lil'bitty

Well - so I need an update after 2 years. Things happen when you're a kid - you get busy.

2009-09-29T12:14:00.000-07:00

So it's been about 2 years since I updated. Sue me. I lost a year when my baby sister was born and had to spend 71 days in the Neonatal intensive care unit. Anyway - I guess I'll have to share this blog with her now. She was really "little bitty" - she was a 28 weeker weighing in at 1 pound 8 ounces and a whopping 12 1/2 inches long. Of course, now she is a massive 16 pounds and 27 inches long and completely healthy (and people say that God doesn't perform miracles anymore).
Anyhoo - I will be trying to post once in a while now. Maybe even more often than once a year or so. It depends on how much free time I have between pre-school and playing dress up. I'm a busy big sister. Later alligator

Quick update to try and catch you up

2007-04-30T10:58:00.000-07:00

Ok, so it has been 8 months since I made a post. Sue me. I have been a little busy learning all the things a little girl should be doing, and all the things a little girl should not be doing too. For instance, a little girl should be cute. . . . lesson learned. A little girl should be happy and friendly and full of confidence and smiles. . . . check and double check. A little girl should not, however, climb on top of the kitchen table and jump up and down like a bouncing centerpiece. . . . also, lesson learned. Apparently, a little girl shouldn't pull up off her diaper and start shouting "hooha, see it, hooha, mine" while holding up her skirt. . . . still learning that one.

Anyway, here are a few pictures to help you catch up. It saves me some typing since each one is 1000 words. This first on is me climbing into a clothes basket that is currently serving as my toy box. It's much less likely to crush a finger.

I now have a lot more hair, but this is just after I really got enough hair to hold a bow good. Those things work wonders at keeping your hair out of your face. . . . unless you pull it out and hold it out for everyone to see and say, "Bow, Lola's Bow, sooo pretty" in the sweetest little toddler voice. See, there's that cute thing again.

Here is my Halloween costume from this past October. I am a die-hard Alabama football fan. The Granny keeps trying to get me to swap allegiences, but I only pretend to appease her. Roll Tide!!!!

Here I am camping out and riding in the wagon with Buddy. He's Granny and Papa's dog and we have a love - hate relationship. He hates it when I stay for very long because he becomes 2nd place to me in their eyes. If I'm not around, he gets all the love and attention. When I'm there he ceases to exist. He loves it when I leave, he becomes top dog again. Pun intended.

Ok, Mommy is going to kill me, but this is another one of those little girls should/shouldn't moments that I haven't quite figured out yet. Everyone has always said I was such a "Little Princess". Well, now I have proof!!!! My Mommy had her high School reunion and was named Reunion Queen. That makes me a Princess! SO, I will expect fealty and servitude from now on.

What was that? (Mommy's voice speaking . . . waw, wah wawaw, wah waw) You mean there is a power higher than Princess? Two Powers? That ain't right! What could be better than a Princess? Who? The Queen. . . . the King too! Man, so that means they can tell me what to do. What about everyone else? They Have to do my bidding, right? Only if they want to, and if I say please?!? What kind of raw deal is this? Are there any benefits to being a Princess?

Oh, I get it now. That means I get to have the Prince one day. Not so much a bonus right now. I'm not even 2 yet. Quit trying to marry me off. What else do you have? The King is easy to wrap around my finger, ok, that sounds pretty good. The Queen will teach me all the things to do and play with me all day? That sounds good too. Everyone else will look at me and smile and indulge me if I act like a Princess. Meh, that one is a little iffy. That acting like a Princess thing is a little . . . . what? They'll forgive my little indescretions as long as I don't make a habit of it. . . . that could come in handy. Ok, I'll do it. I accept your nomination as Princess. . . . what? Princesses don't get nominated? Well, how. . . . oh. Ok. I still have so much to learn.

My brain hurts at the moment, so I'm gonna go outside and play in the dirt. . . .what?. . . . Well forget it then! I'll become a Princess tomorrow.

Happy birthday to me!!!! 1 year and 8 days old. . . . today.

2006-09-07T10:18:00.000-07:00

So my birthday post is a little late. Sue me. I have been extraordinarily busy playing with my new toys to worry about updating. But I have taken a moment out of my busy schedule of chewing on things, banging things together, riding my Dora the Explorer car, and generally being a tiny tornado of destruction. Speaking of which, I have a new nickname. You guessed it. . . .tiny tornado. Or as my Nanny and Pops say "little tornado". More on the destruction later, now is the time for pictures of the festivities.

Here I am with my cakes. Yes, I had two cakes. One was for pistures and everyone else to eat and the other was for me to slobber all over and make a huge mess with. Face it, no one wants a piece of cake with baby slobber all over it. I am in my fancy dancy Ralph Lauren dress. Hey, every girl has to splurge a bit and have on really great dress a year. This one was mine. . . . along with my Easter and Dedication Dresses that is. My cake is the one with the #1 candle on it. Everyone else got Tinker Bell (since I used to be nicknamed Tinker in her honor. . . . at least that's what they tell me anyway).

Here is me wearing one of Mommy's T-shirts over my nice and pretty dress (so I won't ruin it with icing) after devouring part of my cake. As you can see, the sugar has gotten to me and I am in a euforic state.

This was nothing compared to when I was opening presents. Boy oh boy was that all fun. But I will post some of those pictures later. This last one is me on my actual birthday out for dinner with the Gwanny and Papa. We went to a local Mexican food place and had a blast. Mommy and Daddy were at church teaching bible stories to 3 - 6 year olds so they missed out on the fun here, but I guess they had some fun of their own. I had to wear the sombrero to get my fried icecream and have the birthday song sung to me in Spanish, but it was worth it. As you can see, I have 8 teeth now to really tear up some grown up food. Love the real food!

. . . . . . .

uh, blogger is not cooperating and won't let me put up that picture. I'll try again in a minute. bear with me.

Alright, I tricked blogger. So you can obviously see I have a little bit of a mischevious streak in me. I get that from my Daddy. . . . so I guess it it a big mischevious streak, but who cares. I'm happy with it. Everyone else is in for trouble, but that is what makes it fun. Watch out, Tiny Tornado is on the loose. hahahahahahahaha!

These boots were made for walking. . . . if I had boots.

2006-08-09T13:07:00.000-07:00

Hello all. I know it has been another month, but I have been busy walking all over the place. Yes, I am 11 months old and I'm scrambling all over the place. You can see a video of me doing my thing here

Not the best quality video, but I am working on my editing skills. Subsequent videos will be of a Spielberg-esque quality, just with fewer graphics.

Ok, so I've been busy. But now I'm not.

2006-07-07T13:58:00.000-07:00

Sorry I have been away for so long. A month in the life of a ten month old is a long time. . . well, a tenth of my whole life. How long is it for you, no wiseguy comments like "a month". Percentages people, percentages!
Anyway, here are some newish pictures. This is a professional shot that my Papa (grandfather) really liked so here you go. I think the yellow washes me out a little, but I have a tan now from my latest trip to the beach (post and pics to soon follow) so I wouldn't worry about it too much.

Here is me being a daredevil and not wearing the proper safety equipment for this stunt. It is hard to find a motorcycle helmet in infant sizes. This 4-wheeler thing really flies. I think we had it up to almsot three miles and hour. Maybe even 4. Slow down turbo! The fellow driving me around is my future Aunt's Uncle and it was at my Uncle's birthday bash. Yes, we are sometimes a little red around the neck area, but we are all good people. And suprisingly enough, not as backwards as you may think.

I also like to play a lot so I often sneak up on Mommy or Daddy and try to scare them. I am doing my best lions roar here. It is pretty good, a little high pitched though. I'll work on it.

Here is a pro shot of the family. Mommy, Daddy and me all smiling for the camera. We got copies in B&W because it looked cool and no washout. I like it.

I'll get more pics up soon, the digital camera broke so we are in the process of getting it repaired/replaced and the dusty old 35mm takes a little time to get converted to cd.

More beach photos as promised

2006-06-09T13:49:00.000-07:00

Well, I know I said I would get to this a lot sooner than I did, but better late than never. Here are some more beach photos for those of you who are stuck inland. Doesn't the gulf coast have some fantastically beautiful beaches?!
Here I am with Mommy and Daddy, don't tell - they didn't want me to post the pasty white no tan photos.

Here is me exploring the beach. I found a few shells and some seaweed (which Mommy and/or Daddy quickly prevented me from sticking in my mouth (party poopers!).

