Our Little Lentil, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/62461835@N07/7074337965/"><img alt="_DSC0438" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5114/7074337965_ee52a70874_z.jpg" width="640" height="425" /></a><br /><br />Picked all the olives off and ate them first...<br /><br /><a title="_DSC0441 by Our Little Lentil, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/62461835@N07/6928257572/"><img alt="_DSC0441" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5345/6928257572_e1d543ccaf_z.jpg" width="425" height="640" /></a><br /><br />Ate some black beans. Then smushed her hands onto the hummus pita bread...<br /><br /><a title="_DSC0450 by Our Little Lentil, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/62461835@N07/6928261378/"><img alt="_DSC0450" src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5120/6928261378_65f4864913_z.jpg" width="425" height="640" /></a><br /><br />And look at that face when the pita stuck to her hand! Adorable! This is why I let her experience her food in her own way. She is learning all the time. <em>This sticky stuff mama is trying to get me to eat? Lookie what it does to my hand! Wow!</em><br /><br /><a title="_DSC0451 by Our Little Lentil, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/62461835@N07/7074343149/"><img alt="_DSC0451" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7209/7074343149_79168133f6_z.jpg" width="425" height="640" /></a></center><br /><br />My job is to offer healthy foods. So I do that. She just has to slow down and eat, dang it. :)Kristinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12514307448224535409noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4271851240782830262.post-47826042340176736252012-04-12T07:30:00.002-04:002012-04-12T07:36:14.593-04:00Working the dirt.About a month ago, I posted about prepping my garden beds. And about a week and a half ago, I planted some seeds and some small plants in the beds. My hope is that I'll get a bunch of veggies this summer to eat fresh out of the garden. My bigger hope is that I'll get enough to can a little bit so that we can enjoy our garden even in the dead of winter.<br /><br />This year is the first year I've planted directly in the bed. Usually I start seeds inside, but with chasing Adelaide around, time just flew by and before I knew it, March was knocking. (And know it's already mid-April, holy cow!) So we just planted right into the soil. So far, nothing's coming up but a TON of little weeds, thanks to all the fun <a href="http://www.dandydesigns.org/id59.html">helicopter seeds</a> that keep floating down. Hopefully I'll see a few little seedlings soon. Otherwise, I'm taking a trip to the garden store and buying more plants that are already started, like the 2 tomato and 2 pepper that I've already got in the bed growing.<br /><br />If everything goes well, I'll have 7 tomatoes, 4 bell pepper, 3 basil, some green onions, and some garlic chives. I've also got some pots on the porch, as well as this 4'x8' bed.<br /><br /><center>Adelaide helped me plant, after playing her "tummy drum."<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/62461835@N07/6897598094/" title="_DSC0382 by Our Little Lentil, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7276/6897598094_f79d761a6d_z.jpg" alt="_DSC0382" height="640" width="425" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/62461835@N07/7043692267/" title="_DSC0379 by Our Little Lentil, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5117/7043692267_3de9ee7f5f_z.jpg" alt="_DSC0379" height="425" width="640" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/62461835@N07/7043693515/" title="_DSC0387 by Our Little Lentil, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7095/7043693515_6756ac099f_z.jpg" alt="_DSC0387" height="425" width="640" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/62461835@N07/6897598898/" title="_DSC0397 by Our Little Lentil, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7190/6897598898_657bfeaf3b_z.jpg" alt="_DSC0397" height="425" width="640" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/62461835@N07/6897599240/" title="_DSC0403 by Our Little Lentil, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7136/6897599240_c1fbc8e3fe_z.jpg" alt="_DSC0403" height="425" width="640" /></a><br /><br />Nursing break.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/62461835@N07/7043696711/" title="_DSC0425 by Our Little Lentil, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7071/7043696711_5e6b211504_z.jpg" alt="_DSC0425" height="640" width="425" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/62461835@N07/7043698475/" title="_DSC0458 by Our Little Lentil, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5152/7043698475_fea0540a64_z.jpg" alt="_DSC0458" height="425" width="640" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/62461835@N07/7043698755/" title="_DSC0462 by Our Little Lentil, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5346/7043698755_16b2b31719_z.jpg" alt="_DSC0462" height="425" width="640" /></a><br /><br />She now helps me water the garden most nights. She either a) grabs the hose and wiggles it around to get all the plants, sometimes rather enthusiastically so we get the grass too, or b) sticks her hand in the spray, which inadvertently gets me wet too. Either way, she's having fun.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/62461835@N07/6897604372/" title="_DSC0435 by Our Little Lentil, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7099/6897604372_d5dc114a87_z.jpg" alt="_DSC0435" height="640" width="425" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/62461835@N07/7043699601/" title="_DSC0439 by Our Little Lentil, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5235/7043699601_ec95d2de08_z.jpg" alt="_DSC0439" height="640" width="425" /></a></center><br />It's important to me to have Adelaide be a part of this. I want her to know where food really comes from. I want her to know that it's okay, and fun, to get dirty. I want her to look forward to spending time with Mother Nature and watching tiny little seeds sprout big vegetables that we're able to enjoy. Just as with painting, you are never to young to teach your children about the things you are passionate about. I may not be the best at gardening, but I am very interested to eating as real and healthy as I can (never mind the chips I downed last night... I do have my weaknesses). It's my job as a parent to pass on the skills and interests to my little one, and let her soak up what she will.