The Wood Floor Saga

Here is a rundown of how our wood floor refinishing went:

Monday - Sanding. And Sanding. And SANDING. It wasn't as dusty as I thought it would be, thank goodness. Lee took the big floor sander and I was in charge of the edges and corners using the hand sander. It was a long tedious process.

Tuesday - Lee and I both woke up sore as heck. Onto the staining process. This part was a rollercoaster of emotions. It's too dark. That spot is too light. Is that a fuzz ball in the stain? Do you think it will dry evenly? Agh! The can said that it would dry in 8 hours, so we were hoping to get in a topcoat that night. When the evening rolled around... Not dry.

Wednesday - Still not freaking dry. Are you kidding me?

Thursday - And it isn't dry STILL. 8 hours has turned into 48 hours. We're getting antsy here.

Friday - Merry Christmas! We finally got two layers of the topcoat down in between our holiday festivities.

Left to do: put the toilet back in, put our new bathtub in, buy and install a new vanity, put our washer and dryer back in, replace all the vents and whatnot, then refill with furniture! Even though things did not go as smooth as we hoped, we're really happy with how they look. Oh and we're REALLY happy with the money that we saved. We were getting quotes of $1300 for the job and we spent only $230 in materials. (You wouldn't believe how many times I had to tell myself that during the sanding process!)

P.S. Yes, we are still working without a bathroom. We have been showering at my mom's and peeing outdoors. Thank goodness for neighbors that aren't right by us! It's all class around here. I have never missed indoor plumbing so much!!

Merry Christmas to All!

* We are flying to NJ after Christmas so I would be very surprised if you see another blog from be before 2010! Have a great one!

Sweet Lil Seven Month Old!

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Taryn turned 7 months old today! It seems like just when I get used to having a 6 month old, it's already time for her to be a month older!

Taryn is learning new things by the day it seems. For example, yesterday she learned to clap. She loves to be standing and is trying hard to start crawling. She is able to get her little rump in the air now, but only for a little while. I'm actually enjoying these last weeks of her not being mobile. She already can get into so many things, I can't even imagine what it is going to be like when she is crawling and then walking. Taryn is starting to understand toys and enjoy playing with them. She likes most baby food but is especially fond of her veggies. Odd considering those are not high on Lee and my list! She just had her first bottle of formula today!

She is still a chunky little bear. On Monday she weighed 20.4 lbs at the allergist. We're still battling random colds, her asthma and now the trip to the ER was thrown in there. She takes it all in stride though. She still has just two teeth on the bottom which she enjoys having brushed. She has a baby toothbrush and whenever I get it out she opens her mouth so I can brush her two little teeth. It is pretty funny.

This picture is of Taryn in my Grandma Shirley's dress from when she was a baby. We took this picture of her in it and I am getting it framed for my Grandma for Christmas. While we were having her "photo shoot", I had her sitting on the floor. She went to try and grab one of the kitties and she tipped over and hit her face on the heating vent. I felt sooooo bad! She ended up with a little cross on her cheek from the vent. Lee kept saying it was for the Christmas season. It ended up turning into her first little bruise. Just in time for me to look like a negligent mother at all of the holiday events!

Yesterday we went to Lee's Puetz family Christmas. If the whole family attends, there are something like 63 people there. I can think of 7 people that were missing yesterday, so needless to say, there were a LOT of folks there. Taryn got to meet a ton of her relatives for the first time. She got quite a few compliments on how friendly she was.

Girls in the back and boys in the front. Lee's immediate family is up to 17 people now!

Fun Times at the ER

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Yesterday I took Taryn to daycare at about 10:30am. I had to go up to Monticello to meet the two teachers I will be student teaching with next semester. An hour later, daycare called. Taryn had a fever of 102. Ugh.

Late last night, Taryn woke up crying. As I rocked her, I felt her jerking. At first I thought she was just getting the chills from her fever. But, as it happened a few more times, I realized it was more like convulsions. I sat her down on the couch so I could see what was happening. I was pretty darn sure it was a seizure.

