Izzy's Photo Shoot

The holidays are approaching quickly so what better way to get a few gifts off of our list than going to get pictures done of the daughter, granddaughter, niece, cousin and every other relation Isabelle may be to someone.


At the 11th hour last Friday I decided to make an appointment at the Picture People for 6:20pm to get Isabelle's Christmas photographs done. Not knowing how this was going to go we planned the evening accordingly. I got home from work with Isabelle around 3:30, went for a walk hoping she would take a little nap but to no avail so when we got home I took her into her room and rocked her to sleep. We wanted to make sure we did not have a crab apple on our hands for her first "photo shoot". An hour later we actually had to wake her up so she could take a quick shower with Dad and then get her all gussied up in her new Christmas dress, tights and shiny black patent shoes, which she wanted to play with instead of wear :) Since she had eaten before going down for a nap, and since she has a tendency to spit up even a hour after she eats, we took her into the mall in a onesie with a bib and the little black velvet underpants that go with her dress. No puke was going to find its way onto that dress of hers come you know what or high water!


So we get to the mall and into the shop and as you are looking around you sit and think...ok, we are not going to spend a fortune, they are NOT going to sucker us like wedding dress shops do playing on your emotions, I don't really care for those props or backdrops, that pose looks stupid and she will not do that and then, her name is called. We were whisked away into Critter 2 staging area with a photographer (all of 20 maybe 21 years old) named Kristen. She was asking us what are these pictures for, what backdrop(s) we liked and if there were any props we wanted to use. Michael and I had spotted 2 large red, green and white felt boxes up in the front of the store that we thought would be cute so Kristen brought those back. Then the real fun began! I tell you...what a parent won't do to get a good shot of their 8 month old! The three of us were making absolute fools of ourselves. All kinds of noises, waving and shaking things, bringing out other props to hopefully tantalize her into a smile which instead, she wanted to eat (EVERYTHING goes in their mouth at this stage) and then, low and behold, Dad did his judo chop move that had her in stitches a few nights before in the mall, and voile, we had smiles! It was so much fun! We then wandered around the mall for the second time that week until the pictures were ready to be viewed. When we got back, there she was in all her glory in two frames that we could take home that night and hang up plus a 48" plasma up on the wall of thumbnails of all the photos that were taken of her not even 30 minutes prior to then! Then came the hard part, widdling our choices down to a few. We are actually really proud of ourselves and although we did not get a full length shot of her to show off her shiny shoes, we did get a few that we hope you all will enjoy.


By the way...Michael got suckered, he fell hook line and sinker, and we did walk out with an $86, 10 x 13 framed photo of the one above. What can we say, we are suckas :)

Happy Holidays To One And All!

Make a slideshow!

The "ma-ma" syndrome

Isabelle has been up to her crazy antics once again. We have blocked off the living room and named it her playpen. We bought a basket for our CD's and DVD's that she was pulling off one of our shelves (I know, we are no fun), we put a trunk against the couch and wall to keep her in the living room and out of Bear's food and water bowls and from crawling right up the stairs (with or without our help) and of course, we have outlet covers in all of the outlets and yet she still finds ways to get into mischief. Just when we think we have her beat, she surprises us once again. She has mastered crawling on all fours and really can move! Her new thing is to crawl towards you, grab your pant leg, pull herself up, look at you and make any of her noises that gets your attention which also lets you know that she wants to be picked up. She loves to bang any of her toys...at least its not her head...on the tile or hardwood floor, making all kinds of fun sounds that she just finds hilarious. And still, best of all, she loves to be tickled! Her feet, chest, armpits, you name it! And that laugh of hers is so contagious! Anyone in earshot can't help but to laugh right along with her.

And now onto the "ma-ma" syndrome. Last Monday, I received a call from Michael who sounded kind of depressed. I asked him what was wrong and he replied that his daughter was not cooperating and immediately I asked what is she doing? He said that although he keeps saying "papa" to her, all she is saying to him is "mama". I on the other hand was ecstatic! Even though I know that she does not correlate me with "mama", not yet :), that she is actually saying what I have been telling her since she was born. The score-Mom 1, Dad 0!!

OK...so its not as cute as Ellie's "elephant" (http://eliselmolloy.blogspot.com) but we had to share it anyway :) Here is a little clip of Isabelle's "hi, I am here" talking taken this past Saturday night.



