Hawaii, Here I Come!

Videos

Up until a couple of days ago, we were successful in keeping Josie away from the TV and all its accessories. Here's what we have now...

Josie got this toy for Christmas and just yesterday decided to give it a try.

Pictures

Josie is at such a fun stage right now! She is quickly figuring things out and always wants to be on the move and exploring. One of her favorite things to explore is th kitchen. She loves to see her reflection in the oven.

Yesterday was a GORGEOUS day outside. So we got our sandals on and went out to play. Here are a few pictures.

Tuckered out

For the first time ever, Josie literally wore herself out. She was playing in her jumper (which, by the way, she has a renewed love for. Hurray!) and I was doing some stuff in the kitchen. It makes noise/music when she jumps, so I'd hear her jump every so often and then I could hear her playing with one of the toys. Well, I was thinking it was about time for a nap, since she had woken up at 6:45 this morning... I heard her jumping and then it was a lull--not a long one mind you!--and I looked over and she was pretty still, so I went to check on her and she was sound asleep! It was too cute. Usually when she falls asleep while she's eating her bottle or something, she'll wake right up when I touch her. This time she was so tired that I was able to get her out of her jumper and into her crib without her waking up. It was so sweet!

Update

Well, I had my follow-up with the surgeon today. He said that everything looks great, and even though its too soon to say that I'm as good as new, I'm pretty close. Hurray! The incisions have closed and they took out the staples today, so I don't have to worry as much about infection. Also, the pain is mostly gone, it just gets bad if I forget and make a sudden turn or something like that. My sister Kelley and her fiance Nate were nice enough to come up and watch Josie for me while I went to the doctor (since I technically shouldn't be lifting her while she's in her car seat). After the appointment they hung around for lunch. It was fun to see them.



I also realized that I didn't mention that they were able to do this surgery laparoscopically (I have no idea if I spelled that right...) Anyways, instead of doing one BIG incision, they did three small ones and put in a scope and tools to quickly remove it without opening me up. The down time after that kind of surgery is much MUCH shorter than the big slice ones.
Hurray for a quick recovery!! :)

Is this for real?

I've been doing the Baby Signing Time videos with Josie, in hopes that she can start communicating with me a little earlier. Several of my nieces and nephews were using signs before they could talk and it helped a ton, so I thought I'd try it out. I really like the videos, and if nothing else, it gives me 20 minutes of me time while she watches it.
A couple of days ago, I had Josie in her chair, feeding her, and there was a bottle on the table by her. She stopped eating, looked at the bottle and did the sign for milk. A little bit in shock, I handed her the bottle. She took a drink and then we continued eating. I just sat there wondering if she knew what she was doing or if it was a fluke. Then the next day she was really fussy while I was getting her ready to eat. I put her in her chair and told her it was time to eat, and showed her the sign for eat. She calmed right down and waited for her food. It seems much to soon for her to really be understanding and even USING the signs. All I have to say is, Is this for real???

As of yesterday, Josie is officially a cruiser. She's figured out how to move along the couch when she pulls herself up. And yesterday she pulled herself up on one toy and scooted from one big toy to the next. They were all pretty close together, but still. Silly Baby...

What a week...

This last week has felt like 2. And its not even over yet! Quick medical update, the 3 incisions seem to be healing well. I can keep them uncovered now if I want to, but I feel like the band aids give me a little protection from little hands and feet that think I'm a jungle gym. Overall, I feel great. I'm still a little bit sore, but the ibuprofen helps with that during the day, and I take my prescription pain killers at night, because it's the worst when I'm laying down. My follow-up appointment is on Monday, so I just need to hang in until then. Frustrating things: I can't lift my own baby. I mean, I can, but I shouldn't because the doctor recommended that I don't. I can't drive because of the pain killers. So, I've had wonderful people coming and staying with me all day every day this week to help me with Josie. Imagine how it feels to sit around and watch someone else take care of your baby all day long. I feel so totally helpless and I have a hard time not doing anything. But I also got a lecture from my mom about how service goes both ways--you aren't really following the law of service if you don't let others serve you. So, I'm trying to have a good attitude. It comes and goes. :)

Last night, Josie also got her 3rd tooth! Its one of the top front teeth. The one next to it looks pretty close too. She'll be a cute little chipmunk when they're both in.

It has become apparent that Josie will be like her mom with short legs. These pants are her size..

We also found out this week that Josie does NOT like Peas. Its a fight to get her to eat half of a container.

I have been trying to keep myself busy, so this is what I did this morning. I had a vinyl alphabet and I was just trying to decide what to put up. So Josie has a new wall decoration now.