Let's Play Torture Daddy

This is John trying to take a nap. This is Lydia trying to keep her dad awake. She couldn't reach his nose with her finger so she used a Lego to bridge the gap. Shrieking in his face also worked well. Smart girl. Megan

Lucy is Pleased

If I forget to close the pantry door, Lydia always seems to find her way to Lucy's dog bones--proof that Lucy is in fact brain-washing my child. Megan

A Question for Amy

This week Lydia and I are flying back to the Midwest to visit family. I have a question specifically for Amy. Amy, are you ready for this wild, sticky-fingered, shrieking baby to invade your peaceful home and influence your sweet-natured three month old son??? Megan

10 Months Old Today

At 10 months of age, Lydia is a total joy! This baby spends much of her day looking for new items she can use to stand up with, as this seems to be her favorite activity. Bath time has become more of a chore for John and I as she refuses to stay seated in the tub. Lydia also is crawling throughout the house as well as cruising between the sofa, coffee table and chair (walking while holding onto items). She has discovered the joy of the Vanilla Wafer and can give high fives. To me, Lydia gets more beautiful by the day. Megan

What a Mess!

So this is what my living room looks like within a half an hour of Lydia waking. I wouldn't exactly call myself a "clean-freak" but it does raise my blood pressure a bit when I see this. I'm working on letting go, recognizing that this mess represents a happy, entertained baby. Megan

Playing Hooky 101

John is going to be working this weekend so he gladly took the day off to spend it with Lydia and I. We headed to Pensacola for a patio lunch at the Fish House, strolled around downtown and checked out the art museum. Lydia's first lesson in playing hooky, one of my favorite pastimes. Megan

Not a Chance

I have been trying to introduce Lydia to solid foods and she is not having it. A diet of pureed green beans, pureed pears, pureed mixed veggies, applesauce, yogurt, baby Cheetos and Cheerios is just fine by Lydia. Megan

Lydia's First Bike Ride

John picked up this bike seat off Craigslist over the weekend and Lydia went on her first ride. She hated the helmet, but loved the ride. Daddy can't wait for their next ride together. Megan

Good Memories

It is Japanese custom to get-together with friends during cherry blossom season to eat, drink and enjoy warmer temperatures. A friend of mine who also was stationed in Japan hosted a cherry blossom party that Lydia and I attended on Saturday. I wore the traditional Japanese happi coat which women in Japan typically wear to festivals. Lydia wore her cherry blossom onesie. The party brought back good memories of Japan. Megan

Moonlight Over Navarre

When there is a full moon or close to it, the beach remains lit throughout the night. It makes for a gorgeous view from our balcony. Megan

Baby With a Tan

Lydia and I have been going to the beach often; it has become one of our favorite things we do together. She enjoys crawling around in the sand while I adjust the umbrella to maintain her shade. Even so, she still has developed a bit of a baby tan. On days when we don't make it to the beach, like today, I often find Lydia looking longingly out the window. Megan

Books!

Lydia enjoys listening to stories. They help soothe her after a tumble and entertain her when she seems bored. Her current favorites are Pop-Up Peekaboo Farm, Brown Bear Brown Bear and Lift-the-Flap books. Amazingly, she will sit contentedly in my lap for close to half an hour while we read. Megan

Sushi and Tie Dye

I honestly cannot remember what John and I did last Easter Sunday. While we did absolutely nothing traditional to celebrate this year, I have a feeling I won't have any problem next year recounting Lydia's first Easter. It was a gorgeous beach day followed by take-out sushi and matching tie dye shirts. Megan

Happy Easter Family and Friends

"Easter spells out beauty, the rare beauty of new life." S.D. Gordon

Cuts, Bruises and Bangs

Lydia is cutting three-four new teeth. Not only has she been dealing with this discomfort, she also has taken a few tumbles leaving small bruises on her face. Poor girl! We did help her out the other night by giving her some bangs. She no longer has annoying hair in her eyes. I always knew if I had a little girl, she would have bangs. Megan

A Relaxed Tuesday

Every once in awhile we have a day in which Lydia is ultra-happy and relaxed. Yesterday was one of those special days. Lydia was content to play with this balloon for over an hour, which gave me some time to read. On a side note, I came out of the shower to find Lucy decapitating Lydia's Easter bunny. So guilty. Megan

Everyday Something New

Lydia surprises me everyday with something new. Yesterday, she pulled herself up to stand for the first time. The dishwasher door was just the right height. Later in the day, she pulled herself up to the coffee table. What will it be today baby??? Megan

My Weekend--More Yays Than Boos

To me, life is a series of good things, yays, and not-so-good events, boos. Here is my weekend in review:
John came home from work early on Friday, yay!
I found a $20 on the sidewalk, yay!
Florida doesn't sell lottery tickets for the big jackpot, boo!
John was too tired to do anything Friday night, boo!
Saw a rainbow Saturday morning, yay!
Lydia doesn't want to be rocked to sleep anymore, boo!
Got my hair done, yay!
Went strawberry picking, yay!
Strawberry shortcake, yay!
First half of the KU-Ohio State game, boo!
Second half, YAY!
Went to the beach and pool on Sunday, yay!
Lydia refused to take afternoon nap, boo!
Skyped with Amy and Nathan, yay!
Wonderful weekend came to an end, boo!
Megan