As I walked the fine line between sanity and totally freaked out, I called my mom. She told me to go to the ER. And thus, started our night at the ER.
It turns out that Taryn had a Febrile Seizure. Apparently babies and young children can get these when their fever spikes up quickly. While at the ER, Taryn had to get a catheter, blood had to be drawn, she had to have chest x-rays, she got a shot and had to take some medications in the form of suppositories. Fun. I'm just REALLY glad that she is too young to remember this for the rest of her life. Now, if only I could forget!

If I had to use one word to describe our fellow ER-goers... It would probably have to be freak-o's. You don't have actual rooms, just curtained partitions, so you can hear pretty much everything that is going on with the other patients. There were a couple that I could tell were just trying to get some meds, but my favorite was a 16-year old boy who was 2 partitions down. When the doctor asked him what was wrong he said that he was having pain in his "jewels". Yeah... Don't use such technical lingo dude!

Anyway, we finally got out of there at 4am... FIVE hours after we got there. I am really hoping that Taryn doesn't have to make anymore trips to the ER in the forseeable future. Or, like, ever!

Holy Holiday Busyness!

On Thursday I made a to-do list. It was so overwhelming that I had to make a SECOND list that broke things down by the day.

December is always a busy month with all of the holiday festivities, but jeepers, this year things seem to be taken to another level! Here is a rundown of the BIG things I have left to do. Then there are a bunch of not-necessary-at-this-moment-things that are still on the list like getting Taryn's college fund started.

Today: We headed up to Demotte early to pick up a UHaul truck and empty out our Demotte house. These are things that were still left in our house after moving to West Lafayette 2.5 months ago. These have been passed over in all of our trips to Demotte when we have taken a load of stuff back. ie, these things are NOT IMPORTANT. We then had to come back to Lafayette and unload/disperse things. Some went to my mom's, some went to my grandma's... More things than should have went in our basement and the Man Coop. What's the opposite of an Indian Giver? An Indian Taker? That's what we are. When we moved into our big ol' Demotte house, we took everyone's extra furniture. Now that we cut our square footage in half, we're giving it all back!

Tomorrow: Our niece Cora's 1st birthday! Then lots of organizing around the house.

Monday: Taryn has her follow-up appointment with the allergist. Then we have our closing up in Demotte.

Tuesday: Study for my Geometry final. Yes, I realize that it sounds like I'm in high school when I say that. Who takes Geometry in college?

Wednesday: I go to meet the teachers that I am going to be student teaching with next semester. Please be cool! Then my Geometry final is that night, 7-9pm. That is bordering on my bedtime.

Then, next weekend we have FOUR social committments. For real? That's more than we usually have in a month. Phew! And, during that time, we also need to be preparing our house for our project du jour... REFINISHING OUR WOOD FLOORS! Yes. We are insane.

We are refinishing our floors in the few days before Christmas. What makes it even worse is that while we are refinishing the floors, we are also installing a new bathtub. So... Yeah... That means we're not going to have a toilet for a couple days and a shower for a few days. Ah, good times. From the glass-is-half-full side of things, I can't wait to have the new floors! It is going to make SUCH a huge difference up in here!

Oh, and right after Christmas we are going to New Jersey to see my dad's family.

So, please understand if you don't see many blogs from me in the next few weeks. I'll catch up when I catch my breath! Happy Holidays to all!

Every girl knows... You just HAVE to accessorize!

Last year (or the year before) I bought a purse from 9 West. For some reason, it came with a mini-purse in it. I could never really figure out what to do with the mini-purse, so it just got shoved into another purse that I wasn't using at the time.
So, now I finally figured out what the mini-purse is for... Mini-PEOPLE!

Taryn loves this little baby purse. I haven't gotten around to it, but I totally plan to take a picture of her with the baby purse and me with the big purse. Yes... I have become that person that wants to dress their kid like a miniature version of them and take pictures and then laugh about it. Muahahaha. If you like Taryn's "old school" Purdue pants... Those babies aren't retro. Those are straight outta 1981! Sweet!

On an unrelated note, Taryn now says "Mama". I love it! Even though I'm not sure that she knows exactly what Mama means... Today she called the cat Mama. And something in our front yard... And the television... Oh well. I'll take it.