Daddy also took a picture of me from his angle, I figured I'd post it too (not the most flattering, but maybe it will make up for the aforementioned pasty photo)

You should always have some tasty seafood fresh from the ocean when you visit the beach. Saddly enough, for me that is not an option yet. No seafood until I am a little older (allergy concerns and such). But I should get to chow down next summer. As it is, I get to have my veggies and meats pureed to the consistency of applesauce. MMMMMMMMMMMM good. Better than a Steak and Cheese Panini . Anyway, here is me in my fancy dancy travel high chair

There are tons of other photos and such, but I will save some for the next trip or for when I have nothing fun to talk about. Hope the wind is in your sails and the sun is at your back. Or as the sailor saying goes, fair winds and following seas.

Just when you thought it was safe to go back in the water, , , , they catch a 14 foot shark!

2006-05-26T13:29:00.000-07:00

Well, I have returned from the beach without a shark bite (yea me). Was that an awesome weekend or what? Oh yeah, you weren't there. . . . well I'll tell you all about it and you can live vicariously through me. Not that you'd want the exciting life of a nine month old, but seeing everything for the 1st time is cool so you might. Any way, I am getting way to far off the track, apparently a vacation lingers on a while after you get back and puts the next couple of days in the pot as well. Now I know.

Here is a picture of me on the 1st day. I am in my blue 1 piece and as you can see, I am not too sure about the whole surf roaring, sunny brightness stuff yet. But I warmed up to it pretty soon and played some. I was still tired from the trip down so most of my time was spent like this picture below. . . .

Yes, there is nothing like a nap on the beach. Cool breeze, surf pounding (I got used to it, it's kinda like being in the womb so I had a sense of nostalgia) and a nice comfy blanket to lie on. Gooooooooood sleep I tell you!

Here I am trying out my future modelling carreer with some dressy beach attire. I know it is not Victoria Secret's or anything, but I am a little young for that kinda photo shoot anyway. I just wanted to practice my posing and see how dressy you can go on the beach. I guess I was dressed for a regatta gala. . . . ok, maybe I watched 1 too many episodes of Friends in syndication for my own good, but I thought it was funny. And just so you don't think it was all glamour shots and party, here is a picture of me on day 2 when I really got into the beach crawling, literally.
Oh yeah, I love me some beach time. Not as tasty as you might think at first glance. Actually, not a pleasant taste at all. I never knew that sand could get in some places. I got sand in places that I didn't even know I had. Needless to say, the beach does have bad points. But not so bad that I am not ready to go back at the end of June. Maybe the water will be warm enough to actually go swimming. I'll post some more pictures after the holiday weekend. Party party party gal me!
Oh, some one caught a 14 foot Hammerhead shark in Florida last week, but it was a couple of hundred miles away so no biggie.

Dadum. . . . . . dadum. . . . dadum. . .dadum. . dadum dadum dadum dadum. . . . DADUM!

2006-05-18T09:13:00.000-07:00

Well, this weekend will be a watershed moment in my life. I am headed to the beach. Yes, this will be a weekend of 1st's for me. First time out of state, first time to the Gulf of Mexico, first car ride of more than 2 hours, first time to get in a pool and the ocean. 1st "sand box" play time. 1st time camping. Crazy huh. There are probably a whole lot of other 1stesess that I am forgetting about, but I will tell you all about them when I get back.
On a related note. Is it just me, or should Daddy not be making Jaws music when I am getting a bath? I'm just saying. Sounds a little creepy. And hello, I am not even a full bite. I don't think I would like to be like Jonah, or Pinochio's Dad. But I guess it is fitting since the beach excursion is this weekend. Anyhoo, see you when I get back. I'll try and find you some nice pretty shells. Aloha!

A star is born. . . . or fades. We'll see.

2006-05-04T10:41:00.000-07:00

This is a picture that entered me into a "Cover Model Search" for Baby Talk magazine. Basically, if you have or are a cute baby (I guess the old axiom about being so ugly it's cute would apply too) and want to start their/your career as a model then you can enter next year because the entry date is past. Look, I may be 8 months old but I know it is a cut-throat business so I didn't tell you before now. Increases my chances of being in the top 6. I know that there are probably better pictures I could have used, but it had to be a non-professional picture, taken within 30 days of submittal, and all of the other pictures in the magazine were of babies doing something cute so I went with this one. Wish me luck!
The top 6 go to New York City (3-days) for a photo shoot. The winner gets to be on the cover of Baby Talk magazine, a 3 minute (up to $5000) shopping spree at Babies R Us, and gets to be on Good Morning America (if the TV time permits). The runner up and semi-finalist prizes aren't too shabby either. So, I will let you know if I am destined to be a famous baby. You know the Gerber baby did pretty well for herself. . . . Think Dr. Quinn Medicine woman. Oh yea, famous, rich, cool, happily married and pretty. Sounds like the career path I want. Maybe we could start an e-mail campaign and make sure I'm the winner. I have some blogger buddies in N.Y. that it would be cool to meet.

Easter Island. . . . every man (woman) is an island.

2006-04-18T10:41:00.000-07:00

Well, it is my first Easter. I did not get to hunt for eggs this year. Not much hunting when you can't cover much ground. I am crawling now, but I can't get the stupid bl***er to upload videos. If you have not seen the e-mail with the video and would like to, leave a comment and I will send you a clip of it. Anyhoo, here are some pictures of me on easter morning and afternoon. And apparently the Easter Bunny had to recruit some help this year, cause the last picture is of what was in my back yard.

Easter morning in my PJ's with Mommy and Daddy just prior to getting ready to go to church.

Again, getting ready to go to church. If you look closely, you can see my tooth. More are on the way, apparently about 31 more. Wow. thats a lot of teeth for my little head.

At my Gwanny and Papa's after church. This is my pretty Easter Dress. Big fan of the cute pink dresses, and you can see my tooth here too. Ate some lunch and then went home to crash. I have a cold and it was fun and all, but a nap is a gooooooood thing.

And here is the woodchuck/marmot/groundhog (all the same animal) that was in my back yard yesterday. I guess it was helping out the Easter Bunny and got lost. Furry and cute, and about 10 pounds worth of rodent. My dog Guinness was not a big fan. Guinness really wanted to see what he/she tasted like, but Mommy wouldn't let him. Way to go Mommy!

Oh, and for those of you following the Lean Cuisine saga. An apology letter and a coupon for a free entree and two $1 off coupons. Daddy's next kind letter will be to the planters nut people about some rancid honey roasted cashews. I'll keep you posted.

Lean Cuisine. . . . . Cuisine indeed. . .. . pfffft!

2006-04-12T09:47:00.000-07:00

Here is the initial response to my Daddy from the Nestle Food People.

April 4, 2006

Dear Arlyn XXXXXXXX,

Thank you for contacting Nestlé on the Internet. Questions and comments from our consumers are always welcome!

We have reviewed your email message, and understand your concern. We are investigating your experience and you can look forward to receiving a response within 7-10 business days.

We value you as a consumer and appreciate your feedback. Please visit our website often for the latest information on Nestlé products and promotions.

Sincerely,
Jane Deininger
Consumer Response Representative

Ref: N13866221

I wonder why it will take 7 -- 10 days for a real response? Maybe they are trying to see if any homeless people (oops, The Permanent Shelter Challenged) or starving people would turn down one of these meals. . . . maybe not the first time, but definately the second. Anyhoo, I am trying to figure out how to load a video on the old blog to showcase my new crawling skills. As soon as I do, I will post it for all the world to see.

2006-04-04T05:50:00.000-07:00

Apparently you do not want to give my Daddy any reason to write a letter to your customer care department. I just wonder what the person that reads this letter is going to do? Laugh? Cry? Get angry? Meh, doesn't matter. Anyway, this is an e-mail letter that my Daddy sent to the Lean Cuisine people at Nestle foods (USA division). I thought I'd include it here for your enjoyment.

