promised pics- 6 mo

Ranting and then the countdown begins!

Rant- So, I got a babysitter last night to surprise Brian and have an evening out. We went to Applebees for dinner. Considering it was after six when we got there, I thought there would be a long line. Luckily, we only waited for about 10 minutes, and that was the best part of the meal. Our server came and got our drink and appetizer order. She brought out drinks and then disappeared without taking our meal order. She then walked by a total of 4 TIMES over the next 15 minutes (yes, I count.. I'm a loser) and never stopped to take out order. Brian ended up having to go to the bar and tell another server that we still had not ordered our meals. So, another server came over to take our meal order and promised to send a manager over. Meanwhile (sorry this is kinda long) , our appetizer came out and IT WAS THE WRONG APPETIZER!! I said, "This isn't ours." The server then proceeded to rudely say, "Well, didn't you get an appetizer." I then stated that we did, but not that one. She then continued to be rude and said "You changed your apppetizer?" I then informed her that we DID NOT change our appetizer, but they had ordered the wrong one. They brought tuscan cheese dip. I ordered chicken wraps....Do those sound ANYTHING alike??? So, the manager came over and talked to us about all the badness of our experience thus far. I must say this was the WORST excuse for a manager. Brian and I have both been servers in the past (for numerous years, I might add). And, Brian even served at different Applebees for three years. The manager barely apologized and just said that he would talk to our server to see what happened. WHAT HAPPENED??? I JUST TOLD YOU WHAT HAPPENED YOU MORON!! So, our food came out, luckily that was right. Our server never apologized for anything nor did they at least take the appetizer off the bill. So, Brian and I got the number for their corporate offices before we left and they WILL be getting a call on Monday. To top it all off, I got sick later in the evening. I think it was from the food. I bet crazy server did something to it since we'd already complained before it came out. Okay......I think I feel better now.

So, the posts are bound to get fewer and farther between as I am starting school again next week and the rat race begins. I have definitely enjoyed these weeks off. It will be hard to go back in some ways, but in other ways I am very ready.

I took Johanna to Freedlanders Pool for the first time the other day with my sister and her kidos. Johanna really enjoyed being in the water. Plus, I ran into an old friend from high school (Ami Krantz, now Ami Brian). It was great to be able to chat with her and see her two adorable kids. It's amazing how many old friends, and some just aquaintances, I have caught up with through myspace, this blog, and other weird places!

Brian and I got Johanna's six month pics, and they are so cute! I am going to try to figure out a way to post a few if I can.

I have enjoyed spending lots of time with my husband and beautiful daughter. We have enjoyed many lunches and dinners out with friends and family.

I am late for church... Gotta Go!! Finish later with pics!!!

For Johanna

Mommy is having a hard time believing just how big you are getting. You are such a happy baby, even when you are not feeling well. Today your allergies were really bothering you. Mommy gave you some medicine which helped some, but made you very sleepy. When you got up from a long nap we went out to dinner with Daddy, Grandma, and Papi at Longhorn. You were being so funny! You kept trying to grab everything off the table, and then you were bouncing up and down on Papi's knee like a crazy cowgirl!! You were having so much fun! Some of the time you just wanted to drink from your sippy cup and stare into the eyes of whoever was holding you. You played in the highchair for awhile, which made you look like such a big girl! Then you started to get sleepy. By the time we got home you were sooooooo tired. Mommy fed you and put you to bed. All the while, you kept yawning over and over again. The difference this time was that every time you yawned you would make noise like adults do when they yawn. It was so cute! You watched mommy read you your "Going to Bed Book" and relaxed when mommy sang you your song. Then, you gave me big snuggles while we said goodnight prayers. Mommy loves you so much, more than words could EVER express. You are growing up too fast, and soon you'll be a teenager who doesn't want their mommy to snuggle them before bed. That will make your mommy sad, so I am going to enjoy every last second while I can. I love you little princess. Love~ Mommy

Sunny Days....