"Sleeping In" (with a 6 month old)

Last night we had Zach & Elise and Jamie over. Beer was drank, frozen pizzas were eaten around midnight, a heated game of Balderdash was played. It was a good time. The only problem is that Zach always wants to stick around until like 3am. Last night he was parked in our living room insisting that we use our Ebay account to buy him a snow mobile. He'll give us the $1800 in the morning. Seriously.

Elise finally got him out of our house around 1am. So, morning came WAY too fast. All we wanted to do was sleep in. But, of course, babies don't understand the concept of sleeping in.

This is how Lee and I "sleep in" these days.

4am - I get up and feed Taryn. She only wakes up to eat, so she goes right back to sleep, as do I.

6am - Taryn gets up for the day. Lee gets up with her (after MUCH prodding) and I sleep.

8am - My turn again. I feed Taryn and get her down for her first nap of the day. When she goes to sleep, so do I.

10am - We all get up. (Except Lee is still trying to steal a few more minutes on the couch.)

It definitely isn't the same as pre-baby when you could just sleep away your Sunday. But, there is something especially awarding about all the naps! You're almost tricked into feeling rested.

Diagnosed

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I have mentioned a few times on this blog that Taryn has had a cough that just won't stop. We finally got referred to an allergist last week. On Monday we went to see Dr. Prochnau. He tested Taryn for an allergic reaction to 10 common allergens. We were really hoping that she wasn't allergic to cats or dogs since she has 2 cats at home and 2 dogs at daycare. I had allergy testing when I was about 12 and it was NOT fun. Back then, they scratched you and then dripped stuff into your scratches and then you had to lay there and wait to start burning and itching. I was dreading watching that happen to little T. Fortunately, now they have these little plastic things that they dip and then just twist on your skin really quick. Taryn was a trooper and didn't cry at all.

The good news was that she didn't show any allergies. Hooray, the kitties can stay! The bad news was that the doctor diagnosed her with asthma. Some babies do grow out of their asthma once they grow into their lungs. So, we're hoping for that. But, with a family history of asthma (me & my dad) we're not too optimistic.

The news got even worse when I went to fill our THREE prescriptions for her. First prescription $14... 2nd prescription $15... 3rd prescription $430. OUCH! And the expensive one is the one that she is supposed to use on a continual basis. We talked to the doctor and told him how much the medicine cost and HE was shocked as well. He said we would find something less expensive. Thank goodness.

So, now Taryn is halfway through 10 days of a steroid to clear out her lungs. She has a breathing treatment that she can take if she starts coughing a bunch. And she has the ultra-pricey treatment that she also takes everyday... And she just loves taking the breathing treatments... Not so much.

It doesn't get much more pathetic then this...

Holy Half a Year!

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Taryn is now 6 months old! A half of a year... If we were rounding, we would have to round UP to a year now.

Taryn has finally stopped being kept down by random illnesses and she has gotten back to acquiring a multitude of baby-skills. Don't get me wrong, she is still sick... She just isn't letting it slow her down now. She actually has a date with the local allergist on Monday. We're praying she's not allergic to kitties!

She now sits up by herself. She can stay sitting for a long time, but occasionally tips over. She rolls over very quickly and can push up onto her hands. She wants to crawl but hasn't figured out how to get that big baby belly off the ground. She stands really well in her exersaucer and even jumps around and dances. She likes to look at things upside down, so she will throw her head back and arch her back to look at things. She now makes all sorts of noises like BABABABA and DADADADADA. She is getting very close to waving hi & bye. She has done it twice and she understands what it is now, and knows it involves her hand... Her little fingers move a little bit when we wave to her, but she just hasn't put it all together just yet on a regular basis.

Stats from her 6 month checkup:

Weight: 19lbs 1oz (97th percentile)

Length: 26 3/4 in (90th percentile)

Head: 18 in (off the charts... she got the Klemme head.)

A couple weeks ago, we had an old friend of mine, Amber, and her husband Matt and baby Allie over. Allie is 2.5 months younger than Taryn. It was SO CRAZY to see how far Taryn has come in such a short time. Allie was adorable, but didn't do much... Taryn is well on her way to being mobile and likes her toys and is so much more interactive now. She is a total wiggle-worm... Which is cute unless you are trying to change her diaper or wipe her nose or stuff her into her winter jacket.