I tried the Lean Cuisine Panini (steak, cheddar & mushroom) and just thought you should know how it was. I have to give you a little back story, please bear with me . . . . it’s worth it.
I was in the service and traveled to many exotic and economically depressed places on the planet. That being said, I myself have eaten some pretty crazy things in the name of fun, excitement and "culturalization". I personally have been known to eat anything that lives, lived, or may live. Basically if it has moved, can be moved, was moved by the breeze, or moved by the moment, and some things that once moved long long ago but haven't moved in quite some time and/or including stuff that was alive but is not anymore and now has something new alive growing on IT that may or may not be safe for human or animal consumption. I have actually warmed up leftovers from the refrigerator but not been able to eat it all so I gave the rest to the dog and the dog got food poisoning and got sick (I was fine) and THEN decided that I could eat a little more so went to the refrigerator and got some more (of the stuff that made the dog sick). I can eat and do eat just about anything that is placed before me. Fear factor and a bunch of bugs, animal parts and crazy weird moldy and/or partially rotten organic material . . . . . Pfffft, weak and pathetic and not even a challenge in anyway (except in sheer volume of stuff, maybe).
Some of those exotic locales that I have been to were places where people live hand to mouth and often don't get to have a meal a day much less three a day and a snack or two. I have actually seen some people (both at home and abroad) who have to eat garbage, literally garbage . . . . refuse, trash, stuff other people threw out because it was too disgusting for them to eat (or feed to the dog) . . . .and these people would NOT eat this sandwich. And yet with all my determination and ability to eat things that would gag a goat, I could not force myself to eat this disgusting piece of unholy nastiness sandwiched between two pieces of perfectly toasted bread. It was as if you took all of the most foul and divergent flavors imaginable and mixed them in a vat and then simmered it with pure putrescence (at temperatures below that which kill bacteria) until all the life juices were evaporated off and you were left with the great granddaddy of all things nasty, a taste so hideous that the mere thought of it is enough to send people into a compound in Idaho not to be heard from until an FBI assault captures them all only to find that they had cut off their tongues in an effort to avoid that taste . . . .where was I. . . oh yeah. . . . a taste that's really nasty (words cannot describe how much) and slapped it between a couple of slices of perfectly toasted stank-absorbing camoflauge this unholy-pile-of-disgusting-filth bread and called it GOOD. Liars, it was all things not good! 1 bite and I spit it out. Then to make sure that I wasn’t being too hasty, I took a second bite (which I also spit out with a little gagging action). Then went and brushed my teeth to get rid of the nasty. In the history of my eating, I am not sure, but I believe this is the first time since I got out of elementary school that I actually spit something out instead of choking at least the one bite down. I actually had to eat something else before the taste would go away. I actually ate on of your lean cuisine pizzas (the roasted veggie – quite good by the way) to cover up the horrible and foul steak, cheddar and mushroom panini that almost made me cut off my tongue. And I don't know anyone from Idaho, so that would have really sucked. Please recall all of these sandwiches before a panini-demic strikes, or worse yet . . . someone else actually tries to eat one of these panini-of-putrescence. The other three flavors of panini are fine, quite tasty actually. Thanks.

I think I am ready for a dinner party. . . . . or maybe a paint brush.

2006-03-24T12:00:00.000-08:00

This is the obligatory "baby eating and making a mess" photo that all children should have taken. So maybe I'm not ready to eat with the President or any Foreign Dignitaries right now. But I sure do have fun with it though. Prunes are prety good, but the best thing is spreading them around like they were gold. In fact, prunes are gold. . . . comic gold that is. This is more fun than I can possibly describe, not so much for Mommy and Daddy though. I am not at the point where I can clean up after myself, so they get to have that chore. When I am old enough to do it myself, I will be neater. Until then, I will continue to imitate Jackson Pollack when I get the right medium for my art. I normally like eat all of my food and only play with very little of it when I get full (this way Mommy and Daddy know I'm done). But Mommy and Daddy were trying to feed me a little early so they could put me to bed before 10:00 pm, and obviously I was not down with that.
I was thinking of maybe getting M&D to get me a canvas and see if some of my art would sell. It would be a nice way to start saving for that car I'll want in about 15 1/2 years. Just a thought. You know what they say, save early and it will pay off later. Meh, I'll worry about that later. Why take something I love and turn it into a job? That takes all the fun out of it.

Spring is in the air. Well, at least in picture land.

2006-03-10T10:45:00.000-08:00

Well, it is that time of year when everything is starting to renew itself. Or in my case I guess it is just newing itself. It's all new to me so, eh we'll see what turns up. Anyway, here are some pictures that Mommy and Daddy had made of me (obviously it's me) for my 6 months commemoration. aside for a moment -- if it is the 1st time something has happened, what word do you use. Celebrate? OK, now that that is settled. Here are pictures of me to Celebrate my 1st 6 months breathing. Spring air tastes a little different than winter air, in case you were wondering.

These silk flowers, not so tasty. Fun to pick up and throw and/or shake. But definately not a good snack.
That is a pink chicken on my dress if you were curious.

Here I am by a fake picket fence with more fake flowers, that is a real smile. Yes, that is really me too. All 14 pounds of me. See my pretty dress? No silly, that is just a caption for the picture not an actual question. I believe that would be a rhetorical statement for those of you who are into the whole English rules thing.

Anyhoo (again)
I have almost trippled in size since I was born. I still look like Daddy though. Almost crawling, obviously I am sitting up good, I have decided that I like to talk. I am still trying to figure out the whole pronunciation thing though. Any body know a good speech pathologist I can use on the cheap? Never mind, I'll just let nature take it's couse so M & D can enjoy all the 1st word stuff. I am eating real food now too. Big yipeee! I love me some squash, sweet taters, and sweet peas. Yes, I like the peas. I also like bananas (fresh and food processorized - not prepackaged blech) and apples. Of course everything is ground up to the consistency of applesauce, But I love the tasting part. Soon I'll be on to meats and deserts. Can't wait!

Laying around watching a little TV

2006-02-21T10:22:00.000-08:00

Ok, so I am watching a little TV. I know, I know. . . . tv is the ruination of America's youth and blah blah blah. This is no ordinary TV watching we're talking about here. This is an educational video or maybe the Olympics, I can't remember which. Anyway, I am anly allowed to watch TV if I can roll over fast enough to catch a minute or two before Mommy and Daddy turn it off or make me do my exercises (sitting up, rolling over, standing, etc). All in all, I am not too impressed with TV. Just a bunch of trash that the media tries to make seem real life. Nobody lives those lives, and not one "family drama" has ever been resolved in 30 minutes (including commercials). But the Olympics I like. Flashy colors, music, quick changes in scenery. That appeals to my infant attention span. But enough about TV.

I am off to the Doctor tomorrow for some more shots and my 6 month check-up. We will see how much I have grown and if I have reached all of my "milestones" so far. I'm guessing yes, maybe even a little ahead of the game. But that may just be me being confident. Well, I gotta go and do that thing that babies do. Check back soon and I'll have an update for you.

Sittin on the dock of the bay. . . . or couch in the living room.

2006-02-15T10:21:00.000-08:00

This was me just thinking while typing so feel free to get the glassy eyed look until you get past this. . . . . So there I was, sittin on the group W bench. . .oh wait, I've used that before. Ok, sittin here drinkin tryin to keep from thinkin I'm a boozin my troubles away? No, I don't drink (except for Mommy milk). So what. . . . I'm sitting (obviously) , I want to be a person of action. . . ooooh, I got it.

Get up stand up! Stand up for your rights! Bob Marley, one of the worlds great poets and Buffalo Soldiers. Not on board with all of his ideas and politics, but I can appreciate his artistry. Anyway, since I've blown my clever (at least to me) opening, I'll get to the point. Here I am sitting up on the couch . I still need a little support to be able to sit up well. I've almost got it down though. Only occasionally falling over, but a lot of slowwwwly slumping over and then laying down in a weird cross between sitting and sprawling that is not as uncomfortable as it looks. I would have a picture of it but M & D can't stand to see me in that slump/sprawl so I don't have one to post.
I have also started to try and crawl, all I get right now is butt up head down then head up butt down. A little stationary see-saw action. I haven't quite gotten the whole body up on my hands and knees yet. Of couse once I do I'll have to figure out all that left right left right stuff and which hand moves with which foot thing. Conceptually, I've got it. I will just have to develop the manual dexterity for it. Mostly I "air swim" a lot. . . . yea, a whole lot of air swimming. I roll over to my belly now a lot too. I used to roll over from my belly to my back, so you'd think that I could roll from back to belly and back (to belly) but again, not the case. I guess those acts do not share the same neural pathways and I have to locate the right ones to be able to put it all together. Who would have ever thought that learning how to roll over would be so flingin flangin hard. But with practice I will soon be mobile. . . . then I will slowly take over the world.
"What are we going to do today brain? Same thing we do every day Pinky, try to take over the world" (from the Pinky and the Brain cartoon)
Oh, a little blast from the past for you. This is me at about 20 minutes old. Check out that nose. Mommy must have corners in her guts.

Beef. . . . it's what's for dinner.

2006-02-10T14:53:00.000-08:00

I am hongry! I still have not quite mastered the whole eating with a spoon thing, but I can feed myself from a sippy cup. I enjoy spitting it out a lot though. Makes quite a mess. Not so much fun for Mommy and Daddy though. Still only Mommy milk or Rice cereal made with Mommy milk, though soon I will be able to eat carrots and peas and such. All I really want is a big old greasy burger. "Look, I understand there are things people do or say that they can never take back. Never take back! But what would you be if you didn't even try. . . . you have to try. So after a lot of thought and reconsideration. If it's not too late, could you make that a cheeeeeese-burger." (Lyle Lovett)
I will post more regularly in the coming days, I've been extremely busy learning how to roll over and sit up and eat cereal and go ppttttttb at people. So I've missed out on some blogging, but I am back in the groove now so check back often. Peace and Love, L

Weekend update with Lola Collette and Tina Fey. . . . well, not really.