Thanks for the inspiration, Marty and Mere! We love and miss you guys!

Where have the past 8 months gone?

Looking back 8 months and a day ago today, I was milling around the house after walking with my friend Caryn wondering if this was going to be the day? The doctor told me that he should see me in the hospital that week and boom, sure enough, Isabelle arrived at 12:35 in the morning, 8 months ago today.

Our once helpless little girl is now crawling (army and on all fours as of this past Monday), pulling herself up on EVERYTHING, squawking/aka: talking, into EVERYTHING, playing with toys and figuring out cause and effect, knowing her "ah's" and "eh's" mean "hi, I am here" and knowing it gets our attention, clapping and so much more! And to think, there are more milestones still yet to be reached!

By the way, can you tell that Michael was with her today? Love the hair and outfit! LOL! I love you honey...you are a wonderful Dad and husband, always making us laugh and smile :)

Happy Turkey Day!

Wishing everyone a happy, healthy, relaxing, food coma Thanksgiving holiday!
We are spending it at Grandmama and Grandpa Ilich's house with Nana, Tia Tara and our friends Mikee and Kristen who we have "adopted" for the holiday :) Who knows, we may even get brave enough to hit a few stores on Black Friday...wait, for a second there I forgot that I am married to Michael, the most impatient shopper around! Who are we kidding?! I may have to brave the mall by myself or drag a friend or two along....any takers? :)
Safe travels to all!

Orlando and The Cold

Last weekend we had yet another travel conference/trade show in Florida but this time it was in Orlando, the home of you know who...Mickey Mouse!

Grandmama, Isabelle and I flew out Friday morning (leaving at the crack of dawn so we wouldn't get stuck in the nasty LA traffic and miss our flight). Thinking that we had a little time, with pre-boarding and everything, we stopped at the Crown Room to feed Isabelle and ourselves and although it was there, Mom and I resisted the temptation of a mimosa or two before the flight-LOL! However when we go to the gate we found out that Delta does not pre-board any more! What kind of "you know what" is that, we thought!?!? So that posed a bit of a problem since we did not check in any luggage and had 2 small roller suitcases, the stroller plus the infant carrier, a computer bag, Grandmama's carry on and a diaper bag...a strategy had to immediately be put in the making. With the diaper bag on (its a backpack, thank goodness), my computer bag slung over one shoulder while pushing Isabelle in the stroller/infant seat and Grandmama pulling both suitcases along with her carry on, we got to the bottom of the jet way. As quick as a wink, Grandmama grabbed the infant seat, her carry on and Isabelle while I collapsed the stroller (which is haphazardly thrown in the belly of the plane-GRRR) and with my other two bags in tow, grabbed the two suitcases and as carefully as we could, headed down the aisle of the plane to our seats. Now Grandmama was smart, she bought a row of three seats in coach and we plopped Isabelle down in her carrier right between the two of us. After we finally got all settled in, the flight was a breeze! At least when we go to Michigan for Christmas, we will have to check in our luggage!!

The conference was at Disney's Contemporary Hotel which was VERY contmeporary. Lots of clean lines and bold colors and completly unuseful bathroom sinks. You may wonder why I would say this well, if you try bathing a 15lb little one in a huge, flat, square sink that has a 3" lip all around so it cannot be filled, you would agree that it was completely unuseful...as well as what your spit does or doesnt do after brushing your teeth, YUCK! I am sure you get my point. While Grandpa Ilich/Dad/the Boss :) and I were schmoozing, Grandmama and Isabelle spent most of their late mornings/early afternoons out by the pool chasing down ducks until we called. On Saturday night we had no plans with the conference so we decided to visit one of the parks (since we did have free hopper passes). We chose Epcot Center and thought we should save Walt Disney World to share with Papa since he LOVES Mickey. We had a great time strolling through China and Norway, eating dinner at a cafe in St. Marc's Square and ending the evening with buying Isabelle an ornament at the gift shop. My camera was on the fritz so we didn't get any pics at Epcot :( But it has been decided that for Isabelle's fifth birthday, Walt Disney World is where we are heading. Now for the cold...our little one caught her first cold and is still somewhat fighting it off. She was a little congested in Florida but on the plane ride home (which we mastered the boarding and unboarding like pros) she was sniffling and then came a nasty cough. With the recalls of the children's cold medicines, we did not want to take our chances on giving her anything so Michael got an appt on Tuesday, the day we returned, with Isabelle's pediatrician. And let me tell you, he wasn't that helpful. He told us again, that she is underweight for her size and age and needs to "fatten up" and that her cold just has to run its course and go away on its own. That night we got a humidifier (thanks Grandmama and Grandpa Ilich) and some Baby Vicks and let it "run its course" however, for the past 4 mornings, I have woken up to our little one coughing up a storm ! It usually subsides and is gone midway through her day but it is so annoying for her to still have it. If this cough of hers is not gone by this weekend, back to the doctor's we go. Do you hear that, GERMS!!! We are coming to get you if you don't leave on your own. Lets see if that works :)

