Hello? And other games we play

Grandmama Ilich and Isabelle spend at least one day a week and a few week nights together, just the two of them. The last time she was at Grandmama's she learned a new "trick", not fetch...although that would be a good one for those early weekend mornings. Hmmmmm? Anywho, back to her "tricks". Isabelle has a a "hello" game. Whatever toy, whether it is a phone, a stacking block or her hand, if you say "hello?" she will put whatever she has handy at that moment right up to her ear and say, "dah?". It scares us to think of the future. If she had a cell phone, she would run her Papa and I right into the poor house. I know, we will just pass her cell phone bills onto Grandmama and Poppy Ilich as a thank you for teaching her that so early.

Another game that Isabelle has quickly gotten the hang of is peek a boo. She loves to play it anytime and anywhere. Its actually pretty funny, she will be standing there in plain eyesight then she crouches down a little bit (getting ready for muscle class, Mere-go squats!) and all of a sudden pops up saying, "DAH!". She does that 3 or 4 times in a row smiling from ear to ear each time. She thinks she is sneaky but we've got her number :)

Along the same lines as peek a boo she also likes to play "Where's Isabelle?". We think that this one helps with name recognition skills; as if she doesn't answer to other names such as Izzy, Izzard, Stinkerbelle, Big Head or my favorite, Monkeybutt. Here is a little snip it cell phone video that we caught on January 21:

And we are off....

Since "walking" assisted is one of Isabelle's favorite past times, Michael and I decided to push the envelope a little last night. We were sitting on the floor playing with Isabelle and Michael decided to stand her up to see if we could coax her into walking to one another. Michael started letting go of her hand when she was mid way to me and she would fall forward into my arms. However after a few minutes of this she would actually stop, stand still, get her bearings and take 2-3 steps towards whomever she was heading for. It was all in a matter of seconds but oh, was it so cute! She was giggling the whole time too :) The best was when she was cruising up and down the couch, I called her name and told her to “come here” and excitedly she turned to me with one hand still on the couch, let go, got steady and walked two steps to me. After awhile and as soon as she would get close to someone, she would fall forward into their lap laughing. It was hilarious! We can't wait to show you all...that is if she cooperates for the video camera!

The Park Rules!

Today it was decided, shortly after our "weekend stay in bed time", that we would get up and take a walk to Starbucks. Getting the dog out with the three of us and Michael and I catching up on everything from the week before was wonderful. On our way home we walked through Summit Park and stopped to see what Isabelle would think of the swings. Come to find, she LOVES them. This might just become a weekend thing for the Owston family!



P.S. Her missing sock was in the stroller :)

Drama Queen, Take 2!

Following in her Father's footsteps? I think not. Ready for the theatre? perhaps. Being a Drama Queen at only 9 1/2 months? Oh, you betcha!


Isabelle now understands what "no" means and like any other child, does not like to be told it. Having said that, we had to share a quick story.

Michael was folding socks the other day on the couch and she kept coming over and grabbing them or knocking them off the couch. He kept telling her "no" and she went right along doing it over and over again. Now our friend Amy shared a great idea with us. She told us that a friend of hers used to take her daughter's hand when she was grabbing or touching something she shouldn't and as she is moving her hand away, she would gently squeeze it and at the same time, tell her "no". Remembering that, Michael decided to try it out and was not successful in the least (kind of hard to be stern when your child finds it funny). So he did the next best thing, he removed her from the couch area and put her in front of a new toy she got for Xmas; a sing along, musical toy that has a mirror she can "sing" or watch herself in. He watched her in the mirror as her expression changed; her bottom lip slowly pursed out as she sat there pouting, she then started making fake crying/whining sounds and then made herself fall backwards onto the carpet with both hands on her face. Life is so rough!


Look out Broadway...Isabelle Anessa is going to be a STAR!

Walking, good. Play dates, better!