2006-01-23T10:57:00.000-08:00

This is me in my Christmas present from my gwanny, also known as nanny (not my namesake - big nanny or my other nanny) or if you are not from the south and don't get our convoluted family trees she would be "The baby mama mama". It is also from my papa or for those of you who don't want a repeat of the 1st definition, "the baby mama daddy" (that all means my mom's mom and dad) Anyway, this was right after I got it and I could not touch the bottom (it is an Exersaucer for those of you who do not have wee little ones drooling on everything)
quick aside: Rhetorical question for those of you who DO NOT have the ability to censor yourselves, and not so much rhetorical if you do. Is there a word that is more gross than drool? I mean what is worse than a big puddle of slobber. Ewww gross. Plus, it just sounds gross. Drool. blech!!!
Ok the exersaucer has pretty much replaced the walker now. No more skinned up parents ankles to ram or stairs to go flying down. Just serene sitting in place and standing and turning and playing, but it IS NOT as my M & D are fond of saying a " baby sitter for the children" but a place to let the kid play while you run to the potty (I added that last part). I have to say, my "Graco Baby Einstein Discover and Play Activity Center" retail $99 at you local baby store is awesome. I can spin stuff, chew on stuff, pull, push, turn, twist, bend fold and/or spindle (what the heck is spindle anyway) while listening to Beethoven's 5th symphony or old MacDonald had a farm. . . . . e i e i o (or 3 other selections). It also has pictures of animals and will tell me the name in both English and Spanish and teach me the sound that animal makes with and actual recording of that animal. But my favorite part is getting to spin around in a circle and slobber all over everything. It is not gross, because it is not drool. Drool is a big puddle. . . . which is entirely different than a little smear of saliva. You lick an envelope before you close it, and if you happen to touch the sticky part you are not grossed out. But if you put you hand in a big old pool of drool that someone so thoughtfully left behind after their nap then you will shriek (those are the shrieking eels, and they always get louder just before they feed) and immediately begin furiously wiping said hand on your blue jeans to dry off the drool. Yeah, just tell me I'm wrong. We know the truth. You ain't got to lie Craig. You ain't got to lie.
Ok, I have pretty much lost the ability to continue this post in a manner that will in any way resemble coherence (clarence? . . . . no coherence) or sanity, so I will bid you adieu' with my final thought. . . . . If you imagine a tree falling in the woods, and no one is there to hear it. . . . . do you imagine the sound in your head?
Oh yeah, the weekend. Went to the church nusery for the 1st time (only for 1 hour). It was harder for M & D than for me. Though there was a little diaper bag mix-up and I got a little fussy before they figued out which one was mine. I had fun, new people, new stuff to play with, all around good.

A commemorative moment to celebrate my Daddy's birthday.

2006-01-17T10:44:00.000-08:00

Ok then. My Daddy turned 33 years old yesterday. He says he has lived 1/4 of his usefull life. I am unsure of just how he did the math, cause mine says that he will live to be 132 years old based on the whole 1/4 thing. I will post how he proposes to do this at a later date.
Anyway, I do believe that that makes him officially old (33 that is). Not as old as he will become (apparently 132), not as old as dirt (somewhere between 4000 and 200 billion). Possibly as old as the hills (volcanoes can build hills pretty quick). To commemorate this momentous occasion, I have decided to fill that long ago promised post of me and my Daddy time lapsed for comparison. The first picture is my Daddy at about 3 months old - he's so old that his picture is in Black and White hahahahah. . . . . um. . . . maybe I shouldn't pick on Daddy for being old. . . . naaaa, he's a geezer. Anyway, Back in the day, you were supposed to let your baby sleep on their bellies, so he is pretty good at pushing himself up at this time. Here in the modern world, If you let your baby sleep on his/her belly then you will be reported to the child welfare services in your local area and brutally and savagely beaten with a club wrapped in rusty barb wire for being so stupid. That is not entirely true. Now the American Board for Pediatrics recommends that you put babies on their backs to sleep (lessens the chance of SIDS apparently - which is just scary). Oh, I've rambled a bit. . . . back to the pictures. (no beatings needed) In the second picture, you will see me edited to black and white, and not as good at holding myself up but doing pretty good. It is not a perfect match for shading and such, but you should get a pretty good idea of who I take after at the moment. Please take a moment to pray that I grow out of it and look more like Mommy when I get older.

Been a long time since I left you, without a dope beat to step to. . .

2006-01-16T14:52:00.000-08:00

Ok, so maybe I don't have a dope beat for you. But I wanted to get out there and let you know where I've been lately. My Uncle Kirby, Aunt Lori and Cousin Olivia were home from Okinowa, Japan for the holidays and I have been spending all of my free time with them. My Uncle Kirby is in the Marine Corps (go Jar Heads!!!) They had to return to Japan and I won't get to see them for another year and a half. Yes, I am terribly sad! Here are a couple of pictures of the loved ones.

Uncle Kirby on a shave boycott.
Aunt Lori and Cousin Olivia (18 months old).
Then to top it all off, I got my 1st cold and a week later it became an ear infection. Lots and lots of fun that is I can tell you. But I am all better now. No more sniffles or infection.
Anyway, I should be able to return to regular blogging now. I will be posting some new pictures and give you all an update on my new accomplishments in the next few days. Also, I still have to scan in Daddy's baby picture and post it beside mine. The apple did not fall too far away from the tree as you will soon see. Hey!!! that may be my first rhyme. Maybe I could be a writer when I get older. Poetry is awesome. Pablo Neruda is my favorite (slightly ahead of Dr. Seuss).

OOOOOOOh, presents!!! and some news.

2005-12-30T14:50:00.000-08:00

Here I am surrounded by Christmas loot. I am desperately trying out how to tear off that little penguin and stuff it into my mouth. Mommy and Daddy strategically planted the package to keep me from slumping over and bonking my head (thanks M & D) on the arm of the chair. I know that the Christmas season is all about God and good will towards others, but I love getting presents. Santa was pretty good to me this year, I got a lot of cool stuff. I will give a detailed account on it later.
I had a Dr. appointment yesterday (more shots) and got all my vital stats recorded again. I am 24 3/4 inches long (it is not tall until I can stand on my own), and 11 pounds 8 ounces. I an in the 85th percentile for height (length??) and the 15th percentile for weight. Apparently I will be tall and skinny for a while. OK by me, it will make that modeling option a little easier if I am tall. Plus, if I decide to be a "on air" personality then it will mean more camera time for yours truly. . . . like I don't get a lot of that already.
Anyway, I will give more info and posts after the new year. Happy and safe new year to you all. See you in 06'.

Long awaited professional photos. . . . Burgeoning modeling career??

2005-12-20T13:48:00.000-08:00

Here are the professional photograghs I promised. I've been extra busy doing my Christmas shopping, so I have not posted in a while. OK, I've been riding around in my stroller or a shopping cart while Mommy and Daddy were shopping, but it is the same thing.

1)

1) I thought this one was particularly silly, so I had to include it. That's me, happy and laughing baby Lola.

2) Here I am trying to be all dramatic and artsy. If I don't become Dora the Explorer when I get bigger, I may try and model, or be a journalist, or something cool.

3) Here is a wide shot of me being all silly and laughing at Daddy who was acting very funny to get me to laugh. Silly rabbit, grins are for little girls.

4-5)These two are of the same picture. One I edited it to be BW so it would look like a picture of my Daddy when he was my age. There are remarkable similarities. I am my father's daughter. Everyone says I look just like him. I look like Mommy too, just more like Daddy. I will try and scan his baby picture in and post the two of them side by side so you can compare them for yourselves. I will update more later.

4) 5)

6) Here is my typical smile. It is all Mommy. She just has teeth, so hers is not a gummy smile. See, I do have some of Mommy showing through. And not just her arm in the back of the picture either.

Santa Baby. . . . but not quite like the song.