Are you kidding me?

First of all we have to send out a belated congratulations to Isabelle's godparents, April and Jason Price, on the arrival of their daughters Jasmine Aston and Roxanne Amelia. They were born last Wednesday, November 7 at 10:50pm. Jazzy weighed in at (sounds Ike a boxer-hehe) 4 lbs. 12 oz and 17" long and Roxy at 5 lbs. 6 oz. and 18" long. Everyone is home now and doing great :) So now for the "are you kidding me" part of this blog entry. As we have mentioned before, Isabelle truly loves to stand more than anything in the world. If you give her your fingers, she will pull herself up to stand. If you start to walk with her holding your fingers, she marches along right with you. Well, this morning Michael put Isabelle in her crib while he went to shower and low and behold when he got out and went in the nursery to check on her, there she was...standing holding onto the crib rail with one hand and batting at her mobile with the other! He asked her what she was doing and proudly, Isabelle responded with a "Uh!" and smiled from ear to ear. Micheal called me at work right after that and all I could say was..."are you kidding me?" I guess its time to move the crib down a notch!

Since Isabelle has been able to crawl (she is army crawling still but with her chest up more and faster than the speed of light!) she has kept to the carpet in the living room. The other week, she had decided that when I was working on the computer in the guest room (which door is adjacent to the living room) to pay me a visit. All I heard was a little laugh and there she was, scooting her way into the room I was in, smiling the entire way. We laughed and were okay with this since she was still on the carpet and we kept things that she shouldn't have out of reach and outlets covers all around. Like we said, we were okay with this...until today. Today little Miss Nosey has decided to venture off to hardwood floor land, as Michael would say, "her own little hockey rink" :), BUT on that adventure, she found Bear's food and water bowls and decided to investigate by knocking over the water bowl and taking handfuls of dog food out of her food bowl. Thank goodness I was at work (hehe). It looks like we are going to have to make a run to Babies R Us this weekend for some baby gate purchases, since now she is not afraid of going on the hardwood floor and is pulling herself up on everything.

Look out world, here she comes...whether you are ready or not!

CONGRATULATIONS!

Congratulations to our friends Tony, Laura and Nathan Tooma!! They are pregnant once again and due next July. Who knows, Nathan and the new little one may share the same birthday! We love you guys!

Oh, Noisy One

Well this should come as no surprise to you guys but our little Isabelle is becoming more and more vocal day with each passing day. She has sounds with constants like "ga", "da", "ca" and "ba" but, she has not put a animate or inanimate object to a sound. She is quite the little babbler though and we love every minute of it...for now :)

Isabelle has completely fallen in love with Bear and Sam (my parent's dog). When either of us are holding her, even if its first thing in the morning, and we ask her "where is your dog?", she looks down and all around for Bear and when she sees her, she smiles and usually lets out a "uh".

Her newest "antic" is what we like to call squishy face. She will start laughing or just smiling at you and scrunch up her nose and make little noisy blasts of air come out of her nose as her little lips scrunch up and show off her two bottom teeth. Its hilarious! She does this at least 5-6 times a day and we think she knows it makes us laugh :)

Another "trick" we are seeing if she get is when we say "I am soooo big" as she throws both of her hands up in the air. She usually starts to laugh and most of the time will throw her hands in the air again. Is it luck? We like to think not :) hehe!

We are also working on waving "hi" and "bye". Every time we see someone, we take one of her hands and wave at that person saying "hi" or "bye". And every once in awhile she does without our help. We like to think we are getting a wave on command but again, we think its just luck :) But, we will keep on trying. As they say, if there is a will, there is a way!