<br /><br />P.S. I know that in some of my posts <a href="http://ourlittlelentil.blogspot.com/2012/03/warm-days-deck-days.html">my house is gray</a>, and this one it looks yellow. Well, we are in the middle of a 2-3 year painting project, haha. It was yellow when we first moved in, and now it's halfway the gray that I love. The front and sides are pretty much done, but the back... well. You can see.Kristinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12514307448224535409noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4271851240782830262.post-73812949956738724592012-04-11T15:00:00.000-04:002012-04-11T15:00:04.894-04:00A little thrifting...The thrifting bug has hit me. Maybe it's wanting to save money, maybe it's wanting to find new treasures that already hold stories. Either way, I've had an urge to check out my local thrift stores, and finally got to do so a couple weeks ago. I snapped some pictures of my finds, but let me tell you: I have since found more special things that I need to photo. And will do so. But instead of waiting, I'm just going to share these, otherwise they'd sit for a couple more weeks and that's not fair to them. :)<br /><br /><center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/62461835@N07/7025593079/" title="_DSC0379 by Our Little Lentil, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7261/7025593079_81dd00d0e5_z.jpg" width="640" height="425" alt="_DSC0379"></a></center><br />These hardback books were only $1.29 each, except for Berlioz, which is paperback at only $0.99. The Look At Me! book is a HUGE board book that has oversized pictures of babies, and Adelaide adores it. The art book is a great addition to my classroom. Berlioz is a Jan Brett book (if you are an elementary teacher, you know the value of Jan Brett!), and the Eric Carle book... OH! The Eric Carle book! Perfect condition, except the flashing fireflies in the back need a new battery. My jaw dropped when I saw it. I had to have it!!!<br /><br /><center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/62461835@N07/7025594415/" title="_DSC0383 by Our Little Lentil, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6054/7025594415_e97db2fc67_z.jpg" width="640" height="425" alt="_DSC0383"></a></center><br />Super-cute clothes for Adelaide. A nice vintage-y frock, a tan jacket that will be perfect next fall, and a dress/bloomer set that will be a nice addition to this summer's wardrobe. Only $1.99 each.<br /><br /><center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/62461835@N07/6879494806/" title="_DSC0384 by Our Little Lentil, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7088/6879494806_ee7738c61f_z.jpg" width="640" height="425" alt="_DSC0384"></a></center><br />Little strawberries!<br /><br /><center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/62461835@N07/6879494146/" title="_DSC0380 by Our Little Lentil, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6101/6879494146_499715b773_z.jpg" width="425" height="640" alt="_DSC0380"></a></center><br />And this dress. $4.99. NOT my usual style, but when I was in the dressing room staring at the humongous HEAP of leftovers from other people, I saw this and on a whim tried it on. It fit awesomely, and I figure if I ever go to a fancy dinner place ever again, sans baby, this would knock Kevin's socks off.<br /><br />So there you have it. About 16 smackers for a nice dress, three items for Adelaide, and 4 awesome books. I was pretty happy about the finds! Especially considering that the Eric Carle book alone, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Very-Lonely-Firefly-Eric-Carle/dp/0399227741/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1334148623&sr=8-1">brand new</a>, is about the same price as all of the above! Now, if only I can drag myself to take photos of those other treasures...Kristinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12514307448224535409noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4271851240782830262.post-10572971596488717402012-04-11T08:38:00.001-04:002012-04-11T08:38:54.556-04:00Our Easter Sunday.<center>Pretty dresses.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/62461835@N07/7061765651/" title="_DSC0431 by Our Little Lentil, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5196/7061765651_1206ec81e6_z.jpg" width="425" height="640" alt="_DSC0431"></a><br /><br />Chomping on bunnies.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/62461835@N07/7061767521/" title="_DSC0450 by Our Little Lentil, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7057/7061767521_199c34efef_z.jpg" width="425" height="640" alt="_DSC0450"></a><br /><br />Searching for eggs at Mimi's house.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/62461835@N07/7061768857/" title="_DSC0463 by Our Little Lentil, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7044/7061768857_02b09550ae_z.jpg" width="640" height="425" alt="_DSC0463"></a><br /><br />And finding them!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/62461835@N07/7061772087/" title="_DSC0483 by Our Little Lentil, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7127/7061772087_837b9708cc_z.jpg" width="640" height="425" alt="_DSC0483"></a><br /><br />Counting the loot.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/62461835@N07/7061770803/" title="_DSC0475 by Our Little Lentil, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7264/7061770803_b400794ac1_z.jpg" width="425" height="640" alt="_DSC0475"></a><br /><br />Cousin's a good egg finder.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/62461835@N07/7061773221/" title="_DSC0499 by Our Little Lentil, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7045/7061773221_12976b430d_z.jpg" width="425" height="640" alt="_DSC0499"></a><br /><br />Discovering treasures and treats.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/62461835@N07/7061774597/" title="_DSC0512 by Our Little Lentil, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7086/7061774597_683bfee712_z.jpg" width="640" height="425" alt="_DSC0512"></a><br /><br />Snacking on the Easter Bunny's carrots.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/62461835@N07/7061775155/" title="_DSC0518 by Our Little Lentil, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7255/7061775155_799523d20d_z.jpg" width="640" height="425" alt="_DSC0518"></a><br /><br />Blowing bubbles with Mema.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/62461835@N07/6915694920/" title="_DSC0547 by Our Little Lentil, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7259/6915694920_614080ba6f_z.jpg" width="640" height="425" alt="_DSC0547"></a><br /><br />Handsome daddy.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/62461835@N07/6915695444/" title="_DSC0550 by Our Little Lentil, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7182/6915695444_8458349e2c_z.jpg" width="425" height="640" alt="_DSC0550"></a><br /><br />A little snuggle time!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/62461835@N07/6915696156/" title="_DSC0552 by Our Little Lentil, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7075/6915696156_5711e4bbb3_z.jpg" width="640" height="425" alt="_DSC0552"></a><br /><br />Playing with Papa.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/62461835@N07/6915697394/" title="_DSC0565 by Our Little Lentil, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5319/6915697394_978769eb3f_z.jpg" width="640" height="425" alt="_DSC0565"></a><br /><br />The Easter Bunny left treats at our house too!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/62461835@N07/6915701706/" title="_DSC0600 by Our Little Lentil, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5457/6915701706_6f5db462eb_z.jpg" width="425" height="640" alt="_DSC0600"></a><br /><br />Doing a little bunny imitation. And pulling it off, cutely.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/62461835@N07/6915702852/" title="_DSC0611 by Our Little Lentil, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.staticflickr.com/5198/6915702852_83a15ccbb5_z.jpg" width="425" height="640" alt="_DSC0611"></a><br /><br />Ahh, relaxing after a fun-filled day!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/62461835@N07/7061785415/" title="_DSC0623 by Our Little Lentil, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7119/7061785415_8288a83d69_z.jpg" width="425" height="640" alt="_DSC0623"></a><br /><br /><br />***<br />Hope your Sunday was fun and bright, too!