2005-12-09T11:05:00.000-08:00

Here is a picture that my Mommy took of me in my Christmas outfit. Yes it is a Christmas Dress and Santa hat. No PC idiocy here thank you. You have the right to practice your choice of religion without G'ment control. Pfffft. . . unless you want to celebrate Christmas or imply in any way a Christian theme. I have decided to be offended by any reference to a menorah, quanza, festivus, or holiday season. Then maybe I will be the minority who is heard and accomodated. But this is not about that, it is about me showing off all my pretty Christmas pictures. So, on with the show.

this one was taken by Mommy with me lying on some wrapping paper.
This one was taken by Portrait Innovations, Daddy was acting silly to get me to laugh while Mommy stood at the ready incase I should get all wobbly and fall over. I am not very good at sitting up unsupported yet. But I am getting better.
This one was also a professional shot at P.I. and is My favorite of the Christmas shots. Daddy was making me laugh and Mommy kept me from falling off the stand.
This is another Pro shot from P.I. and is in the running for "favorite". Yet again, Daddy entertaining and Mommy protecting. We had several other shots of Non-Christmas poses and I will post them when I edit them down for size. Can't wait to open presents and chew on the boxes. Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night. . . . but I don't ride in a sleigh. . . . yet.

Just thought you should know. . . . .

2005-12-02T12:28:00.000-08:00

My Uncle Kirby is a U.S. Marine (master sgt) and is currently stationed in Japan with his wife (Aunt Lori) and daughter (cousin Olivia). I have yet to meet any of them, because they were stationed there for a three year tour last year after Uncle Kirby got back from Iraq. This Christmas I get to meet them and thank them for the sacrifices that they have made for all of us. Uncle Kirb sent this e-mail to my Daddy and I thought I'd share it with you. Remember, Uncle Kirby is currently in the Marines and served a tour in Iraq. . . . . .

Things that make you think a little:
There were 39 combat related killings in Iraq in January {this is from 04' apparently}. In the fair city of Detroit there were 35 murders in the month of January. That's just one American city, about as deadly as the entire war-torn country of Iraq.

When some claim that President Bush shouldn't have started this war, think about the following:
a. FDR led us into World War II.
b. Germany never attacked us; Japan did. From 1941-1945, 450,000 lives were lost ...
an average of 112,500 per year.
c. Truman finished that war and started one in Korea. North Korea never attacked us.
From 1950-1953, 55,000 lives were lost ... an average of 18,334 per year.
d John F. Kennedy started the Vietnam conflict in 1962. Vietnam never attacked us
e. Johnson turned Vietnam into a quagmire. From 1965-1975, 58,000 lives were lost ..
an average of 5,800 per year.
f. Clinton went to war in Bosnia without UN or French consent. Bosnia never attacked us .
He was offered Osama bin Laden's head on a platter three times by Sudan and did nothing. Osama has attacked us on multiple occasions.
g. In the years since terrorists attacked us , President Bush has liberated two countries, crushed the Taliban, crippled al-Qaida, put nuclear inspectors in Libya , Iran , and North Korea without firing a shot, and captured a terrorist who slaughtered 300,000 of his own people.

The Democrats are complaining about how long the war is taking. But ..
It took less time to take Iraq than it took Janet Reno to take the Branch Davidian compound.
That was a 51-day operation.

We've been looking for evidence for chemical weapons in Iraq for less time than it took Hillary Clinton to find the Rose Law Firm billing records.

It took less time for the 3rd Infantry Division and the Marines to destroy the Medina Republican Guard than it took Ted Kennedy to call the police after his Oldsmobile sank at Chappaquiddick

It took less time to take Iraq than it took to count the votes in Florida!!!!

Our Commander-In-Chief is doing a GREAT JOB ! The Military morale is high!
The biased media hopes we are too ignorant to realize the facts

But Wait . there's more!

JOHN GLENN (ON THE SENATE FLOOR)
Mon, 26 Jan 2004 11:13

Some people still don't understand why military personnel do what they do for a living. This exchange between Senators John Glenn and Senator Howard Metzenbaum is worth reading. Not only is it a pretty impressive impromptu speech, but it's also a good example of one
man's explanation of why men and women in the armed services do what they do for a living.

This IS a typical, though sad, example of what some who have never served think of the military.

Senator Metzenbaum (speaking to Senator Glenn):
"How can you run for Senate when you've never held a real job?"

Senator Glenn (D-Ohio):
"I served 23 years in the United States Marine Corps. I served through two wars. I flew 149 missions. My plane was hit by anti-aircraft fire on 12 different occasions. I was in the space program. It wasn't my checkbook, Howard; it was my life on the line. It was not a nine-to-five job, where I took time off to take the daily cash receipts to the bank."

"I ask you to go with me ... as I went the other day... to a veteran's hospital and look those men ... with their mangled bodies . in the eye, and tell THEM they didn't hold a job! You go with me to the Space Program at NASA and go, as I have gone, to the widows and Orphans of Ed White, Gus Grissom and Roger Chaffee... and you look those kids in the eye and tell them that their DADS didn't hold a job. You go with me on Memorial Day and you stand in Arlington National Cemetery, where I have more friends buried than I'd like to remember, and you watch
those waving flags You stand there, and you think about this nation, and you tell ME that those people didn't have a job? What about you?"

For those who don't remember . . . During W.W.II, Howard Metzenbaum was an attorney representing the Communist Party in the USA .

Now he's a Senator!
If you can read this, thank a teacher. If you are reading it in English thank a Veteran.

Me again. . . . Hope I didn't offend anyone there. But I guess if you got offended then maybe it was meant for you to read. I'm not trying to say that war doesn't suck or that it shouldn't be a last resort only (which we had clearly reached with Saddam). With this season (Thanksgiving and Christmas) we are to remember the good things in our life and give thanks for them. Right now, we are in the midst of giving millions of people their lives, freedom, and the chance at happiness. That sounds familiar. . . . . Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness. What better Christmas present could we possibly give the world? Jesus gave his life for us and sometimes we have to give ours for him. God bless America and our Armed forces and Veterans.
My Daddy also served in the military. He was in the Navy on a Submarine for 5 years.

Dedicated to God

2005-12-01T10:56:00.000-08:00

A couple of weeks ago, my Mommy and Daddy dedicated me to Christ. Basically it means that they get up in front of the church and make a declaration to teach me about God and to raise me to believe in Jesus Christ and that he died for Our sins. The church body in turn declares that they will help and support this endeavor. I was suitably impressed. . . . actually I slept through most of it. But hey, it will mean a lot for me later in life.
Not to be vain or anything, but I thought I looked good for my 1st public speaking event (I had a very short speach prepared, a few grunts, a squeek and a sigh). Surprisingly I was not scared of speaking to the whole congregation. I just imagined them all in pampers. . . c'mon people, no nekkidness in church! Anyway, I stayed relaxed and napped after my speech.
All in all I was very moved by the gesture. Mommy and Daddy love me a great deal and it says a lot to me to know that they want me to know God really well. Thanks M & D. Love ya!

Wednesday Wist on Tuesday. . . . The music shuffle.. . . . . am I crazy?

2005-11-22T17:09:00.000-08:00

OK, I tossed a bunch of albums into a playlist and hit random while I worked on what I do best. . . filling a diaper and being cute and this is what followed.
Otis Redding singing "I've been loving you too long" to which I thought "Ohh I love Otis" and then went into a jag of Animal House --- Otis. . . . Otis loves me, Can we dance wif yo dates, and several other John Belushi films and one liners (I especially like the Samuri and Bumble Bee from SNL). Which brought me to the Pixies "Hey" and how I saw them on Austin City Limits not too long ago (yes they still do that show) and how the lead singer looks nothing like I would have pictured him. . . . fat bald and ugly as opposed to my idea of tall dark and brooding. There go all my preconceived notions about talent and attractiveness. Which then put me into Southern Culture on the Skids and "Eight Piece Box" which resulted in another jag of --- Baby. . . . you make me wanna walk. . . . like a camel, are you gonna eat that there snack cracker, all I want is just one more oatmeal cream pie, Little Debbie Little Debbie I'm a comin on home girl. And as I now have a huge craving for fried chicken (from eight piece box) Tom petty is singing about "An American Girl" who I wonder if she can and will cook me some chicken. Followed by "I have lost it, I am completely insane, but if I know it, how insane can I really be? While I try and figure out if I have completely lost my mind, Etta James is telling me to "Tell Mama" which is exactly what I am going to do. Bye.
Have I lost it, or is this how everyone's mind works?

Bama takes a beating from hated arch-rival Auburn

2005-11-21T12:37:00.000-08:00

Forget my previous post about being happy and positive. My beloved Crimson Tide received the worst beating of my life on Saturday. I will not repeat the score because it is too painful. Suffice it to say, it was not pretty. We were outplayed in pretty much every facet of the game. While I love many Auburn fans (my Gwanny is one of the demented). . . . I hate Auburn. Now that that is out of my system, I will return you to the regularly scheduled happy baby Lola.
What about that post title, huh? I think I may want to grow up and be a sports journalist, maybe an "on Air personality" on ESPN or a sideline reporter. Tell it like it is, go for the tough questions, get the scoops. . . . sounds fun. Plus, guys like a gal who knows a little about sports. But Mommy and Daddy say I can't start thinking about boys for a long long long long long long long (need a breath) long long long time. So I may change my mind. Besides, it is a while before I have to start to worry about a career and I may decide to be a Princess or Doctor or Pilot or Dora the Explorer. No commitments at this time. I'll keep my options and mind open.