Happy Halloween!

Halloween actually started last year for us when we went over to our friends Steph and George's house (Auntie Hottie and Uncle George) to hang out and help pass out candy to all of the trick or treaters that came by. It was when we walked in that we knew what Halloween 2008 would hold for us. As we walked in, Steph gave us a Baby Gap bag and told us that she found Isabelle's costume and as soon as we pulled it out of the bag we knew that was it, no doubt in our minds...she was going to be a BEAR! It was the cutest, softest little costume ever and we couldn't wait to get her in it! As Halloween approached this year we knew two things; one was that Izzy was going to be cubby bear and second, that we were going to get as many of the "NKOTB" (new kids on the block-LOL!) into their costumes and over to the hospital to pay Aunt April a surprise trick or treat visit.

Halloween day, I worked a half day since I knew we would be schlepping our little bear all over town. We, the Magin's with daughter Mia (who was a pea in a pod), Courtney and Grandma Jackie with Courtney's son Cavenaugh (who was a chickHENN-Henn is their last name) and the three of us, met over at our friend Amy's house (who's daughter Mackenzie was a monkey) for some pre Halloween pictures and to finalize the game plan on going to see April. It was hilarious!! First it was trying to get all of the kids into their costumes, mind you it was in the 80's outside, then it was trying to organize who was going to sit where. We decided the two that could sit up on their own or almost on their own (Isabelle and Mia-who is a month younger than Izzy) would be the "bookends". Then it was paparazzi time and all the cameras started flashing and then came the hands butting into pictures to get someone to sit up or getting someones hand out of someones face or eyes and the list goes on. It was the biggest laugh of the day, as I am sure you can imagine. So after that, it was off to the hospital to pay a surprise visit to April with a little nap for all the kids on the ride over.

As some of you know, April (Isabelle's Godmother) is due with twin girls in December however, she was put on bed rest at home in mid-August which then turned into an admission to the hospital until she delivers. Now April is in the maternity ward that does not allow children under 16 unless they are siblings so, we came up with a creative solution the last time we were there and that was to have her come out to the waiting room in a wheelchair to visit us. So I called her to say that the three of us, the Owston's , were on our way and when we all got there, Michael went to her room to get her and as she came out of the ward, there all the kids were in their costumes and us Moms yelling "Happy Halloween". We were thinking of turning April's belly into a pumpkin but decided to pass :) Needless to say, she was happily surprised.

That night we paid visits to Nana, Grandmama and Grandpa's and spent the rest of the evening at Steph and George's helping out with the trick or treaters and plotting out Isabelle's costume for next year :)

We hope you all had a safe and Happy Halloween!

What to do?

For the last 2 months Isabelle has been sleeping through the night going to bed between 7pm and 10pm, which we are so grateful for. However, we cannot figure out why is it that when she goes to bed as early as 7pm she wakes up at 7:30am and when she goes to bed later on the weekends say at 10pm, she still wakes up at 7:30 am! We put her down later on the weekends in hopes that we will be able to sleep in but that has yet to happen. We know that beggars can't be choosers so we are just very thankful that she started sleeping through the night as early on as she did.

On that same note, we do have a bad habit on occasion, of letting her nod off downstairs with us and on sometimes letting her fall completely asleep before we put her to bed. We have read that this, in the long run, is not a good thing since she needs to know that when she is in her crib it is time to sleep. To us, that rule stinks :) It is so much easier to plop her into bed when she is on her way to la-la land or is already completely out but know that this needs to be enforced now otherwise we may be doomed! We will be trying harder starting this week to stick with a better routine and put her to bed while she is still awake or somewhat awake and will let you know how that goes :)

Bath time has become a lot of fun since Isabelle has been able to sit up on her own. Forget the baby tubs, we have moved onto the kitchen sink! She loves it and so do we. I have been bathing her in the sink for a little over a month now but being that it was just her and I when I did it, there was no way to get any pictures of her so here are some from the other night when Dad and I both got to have some bath time fun with her :)

This is a good routine to start every night before bedtime but from the looks of it, wouldn't you think it would get her wound up vs. winding down?

Happy Friday!

Sending goobery, sweet potato smiles your way for a very happy Friday!

Have a great weekend!