So, it's hard to believe that August is half over! This summer has just flown by. I remember when I just had Johanna, and I kept looking forward to August when I would have three weeks off at home with her. Now, there is just one week left!! I met my sis-on-law Margaret and her two kids for lunch today. It was fun, and it was really nice to get out of the house for awhile! I have to admit that since I am not in school full-time (for another week), I am slightly bored. I mean, she naps for 5 hours a day people! That is five hours at home. It's not like I can leave the house and get things done (sorry dear, still no groceries!). I know it really is a blessing. I have read five books in the past week- for fun. I haven't been able to do that in a long time. I know I should be scrubbing the floors and cleaning the bathrooms, but that defeats the whole "I need to relax before the rat-race of my normal life starts again" idea. So, I guess in a strange sense, I am grateful for a little boredom!! All the new moms need to take note that this can be you in six months! Anyone know of any good books? I still have another week to go!

Weekend Fun!

So, it has been a pretty fun weekend. Brian and I had a reunion for our childbirth classes on Saturday. It was really nice to be able to see everyone from our class as well as other classes. It was also great to see all the babies!! It was a fun picnic and a beautiful day. I was grateful to spend some time outside.

Brian and I are going up to Canton tomorrow to have Johanna's picture taken professionally for the first time. I hope that it turns out well! It is nice to have Brian home on Mondays. I am really going to enjoy these next few weeks before school starts. I hope to get some time at the pool with Johanna. We're both looking a little pasty!!

The pics are from the picnic on Saturday. She has a blast. One of the guys from our cycle of classes, Shane, is in one of the pictures with Johanna. She just kept staring at him and smiling. It was too funny! She was so tired since the picnic was during her afternoon nap time, but she was a real trooper and never fused. She fell asleep on the way home (one of the other pics). It was hard to take a pic of her sleeping in the car seat. Brian said it was a weird angle and the flash makes her look a little funny. I still think it's precious!

That's all for now!

Tired...

So, I am utterly exhausted and think that I will be going to bed at the same time as Johanna this evening (8:00!). I have been watching my sisters oldest, Sierra(age 4), while her husband is at work and she is in Michigan packing to move back to the big O! It has been fun and tiring at the same time! She is definitely my sister's daughter (love ya sis!)!!

Johanna is having some problems with possible allergies, so I feel bad for her. Her eyes are red and all watery. Plus, she pooped out of her diaper today all over a cute new outfit I bought! She doesn't "poop out" much since starting solids, but I guess she is still able! Now, not only is it a mess, but it really stinks too!! It is all more than worth it when she shows me her toothy grin and gives me a big snuggle hug. Those are the best!

Baby Ethan's surgery went well today, and it looks like he may get to go home within a week or two. That was very exciting news! Thanks for all the prayers.

So, after the crazy day filled with tornado warnings (with two kiddos in the basement) and poopy butts, all I need is a blanket and a pillow and I am down for the count. Actually, I think that if I lay down on any surface, even without the blanket or pillow, I won't last more than about 10 seconds. As a matter of fact......zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

6 Months Old!!

As promised, here is the six month update for Johanna! The pics above were supposed to go at the end, but I can't figure that out. The first two were taken today after her shots (what a happy girl!)

Her doctors appointment went well. She only cried a little for the shots and then smiled at the nurse before she left the room. It was still not fun as she looked at me like "why are you doing this to me mom!" She doesn't have to do all the vaccines because I have opted not do the ones that I don't believe are necessary. She is growing like a weed! I have always had her doctors appointments right after I feed her, which adds at least a half pound to her weight! However, today was right BEFORE a feeding, so it had been over three hours since she last ate. Well.... the long awaited stats are here! She weighed in at 17 pounds 13 ounces (even on a completely empty tummy!) which is still over the 80th percentile for weight. She is 28 and 1/2 inches long which is off the charts!! She has always been so long! In other news, she is very close to crawling and loves to push herself all the way up on her arms. She has been a rolling fool since 2 months. She still uses rolling and scooting as her main modes of transportation, but I am afraid that will end soon. She is eating all sorts of organic foods. She has fruits, vegetables, baby cereal, and meat (chicken for the first time today w/ an okay from the doctor) all in stage 2 baby food form (or mommy makes it). She eats this grown-up food three times a day now. She is such a happy and friendly baby. She also has two bottom teeth in, and is working on some more. She is so active and loves to play, but tends to observe the situation when lots of people are around. She adds SO much joy to our lives!