</center>Kristinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12514307448224535409noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4271851240782830262.post-40445111135490638992012-04-05T10:00:00.001-04:002012-04-05T10:00:00.731-04:00Birthday wishes.Today is the birth day of two people in my life: my nephew Hayden and my friend Hannah! So, happy birthday, you two. One is five and one is - gasp! - twenty-nine. You can guess which is which. <br /><br />This might give it away: I've known <a href="http://www.scoutandengineer.com/">Hannah</a> for, oh, about 17 years (holy cow, right?). As life does, we've moved in our own paths for many years now, but we keep in touch and are of course there for each other when we really need to be. Living apart definitely has a huge impact on how often we can see each other and how involved we can be in each others' life, but we seem to make it work. Happy birthday, sweet friend of mine! <br /><br />And Hayden is a boy growing up right before my eyes. Each time I see him, he seems so much more grown. It's incredible. He'll be starting kindergarten in the fall, geez! We went to his birthday party on Sunday, and thankfully Adelaide's teething didn't affect her and make it a poor time (aside from the no-nursing bit). She loved munching on pizza crust, running around everywhere, and enjoying all the attention she always attracts. Here's some photos and a really short video from the day...<br /><br /><center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/62461835@N07/6893857266/" title="_DSC0399 by Our Little Lentil, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7084/6893857266_ceb98c3021_z.jpg" alt="_DSC0399" height="640" width="425" /></a><br />Adelaide and her great-grandmother<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/62461835@N07/6893849664/" title="_DSC0387 by Our Little Lentil, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7195/6893849664_07f4e138ee_z.jpg" alt="_DSC0387" height="640" width="425" /></a><br />Kevin's mom's three grandkids together... and the only shot I got of the birthday boy all day!!! Whoops!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/62461835@N07/6893860812/" title="_DSC0417 by Our Little Lentil, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7217/6893860812_02595cf639_z.jpg" alt="_DSC0417" height="640" width="425" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/62461835@N07/6893861464/" title="_DSC0420 by Our Little Lentil, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7139/6893861464_b796035e1e_z.jpg" alt="_DSC0420" height="640" width="425" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/62461835@N07/6893862044/" title="_DSC0425 by Our Little Lentil, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7101/6893862044_f08b9d54a4_z.jpg" alt="_DSC0425" height="425" width="640" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/62461835@N07/7039962303/" title="_DSC0446 by Our Little Lentil, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7243/7039962303_2d47f45a62_z.jpg" alt="_DSC0446" height="640" width="425" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/62461835@N07/7039972173/" title="_DSC0430 by Our Little Lentil, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7235/7039972173_72a34b0ebc_z.jpg" alt="_DSC0430" height="425" width="640" /></a><br />Remember <a href="http://ourlittlelentil.blogspot.com/2012/02/new-niece.html">our new niece</a>? She's gotten so big!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/62461835@N07/6893877160/" title="_DSC0451 by Our Little Lentil, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7200/6893877160_3eea14f03f_z.jpg" alt="_DSC0451" height="425" width="640" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/62461835@N07/7039973995/" title="_DSC0460 by Our Little Lentil, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7264/7039973995_c3787e8944_z.jpg" alt="_DSC0460" height="425" width="640" /></a><br /><br /><object type="application/x-shockwave-flash" data="http://www.flickr.com/apps/video/stewart.swf?v=109786" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" height="225" width="400"> <param name="flashvars" value="intl_lang=en-us&photo_secret=63ef5d07aa&photo_id=6893875580&hd_default=false"> <param name="movie" value="http://www.flickr.com/apps/video/stewart.swf?v=109786"> <param name="bgcolor" value="#000000"> <param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://www.flickr.com/apps/video/stewart.swf?v=109786" bgcolor="#000000" allowfullscreen="true" flashvars="intl_lang=en-us&photo_secret=63ef5d07aa&photo_id=6893875580&hd_default=false" height="225" width="400"></embed></object></center>Kristinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12514307448224535409noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4271851240782830262.post-49878204368717181832012-04-03T14:05:00.002-04:002012-04-03T14:06:13.219-04:00Still my baby...I struggle with the idea that Adelaide is no longer a baby. Only 15 months old and I consider her a kid. My brother-in-law pointed out that the dictionary defines a toddler as an infant just learning to walk, and obviously Adelaide is past that point. She's been walking for a whopping seven months now. She's a <em>kid</em>.<br /><br />This <a href="http://ourlittlelentil.blogspot.com/2012/03/teething-and-cuddles.html">weekend was tough</a>. Saturday, she was in so much pain that she wouldn't swallow. Rivers of drool flowed down her chin. She refused to swallow... which meant not much eating or drinking. And that meant not much nursing. The first couple of times she nursed, she'd immediately back off and wail in pain. Then it got to the point where she would start crying or actively push herself away from the breast as soon as I offered. My breasts filled and I was reminded of what those first few months felt like (not fun).<br /><br />I was sad. The one thing that held that small bit of baby (nursing) and I wasn't even getting that. Each time I offered and she refused I felt defeated. <br /><br />(Thankfully things are back to normal for now, and she's nursing normally. I stayed home on Monday from work to make sure things were good with her, and we had an incredible day.)<br /><br />So, because she wasn't nursing, she was having trouble getting to sleep. I nurse her to sleep and love it, wouldn't change it. But she had nothing to distract her from the pain her gums were causing, and wouldn't nurse to fall asleep.<br /><br /><center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/62461835@N07/7039943417/" title="_DSC0380 by Our Little Lentil, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7236/7039943417_81c8baac46_z.jpg" width="425" height="640" alt="_DSC0380"></a></center><br /><br />I tried everything, but finally I had to break out the Moby wrap, that I'd already packed up for good. As soon as she got in, she stopped crying. It was incredibly different holding a 24-ish pound toddler/kid as <a href="http://ourlittlelentil.blogspot.com/2011/01/moby.html">opposed to a newborn</a>, but it still worked wonders. We went on a walk in the misty, dewy night. The moon shown, it was quiet but for the crickets, and she fell asleep.<br /><br /><center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/62461835@N07/7039943937/" title="_DSC0381 by Our Little Lentil, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7256/7039943937_5cd4e30205_z.jpg" width="425" height="640" alt="_DSC0381"></a></center><br /><br />As I walked, I sang and whispered and kissed her head. I thought, <em>She's still my baby</em>. She will always be my baby in my heart, no matter how big she gets or what she learns or how independent she becomes. She's my baby, always.