Love,

Isabelle Anessa

What a weekend!

I didn't have a chance last week to tell you about last weekend! With Michael helping with the Wine Festival, that we have assisted with the past three years, and me at home watching Isabelle, I thought it would be a great time to post another post-is that the right verbiage? :)

Anywho....the weekend started off with my birthday on Friday (9/28), turning ummmmmm 29 again and Isabelle turning 6 months, a half a year old! That is going to be a lot of fun to celebrate with me as she gets older. First of all, I woke up and went downstairs to find a BEAUTIFUL large jewelry box, that I have been wanting forever, with a bow on it sitting on my sink counter top from Michael, Isabelle and Bear. What a great surprise to wake up to that morning!

That evening, we attended the Canyon Theatre Guild's, the community theatre down the street from ours, annual Fall Gala/Fundraiser. While browsing the silent auction stuff, a pair of hands covered my eyes...not having a clue on who it could be, I asked for a hint. I heard a girl start singing "My Little Buttercup" from the Three Amigos and I instantaneously knew who it was...my sister! She came out here from San Francisco to celebrate my birthday with me. We had a wonderful time with the whole family, except for Isabelle, there that night!

As for Izzy, she was being babysat by some good friends of ours, Danielle, Troy and Jessica (who will be one of her babysitters when Isabelle is 1 and Grandmama and Grandpa Ilich can't watch her). She did really well for them...they were fighting over who was going to feed her and who was feeding her right. But, as it happened again, when it came to bedtime Isabelle fought it tooth and nail! She cried and fussed for about 20 minutes and finally Jessica got her to sleep. When we picked her up, she was asleep in the pack and play but by the time we got home, she was awake and ready to play! We knew she needed to get some more sleep before the Street Arts Festival the following day.

Before heading over to the Street Arts Festival Saturday morning, which was held in downtown Newhall (where our theatre is), we went over to Grandmama and Grandpa Ilich's for breakfast with Tia Tara and Nana. This was the first time Tara has seen Isabelle (Yogi-Tara's new nickname for her-a yoga baby) and Isabelle just smiled and hammed it up for her. It was, once again, a great surprise to wake up too!

At the Street Arts Festival they had vendors, chalk drawings (that were unbelievable), games and craft booths for kids and airbrush tattoos :) As most of you know, Michael and I have small bear paw tattoos in the middle of our backs (for Mamabear and Papabear) and I couldn't resist getting one for our little one (as well as her new "bling shoes"-hehe). We had a great time walking around with Laura and Nathan and Amy and Mackenzie. Next year will be even more fun, as we chase all the kids around....they will be walking by then! Oh No!! :)

Dad and Daughter Night!

I totally forgot to post a quick comment about the first ever "Dad and Daughter Night" which was held at our place two weekends ago that included Michael, Isabelle, Travis and Mackenzie.

It started off with Michael staying home with Isabelle, since he had been at one theatre or the other for the past 3 months, while I had an adult night out at a fundraiser that my friend Courtney invited me to (thank you again, Papabear). Amy and Travis were also invited and brought Mackenzie along with them (who is two months old and luckily, is still sleeping a lot). We had the baby table that night with Courtney and Mike's newest little one, Cavanaugh, and The Wiese's and Mac! And yes, I missed my Isabelle!

As the night progressed, it was apparent that Amy and I did not want to leave when others began to take off. There was still plenty of dancing and wine to be had! Plus, the lead singer from Foreigner was there and what a performance he put on (LOL!). With Mackenzie asleep and Amy and I off gallivanting, Travis decided that he and Mackie would go and hang out with Michael at our house...thus the very first "Dad and Daughter Night". They were playing with the girls, hanging our by the firepit and doing "Dad" things while Amy and I hung out at the fundraiser until the second encore finished. At that time, we decided that our night was still not over and headed over to the Greens (a putting green/bar where Amy's brother, Matt, works) in our formal wear and finished our night off there.

When we got home, the girls were out! We all smiled and thought that this is just the beginning...there are many more nights like this to come :)

Pic: Travis taking a cat nap with Mackenzie!

Look Out!!