As everyone knows, it can get pretty hard to shrink back down to your "normal size" after having a baby so a few of the other new mom's and I get together as often as we can for a walk and talk session. We have routes all over Santa Clarita which are all at least 3 miles each. These walks are not only great for us, getting caught up on everything, getting away from the hubbies but most of all, getting together a little for the kids.
(pic below is of Mackie)

Amy (Mackenzie's Mommy), Caryn (Mia's Mommy) and I went walking this past Saturday. It was the first time we had done this all of us with our strollers and me with a stroller and a dog. So after we got through the park, that had wide enough sidewalks for the three of us to walk side by side, it narrowed down to me in the lead on the sidewalk (Bear is an alpha dog, always leading the pack), Amy and Mackie behind us and Caryn pushing Mia on the street. Us talking to one another making sure we all could hear, adjust sun shades when needed on each others strollers...it was hilarious! The girls were looking at one another whenever they had a chance or babbling away.
(pic below is of Mia and Isabelle eating their favorite "puffs")

We got back to my house and let all of the girls eat before we headed out ourselves for some lunch. The conversation, as you can imagine, was non stop. All in all, we had a great time. And all I have to say is thank God for girlfriends. I know Isabelle will realize that one day too.
(pic below is of Izzy and Mackie)

9 Month STATS

We went in for Isabelle's 9 month check up yesterday and here is the low down:
28 1/2" tall (76th percentile)
head: 45.5 cm (80th percentile-she is an Owston!)
16 lbs. 9 oz (10th percentile)

She has reached, and in some cases has gone beyond, all of the "milestones: which makes her Papa and I very proud. However, the doctor is still not pleased with her weight. Now know, we do not starve our child in the least bit but she just doesn't seem to gain weight all that much. We changed her diet per the doctor's request at her 6 month appointment and added more rice cereal to her feedings, 6-8oz bottles at least 4 times a day and two full jars of baby food plus, whatever food we are eating that we can share with her (cheese, saltines, pears, peeled grapes, etc.) as well as her favorite "puffs". You would think that would be enough....apparently not. We told him that she is a very active baby and is barely ever still. With that he said we need to work on "fattening her up". So, here is the new feeding schedule:

Breakfast- 6-8 oz bottle, rice cereal, 4 oz bottle and then fruit if she is still hungry.
Mid-morning snack- 4-6 oz bottle
Lunch- 6 oz. bottle and fruit/veggies
Afternoon snack- 4-6 oz. bottle
Dinner- 6-8 oz bottle, rice cereal, 4 oz bottle and then veggies if she is still hungry
Before bed- 4 oz bottle

All we have to say it that is A LOT of bottles! We will see if this will "fatten her up" but I highly doubt it since she has a tendency to get full pretty quick and will definitely let you know when she is.


Also, we now officially have number 6 & 7...teeth in her mouth, that is! Yes, besides her three on the bottom and two front teeth, the neighbors to her front teeth have decided to be a pain, literally, and come out to play. Can you see them?

So long infant carrier and hello car seat!

It's official...we have made the switch to a car seat, still rear facing though. And although Isabelle's head droops down a bit or to the side when she sleeps (we will have to get a neck beanbag thing for her), all in all she really likes it. She can see everything and when I look back from the front seat, she is usually staring out one of the windows.
Our friend Olivia gave us some advice when shopping for a car seat; #1) make sure the "side wings" do not obstruct your child's view of the outside world. It can make a car ride pretty miserable if your child has blinders on the whole trip. #2) Get a convertible car seat that can grow with your child. Since you usually drop a couple hundred dollars on one, make it last. The one we purchased is a Safety 1st one that is for three stages, rear facing until 20 lbs, front facing, then it turns into a booster that can hold a child up to 100 lbs. And #3) Get one that has a cup holder for your child and is easy to clean. We got one with a cup holder that obviously is not being used yet and as for ease of cleaning part, we will let you know how that turns out. We will find out on Thursday at her 9 month check up (a little late due to us being gone over the holidays when she turned 9 months) approximately when she can be frontward facing. For some reason, I don't think she will be hitting 20 lbs. anytime soon. Isabelle is a petite thing like her friend Elise so it may just happen around the time she turns one.