Taryn continues to grow out of her clothes as fast as we can buy them. She now wears mostly 12 month clothes. She is now getting teeth which is so sad to watch. She is in so much pain and hits herself in the mouth. Her cheeks get all red and all sleep schedules go out the window. One tooth has poked through already and the second one probably will be through by tomorrow. Hopefully we'll get a little hiatus before the upper teeth come in.

Taryn has a cute little personality. She LOVES to smile at people. She is a nosy little thing and will break her neck looking behind her at whatever is going on. She loves sitting up in the front of the cart now when we go to stores. I'm surprised she doesn't get whiplash from turning her head from left to right looking at everything. She totally adores the cats... They do not reciprocate her feelings. Darby will stand near her and sometimes let her pet her until Taryn gets a hand full of fur or tail. Jasper is still mad that she is no longer the baby of the family and generally avoids Taryn like the Plague.

The next 6 months will have so many more milestones... Crawling, walking, the beginning of her talking... And maybe, just maybe, she'll sleep through the night? Pretty please. She also has her first holiday season coming up and her first plane ride out to NJ to see her Grandpa Jeff.

Everything she does just amazes us so much. I can't wait to keep watching her develop and getting to know her little personality.

Welcoming my new cousin... Jacob Charles!

Jacob Charles was born yesterday. He was 21.5 inches long and weighed 8lbs 12oz. (Apparently it is the Coleman genes that make the big babies like Jacob and Taryn!)

Jacob is my cousin, which is totally odd. It seems like he should be a nephew or something. Basically, my family is a bit loco. I have an aunt that is younger than me... There are grandkids and great-grandkids being born in the same year... Madness! Basically, my grandpa had kids from when he was 17 until when he was 38, so that tends to confuse things a bit. And, speaking of my grandpa, the Charles is after him.

I can't wait to meet little Jacob next month when we go out to NJ after Christmas!

Congratulations to the Deusterhaus-Plothow's!

As most of you know, Matt & Stacia tied the knot this weekend in the Bahamas! From the pictures, it looks like it was an awesome ceremony! We wish we could have been there! We are looking forward to celebrating the nuptuals with you on New Years Eve! Congratulations and I hope you enjoyed the honeymooooooon!

Thank You Veterans!!!

The i will never die

This reminded me of something that would have gone on back in the Unifi days...

Welcome Max Adam!!!

Congratulations to Grant and Ashley on their bundle of joy... Max Adam was born today! 7lbs7oz 21 in. (Is that a double Elway? And then Elway times 3?)

Grant and I have been friends since pre-junior high. I still remember him wearing sweat pants to school everyday. I am so excited that he's a dad now! Hopefully Taryn and Max can grow up being friends as well. (But that Max better keep his paws to himself!)

Happy Halloween!!

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Oh how times have changed... Gone are the drunken dressed up Halloween festivities at the bars of Chicago... Tonight was a new kind of crazy. Nothing like 7 dressed up grandkids!

We made our first stop by Grandma Mary's house and her neighbor Stanley. Then we went over to Uncle Neil's for a cookout and costumes. The older kids went trick-or-treating while Lee and I stayed back with Taryn and our newest nephew Ryan who is just 1 week old! (So tiny!)

6 of the 7 just missing Ryan ~ There's Ryan, but now we're missing Austin!

Taryn's outfit was ridiculous. She was a pudgy little kitty with extra padding built into the stomach of her outfit... As if she needs extra padding around her middle! What girl wants that? Lee was like "If we take her trick-or-treating, does she actually get candy? Do we just eat the candy she gets? Or do we just parade her around?" I'm guessing you are not surprised to hear... We just ate her candy.

I guess this was technically Taryn's 2nd Halloween... Last year she was dressed up as a jack-o-lantern!

Halloween used to be Lee and my dating anniversary. Just 12 years ago was when we first started dating at a Halloween party in high school. So romantic... Or something!

Posing with some pumpkins...


What exactly is this thing?


I wonder if it is something to eat...

Perhaps I will take a taste...

It was delicious!

F-U FLU!