<br /><br /><center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/62461835@N07/6893848620/" title="_DSC0395 by Our Little Lentil, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7120/6893848620_d52c5e67cb_z.jpg" width="425" height="640" alt="_DSC0395"></a></center>Kristinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12514307448224535409noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4271851240782830262.post-23124372676685687212012-03-31T14:30:00.002-04:002012-03-31T14:33:14.260-04:00Teething and cuddles.The teething monster is at it again. Adelaide has slept fitfully all week, and Thursday and Friday nights ran fevers. Today she has been in pain, constantly putting her hands in her mouth and crying. She's drooling like crazy, feverish, CLINGY, and unable/unwilling to eat or nurse much. She hasn't napped all day because each time we lay down to try to go to sleep, she cries out in pain and refuses to stay lying down.<br /><br />I hate this for her, and I wish she wasn't in pain, but if it's not strange to say: I have really enjoyed taking care of her. I said this to Kevin, and he totally got it. We know that we're taking care of her, helping her in any way that we can: distracting her, taking her outside, getting little sips of milk, juice, or water in her, a graham cracker here, an apple slice there. It's all helping, in little ways. We know why she is fussy, we understand her behavior today. It's not like many of our other days when we have no idea what's going on and nothing seems to help.<br /><br />Last night (Friday), she could barely stay awake past 6pm (bedtime is usually between & and 7:30pm). She nursed constantly when we got home from work/daycare, and for long sessions. She wanted <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PC57z-oDPLs">Emmylou </a>on repeat (thank you <a href="http://freespiritedtmama.blogspot.com/2012/03/my-weekend-sounds-like_12.html">Bekah </a>for sharing that song with us!), and when she was done nursing, reached over to Daddy and fell asleep on his shoulder.<br /><br />She has been a Daddy's girl for the past week or so, loving his hugs, resting on his chest, reaching out for him. It's a nice change of pace, something that Kevin has been waiting over a year for. So, of course, I had to snap some pictures of this precious moment as it's been a very long time since she's fallen asleep on him. Just another memory we don't want to forget...<br /><br /><center><a title="_DSC0407 by Our Little Lentil, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/62461835@N07/6884629242/"><img alt="_DSC0407" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7051/6884629242_bc939d5be7_z.jpg" width="640" height="425" /></a><br /><br /><a title="_DSC0405 by Our Little Lentil, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/62461835@N07/6884628994/"><img alt="_DSC0405" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7228/6884628994_f7489c705c_z.jpg" width="425" height="640" /></a><br /><br /><a title="_DSC0410 by Our Little Lentil, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/62461835@N07/6884629486/"><img alt="_DSC0410" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7183/6884629486_8bc4b1ebbb_z.jpg" width="640" height="425" /></a></center>Kristinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12514307448224535409noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4271851240782830262.post-36986279167621763042012-03-30T08:47:00.002-04:002012-03-30T08:48:42.886-04:00Saying goodbye is hard.<center><a title="_DSC0420 by Our Little Lentil, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/62461835@N07/6844548516/"><img alt="_DSC0420" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7040/6844548516_d50d52c462_z.jpg" width="640" height="425" /></a></center><br /><br />I know I mention it a lot, but leaving Adelaide is the hardest thing I do every day. I spent my whole adult life waiting to be a mom, and the better part of my pregnancy naively thinking that I would be able to work it out financially to stay home with her indefinitely. And when I did the math... I got so depressed thinking about how my dreams wouldn't come to fruition quite the way I'd always imagined.<br /><br />I'm lucky to have been able to stay home with her for the 9 months that I did. Well, not lucky... I worked my butt off during the summers nannying, paying off debt and saving so that I could afford the birth center and my extended maternity leave. No luck there... hard work instead.<br /><br />But no matter how much extra work I did, nothing can change the fact that we still have a mortgage to pay and other bills and Kevin's income just wasn't cutting it. So return to work I did, in October.<br /><br />And it was so tough, getting used to the idea that Adelaide wasn't spending her days with me... or rather, that I wasn't spending my days with Adelaide. That someone else was spending the majority of her days with her, teaching her, hugging her, taking care of her. It's hard wondering what she's doing at any given moment. It's hard seeing a new skill of her's, because I know someone else has taught it to her. But it has gotten easier, as time has gone by. The heartache has lessened, the tears come less frequently now. Mondays are still hard.<br /><br />If the morning has been full of tantrums, I can't help but feel that it's because of my leaving, because our life is this way. If you could only see the way she sometimes cries and reaches for me as I try to cheerfully tell her I love her and that I will see her at the day's end. I can't help but think that if I were a stay at home mom we wouldn't have to go through these rushed goodbyes. And if the morning has been calm and full of singing and smiles, I still can't help but wish I could stay home so that I could enjoy more of that. It's a no-win situation as far as this longing goes. She is my world, and my day feels out of sync without her.<br /><br />And every morning, at my insistance, Kevin and Adelaide stand on the porch and wave goodbye as I back the car out of the driveway. No matter how the morning has been, how the goodbye was, whether she wanted to give me a kiss or not, my heart skips a beat. I whisper goodbye to my little family, and try to remember that this life is still infinitely more full than it ever was before she came. Infinitely better, infinitely more important, infinitely more full of love.Kristinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12514307448224535409noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4271851240782830262.post-17017530815776532842012-03-26T22:20:00.001-04:002012-03-26T22:21:16.344-04:00NC blogger meetup!Saturday I was fortunate to attend an NC blogger meetup. Lovely <a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.freespiritedtmama.blogspot.com">Bekah </a>and <a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.bohobabybump.blogspot.com">Jess </a>organized and hosted the event, and a whole slew of (mostly) mommy bloggers showed up to hang out, get to know each other, and stuff our faces for the better part of the day.