This pic is from Sunday after a long car ride and we woke her from her nap. The one snag about not having the infant carrier and being able to just put her down in the carrier somewhere when we get her out of the car, especially when she is sleeping. Now she will more than likely always wake up when we get her out of her car seat. What to do, right? I am sure we will all get used to it pretty fast.

Happy New Year!

Who would have ever thought that 2007 would fill us with such joy?

Wishing everyone a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year! Love to all!

All I want for Christmas is my 2 front teeth...

And guess what....she got them! Yes, Friday morning as we were preparing to leave for Michigan, Michael was playing with Isabelle (which consists of hanging her every which way) and noticed that another one of her bottom teeth was coming in. Then, when taking a closer look, he noticed that there were two small white teeth just about to push through on the top!

What a wonderful and crazy whirlwind of a holiday it was for all of us! We had a nonstop flight to Cincinnati where Isabelle slept for 4 out of the 4 1/2 hours as Michael and I watched Super Bad (funny stuff) and Hot Rod (not so funny or really worth seeing). However, Isabelle did not sleep all that well the first two nights at the hotel in Ohio in the pack and play. She would be fine when we put her down but would wake up in the wee hours of the morning and wouldn't go back to sleep so reluctantly and after an hour of soothing her and even letting her crawl all over us (we got great infrared video footage of that), we broke down and put her in bed with us. At the other hotel in Michigan, she did fine. Besides unfamiliar territories, maybe it was the time change too? All we know is we were very happy when she finally slept through the night as she does at home.


On Saturday, we had a wonderful time visiting with the Gebhart crew (Mom/Grandmama's family)in Ohio. We got together with Mom's youngest sister, Sylvia, and her granddaughter Shelby (who is 14) and went to Ron's pizza (the best pizza I have ever had) and then went "malling" to pick up a few last minute, we didn't want to lug them across the states, gifts. As you know the mall is chaotic enough during the holidays, let alone the fact that we were there the last weekend before Christmas. Well the mall also just happened to be where our sleep deprived, always on the go, little darling had a complete meltdown on Grandmama. After 5 solid minutes of crying she finally fell asleep in her arms, while Tara and I were still shopping and Michael frantically calling for us to get back. She slept 2 1/2 hours that afternoon and boy did she need it! That night we had dinner at Bullwinkle's...a pub/restaurant donned with Ohio State everything! Michael was in heaven and said if he lived there, that would be his hangout :) We caught up with all of the family we hadn't seen since our wedding and some even longer. Reno, our cousin Kim's son, absolutely fell in love with Isabelle as she did him. Cant you tell?

First thing the next morning we were off to Michigan. Like we said, it was a non stop whirlwind! After a 4 hour drive to Grandma and Grandpa Owston's, and Isabelle did very good considering the long drive, we were ready for a beer or two (or 12 if your name is Michael). Grandma and Grandpa O couldn't believe how big she had gotten and how much she has changed. You know how everyone says Isabelle is the spitting image of her Father well that fact officially has changed. Grandpa Owston has a baby picture of himself up in the hallway and with no doubt in any one's mind, except for his picture being faded black and white, they look exactly the same (God forbid child, you don't want to look like your Grandpa Owston-LOL...just kidding Dickie). We had a great time catching up with all of Michael's buddies. Hoppe, Christina and their daughter Ella Marie who is 2, showed up and Ella had Isabelle laughing so hard and having such a great time that she didn't want to leave when Grandmama and Grandpa were ready to head back to the hotel! Michael and I had an "adult night" staying out till,get this....12:30! LOL!