On the home front, things are well. Brian started a new job a couple weeks ago. He is working for Priority Air Charter as a dispatcher and also gets planes out for them and such. It is a GREAT Christian company. This job will also enable him to get some more hours (teaching flying lessons), and he could fly full-time for them in the future! The Lord really provided a great job (full benefits) and Brian is loving it! I just finished two rigorous sessions of summer classes. I now have three weeks off before fall semester starts. I will only be gone two days a week this fall (Tuesdays and Thursdays). I will then be student teaching in the winter/ spring which is followed by graduation (May)!! Woohoo! It has been a long and at times difficult road, but the Lord has carried us through! I can't wait to graduate.....then I get to start work for my masters :) Now I just need to pray that I find a job!

Other news- My sister, Sarah, and her family are moving back into the area (in less than a week!) which will be great! She is going to be watching Johanna this fall while I am at school (thanks sis!). Also, Brian's sister Margaret is expecting their third child this January! We are very excited to have another baby around! It is nice that Johanna is going to be able to grow up with all her cousins! I can't wait until they can all play!

I think that is all the new major news. If I think of anything else I am sure that you will hear about it. A big THANK YOU goes out to all our friends and family for their support and love! WE LOVE YOU ALL!!

What really matters..

I have recently been reminded of all of the blessings in my life. Friends of ours from church had a little baby almost two weeks ago (I think) and he is up in Akron Children's Hospital with heart problems. Please pray for them all as it looks like baby Ethan will have to have heart surgery this week. His parent's names are Ron and Amy, and I am sure that they appreciate all the prayers. I have been sending updates over yahoo mail to people about all this. If you would like to be included in that, please let me know. When I read the latest update about Ethan, I just burst into tears. I know that God is in control, but I cannot even imagine what Ron and Amy are going through, and my heart aches for them. As I sat there crying, Johanna was playing on the floor. As I watched her, I was once again reminded of what an amazing blessing she is. I have been anxious about today- for her doctors appt. in the middle of her nap. I once again realized that if that is all I am worried about, then I am blessed beyond measure. I have a healthy baby girl and that is a TRUE miracle. I will be posting again later today about Johanna's latest stats and info from her check-up. Please pray for Ron, Amy, and baby Ethan. Love you all. Those of you that have kids- go give them an extra hug!

Ahh, a little sleepy

So I am finding this whole blogging thing very cathartic! Since Brian started his new job Mondays have become our Saturdays. He now works on Sat. and is off on Monday. It makes Sunday evening a lot more fun! So, I got to get A LOT done today since Brian was around. I ran a bizzilion errands (including a stop at Starbucks for me!), went grocery shopping, and did laundry all during her two naps. It is great when there is someone to stay at the house with her while she is sleeping so I can leave! Now, she is down for a short third nap, and you can all guess what I am up to!

Johanna is getting so close to crawling (I can't decide if that's good or bad!), and she drank from a sippy cup for the first time today! Her bottom two teeth make her smile look even cuter (if that was possible)! So, even though being a mom can be exhausting, it is also the best job in the whole world!! She has her six month check-up and shots tomorrow. The appointment is stupidly scheduled right in the middle of her afternoon nap (suck-a-roo). I figured it will go better if I try and keep a good attitude! Plus, I do love getting her latest stats. I will try and post them asap. I need to fold some laundry now. WooHoo!! Although, the cute little clothes do make it more fun!

So glad it's over!

So, I took two of my state teaching exams yesterday. It wasn't the greatest. I ran out of time on both of them, and the science test was RIDICULOUS!! So, it wasn't the greatest day, but at least it's over! Yipee! I now get to enjoy a few weeks off before fall semester starts! I plan on doing some lounging by a pool (somewhere) and spending some Q time with my daughter. Speaking of which, she is upstairs complaining in her crib right now (she is supposed to be sleeping for another 30 minutes). I guess I'd better get busy with the mom duties!

It's here!!

Well, I have finally succumb to the pressure of creating my own blog! Plus, the fact that my daughter is six months old already leaves me wishing I had written more about our early experiences. I have the baby book and all the calendars up to date, but that is not the same as in-the-moment play-by-play! So, I hope my friends and family enjoy!! If you don't enjoy, then don't read and stop wasting your time! The title of my blog represents that I am now a mama (woohoo!!), but I am still me (a wife, daughter, sister, friend, etc.). Bye for now!!
Disclaimer- I am not personally responsible for anything written or posted on this blog, especially if it is posted after 11:00 at night with the drama of sleep deprivation!