<br /><br />As soon as Bekah posted about the idea for an NC meetup on her blog, I was all in. I was never too nervous about it, though this is the sort of thing that usually gets me all worked up. I did have a moment about what to wear beforehand, trying on every possible combination of tank-top and cardigans possible, but I decided to just be me and settled on a nice black top with gray cardigan. Nothing fancy, but still nice. Jeans and some nice black flats. I think I stressed more about Adelaide's outfit than my own, and even after settling on a cute pink dress and even ironing it (!), she got a blueberry stain front and center and we had to change the whole thing. Of course, she was super cute no matter what!<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a title="_DSC0382 by Our Little Lentil, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/62461835@N07/7018598293/"><img alt="_DSC0382" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7219/7018598293_b0521078c3_z.jpg" width="425" height="640" /></a></center><br /><br />I think what I was most anxious about (though not too terribly), was that I was meeting "bigger" bloggers. You know, those with a ton of followers that have been doing it successfuly for years. Little ole me with 90-something followers, rarely getting comments, rarely posting, meeting these women that I admired for their lifestyles, writing, and fun blogs.<br /><br />Kevin told me beforehand: <strong>They are just moms, with blogs, just like you.</strong><br /><br />And he was totally <em>right</em>. This was such a warm, welcoming group of ladies. I had awesome conversations with a couple of the ladies... a lot of "me too's!" and honest sharing of feelings and life. A local cupcake company, <a href="http://cupcrazed.com/">Cupcrazed</a>, provided some of the BEST cupcakes known to man (toasted coconut? yes, please!) thanks to <a href="https://app.passionfruitads.com/join">Passionfruitads</a>. And all the ladies brought homemade goodies (I made salsa): smoothies, mango water, coconut milk, pb&j sammies, fruit salad, kale salad, and a bunch of other stuff that I honestly can't remember. It was awesome.<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a title="_DSC0383 by Our Little Lentil, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/62461835@N07/7018598845/"><img alt="_DSC0383" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7258/7018598845_8dda51203f_z.jpg" width="640" height="425" /></a></center><br /><br />We did a fun photo-booth where we each shot a 3-4 second blip making cute poses for the camera. Jess is going to put together one of her awesome videos of the day, and include a Brady Bunch-esque recap of all the bloggers that came out.<br /><br />There were so many kids/babies. I have to say, when I first walked into Jess's house and saw her boy Kael, it was surreal. I've known this boy since he was born, without ever meeting him, and there he was in the flesh like any toddler would be... padding around his house with his belly stuck out and skin stained with marker.<br /><br /><br /><br /><center><a title="_DSC0399 by Our Little Lentil, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/62461835@N07/6872492998/"><img alt="_DSC0399" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7072/6872492998_1d2b282ac1_z.jpg" width="640" height="425" /></a></center><br /><br />It was awesome. I came home buzzing with excitement over meeting such a great group of ladies. It felt inspiring and real and wonderful.<br /><br /><br />Here's a run-down of the ladies and their blogs:<br /><br />Bekah at <a href="http://freespiritedtmama.blogspot.com/">My Little Loves</a><br />Jess at <a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.bohobabybump.blogspot.com">Boho Baby Bump</a><br />Brooke at <a href="http://fromunderhisfeathers.blogspot.com/">From Under His Feathers</a><br />Brittney at <a href="http://brittneysrabbithole.blogspot.com/">Brittney's Rabbit Hole</a><br />Paige at <a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.wethreepilgrims.blogspot.com">We Three Pilgrims</a><br />Dusti at <a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.wheresdusti.blogspot.com">Where Am I?</a><br />Carey from <a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.lalalubaby.blogspot.com">La La Lu</a><br />Jenn at <a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.thefortunateplight.com">The Fortunate Plight</a><br />Anna at <a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.thecolorfullivingproject.blogspot.com">The Colorful Living Project</a><br />Rebecca at <a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.theunsteadypath.blogspot.com">The Unsteady</a><br />Tia at <a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.twobirdsonwire.blogspot.com">Two Birds on a Wire</a><br />Leslie at <a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.thebeehivemutter.wordpress.com">The Beehive Mutter</a><br />Jessie at <a href="http://somestuffaboutstuff.com/">Some Stuff About Stuff</a><br /><br /><br />P.S. I was totally, totally awful about taking pictures. All the ones I did take were either blurry or of nothing important. I guess I was shy about sticking my camera in everyone's faces. Gotta get better at that... especially at an event all about blogging where half of what you do is take and share pictures!!!Kristinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12514307448224535409noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4271851240782830262.post-90625891979856203162012-03-23T22:00:00.002-04:002012-03-23T22:00:03.159-04:00Adelaide {15 months}Oh Adelaide, <br /><br />You are amazing. So, so, so amazing! Every day you make me laugh and it makes me so proud that you are such a happy, healthy, smart little girl. <br /><br />You are no longer a baby. In fact, according to the dictionary, you are no longer a toddler either, because you aren't learning to walk. You have been walking for 7 months now, which is crazy to think! You look more and more like a KID every day. No more double chin, no more bottles, big girl teeth, hands that can do so much, and so smart!<br /><br />You are walking, running, climbing. You recently climbed up onto the living room bookshelves, and then sat there swinging your legs looking so proud. You climb up and down the front steps by yourself, holding onto the railings and taking one step at a time. You are trying to figure out how to jump. You crouch down low and push yourself up, but your feet never leave the ground. Sometimes you'll come up on your tippy toes, but you're still planted. On the bed, however, you are able to bounce, bounce, bounce, and I'm sure it won't be long before you get some air. You still love to rough-house. <br /><br />You are getting to be so sweet! Lots of hugs and kisses for Momma, Daddy, the cats, pictures of cats, pictures of dogs, your baby dolls... pretty much anything. Just this past week, when we've laid down in bed for nighttime, we've asked you for a night-night kiss, and you gave one to each of us! It was so sweet! Definitely a much-welcomed addition to our night-time routine! <br /><br />Speaking of night-time... we are terrible with keeping a solid routine. Usually we have a bath, but sometimes it's before dinner, sometimes after. We like to play a little before bed. We try to brush your teeth every night, but even as soon as I sign "brush teeth" you start this really sad crying and then scream your way through it. Which actually helps me out because I can get to your teeth. Then we put on your extra thick cloth diaper which gives you a big ole booty, and we go into the bedroom. I sit you in the middle of the bed, you lay yourself down, give kisses now (!), and then I nurse you to sleep. <br /><br />I still really love breastfeeding. You feel so good in my arms laying in bed at night. It's such a special way for us to be together and really is so beautiful. I catch your daddy gazing at us, and he says the same thing: that we're so beautiful together. You still love nursing so much. In fact, when we went a month ago to meet your new cousin (Alice), you nursed more than she did, and she was only 3 weeks old! You clap your hands when you want to nurse, but in a different way than when you're clapping because you did something cute. I'm trying to teach you the "milk" sign, but you're not catching on. And now, when you nurse, you sit on my lap and just lean forward. It's so sweet, and gives me a chance to give you lots of kisses on your head!