What color will my eyes be when they change from blue?

2005-11-21T12:32:00.000-08:00

Your Eyes Should Be Hazel

Your eyes reflect: Intellect and sensuality
What's hidden behind your eyes: Subtle manipulation

What Color Should Your Eyes Be?

I currently have blue eyes "the color of the sea after a storm" as Buttercup would say. I love this color, but I have been told that my eyes may change color as I get a little older. Something about the pigments in baby eyes not being fully developed until up to 6 months. I don't really understand it all. I don't want my eyes to change color. I think my hair is going to be reddish (maybe brown with red highlights built in) so green eyes would be cool. But I may be blonde with reddish highlights, so blue would be best. I don't know, but they have to be some color. So I took this little test to see what color my eyes should be according to this questionaire thingy. Sounds like a bunch of hooey if you ask me, but I digress. I could do hazel. What eye color do you like best, and what are your eyes? Possibility for HNT? Just a suggestion. I am too young for HNT so I will not be participating. But I post HN half of the time anyway, so I am ahead of the game I guess.

Happiness is only a smile away

2005-11-16T12:28:00.000-08:00

I have decided that I will be a positive person. I thought about being dark and brooding but that just doesn't work for me. It is much more fun to be happy and cute, so that is my goal. I think far too many people get caught up in stress and drama and it affects their point of view. Now don't get me wrong, I will be moody and cranky from time to time (especially if I have an exceptionally foul or wet diaper). I also don't want to live life with blinders on, so I will not always be just bubbling over with happiness either. Though most of the time I'll do my best.
My goal is to always look at the sunny side of life. My Daddy says' "It could always be worse" which I think is an apt description. It could always be better too, but that is looking at it from a negative light and I will not do that. I want to be the person that other people like to be around because I make them feel better about things. Not that I want to be everyone's shoulder to cry on (I have little shoulders and that can be monotonous) , but I want everyone to know what I am going through and to see me being positive and happy in spite of the troubles in my life (because I know they are out there waiting for me) as an example. Then maybe they can see how I react to things and possibly be the same way, happy and positive. That is my goal anyway, I'll keep you updated on how that is working out for me.

I am far too emotionally attached to Bama football

2005-11-15T12:45:00.000-08:00

I'm heartbroken. . . . my team, my beloved Alabama Crimson Tide has lost the first game of my lifetime. A heartwrenching loss in overtime to the LSU tigers that ended our shot at an undefeated season and all hopes of a shot at the National championship. I wept uncontrollably and inconsolably after the game. But such is life (as I am beginning to learn) and so I must go on and look to next week and the severe beat-down we are going to put on Auburn.
To all the Auburn fans out there, my condolences on your (upcoming) loss. I know how it feels. . . . awful. But better you than me right. Roll Tide!!

Hot tamale' . . . . I am such a hottie

2005-11-11T12:40:00.000-08:00

This is me for Halloween. I was a chile pepper. It was pretty fun. I did the fall festival at church instead of door to door trick treating. I can't really ask for candy very well and my tricks pretty much are limited to what I put in the diaper. I get all of my candy second hand through nursing. I especially like the miniature heath bars. . . . yummy! Daddy was dressed as Clint Eastwood in Hang em High. . . . the old west sherriff out for revenge (complete with battery powered six shooter) and Mommy was dressed as a Mommy from the old west (westernish shirt and boots).

Can we talk. . . .

2005-11-10T13:03:00.000-08:00

I am trying to learn the language of adults. I know that right now I am only learning speech patterns and rythms so right now the words don't mean that much to me (I know what your saying though. . . . I may be brilliant, we just have to wait and see) Anyhooo, My question is whether or not nicknames are a good thing. Names in general too, and what signifigance if any does your name/nickname have in your development as a person? I have about twenty or so at the moment.
1. Pinky (by Gwanny and Maimey [Amy] -- cause I was as little as a pinky when I was born) 2. Lil'bitty, Itty-Bitty or just Bitty (coined because my Daddy would sing Alan Jackson's Little Bitty to me when I'd cry, y'know "It's alright to be little bitty, from a little ol' town or a great big city")
3. Chicken or Chicken Hair (because it sticks up like a rooster's -- but rooster is not very girly)
4. Tinker, Stinker, Stinky, Tinky and Tinky Tinkerton (I occassionally have smelly diapers, and um. . . I'm a little gassy sometimes . . . ok, always -- I'm so embarrassed)
5. Piddy, Piggy, Porky (I apparrently eat like a little pig)
6. Barracuda (see #5 comment)
7. Any form or deformation of Lola that you can imagine and still stay rated-G.

And there are innumerable variations and short lived nicknames that I won't go into. My point (finally) is that how am I supposed to develop my own identity with 50 different names. And while I'm at it, how much does my name matter in my personality? The name books all say weird stuff about what names mean and how they contribute to the way other people view you etc etc. Don't deny it, any woman you meet named Bambi is immediately going into the "airhead" grouping and will find it very hard to escape that stereotype. So what is a girl supposed to do, can I lobby for a nickname that says something cool about who I want to be or is it all academic? Will I get labeled and stereotyped no matter what my name is? And if I fight to maintain my individuality will I be ridiculed and scorned or should I give up all hope of individuality and join the sheep and lemmings?
I like the idea of a single name. But I don't know which one I like best. Maybe two would be ok.

Another Ophelia by Waterhouse

2005-11-09T12:48:00.000-08:00

I have decided to include a weekly or biweekly, or whenever I remember to do it "Arts" posting. Somtimes it will be a painting that speaks to me or a song or piece of literature. Just something that has touched me and increased my intellectual side. If I can figure out how to have a song play I will include it in any posts about music. I hope this enriches your days and I would really appreciate any comments about the said art/music/book so I can expand my mind. I am after all a fairly blank canvas right now. This is Ophelia (again) by J.W. Waterhouse. I know it is not the same person as in the previous Ophelia, but it is the same name so maybe she wasn't a real person but just simply more of a conceptual beauty that Waterhouse had to paint. A Muse perhaps? This one speaks of peace and serenity with just a hint of longing. Maybe her love is away and soon to return or just left. Maybe she is just fantasizing about her true love. Maybe she was struck in the head by a meteorite and is slowly passing into the next realm in this grassy sward. (sorry, that is a little morbid) I tend to go with the fantasizing idea. You?

Love hate relationship with bath time

2005-11-08T12:28:00.000-08:00

I have to say, I am a big fan of bath time (for the most part). I love the feeling of being suspended in the nice warm water and the super soft cloth with soapy goodness gently washing away the days stresses and spit up residue. I do sooo love the warm from the dryer towels that Mommy and Daddy us to dry me off with. Then I get to wear a nice clean sleeper (footy pajamas) also warm from the dryer and then get to nurse before going to bed for the night. Which I am sleeping through now (for almost 6 hours) for the most part.

I am not, however, a fan of getting my hair or face washed. I know it is unreasonable and I have to do it, but I don't like it. I just don't like anything covering my head or face. I don't like my hair dried either. Weirds me out something fierce. Touch and rub my little head all you want, I love it and it puts me right to sleep. Don't wash it and dry it though or I'll scream like a banshee.

Toothache

2005-11-04T17:08:00.000-08:00

I am still cranky. . . .though Mommy and Daddy don't think it is because of the shots I got last Friday. They think I might be getting my 1st tooth. I think I'll get it capped with gold. . . . no platinum. Yea, Baby smiles Gansta style! Would that be over the top? I mean, I want to stay current and all, but I don't want to over do it. Since hip hop has taken over the planet as we know it, I will be the "hipest" baby in the hood. All I would need is a cool tattoo then.

Syke (remember that oldie) No tats for me, Daddy says when I'm old enough to pay for it and get it myself then It's up to me. But if I get one before 18 he is going to make me lazer it off. So I think I'll wait on any tattoos. Plus the whole metal teeth thing is just creepy.

Correction to my earlier correction.