Get the outlet covers out and baby proof the house...today is the day that our little one is not only sitting up on her own but is now mastering the "army crawl"! We cannot believe it! Grandmama Ilich was watching her this morning (while Michael is trying to get rid of this horrendous cold/flu he has-at least his 103.7 degree fever broke yesterday) at her house and was so pleased on how good she was sitting up on her own. She got her back to the office, where we do the "hand off" and as I came down the stairs, there was Isabelle, army crawling towards a toy that Grandmama had given her! I couldn't believe it. I called her name and asked her what she was doing and she just looked at me and smiled her two teeth grin. So I proceeded to rattle my keys (her new found toy) and placed them just out of her reach and sure enough...there she went until she got them! I was so excited to get her home to show Michael, thinking that this would cheer him up for sure and boy did it! She starts with a roll to get onto her tummy and forearms then she digs those little monkey feet of hers into the carpet and pushes off towards victory!

What's new in Izzy's world?

Like we had previously mentioned, Isabelle's pediatrician wanted her to start on rice cereal at 4 months, green veggies at 5 months, fruits and sweet veggies (sweet potatoes, carrots, squash, etc.) at 6 months and meats at 7 months. Well, you saw how the rice cereal went and truth be told, she loves it! It has to be Cream of Wheat style though, not too runny or else nothing doing.

So the week before her 5 month birthday, Dad decides he wanted to try out peas with Isabelle to no avail...she doesn't care for them one bit (just like her mother)! But a week later on her 5 month birthday he tried green beans (aka: her birfday beans-yes, that is the way it is said-hehe) and boy oh boy, what a difference that was compared to the peas! She loves them! Grandmama was so excited to break out the highchair at her house to feed her. It is a whole new "food world" for everyone.

Also as of August 23rd, exactly one week after she cut tooth #1, we had a sighting of tooth #2! Yes, our little one now has two chompers in that little mouth of hers which Mom has felt on several occasions...no making her smile or laugh when I am nursing her :) She became a little irritable but not at all like what we thought she would become after reading about teething. Maybe she will be a monster child when the others, especially her molars, come in. Thank goodness we have awhile to wait for those.

As part of her teething process we have noticed some new "things" she likes to do, besides putting EVERYTHING she gets her hands on into her mouth. While sitting with someone or at the table in her carrier, she grabs for a glass with whatever it may be in it; beer, wine, water, it doesn't matter, and she chews on the rim. It must feel really good on those gums! Michael found out the hard way not to let her do this shortly after she has eaten. Imagine this...Michael holding Isabelle who just ate maybe 20 minutes before, chewing on the rim of Dad's glass of Cabernet Franc...and blau...ruined!

Here is another new thing...

The nurses said from the minute Isabelle was born, that they couldn't believe how alert she was. When she would finally go to sleep, they would whisk her away to the nursery for her hearing test, but the moment they got her in there, there Isabelle was, eyes open and checking out the world. Needless to say, after 5 attempts she had her hearing test done while she was awake. Well now, this "alertness" that we have been so proud of is posing a problem. For the past week and a half, she is fighting teeth :) and nail to stay awake because we believe she thinks she is going to miss something. She gets completely cranky and starts crying and fussing and fighting the fact that she is tired. Just today when I came home from work, there she was pitching a fit, rubbing her eyes and fighting going to sleep; Dad and her were not friends when I walked in. She hates to be cradled but I have found that this is the only way to get her to calm down and go to sleep when she gets into these tizzies. I give her her pacifier, cradle her in my arms, sway back and forth while lightly patting her back and after a few minutes, off to la-la land she goes. Dad and everyone else will learn their own technique or hopefully won't have too because our fingers are crossed, that this growing pain won't last too long.

She is rolling around all over the place as well; front to back and back to front...maybe she has ADD? LOL! We have to keep our eyes on her all the time. We have her on her gym mat on the floor and then, no kidding, a few minutes later, she has rolled of it and is about a foot away, sitting up on her elbows looking at you. She is a wiggle worm!

We shall see what next week has in store for us. Perhaps she will like another green veggie like spinach or sit up on her own (she is getting there) or maybe she will figure out the mysteries of the unknown...you never know whats next with our little Isabelle.

By the way....we want to welcome to the world our friends Courtney and Mike's new son, Cavenaugh Henn. He was born on Labor Day :) at 10:50pm weighing in at a whopping 9 lbs. 6 oz. and 21.5 inches long!! He is the first boy of the group and we have his party dress all picked out for the first tea party :) We love you guys!