<br /><br />You've said a handful of words, but you haven't repeated many of them. You say "cah!" for cat, and "dah!" for dog, always emphatically. You have said book, duck, cool, buh-bye, but only once each. You say "mama" and "dada" all the time, but sometimes confuse the two. You say "da" for "that" and point at everything, asking us what things are and waiting for our answers. You shake your head yes and no, and say "yeah" which is really, really cute. You can sign bath, eat, water, all done, night-night, more, and your own sign for milk. And you're really trying to talk to us... scratch that - you DO talk to us... we just don't know what you're saying!<br /><br />You are starting to pay more attention to what you're wearing. If I put a dress on you and make a big deal out of it, you will go to the mirror and beam at yourself. You want to wear hair clippies when we get dressed, but immediately (most of the time) pull them right out. You love to wear your necklaces. You try to put on your shoes, pull off your pants. Oh, and you're so weird - you love to take my undies from the drawer and pull them over your head like a bandana!<br /><br />You are a picky eater now... gone are the days of shoveling food in your mouth. You rarely want to sit at the highchair and eat. You often just take a few bites and then sign "all done"! You eat better at daycare than you do at home. (Except at home, you still drink a lot of mommy milk!)<br /><br />You have transitioned up to the 1-year-old room at the daycare! You are the smallest baby in the room now, but you are doing so well and holding your own! You go right to sleep at naptime on your little cot and take good long naps! You love playing outside on the playground like a big girl! Today I saw you rocking on a little horse as I came to pick you up after work.... you really look like such a little kid!<br /><br />You love to read, do puzzles, go outside (anything outside!), tear everything off of shelves or out of containers (so long, neat dvd organization!), pretending to write with pens on paper, helping mommy do chores, being tickled, dancing, hearing daddy drum, petting the cats, and being held. You make silly faces, and laugh at everything!<br /><br />When you're happy, you're SO happy! But when you're mad, watch out! The best word to describe you is intense. Whatever you're feeling, you're totally invested in it and do your best to show it, whether that's spinning around in circles laughing, or screaming your head off on the changing table. <br /><br />But you are so much fun. Your daddy and I are completely in love with you. You have changed our lives for the better... so much better! WE LOVE YOU!<br /><br />Love, MommaKristinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12514307448224535409noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4271851240782830262.post-83491005805805227322012-03-23T11:25:00.001-04:002012-03-23T11:26:02.148-04:00Beauty in the weeds...Even in an unkept yard, there is beauty. Yesterday I saw the sun glinting on the dandelion heads, making them glow. I asked Kevin to run inside and grab the camera, because I just HAD to take pictures. They looked (look) so beautiful to me! The grass and weeds are reaching up and grabbing at my legs, begging to be noticed. And I did! Even when we don't have time to mow the lawn and it looks pathetic, there is beauty.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/62461835@N07/6861321710/" title="_DSC0385 by Our Little Lentil, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7103/6861321710_e2e651768d_z.jpg" width="640" height="425" alt="_DSC0385"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/62461835@N07/7007438581/" title="_DSC0384 by Our Little Lentil, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7124/7007438581_c84c010fe0_z.jpg" width="640" height="425" alt="_DSC0384"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/62461835@N07/6861320674/" title="_DSC0392 by Our Little Lentil, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7224/6861320674_c28a053951_z.jpg" width="640" height="425" alt="_DSC0392"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/62461835@N07/7007436875/" title="_DSC0405 by Our Little Lentil, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7210/7007436875_cbc39e90e0_z.jpg" width="640" height="425" alt="_DSC0405"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/62461835@N07/7007436303/" title="_DSC0407 by Our Little Lentil, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7197/7007436303_07ded80a8f_z.jpg" width="640" height="425" alt="_DSC0407"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/62461835@N07/7007439175/" title="_DSC0395 by Our Little Lentil, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7054/7007439175_aef601e9b2_z.jpg" width="640" height="425" alt="_DSC0395"></a>Kristinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12514307448224535409noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4271851240782830262.post-85875398959945512802012-03-19T10:40:00.000-04:002012-03-19T10:40:01.186-04:00Prepping the garden bed.A few years ago I felt ambitious enough to build a few raised garden beds. Two 4'x8' and one 4'x4'. And I filled them up. Lots of tomatoes, peppers, basil, etc. And then not much grew. I think it might be a little bit to do with the fact that I filled the whole beds with cow manure compost and didn't water consistently. Plus it was hot, and I don't like sweating that much. <br /><br />But I really wanted to grow my own veggies, so we planted again the next year. Did a little better, got more veggies out of it. And then again the next year.<br /><br />Last year, we tore up the small box and one large box because with Adelaide here, we decided we'd rather have more yard space. Priorities changing a little. We have a kid that loves to run around, so a yard to explore is important. Plus, we were pretty pathetic with our garden. Too much at once, perhaps? One box is left, a large one, and I'm going to do my best to be really good with it this year. I kinda wish I'd kept that smaller box. I could have filled it with sand and plopped Adelaide in it while I work in the yard. Oh well.