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On Saturday, I woke up with a backache. I thought "Hmm, I must have slept weird." From there, the ache moved up my back and into my chest in a matter of hours. I knew then... It was the flu. Oh CRAP. Lee had gone out to his cousin's farm to do "man stuff" and I met Kelin for lunch at Chik Fil A (yum) on her way down to Indy for a wedding. When we were done with lunch, I could feel the fever starting. I had read that H1N1 comes on really quick, so I was a little nervous. I headed to the doctor.

They checked me out, I had a fever, I had chills, I had body aches, a cough, I was MISERABLE. They said, this is the flu, but it isn't H1N1. If it were H1N1, you'd be in a lot more pain and discomfort. Really? Wow. That would suck. Since I am nursing, I can't take any good meds, so their answer for me... Advil. DOH.

From there, my fever spiked up to 102. I got a migraine, all the fun stuff. Then, Taryn's fever started. It has been a roller coaster of my fever spiking and then breaking... Chills, then being a huge sweat ball. And this is day 4...

Finally, Taryn seems to be fever-free. I am still fighting it. I remember Jess writing about being sick as a mother. This time I got to live it. It is rough. You feel like death, but you still have to bounce your baby around the house. You want to go into a coma for 4 days, but you have to get up every 2 hours throughout the night because she is waking up and your husband has to go to work in the morning. It is something I could have gone without experiencing!

This is what sick looks like.

And now... Lee has a "tickle in his throat". Really hoping that he isn't the next flu casualty. You know how guys are... The man-flu may be the end of him!

Five Months Old Today

Today is Taryn's 5 month birthday. Yesterday I was helping my mom order pictures of Taryn off of Shutterfly and I came across this picture of her in her bouncy seat when she was brand new. Look at her now! She's always loved this bouncy seat. Thank you Stacia & Plothow! Best baby shower gift ever!!

I feel like most of this last month was wasted on illness. First Taryn had Croup, which is a really bad cough. She didn't get over that before she went straight into an upper respitory infection. Just when that was lifting, she ended up with a fever. Ugh. What a month.

New tricks:

She is now sitting up for awhile on her own. But, when she gets tired, she'll tip over or slump forward.

I can't believe that next month will be her 6 month birthday. Half a year... Wow. I'm really hoping that the months to come are healthier than this one. There is nothing sadder than a sick baby. You know they don't feel good, and they don't understand why. Taryn is into size 3 diapers now, which will hopefully keep her for awhile! At her latest doctor's visit, she weighed 18lbs3oz. The clothes that fit her the best are 9 months size. I don't know what color her eyes are going to be! They still are partially blue with what could be green or a light brown in them. I am guessing they'll end up hazel? Maybe? Her hair is still a light brown color with a reddish tint. Her cheeks are still chubby and her lips are still pouty. She now tries to kiss me, which is less of a kiss and more of an open-mouth-slobber-shower. It is hilarious and cute, but I definitely need a towel when it happens.

Happy 5 month birthday Taryn! We love watching you grow!

Don't Tell our Insurance...

My aunt just sent me this article about a 4 month old baby that was denied health insurance because he weighs 17lbs... Um, uh oh. We happen to have a giant baby as well...

Like the dad says in the article, the baby is 4 months old and breastfed. You can't put him on a diet! As long as the height and weight are proportionate, I don't see what the problem is!

SEE, I WORK OUT!

***I looked up the biggest baby ever born... 23lbs 12oz and 30 in long! Wholy moly. THAT is a big baby!!

Sub-Par

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So, I have been subbing on Fridays at my old high school. The thing that has amazed me the most about the whole experience is what little faith the students have in substitutes. I mean, they seem to think that 1) I was born yesterday, 2) I must have no knowledge of those tough high school classes, 3) that somehow I DO have knowledge of where everything is in the classroom I just walked into 20 minutes earlier.

* When I was subbing for 7th grade science, a girl asked me how to spell Jeopardy. I told her. She went next door to ask the other science teacher. Clearly, I am not smart enough to know how to spell Jeopardy.

* West Lafayette High School is known for being snobby and I see why. I subbed last week for AP Chemistry. They were doing a lab and were supposed to wear goggles. I knew they were just using sugar and salt and stuff, even though they had their "chemical" names on them. Anyway, I went by one student and said "You better get those goggles on, you're working with some dangerous stuff there." He looked back at me with the most arrogant look like he was going to drop some knowledge on me. Then he realized I was being sarcastic and put his goggles on. Yeah, I took this class 12 years ago... You're not the smartest kids ever.