2005-11-04T12:19:00.000-08:00

I posted a erroneous correction. The original site that I posted the Little Prince is still good to go. So, please disregard my previous post about the Death of the Online Little Prince and immediately after reading this (and maybe posting a comment) go read the Little Prince or at least start it and then come back and let me know that you have read some of the best book ever! http://www.angelfire.com/hi/littleprince/frames.html
OK, why are you still here? It is a great matter of consequense to all who read this to go to the site listed and read the story. If you sit down to read it, you can do the whole book in about 1/2 an hour.The fate of Humanity lies in the pages of this book (or screens if online), so you must go and check it out. Have to. . . . get off my blog and go look at it now. . . . . well, go already!

Shots. . . . we don't want no stinkin shots

2005-10-31T12:45:00.000-08:00

I got my 1st round of "Baby" shots on Friday. Needless to say it was awful. I hate getting shots. I mean, here I am all happy and peaceful and then I get stuck in the leg with four count em FOUR needles (2 in each thigh). I wasn't expecting that! C'mon people, I don't know about needles and shots and all that stuff. I didn't know what to expect. If I'd known, then I could have sought my happy place (see previous post on "Mood swings" and chocolate milk filled boobies) and maybe it wouldn't have hurt so much. Since I was unprepared, it hurt like a mother, and it made me feel bad for two days. I was sore and cranky and worried my poor Mommy and Daddy 1/2 to death because I didn't sleep or eat like normal. Shots are just plain wrong, and now I'm told that I have to get more in two months. Forget it, I'm going AWOL on that day.

The death of the "online" little prince.

2005-10-27T17:08:00.000-07:00

Saddly enough, I have to report that the online link to the Little Prince has been destroyed by the evil machinations of the publisher. Mr. Martini apparently did not receive permission to publish it online and has been killed for his impunity. Here is a copy of the letter that the link will take you to now.

Dear Mr. Martini:
I am writing on behalf of the Trade Division of Harcourt, Inc., which as you may
know, is the publisher of The Little Prince. This message is about, as the
Little Prince would say, a "matter of consequence."
Your Web site (www.martini.net/LittlePrince) has come to our attention, since
you've posted the complete text and illustrations from the book on this site.
The Little Prince is protected by copyright, and may not be reproduced without
our prior written permission. We don't want to seem like hard-hearted
businessmen (and women) and we certainly share your fondness for this work, but
it's just not appropriate to copy the entire book and make it freely available
for others to take. Accordingly, I must ask that you take the book down off
your site at once. Would you please contact me immediately to confirm that this
has been done? Thank you.
Sincerely,
Kira Glass
Director of Interactive Marketing
Harcourt Trade Publishers, a division of Harcourt, Inc.
525 B Street, Suite 1900
San Diego, CA 92101

So, you can't get it online now. I would still suggest that you run out and purchase a copy as soon as you can. Excellent book and worth the 10$ or so that it costs. Peace, L

More choices for 1st baby picture

2005-10-26T12:35:00.000-07:00

Here are some more choices for the 1st baby picture to distribute to all the family and friends. I may have a few more to post as I edit them. I have a week or two before the family starts asking about it and Mommy and Daddy really get pressured to pass out pictures to everybody.

this one is at 20 days old (donut baby), but I think it is a possible choice.

This one is at 6 days old (hoody sleeper)

This one (I like to call it "burrito baby") is at 5 days.

this one is at 9 days old (fetal position).

I also consider the picture on the other post about baby pictures being lost (swaddled up in blue -- stretching for a Bob Dylan reference there) and the picture for my profile (this is me). Let me know which one of these is best.

Mommy and Daddy's other baby (my protector)

2005-10-25T12:53:00.000-07:00

This is Guinness (like the beer) and he is a big baby. He is a 75 pound (give or take) Boxer mix. He is a little jealous of me right now, but he still loves me. Whenever I cry he starts to yelp and whine outside. He is pretty rambunctious (sp ??) so I haven't met him up close and personal yet. He is as gentle as he could be, but he is big and clumsey and may hurt me in his excitement. When I get a little bigger, Daddy said he was going to make a saddle so I could ride Guinness around the yard. . . . that should be fun.

They lost my "baby pictures"

2005-10-21T00:27:00.000-07:00

I had my picture taken in the hospital on the same day that this one was taken (2 days old). You know the ones, out-of-date back ground, screaming baby, the parents buy 5000 prints and give out one to everybody they know. Well, the photographer LOST MY PICTURES! I am fired up!
Hello, a digital camera. . . .how do you lose the pics. I saw them, they were on the memory card. Shouldn't you check and make sure they downloaded before erasing the card. I could just spit-up over it I'm so mad. Oh, and they gave Mommy and Daddy the run around for a month before saying that they don't have them. Their attitude. . . . sorry, better luck next time. Whaaaattt. . . . . . Foul filth and filth and foul!!!!!!! Stupid 1st Family Photography!!!
Anyway, since I am sans picture. I need to pick out a new picture to use for the mass distribution of mantle fodder to the friends and relatives and I would like your help. I will take your suggestions into account. Any picture you like in this blog (or those I post soon) are candidates. Just comment on this post with the picture post title or description. I'll let you know which way we go in a few days. Thanks.

Expanding my emotional range

2005-10-20T12:43:00.000-07:00

I have decided that I need to be more expressive. Since I can't enroll in an Experimental Theatre group at the University, Please. . .no. . . please. . . no (if anyone gets that TV reference then you too have been sucked into a show doomed for cancellation and I grieve for you). Anyway, I have been working on ways to do that. My verbal skills still leave a little to be desired, and I can't carry a computer around with me all day. . . . So, I decided to practice body language and facial expression. Body language still needs some work. All I have is stiff as a board, kicky legs, and wavy arms. But I think I'm doing pretty good on facial expression. I will let you look at the pics and try to guess what emotion/feeling I am trying to portray. I'll tell you what each one is down at the bottom of the post. No peaking. . . .
#1
#2

#3
#4

#5

Ready for the answers? Here you go in no particular order.
#3 Either I've just ate a bug, or this is me being a "smarty pants" . . . . mmnnnaahhh! pptttttb!
#1 "You will do my bidding varlat. . . . bring me a bottle." I just saw a thing for a rennaisance festival so I guess I channeled a Princess for a second. This one means that I am very unhappy with you right now and if you don't make it better quick fast and in a hurry I am going to have you beheaded. . . . or at least cry about it.
#4 Fascination . . . . and curiosity or amazement.
#5 "I'm skeered Mama, hold me" I am from the south after all. Fear
#2 What the heck is that? I am totally confused. . . . . I plan on using this one a lot when I'm older. Lowers expectations so I can "over-achieve". Just kidding.

My very 1st rant. . . . and some info.

2005-10-14T12:56:00.000-07:00

Well. I've decided that I will not be posting topical photograghs of me with every post. Don't worry, the posts will still mostly include picture updates. But I've started to learn a few things and will occasionally open the concepts up for discussion so I can get other points of view. I don't want to be close minded when I grow up. On these posts I may include a picture that sparked the question (like maybe a picture of Arlo Guthrie or an old diner for the previous post about the group W bench) or something that fits the post (like the picture of the little prince) .That being said. . . .
This is Ophelia, by J.W. Waterhouse. Big fan of his by the way. He painted real people. Yeah, they may mostly by skinny, but he painted people how they actually look. Freckles and all. Since I am growing up in a society that is so caught up in the "image" of perfection, how am I supposed to combat the constant barrage of images of somebody else's ideal. Why can't I make my own ideal and live up to it? This is coming from a comment that was made about skinny babies and fat babies. Apparently, it is the mass opinion that you have to be a little porker to be healthy. Sad really, be fat when your a baby but skinny when your older. Make up your minds people. It is confusing to the little people. Just to let you know, I am considered by many to be a skinny baby. Maybe so, but I am healthy and growing so what of it? There, I did it. . . . my 1st rant.

The little prince. BEST BOOK EVER . . . ever??? too strong. Really good book

2005-10-14T12:30:00.000-07:00

Ok, New favorite book. I'll update the profile later.
The Little Prince
written and illustrated byAntoine de Saint Exupéry
translated from the French by Katherine Woods. Outstanding! There is another English translation by some dude. The Woods x-lation is better (a teeny bit). It is a must read and own. If you can't find the Woods x-lation the other one is entirely acceptable. It seems to me that Woods looked more at the period it was written and what Exupery meant when he said something in her x-lation (almost an abridgement instead of x-lation), and the Dude looked a little more at direct x-lation. No concepts were lost, but not quite the same. Both very good.
I haven't figured out that whole "links" thing yet, give me a break. . . I'm only 6 weeks old. So here is a link to the online text. http://www.angelfire.com/hi/littleprince/frames.html
Outstanding for adults to read to their kids, for kids to read, and for adults to read for themselves. Just so you know, I saw the snake right off. You'll get it when you read the book. My mommy is the Rose and Daddy the Prince. I have them both tamed. . . .another inside reference. Love it love it love it!