<br /><br />Due to leaving the box out all winter uncovered, it looked pretty messy. And it was filled with cat poop. So I scooped out the top 4-5 inches of dirt and used it to fill in holes in the yard. (Remember last post where I talked about an uneven yard? It's very uneven.) And we went to Lowe's and bought cheap-o topsoil to fill it back up. And I added a big bag of peat moss because I read somewhere that I should. And then I took the extra fencing/netting that I used to baby-proof the deck, and used it to cover up the box to deter the cats from using it as a big poop-box. <br /><br />Adelaide started off on a blanket with snacks, but quickly worked her way over to the box. I had to redirect her from the poop dirt to the good, new dirt. No touching poop dirt, yuck! She loved pushing her hands through the dirt. It's the same thing she does in the sand box at the park. She practically dives into the stuff. She didn't eat any, but she did dump some on her head, and then looked pretty proud. <br /><br />I'm excited to start seeds tonight (a little late), and I'm even more excited to have Adelaide spend time with me outside and watch the plants grow. I want her to know where her food comes from, and there's no thing as too early to start teaching. <br /><br />Do you garden?<br /><br /><a title="_DSC0384 by Our Little Lentil, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/62461835@N07/6848806126/"><img alt="_DSC0384" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7257/6848806126_d52837075c_z.jpg" width="640" height="425" /></a><br /><br /><a title="_DSC0379 by Our Little Lentil, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/62461835@N07/6848805196/"><img alt="_DSC0379" src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6040/6848805196_b3cc4a0354_z.jpg" width="640" height="425" /></a><br /><br /><a title="_DSC0387 by Our Little Lentil, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/62461835@N07/6848809902/"><img alt="_DSC0387" src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6233/6848809902_3ab0893414_z.jpg" width="640" height="425" /></a><br /><br /><a title="_DSC0390 by Our Little Lentil, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/62461835@N07/6994933217/"><img alt="_DSC0390" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7219/6994933217_6d15db32a6_z.jpg" width="640" height="425" /></a><br /><br /><a title="_DSC0392 by Our Little Lentil, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/62461835@N07/6994933971/"><img alt="_DSC0392" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7059/6994933971_b9acfe3146_z.jpg" width="640" height="425" /></a><br /><br /><a title="_DSC0410 by Our Little Lentil, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/62461835@N07/6994934799/"><img alt="_DSC0410" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7046/6994934799_086cdb6182_z.jpg" width="425" height="640" /></a><br /><br /><a title="_DSC0411 by Our Little Lentil, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/62461835@N07/6848813444/"><img alt="_DSC0411" src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6044/6848813444_0ebfb06427_z.jpg" width="640" height="425" /></a><br /><br /><a title="_DSC0407 by Our Little Lentil, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/62461835@N07/6848814138/"><img alt="_DSC0407" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7238/6848814138_bc1341114d_z.jpg" width="425" height="640" /></a><br /><br /><a title="_DSC0395 by Our Little Lentil, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/62461835@N07/6994938405/"><img alt="_DSC0395" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7253/6994938405_a10de6a8a5_z.jpg" width="640" height="425" /></a>Kristinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12514307448224535409noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4271851240782830262.post-47274395680743132342012-03-17T15:45:00.001-04:002012-03-17T15:45:01.038-04:00Love what you have.We are lucky to have a great big front yard, and a great big back yard too. We own just under three-quarters of an acre. A bunch of it is woods in a flood zone, but a lot of it is usuable. The entire front yard is pretty sloped, and the back is super uneven with patchy grass. It's a pretty bad looking yard, in my opinion. So much potential: no time or money to do anything about it.<br /><br />But, for Adelaide, our yard is an undiscovered world, full of treasures. Despite my wanting a nice mulched front bed, paved walkway to the backyard, pretty flowers and trimmed bushes, Adelaide could care less. She is intrigued by the shoots of grass, the small acorn tops, baby pinecones, and dandelions popping up everywhere.<br /><br />Just another lesson to love what you have, and not struggle so much against it. Thank you, dear Adelaide, for always teaching me.<br /><br /><br /><center><a title="_DSC0408 by Our Little Lentil, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/62461835@N07/6965870687/"><img alt="_DSC0408" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7192/6965870687_5e517f7b4f_z.jpg" width="640" height="425" /></a><br /><br /><a title="_DSC0403 by Our Little Lentil, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/62461835@N07/6819748774/"><img alt="_DSC0403" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7196/6819748774_af382ee6db_z.jpg" width="640" height="425" /></a><br /><br /><a title="_DSC0402 by Our Little Lentil, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/62461835@N07/6965869879/"><img alt="_DSC0402" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7049/6965869879_351704a8f8_z.jpg" width="640" height="425" /></a><br /><br /><a title="_DSC0393 by Our Little Lentil, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/62461835@N07/6965869635/"><img alt="_DSC0393" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7039/6965869635_cd67cd44c1_z.jpg" width="425" height="640" /></a><br /><br /><a title="_DSC0409 by Our Little Lentil, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/62461835@N07/6965870993/"><img alt="_DSC0409" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7055/6965870993_d2648c9506_z.jpg" width="640" height="425" /></a><br /><br /><a title="_DSC0410 by Our Little Lentil, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/62461835@N07/6965871241/"><img alt="_DSC0410" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7182/6965871241_6ed21fa5e6_z.jpg" width="640" height="425" /></a><br /><br /><a title="_DSC0389 by Our Little Lentil, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/62461835@N07/6965869401/"><img alt="_DSC0389" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7186/6965869401_c92f401129_z.jpg" width="425" height="640" /></a><br /><br /><a title="_DSC0407 by Our Little Lentil, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/62461835@N07/6819749118/"><img alt="_DSC0407" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7067/6819749118_034e1c5e5d_z.jpg" width="640" height="425" /></a><br /><br /><a title="_DSC0383 by Our Little Lentil, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/62461835@N07/6965869135/"><img alt="_DSC0383" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7050/6965869135_25fe2fdf20_z.jpg" width="425" height="640" /></a></center>Kristinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12514307448224535409noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4271851240782830262.post-30096554536067997592012-03-07T21:29:00.004-05:002012-03-07T21:39:29.395-05:00Growing up, moving up.Y'all. My baby has started transitioning from the baby room to the 1-2 year room. That's a BIG DEAL. I have been holding on to the Pink Room and Mrs. R, but the time has come. Adelaide is moving up.<br /><br />Today she spent 2 hours in the Green Room, where she is definitely the smallest baby and pretty close to the youngest (she might be, but there's a boy in there with a close birthday). Any time we've visited the room after I've picked her up, the other toddlers swarm her because she's new. They exclaim "baby! baby!" and say her name "Hey Adelaide!" in their little toddler voices because somehow they do know her. She always seems so thrown back by the immediate attention in her personal space, but then she moves along and pulls down all the toys and seems to enjoy herself.