* One kid last week asked me if I was a real sub. I said "What is a real sub?" He said, "Well, some are just college students." I said, "Well, I'm a grad student, I don't know if that makes me a real sub or not." Then he asked what a grad student was... Wow.

Amoxicillan

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I'm pretty sure that Taryn & Jasper are conspiring together to make sure that one of them goes to the doctor/vet each week. They have each been twice in the last two months. While the vet trips are easier, I just put Jasper in a cat carrier and drop her off, they are more expensive since Jasper doesn't have health insurance!

Whose week is it to be sick? Mine or yours?

Today, however, was Taryn's turn. I took her to the doctor. She has an upper respitory infection. Which was actually a huge relief since there were two kids at daycare with pneumonia! Anyway, we were given a prescription. I went to fill it and had to swing by the vet to pick up a refill on Jasper's prescription for her bladder infection. I realized while driving... They were the same freakin' thing! So, 2/5 of our house is on Amoxicillan now. Apparently that stuff cures everything!

Sick, but still Smurfin' cute!

When I picked up Taryn's prescription, the lady asked me if I had ever given someone Amoxicillan. I said "Only my cat." She looked at me like I was an idiot.

A true sign of too many doctor/vet visits... I'm starting to confuse them. Today I said something about taking Taryn to the vet. Yeah. I sound like a great mom!

What is new...

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* Yes, I know my blogging has been totally sucking lately. Sorry. Can I promise that I will do better... No... Probably not. One thing I can promise is that I will post more than Kathryn. It is amazing how much harder it is to keep up with Facebook, email, blogging, Google Reader, etc when you aren't working on a laptop 8 (or more) hours a day.

* This weekend is the Feast of the Hunters Moon here in West Lafayette. We actually live like 5 houses from it and it is a MADHOUSE! Seriously, like traffic jam in front of our house. Our neighbor parks cars in his yard and he was full before 11am this morning. I wish we could do the same, but we have a fence. Darn you fence! Even though we are so close, Lee and I still probably won't go. One, we've gotten a ton of rain which is not conducive to taking a stroller. Two, we don't feel like spending $24 to get in and pay more money for food. We're just letting all of our family and friends park at our place and hang out with us before/after they go. (Zach and Elise even brought us a buffalo burger when they came back!)

* I am on fall break right now. AWESOME! It is really only Monday and Tuesday off of class, but the way my class schedule goes, I have 6 days off. Love it! Unfortunately, I have a lot of homework and semester projects that I need to work on. Not to mention stuff around the house!

* It is really getting chilly out! Fortunately, my mom bought Taryn a winter coat and hat. I had bought a nice winter suit thing for her (on sale) before she was born... However, we didn't bank on her being a giant-baby, so she is already too big for it. I knew I had to get something else for her, but this winter stuff really sneaks up on ya...

* I subbed at my old high school again on Friday. It is odd to sub there. It is so much the same, but so different. Many of the same people, but they're all 10 years older. Bizarre-o world. The students were really good though. It helps that I had 2 periods of honors chemistry. They were a lot better than the 2 periods of 8th grade science. One class told me I was their favorite sub. Aww! (It may or may not have been because I let them spend the last 5 minutes of class playing hangman on the board.)

* This summer and fall has been a total baby boom for people that I know. Two babies that I'm really looking forward to meeting are due in the next 3-4 weeks... My newest nephew who will most likely be named Ryan is due on Halloween, but could be here anyday! Also, Grant & Ashley are expecting their first, Max, on November 2nd. Can't wait to meet these boys!

* Halloween is right around the corner. When did I go from dressing up to dressing up a baby? Wow. I just got Taryn her outfit last week. She will be dressing up as a kitty (like her pals Darby & Jasper). The costume is hilarious. It has a hood with cat ears and whiskers. There is a collar and even some extra stuffing in the tummy (which Taryn doesn't exactly need). She looks hilarious in it!

* Off to bed!