Mood swings. . . . . I think not

2005-10-12T17:08:00.000-07:00

Ok, all these pictures were taken in the span of about 3 minutes. And they say women have mood swings. Psssshhh, whatever! Here is my narative of these pics, so you can see what I mean.
Sleeping peacefully.

Was rudely interupted from my dream of a giant boobie filled with chocolate milk (even babies dream of chocolate)

Showing my displeasure at being disturbed, without making a big fuss about it.

Making absolutely sure that my point is getting across, and subtley letting Mommy and Daddy know that next time I won't be so nice about it.

Making a little grunting noise (since I can't talk yet) as emphasis. Starting the trip back to the land of Nod and my dream of chocolate milk filled boobies.

Back to sleep, and my happy dream. See, women do not, contrary to popular belief, experience mood swings. It is all a vicious lie propagated by the male to keep women down. Shame on them (except Daddy. . . he's good).

2005-10-12T07:54:00.000-07:00

This is my Daddy and me taking a nap. Second best place to sleep by the way. I don't get to see Daddy all day, so we try and spend as much time together as possible when he gets home from work and on the weekends. We watch football together on Saturdays. Roll Tide!!!!
My Mommy had a check-up yesterday (she's great) and took me by the lactation center at the hospital to get a current weight for me. I am up to 7 lbs 10 oz now. I lost a few oz's after birth (got down to 4 lbs 9 oz) and at two weeks was back to Birth weight of 5 lbs even. Since I'm now 6 weeks and a day old, I've put on 2 lbs 10 oz in 4 weeks. Not too shabby.
We went by Daddy's office after the Dr. appointment and everyone oooh'd and ahhh'd over me. Makes a girl feel good to have people get all excited when they see you. Mommy and Daddy don't get that (it is apparently all about me now) but they don't mind, I think.

Nap time with Mommy

2005-10-10T12:20:00.000-07:00

This is me and Mommy. This is some good sleep too, best place to nap in the world. Warm and close to Mommy's heartbeat. It is almost like I was still in the womb. I like my new digs though. I have my own room and stuff. Pretty good for 6 week old. Mommy stays at home with me all day and when Daddy gets home I spend some time with him while Mommy naps.

Hmmmm. . . could it be . . . . . The Church Lady

2005-10-10T12:12:00.000-07:00

I went to church for the 1st time last Sunday. This was the 1st time I got to get real dressed up. This was supposed to be my coming home from the hospital outfit, but I was 3 weeks early so it only now fits me. I think I look pretty cute, not to be vain or anything.
Mommy and Daddy have been going to Westwood Baptist ( http://www.wwbc.org/ ) for a long time, they are pretty active in the pre-school ministry. I think they were preparing for my arrival and trying to do something to help out. I didn't go to the nursery though, it is kinda hard when I have to nurse every few hours. My nursing schedule doesn't exactly match up to the services and Sunday School classes yet. My days and nights are a little mixed up too, so that makes going to church difficult still. Hopefully we will all get into a routine that makes going a little easier, we missed going this Sunday because we were up all night. I do soooo enjoy going to hear more about God.

There I was. . . sittin on the Group W bench

2005-10-07T13:03:00.000-07:00

O.K. So I was listening to some "Alice's Restaraunt" (Arlo Guthrie) and I got to thinkin. . . . this is my "thinker" pose by the way. Anyway, this is my 6th week of being on the outside (like I was in prison or something) and things are starting to fall into a routine -- nurse, then diaper change, then sleep, then diaper change, then eat again and so on and so forth. Mommy and Daddy are spending lots of time talking to me and getting me to move around and generally just trying to expose me to different stimulus for better brain development. Yea, yea I know they're over the top. . . . but so do they, so what are you gonna do, huh? But back to the point. I am feeling a little, oh I don't know. . . . cooped up. Kinda like I was in the Army or Jail -- that's the connection to "Alice's Restaraunt" if you were wondering. Does this stop as you get older or become an everyday possibility? And if it does, what can a "sista" do to prevent it. What do you do?
I know that music is a good way, hence the whole Arlo Guthrie song thinkin episode. Quick aside. . . . I love my tunes, I just got 4 Bob Dylan cd's (Blonde on Blonde, Highway 61 Revisited, Blood on the Tracks, and Bringin it all back home) and a Johnny Cash (American Recordings III Solitary Man) . . . . ok, Mommy and Daddy got them, but everything that is theirs is mine too. I'm trying to track down a little Bill Withers, pre 1964 stuff. I love music. I'm kinda rambly today, not a lot of sleep last night -- U2 was on Conan, very good. Peace L

Don't make me angry. . . you won't like me angry

2005-10-07T07:47:00.000-07:00

I have been told that I have a little bit of a temper. I don't know about that. I mean, how would you feel if while your eating someone snatched you up and flung you over a shoulder and started patting you on the back. That kinda takes all the discretion out of a burp. You can't be very "lady-like" in that situation, so of course I get mad. But I don't stay mad for long. I'm generally happy, unless I need a fresh diaper or I'm hungry. Thought you should see both sides of the coin so to speak.

Hand made cradle

2005-09-29T12:49:00.000-07:00

This is the cradle that my Mommy's dad made for me (Papa). It is made out of Cherry and he designed and made all the pieces to it himself. He turned the spindles and posts on a lathe and used dowels and glue and his huge assortment of tools to put it all together. I was, to say the least, very impressed with his work. It's kinda nice to have a keepsake to pass on to my kids one day. Daddy says that day will be far into the future because I can't date until I'm 30. I think that may change though. I've pretty much got him wrapped around my little finger and when I can talk it will only be worse.

Glow worm

2005-09-22T12:36:00.000-07:00

Remember that "alien abduction" thing. . . .I told you so and here's proof!!!!! Not really. I was little bitty when I was born and had a wee touch of the Jaundice. (sounds like old yeller and the hydra-phobie) I had to sleep on this special bed (torture frame) for about a week. But now that I am bigger (I have increased my mass by 17.5 %, my Daddy is an Engineer so there will be some geekisms occasionally. . . sorry) I don't have to sleep on the "bili-bed" anymore. I sleep in an ultra cool cradle that I will tell you about later.

A moment with Mommy

2005-09-22T12:18:00.000-07:00

Mommy and I are having a "moment". I love my Mommy. She is the coolest. She takes good care of me. She loves me, feeds me, comforts me, bathes me, changes my diapers (which I soooo love to mess up) etc, etc. I think parents are a good thing. Kudos to Mommy (not the cereal bar but the atta-girl)

Namesake

2005-09-21T12:54:00.000-07:00

This is me and my great grandmother (Nanny). I am her namesake. . . . that means she is named Lola too. Don't feel bad, my daddy had to explain it to me. My other great grandmother is in Heaven now and I am also her namesake. No she was not named Lola, her maiden name was Collette. I kinda like having the "family" connection. I have a grandmother who is also Nanny. . . . I'm not sure how that will work out, maybe Nanny and Great Nanny or Nanny G or something. It is a little while before I can talk so I'll worry about it then.

ROLL TIDE!!!!!!!!!!!!

2005-09-21T12:47:00.000-07:00

I just wanted you all to know where my loyalties lie. I am an Alabama fan. The Crimson Tide is undefeated in my life time. I know that isn't saying a whole lot, but I still love em. This is me after the Prothro catch. Ramma Jamma give em !%#&@! Bama. (I did not say a bad word, that would make Mommy and Daddy mad, I just implied one. . . . not good, but not bad either)

2005-09-14T12:41:00.000-07:00

This is my first time meeting Mommy and Daddy close up (about 9:30) and hands on. I don't know why they are crying, I'm the one who was just "abducted" from my home. It was kind of emotional for me too. I finally got to see what I might look like one day. . . . Mommy, God. . . . I want to look more like Mommy.

2005-09-13T12:57:00.000-07:00

This is my Mommy and Daddy at about 8:30 pm on 8/30/05. About 20 minutes before the aforementioned hand snatched me out of the womb. I think I look like my Daddy (mostly) but I'm hoping I grow up to look like Mommy. . . . . please God let me look like Mommy!

Where am I?

2005-09-09T12:32:00.000-07:00

Uh. . . . where am I? I was in a nice warm cosy place, even if it was a little cramped lately, and all of a sudden there is a bright light and the biggest hand I ever saw (having only seen my own) reaches in from the light and yanks me out into a bright cold sterile room full of HUGE people with paper masks and hats in weird blue suits. Maybe I'm crazy, but doesn't this sound like alien abductions to you? Anyway, I can't go back to where I was (some blue suited dude sewed the hole closed) so I think I'll stick around and see what I can learn about this place. I'll let you know what I find out.