<br /><br />Friday was her last day with a bottle. We'd transitioned one of her two bottles to a sippy cup six weeks ago, or so, and Monday we did all sippies: 2 milk and 1 diluted juice. She did great with it. <br /><br />She's been getting bored in the Pink Room with no other walking babies (oh, but those babies MOVE!). It was time.<br /><br />Today she went down to the Green Room from 9 to 11 and did awesome. I talked to her new teacher Ms. M (who Adelaide actually knows well because she spent quite some time in the Pink Room right when Adelaide started day care) when I picked Adelaide up today. Apparently, she wasn't fazed by all the hugs and attention she got from the other babies, and was having a ton of fun playing with the toys. And, MOST EXCITING, she got to go to the playground.<br /><br />You guys, this will probably be the best part of transitioning for her. This girl is a nature kid. Take her outside and no worries. In the Pink Room, if the weather was nice and no babies were having meltdowns, they'd strap them all in to this crazy big buggy and go for a walk. Now, Adelaide can run around on the playground, climb and slide and everything. <br /><br />Big girl over here, now.<br /><br />The transition will take a couple of weeks. I think the hardest part for me is, well, saying goodbye to my baby. She walks, no more bottles, sleeps on a cot, sits at a really cute little table for lunch. And now she won't be in the baby room. And there's so much unknown. For 2 months before we really began day care, she and I went to the Pink Room and spent hours there, playing. I got to see the ins and outs of that room. I have no idea what the routines are in the Green Room. *sigh*<br /><br />She's growing up, moving up... my little toddler girl. (Who, right now, is teething... so is very much a baby at night, needing mama and her milks... thank goodness, in a way.)Kristinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12514307448224535409noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4271851240782830262.post-84399862512546710872012-03-05T08:00:00.001-05:002012-03-05T08:00:14.216-05:00Warm days, deck days.It's been warm a bit these past couple of weeks... yesterday it was alright in the sun, but a little chilly in the shade. But lately, when the weather is nice, we head outside. Nothing like the fresh air, sun on your skin, and the feel of the breeze to keep a toddler happy.<br /><br />These pictures were taken last week sometime. It was a beautiful 70-something degrees, so we laid out a blanket, brought out some grapes to snack on and some toys onto our little deck. For a good 45 minutes, Adelaide was super content and didn't need me much for anything. She was good to go. And I remember sitting and just enjoying the springtime feeling. <br /><br /><center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/62461835@N07/6787332128/" title="_DSC0382 by Our Little Lentil, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7045/6787332128_2d1aa3f6bd_z.jpg" width="425" height="640" alt="_DSC0382"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/62461835@N07/6787330828/" title="_DSC0400 by Our Little Lentil, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7195/6787330828_08671f2907_z.jpg" width="425" height="640" alt="_DSC0400"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/62461835@N07/6787332576/" title="_DSC0384 by Our Little Lentil, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7050/6787332576_ca11af61bf_z.jpg" width="425" height="640" alt="_DSC0384"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/62461835@N07/6933448265/" title="_DSC0388 by Our Little Lentil, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7195/6933448265_c6b6ffd278_z.jpg" width="640" height="425" alt="_DSC0388"></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/62461835@N07/6787331288/" title="_DSC0395 by Our Little Lentil, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7181/6787331288_1bcd9aa370_z.jpg" width="425" height="640" alt="_DSC0395"></a></center>Kristinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12514307448224535409noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4271851240782830262.post-15464078712520178882012-03-03T20:50:00.001-05:002012-03-03T20:51:55.129-05:00Today.Today went by way too fast. All week I was in a funk. Tired because of a baby who can't sleep well and keeps her mama up, too. Stressed at work because of too many things to do and not enough time to do it (and refusing to work late because I don't get paid near enough as it is). Desperately wished I would magically win the lottery so I could switch back to stay-at-home-mom and be able to fix both of those problems (naps and no work stress).<br /><br />So I was really looking forward to the weekend. And wham! It's now almost 9pm and where did the day go? I was able to sleep in (thank you, hubs) and grocery shopped, and what? That's it? And it's 9pm? le sigh.<br /><br /><center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/62461835@N07/6804537896/" title="_DSC0379 by Our Little Lentil, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7045/6804537896_1e26e82fdd_z.jpg" width="640" height="425" alt="_DSC0379"></a><br />At Aldi's. Super cheap produce, though not organic. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/62461835@N07/6950648643/" title="_DSC0384 by Our Little Lentil, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7068/6950648643_674457b9b1_z.jpg" width="640" height="425" alt="_DSC0384"></a><br />Pretty much the only way to keep her entertained while shopping for groceries: feed her the groceries.</center><br /><br />Made a really quick and delicious dinner that is an easy go-to in this house: sauteed zucchini and onion is sooooo good. Sometimes we throw in squash too, but I don't care for squash (has no taste, to me). Zucchini is king. Also, couscous with pan-toasted pine nuts and raisins (soaked in pre-boiled water for 10 minutes to plump up). So good. Adelaide got plain couscous and ate it up. <br /><br /><center><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/62461835@N07/6804537626/" title="_DSC0386 by Our Little Lentil, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7067/6804537626_297dfc3ecc_z.jpg" width="640" height="425" alt="_DSC0386"></a><br />Tastes better than this picture makes it look.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/62461835@N07/6804536860/" title="_DSC0387 by Our Little Lentil, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7189/6804536860_c9b374573c_z.jpg" width="640" height="425" alt="_DSC0387"></a><br />Don't know where she learned to stick her face in her plate (ahem, Kevin...).<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/62461835@N07/6804536494/" title="_DSC0391 by Our Little Lentil, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7204/6804536494_8e16c319b6_z.jpg" width="640" height="425" alt="_DSC0391"></a></center><br /><br />Hopefully tomorrow really will be sunny like my phone says it will be. Only 55 degrees predicted, but in the sun it will feel really nice. This rainy cold weather makes me blah. I need spring to get here, and stay here... no more teasing us please!Kristinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12514307448224535409noreply@blogger.com0