Venting

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Ugh, Purdue is just painful to watch this season. They have glimpses of good football, but then they tend to piss whatever lead they have down their leg.
Last weekend we tailgated and went to the game for most of the first half. When we left, we were feeling confident with a 21-3 lead. We spent the 2nd half of the game out by the RV and I didn't pay attention to the game... We ended up losing. LAME!

Everyone around town is talking about a return of the "Coletto years". I can't go through that again... NOoooooooo. Come back Tiller! But, I guess it is the way things go. Purdue is always either good at football OR basketball. Never both. And since their basketball team is improving, I guess it is time for the football team to start sucking.

Today while watching college football, I told Lee I am going to put my gold & black gear to good use and just start cheering for the Hawkeyes this season. They have offered up more excitement in the Penn State game then Purdue has offered in 5 games...

At least the Colts are keeping the football season interesting.

Just realized...

* I missed Taryn's 4-month post! I guess Reuter and I are using the same calendar.
Taryn turned 4 months old on September 20th. Her stats:
Weight: 17lbs3oz (97th percentile)
Length: 25 1/3 in (90th percentile)
Milestones: Taryn is now eating cereal and has just had her first taste of applesauce. Sometimes she seems to like the food, and other times it appears we are poisoning her. She can now (very quickly) roll from her back to her tummy. She isn't a fan of being on her tummy, so she flips over and then cries until Lee or I puts her back onto her back.

Likes: Standing up. Blowing spit bubbles. Sitting up (with assistance). Making her baby screeching noises. The swing at daycare. The big kids at daycare. Her high chair. Her exersaucer (learned to push the buttons that make the animal noises and songs). Watching the kitties walk by. Daddy's crazy antics. When mommy tickles her tummy. Smiling at new people. THE TELEVISION. Footie pajamas. Still love to sleep in the big bed. Toys that make noise (uh oh). The laptop, cellphones, cameras, did I mention TV? The swing in Daddy's Man Coop.

Dislikes: The swing at our house. Getting put to sleep for naps. Tummy time. Getting dried off after a bath. When Mommy cleans her nose.

This age is just such an adorable one. She isn't mobile yet, but she is developing so much personality and adding so many new tricks to her arsenal. It is hilarious how she can show emotion with her baby talk. When she is excited, her noises are a little screechy (I call it her banshee sounds). When she is being silly she blows bubbles and makes farting sounds. When she is being a sweetheart she'll look at you with love and say a soft little "goo". She loves to smile and put everything she can in her mouth (usually her hands, toys, blankets and other people's hands). What amazes me the most is when I see other people in her. I can see her Daddy in her eyes quite often. I see my baby pictures in her whenever she smiles or sleeps. But beyond that, some people say that they see my mom. My sister-in-law swears she looks just like my grandma Shirley. And the other day, Michelle posted this picture where I swear she looks just like my grandpa Joe. She's a mix of so many people that I love, yet she is an individual and her own woman (baby?)... And I feel so lucky that I get to be her mom and watch who she becomes!

A few more pics of our new place

~ Front of the house ~ ~ Man Coop ~

~ Living Room ~ ~ Master bedroom ~

~ Dining Room ~ ~ Kitchen ~

~ Taryn's room ~

Keep in mind, these were taken mid-move, so everything is a cluster*F*. Some of the quirks of the house:

*The master bedroom is the biggest room of the house! When we moved in it had a lot of paneling in it. Urgh.

*Taryn's room has a half-wall-divider in it right now. The kids that grew up in this house (they are now my mom's age) wanted separate rooms, but that wasn't going to happen, so they got a divider.

*The kitchen has two different kinds of cabinets. Completely different.

*I didn't get any pics of the bathroom, but it probably needs the most work. It had carpet when we moved in. Ewwwwww. That got ripped up FAST.

So, stay tuned for more pics as we get projects done. On our "to-do" list (which is like a mile long):

*Remodel bathroom (ASAP).

*Refinish the wood floors.

*Oh yeah, move the rest of our furniture...

*Kitchen cabinets down the road when we find a good deal.

*New carpet & paint in the master bedroom.

*Take out the partition in Taryn's room.

We have had some busy weekends since we got the house, but this weekend is our last full one, so hopefully we'll start chcking some stuff off our to-do list.