Christmas Eve day, after we hit the mall one more time (courageous,we know), we all headed over to Uncle Don and Aunt Sue's house (about a 5 minute drive from the hotel) to feast, get caught up with everyone and most of all...listen to Michael tell the story "Twas the Night Before Christmas". This is a Christmas Eve tradition that started 9 years ago and whether Michael is at home in Cali or home in Michigan, he reads this book every Christmas Eve.


Christmas Day came all to quickly, hence the reason we arrived at Grandma and Grandpa O's house at 11 instead of 10 (we apologize again Dickie and Marebare. And although she didn't get the whole "present thing", once you started to tear the paper, in she came to tear it of and of course, trying to eat it. I have to tell you though, there was one gift that as soon as it was opened she started "talking" to it and I swear, I couldn't get it out of the packaging fast enough! Her Aunt Ashley bought her a baby doll and Isabelle LOVED it!! There was more family visiting throughout the day and her naps were sparse but, she was a trooper. She stayed awake and in great spirits, smiling at everyone and grabbing any one's hands/fingers that would let her walk with them as she blows raspberries (her newest thing) until their back hurt...thanks Uncle Ed :) After the family festivities, we went over to our friend Kremer's (who lives in Tahoe and got married earlier this year-under "She's Here blog entry)) Dad's house. She got to meet Michael's completely out to the world, nothing is going to wake her not even Isabelle, goddaughter, Trinity.

On the 26th, we took our time getting around in the morning, as Tara, Mom and Dad caught their flights home. We had to drop off 2 boxes of gifts at the UPS store after buying an extra piece of luggage and everything still not fitting! That night, we went over to our friends Jay and Felicia's house (who happen to be Trinity's parents) for some pizza, wine and a few games on Nintendo Wii. For those of you who have not tried playing it, we HIGHLY recommend it. The boxing game that comes with it, kicked my butt. I felt like I was at my kickboxing class working out my upper body! It sounds crazy but you really do get a work out from this thing! And you all know how Michael loathes video games and said there will never be one in his house...well, his house will be getting one and he is going to be the first to play it!

There is the long and not so short of our Christmas vacation. We hope you all had a very Merry Christmas!

Big Jolly Fat Man...no not Michael

Here is Isabelle's first visit with Santa...not a tear or a hesitation. We shall see about next year :)

Baptized!

We have the dress, we have the shoes, we have the bonnet and we have special earrings that she is going to wear given to her by her Godparents. We are all ready for Isabelle's baptism.

Today Isabelle was baptized at my church, Christ Lutheran here in Valencia. We did it at the 11 o'clock, "contemporary service" which is casual with upbeat music and the sermons, I feel are more enjoyable.

Earlier this week Mom/Grandmama and I went down to San Fernando Valley (over the hill) to look at baptismal gowns. We were originally going to have her in a Christmas dress but since we will be having another baptism for her in Jordan this February, we decided she needs a traditional white one that can be worn both times and hopefully passed down to her daugher. Grandmama and Grandpa Ilich were looking for one in Equador however, thier dresses were at a maximum of 18" long and Isabelle was 21'5" long when she was born and is now over 27" so, that didnt quite work out.

Michael and I had to attend a mandatory Baptism Class yesterday that lasted 20-30 minutes and spent this morning getting the house ready for the small lunch reception to follow the service.

The service was short and sweet and Isabelle was a little superstar. She didnt cry and had everyone laughing when Pastor Joe put his hand on her head to bless her and she kept grabbing his hand and pushing it away from her. I have to see if I can upload that clip from the video that Uncle Mikee took for us. April and JP, her Godparents, stood up with us along with Grandmama and Grandpa Ilich. I couldnt help but tear up when Pastor Joe took her from Michael and "introduced her" to the church. He walked around with her in his arms as the congregation applauded her. She took it so well, actually a little too well, that we had the "little actress" comments flying around afterwards. But her Papa set that straight and let everyone know that she will never act but can direct, do lighting or stage manage all she wants...that is where the money is, not acting. All I say is, we shall see about that :)

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 :)